Newsletter 7 Spring Term
26th February 2025
Embedded Files
Next Monday: Headteacher for a Day
Congratulations to Salma, who was duly elected as our Headteacher for a Day following a hustings event, campaigning and a school-wide election day. Salma met with Mr Gates today to agree her ideas for next Monday, where she will be taking over a Headteacher for the day at SASM. Monday will be a non-uniform (mufti day) for all pupils, who are welcome to bring a small cuddly toy to school (this must be named and will remain in pupils' classrooms).
Salma writes:
Hello, my name is Salma and I am going to be SASM's Headteacher on Monday 3rd March. On that day I will be giving all students a mufti or pyjama day with a small cuddly toy or pillow, a sports competition with an award of 3CVPs for the players of the match. For the afternoon, students can choose who they sit next to if they have earned it with amazing behaviour in the morning. Another thing I would like to add is that all cuddly toys should have a name or label, please. I am really looking forward to being the Headteacher for a day and I hope all of the students are too!
Welcome, Willow!
School communities are all about families and we are delighted to share that Mr Burley and his partner have a new baby, Willow, who was born during half term. Welcome to our extended SASM family, Willow! Whilst Mr Burley steps out temporarily, Mrs Staines will be based in 4B.
SASM Eco-Refill - open tomorrow!
Our Eco-Refill shop will be open again tomorrow (Friday 28th February) at the beginning and end of the school day - bring an empty bottle and some spare change! So far the ECO shop has saved over 80 plastic bottles!
Careers and ambitions - our 'fullness focus'
Our Aspirations Fair was a huge success, with pupils from a wide range of local secondary schools showing upper school pupils the opportunities that await them. From Wimbledon Ball Boys to medicine and the arts, there was so much to inspire us all.
Uniform Reminders: trainers, coats and 'pimple patches'
Please do not send you child to school in trainers when it is not their PE day. Trainers are not part of our school uniform. Pupils who do join us with the correct uniform may be given alternatives by our team.
We do go outside in all weathers, including rain. Please make sure your child brings a coat to school each day.
We have also noticed a rise in the use of 'pimple patches', which are being used on the faces of pupils. Please do not send your child to school with multiple bright colours or stars pimple patches.
The Mini Market
Thank you to all pupils, parents and carers for running and supporting our Mini Market. Pupils ran an array of outstanding stalls and raised a huge £1327.36 for the Bishop's Lent Call, which assists charities at home and abroad.
✨ Watch the video to try it for yourself! ✨
February.mp4February’s Mentor Moment
This month, our Year 6 Peer Mentors have created a video to help everyone feel calm and relaxed using a body scan mindfulness practice.
A body scan is a simple technique where you focus on different parts of your body, from your toes to your head, noticing any tension and letting it go. It’s a great way to feel more mindful, focused and at ease—perfect for after a busy school day or during a quiet moment at home!
Let us know if you give it a go—we’d love to hear how it makes you feel!
Thank you!
Our latest PTA film nights were a success, raising £800 for the PTA. Thank you to all of the parents and carers who gave up their time to run the event. All money raised by the PTA helps to keep educational visits and events free.
Next week: Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday, at Collective Worship in school, we will be marking the beginning of Lent for a service about Ash Wednesday.
Children will be offered the chance to have their foreheads marked with ash in the sign of the Cross and a priest (Father Robert or Janice) will say the old words: "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return."
This is a very old Christian tradition but one that is still alive.
Everyone will come to assembly as usual: no one has to come forward to have their foreheads marked, but they can if they wish.
World Book Day - Thursday 6th March
On Thursday 6th March, we will be celebrating World Book Day at SASM. World Book Day celebrates the joy and value of books and reading. On this day, your child will be taking part in fun, reading-related activities and we are excited to have Nicky Smith Dale, author of the Betty Steady book series, joining us for a special author event. Your child also has the opportunity to dress up as a character from their favourite book.
Please send your child dressed as a character from a book on this day. If possible, please send your child in with the book to share with the class. There is no need to spend money on buying an outfit - homemade and creative works just as well! You can keep it simple with a character who wears everyday clothes or by focusing on a prop instead. There are some great ideas for dressing up here: https://www.worldbookday.com/dressing-up-ideas/
As part of commitment to sustainability, we want to give life to old dressing up clothes! If you have any clean, old World Book Day costumes (or other suitable dressing up clothes) that you no longer need, please put them into a sealed bag stating the costume name and size on a label and give it to your child to bring into school before Friday 28th February. On Friday, during pick up, any available outfits can be taken from a table in the playground.
STEM Learning Lessons
We are always looking for innovative ways to teach the curriculum and this year our teachers have joined our learning across computing, science and design & technology to create a new 'STEM learning' unit of work. Year 3 are studying health and nutrition, Year 4 are creating buzz wire games and Year 5 are creating and marketing their own stuffed toy. Year 6 are continuing studying and creating their own fairground rides. We are really excitied to see pupils' completed STEM projects at the end of the term.
Assessment Week - coming soon
Summative standardised assessments are conducted termly at SASM. These are low-stake assessments, delivered in classrooms, which help inform our next steps in teaching. In Years 3,4 and 5 this takes on the week commencing 10th March. Year 6 assessments take place during the following week (week commencing 17th March)
Parents and carers will be sent the outcomes of spring term assessments via the SIMS Parent App and can be discussed as part of spring parent consulation meetings.
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. 93 SASM parents and carers have signed this so far.
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:
1. FREE maths courses for adults to grow your numeracy confidence and help you to better support your children with their maths school work.
2. 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
Kingsnympton / Kingston - Advert for all Kingston schools and parents
Kingsnympton / Kingston - Advert for all Kingston schools and parents
Join our FREE* Mindfulness Moments and Meditation course.
Bring some calm into your day, Learn simple breathing exercises and enjoy guided meditation
Thursdays from 11:00 to 12:00 term time only.
Starts 30 January for 9 weeks Together Thursdays at Parent Champions Cafe, Kingsnympton Youth and Community Centre, Kingston KT2 7RP
For further information and to enrol please use link.
These classes take place as part of Together Thursdays sessions.
Parents are welcome to also join FREE Tai Chi and Pilates sessions plus our parents coffee mornings.
All learners are welcome to stay after for our guest talks and community lunches.
*Free to learners earning below the London Living Wage (currently £27.007.50 )
Click here to view flyer
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.
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.
-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.
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.
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
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-
An exciting opportunity for children to exhibit their art work! Deadline for submission (via SASM office only) is March 5th
YASS-Digital-Poster.pdfYASS25_A5-DigitalLeaflet.pdfYASS-Submission-Guidance.pdf
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.
_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-
PE Timetable Spring 2025.pdfPupil 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.
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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