Newsletter 8 Spring Term
1st March 2023
Embedded Files
St Andrew’s and St Mark’s Church of England Junior School
“I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness.” John 10:10
-School News-
Our Instagram feed displays photos of school events. Click or tap on a photo to find out more:
If you would like your child to have the opportunity to be featured on our Instagram page, please update the parental consent on the SIMs Parent App and ensure permission to be posted on social media is ticked.
-This Week's Notices-
World Book Day - a week of reading
To celebrate our love of reading, we have a range of events taking place throughout the week including an author talk, a Spark! competition, a visiting theatre group and a dress-up day.
Author Event - SASM Welcomes Andy Jones
On Monday, we welcomed Andy Jones, author of "Bob vs The Selfie Zombies" to SASM. He spoke to the whole school about how he became a writer, his inspiration for writing stories and his new book. He gave lots of advice and ideas to any budding authors and it was great to see the whole school so engaged.
Vivvy 6S - "I really enjoyed the talk from Andy Jones because it was very informative and was inspiring if you wanted to become an author. He gave very good advice and painted pictures in your mind as he spoke."
Edie 3R - "I really enjoyed when Andy read to us from his book. You should check out his book because it's is super funny and full of laughs and adventure."
Friday - World Book Day Dress up
We are ending our week of reading celebration with a World Book Day dress-up on Friday this week, 3rd March. Please send your child dressed up as their favourite book character. There is no requirement to buy a costume for this event, homemade is great. Please see this link for inspiration of homemade costumes. Your child will be issued with a World Book Day token, which they can use to claim a copy of one of the special titles for free. Alternatively, they can redeem their token for £1 off a book of their choice. Head over to our friends at Regency Bookshop to browse this year's titles.
Father Michael's last collective worship at SASM
Father Michael is soon to leave us! After a fantastic time as our parish curate, he will be taking up the position of Priest-in-Charge of Saint Fillan's Church in Edinburgh at the end of the month. Father Michael has been hugely supportive of the school as Vice-Chair of Governors (with a stint as Acting Chair) as well as championing the needs of vulnerable pupils. He has often given his time and energy to the school; his warmth and kindness has been felt by all.
During a special last collective worship, Michael was presented with a gift from the school and a personalised banner, with cards from many of our classes. The anthem, 'Be Bold, Be Strong' was an appropriate final hymn for Father Michael's time with us.
Thank you and all the very best, Father Michael.
Keeping our local area safe- speed-trapping with the police!
20 is plenty! This week, our 'SASM Safety' committee led our School Parliament in working with Mr Gates and the police to speed trap motorists outside the school. Here is their account of the afternoon:
On the 27th February 2023 , all of the SASM members of parliament met the Metropolitan Police Force. We used speed guns to catch people that were speeding, explored the police van and spoke to the members of public about why they should not be speeding near a school. We caught 7 people who were unfortunately going over the speed limit (20 mph). Someone even went 34 mph! The van contained objects that was useful for the police force. The people who were speeding were questioned why they were speeding on Maple road. And remember: 20 is plenty!
-Sia, William, Isabella and Aadam (SASM Safety Committee of the School Parliament)
Louise intro (1).mp4School-based counselling - Louise Ayton
We are delighted to announce that Louise Ayton will be joining us on Monday afternoons as a school counsellor. Louise is working as part of our mental health support team; she uses play and games to help children understand and talk about their emotions. Please click on the tile to view a video of Louise introducing herself.
If you child has been selected to benefit from sessions with Louise, you will recieve a communication from the office asking for your consent.
Bouncing for success!
Caden and Sam in year 3, recently participated in the London Youth Games. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had great success in the trampolining competition. In their category, Caden came first winning a gold medal and Sam came in second place winning a silver medal. Congratulations and well done to both boys on their fantastic achievement.
Supporting Syria's earthquake crises - by Leen in Year 5
Dear Parents and Carers! Many people are experiencing harsh condictions in Syria and Turkey after the earthquake. Since the devastating earthquake befell us, the challenges that our fellow Syrians and Turks are facing has worsened. I have nothing by prayers for them, and have thought of helping them with money but I have little to give myself. So, I thought of asking for help and doing what I can. I am going to be selling cupcakes and paintings to help raise money for the disaster appeal. I hope you might buy some to support me.
-Leen (Year 5)
Leen is a pupil in Year 5, who is living-out courageous advocacy by selling cakes and pictures outside 5C after school on Friday. If you have any spare change and would like to support her, please come along at pick-up this Friday. All of the money raised will be given to the earthquake disaster appeal. Well done, Leen!
Mrs Pam Smith - Maple Infants' school
It is with sadness that we share the death Mrs Pam Smith, a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Manager at Maple Infants' school. Whilst Mrs Smith did not teach at SASM, many of our pupils knew her well. Pam was unwell and taking some time away from the school; she peacefully passed away surrounded by people she loved, and who loved her. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the school community and all those who knew Pam.
We will continue to support all pupils in school who would like to speak with us about Mrs Smith. If you would like to speak with your child at home, Winston's Wish provide useful advice and support.
Reminder: Class Collective Worship
Also on Friday this week, parents and carers of children in 4G are invited to attend Class Collective Worship. Please enter via the school playground - the hall doors open at 8.45am for a 9.00am start and it will finish at approximately 9.15am.
