Newsletter 10 - Summer Term
29th June 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 - 97.4%
Year 4 - 96.9%
Year 5- 97.1%
Year 6 - 95.5%
Whole school - 96.7%
-Don't forget-
Tuesday 30th June - children and families will find out their new class teachers
Wednesday 1st July - Transition Day - pupils spend the morning with their new class teacher
Friday 3rd July - SASMFest - non-uniform (mufti) day for all pupils. School drop-off and pick-up as normal
- This Week -
SASM Beats the Heat!
With a number of measures in place last week, pupils were able to continue learning and thriving at SASM. Thank you to all of our families for your support during the challenging heatwave.
Our comprehensive hot weather plan was in place across the school, which included: a relaxed dress code allowing pupils to wear their PE kits; classroom temperature monitoring with the use of air-conditioned spaces; heavily modified PE lessons and even 3 air-conditioned cinema rooms at lunchtimes! To keep everyone safe and shaded, our team was busy checking for hats and water bottles at the gate. Many classes combined to share the air-conditioned spaces, using our Chromebooks to keep learning moving.
Looking ahead to September
Looking ahead to September
On Tuesday 30th June, Mr Gates will be visiting each class to let them know who their teacher will be next year. On Wednesday 1st July, pupils will spend some of the morning in their new classroom with their new class teacher and supporting adults. This important transition activity helps to build relationships and reduce pupils' worries prior to the start of the new academic year in September.
At SASM, we keep learning all the way through to last day of term and we are excited to look ahead to our upcoming, whole-school "Sense of Place" Fullness Focus week.
Coming soon: the learning in the final week of term
Coming soon: the learning in the final week of term
Throughout this special week of learning, our pupils will dive into immersive activities designed to explore how they fit into their local community and the wider world by progressively "zooming" their geographical perspectives. The children will start with a global outlook by investigating Fairtrade and tracking how everyday items travel across the globe straight to a dot labelled "Surbiton," before examining the vital role Surbiton Station plays as a sustainable national transport link and mapping our town's distinct human and physical features. The exploration then shifts closer to home as children map their own families' unique migration journeys to Surbiton and create personalised "footprint" maps of their favourite local spots. To conclude this inspiring project, our pupils will design their own Surbiton Eco-Pledges, discovering how their small, everyday actions can make a powerful, positive impact on both our local environment and the wider planet. The week will end with some critical transition activities to prepare pupils for their new classes in September.
The Big 'Sleep'
The Big 'Sleep'
Last Friday, many of our Year 4 pupils embarked on a magical wizarding adventure during the annual Big Sleep event, braving the scorching 30°C+ heat of the playground with incredible enthusiasm!
Arriving through a secret "Platform 9 ¾", the children were sorted into houses before rotating through an array of spellbinding activities, including potion-infused Bubbleology , Quidditch in the 'Forbidden Forest' , and Harry Potter-themed food making. After refuelling with evening hot dogs and enjoying some well-deserved playtime, our evening guests headed home.
Although we were sad to not able to run the sleepover element of the evening this year due to the extreme heat, we were thrilled that the evening went ahead. A massive thank you to all of our incredible volunteers who braved the summer heat and gave up their time after a long week at school to make this enchanting night such a memorable success!
SASMFest is this week!
SASMFest is this week!
SASMFest 2026 taking place this Friday afternoon, 3rd July! This fantastic summer fair is a non-uniform (mufti) day, so please ensure your child wears appropriate clothing for being outside in the expected weather. The festival runs from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm for pupils only. Everyone is looking forward to a variety of stalls —including festival glitter, friendship bracelets and an ice cream parlour —alongside a quiet craft cabin as well as dance club performance. To keep things healthy, the PTA has reduced sugary treats and introduced a token reward system where the year group with the most tokens wins extra playtime.
A huge thank you to Mrs Morgan for coordinating this wonderful event and to our brilliant parent volunteers whose support helps fund our educational visits.
Thank you also for your donations to support the event - all of the money raised helps keep educational visit day-trips free for all pupils - this is a rare offer in a school and we're thrilled it is able to continue with your support.
SASM Safer Travel Poster Competition Winner
SASM Safer Travel Poster Competition Winner
We are absolutely delighted to announce the winner of our SASM Safer Travel Poster Competition! A huge congratulations goes to Ines in Year 4, whose fantastic and informative design perfectly captured the vital safety messages we promote around our school community.
