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Weekly Parent Update - Friday 22nd May

Antelope and Gazelle classes hosted their parents for a delightful French Breakfast, successfully transforming the hall into a bustling continental café.

Weekly Update from Mr Burkinshaw

This half-term has certainly been short but busy! I have seen so many examples of children producing their best ever work, which is representative of the progress children are making. They certainly deserve a well earned break. 

This year, children were exploring the UN Sustainability Goals through the science of bubbles, with the older children trying to create a perfect bubble solution. Children in Nursery and Reception had a fantastic time exploring the Twiglets Forest School, where they got creative making kites and enjoying nature. Our junior children had an unforgettable opportunity to take to the skies in a flight simulator; thanks to Phillipe Polman and his team at Echelon Air for making that happen. The children absolutely loved it!

On Wednesday, our Year 1 boys took part in the football festival at Richmond & Kew Riverside. They played well, winning their three games very convincingly, scoring over 15 goals, and it is always a proud moment to see our younger children represent our school values so beautifully.

Finally, the children in Antelope and Gazelle classes hosted their parents for a delightful French Breakfast, successfully transforming the hall into a bustling continental café. The children did a magnificent job of taking orders and serving their guests entirely in French.

One of the highlights of next half-term is our Poetry Recital & Story Telling Competition, which is open to children from Reception to Year 6. Children should have their entry ready by Monday 1st June. Children will perform first to their classes and finalists will be selected to perform to the school on 18th or 19th June. Do see the poster for more information.    

Well the sun is shining and the weather has turned warmer. As we head into the half-term break and the bank holiday weekend, I do hope everyone in our wider school family has a fantastic opportunity to rest, disconnect, and recharge, before we begin the final stretch of the school year.

Our School Updates for Parents

PTA Mufti Days 

We are looking forward to our Summer Fair on Saturday 20th June. Next half-term there are three days when children can bring in things for the fair:

  • Friday 5th June (Mufti Day) - they should bring in (nut free) bags or boxes of chocolate and bottles of soft or alcoholic drinks and the class that brings in the most will have extra play. 
  • Friday 12th June (Break the Rules Day) - for every rule the children break, children should bring in soft toys (in good condition), household items, toys, games, books, new cosmetics and crafted items. 
  • Friday 19th June - children should bring in cakes and baked goods, homemade or bought and the house that brings in the most will have extra play. 

In addition, from Monday 1st June you can post your small party bag style toys through the post boxes in both receptions and, from Friday 5th June, parents can pick up the empty goodie bags to fill with nut-free sweets. All the information is on this countdown poster.  

Reminder: Message from PS Catering

Following on from the success of the parent taster session we have met with the class rep parents and the Senior Leadership Team and it was felt that it would really be beneficial if you, the parents, had the opportunity to experience the school catering in person FREE OF CHARGE. During the summer term there are a number of day trips which means that the usually packed dining room will have some spaces.

We would therefore like to take the opportunity to invite one parent per family (from Years 3, 4  & 5) to come in to experience the food that your children have the opportunity to eat on a daily basis. To ensure there is availability we have three dates booked and have allocated one year group per day. These are as follows:

  • Year 3 - Wednesday 10th June
  • Year 5 – Monday 15th June
  • Year 4 – Thursday 9th July

Menus are available on the school website so you are able to see what will be on offer on the day. Please can you complete the form sent via email by Tuesday 2nd June, if you haven’t already done so, in order to secure your place.

Wider Community Updates

Ultimate Activity Camps at Holy Cross Prep School

Ultimate Activity Camps provide activity day camps for children aged 4-14 during the school holidays. Running this Summer at Holy Cross Prep School, children will enjoy a fantastic range of over 40 sports, games and art activities every week. Please see the attached for more information.

Colin Bull Swimming Lessons

Colin Bull swimming classes and private lessons for all ages are held at Downsend School and Epsom College in Surrey. Please see the attached flyer for details.

School Health Team Parent Advice Clinics 

The Your Healthcare School Health Team offer parents/carers of children attending Kingston Primary schools access to a Parent Advice Health Clinic. The clinic runs weekly during term time and can be accessed in person, online, or by telephone. Parents can contact the team directly to request an appointment.  Please see the attached for more information. 

Kingston Family Hubs & Children's Centres - Summer 2 Programme 

Please find attached the family hub and children's centres programme for the second half of the summer term, beginning 1st June.

BREAD Lab 

BREAD Lab have asked us to share the current study opportunities from their team at Kingston University London. Please see the attached posters below that include full programme details and sign-up information. Families can either click the relevant links, scan poster QR codes or contact the BREAD Lab team at: breadlabkingston@gmail.com 

  • GAMEFIT is a 6-week exergaming intervention designed for children aged 7–14 years with traits of ADHD.  
  • NEAR-Kids is a research study which explores how how movement and brain activity interact during attention tasks. This study is also open to children aged 7–14 years. 

Intensive 11+ Summer Courses

A+ Tuition have asked us to share the attached information with details of their 11+ intensive summer courses.

