Newsletter 2 - Summer Term
30th April 2025
Embedded Files
-Reminders-
Don't forget!
It's now Summer uniform (polo shirts and summer dresses permitted). Smart black shoes remain required
Looking ahead:
Friday 9th May - 5M Class Collective Worship (3:00-3:15am in the hall) - 5M families welcome
-Attendance-
What is our school attendance?
Year 3 = 96.9%
Year 4 = 97.3%
Year 5 = 96.9%
Year 6 = 94.7%
-Coming Up-
Coming up in the next 7 days:
Friday 2nd May - 5L Class Collective Worship (9:00-9:15am in the hall) - 5L families welcome
Friday 2nd May - 5J Class Collective Worship (3:00-3:15am in the hall) - 5J families welcome
Thursday 8th May - Red, white and blue mufti (non-uniform) day - 80th Anniversary of VE Day
-This Week-
Thought For The Term
From Reverend Robert Stainer
Reflecting on the response to Pope Francis’ death, I have been led to consider not so much what he said as his manner of being.
In terms of actual policy, for example, Francis changed very little. If the Catholic Church can be seen on a spectrum from conservative to liberal, then Francis managed not to satisfy either wing.
Conservatives were always worried that, in the spirit of generosity and moving with the times, Pope Francis might be tempted to change the Catholic Church’s position on, for example, having women in the priesthood, or on advocating same sex marriages; conversely, liberals were always frustrated that, while Francis was superficially welcoming to people living liberal lifestyles, or to women’s theological perspectives, he did not actually change canon law about anything. Indeed, it is very hard to point to a clear-cut change that he made or position he took on anything at all, be that confronting Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, or on dealing with gay relationships. From all of that, it would be understandable if people felt that he was a failure as a pope.
And yet on his death there was a genuine outpouring of respect and love for him, a sense that he was a great pope. What is that about?
I think it’s that, in encounter after encounter, people who met him experienced a life force entirely motivated by love for his fellow humans. Whatever the failings with regard to structural change, his attitude was one that touched people, and encouraged them to flourish. People could sense that he lived a simple life, and detected in him a faith in God that transmitted itself to them.
There’s that old proverb, “It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it,” which I think became a hit for Bananarama in the Eighties. On the one hand, it’s hardly the most profound statement in the world, but I think Pope Francis’ life points us back to it, whatever faith position we hold: to reconsider not so much what we believe as how we interact with people, and he encourages us always to do so from a position of love. Thus, the love and admiration for Francis comes less from a sense of what he achieved as the way he went about it. And that can encourage us, too.
Year 5 visit the School on a River
Over the past week, each class of Year 5 pupils enjoyed a memorable day aboard the Thames Venturer as part of the River Thames Boat Project’s “School on the River” programme. This hands-on experience brought their learning to life through water quality testing, wildlife observation, and lessons about the river’s ecology and conservation. The trip offered a unique opportunity to explore science and geography in a real-world setting, sparking curiosity and deepening their connection to the natural environment.
Year 4 swimming begins
Today, our Year 4 pupils have begun their swimming lessons at the Malden Centre, taking to the water with great enthusiasm. The sessions at part of the National Curriculum and focus on developing water confidence, improving technique, and building essential swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active, learn an important life skill, and enjoy working towards personal progress in the pool each week.
Children's Choir Club
The Church children's choir restarts for the summer this Friday. The five sessions take place from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on the next five Fridays (2nd May, 9th May, 16th May, 23rd May, 30th May) at St Mark's church, leading up to singing at the service on Sunday 1st June. The sessions are absolutely free. All a child needs is to like to sing!
Quite a few SASM children go, from each year group, so anyone joining for the first time will find someone they know. Parents/ carers can stay at the back of church during the session or just drop their child off to get picked up at 5.30pm. If you have any questions, contact Father Robert on robertstanier@btinternet.com.
80th Anniversary of VE Day
Next Thursday (8th May), we’ll be marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special red, white and blue mufti day to commemorate this significant moment in history. As part of the celebrations, our Learning MPs will lead a Collective Worship on the Tuesday beforehand, helping us reflect on the importance of peace, remembrance, and gratitude. We look forward to seeing everyone dressed in patriotic colours as we honour this milestone together.
April.MOVMentor Moments: Balloon Breathing
In this week’s Mentor Moments video, our Year 6 Peer Mentors guide us through a simple but powerful calming technique called Balloon Breathing.
