PTA News

Artwork courtesy of Gabriela Larios (@gabrielalarios1 on Instagram)

Updated 3rd July,  2020

PTA News

Community News:

The spirit of St Mike's "working together for the good of all" is alive in our local community.      We have been in touch with virtually all of our past Fete advertisers, thanking them for their past support and letting them know their contribution has helped fund an outdoor classroom, unexpectedly so important and helpful now.  And importantly, as they have supported us, we are keen to support them.  A number have written lovely notes back, and we'll share their news with you.  

*Sharky & George:    They are doing lots of virtual events that are going down a storm, and suggested some might be appropriate for a fundraiser.  They have been delighted to be doing quite a few St Mike's virtual birthday parties lately.  They sent a link with potential ideas. https://www.sharkyandgeorge.com/parties/favourites/remote-school-leavers 

*Sand Lizard....  They were absolutely thrilled to be invited to produce the leavers hoodies and hope they will love them.    www.sandlizard.co.uk

*Chalk Gifts... They are open with slightly shorter opening times for now, and asking people to wear a face covering and sanitise their hands on the way in.  Just 2 shoppers at a time to keep everyone safe.  They will hopefully be back on their regular schedule once they are used to the cleaning regime.  www.chalkgifts@co.uk 

*Ben Halstead, Tennis Coach @ Southfields Lawn Tennis Club....    He'd love to see more St Mike's kids playing tennis.   See his summer schedule at www.tenergy-tennis.co.uk

*Southfield Osteopaths...    Clinic lead Emma Poole is happy to chat with any students who may have an interest in osteopathy or any manual health discipline.  She herself was inspired in her final year at Sheringdale by a project on muscles and bones!  clinic@southfieldsosteopaths.com

*Mansouri & Son... This family solicitor has set up a website full of free information for parents and married couples and much of it includes do-it-yourself guides.      www.solictorsfirm.com

*Switched On London....  Please continue to recommend them to friends and family for gas, heating, and electrical issues.  www.switchedon.london


Virtual Sports Week- A Superstars Thank You!

A massive thank you goes out to the parent community for arranging the wonderful and inspiring good luck videos for Virtual Sports Week.   It all started with a spur of the moment request to see if we could let the kids know the sports world was rooting for them.  And oh my goodness- it is!

Huge thanks to Rugby's Eddie Jones and Ben Youngs, Skiing's Chemmy Alcott, Racing's Damon Hill, Athletics' Colin Jackson, World Ironman's Jamie McIntyre-Brown (a St Mike's dad!), and Football's David Beckham, Will Nightingale and Joe Spiggot for their best wishes and their kindness.   Three Cheers for All!

Previous Editions:

28 June

If you have any additions for all other business, please email pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk in advance.  


21st June

This is the weekend that would have been our much loved Fete.  It's always been a celebration of being a community.... the children, the families, the school staff, and the local business and arts community all coming together to have fun and raise funds for our school's benefit.   Not being able to hold it this year has reminded me of something my dad always said.... "The ability to give ebbs and flows, it's the willingness that's truly valuable."  And looking at all the wonderful things we as a community have accomplished over the years,  there is no doubt that the willingness has been there.      The ability will come back,  and all the faster thanks to that willingness.    Thank you. 

-Kimberly

PTA News

Community News:

The spirit of St Mike's "working together for the good of all" is alive in our local community.     Here is some news that might be of interest to you: 

The St Mikes Church Field Cafe Returns:  It will be open from 3:30PM on Tuesday and Friday afternoons,  offering refreshments in a socially distanced, outdoor setting.    


14th June

PTA News

*We encourage everyone to have a look at the current PTA roles page and consider whether you'd like to join the Committee next year.    If so, please email pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk for more information.  

*We are calling out to any parent who has digital skills... be it desktop publishing,  video production,  experience with virtual events,  etc...     we'd like to invite you to join an informal ideas-group for 2020/21 activity planning.      Please email pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk for more information.

A big thank you to the community effort towards the successful passage of the West Hill Traffic Mgmt Plan,  which has resulted in the reduction of traffic on Granville Road.   Special thanks to Amin Momen,  Louise Whitehead, and Emma Voss for liaising with Mrs Grant, the council, and Living Streets on improving traffic safety in front of our school and to all those who signed the original 2017 e-petition.

Community News:

The spirit of St Mike's "working together for the good of all" is alive in our local community.     Here are a few groups that might be of interest to you: 

Keeping Kids Connected:    This local initiative refurbishes donated laptops for use by disadvantaged children in Wandsworth, Wimbledon, and Kingston.   They have delivered over 400 laptops so far, including 5 to our partner school St Cecilia's last week.   More are needed, including at St. Cecilia's.     Donated laptops/Ipads/IT eqpt  are wiped clean and refurbished, and even 10 year old laptops can be successfully re-used.   They also accept financial contributions.  Please visit https://www.keepkidsconnected.co.uk or contact Year 5 dad Steve Pillings for more information.

