Newsletter 6 - Summer Term
22nd May 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 - 97.2%
Year 4 - 96.9%
Year 5- 97.1%
Year 6 - 95.5%
Whole school - 96.7%
-Don't forget-
No school on Monday 1st June - INSET day.
Pupils return to school on Tuesday 2nd June
- This Week -
Message from the Headteacher
Message from the Headteacher
What a fantastic way to wrap up the half term! The energy and enthusiasm during our Sports Week activities have been absolutely brilliant, culminating in a wonderful whole-school Sports Day today at Victoria Park. It was incredible to see all our pupils push themselves in their Personal Bests , show outstanding teamwork and dive into everything from cricket tournaments to karate and water sports. We are so incredibly proud of the determination, sportsmanship and joy shown by all of our children. It was a hot day for Sports Day and we are grateful to our amazing PTA for supplying ice lollies for our children at the end of the day.
It is a busy time of year and we are saying goodbye to Miss O'Kelly who has successfully completed her Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. Miss O'Kelly has been a fantastic member of the year 4 team, supporting pupils both in class and on the playground. We wish her every success in the future.
Have a restful half term break. Monday 1st June is an INSET day and there is no school for pupils. Pupils return to school on Tuesday 2nd June.
Y5 Riverside Art & History Adventure!
Y5 Riverside Art & History Adventure!
To wrap up their rivers topic, Year 5 enjoyed a fantastic trip to the Stanley Picker Gallery, which linked together their learning in geography, art and history.
On their walk, the children observed the mouth of the Hogsmill River where it joins the Thames. Inspired by the gallery's Standing for the River exhibition, they discussed the vital importance of keeping our waterways clean. At the gallery, students let their creativity flow! They sketched imaginative drawings of river life and crafted vibrant collages celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Tying in with their history topic, the children also visited Kingston's ancient King’s Stone, the legendary coronation site of seven Anglo-Saxon kings.
Well done, Year 5! You were brilliant environmentalists, artists and historians all in one morning.
Sports Morning
Sports Morning
On Monday, the whole took part in a morning of 'Personal Bests' in the playground, working their way through a varied circuit of athletic challenges. This is the final point in a half-term of practice in PE lessons.
The children demonstrated great focus and determination across all tracking stations, which included timed events like the Bounce challenge, Skipping, Fast feet ladders, Hurdles, and Football dribbling. Working hard to maximise their scores, they also measured distances and accuracy in the javelin, standing jump, triple jump, target throw, sitting throw, and chest push.
SASM Joins The E-Waste Race
SASM Joins The E-Waste Race
We are excited to announce our participation in the E-Waste Race, a sustainability competition where schools compete with other local schools to collect and recycle small electronic waste. From May 11th to June 12th, we are appealing to all families to clear out their drawers and donate old, small electrical items -such as broken phones, tablets, chargers, cables and keyboards - to help us earn points. Please ensure that items are small enough to fit in our designated collection bins and are not hazardous; we cannot accept large appliances, loose batteries or items with leaking or swollen batteries. Please bring all donations to the office.
By participating, our pupils are not only learning about the circular economy but also compete for a grand prize, with scoring based on the average weight of e-waste collected per student.
Thank you for supporting SASM as we race to protect the planet!
As the race begins, we have ended week one 6th in the league table. Keep bringing in your old electronic devices and cables - let's see if we can take the top spot!
Year 6 Kayaking
Year 6 Kayaking
Our Year 6 pupils had a fantastic time developing their paddling skills during their recent kayaking trip on with Thames with Albany Outdoors. 6M, 6G and 6MC took to the water in staggered sessions throughout the day, showing great enthusiasm and building confidence on the river. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to experience outdoor water sports and everyone did an excellent job representing SASM on the water.
Year 3 and 4 Karate
Year 3 and 4 Karate
Pupils in Year 3 and Year 4 took part in engaging karate sessions held in the school hall. Led by an experienced instructor, the children were introduced to the fundamental elements of the martial art, focusing on basic stances, control and discipline. The taster sessions provided a great opportunity for the pupils to develop their core strength, balance and coordination in a structured environment. It was fantastic to see pupils channelling such high levels of focus and respect throughout their training.
Year 5 Dragon Boat Racing
Year 5 Dragon Boat Racing
Our Year 5 students also took to the water for an exciting day of dragon boat racing. Working together in large teams, the children had to synchronise their paddling and maintain a steady rhythm to power their boats across the water. The event was a fantastic test of teamwork, communication and stamina, with all the pupils pulling together brilliantly. It was wonderful to see the SASM spirit on full display as the children cheered each other on in a fun and energetic competitions.
Sportsperson inspires SASM
Sportsperson inspires SASM
On Wednesday, we welcomed a very special guest, para-swimmer and Olympic hopeful Charlie Hyde. Charlie spoke to Year 6, sharing inspiring stories of dedication and what it takes to train at an elite level. She then spent time working directly with individual classes, giving students a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn about the commitment behind a high-level sporting career. It was a wonderful and motivating experience for our pupils, leaving the Year 6s feeling inspired to pursue their own goals.
Farewell Miss O'Kelly
Farewell Miss O'Kelly
At half term, we will be saying goodbye to Miss O'Kelly who has successfully completed her Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. Miss O'Kelly has been a fantastic member of the year 4 team, supporting pupils both in class and on the playground. We wish her every success in the future.
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.
In the news this week
Last weekend, football teams Manchester City and Chelsea competed in the Men’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. The FA (Football Association) Cup is one of the oldest football competitions in the world, with teams from across England and Wales taking part each year. Millions of people watched the match, supporting their teams and hoping to see them win the famous trophy. For the players, reaching the final is a huge achievement after months of hard work.
Things to talk at home…
Can you think of a time when you won something – what did that teach you?
What about a time you didn’t win – what did that teach you?
In your opinion, why do some people keep trying even after losing?
Talk together about how you believe we should behave when you lose.
From 20:00 Sunday 17 May until 22:00 Thursday 18 June, St Mark’s Hill and Lamberts Road will be closed at their junctions with Ewell Road due to UK Power Network mains replacement works.
Routes 281, 662, K2 and K4 will be diverted, with routes 281 and K2 not serving stops at Surbiton station. During this closure, please use alternative stops.
Routes 281 and K2 will serve all stops on request on diversion via Maple Road and Surbiton Hill Road.
Route K4 will serve all stops on request on diversion via Claremont Road, Maple Road, Beaufort Road and Lingfield Avenue.
Route 662 will serve all stops on request on diversion via ahead Claremont
Road, Maple Road and Surbiton Hill Road.
-Repeat Notices-
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check
As our Year 4 pupils prepare for the upcoming Summer Term, we would like to share some information regarding the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) taking place in June. This digital assessment consists of 25 questions designed to determine whether children can fluently recall their times tables up to 12x12, a foundational skill that supports success in many other areas of mathematics.
The check is quick, taking no more than five minutes, and is designed to be an inclusive experience with various access arrangements available for those who need them. While no special preparation is required beyond our usual focus on number fluency, we encourage you to continue practising times tables at home to help build your child's confidence. Further details on how the results are used to support student progress can be found in the official MTC Parent Guide.
What can I do to support my child?
The best way to practise is to make times tables part of your daily routine. We highly recommend consistent use of Doodle Tables, which adapts to your child’s specific level to build confidence. Beyond the screen, you can bring numbers to life by practising times tables through rhythmic chanting or fun rhymes, and turning the commute into a "maths challenge" by asking quick-fire questions on the way to school. For a deeper look at our curriculum and more creative ways to boost your child’s numeracy at home, please explore the SASM Mathematics page.
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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