Using imagination and deep breathing, children are encouraged to picture a balloon growing as they breathe in and gently floating away as they breathe out. It’s a fun and easy way to help manage big feelings, reset during the day and feel more focused.
✨ Perfect for the classroom, playground, or at home!
🎥 Watch the video and give it a try!
Let us know if you’ve used it - we’d love to hear how it helped!
In the news this week
Many workers in Birmingham have been on strike (choosing not to work) since January, because they believe they are not being treated or paid fairly. The workers on strike are the people whose job it is to collect rubbish and empty the bins from outside homes and streets. As an all-out strike has now been going on since 11th March, huge piles or rubbish are building up around the city.
Things to talk at home…
Talk to someone at home about what happens to your rubbish. Where do you take it? Do you know where it goes later? What about recycling?
Tell someone at home about this week’s story. What do you think it might be like for some people living in Birmingham at the moment?
Sports Week is coming!
Monday 19th May - Friday 23rd May 2025
Pupils should attend in their PE kit all of sports week (with hats and water bottles in school and sun cream applied at home). There are a wide range of exciting opportunities for pupils to get active, from karate to kayaking!
Brief timetable for the week for all year groups:
We have decided to not invite parents/carers to the Playground Personal Bests event this year. However, all parents/carers are invited to attend Sports Day in Victoria Park (see details below). Further information about the Dragon Boat Racing and Kayaking has been sent via ParentMail.
Tuesday 20th May - Sports Day in Victoria Park
9.30am to approximately 11.00am
Pupils will be competing as a class against the other classes in their year group. There are a range of races, from relays to sack races! All children are encouraged to participate, as whilst winning is celebrated, our primary focus is on being active and taking part.
As this is a public space, we are unable to prevent photos and videos being taken at this event but please be mindful to only take photos of your own child and to not share photos of others on social media platforms.
In order for us to safeguard children, parents and carers are not permitted to interact with any pupils during this event. Pupils sit in-between 2 race tracks and parents and carers are invited to attend and view the races on the outside of each track. Please do not enter the areas reserved for pupils.
This event is weather-dependent and a final decision will be made on the day as to whether the event will go ahead: we will communicate via ParentMail should this event need to be cancelled.
Coming soon to Year 4, the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)
Over the next half term, Year 4 pupils will be working towards sitting the Multiplication Tables Check (known as the MTC) in June. The purpose of the check is to determine whether your child can fluently recall their times tables up to 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. Click here for more information about the check.
The MTC is an on-screen check consisting of 25 times table questions. Your child will be able to answer 3 practice questions before taking the actual check. They will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Pupils receieve a dedicated 20-minute times tables lesson during the school week and complete practice on TTRockstars as part of their home learning. We also ask parents and carers to continue to support pupils to practice their tables regularly at home.
Lunchtime listening with Carole
We’re pleased to share that Carole, our school chaplain, will be available in the LRC during some of our lunchtimes from next week to offer support to pupils.
Carole is a warm and approachable presence in school, and she’s there for any child who may want someone to talk to – whether to share a worry, have a chat, or simply connect with a friendly adult. We’re grateful to have her as part of our pastoral support for pupils.
Family Links Parenting Programme
We are excited to announce that we will be delivering the very popular 'Family Links' parenting programme here at school! This is currently delivered by AFC Kingston at various locations across Kingston and Richmond but due to high demand there can be a wait of several months in order to secure a place. Please take a look at the following link for further information -https://www.centreforemotionalhealth.org.uk/more-information/for-families/
The programme is for Parents and Carers and will start after Easter. It will be delivered every Tuesday for 10 weeks - 9am - 11am, starting 6th May and finishing 15th July. Parents and Carers would be expected to commit to attending all 10 weeks. Please speak to Ali Miller for further information.
This will be delivered by Ali Miller, School Community Worker and also Karen Williams, Parenting Lead for Kingston.
Final Dates for this Academic Year
Final Dates for this Academic Year
Friday 23rd May
Friday 27th June
Friday 18th July
Just a reminder of the amazing products we sell at fantastic prices! Come and find us on the playground outside the hall before and after school on the dates shown.
These prices are for 500ml refills but you can of course buy in larger quantities if you wish. Please bring your own bottles to refill and help reduce plastic waste.
