Weekly Update from Mr Meehan

What a joy it has been to see the sun shining this week! This has been matched with the children shining at school in all sorts of different ways, including of course Squirrel class yesterday, who performed a wonderful class worship, taking us on an African safari!

Congratulations as well to the children who took part in the Battle of the Boroughs football competition; the children did brilliantly for our school and, out of 30 schools taking part, we reached the last 4 to take part in the semi-finals! A big well done to all.

It was great to welcome some of our parents this morning to our first OPAL 'stay and play’ at the infant site, and to share all the great range of fun activities the children are enjoying on our playground. There will be a similar opportunity for junior parents at 2:30pm on Friday 23rd May at the junior site. Thank you to our OPAL team for making all this happen!

Next week, the country marks the 80th anniversary of the VE day celebrations. On this day, it is also Outdoor Learning Day, so we are going to be putting these two celebrations together as a special day. We’ll be marking the VE celebrations in collective worship and with an activity in class, and with some outdoor celebrations in the afternoon.

As we enjoy this hot starter to May, have a lovely three day weekend, and we will see you back on Tuesday!

Our School Updates for Parents

Class Mixing Protocol 

Usually at this time of year, we share with you afresh our class mixing protocol, which explains all about the rationale and the processes involved in our class mixing patterns. Our pattern will continue to be to mix classes when they complete Year 3 and Year 5. Please note, however, that we are not mixing our Year 1 cohort this year. Parents with children in these current cohorts will particularly want to read the protocol and, as recommended, ensure class teachers are aware if you have any particular aspects pertinent to your child which you would like us to bear in mind in putting the new classes together. 

Young Carers 

We are keen to do more to support young carers. You're a young carer if you're under 18 and help to look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. If you're a young carer, you probably look after one of your parents or care for a brother or sister. If you know a child in school who may be a young carer, please complete the form sent via email. 

Reminder: Ice Pop Sale after school today

The Year 6 fundraising team are hosting an ice pop sale at both sites at pick up time today to raise money for the Year 6 leavers’ events. Ice pops will be 50p each. Cards will be accepted but only for purchases of £1 or more.

Space Day Lunch Menu - Thursday 8th May

Next Thursday, to celebrate National Space Day, Nourish will be offering a special Space Day Lunch menu.

Reminder: KS2 SATS - Volunteer Test Administrators Needed 

Year 6 sit their SATS in English and maths from Monday 12th May to Thursday 15th May. We need two adults in each room each day, one is always a member of school staff and one a volunteer. Please use the form sent via email if you are able to volunteer on any or all of the days. Training and refreshments will be provided.

Join in Prayer for the School 

Our next prayer meeting, open to staff, governors, parents and friends of the school will be on the junior site, in the creative space, on Wed 21st May at 6pm. Please do join us, even if you haven’t done so before! We usually gather for 30-45 minutes. 

Reminder: Parent Governor Vacancy: message from Chair of Governors, Robert Shrimpton

We would like to thank Claire Caldwell for all the time, effort and expertise she has given to the School and Governing Body over the last four years as parent governor but, as Claire’s term of office is coming to a close, we have a vacancy and you have the opportunity to elect a new parent governor. Please see the attached letter which gives more details of the role and the nomination / election process. The timeline is as follows:

• Nominations close Friday 9th May @ noon
• Ballot if more than 1 nomination received 
  • opens Friday 9th May 
  • closes Friday 16th May @ 3:30pm
• NB The next Full Governing Body Meeting of the school year is scheduled for Tuesday 6th July 2025.

The nomination form has been sent to parents/carers via email.

No Dogs on School Grounds

Please be reminded that no dogs should be brought on to the school site during drop off or pick up times by parents or carers (even if they are being carried) unless they are a registered Guide dog or Assistance dog. Dogs should not be tied up outside the school gates, or left unattended at any time. 

Wider Community Updates

Tennis Opportunities at Raynes Park High School

Limitless Tennis are providing lessons for the local community at Raynes Park High School, for all ages from 4 to adults. Lessons start at just £30 per month and the first session is FREE. Register via the QR code in the attached flyer. If you are interested in the Social Tennis (friendly mix-in) or attending Cardio Tennis, please register your interest by contacting Head Coach, Grant Fellows by email: grant@limitlesstennis.co.uk or call 07740194200. What to expect in their sessions:

• 6-8 years
• 8-10 years
• 10+ years

On Saturday 17^th May, they have an Open Weekend at the school, for families to come and use the facilities, give tennis a try and receive some special offers. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Music in Kingston - Saturday 17th May

Join Kingston Music Service on Saturday 17th May at 12:00-15:00 for an afternoon of performances, workshops, and exhibitions from some of the most exciting music makers in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Taking place at All Saints Church, Kingston you will be able to:

• Try a variety of instruments.
• Learn about instrumental lessons, curricular music, and ensemble opportunities in the borough.
• Get involved in taster sessions from some of our wonderful exhibitors.
• Enjoy performances from young musicians across the borough.

See the attached poster for more details.

Soundsteps Music School

Soundsteps Music School are currently offering free children’s piano/keyboard taster sessions. See the attached flyer for details.

New junior athletics club starting in Kingston

Please see the attached flyer for details.

MNS May Half-Term Science Activity Holiday STEAM Camp 2025 - Weird Science!

