Newsletter 10 Spring Term
19th March 2025
Embedded Files
-Reminders-
Don't forget!
Buy your raffle ticket for PTA Spring Raffle
Make sure you have booked your parent consultation appointment
Complete the Parent Carer Survey
Coming up in the next 7 days:
Thursday 20th March
Year 4 visit Hampton Court
Friday 21st March
Class 6S Mufti (Non-Uniform) Day
Year 3- Egyptian Day
Year 5 - Viking Day
Monday 24th March
Year 3 - Egyptian Museum
-This Week-
Our parent and carer survey is now live
We value the voices of our parents and carers and invite you to take part in our Parent/Carer Experience Survey, running from 19th March to 4th April 2025.
Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping our school community, helping us to celebrate what we do well and identify areas for growth. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts on your child’s experience at St Andrew’s and St Mark’s.
The survey will be available online this week via ParentMail, and we encourage all families to take a few minutes to complete it.
Thank you for your support—we look forward to hearing from you!
The PTA Spring Raffle ticket sales are now open!
The PTA has been hard at work collecting prizes for the Spring Raffle. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs from lunch at the French Table to everything you need for a good movie night in!
Your child was sent home with tickets last week. If you would like to enter the raffle please do return the tickets to the office, each entry costs £1. The raffle will be drawn on April 3rd at 3:30pm as part of the end-of-term Rock Squad concert.
All money raised goes towards keeping educational visits and experiences free for SASM pupils. The PTA has raised over £3,000 so far this year, all of which has gone towards funding educational visits for your children.
Thank you for your support!
Book Cover Design Competition
Well done to the four winners of our recent book cover design competition as part of our World Book Day celebrations. Miss Woodward and the junior librarians were amazed by the quality of entries which is why they couldn't decide on just one winner! Congratulations to Summer (5M), Luka (5J), Lochie (5L) and Imaan (6M) who were each awarded with a book token to select a book from our book vending machine! Please click on the designs below to view them.
Imaan (6M)
Luka (5J)
Lochie (5L)
Summer (5M)
Neurodiversity Week
This week, the school is celebrating neurodiversity as part of the global celebration of the different ways our brains work.
Tuesday's Collective Worship helped children understand a variety of neurodiversities, these included dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism and ADHD. Pupils reflected on things they sometimes find challenging and strategies we use to help support ourselves and others. We talked about the Targeted Teaching Groups (TTGs) that help all children - as we all need help with different things.
Children were reminded about the importance of kindness when someone finds something difficult - and that only qualified professionals (not teachers or friends!) can provide a diagnosis.
How We Help You At School
How We Help You At School
At St Andrew’s and St Mark’s, we want you to be happy, feel safe, and do
your best! We know that everyone is different, and that means some
children need a little extra help with their learning or with other things. No
matter what you need, we are here to make sure you feel supported and
can do your best.
Duck or Rabbit?
Duck or Rabbit?
The famous "duck-rabbit" illusion allows for the perception of either a duck or a rabbit, depending on how the brain interprets the shapes. The illusion can also be used to explore how our brains process information and how context can influence our perceptions.
Our Neurodiversity Display
Our Neurodiversity Display
This week, the school is celebrating neurodiversity as part of the global celebration of the different ways our brains work.
ADHD Teacher Training and Coffee Mornings for Primary & Secondary Schools
We would like to remind all schools of the training and services ADHD Embrace offering to the local communities in the borough of Kingston & Richmond.
We can offer to all schools the following provisions:
ADHD Teacher Training and Coffee Mornings for Primary & Secondary Schools
We would like to remind all schools of the training and services ADHD Embrace offering to the local communities in the borough of Kingston & Richmond.
We can offer to all schools the following provisions:
Teacher Training for teachers, teaching assistants or all staff, tailored to Primary or Secondary schools, providing an overview into the condition and talking about practical strategies to use in the classrooms.
Coffee Mornings (or Afternoon Teas) for parents and carers of children with or without a diagnosis of ADHD, to signpost the local support services available.
We are now taking bookings for the autumn term. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us to book your training or to ask for more information: laura.e@adhdembrace.org
Your Healthcare – Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Social Media
Your Healthcare – Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Social Media
Your Healthcare’s Children’s Speech and Language Therapy team have relaunched their Facebook page and Instagram account to support families. You can find these links here on the local offer. Families can find practical advice, tips, resources, and information about the team as well as providing a platform for connection for families experiencing similar challenges.