Body wash and bubble bath - £2.70 Coconut, Pink Grapefruit and Aloe Vera or tea tree and mint.
Shampoo - £2.70 Pink Grapefruit
Handmade soap bars - £2.30 Aloe Vera, Dragon fruit or Coconut
Hand wash - £2.20 Sweet Clementine, Cucumber and Aloe Vera or Lime, Basil and Mandarin
Washing Up liquid - £1.50 Apple Orchard or Wild Rhubarb and Lemon
BRAND NEW PRODUCT!!! ECO SPONGE SCOURER - ONLY £2
We need donations of empty (cleaned) 500ml bottles, to use if a customer forgets to bring their own bottle!
Please save your old shower gel, shampoo, washing-up liquid and handwash containers and give them to our office team. Thank you! So far the ECO shop has saved 80 plastics bottles!
ADHD Teacher Training and Coffee Mornings for Primary & Secondary Schools
We would like to remind all schools of the training and services ADHD Embrace offering to the local communities in the borough of Kingston & Richmond.
We can offer to all schools the following provisions:
ADHD Teacher Training and Coffee Mornings for Primary & Secondary Schools
We would like to remind all schools of the training and services ADHD Embrace offering to the local communities in the borough of Kingston & Richmond.
We can offer to all schools the following provisions:
Teacher Training for teachers, teaching assistants or all staff, tailored to Primary or Secondary schools, providing an overview into the condition and talking about practical strategies to use in the classrooms.
Coffee Mornings (or Afternoon Teas) for parents and carers of children with or without a diagnosis of ADHD, to signpost the local support services available.
We are now taking bookings for the autumn term. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us to book your training or to ask for more information: laura.e@adhdembrace.org
Your Healthcare – Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Social Media
Your Healthcare – Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Social Media
Your Healthcare’s Children’s Speech and Language Therapy team have relaunched their Facebook page and Instagram account to support families. You can find these links here on the local offer. Families can find practical advice, tips, resources, and information about the team as well as providing a platform for connection for families experiencing similar challenges.
Smartphone Free Pledge
SASM was featured in Surbiton Good Life last term, which covered how the school has been working with parents and carers to create our own smartphone pledge. We have a growing number of parents and carers who have signed the pledge to delay giving their child a smartphone. Knowing other parents are delaying helps alleviate the pressure to expose children to the risks of smart devices and social media.
This pledge is optional and anonymous but we will share the number of pupils whose parents have completed this pledge in our newsletter. You can take the pledge by clicking here. 108 SASM parents and carers have signed this so far.
-Repeat Notices-
Road safety on Maple Road
We would like to remind everyone of the importance of road safety on Maple Road, particularly during pick-up and drop-off times, following a near miss this morning involving a member of the public and their child.
To ensure everyone’s safety, please observe speed limits, do not park illegally, use the designated crossing. It is particularly important to refrain from stopping or parking on yellow lines and near junctions, as these areas are designed to protect pedestrians and maintain clear visibility. We also ask for patience and courtesy to make this busy time safer for everyone and ensure our school is a positive force in our local community.
Road safety for children
If your child walks to school on their own, it is important they know how to cross roads, including zebra crossings safely. Please click here for more information about Road Safety for children.
WANTED
Donations of board games for our new 'Lunchtime board games Club'
Please check that there are no missing pieces and that the game is in good condition.
Safer Schools App
Safer Schools App
Safer Schools App
We would encourage all parents/carers to download the Safer Schools app for free push notifications about online safety and helpful advice. You can download the app using the instructions here.
Worried about a child?
Worried about a child?
Do you have concerns about a child?
Adults - you can contact the Single Point of Access to request support, or to report a concern about a child or young person. Click here to make a referral. You can also call for advice. Opening hours: From 8.00am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8.00am to 5.00pm on Friday - call 020 8547 5008 (Out of hours, phone 020 8770 5000). If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger call 999. Referrals are not limited to safeguarding. The Single Point of Access acts as a signposting service to other services, including mental health. Matt Gates is our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Children with SEND
Children with SEND
How to support children with SEND
Please follow this link for further information and support. For Kingston & Richmond the number is:0800 028 8000
Winter Care
Winter Care
Winter Care
With flu and norovirus cases on the rise, here are some simple steps to help keep your child healthy this winter.
