Newsletter 4 Spring Term
29th January 2025
Embedded Files
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-
PTA update - raffles and film nights!
Thank you for all of your support following our request for volunteers to help sort raffle prizes and supervise the PTA film afternoons. As a result, we're delighted to say that the film afternoons are able to go ahead next week- look out for a ParentMail soon with more details and booking information. It would be brilliant to have as many parent volunteers as possible helping to run the film nights. If you can spare 2 hours to help run these events please sign up here.
All PTA events helps keeps trips free! We look forward to sharing the final details of these events soon.
Gladiators! Are you ready?
Before we broke up for our Christmas holidays, the school entered into a BBC Micro:Bits Gladiator competition. Children had to design a Micro:Bit which would help gladiators train for the TV's Gladiator programme. Mr Clarke-Rahman had the difficult job of having to choose just 3 designs from a total of 35 entries to represent SASM.
Here are the designs:
Congratulations to all those who submitted their designs and special thanks to our three submitted designers as well.
Submissions will be judged by the BBC Competition team, a panel of judges from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and then a final judging panel. Winners will be treated to an in person visit from the Gladiators themselves and runners up stand to win a £500 voucher for computer equipment; and have their design turned into a prototype gadget.
Results will be announced on Monday 10th March 2025 on the BBC Teach website.
Wish us luck!
Coming soon - a 'Headteacher for a Day'
Year 6 have been busy studying persuasive writing this half term. Their writing efforts will be judged as pupils complete to become the 'Headteacher for a Day'. It is the fifth year we have run this event, which gives Year 6 pupils the opportunity to campaign for the position of Headteacher. This event is also designed to allow all pupils to participate in democracy in action, a key part of our British Values. ear 6 pupils have been studying persuasive writing, culminating in each pupil creating their own manifesto speech.
In the final week of the half-term, shortlisted candidates will be taking part in a hustings event in front of the school and form a campaign team around them. Campaign teams are made up of volunteers from across the school. After a vigorous day of campaigning all pupils visit our specially-created Polling Station to cast their votes.
The winner will be announced in our final Celebration Collective Worship of the half term. After half term, our winner will become the Headteacher for a Day and will work with Mr Gates to take on the role and deliver on their manifesto pledges. Good luck!
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. 84 SASM parents and carers have signed this so far.
SASM Eco-Refill - This 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!
Wellfest
Last week, SASM’s Wellbeing MPs attended Wellfest at Southborough High School. They had a fantastic time learning about local charities that support young people with their mental health and were able to try out some ‘feel good’ strategies such as pebble painting, chess and an obstacle course! They will be sharing some of their learning in a collective worship next week as part of Children’s Mental Health Week.
Rosemary (5M) - This experience was so fun because it was full of games and we created all sorts of things. We also learnt a lot of things that charities do to help people's wellbeing. It was amazing!
Abby (5L) - At Wellfest we went round lots of different stalls about different charities exploring how they help people. I enjoyed going round and talking to a variety of people and learning about how I can look after my wellbeing.
Demi - 6M - As a Wellbeing MP, I thought Wellfest was really fun as I got to go round tables playing games and making stuff. When we first arrived, we saw a massive sign saying Wellfest. As I got excited, they handed us a bowl of fruit and I took an apple. My partner and I started walking around with our booklets and some of the tables had sweets for winning! In the corner there was a school ban. There was also a PE section and then it slowly came to an end. We got the bus back to school and on the bus, I realised how lucky I am.
Introducing our new monthly feature…Mentor Moments!
We are excited to introduce a new section in our school newsletter, created by our incredible Year 6 Peer Mentors! Each month, they’ll share techniques and tips to support wellbeing and mental health. As playground mentors, they help create a happy, supportive environment on the playground by organising fun activities, resolving friendship issues and offering a listening ear when someone feels sad or needs a friend.
This month, our mentors are spotlighting the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 grounding technique, a simple and effective way to feel calm and in control when things feel overwhelming. Watch the video created by the mentors, where they demonstrate this technique!
Look out for next month’s tip from our mentors and remember to give the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique a try the next time you need a moment to pause and reset.
January.mp4
Transferring from primary to secondary school if you have an EHCP in Kingston
An invitation to attend an information evening for parents and carers of children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs), in Years 4 or 5 of primary school in the Kingston borough.
A chance to:
meet the Achieving for Children SEND team
watch presentations from the SEND team, SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) and secondary schools
speak to secondary school representatives and special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCos) and ask your questions and admission enquiries
Date:Wednesday 5 February, 2025
Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Where: Richard Challoner School, Manor Drive North, New Malden, KT3 5PE
Please book your place:
In the news this week
New data has shown that 2024 was the Earth’s hottest year on record, warming by 1.5°C Around 200 countries had agreed to help keep the temperature rise below this figure because scientists say that increases could cause more extreme weather. This includes events such as heatwaves, storms and wildfires.
Things to talk at home…
Share what you know about climate change with others at home and ask others to share their understanding.
Do you think more could and should be done to tackle climate change? If so, what and by whom?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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