Learn to Love to Read:  All families can access stories and links to recommended resources to help with reading at home here https://www.learn2love2read.org.uk/pages/61-resources If you need help or advice just email anna@learn2love2read.org.uk

The Dons Local Action Group currently provides over 2,000 weekly food parcels to those in need in Wandsworth, Merton and Kingston. The need for services is growing every day, and they are in need of more volunteers! All volunteering is entirely flexible - shifts are 3-4 hours long (depending on your role) and are booked through an app/online, so you can book as many or as few shifts as you like, whenever you like, 7 days a week.  They are operating from Brathway Hall, just across the Merton/Granville Road roundabout.   If you would like to get involved or want more information please email - dla@afcwimbledonfoundation.org.uk 



31st May,  2020

Message

Sending best wishes to all families in 1J. in 1W.   6A.  6B.  Green.  Red.  2F.  2BW.  3F.  3H.  4J.  4H.  5N.  5L.  The staff.   

Thank you all for being part of the St Mike's community.

May we all have a terrific final half-term!

--Kimberly Dennis

PTA News

Do you know anyone in the autumn Reception 2020 intake?   Please let them know they can email their name, child's name, and mobile number to pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk and we will add them to an informal parents' group.


17th May,  2020

Hello-   I very much hope that you and your families are all well and safe.  I am also wishing you peace as the path ahead is clarified.  

This week I'd like to say thank you to Mrs Grant and the school staff for their work in preparing the upcoming  school re-opening details.  It is a monumental task and one that no one could envy.    

And thank you also to Rosie Hyde and all the Class Reps for collating and submitting advance questions to the school re: the re-opening plans, and thank you to the school for answering them.  

I'm also sorry to say we are unfortunately cancelling the PTA Campout scheduled for the 4th of July.    Although the government plans are for schools to be in session,  it doesn't seem likely that larger social gatherings will be allowed by then.   A big thank you to Henry Heaton, who volunteered early this spring to lead the event.   I have no doubt it would have been a terrific event. 

My best wishes to everyone this week!


3rd May 2020

Hello-   I very much hope that you and your families are all well and safe.

I am sad to say we are unfortunately cancelling the Summer Fete this year.     Our thinking is that regardless of tbc government regulations or school status come June,   it will take some time for families to feel safe and comfortable again with large crowds even after "normal life" resumes.      

We did consider postponing it in hopes a later date might become feasible.   Although it might be logistically possible,  an event such as the fete needs people to feel good about being together,  and when that might be is so much harder to predict.    

We are so grateful to the many parents who have helped in this year's efforts, whether by actively planning already or just simply promising to be ready when needed.  I have no doubt it would have been utterly amazing.  

That said, we are so keen to celebrate our wonderful school community.  Amin and I spoke with AMG on Friday morning, and the hope of all is that the PTA can be nimble and creative with new ways of coming together.    She asked us to encourage parents to share any and all ideas-   please do reach out, we are always happy to hear from you.  

--Kimberly Dennis


News:  

**Congratulations to all the future Reception children and their families! It will be so exciting to welcome them into our community.  

** PTA Meeting this Tuesday night on Zoom;  The link will be circulated by the Class Whatsapps, or can be obtained by emailing pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk

The agenda is:

If you have any additions for all other business, please email pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk in advance.   


Updated 26/04 2020

Message

Hello-   I sincerely hope that your families are well and safe, and that your children are happy and thriving despite the difficult circumstances.  

We look forward to hosting our second virtual PTA meeting on the 5th. The draft minutes from our March meeting are on the Minutes & Financials web page.  

--Kimberly Dennis,   PTA Co-Chair

News:  

PTA Meeting:  We will host our next PTA Meeting on Tuesday night the 5th of May.  All are welcome to join in by Zoom.  The link will be circulated by the Class Whatsapps, or can be obtained by emailing pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk

The agenda is:CorrespondenceSummer Events Updates-   Fete & CampoutFinancialsAOB

If you have any additions for all other business, please email pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk in advance.   

Parent Prayer Group:  The parent prayer group has been sending a daily whatsapp message and been trying to pray individually and together at 3:25PM.  If you would like to join,  or would like for something to be confidentially included in their prayers,  please email Rachael Malhi (5N / 2W) on rachaelbrunning@hotmail.com


Updated Edition: 29 March

PTA Meeting:  We have a PTA Meeting on Tuesday night at 7pm.  All are welcome to join in by Zoom.  The link will be circulated by the Class Whatsapps, or can be obtained by emailing pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk

The agenda is:

If you have any additions for all other business, please email pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk in advance.   