1. Teach good hygiene habits: Encourage children to wash their hands regularly and use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes to stop the spread of germs.
2. Know when to keep your child at home: Children can still attend school with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough, but should stay home if they have a high temperature, diarrhea and vomiting. Read NHS guidance to help you decide. Click here to read more.
-What's New? Community News-
Alexandra Recreation Ground All Stars Programme.pdfAlexandra Recreation Ground Dynamos Programme.pdfKingston Athletic Club Polytechnic harriers-2.pdfSummer Hockey 2025 A4 (004).jpg_Advert 2025 F (2).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!
Kingston Adult Education has a number of new workshops and short courses taking place this term that we think might be of interest to you:
FREE maths courses for adults to grow your numeracy confidence and help you to better support your children with their maths school work.
A series of two-hour Saturday family workshops where you (or another adult) and your child can spend quality time together while learning. Workshops cost £20 for one adult and one child and activities include cookery, computing, Italian and art, and jewellery making.
See this brochure for further details about these courses as well as Kingston Adult Education’s wider offering: bit.ly/KAE-Spring2025
Their classes take place both online and at centres across the Royal Borough of Kingston.
For further information, please contact Kingston Adult Education directly on 020 8547 6700 or at adult.education@kingston.gov.uk
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 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.
Supporting Our Families
Supporting Our Families
We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That is why we are pleased to be able to offer our families support in partnership with Kingston Foodbank.
Kingston Foodbank provide three days’ nutritionally-balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
Foodbank clients bring their vouchers to a foodbank centre where they can be redeemed for three days of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink or free hot meal, and are able to signpost people to other agencies that may able to them solve the longer-term problems.
Vouchers can be issued any day and at any time during the school week. These can be either printed or sent to you electronically via your mobile phone. This is a confidential service and vouchers are only allocated by Mrs Miller - School Community Worker.
Our nearest food collection points are listed below - please note the opening times.
Monday (6.00pm - 7.00pm)
Surbiton New Life Baptist Church
1 Balaclava Road
Surbiton
KT6 5PW
Tuesday and Friday (11.00am - 12.30pm)
Kingston Everyday Church
46 Union St, Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1RP
What is HENRY?
What is HENRY?
What is HENRY? HENRY is a UK charity working to give children a healthy, happy childhood so they thrive now and in the future. There are loads of useful ideas and resources for parents on the HENRY website.
Is the HENRY programme for me? The HENRY programme can help everyone with a primary-school aged child. Every parent who joins learns something new and useful. If you have at least one child of primary school age and can answer yes to any of the questions below then HENRY is for you...
Would you like to feel more confident as a parent?
Would you like support and ideas for helping your family be healthier?
Do you wish your child would eat a wider range of foods or more fruit and vegetables?
Would you like to reduce mealtime stress?
Would you like your children or family to be more active more often?
Are you interested in some ideas to get children away from screens?
Free School Meals
Free School Meals
If your child is eligible for free school meals but you prefer to provide them with packed lunches, it's still important to register. By doing so, the school receives additional funding called Pupil Premium which helps support your child in other ways.
Once you have registered for free school meals and we have received confirmation that you are eligible, your child will then be able to attend an enrichment club after school free of charge, as well as one session at our after school club. They will also qualify for the Holiday Activity and Food Programme, this is also known as FUEL (which stands for ‘Feed Ur Everyday Lives’) This programme offers free places at holiday clubs during the Easter, summer and Christmas breaks.
Children can enjoy 4 sessions during Easter, 16 sessions over the summer and 4 in winter, with lunch provided at the club. There are lots of clubs and activities to choose from across a range of dates, time and locations. Some activities include: cycling; film-making; yoga; technology and coding; skateboarding; art and crafts; cooking; indoor climbing; and lots of sports such as cricket, football, netball and rugby.
If you think you may be eligible and would like further information please contact the office and ask for Mrs Miller, our School Community Worker.
-School Reminders-
Healthy School Snacks
For our break time snack, we ensure pupils only have fresh fruit or a savoury snack which is full of goodness and will keep pupils full until lunch!
Whilst our team makes every effort to check and speak to pupils about snacks, our healthy approach places trust in parents and carers working with us to ensure this takes place.
