Weekly Update from Mr Burkinshaw

This term we have been thinking about Words of Life. We have been reflecting together about how our words are powerful and can be used for good. In the Bible it says “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Whatever you believe, it is a good reminder to us all. 

We are pleased to welcome Cath Wild as our new Parent Governor, following her unopposed election. Many of you will already know Cath through her work with both OPAL and the Smartphone Free Childhood teams. She joins a Governing Board committed to ensuring our children have high-quality learning, creative and play experiences at Christ Church. 

Our Charity Tuesday was a resounding success. Seeing the children (and staff!) in their pyjamas was a joyful sight, and we are pleased to announce that together we raised £424.66 for the Princess Alice Hospice. Thank you for your generosity toward such a vital local cause. If you were not able to donate on Tuesday, you can do so here.

The school has been echoing with rhythm this week. On Tuesday, Year 3 and Wednesday, Year 6, classes treated us to spectacular Samba performances. It was wonderful to see the children’s confidence grow as they mastered complex polyrhythms. On the pitch, our Year 3 and Year 4 girls’ football team represented us brilliantly at Kew Riverside on Wednesday, with their sportsmanship and tenacity, losing to penalties in the semi finals. 

Teachers really valued meeting so many of you during our Parents’ Evenings on Wednesday and Thursday. Do remember, if you have questions or concerns for teachers outside of these meetings, you can always contact them via email or speak to them at pick up.

I would like to gently remind you of the importance of our Governors’ Fund as mentioned last week. We have worked hard to make donating as simple as possible, and your regular contributions are what allow us to provide the extras that make a world of difference. Most notably, this fund ensures every junior child has access to a Chromebook for both school and home use, providing a safe, consistent digital environment for their learning. To maintain these resources and continue giving our children the very best start, we do need to increase the fund’s current levels. If you haven't yet had a chance to look into our regular giving or the Chromebook initiative, please do visit the FAQ page on our website. Your support is invaluable.

With Ramadan starting in half-term, we wish all our Muslim families Ramadan Mubarak. If your child is fasting, please let your child’s teacher know, especially if it is the first time.  

Finally, as we come to the end of this half-term, do ask your child to describe one golden moment from their half term? It’s a great way to encourage reflection and celebrate their personal growth.

I do hope that all children and their families have a good half-term break.

Our School Updates for Parents

Extreme Reading Challenge 

As we gear up for the magic of World Book Day, we want to celebrate the joy of reading in all its forms—whether your child is reading chapter books or simply enjoying the illustrations.

To spark that love of literacy, we are launching our "Extreme Reading" challenge! We would love for you to send a photo to your child’s teacher of your child sharing a story in a "funny" or unusual place—perhaps under the kitchen table, in a cardboard box fort, or even wearing their favourite superhero cape at the park.

We will be sharing these in the week leading up to World Book Day to inspire our peers and showcase that reading truly is an adventure without limits!

Reading Volunteers 

We are looking for parents who could volunteer to read with children at the juniors. This could be as little as 20 minutes a week. Training would be given, but it is not difficult! Please email the school office if you can help.   

Chromebook Curfew Times 

Just to make you aware, we have introduced Chromebook curfew times on the children’s Chromebooks. What this means in practice is that the Chromebook will automatically switch off at 10pm until 6am; this is to ensure children are not on their Chromebooks late into the night!

Royal Academy of Arts - Young Artists’ Summer Show 

Every year, the Royal Academy hosts a Young Artists’ Summer Show and are looking for entries for this year’s show from children aged 4-18. There is more information about what they are looking for, here. Why not encourage your children to be creative over the half-term. Year 3 will be going to see the show in the summer. 

Playground Use After School

We kindly ask parents and carers to leave the playground promptly at the end of the school day. After-school clubs begin straight away, and clearing the playground helps staff to supervise these activities safely. 

