Newsletter 1 - Spring Term
8th January 2026
Embedded Files
-Our calendar-
You can add our Google Events calendar to your device - scroll to the bottom of the calendar and click/tap 'Add to Google Calendar'
-Attendance-
Year 3 - 97.1%
Year 4 - 96.8%
Year 5- 97.1%
Year 6 - 94.8%
Whole school - 96.5%
-Don't forget-
Pupils should bring a coat to school year day during winter months
- This Week -
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you all! I hope you had a restful and joyous Christmas break with your families. It has been a pleasure to see the children return to school this week with such energy and enthusiasm, ready to dive into a brand-new term of learning.
Our Christian Value Focus: Service
Our Christian Value Focus: Service
This half term, our collective focus is on the Christian Value of Service.
In our worship this week, we began by exploring the concept of "greatness." We challenged ourselves to think about how the world often defines greatness - through fame, power, or wealth. We then turned to the example of Jesus, the Servant King.
We discussed how Jesus turned the idea of greatness on its head, teaching us that to be truly great is to serve others. This perspective shifts our focus from what we can gain for ourselves to what we can give to our community.
As a school, we have been reflecting that service doesn't always have to be a grand, heroic gesture. We are focusing on discretionary effort: those small, thoughtful actions that we choose to do simply because they make someone else’s day better.
We have been so proud to see our pupils putting this into practice already by:
Holding open doors for one another and for staff.
Using their best manners with a sincere "please" and "thank you".
Stepping in to help a friend who might be struggling or lonely during playtime.
By focusing on these small acts, we are building a culture where everyone feels seen and supported. Thank you for your continued partnership as we encourage the children to grow in service this term. Our half term ends with the 'Mini Market' - a brilliant and uniquely-SASM event where pupils organise and run their own market stall to raise money to help those in need as part of the Bishop's Lent Call.
Reflections on Epiphany
Reflections on Epiphany
For some of our families, Epiphany is the main celebration of the Christmas period. We were also joined by Reverend Carole this week, who helped us explore the story of Epiphany. It was a wonderful opportunity to look closer at the arrival of the Wise Men. The children learnt some historical context that often gets lost in tradition, such as the "Three Kings" were likely not kings at all, but Magi or scholars and they almost certainly did not visit Jesus while he was still in the stable.
Autumn Term Attendance and Assessment Reports
Autumn Term Attendance and Assessment Reports
On Friday, we will be sending out the results of pupils' autumn assessments via email. This includes your child's score in reading, maths and grammar, spelling and punctuation (GPS). An explanation of the scores will be included within the report. Please note that termly assessments reflect a snapshot in time and many factors can influence a test result. To reduce anxiety surrounding assessment, 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.
Family Hubs - coming up
Family Hubs - coming up
We believe in working closely with families to support pupils and children. We run a range of informal workshops at our Family Hub in school. These run most Fridays (8.45-10am) and are led by a member of the SASM team (either Sarah Crowther, Emily Woodward or Alison Miller) and sometimes include external speakers. Everyone is welcome - these sessions are a chance to learn, share, ask questions, support, chat and make friends.
The schedule for this term is shown here. Our next session is Friday 16th January, where Mr Gates and Miss Woodward will be
Year 5 begin the Archbishops' Young Leaders Award
Year 5 begin the Archbishops' Young Leaders Award
Year 5 pupils have officially begun their journey with the Archbishops' Young Leaders Award (AYLA), a staple of our curriculum that provides a unique opportunity for our students to put their faith and values into tangible action.
Designed to empower children to "be the change they want to see," the award encourages pupils to look beyond the school gates, exploring leadership as a form of service and finding their voices as courageous advocates for justice and kindness.
This program ties perfectly into our school-wide focus on Service this half term, as Year 5 move from individual acts of discretionary effort toward collective community action, following the biblical principle of the Servant King who came not to be served, but to serve.
The children are currently in the "research and design" phase—identifying local needs and choosing the causes they feel most passionate about—and we look forward to sharing more details soon regarding the specific charities each class has chosen and the exciting community events they are planning.
In the news this week
The National Year of Reading is a special year, created to help children and adults in the UK enjoy reading more. Everyone is encouraged to explore all kinds of stories, books, comics, magazines, websites, and even audiobooks, with the theme ‘Go All In’. Throughout the year, schools, libraries, and communities will run fun events and challenges to help everyone find a type of reading they love.
Things to talk at home…
Talk to someone at home about the types of books or other materials you enjoy reading.
Ask an adult to describe their reading journey, e.g. what they liked reading as a child, what they read now.
Why do you think fewer people read in today’s world? What do you think of the initiative – is it good idea in your view?
Message from ADVANCED TREE SERVICES LIMITED – Working in Partnership with Royal Borough of Kingston
Please be aware that we will be carrying out essential tree works on behalf of the Council on Maple Road starting Monday 12th January 2026 for approx. 3 weeks. For the works to be completed quickly and smoothly with minimum disruption, we would request that no vehicles are parked below the signed off tree/trees and to be aware of cones and road signs on site.
We thank you in anticipation of your cooperation in this request. If you have any queries regarding this matter, please call our office on 01483 210066
KMS Instrumental Play-Along Day: Elevate Your Ensemble Skills!
KMS Instrumental Play-Along Day: Elevate Your Ensemble Skills!
