Dear Parents and Carers

Well what a special penultimate week of term it's been,  with the Pantomime trip on Tuesday, yesterday's Christmas lunch and class parties this afternoon being particular highlights.

I have to commend the children once again on their impeccable behaviour both travelling to Wimbledon and also at the theatre itself on Tuesday.  The theatre staff particularly praised them, as did some of the travelling public and it makes me so proud of our St Michael's children, as ever.

On Wednesday the Nursery children sang Christmas Carols to their families and I am so impressed with how far they have come in just one term with us.

Thank you to the Governors for hosting a lovely festive Christmas staff drinks on Wednesday.  It was also a perfect opportunity for them to say 'goodbye' and 'thank you' to our fabulous School Business Manager, Maria Bishop, who is retiring at the end of term.

Yesterday the Reception children had their vision screening and the school nurse said not only were the children wonderful but we are also the first school this year where she hasn't had to do a single referral!

Thank you to Leisha and the kitchen ladies for a fabulous whole school Christmas lunch yesterday! She made 429 turkey meals and 38 vegetarian ones!   What an achievement and all at beautifully decorated tables, with grateful thanks to the lunchtime supervisors and all the staff who made it such a special occasion.

Also yesterday Pop Choir gave a beautiful rendition of all they have rehearsed to their friends and family.

In our worship this morning we looked at the journey of the wisemen and focused on readings from Isaiah. The children were very reflective and shared their thoughts and reflections together.  

For a child has been born for us; a son has been given to us. And the dominion will be on his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Today we have enjoyed an afternoon of Class Parties and the classrooms were ringing to the sound of the children enjoying fun and games and treaty eats.  

So many lovely ways to celebrate the birth of Christ, with the end of term set to be ever more so, when we come together as a whole school in the church on Tuesday morning.

And culminating on Wednesday lunchtime with Carols in the Hall before the children disperse for the Christmas break.

Finally, I would like to refer you to the prayer from Bishop Christopher, Bishop of Southwark, at the bottom of this web update as we remember all those affected by the hostilities in Gaza.

Have a wonderful weekend

Angela Harris

Acting Headteacher

Street Safe: A Reminder:

HELP NEEDED NEXT WEEK PLEASE:

Thank you so much to all those parents (and their children) who have already stepped up and offered their time to this important initiative.

We continue to ask for volunteers, there were two sessions this week where there were no volunteers and the area was unsupervised.  

Please add your name to the following google doc spreadsheet; even if you can only offer a very small amount of time to this important cause.   

Please note, it is perfectly possible for just one person at a time to man the barriers too.  And some children have been kindly assisting their parents too!

School Streets Timetable

Also, please be reminded that even when part of the road is closed it doesn't mean children can run into the road and treat it like a play area.  

This is an important opportunity to remind your children of road safety.

Finally, please be considerate when you park elsewhere during this closure because we are still receiving messages from neighbours on Granville Road that their driveways are regularly blocked and the pathways are dangerous.

Thank you.

St Michael's School DBS Checks:

If you would like to volunteer at school or on trips you will need a DBS check carried out by the school.   We cannot accept other DBS certificates unfortunately.

Do please follow the link on our website to the DBS checking process:

DBS Form Website Link 

You can also collect a form from the front desk.  We will need to see the originals of two forms of id and also a recent utility bill or statement please.

The system tends to work quite quickly so if you get in your paperwork to us asap you could still be in time to help out at the Christmas Fair!

Socks for HMP Wandsworth: Christmas Appeal 2023: 

The chaplains at Wandsworth Prison are again collecting warm socks for prisoners this Christmas. They are requesting socks of any size (not children’s), colour, length, or fibre. 

You can drop socks off at: 

Visitors Centre Wandsworth Prison, 17 Heathfield Road, London SW18 3HR, or post them, marked ‘Socks appeal’, to FAO Liz Bridge, Quaker Chaplain, at the same address.

OR:

• 13 Fawe Park Road, London SW15 2EB – if sending please mark ‘Socks appeal’.

• 11 Fieldhouse Road, London SW12 0HL – if sending please mark ‘Socks appeal’.

Reverse Advent Calendar:

Thank you so much for so many wonderful donations so far. 

Already some of the items have been shared with the local community to help others have a better Christmas.

Christmas Carol Service:

Tuesday 19th December, 9:30am in the Church

Led by Year 6.

All welcome.

(Priority seating for Year 6 family members. 

Letter to follow)

St Michael's Church

Sweet Treats for Children:

Please be reminded that some of the Haribo style sweets that are sent in for children's birthdays aren't necessarily edible for some families due to the pork gelatin content.

It would be much appreciated if bags with a "H" for halal are purchased where possible so children don't miss out.

Around The World:

A little poster about peace and joy around the world, this helps us to consider other cultures and traditions as we reflect upon the rich diversity in our world.

Adele Stewart

SENCO Surgery

Tuesday mornings, 8:30am

As all parents know, they are able to make an appointment with the class teacher and/or SENCO to discuss concerns they have about their child's learning and development.

In addition to this The Inclusion Team would like to offer parents quick, drop-in opportunities where they can ask Mrs Harris (Acting Headteacher, SENCo and Mental Health Lead) questions they have about their child.

At the moment these sessions will be run on a first come first served basis, so there may be a queue.  Please come and wait in the School Office.

Kind regards

The Inclusion Team