Parent Prayer Group:  The parent prayer group has been sending a daily whatsapp message and been trying to pray individually and together at 3:25PM.  If you would like to join,  or would like for something to be confidentially included in their prayers,  please email Rachael Malhi (5N / 2W) on rachaelbrunning@hotmail.com


Updated Edition: 22 March

This week the school community will take on a completely new form as we start managing all the changes in our daily lives. It's a blessing to be able to do so with a such a strong parent body and support from a wonderful school staff. 

Going forward, the PTA Committee hopes to be a source of support and most importantly fulfill our mission of fostering a strong school community. We will be having a think about how over the next week, and it will be on our agenda for the Zoom-based PTA Meeting on the 31st. We'd love to hear from anyone with ideas, recommendations, or suggestions ... just email us at pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk

For now, we wish everyone a happy and safe week. 



Updated Edition: 16 March 2020

An amazing £415 worth of "classics" are on their way to School Library thanks to the Parents' Gift. Please do have a browse of the school's selected list (Book List) ... it may bring back old memories as well as inspire new discoveries. A huge thank you to Miss Bostock and Mrs Averignos for compiling it, and to the parents who contributed and made suggestions. We hope the children are very excited to read them! 

Parents' Quiz night: It was with great sadness that this event did not go ahead in light of the current Coronavirus situation. We are tremendously grateful for the understanding and graciousness of all those who planned to attend, and applaud the efforts of Year 3 organisers Sarah Roach, Camilla Green, Sheila Gough, and Sam Chetwood and planned quizmaster Mark Pickering, the quiz writers, and all those who donated bottles for the tombola or helped with the behind-the-scenes planning. (Note: There was a bit of a scramble on how to handle the planned & paid for catering.. I'm pleased to say the balance of attendees individual choices of refund/donation/takeaway meals in lieu meant the vast majority of meals were placed (with the rest frozen for the church community lunch) and all the PTA costs were more than covered. It was an amazing example of the school community pulling together. And kudos to local caterers Salt & Pepper for changing tact at the last minute and some seriously delicious cassoulet.)

A word about the Fete.... The Committee recognises the Fete is at risk as well. We will carry on planning for it, knowing that untangling event plans at the last minute is by far easier than creating them. We will monitor the situation closely and will take a cautious view on any financial commitments.

Thank you to Wandsworth Magazine for printing the charming picture of Class 2F and Damon Hill above.

 

Updated Edition: 08 March 2020

An amazing £390 was raised for the Parents' Gift to the School Library ! The school would like to expand and refresh their selection of "the classic" and Miss Bostock and Mrs Averignos are compiling their desired list. The plan is to order the books from Amazon this week and have them in the library the next week for the children. The Committee has asked the contributors to suggest their own favourite classics too. We will close the contribution site tomorrow. PTA payments site

Thank you Gruffalo family! It was extremely gracious of you to allow so many excited children to enter your garden and pose in front of your window for the school's Book Hunt. And thank you to all the other families that participated and the school for organising- it was a really lovely thing to do.Parents' Quiz night- last chance for tickets! We have to confirm numbers with the caterer on Monday afternoon. There are a few spaces left- grab yours today! We look forward to seeing everyone on the 14th at 7:30PM. PTA payments site

April showers bring May flowers! (And June fundraising!) We are seeking a few families who can help with the fete plant stall's "annual bedding" creation. It involves buying annual bedding from B&Q around Easter, potting them up into provided pots & trays, and watering them as required until the fete. It doesn't require much expertise, just some time and a bit of outdoor patio space. Can you help? Please drop the Committee a line on pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk or seek out dad David Wood in the playground.


Updated Edition: 23 Feb 2020

We are seeking contributions to a Parents' Gift to the School Library! All contributions received will be used to buy new books in honour of World Book Day, March 3. The fund is now at £145.... can you help us make it go higher? Contributions can be made online via the PTA payments site

Quiz night topics released! Question categories are music, current affairs, sport, history, and geography *plus" practical tasks to complete (engineers & artists will be valuable teammates!) Don't have your ticket yet? Tickets available at https://buytickets.at/ptastmichaels

Merry Mums is this Thursday at the Park Tavern! Year 2 has picked the location because it's spacious and they are expecting a lot of mums! All mums from all years are welcome. 

