Weekly Update from Mr Meehan

It has been a busy week at school, and, travelling around classes, it is evident to see that the children are already getting stuck into their new learning and new topics for the year. I’ve even now given out a few gold headteacher stickers to honour excellent work, and I have enjoyed hosting the first Pupil of the Week tea parties. Together with the leadership team, I’ve also been looking at some samples of children’s books around the school, as we are encouraging “proud presentation” - some children have already been awarded certificates celebrating this, and there will be a chance later in the term for our parents to come in and see the children’s hard work in their books, so they can show off to you too!

Although this is a sad week of national mourning for the passing of the Queen, it has been lovely seeing our children engage in a range of art and writing activities to remember the Queen in different ways. We will be including some of the children’s work in displays for both school sites to mark this historic event.

Yesterday, it felt like we went back in time further in history, as we invited the “Dino Dome” into the infant hall. The Year 1 children were thrilled to be finding out more about this ancient history and were shocked and amazed by some of the dinosaur facts they heard! Following this, it then turned into the “Space Dome” for our Year 2 children and they journeyed off into the galaxy. I never got into the dome myself, but there were some very exciting sounds coming from the hall all day!

On the afternoon of Tuesday 27th September we have a visiting author, Mel Taylor-Bessent, coming to the Juniors to speak to our Year 3, 4 and 6 children. She is just about to publish her second novel and if it is as good as the first, it’s definitely one worth picking up for Christmas (Yes, it has a Christmas theme!). Children will have the opportunity to buy a signed copy of this and/or her previous book. More details on this will be sent separately.

Speaking generally about reading … please prioritise reading with your child in every shape and form in every day life, sharing books, reading to them and with them and encouraging reading of notices, signs and just about everything when you are out and about! Reading really is the key to all learning, so please take every opportunity with your child!

 

Key Updates for Parents

Monday 19th September - School Closed

Following the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last week, it has been announced that the queen’s funeral will take place on Monday 19th September and that this day will be a Bank Holiday. School will therefore be closed. Please note that all Monday clubs have agreed to make up the session on Monday 28th November. 

Tuesday 20th September - Meet and greet: Mental Health Support Team

The Mental Health Support Team (MHST) from Achieving for Children will be working alongside the school again this year.  Parents are invited to attend a coffee afternoon at the school on Tuesday 20th September, hosted by Ellis and Gabriela from the MHST. This will be a chance to find out more about the MHST and the support they can offer, and to talk to other parents. Ellis and Gabriela will also be sharing some information on talking to your child about big feelings. This will take place at the Junior site from 2:00-3:15 p.m.

Harvest Service - Friday 30th September

We will be celebrating harvest with a service at the church on Friday 30th September at 9:45 a.m. We would like to welcome as many parents and carers who are able to join us.

Parking at Drop Off and Pick Up

Please can we remind parents/carers that you should not use the staff car park at the Infants or stop on the yellow zigzag lines outside the Juniors at these times. This not only puts our children at risk, but also causes unnecessary congestion and inconvenience to other road users and our school staff. 

Polio Booster Vaccination

All children aged 1-9 in London are being offered a polio vaccination following the detection of poliovirus in sewage samples in various parts of London over the past few months. We have been asked by the Director of Public Health to share the attached letter with parents and carers of children up to 9 years of age, to remind you of the need to take up this important offer from the NHS of a booster dose of the polio vaccine.

 

Key Dates - Autumn 2022

• Monday 19th September - School closed for Queen’s State Funeral
• Tuesday 20th September - Y3 & 4 Drumming Workshops
• Tuesday 20th September - MHST parents’ meet and greet session
• Thursday 22nd September - Y5 Trip to All Saints Church Kingston
• Monday 26th - Wednesday 28th September - Y5 Trip to Carroty Wood
• Tuesday 27th September - Juniors - Author Visit (Mel Taylor-Bessant)
• Friday 30th September - Harvest Service at the Church - 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
• Monday 3rd October - Whole School - Author & Bible Story Teller Visit (Bob Hartman) 
• Friday 21st October - Inset Day (School closed)
• Monday 24th - Friday 28th October - Half Term
• Wednesday 16th November - Reception - Y6 Individual Photographs
• Wednesday 23rd November - Y1-6 Author Visit (Banji Alexander)
• Tuesday 6th December - Christmas Music Concert 
• Wednesday 7th December - Christmas Music Concert (reserve date)
• Friday 9th December - Christmas Jumper Day
• Thursday 15th December - Christmas Party Day
• Friday 16th December - Christmas Service at the church - 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
• Friday 16th December - Last day of term - School closes 1 hour early:
  • Infants @ 2:15 p.m.
  • Nursery @ 2:20 p.m.
  • Juniors @ 2:30 p.m.
  • Connect will start at 2:15 p.m. and run until 5:15 p.m.