Newsletter 12 Spring Term
2nd April 2025
Embedded Files
-Reminders-
Don't forget!
School closes at 2pm on Friday for the end of term
Complete the Parent Carer Survey
Summer uniform begins after the Easter break (polo shirts and summer dresses permitted). Smart black shoes remain required
-Attendance-
What is our school attendance?
Year 3 = 97%
Year 4 = 97.3%
Year 5 = 97%
Year 6 = 94.8%
-Coming Up-
Coming up in the next 7 days:
Thursday 3rd April – SpringFest at 3:30-5pm - Rock Squad gig, Eco-refill shop, PTA snacks and raffle draw
Friday 4th April – Easter Service at St Mark's Church - 9:30am - all welcome
Tuesday 22nd April - back to school (3:00-6:00pm, rescheduled 4B parent consultations)
Wednesday 23rd, 24th & 29th April - Year 5 School on a River educational visit
Thursday 24th April - 1:45pm-3:15pm - Parent Workshop on Managing Concerning Behaviours
We are focusing on sustainablity on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week- this is a our 'Fullness Focus'
-This Week-
My Movie.MOVHappy Easter!
It has been another full term of learning and activity! With the arrival of sunny weather and many celebrating Eid over the weekend, it has been a joyful end to the half term.
It has also been brilliant to catch up with so many parents and carers during our consultation evenings this week. Pupils have also enjoyed celebrating their learning at this point in the year and I have been shown an array of spectacular Egyptian and Viking projects.
During the remainder of this week, pupils will be learning about sustainability and we are looking forward to the Springfest concert on Thursday as well as our Easter service at St Mark's church on Friday.
From everyone at St Andrew's and St Mark's, we wish you a restful Easter break.
-Mr Gates
Our Fullness Focus: Sustainability
For the final days of each half term, pupils study a topic which is not on the National Curriculum but gives them a fuller experience of the world around them.
This week, we are focusing on sustainability. Following on from our work on rights, we have examined the Christian value of compassion. By looking at our environment, we are fostering a sense of stewardship and care for our planet.
Pupils will be learning about how to choosing to travel sustainability reduces pollution and improves the air quality in Surbiton. This learning contributes to Transport for London's Travel for Life scheme.
Our parent and carer experience survey closes this week!
As your entered or exited your parent consultation this week, you will have been asked to complete our parent and carer experience survey.
We value the voices of our parents and carers and invite you to take part in our Parent/Carer Experience Survey, which closes on 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 is available online via ParentMail, and we encourage all families to take a few minutes to complete it. We have had over 60 responses so far but would like much more so that as many voices are represented as possible.
Thank you for your support—we look forward to hearing from you!
In the news this week
English football club, Manchester United, has announced plans to build the biggest stadium in the UK. The new stadium will cost around £2 Billion, seat 100,000 spectators and will be used for many other things, including concerts. It is thought that the new development will be built close to the club’s existing stadium, Old Trafford. Once it’s ready, the current Old Trafford stadium may be demolished.
Things to talk at home…
What is the closest football stadium to where you live? Is it ever used for things other than football?
Do you enjoy watching football or other sports? Have you ever been to a game in a stadium or perhaps visited one? Ask someone at home to share their experience.
Share your thoughts on the on the new stadium. Do you think it is a good idea?
Year 6 Peer Mentor workshop
Our Year 6 Peer Mentors enjoyed sharing their work with parents, carers and family on Wednesday. Miss Woodward, Mrs Hamilton and the Year 6 team spoke about rights with the group. Thank you for support in this event.
SANDWICH SUPERSTARS
Budding YR3 nutritionists put their STEM skills to the test to create healthy, balanced sandwich combinations.
The pupils selected an assortment of fresh meats, salad items, spreads and other delicious fillings to create their personalised snacks. They practised safe knife skills and even washed-up after themselves.
Teddy said: I loved making my sandwich because Mr Clarke-Rahman was so encouraging. I named my sandwich Teddy's Prawn Army, because it has millions of prawns in!
SpringFest - a Rock Squad concert - Thursday 3rd April
Parents and carers are able to joined us after school on Thursday for an afternoon of live rock music, provided by SASM pupils who have been working with Rock Squad. The PTA will be selling ice lollies and the Eco-refill shop will also be open. The afternoon ends with the live draw of the PTA Spring Raffle - last chance to buy your tickets!
Thank you, Bron!
Open the Book takes place during Thursday's collective worship each week. Volunteers join us for active retelling of events from the Bible, which is a highlight for many pupils who often come to school early to take part. The leader of the group, Bron, is leaving us at Easter and we wish her every success.
Open the Book will continue, led by a combination of volunteers and our own team.
Managing Challenging / Concerning Behaviours Workshop
On Thursday 24th April, we will be hosting a parent workshop which will be run by Fahmida Wadud, our Education Wellbeing Practitioner from the Mental Health Support Team.
The ‘Managing Concerning Behaviours’ workshop will help you to understand why behaviours of concern occur, what’s keeping the behaviour going and how to reduce behaviours of concern by learning tools to manage them.
What will the ‘Managing Concerning Behaviours’ workshop cover?
● Understanding behaviour and reinforcement cycles
● Strategies to build positive relationships and encourage prosocial behaviours
● Evidence-based techniques to reduce undesirable behaviours
The workshop will take place from 1:45-3:15pm on Thursday 24th April and will be held in school and online.
To sign up please click here: https://forms.gle/vX3PqfVViUdkxTC46
Things to do locally over the Easter Break
From a Bear Trail to theatre shows and storytelling sessions, there is a lot on offer in Kingston over the Easter break - click on any of the links below to plan your Easter activities:
Easter Service at St Mark's Church
On Friday 4th April, we warmly welcome parents and carers to join the school at our Easter Service in St Mark's Church at 9:30am. During the service, pupils will be retelling the events of Holy Week.
Last call for PTA Spring Raffle tickets!
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!
Have Your Say & Play – Train Themed
Have Your Say & Play – Train Themed
Join Kingston Parent Carer Forum for a special train-themed session: Sunday, 13 April 1:15-3:15 PM YMCA Hawker Centre
Exclusive play sessions for SEND children and young people, Parents & carers: Come chat and get updates while the kids enjoy!
Email for more information.
Click here to view flyer.
Post-diagnosis Workshop- In person 30th April, 2025 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Post-diagnosis Workshop- In person 30th April, 2025 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
We would like to inform you of our upcoming Post-diagnosis workshops for parents and carers. This workshop is open to anyone with or awaiting for a diagnosis.
The next session will be online on 30 April 2025, 12-2pm
Are you the parent/carer/relative of a recently diagnosed child or teenager? If so, then our Post Diagnosis workshop provides you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of ADHD, it's impact on brain function and to explore holistic approaches for managing the condition, both medical and non-medical.
Please visit our website for future available dates for the post-diagnosis workshop.
Please do not hesitate to get in contact for more information.
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.
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. 108 SASM parents and carers have signed this so far.
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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