Fete planning has officially kicked off! If you are keen to help, please drop the Committee a line on pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk


Updated Edition: 14 Feb 2020

We are seeking contributions to a Parents' Gift to the School Library! All contributions received will be used to buy new books in honour of World Book Day, March 3. As of 10:40AM the fund is already at £120..... can you help us make it go higher? Contributions can be made online via https://buytickets.at/ptastmichaels

Quiz night tickets are now on sale! Come join in the international fun on 14th March at 7:30PM. https://buytickets.at/ptastmichaels

The PTA Committee wishes Learn to Love to Read fantastic success for their "Blind Date with a Book" fundraiser today! We are so appreciative of their partnership with St Michael's and other schools in our local community. https://www.learn2love2read.org.uk/pages/13-the-need Year 2 has selected The Park Tavern for February's Merry Mums, so chosen because it's spacious and they are expecting a lot of mums! Mark it in your calendar for the last Thursday of the month, the 27th of Feb. All mums from all years are welcome. Fete planning has officially kicked off! If you are keen to help, please drop the Committee a line on pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk 


Updated Edition: 08 Feb 2020

The Committee congratulates the school on the terrific news of a brand new, state of the art nursery and outside area ready for January 2021.A huge PTA welcome to Formula One world champion Damon Hill! Thank you to Amin Momen for arranging this amazing speaker to inspire our children in a new way.Year 2 has selected The Park Tavern for February's Merry Mums, so chosen because it's spacious and they are expecting a lot of mums! Mark it in your calendar for the last Thursday of the month, the 28th of Feb. All mums from all years are welcome.Year 3 has let slip they are planning an "international themed" Quiz night! Please save the date for a very fun parents' social evening on the 14th of March. More details will be announced soon.Fete planning kicks off soon. If you are keen to help, please drop the Committee a line on pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk 

Updated Edition: 02 Feb 2020Disco rocked! Some 311 students attended and everything ran smoothly. A huge thank you to the Year 6 reps and sponsors Seymour Green for such a wonderful gift of a fantastic & fun event for the children.A massive thank you to Reception for planning the January Merry Mums night! It was the best attended yet (nearly 40 ladies from all year groups) and really nice to try out a new venue. Next month Year 2 is in charge.... where will it be?? Mark it in your calendar for the last Thursday of the month, the 28th of Feb. All mums from all years are welcome.Year 3 has let slip they are planning an "international themed" Quiz night! Please save the date for a very fun parents' social evening on the 14th of March. More details will be announced soon.Fete planning kicks off soon. If you are keen to help, please drop the Committee a line on pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk 


Updated Edition: 24th Jan 2020

Disco tickets are flying out the door! Nearly 300 students are already registered. Please do let us know if your child is coming at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ptastmichaels And hopefully you saw your child's free ticket in their bookbag this week. Please save it and bring it on the night- it will help check in go much faster.Merry Mums is mobile! It will still be on the last Thursday, but every month a different Year group will host and decide the venue. January kicks off with Reception's choice:***Merry Mums January is at The Gardeners from 7:45PM on the last Thursday, the 30th*** There will be some Reception mums arriving early/straight from work for pizza... and more arriving later after their kids bedtime. All mums from all years are welcome- Come join in when you are free. Next month is Year 2's choice for Merry Mums; and Year 5 has bagged March. Year 1 has requested May. Locations tbc- decisions, decisions! A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Year 3 Cake Sale. Fete planning kicks off soon. If you are keen to help, please drop the Committee a line on pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk 

 

Previous Edition: 16th Jan 2020

All tickets are free at the Winter Disco. The Disco registration site is live now at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ptastmichaelsYear 3's Cake Sale is this Friday the 17th. The main cake table will be in front of the school office.Merry Mums is mobile! It will still be on the last Thursday, but every month a different Year group will host and decide the venue. January kicks off with Reception's choice:***Merry Mums January is at The Gardeners from 7:45PM on the last Thursday, the 30th***The PTA is now on Apple Pay! Yes really...our ticketing system will now accept your thumbprint for purchases. It doesn't cost us any more in fees and it saves you time. A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Second Hand Uniform Sale, resulting in 121 clothing items going to new homes. Wow! Do you have a green thumb? Please come to the PTA meeting, our Fete's plant stall leader starts organising it before Easter and would like some help. 

 

Week commencing 6th Jan 2020

As we come back into school please mark the following upcoming dates on your calendars:Secondhand Uniform Sale on the 10th JanThe PTA meeting on the 14th Jan at 7pm; Agenda tbc but will include Xmas activities wrap up Year 3's Cake Sale on the 17th JanThe fabulous Winter Disco for children on 1st February; Details and ticket sales announced soon Xmas Raffle Prizes- If you were one of the lucky 100+ winners (!!), please make sure you have collected your prize and/or received your certificate. Any questions, please email pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk

 

Previous Edition: 19 Dec 2019

THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in making the Christmas Activities such an amazing success! Well over 100 parents volunteered across the Fair, the Tree Sales, Cauliflower Cards, and the Panto Trip; the school staff provided wonderful support and facilitated our efforts; and of course all 420 students had a terrific time! Plus 100 houses sported our "Xmas boards" to earn sponsorship from Douglas & Gordon.Altogether the Christmas efforts raised over £8,800 for the PTA. Wow!We hope all families have a wonderful holiday break. See you in January!