Weekly Parent Update - Thursday 18th December

Our iShare theme this half term has been Light Shines in Darkness — a reminder that even the smallest light can make a big difference.

Weekly Update from Mr Meehan

And so it’s (nearly!) Christmas …

Our iShare theme this half term has been Light Shines in Darkness — a reminder that even the smallest light can make a big difference. In school over these weeks, we have seen this light every day: in the smile shared with a friend, the helping hand offered in class, the determination to keep trying, and the moments of wonder as children discover something new. These little lights, shining together, brighten our whole community.

As this term reaches its end, I have been reflecting on what a joy it has been to see the commitment that all staff and governors show at Christ Church and, of course, our hardworking PTA, who have put on lovely events this term and raised money to support all the children at Christ Church. It has been a delight to see the children achieving in so many ways, and supporting and encouraging each other in this. Thank you for all you do to support your children and our school.

On behalf of all the staff, may I wish you God’s blessings over this break, that you may have some wonderful times together with family and friends over the holidays; our prayer is that the celebration of a baby born, ‘Immanuel, God with us’, will be a great joy and encouragement to you this Christmas. A time not only to receive, but to give the light of love to others.

We hopefully will see many of you in our end of term Christmas service tomorrow at the church, which is a lovely way to enter into the Christmas holidays. We look forward to welcoming the children back in the new year on Tuesday 6th January, refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead.

Our School Updates for Parents

Autumn Term Reports

We are pleased to be able to share with you your child’s autumn term report, which will be available on Arbor tomorrow. This report includes the teacher's assessment of your child’s attainment, it also includes data from any GL Assessments they have taken, and information about attendance. Whilst we hope that you will find the range of data useful, please remember that the most important data is the assessment given by your child’s class teacher. Unlike the report at the end of the year, this report does not include a comment by Mr Meehan or the class teacher.

School Business Manager Vacancy

As mentioned previously, Ian Duncan, our School Business Manager, is retiring next Spring. This post is now being advertised, so if you or someone you know possesses strategic financial and operational management experience, and a passion for excellence in a supportive, community-focused, term-time-only role, please see the full details and application pack on our eTeach page.

Parent Workshop

ADHD Embrace - Don't miss our upcoming session with local charity, ADHD Embrace. They will be presenting to parents on Friday, 16th January at 9:00 am in the Junior School Hall. Please join us to learn more about the support available for families.

Infant Site New Boundary Fence

You will have noticed our lovely new boundary fence is now up on our infant site. The electronic gate is not yet in operation, as we are awaiting a part for this, and then this will be the entry point into the site during the school day. We will let you know more about this in the new year when this gate is in operation.

Primary School Applications

For any parents making primary school applications for September 2026 entry, you can apply online here. The closing date for applications is Thursday 15th January 2026. You must submit your application online and return any supplementary information forms to the school office by this date. Please ensure that you choose Christ Church New Malden CofE Primary School (and not Christ Church CofE Primary School Surbiton).

Nursery Applications

For any parents making nursery applications for September 2026, please complete this form. The closing date for applications is Friday 6th March 2026.

Last Day of Term Reminders

It is our Christmas Service tomorrow, at 9:30am at Christ Church church. Doors will open at 9:20am, and the service will last about 45 minutes. Everybody is very welcome, especially parents of children in Year 1 and Year 2, who are taking part in the service.

Now that we have reached the end of term, we would kindly ask you to log in to Arbor to check if there are any school trips or events for which you haven't yet made a donation. Your contributions help us provide enriching experiences for all our pupils and every donation makes a difference.

Please also remember, school will close early tomorrow (Friday 19th December) as it is the last day of term, at the following times:

Infants @ 1:05pm
Juniors @ 1:20pm
Connect will start at 1:05 p.m. and run until 5:15 p.m.

Please remember Monday 5th January is an INSET day. Spring Term begins for children on Tuesday 6th January.

Y6 Intervention groups will start the first week back and clubs will start w/c 12th January.

Wider Community Updates

Old Kingstonian Hockey Club - Free Trials

The Old Kingstonian Hockey Club is a local community club and their junior section welcomes junior players aged 4 to 18 of all skill levels. They are offering free trials in January 2026 and have sent the attached flyer with further details.

BREAD Lab

Brain Resilience, Exercise, and Development (BREAD) Lab at Kingston University study neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health conditions during development, and seek lifestyle and preventive strategies to address these conditions. They have asked us to share with you their December Newsletter, featuring recent research highlights and ongoing study opportunities including the following:

Kingston Family Hub & Children's Centres Programme - Spring 1 2026

Please see the attached for details of the Kingston Family Hub and Children's Centres Programme for the first half of the spring term, beginning 5th January.

Key School Dates

Friday 19th December - Christmas Service @ 9:30am
Friday 19th December - Term finishes early at 1.05pm (infants) and 1.20pm (juniors). Connect will finish at 5:15pm
Monday 22nd December – Friday 2nd January - Christmas Holiday

Spring Term 2026

Monday 5th January - INSET Day (School closed to pupils)
Tuesday 6th January - Spring Term Starts
Thursday 8th January - Y3 & 4 - Author Workshop (Tomfoolery)
Friday 9th January - Reception Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30-10:15am
Friday 9th January - Y5 & 6 - Author Workshops (Tomfoolery)
Tuesday 13th January - Perform for Schools Drama Workshops - Nursery/Reception/Y1 (pm)
Friday 16th January – SEND Parents’ Coffee Morning (ADHD Embrace) @ 9am -10:30am at the juniors
Thursday 15th January - Lynx Class Worship @ 2:40pm
Tuesday 20th January - Insight Visit - Reception - How did Jesus rescue his people?
Tuesday 20th January - SATS Meeting for Y6 parents @ 5pm
Wednesday 21st January - Nursery Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30-10:00am
Thursday 22nd January - Y4 Trip to English National Opera
Friday 23rd January - Fox Class Worship @ 2:40pm
Monday 26th January - Y2 Great Fire of London Workshop
Monday 26th January - Y4 Rainbow Theatre Roman Workshop
Monday 26th January - Y5 Rainbow Theatre Vikings Workshop
Friday 30th January - Gazelle Class Worship @ 2:40pm
Friday 30th January - PTA Break the Rules Day
Monday 2nd – Friday 6th February - Chums Week
Tuesday 3rd February - Safer Internet Day
Wednesday 4th February - Y6 Junior Citizenship 2026
Wednesday 4th February - Parents’ Prayer Group @ 6:00-7:00pm
Monday 9th February - Y5 Trip to Buddhapadipa Temple (am)
Tuesday 10th February - Charity Tuesday
Tuesday 10th February - Spring Concert @ 9am
Wednesday 11th February - (Nursery-Y5) Parents’ Evening @ 3:45-6:45pm
Thursday 12th February – (Nursery-Y5) Parents’ Evening @ 2:45-5:45pm (School closes 1 hour early)
Friday 13th February - Y6 Learning Reviews
Friday 13th February - History Day
Monday 16th - Friday 20th February - Half Term