May Half Term Holiday Camp: Coding, micro:bits and outdoor fun

Jam Coding are running a May Half-Term Holiday Camp from Tuesday 26th May to Friday 29th May from 9:00am - 1:00pm for children aged 5-11 at King’s House School, Richmond and Shrewsbury House School, Surbiton. This half-term, children will be taking coding outdoors (yes, literally!) through BBC micro:bit challenges, sensor-based tech projects, creative coding activities, team games and outdoor play. Coding in Minecraft will also be included during the week. The camp is designed to be active, practical and creative, giving children a balanced mix of coding skills, outdoor activities, problem-solving and fun. Individual day bookings available. Find out more and book here.

Tech and WOW Summer holiday camp at Christ Church 

Next Thing Education are introducing WOW Camps, the Tech Camp SUPERCHARGED. This will be running at our junior site 10th - 21st August for children aged 5–11 (Years 1–6). Children can experience LIVE Science Shows & Experiments, New Roblox and Minecraft Workshops, Laser Tag & Nerf Battles in a giant arena, Hovercraft Experiments, Djing and Music Making and much more! Please see the attached flyer for more details or book here. 

Useful Links

Key School Dates

  • Monday 25th - Friday 29th May - Half Term
  • Tuesday 2nd June - Y5 & Y6 Soloist’s Concert @ 9am 
  • Friday 5th June – PTA Mufti Day
  • Monday 8th – Wednesday 10th June – Y3-6 BMX Academy Workshops
  • Wednesday 10th June - Y3 parents invited to attend lunch 
  • Thursday 11th June - Turtle Class Worship @ 2:40pm
  • Friday 12th June – PTA Break the Rules Day
  • Monday 15th June - Y6 Trip to Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court
  • Monday 15th June - Y5 parents invited to attend lunch 
  • Monday 15th June - New Reception Parents’ Meeting @ 4:00pm
  • Tuesday 16th June – Y3 Country Dancing Festival (am)
  • Tuesday 16th June – Y5/6 Choir: Primary Singing Festival @ Rose Theatre
  • Wednesday 17th June - Whole School Booknic
  • Wednesday 17th June - New Nursery Parents’ Meeting @ 4:00pm
  • Thursday 18th June – Special Picnic Lunch Menu
  • Thursday 18th June - Macaw Class Worship @ 2:40pm
  • Thursday 18th June - Isle of Wight Meeting @ 4:00pm
  • Thursday 18th June - Infant Poetry Recital Final
  • Friday 19th June - Junior Poetry Recital Final
  • Saturday 20th June – Summer Fair at the Junior site @ 1:00-4:00pm
  • Monday 22nd - Thursday 25th June - Wellbeing Week
  • Monday 22nd June – Y6 Trip to Parliament
  • Monday 22nd June - Y3 (selected pupils) to King’s College School Wimbledon Sports Day (new)
  • Monday 22nd June - Y2 & Y3 (selected pupils) to Rose Theatre London Schools Literacy Festival @ 10:00-11:00am (new)
  • Monday 22nd June - Y5 to Rose Theatre London Schools Literacy Festival @ 11:30am-12:30pm (new)
  • Tuesday 23rd June - Charity Tuesday for Kingston Young Carers
  • Tuesday 23rd June - Summer Concert @ 4:00pm
  • Wednesday 24th June - Parent Reps Meeting @ 9:00am
  • Wednesday 24th June - Y1 Trip to Orleans House Gallery
  • Thursday 25th June - Y4 (selected pupils) to King’s College School Wimbledon Sports Day (new)
  • Friday 26th June - INSET Day (School closed to pupils)
  • Monday 29th June - Y6 Production @ 4:00pm
  • Tuesday 30th June - Y6 Production @ 4:00pm
  • Wednesday 1st July - Y6 New School Day
  • Thursday 2nd July - Learning Look from pick up until 4:30pm
  • Friday 3rd July - Junior Sports Day (am)
  • Friday 3rd July - Y6 Leavers' Celebration @ 4:00 - 6:00pm
  • Monday 6th - Friday 10th July - Y6 Trip to Isle of Wight
  • Monday 6th July - Y4 Trip to Gurdwara (new)
  • Monday 6th July - Y1 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
  • Tuesday 7th July - Y2 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
  • Wednesday 8th July - Y3 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
  • Wednesday 8th July - SEND Parents’ Meetings @ 12:00-3:00pm
  • Thursday 9th July - Reception Trip to Hampton Court
  • Thursday 9th July  - Y4 parents invited to attend lunch 
  • Thursday 9th July - Y4 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
  • Friday 10th July - Infant Sports Day (am)
  • Friday 10th July - SEND Parents’ Meetings @ 12:00-3:00pm
  • Friday 10th July - Y5 Meet the Teacher@ 3:45pm
  • Monday 13th - Friday 17th July - Chums Week
  • Monday 13th July - Y6 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
  • Tuesday 14th July - Y6 Leavers’ Event @ 1:45pm
  • Wednesday 15th July - New Class Day
  • Friday 17th July - End of Year Church Service @ 9:30am
  • Friday 17th July - Term finishes early at 1:05pm (infants) and 1:20pm (juniors). Connect will finish at 5:15pm
  • Monday 20th July - INSET Day (School closed to pupils)
  • Tuesday 21st July – Wednesday 2nd September – Summer Holiday
  • Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th September - INSET Days (School closed to pupils)
  • Monday 7th September – Autumn Term Starts