Year 5's Easter Experience
Today, Year 5 visited Christchurch Primary, who hosted the Easter Experience, an immersive theatrical event designed to deepen their understanding of the Easter story. This program transported them back in time to meet characters who witnessed significant events during the final days before Jesus' death and after his resurrection. Through these interactive encounters, students explored how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection have influenced countless individuals throughout history.
Spring Term Parent Consultation Evenings
School will close early at 2.20pm on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd April 2025 to facilitate our parent consultations from 3.00pm - 6.00pm. These will be face to face, giving parents and carers the opportunity to meet their child’s class teacher in person, as well as look at their child’s books.
There are no activity clubs running week commencing 31st March but wrap around care/after school club is open from the end of the school day until 6pm on Monday31st March-Thursday 3rd April.
Booking Appointments
You will be able to book a 10 minute, in person appointment with your child’s class teacher. The option of booking an additional 5 minute appointment with your child’s maths/English teacher, if not taught both subjects by their class teacher, will also be offered. An extra 5 minute slot will be available for some children who are on the SEND register.
Bookings will open via https://sasm.schoolcloud.co.uk/ at 7.45am on Friday 7th March 2025. A booking guide is attached but if you have any problems booking, please contact the school office.
Smartphone Free Pledge
SASM has also featured in Surbiton Good Life this week, which covered how the school has been working with parents and carers to create our own smartphone pledge. We have a growing number of parents and carers who have signed the pledge to delay giving their child a smartphone. Knowing other parents are delaying helps alleviate the pressure to expose children to the risks of smart devices and social media.
This pledge is optional and anonymous but we will share the number of pupils whose parents have completed this pledge in our newsletter. You can take the pledge by clicking here. 104 SASM parents and carers have signed this so far.
A message from the Peer Mediators
Dear parents and carers,
We, the Peer Mentors, would love to invite you into SASM to learn more about the important work we do and how our school supports every child’s rights and wellbeing.
At this special event, we will be sharing:
✅ Our role as Peer Mentors and how we help on the playground
✅ How SASM teaches us about children’s rights
✅ How we create a supportive and inclusive school environment
Miss Woodward and Mrs Hamilton will also be explaining more about our journey towards the Rights Respecting School Award and the Attachment Aware School Award.
📅 When? Wednesday 2nd April at 9:00 AM
📍 Where? In school
☕ Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided!
We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you there!
If you are able to attend, please sign up via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHr1fkFpUEmvz_s17I7cyP7aTabkwRveL8Jho_uXa_5vSf0g/viewform?usp=sharing
Easter Foodbank Collection
Easter Foodbank Collection
Following on from our very successful Christmas Foodbank collection, we will be having another Foodbank collection on Friday 28th March at drop off and pick up.
Please see the list below for the items for each year group to donate -
Easter eggs - Whole School
Year 3 -Tinned Fruit, Tinned Rice Pudding/Tinned Custard, Pasta Sauce
Year 4 -Tinned Tomatoes, Orange/blackcurrant squash, Coffee
Year 5- Mayonnaise/Tomato Ketchup, Peanut butter/Chocolate Spread
Year 6 -Sanitary Towels, 2-1 Shampoo, Household Cleaner
In the news this week
750 schools in England have been chosen to trial free daily breakfast clubs to see whether they could work for all schools. Starting in April, the schools will provide breakfast and activities for children. Schools are encouraged to offer healthy, varied and nutritious breakfasts, such as wheat cereals, porridge, fresh fruits and yoghurt, as well as activities including educational puzzles, reading and crafts.
Things to talk at home…
Have you attended a breakfast club? Would you like to?
What do you like to have for breakfast? What about others at home?
Share your morning routine with someone and ask about theirs. Do you feel it’s important to have a routine? Why?
Easter FUEL Flyer.pdfEaster FUEL
This Friday 14th March at drop off and pick up, Mrs Miller (School Community Worker) will be available in the small pod to assist parents/Carers to make their FUEL booking. Come and find out about the variety of venues and also the fantastic activities your children can take part in, all for FREE!!
As you know our children have chosen GROWBABY Kingston as our local charity. They provide support for local families including baby equipment, toys, shoes and clothes for children.
Our Advocacy MP's recently met with Tanya, she runs Growbaby and came into school so we could share ideas about how we can support Growbaby.
We have decided to collect good quality, clean, pre loved Winter coats. Now that the sun has finally appeared and we are having milder weather, we thought it would be a good time to collect coats so Tanya can store them ready to give to children for next Winter.