Join this open workshop designed to challenge and inspire young musicians. We are offering three parallel sessions led by expert KMS and Tiffin School staff, ensuring every player works at an appropriate, inspiring level.
Progression Levels:
Progression Levels:
1.Senior Ensemble (Grade 5+): Focus on advanced ensemble skills and varied, demanding repertoire.
2.Intermediate Ensemble (Grades 3-5): Focus on developing advanced ensemble skills and engaging repertoire.
3.Debut Ensemble (Grades 1-3): Emphasis on confidence, fundamental skills, and enjoyable, accessible repertoire.
The workshop is suitable for orchestral instruments, plus piano, guitar, and percussion for selected pieces. The day includes full ensemble and sectional rehearsals, concluding with a Showcase Concert for parents at 3.30pm! (Please note: Lunch is not provided.)
Logistics:
Logistics:
Date: Saturday, 10th of January 2026
Venue: The Guildhall, Central Kingston
Cost: £25 per pupil (Pupil Premium families, please contact us!)
* If your child has a KMS lesson scheduled on this day and wishes to join one of the above sessions later, please contact us directly for a discount.
Secure your place now:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/95268
Places available on a number of parenting groups starting in Kingston
There are places available on free parenting groups which will be starting next term in the Kingston borough.
The Parenting Puzzle/Nurturing Program for parents and carers of primary school aged children.
Workshops for parents of children aged up to 10 years
Teen Life for parents and carers of children aged 10-16 years with a diagnosis of ASD
Please see attached posters for more information about each group.
Please contact Karen Williams for further information.
- Repeat notices -
Smartphones
Whilst this article has been included in the newsletter weekly this year, we have had a number of enquires from families about smartphones following Christmas.
Pupils are not be permitted to bring a phone to school unless families have attended Smartphone Awareness Training. If your child brings in a smartphone, we will ask for it to be collected from the office by an adult.
The aim of the training is to explain the school's approach and some emerging concerns about smartphone use for young people and to provide key tips about how to keep your child safe online. The training video will run in the Science Lab at key school events and your next opportunity to view this will be at the Spring Term Parent Consultations, where the training will be on shown on a loop in the Lab. The flowchart below explains the process:
SASM has been working with parent representatives from the Smartphone Free Childhood Movement. You may wish to sign the SASM Parent/Carer Smartphone Pledge , where 135 families have pledged to not give their children a smartphone until at least they are in Year 9.
Online safety guidance for neurodivergent children
Online safety guidance for neurodivergent children
Online scams like trust trades and fake giveaways can cause harm and upset to all children, but neurodivergent children are at greater risk of falling victim to scams. Internet Matters have worked with Ambitious about Autism and Roblox to create new resources to help families with neurodivergent children learn and stay safe from scams within games.
There’s a guide for parents, a video for children and young people, plus stories for families to read and discuss together to explore the risks, with practical actions for children to take to help stay protected.
-Community opportunities-
Fostering opportunities in Kingston
New Opportunities in Kingston
Kingston Community Fridge Simply turn up and collect surplus food from local supermarkets gathered that day.
Square one cafe - Square 1 Cafes are safe and inclusive spaces. Everyone is welcome and everything is free.
More information about community support can be found here: https://www.sasm.kingston.sch.uk/parents-carers/community-support
Think Pharmacy First
Most pharmacies in England are now providing the Pharmacy First service.
This free NHS service allows you or your child to get quick access to healthcare advice for the following seven conditions:
Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
Sore throats (aged 5 years and over)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)
If you or your child has symptoms that suggest you may have one of these conditions, you can walk into a pharmacy and be offered a consultation with a pharmacist in a private consultation room.
The pharmacist will provide advice and, if clinically necessary, a prescription medicine to treat the condition (the normal NHS prescription charge rules apply to people aged 16 and over).
Think Pharmacy First!
Find out more by watching the Pharmacy First animation or visiting nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst
'Helping children with....' Webinars for parents 2025-2026
Achieving for Children’s Mental Health Support Teams are delivering a series of webinars for parents of primary-aged children. The ‘Helping Children with …’ series of webinars will cover a range of common difficulties experienced by children and will aim to share evidence-based strategies to help parents and carers support their children with these difficulties. We have included a list of webinars on offer over the coming months. Click here to book your place
Copy of 2025_26 - Helping children series flier.docxAutumn 2 25_26 Parent information leaflet.pptx.pdf
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.
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 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)
Please speak to Mrs Miller if you would like help to apply.
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.
Achieving 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 have a team dedicated to supporting the needs of young carers (aged 5-18), with 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 Notices-
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.
-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
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.
PE Days
3B - Thursday (indoor and outdoor)
3H - Wednesday (indoor), Friday (outdoor)
3N - Tuesday (indoor and outdoor)
4M - Wednesday (indoor), Thursday (outdoor)
4R - Tuesday (indoor and outdoor)
4S - Monday (indoor and outdoor)
5J- Thursday (outdoor), Friday (indoor)
5L - Wednesday (outdoor), Friday (indoor)
5S - Monday (indoor and outdoor)
6G - Wednesday (indoor and outdoor)
6M - Thursday (indoor and outdoor)
6MC - Tuesday (outdoor), Friday (indoor)
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.
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
It's 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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