Weekly Update from Mr Burkinshaw

What an incredible week we've had at our school! Our amazing summer concert was a spectacular highlight, featuring unforgettable performances by our talented orchestra, who played the thrilling Star Wars theme, a delightful handbells ensemble, and our wonderful choir, who charmed us all with an Abbatastique medley. The concert showcased the hard work and dedication of our children, huge thanks to them and to Mrs Bond, Mrs Bae, Mrs Brooks and Mrs Robinson for making the concert such a success. 

Adding to the excitement, our Year 6 students organised a fantastic Pirate Party for the Reception children. It was an afternoon filled with creative pirate-themed activities that brought joy and adventure to our youngest learners. The enthusiasm and leadership shown by Year 6 were truly commendable. 

On Tuesday, our Year 5 students had the unique opportunity to participate in the Royal Opera House's Create Day. They collaborated with children from schools across the country to perform an inspiring song and dance, celebrating creativity and teamwork. It was a day of artistic exploration and collaboration.

Unfortunately, the junior sports day scheduled for today had to be postponed due to rain. We share in the disappointment but are pleased to announce that it will now take place next Wednesday, weather permitting. We look forward to a day of fun and friendly competition and we will see which house wins. The infant sports day is on Friday.

Additionally, next Tuesday we will be hosting a special Charity Tuesday event in support of UNICEF. As part of the event, children are encouraged to participate in an international flag competition in class. We kindly ask that each child brings in a donation to contribute to this worthy cause. Donation buckets will be available at the school gate. Your generosity will help support UNICEF’s important work around the world.

It is the final Learning Look of the year, next Thursday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to come into school and see the amazing work your children have been doing in their books. It’s a chance to celebrate their achievements together and recognize the hard work and progress they’ve made throughout the year. Please note that this event is for all year groups except for Reception and Nursery. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing in the pride of your children's accomplishments.

Mr Burkinshaw recommends A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

When my children were younger, this was one of our favourite books. It is a lovely rhyming story that gives you the opportunity to discuss how looking at things from different perspectives can change your opinion. It was Julia Donaldson's first book, and, I am sure, when you read it, you will, like the little old lady, be "full of frolics and fiddle-de-dees" 

Our School Updates for Parents

Charity Tuesday - UNICEF

On Tuesday we will be holding our final Charity Tuesday of the Year.  Our chosen charity is UNICEF.  Please bring in as much as you are able on Tuesday to put in the buckets on the gates. The children will have the chance to take part in a Fun Flag Quiz in their classes to recognise the work that the charity does for children around the world.

Reports and Results

End of year reports, as well as statutory assessment data for Reception, Y1, Y4 and Y6 will be available to parents on Arbor next Friday. You will receive a message when they are live. 

Meet the Teacher Meetings

This year, parents are invited to the Meet the Teacher meetings for the year their child will be in in September. The meetings will be straight after school on the following days:

• Year 1 (for current Reception) - Thursday 18th July at 3:05pm in Squirrel Class
• Year 2 (for current Year 1) - Wednesday 17th July at 3:05pm in Hedgehog Class
• Year 3 (for current Year 2) - Tuesday 16th July at 3:20pm in Tiger Class
• Year 4 (for current Year 3) - Monday 15th July at 3:20pm in Eagle Class
• Year 5 (for current Year 4) - Friday 19th July at 3:20pm in Gazelle Class
• Year 6 (for current Year 5) - Monday 21st July at 3:20pm in Lynx Class

Clubs w/c 8th July

All clubs, with the exception of Infant Spanish on Monday 15th, will have their last session next week.  You should have received a separate email today with details of how to book clubs for the Autumn Term 2024. 

Wider Community Updates

Soundsteps Music School

Soundsteps are supporting a campaign to help more students in primary school from reception year up take an interest in learning a Musical instrument in the new academic year in September. To support they will be holding a number of Free Music lessons across the local area at centres and online in September and October and would like to invite students and parents to attend a session and learn more about options for learning a Musical instrument and Music theory either through School or at an extra circular club. Please see the attached leaflet for more information.

KMS - Music & Creativity Summer Course

Kingston Music Service are running a four day music and creativity course over the summer for 6-11 year olds. Please see the attached flyer for more information and how to book.

Rose Theatre Summer Schools

Booking is now open for their 'Three Day' and 'Play in a Week' courses. This year they are running their Three Day course between 31st July - 16th August. Their Play in a Week groups run from 29th July - 31st August. Please visit their website to see a full list of course options and to book your place. 

Kingston Saxon Fayre - 27th July

Kingston Museum will be hosting a Saxon Fayre taking place in the Market Place from 11am. The fayre will be free and there will be a range of Saxon themed activities taking place including historical demonstrations and musical performances. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Friends of Richmond Park Summer Events for Families

Discoverers-Friends of Richmond Park has teamed up with the Hearsum Collection at Pembroke Lodge so they can offer families a programme of events for the summer, at the Belvedere, in Richmond Park. Please see the attached poster for their weekly Story Time. They will also hold a Worms workshop on Wednesday 28th August.

A+ Tuition

At A+ Tuition Centre, we provide specialised 11+ tuition as well as general tuition to students in Year 4 - Year 6. Our qualified tutors are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Clarks Kingston Measure & Fit Appointment

As you start to think about school uniform shopping for the new school year, we have been asked to send a reminder of Clarks Measure and Fit Appointment service. Visit www.clarks.com/measureandfit-in-store to book your appointment today or call Clarks Kingston on 0208 546 0388. They are also extending their opening hours throughout August and the first week of September. 

Key School Dates 

• Tuesday 9th July - National Youth Orchestra Workshops - Infant Site (New)
• Tuesday 9th July - Y6 Production @ 4:00pm
• Wednesday 10th July - Reception Visit to Magic Garden at Hampton Court
• Wednesday 10th July - Junior Sports Day (Rescheduled from 5th July)
  • Years 3 and 4: 9.15 a.m. - approximately 10.20 a.m.
  • Years 5 and 6: 10.45 a.m. - approximately 11.50 a.m.
• Wednesday 10th July - Y6 Production @ 6:00pm
• Thursday 11th July - Learning Look @ 4:30 - 5:30pm (Not Nursery or Reception classes)
• Friday 12th July - Infant Sports Day
  • Reception - 9.00 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.
  • Year 1 - 10.05 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.
  • Year 2 - 11:10 a.m. - 12.05 p.m.
• Friday 12th July - Y6 Celebration @ 5:30 to 7:30pm (Run by parents) 
• Monday 15th - Friday 19th July - Y6 Isle of Wight Trip
• Monday 15th - Friday 19th July - Chums Week
• Monday 15th July - Y2 Production @ 5:00pm
• Tuesday 16th July - Y2 Production @ 2:00pm
• Friday 19th July - Reception Celebration @ 3:30 - 5:30pm in junior hall
• Friday 19th July - PTA Quiz Night @ 7:00 - 11:00pm 
• Monday 22nd July - Y6 Leavers’ Celebration @ 2:00pm (Run by school)
• Tuesday 23rd July - Church Service @ 9:30am 
• Tuesday 23rd July - Term finishes early at 1.05pm (infants) and 1.20pm (juniors). Connect will finish at 5:15pm
• Wednesday 24th July - INSET day (School closed to pupils)
• Monday 2nd September - INSET day (School closed to pupils)
• Tuesday 3rd September - Autumn Term starts