Our Advocacy MP's will be on the playground at drop off and pick up on Friday 4th April ready to collect your donated coats. This is the last day of term so remember we finish at 2pm.
-Repeat Notices-
Road safety on Maple Road
We would like to remind everyone of the importance of road safety on Maple Road, particularly during pick-up and drop-off times, following a near miss this morning involving a member of the public and their child.
To ensure everyone’s safety, please observe speed limits, do not park illegally, use the designated crossing. It is particularly important to refrain from stopping or parking on yellow lines and near junctions, as these areas are designed to protect pedestrians and maintain clear visibility. We also ask for patience and courtesy to make this busy time safer for everyone and ensure our school is a positive force in our local community.
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.
WANTED
Donations of board games for our new 'Lunchtime board games Club'
Please check that there are no missing pieces and that the game is in good condition.
Safer Schools App
Safer Schools App
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.
Worried about a child?
Worried about a child?
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 8.00am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8.00am to 5.00pm 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.
Children with SEND
Children with SEND
How to support children with SEND
Please follow this link for further information and support. For Kingston & Richmond the number is:0800 028 8000
Winter Care
Winter Care
Winter Care
With flu and norovirus cases on the rise, here are some simple steps to help keep your child healthy this winter.
1. Teach good hygiene habits: Encourage children to wash their hands regularly and use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes to stop the spread of germs.
2. Know when to keep your child at home: Children can still attend school with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough, but should stay home if they have a high temperature, diarrhea and vomiting. Read NHS guidance to help you decide. Click here to read more.
-What's New? Community News-
Sunday, 23rd March, 11am-12pm: Strings Spectacular: A Family-Friendly Musical Journey
As in previous years, Kingston Music Service is organising a family concert at the Rose Theatre towards the end of the Spring term. On Sunday, 23rd March, we invite you to explore the world of string instruments with Strings Spectacular. A concert designed to enchant families and ignite the imaginations of music lovers of all ages. Celebrate the magic of string instruments with a programme that blends timeless classics with modern favourites.
For more information and to book: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/329/a-kingston-music-service-concert/strings-spectacular-a-family-friendly-musical-journey
Musical Explorers: A Holiday Programme for 6-11yrs
Dates: 7–10 April, 9am–4pm (or flexible half-day options)
Location: The Hook Centre, Chessington
Children will explore a variety of musical instruments (including violin, viola, and cello—all provided free), develop rhythm and singing skills, and enjoy ensemble performances that build teamwork. In addition to music, there will be creative art and craft activities, dance and movement sessions, and a quiet library space for relaxation.
This unique, well-rounded experience nurtures creativity, builds confidence, and encourages a lifelong love for the arts.
Spaces are limited—register now for an unforgettable holiday experience!
https://www.kingstonheritage.org.uk/homepage/162/kms-holiday-courses
Kingston Adult Education has a number of new workshops and short courses taking place this term that we think might be of interest to you:
FREE maths courses for adults to grow your numeracy confidence and help you to better support your children with their maths school work.
A series of two-hour Saturday family workshops where you (or another adult) and your child can spend quality time together while learning. Workshops cost £20 for one adult and one child and activities include cookery, computing, Italian and art, and jewellery making.
See this brochure for further details about these courses as well as Kingston Adult Education’s wider offering: bit.ly/KAE-Spring2025
Their classes take place both online and at centres across the Royal Borough of Kingston.
For further information, please contact Kingston Adult Education directly on 020 8547 6700 or at adult.education@kingston.gov.uk
Junior Bake Off
We are delighted to say that we have recently opened applications for the 11th series of Junior Bake Off; a Channel 4 programme that celebrates the culinary talent and ambition of the younger generation in Britain.
Interested bakers can apply online at - www.applyforjuniorbakeoff.co.uk
We are looking for young budding bakers between 9-14 years old.
Filming would take place from July 2025, but our applications close on Sunday 23rd March 2025.
Lazer Lions - Easter Holiday Camp
Lazer Lions - Easter Holiday Camp
Lion Pack Actvity Camp Surbiton LATE PICK UP 6PM (5 - 12yrs)
St Andrews & St Marks Junior School
Our Epic Activity Camps feature the best of the Lion Pack Activities all in one place! Typical activities include Lazer Tag, Multi Sports, Bouncy Castles, Zorbing, Arcades, Special Guests, Circus Skills, Inflatable Obstacle Courses, Dodgeball, Treasure Hunts, Arts & Crafts, Football, Parachute Games, Nerf Battles, & More!