Her wonderful artwork highlighted crucial road safety reminders, including why a "20 is plenty" speed limit is essential to prevent accidents, how to navigate zebra crossings safely, the importance of always buckling up seat belts and a clear warning for drivers to park responsibly and stay off the zigzag lines outside the gates.
Ines' winning poster will soon be proudly displayed outside our school to help keep everyone safe. Thank you so much to all the children who submitted entries and please continue to support us by driving and parking safely during drop-off and pick-up times.
In the news this week
Scientist are monitoring a climate trend called El Niño, which begins in the Pacific Ocean and can affect weather in different parts of the world. It can bring heavy rain and flooding to some countries while others may experience very hot, dry weather. Experts are helping communities understand what might happen in their area so they can be ready, if needed.
Things to talk at home…
What is your favourite type of weather and why?
Have you or anyone at home ever had to change your plans because of the weather?
What would you pack if you didn’t know whether it would be rainy or sunny?
Why might some people need to prepare more carefully for certain types of weather?
Summer_2_2026.pdfThe Kingston Family Hub and Children’s Centres
The Kingston Family Hub and Children’s Centres
The Kingston Family Hub and Children’s Centres have released their Summer Term 2026 activity programme. While the vast majority of the scheduled sessions are targeted at families with young children aged 0 to 5 years—including Stay & Play sessions, sensory classes, and infant feeding drop-ins—there are several valuable resources available for parents of older children as well.
For SASM families navigating the later primary school years, the programme highlights dedicated parenting courses and 1-to-1 parenting support appointments to offer guidance on routines and behavior. Additionally, older children can benefit from a drop-in Youth Club session specifically designed for pupils in Year 5 to Year 7, which runs on Wednesday evenings from 5:15pm to 7:15pm at the Old Malden Family Hub, offering a safe space to play games, cook, and socialise.
Please don't bring toys or junk food to school.
Please don't bring toys or junk food to school.
To ensure a focused learning environment, we kindly ask that families remind students not to bring toys or other non-essential objects into school. This includes sweets or other forms of junk food.
These items can often cause arguments, distractions or safety concerns during the school day.
-Repeat Notices-
Health and safety - please do not use the equipment at the end of the school day.
Health and safety - please do not use the equipment at the end of the school day.
We would like to kindly remind all parents, carers, and pupils that the outdoor play equipment is strictly off-limits before and after the school day. While we love seeing the children’s enthusiasm for play, the equipment is only supervised by staff during designated school hours to ensure everyone's safety. To prevent any accidents or injuries during the busy pickup period, please ensure your children remain with you and stay off the apparatus once they have been dismissed from class. Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping the St Andrew’s and St Mark’s community safe!
Donations of picnic blankets welcome
Donations of picnic blankets welcome
We are looking to enhance our outdoor spaces at SASM and are currently inviting donations of picnic blankets to support a new initiative. Our goal is to create a dedicated area in the front garden where children can enjoy quiet games and relaxation during lunchtimes. If you have any spare blankets in good condition that you would be happy to part with, please drop them off at the school office. Thank you!
-Community opportunities-
Please add your details to this form to register your interest for Rock Squad.
Moving Matters Our May half-term holiday camps are now open. As a valued member school, you have access to an exclusive 20% discount using the code MEMBER20.
Please note that this offer is only available until midnight on 17th May, after which the discount will expire.
Parent advice clinic parent communication Sept 25.pdfPS - School Holiday May Half Term (A4).pdfYSE Flyer 2026.pdfSummer Hockey 2026.pdf
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 - Monday (indoor) and Wednesday (outdoor)
3H - Tuesday (indoor) and Wednesday (outdoor)
3N - Tuesday (outdoor) and Wednesday (indoor)
4D - Wednesday (swimming) and Thursday (outdoor)
4B - Tuesday (outdoor) and Wednesday (swimming)
4S - Monday (outdoor) and Wednesday (swimming)
5J- Thursday (outdoor) and Friday (indoor)
5L - Wednesday (indoor) and Thursday (outdoor)
5JW - Monday (indoor and outdoor)
6G - Wednesday (outdoor) and Thursday (indoor)
6M - Wednesday (outdoor) and Thursday (indoor)
6MC - Tuesday (indoor and outdoor)
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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