Newsletter 3 Spring Term
22nd January 2025
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
Our Instagram feed displays photos and video of school life. Click or tap on the image below 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.
-School News-
The Mini Market is coming - Friday 14th February
Mr Gates introduced the Mini Market to pupils in collective worship yesterday. It is a great opportunity for pupils to serve the local community and the wider world by raising funds to help those in need. The Mini Market is also a teamwork experience and teaches pupils business skills. To find out more, please see our explainer below:
What is the Mini Market?
SASM holds a Mini Market each year to raise money for the Bishop’s Lent Appeal, which supports a huge number of charities across the Southwark Diocese (including some in Kingston such as the Fircoft Trust and ATBeacon Project) as well as through their link diocese. This looks and feels just like our PTA SASM WinterFest or SASMFest with one key difference: it is organised and run entirely by pupils!
Children organise their own fundraising stalls and this year’s event will be held on Friday 14th February. Children plan, set up, run and clear up their own stalls. They will be given planning time in school, assisted by their class teacher. The pupils learn about how to work as a team with minimal adult support as well as the economics of running a stall.
What sort of stall do pupils run?
There are lots of different ways of raising money at the Mini Market. Competitions such as 'guess the name of the teddy' and 'guess the number of sweets in a jar' are always popular. Other past stalls have included: biscuit icing; sale of second hand toys/books; handmade crafts; cake sales; nail painting and outdoor games. To ensure variety, each class can have only 1 group selling homemade food or drinks. Please note that there are no power points available so pupils cannot use electrical equipment No nuts are allowed to be bought into school (including sweets and chocolates which have nuts i.e. Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, and Snicker bars) and all homemade food and drink items must have the ingredients clearly listed and displayed on them. Fizzy drinks are not permitted.
Do pupils have to spend any money organising our stall?
The aim of the Mini Market is to make a stall that costs nothing or as little as possible. We speak to pupils about the need to minimise the outlay (money spent setting up a stall) and maximise the profit (the money taken on the day). There is no requirement to spend any money to make a stall; some of our most successful stalls have cost very little money to set up (think 'beat the goalie' or 'Nerf gun alley')!
What do pupils need to bring to school?
Pupils should work as a team and bring everything they need to run their stall including a poster to tell people what they are doing and price labels. The idea is for pupils to work together and organise themselves; learning to work as a team without adult support is a key learning point in running the Mini Market!
What is the SASM Bank?
The SASM Bank operates out of the LRC. Each stall visits the bank before the Mini Market opens to collect £1 in small change to use as a float.
Does my child need to bring money to spend at the Mini Market?
Yes please, but not much money is needed because many of the things at the Mini Market cost 30p-50p. The children can have lots of turns on stalls by bringing £2-£5 spending money. We'll be on-hand to make sure that everyone has a role at the Mini Market, regardless of whether a child has any money to spend or not. All money raised goes to the charities supported by the Bishop's Lent Appeal.
Can our families come to the Mini Market?
Yes! Just like SASMFestivities, the Mini Market is open to pupils only for the first session and if family members would like to attend, they can join us from 10.45am-11.30am. Please bring loose change/cash to spend. We will also be looking for adults to help us in the SASM Bank. If you would like to volunteer to help as a cashier please sign up here!
What happens to the money we make?
All the stall takings are paid into the SASM Bank which will be open in the LRC. The money will be counted and then given to The Bishop’s Lent Appeal.
The SASM Smartphone Parent/Carer 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. 79 SASM parents and carers have signed this so far.
Basketball tournaments
Well done to our Year 5 and 6 pupils who attended basketball tournaments this week, competing against other Kingston and Richmond schools. They gave absolutely everything in some hard-fought matches.
Helping Your Child With Worries Workshop
On Thursday 6th February, 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 ‘Helping Children with Anxiety and Worries’ workshop will help you learn ways to support your child in dealing with their big feelings, worries and fears. This workshop will give you practical ideas on how to help your child to think more positively and develop their self confidence. You will also be introduced to some helpful cognitive behavioural therapy concepts.
What will the ‘Helping Children with Anxiety and Worries’ workshop cover?
● What anxiety is.
● What the cognitive behavioural model is.
● Practical strategies to help parents and carers talk to their children effectively, help them regulate their emotions, and face their fears.
● How to get further support if needed.
The worshop will take place from 2pm-3:15pm on Thursday 6th February and will be held in school and online.
To sign up please click here: https://forms.gle/gNRe6eRGKoRCR4AZA
Post-diagnosis Workshop
Post-diagnosis Workshop
We would like to inform you of our upcoming Post-diagnosis workshop for parents.
Post-diagnosis session - Face to Face 22nd January, 2025 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Europe/London
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.
Parenting support
Parenting support
Please see details attached of 3 groups that will be running this term for parents and carers of adolescents:
Triple P Teen
This group is for parents and carers of adolescents with mild to moderate challenging behaviour. Topics include encouraging appropriate behaviour and managing problem behaviour
Saturday 1 and 8 March. Venue to be confirmed but will be in Kingston borough
10am-2pm for 2 consecutive weeks
Click here to read more.