_Advert 2025 F (2).pdfJunior Schools Music Workshop invitation.pdf
Please add your details to this form to register your interest for Rock Squad.
Join Forest Schooling UK for an unforgettable outdoor adventure! Our seasonal holiday clubs are the perfect way for children to explore nature, build confidence, and make new friends. Don't miss out - reserve your spot today!
Additional Funding for low-income households
The Department of Work and Pensions has made additional funding available for low-income households in Kingston who meet the criteria and are struggling to afford food, fuel, utility bills and other essentials. The expectation is that the fund should be used to support households in the most need; particularly those who may not be eligible for other government cost-of-living support. For more details click here.
If your household has received help through any of the previous rounds of the Household Support Fund, we may not be able to issue any further funding.
However, we may be able to provide you with information about other support
available so please email: householdsupportfund@kingston.gov.uk
Activities and Opportunities
Skylarks is an independent charity that are expanding their outreach. We recommend parents and carers of pupils on the SEND register to sign up with the charity to stay up-to-date on a range of fun activities and opportunities. For more details and to register, please click here.
Together Thursdays
What are Together Thursdays sessions? These sessions deliver opportunities to socialise and gain new skills, self confidence and make friends.
All activities are free, all refreshments and lunch are free, community larder with free food supplies. Conversations, fun and social interactions are free. Visiting Together Thursdays is free.
Achieiving for Children, Kingsnympton Youth and Community Centre,
Kingsnympton Park, Kingston KT2 7RP
Thursdays, 10am to 2pm
Drop in Term time only.
Kingston Young Carers' Project
Who is a young carer? A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps to look after someone at home who needs extra support or care. This may be a sibling, parent/carer or other relative that lives at home with you.
We are the only organisation in the borough with a team dedicated to supporting the needs of young carers (aged 5-18) and as such have a wealth of experience and expertise in issues which affect their lives. We provide:
information and advice, including 1-to-1 support
opportunities to meet other young carers
fun activities, outings and breaks away from home
regular drop ins
awareness raising of the needs of young carers, particularly in schools
advocacy and whole family support
quarterly newsletter
If you would like to know more information, please contact the School office and ask to speak to Mrs. Miller - School Community Worker.
Supporting Our Families
Supporting Our Families
We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That is why we are pleased to be able to offer our families support in partnership with Kingston Foodbank.
Kingston Foodbank provide three days’ nutritionally-balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
Foodbank clients bring their vouchers to a foodbank centre where they can be redeemed for three days of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink or free hot meal, and are able to signpost people to other agencies that may able to them solve the longer-term problems.
Vouchers can be issued any day and at any time during the school week. These can be either printed or sent to you electronically via your mobile phone. This is a confidential service and vouchers are only allocated by Mrs Miller - School Community Worker.
Our nearest food collection points are listed below - please note the opening times.
Monday (6.00pm - 7.00pm)
Surbiton New Life Baptist Church
1 Balaclava Road
Surbiton
KT6 5PW
Tuesday and Friday (11.00am - 12.30pm)
Kingston Everyday Church
46 Union St, Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1RP
What is HENRY?
What is HENRY?
What is HENRY? HENRY is a UK charity working to give children a healthy, happy childhood so they thrive now and in the future. There are loads of useful ideas and resources for parents on the HENRY website.
Is the HENRY programme for me? The HENRY programme can help everyone with a primary-school aged child. Every parent who joins learns something new and useful. If you have at least one child of primary school age and can answer yes to any of the questions below then HENRY is for you...
Would you like to feel more confident as a parent?
Would you like support and ideas for helping your family be healthier?
Do you wish your child would eat a wider range of foods or more fruit and vegetables?
Would you like to reduce mealtime stress?
Would you like your children or family to be more active more often?
Are you interested in some ideas to get children away from screens?
Free School Meals
Free School Meals
If your child is eligible for free school meals but you prefer to provide them with packed lunches, it's still important to register. By doing so, the school receives additional funding called Pupil Premium which helps support your child in other ways.
Once you have registered for free school meals and we have received confirmation that you are eligible, your child will then be able to attend an enrichment club after school free of charge, as well as one session at our after school club. They will also qualify for the Holiday Activity and Food Programme, this is also known as FUEL (which stands for ‘Feed Ur Everyday Lives’) This programme offers free places at holiday clubs during the Easter, summer and Christmas breaks.