Mother Nature Science are delighted to confirm Early-Bird Discount is now in place, but expiring soon, for the new, safe, fun, educational MNS May Half-Term Science Activity Holiday STEAM Camp 2025 - Weird Science.  Don’t forget your Special School Booster Basket Discount Code ‘coolschool20’ for an extra £20-off list price. Note: Childcare Vouchers, GTFC, CGPS and Universal Credit (UC) payment methods are now accepted by MNS. Just book online as normal and choose ‘Pay By Other Method’ at Checkout to receive further instructions. Book now here, by entering your Home Postcode, in under 5 mins. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Forest School Holiday Club Opportunity 

The Hive, an Ofsted registered company and members of the Forest School Association, have informed us they are opening a new holiday club at St Paul's School in Barnes this May half-term. To celebrate the launch they are currently offering a 30% discount for bookings. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Dickerage Lane ParkPlay

Dickerage ParkPlay will run every Saturday from 10th May at 12:30pm, offering two hours of free, fun, active play for all ages. Please see the attached poster to register.

Key School Dates

Summer 1

• Monday 5th May - Bank Holiday (School closed)
• Tuesday 6th May - Y5/6 Soloist Concert @ 9am in Junior Hall
• Wednesday 7th May - Class photographs
• Thursday 8th May - Space Day Lunch menu
• Friday 9th May - Y5 Trip to Richmond Theatre (Awful Egyptians)
• Saturday 10th May - Wimbledon Singfest (Junior choir)
• Tuesday 13th May - Reception Insight Visit - Why is Jesus so special?
• Tuesday 13th May - Y6 Insight Visit - Courageous Advocacy
• Friday 16th May - Reception Trip to Hampton Court
• Friday 16th May - Y2 Concert @ 2:35pm
• Friday 16th May - Y6 Leavers ice pop sale fundraiser after school - Infant & Junior site 
• Monday 19th - Friday 23rd May - Chums Week 
• Tuesday 20th May - Charity Tuesday for Tearfund
• Wednesday 21st May - Gazelle Class French Breakfast @ 9am (new)
• Wednesday 21st May - Parent, Church & Staff Prayer Meeting @ 6:00-7:00pm
• Thursday 22nd May - Antelope Class French Breakfast @ 9am (new)
• Thursday 22nd May - Y4 Saxons Workshops at Kingston Museum (am)
• Thursday 22nd May - Eagle Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Friday 23rd May - OPAL - Junior Stay and Play @ 2:30pm 
• Friday 23rd May - Y6 Leavers ice pop sale fundraiser after school - Infant & Junior site 
• Monday 26th - Friday 30th May - Half Term

Summer 2

• Thursday 5th June – Y3&4 Fitfence Fencing Day
• Friday 6th June – Y5&6 Fitfence Fencing Day
• Saturday 7th June – Summer Fair @ 1:00-4:00pm at the Junior site
• Monday 9th June – Y5 at Rose Theatre for Barnes Literary Festival (pm)
• Monday 9th June – Y6 Trip to Lavender Hill Magistrates Court
• Thursday 12th June – Turtle Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Tuesday 17th June – Y3&4 Choir at KMS Primary Singing Festival @2:00pm
• Wednesday 18th June – Whole School Booknic
• Wednesday 18th June – Isle of Wight Parent Meeting @ 5:00-5:45pm
• Thursday 19th June – Macaw Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Friday 20th June – Hedgehog Class Trip to Malden Hall Park
• Friday 20th June - Summer Solstice lunch menu
• Tuesday 24th June - Y5&6 Drone Workshops
• Tuesday 24th June – New Reception Parents Meeting @ 4:30-5:15pm
• Tuesday 24th June – Summer Concert @ 6:00pm in Junior Hall
• Wednesday 25th June – Fox Class Trip to Malden Hall Park
• Wednesday 25th June – Y6 Trip to LPO Brightsparks Concert @ Royal Festival Hall (pm)
• Wednesday 25th June – Y4 Celebration Evening @ 3:30 – 7:00pm
• Wednesday 25th June – New Nursery Parents Meeting @ 4:30-5:15pm
• Thursday 26th & Friday 27th June – INSET Days (School closed to pupils)
• Monday 30th June – Friday 4th July – Wellbeing Week
• Wednesday 2nd July – Y6 New School Day
• Thursday 3rd July - Y6 Trip to BFI (Shaun the Sheep)
• Friday 4th July – Junior Sports Day (am)
• Friday 4th July – Rainbow Nursery closed – New children visiting
• Tuesday 8th July – Y6 Production @ 4:00-5:30pm
• Wednesday 9th July – Y3 Country Dance Festival at Kingsmeadow (am)
• Wednesday 9th July – Y6 Production @ 4:00-5:30pm
• Thursday 10th July – Learning Look - from pick up - 4:30pm
• Friday 11th July – Infant Sports Day (am)
• Monday 14th – Friday 18th July – Y6 Isle of Wight Trip
• Monday 14th – Friday 18th July – Chums Week
• Monday 14th July – Y1 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
• Tuesday 15th July – Y2 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
• Wednesday 16th July – Y3 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
• Thursday 17th July – Y4 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
• Friday 18th July – Y5 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
• Monday 21st July – Meet New Class Day
• Monday 21st July – Y6 Leavers’ Celebration @ 2:00-3:20pm
• Monday 21st July – Y6 Meet the Teacher @ 3:45pm
• Tuesday 22nd July – Church Service @ 9:30am
• Tuesday 22nd July - Term finishes early at 1.05pm (infants) and 1.20pm (juniors). Connect will finish at 5:15pm
• Wednesday 23rd July – Friday 29th August – Summer holiday
• Monday 1st September – INSET Day (School closed to pupils)
• Tuesday 2nd September – Autumn Term Starts