Examples of permitted snacks include:
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Plain rice cakes
Plain breadsticks
Pure fruit, such as 'Yo-Yo Bears'
Plain crackers
Ryvita crackers
Bagels
Cream cheese
Marmite
Hummus
Babybels/Cheese triangles
Examples of snacks not permitted are:
Cereal bars
Cakes, biscuits or sweets
'Lunchbox' chocolate bars
Crisips
'Belvita' biscuits or 'Go Ahead' Bars
PE Kit and Timetable
PE TIMETABLE - SUMMER TERM 22nd April - 22nd July 2025
School PE kit to be worn only on PE days.
Red PE sweatshirt with the school logo
OR
Plain red PE sweatshirt with NO visible branding.
White t-shirt with the school logo
OR
Plain White t-shirt with NO visible branding.
Red Shorts
Plain black jogging/tracksuit bottoms with NO visible branding.
White or Grey Socks
Black Trainers. NO football studded shoes.
Pupil Premium Grants
All pupils at SASM are entitled to receive a free school lunch. To enable your child to access this, you must book your child's lunch via ParentPay.com.
If you were previously eligible for means tested free school meals or are in receipt of any of the following benefits...
income support
income-based job seeker's allowance
income-related employment and support allowance
the guarantee element of state pension credit
support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
child tax credit (but not working tax credit) and have an annual income of less than £16,190
working tax credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
...your child maybe eligible for a Pupil Premium Grant. This will gives your child access to:
This gives your child access to:
A free after school club every half term
A free 'stay and play' session in our Wrap Around Care each week
A free place at Breakfast Club every day
A discount on school residential visits
... and much more!
Please contact the school office if you have any issues with activating an account.
Changes to School Uniform
Thank you to the parents and carers who responded to our uniform survey. We have been carefully considering how to ensure our school uniform creates a sense of belonging, prepares pupils for the expectations of secondary school whilst keeping branded items to a minimum. From September 2025, there will be the following changes to our school uniform:
All pupils will be required to wear a shirt and school tie in the Autumn and Spring terms- this ensures consistency across all pupils and applies whether your child is wearing trousers, shorts, a skirt or a pinafore. It also represents the transition from the polo shirts of Infant School and prepares pupils for Year 7 and beyond, where they will be expected to wear a shirt, tie and blazer. In the Summer term only, polo shirts and summer dresses will be permitted.
Black trainers (without logos) will be permitted instead of smart black school shoes - we encourage our pupils to be active, from the Daily Mile to lunchtime activities. As a result, pupils will be able to attend from September with black trainers everyday; these must not display a logo. This also means that the same shoes can be used for PE and school uniform, making uniform for comfortable and affordable.
Lost Property
Please remember to label your child’s uniform, lunch box and water bottle. All named lost property will be returned to your child by the next school day. Unlabelled property will be kept for one week only in the school office.
Please send a water bottle with your child...
Its important to ensure that our pupils stay hydrated throughout the day. Please remember to send your child to school with a water bottle. To avoid any mix-ups, kindly label the bottle with your child's name. Thank you.
Parking outside SASM
If you are driving to drop your children off or pick them up from school, please park considerately on the surrounding roads. Please don't park over driveways or over the zig zag lines. This helps keep everyone safe.
Whilst the school is not responsible for enforcing street parking, we have advised our local community to report all instances of poor parking or behaviour to the police.
Uniform donations warmly welcomed!
If your child has outgrown their school uniform over the summer break (including shoes, plimsolls or trainers) and they are still in good condition, please consider donating them to our uniform shop. You can drop off any unwanted school uniform or shoes at the office.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
No toys in school please!
No toys in school please!
We would like to remind parents and carers that pupils are not permitted to bring their own toys or collectables into school. Not only do toys provide a distraction from pupils' learning, there is a potential for personal items to be misplaced. Please be aware that any lost toys, collectible cards or other play items are beyond the responsibility of the school.
No jewellery in school please!
No jewellery in school please!
Children can wear watches to school but the wearing of jewellery and earrings of all types is not permitted on safety grounds. Any child wearing earrings to school will be asked to remove them. If they are unable to remove them they will be required to stay inside during break and lunch times and will not be able to participate in any PE or physical activities.
No smart watches in school please!
No smart watches in school please!
Fitness trackers without smart watch capability are permitted but St Andrew’s and St Mark’s accept no responsibility for the loss or damage of these items. Smart watches, including iWatches- are not permitted due to their messaging capabilities.
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