Children can enjoy 4 sessions during Easter, 16 sessions over the summer and 4 in winter, with lunch provided at the club. There are lots of clubs and activities to choose from across a range of dates, time and locations. Some activities include: cycling; film-making; yoga; technology and coding; skateboarding; art and crafts; cooking; indoor climbing; and lots of sports such as cricket, football, netball and rugby.
If you think you may be eligible and would like further information please contact the office and ask for Mrs Miller, our School Community Worker.
-School Reminders-
Healthy School Snacks
For our break time snack, we ensure pupils only have fresh fruit or a savoury snack which is full of goodness and will keep pupils full until lunch!
Whilst our team makes every effort to check and speak to pupils about snacks, our healthy approach places trust in parents and carers working with us to ensure this takes place.
Examples of permitted snacks include:
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Plain rice cakes
Plain breadsticks
Pure fruit, such as 'Yo-Yo Bears'
Plain crackers
Ryvita crackers
Bagels
Cream cheese
Marmite
Hummus
Babybels/Cheese triangles
Examples of snacks not permitted are:
Cereal bars
Cakes, biscuits or sweets
'Lunchbox' chocolate bars
Crisips
'Belvita' biscuits or 'Go Ahead' Bars
PE Kit and Timetable
PE TIMETABLE - SPRING TERM 6th January - 4th April 2025
School PE kit to be worn only on PE days.
Red PE sweatshirt with the school logo
OR
Plain red PE sweatshirt with NO visible branding.
White t-shirt with the school logo
OR
Plain White t-shirt with NO visible branding.
Red Shorts
Plain black jogging/tracksuit bottoms with NO visible branding.
White or Grey Socks
Black Trainers. NO football studded shoes.
Pupil Premium Grants
All pupils at SASM are entitled to receive a free school lunch. To enable your child to access this, you must book your child's lunch via ParentPay.com.
If you were previously eligible for means tested free school meals or are in receipt of any of the following benefits...
income support
income-based job seeker's allowance
income-related employment and support allowance
the guarantee element of state pension credit
support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
child tax credit (but not working tax credit) and have an annual income of less than £16,190
working tax credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
...your child maybe eligible for a Pupil Premium Grant. This will gives your child access to:
This gives your child access to:
A free after school club every half term
A free 'stay and play' session in our Wrap Around Care each week
A free place at Breakfast Club every day
A discount on school residential visits
... and much more!
Please contact the school office if you have any issues with activating an account.
Changes to School Uniform
Thank you to the parents and carers who responded to our uniform survey. We have been carefully considering how to ensure our school uniform creates a sense of belonging, prepares pupils for the expectations of secondary school whilst keeping branded items to a minimum. From September 2025, there will be the following changes to our school uniform:
All pupils will be required to wear a shirt and school tie in the Autumn and Spring terms- this ensures consistency across all pupils and applies whether your child is wearing trousers, shorts, a skirt or a pinafore. It also represents the transition from the polo shirts of Infant School and prepares pupils for Year 7 and beyond, where they will be expected to wear a shirt, tie and blazer. In the Summer term only, polo shirts and summer dresses will be permitted.
Black trainers (without logos) will be permitted instead of smart black school shoes - we encourage our pupils to be active, from the Daily Mile to lunchtime activities. As a result, pupils will be able to attend from September with black trainers everyday; these must not display a logo. This also means that the same shoes can be used for PE and school uniform, making uniform for comfortable and affordable.
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.
Please send a water bottle with your child...
Its important to ensure that our pupils stay hydrated throughout the day. Please remember to send your child to school with a water bottle. To avoid any mix-ups, kindly label the bottle with your child's name. Thank you.
Parking outside SASM
If you are driving to drop your children off or pick them up from school, please park considerately on the surrounding roads. Please don't park over driveways or over the zig zag lines. This helps keep everyone safe.
Whilst the school is not responsible for enforcing street parking, we have advised our local community to report all instances of poor parking or behaviour to the police.
Uniform donations warmly welcomed!
If your child has outgrown their school uniform over the summer break (including shoes, plimsolls or trainers) and they are still in good condition, please consider donating them to our uniform shop. You can drop off any unwanted school uniform or shoes at the office.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
No toys in school please!
No toys in school please!
We would like to remind parents and carers that pupils are not permitted to bring their own toys or collectables into school. Not only do toys provide a distraction from pupils' learning, there is a potential for personal items to be misplaced. Please be aware that any lost toys, collectible cards or other play items are beyond the responsibility of the school.
No jewellery in school please!
No jewellery in school please!
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.
No smart watches in school please!
No smart watches in school please!
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.
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