Next Monday is a non-uniform day
On Monday 6th March there will be a mufti day for children and staff because I have been elected for headteacher for a day and this is one of my promises that I wrote in my manifesto.
-Max (Year 6)
Max will be stepping-up to become the SASM Headteacher for a Day next Monday. As part of the day, Max will be working hard with Mr Gates to deliver his manifesto pledges. He will also be writing for this newsletter!
Reminder: Parents Consultations - Tuesday 28th & Thursday 30th March
Thank you for booking your appointments so promptly. The school closes at 2.20pm on Tuesday 28th and Thursday 30th March to ensure teachers are ready for their appointments.
Neptune House - Mufti-Day
After winning the house cup 4 times over the course of this half term, Neptune House can come to school wearing their own clothes on Friday 17th March. Well done Neptune - the other 3 houses are in close competition for winning a mufti day.
Raising FREE funds for SASM
If you would like to support the PTA continue to provide extra curricular projects for our pupils, please follow this link for further information about how you can help raise free funds.
Child Flu Vaccination
All primary school children (from Reception up to Year 6) are eligible for a free flu nasal spray. For further information please click here to read a letter from NHS England.
-Repeat notices-
Sign up to Free School Meals – not automatic and more than just a free lunch!
Please click here for further information. Please sign up to the Free Schools Meals scheme if you are eligible.
Safer Schools App
We would encourage all parents/carers to download the Safer Schools app for free push notifications about online safety and helpful advice. You can download the app using the instructions here.
Safeguarding in 60
This week the Safeguarding Hub are making parents and carers aware of a new trend circulating on the popular media platform, TikTok known as the 'Foopah' challenge.
Do you have concerns about a child?
Adults - you can contact the Single Point of Access to request support, or to report a concern about a child or young person. Click here to make a referral. You can also call for advice. Opening hours: From 8am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5pm on Friday call 020 8547 5008 (Out of hours, phone 020 8770 5000). If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger call 999. Referrals are not limited to safeguarding: the Single Point of Access acts as a signposting service to other services, including mental health. Matt Gates is our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
-What's New? Community Groups-
Click the 'Community Groups' button to see all community notices:
-School reminders-
Break time snacks
As a healthy school, pupils' daily snacks should be full of goodness to keep children full until lunch. Suitable snacks include:
Fruit and chopped vegetables
Plain rice cakes (not the chocolate variety)
Ryvita, crackers or a mini bagel with Marmite / cream cheese / houmous
Plain breadsticks
Cheese portion – triangle / Babybel
These snacks are NOT suitable for a break time snack:
Winter Uniform
Our pupils are looking smart in their winter uniforms this week! From now until the start of the summer term, children will be required to wear winter uniforms .
Winter uniform includes:
Grey pinafore or skirt
Long or short grey school trousers
White long/ short sleeved school shirt or blouse
St. Andrew’s and St Mark’s tie (does not need to be worn with blouses)
Red jumper or cardigan
White or grey socks or tights and black shoes
Trainers, boots and leggings are not permitted.
Please remember that pupils need to wear a coat to school.
For further information regarding our school uniform please follow this link to our school website and our school uniform supplier.
Alternatively, every Friday there is a second hand uniform sale in the office foyer
PE Kit
On PE days children must come to school wearing their PE kit. Please click here to see PE days for each class.
Jewellery
Children can wear watches to school but the wearing of jewellery and earrings of all types is not permitted on safety grounds. Any child wearing earrings to school will be asked to remove them. If they are unable to remove them they will be required to stay inside during break and lunch times and will not be able to participate in any PE or physical activities.
Smart Watches
Fitness trackers without smart watch capability are permitted but St Andrew’s and St Mark’s accept no responsibility for the loss or damage of these items. Smart watches , including iWatches- are not permitted due to their messaging capabilities.
Hair and shoes!
Please remember that all shoulder length hair needs to be tied back for school, even on mufti days. Having your child’s hair tied back, is one of the most effective ways of keeping the nits and lice at bay. With the hair tied back, it makes it more difficult for the lice to hold on to the hair. Please note that pupils are required to wear black shoes (no trainers, boots or footwear displaying a logo).
Lost Property
Please remember to label your child’s uniform, lunch box and water bottle. All named lost property will be returned to your child by the next school day. Unlabelled property will be kept for one week only in the school office.
Road safety for children
If your child walks to school on their own, it is important they know how to cross roads, including zebra crossings safely. Please click here for more information about Road Safety for children.
Unwell and absent children
If your child is unwell and absent from school please contact the school office before 10am. If you need to leave a message on the answerphone please explain the symptoms of your child’s illness. Siblings of unwell children should attend school.
Diarrhoea and vomiting
PHE recommends that children are kept off school until 48 hours after the last symptoms have passed. Whilst this is not enforced by us it is responsible practice by parents/carers.
Raising FREE funds for SASM
Businesses can now register with easyfundraising and raise FREE funds for causes when they make business purchases. From booking travel for work trips to restocking the stationery cupboard, businesses can raise regular and BIG donations for SASM with popular retailers including Booking.com, Viking, Currys PC World, Euroffice and more.
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