Weekly Update from Mr Meehan

We’ve had a busy week at Christ Church, before heading into half term, including some of our Year 3 and 4 children taking part in a cricket festival today. 

I also heard, coming from our singing worship earlier in the week, the first sound of a Christmas song. But we’ll leave talking more about Christmas events until after half term …!

Also, this week, through collective worship, colourful flyers and some events after school, the PTA has launched their plans for the new Craft Fair event, an exciting new addition to our calendar. Look out for more details on this!

Thank you for attending our parents’ evening appointments over this week; it is a great chance for all our teachers to touch base with you and for you to hear about your child’s start to the year. Be aware also that we have an opportunity for you to come into classrooms in our Learning Look, which is scheduled after half term, on Thursday 20th November.

For parents of infant children, please be aware that work on our long-awaited boundary fence for our infant site begins the week after half term, and is expected to last about three weeks. We will of course minimise any disruption to the school at this time, while the fence is installed. Be aware also that the Schools Streets Scheme commences after half term (see below).

As part of our on-going playground improvements, don’t forget, there is still an opportunity for your junior child to enter the ‘Ways to Be Wall' competition, as we are looking for some design ideas. PTA prizes for winners will be announced after half term (entries in by Friday 7th November).

In the meantime, I pray that all of our children and families have a lovely half term week, and a blessed time. Don’t forget, there’s a bonus hour thrown in, as the clocks go back this weekend!

Our School Updates for Parents

Easy E’s BBQ - Friday 31st October

One of our parents (Easy E himself) is running a BBQ event on Friday 31st October at our junior site. A welcome pit stop for parents out and about trick-or-treating with excited children! Please see the attached flyer for details, and remember, every bite will help raise money for our school.

Christmas Fair Update

The PTA will soon start sharing plans about everything to do with the Christmas fair - we'll be asking for donations, raffle prizes and volunteering when we come back from half term - watch this space!

Reminder: School Streets Scheme

We would like to remind you that a trial School Street will be introduced on Lime Grove between Poplar Grove and Coombe Road from 3rd November 2025. This will mean that, with the exception of residents’ cars, no cars will be permitted to drive down this section of Lime Grove at drop off and pick up times. The scheme will be enforced using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). There will be exemptions for vehicles registered to school staff, residents living within the School Street zone, emergency vehicles and Blue Badge holders accessing the school. Please see the attached poster for more details.

STEM Lunch - Volunteers Needed 

We're hosting a series of STEM Lunch and Learn events where parents with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) expertise share their experiences with the children. If you work or volunteer in a relevant sector we would love to hear from you. Please email the school office with your name, role/profession and they will contact you with more information. Do also pass this invitation to anyone you know who might be able to help. Help inspire our future innovators! 

PS Catering Vacancy

Our lunchtime caterers have a vacancy for a Kitchen Assistant working 15 hours a week, 38 weeks a year, £7985.34 per annum. If you or someone you know would be interested in this position, please contact Erin Tomlin on erin@pscateringmanagement.com

Secondary School Application Deadline

A reminder to Year 6 parents/carers that the deadline for secondary school applications is Thursday, 31st October. Please complete the online application if you haven't already done so at eAdmissions.

Wider Community Updates

Dons Local Action Group - The Big Sleep Out 5

Please step out of your comfort zone and into a sleeping bag and join the Big Sleep Out 5 at AFC Wimbledon's Stadium on Saturday 8th November. This annual event brings together schools, families, organisations and local residents together to raise awareness and vital funds for those experiencing poverty and hardship in South West London. Individuals or groups of up to 10 welcome. Tickets are £20 per participant (includes breakfast and event costs). To register, please visit https://donslocalaction.enthuse.com/cf/the-big-sleep-out-5.

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 for details.

Key School Dates

Autumn 1

• Thursday 23rd October - Parents’ Evening (Video appointments) @ 2:45 – 5:45pm (All classes except Macaw)
• Thursday 23rd October - School closes 1 hour early
  • Infants @ 2:05 p.m.
  • Junirs @ 2:20 p.m.
  • Cnnect will start early @ 2:05 p.m. and run until the usual time of 6:15 p.m.
  • Junir Drama club and Y3&4 Football club will both run from 2:20pm.
• Friday 24th October - INSET Day (School closed to pupils)
• Monday 27th - Friday 31st October - Half Term

Autumn 2

• Tuesday 4th November - Parent Reps Meeting @ 9am
• Tuesday 4th November - Y6 Trip to BFI (Dig for Victory WW2 History Event) 
• Tuesday 4th November - Y3 & 4 Drumming Workshops
• Wednesday 5th November - SEND Parents’ Meetings @ 12-3pm
• Thursday 6th November - Special Bonfire Night Lunch Menu
• Friday 7th November - SEND Parents’ Meetings @ 12-4pm
• Friday 7th November - PTA Disco + MUFTI Day
• Sunday 9th November - Remembrance Day Parade & Service from 8:45am
• Monday 10th – Friday 14th November – Anti Bullying Week
• Monday 10th November - Odd Socks Day
• Tuesday 11th November - Y5&6 Soloists Concert @ 9am
• Tuesday 11th November - Reception Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30-10:15am
• Thursday 13th November - Leopard Class Worship @ 2:40pm (change of date)
• Friday 14th November - Individual & Sibling Photos
• Monday 17th – Friday 21st November - Y4 Learn to Ride Bikeability
• Tuesday 18th November - Nursery Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30-10:00am
• Thursday 20th November - Learning Look from pick up until 4:30pm
• Friday 21st November - Reception Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30-10:15am
• Friday 21st November - PTA Break the Rules Day
• Friday 21st November - Special lunch menu: Children in Need
• Friday 21st November - Antelope Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Monday 24th – Friday 28th November - Wellbeing Week
• Tuesday 25th November - Y5/6 Choir Singing in John Lewis (am) 
• Wednesday 26th November - Y1 Trip to Natural History Museum 
• Friday 28th November - Special lunch menu: St Andrew’s Day
• Saturday 29th November - PTA Christmas Fair at the Juniors
• Monday 1st December - SEND Parents @ 9am -10:30am 
• Tuesday 2nd December - Y3/4 Choir Singing at Christ Church Elderberry Cafe 
• Monday 8th – Friday 12th December - Chums Week
• Tuesday 9th December – Junior Christmas Production @ 4pm
• Wednesday 10th December - Christmas Lunch
• Wednesday 10th December - Junior Christmas Production @ 4pm
• Thursday 11th December - EYFS Nativity @ 9am
• Monday 15th December - Class Christmas Parties
• Tuesday 16th December - Y4 Trip to Rose Theatre (Cinderella) PM
• 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
• Monday 5th January - INSET Day (School closed to pupils)
• Tuesday 6th January - Spring Term Starts