Christian Value Points
At SASM, we reward pupils for demonstrating any of our 12 Christian Values. As pupils collect more Christian Value Points (CVPs), they recieve the following rewards:
5 CVPs earned = Celebration Collective Worship certificate
15 CVPs earned = Mufti (non uniform) day
40 CVPs earned = A book token to recieve a book from our own book vending machine
50 CVPs earned = A letter home from the Headteacher
60 CVPS earned = A pizza lunch with a friend
It has been fantastic to see the majority of pupils already recieved their '5 CVP' certificate so far this year. We also have a number of pupils who have achieved 15 CVPs. If your child reaches a CVP milestone it is shown on the SIMS Parent App.
The mufti (non-uniform) day for those who have earned 15 CVPs this half term will be on Monday 10th February. If your child is included in this you will be notified via ParentMail
The planner competition is back!
This week, Mr Gates introduced this year's planner competition. The competition challenges pupils to submit their original artwork for the cover of next year's planner. The prize is simple: the winning design is featured on every pupils' planner next year!
The details of what needs to be included on the design has been shared with every pupil via their Google Classroom and have been included below. We are always astounded by the quality of the entries we receive.
Pupils need to give their design to the school office. The closing date is Friday 14th February 2025 at 3.30pm.
SASM Eco-Refill - next week! Friday 31st January
Our eco-refill shop, SASM Eco-Refill, opens next Friday, 31st January before and after school - bring an empty bottle and some spare change! So far the ECO shop has saved 72 plastics bottles!
Hello Yellow mufti day (£1 donations) 7th of February 2025
Children to wear something yellow & mufti - raising money for the Grace Dear Trust as part of Children’s Mental Health Week
In the news this week
The UK government’s culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, has written to video-sharing platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, asking them to actively share more educational content for children. Nandy stated that while YouTube has improved children’s content on its platform, it is not doing enough to make sure the content is easily seen by children.
Things to talk at home…
Tell someone at home about the type of things you enjoy watching and where you like to watch them. Ask someone older what they watched as a child. Ask about the choice of programmes, and where and when they were able to view them.
Do you believe there should be more checks or rules for what people can watch online?
Opportunity to take part in research at Kingston University
Executive function is a hot topic in the field of education. If your family would like to take part in a local research study, please see the flyer for more information.
-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.
Assessment results are now available on the SIMS Parent App
We share the results of assessments termly with parents and carers. The outcomes of pupils' autumn term assessments will be available to view via the SIMS Parent App on Monday. You will have received an invitation to join the SIMS Parent App via the email addresses you have provided when registering with the school. More information about the assessment results are included within the report. If your child was absent during the day of the assessment no result will be shown.
Summative assessment results explained:
Towards the end of each term, pupils sit standardised assessments in reading, maths and GPS (grammar, punctuation and spelling). In Years 3, 4 and 5, we use tests developed by Rising Stars, which have been standardised against thousands of pupils nationally. In Year 6, past SATs papers are used. The results help inform our practice and gives some indication of a pupils’ progress.
A score between 90-99 means that your child is currently projected to be ‘working towards the expected standard’ at the end of Key Stage 2.
A score of 100-109 means that your child is currently projected to ‘achieve the expected standard’ at the end of Key Stage 2.
A score of 110 or over means that your child is currently projected to be ‘working at greater depth’ at the end of Key Stage 2.
Please note that these tests reflect a snapshot in time and many factors can influence a test result. Year 6 past SATs papers test pupils on content they have learned across their time at SASM, so you may see some differences between results in Year 5 and Year 6.
To reduce anxiety surrounding assessments, all tests are conducted in a ‘low stakes’ environment and we request your support in helping children understand that assessments are used to help target and support classroom teaching.
In order to ensure the integrity and reliability of our assessments, we are unable to provide copies of Years 3, 4 and 5 test papers to parents and carers. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
Advance notice: changes to school uniform from September
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.
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.
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
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.
Repeat notice: Online Parenting Courses - Family Lives
Family life and parenting is more complex than ever. Family Lives has produced a series of online parenting courses, to support parents and carers. If interested please follow the link below:
https://www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/online-parenting-courses
Family Lives offers a confidential and free* helpline service for families in England and Wales (previously known as Parentline). They can be contacted on 0808 800 2222 for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Their website is also a rich source of useful support and advice.
(* Free from landlines and most mobiles)
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.
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.
-What's New? Community News-
Light Up Kingston returns - A series of stunning light installations around Kingston town centre
Kingston First and Riverside Walk proudly announce the return of Light Up Kingston, an immersive light experience held in Kingston town centre from 14-23 February 2025, 4.30pm-9pm daily.
This year, we have expanded the event with new light installations that feature soundscapes and sensory functions to create an interactive and exciting experience for all audiences and ages to enjoy. We have also collaborated with local businesses to offer exclusive offers and discounts throughout the duration of the event, such as 25% off the total food bill, and Kids Eat Free!
From beautiful light displays to unmissable deals, Light Up Kingston is a wonderful event to enjoy with the whole family this Half Term and to illuminate your cold February evenings.
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.
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.
Supporting Our Families with Kingston Foodbank
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
Click the 'Community Groups' button to see all community notices:
-School reminders-
PE Timetable Spring 2025.pdfUniform donations warmly welcomes
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 shoes at the office.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Pupil Premium Grants
For the first time, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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