Jewellery - Reminder

The only jewellery permitted in school is small stud earrings for those pupils with pierced ears. Children must be able to remove these for apparatus lessons or not wear them on PE days and for swimming lessons.

Vacancies at Christ Church New Malden 

The closing date for our current vacancies is Sunday February 22nd:

• Site Manager 
• Connect Supervisor 
• Connect Playleader
• Teaching Assistant

If you or anyone you know are interested in any of these vacancies, you are welcome to have an informal discussion with Mr Meehan or Mr Burkinshaw to find out more.

• Catering Assistant. PS Catering are looking for an assistant to join their team - 3 hours per day term time only. £12.21 / hour rising to £12.71 in April.  Ideally the candidate will have a full driving licence. Please contact Erin Tomlin, their area manager, on 07584 757305 or erin@pscateringmanagement.co.uk
• Cleaner. Atlantic Cleaning are looking for an evening cleaner 3 hrs per day term time only £14.39 per hour. Please contact Jason  Matos, area manager 07710 091934 or acsl_supervisor3@icloud.com, or call 01992 713187

Furniture

We’re looking for garden tables, chairs and benches in good condition. Plus sinks, microwaves (made safe) - if you have any of these items please email the office with photos. We can collect large items.

Year 3/4- Soloist Concert - Tuesday March 10th in the Junior Hall 9am 

If your child plays an instrument or sings and they would like to take part, they can send in an audition video to Mrs Bond (lucy.bond@ccnm.uk) by 20th February (but sooner if possible). This will then give the teachers time to look through all of the auditions to choose a variety of performances for the concert, and allow time for rehearsing at school with the piano if needed. Parents and the children's classmates will be invited to watch the concert. Please aim to keep the pieces short. If your child chooses a song, stick to one or two verses and a chorus. Also, please ensure the lyrics are appropriate and that the song can be sung easily by a child (some pop songs are unsuitable for young voices). The children may sing in a group with friends if they can arrange a video audition together. We will be available to accompany instrumental pieces and songs if we can find the music (or you can send in a backing track). Please note that this concert is only for children in Years 3 and 4.  

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.

Wider Community Updates

Half-Term Event - Discoverers Friends of Richmond Park

Please see the attached poster for details of a Discoverers event in Richmond Park over half-term. As always, it is free, parking is free and it is open to all ages. The only restriction is that parents have to stay with their children.

Key School Dates

• Monday 16th - Friday 20th February - Half Term
• Tuesday 24th February - Nursery Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30-10:00am
• Wednesday 25th February - Manor Park Mobile Farm Visit - Nursery/Reception (am)
• Wednesday 25th February - Y4 Trip to Natural History Museum
• Thursday 26th February - Y5 Visit to Inspiration Train @ Kingston Station (am) (new)
• Thursday 26th February – Hedgehog Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Friday 27th February – SEND Parents’ Meetings @ 12:00-3:00pm
• Saturday 28th February - PTA Craft Fair @ 1:00-4:00pm at Korean Culture and Arts Centre & SeOUL Residential
• Monday 2nd March – Y1 Zoolab Visit (pm)
• Monday 2nd March – Nursery Insight Visit - The Easter Story
• Wednesday 4th March - Y6 Science Show @ Surbiton High (am) (new)
• Wednesday 4th March - SEND Parents’ Meetings @ 12:00-3:00pm
• Thursday 5th March – World Book Day
• Thursday 5th March - World Book Day Special Lunch Menu
• Thursday 5th March – Tiger Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Friday 6th March - Y5 Science Show @ Surbiton High (am) (new)
• Monday 9th – Friday 13th March – Wellbeing Week
• Monday 9th – Friday 20th March – Y5 Bikeability
• Tuesday 10th March – Y3 & Y4 Soloist’s Concert @ 9am
• Friday 13th March – PTA Discos and Mufti Day
• Monday 16th – Friday 20th March – Chums Week
• Tuesday 17th March – Charity Tuesday
• Wednesday 18th March - Y2 Trip to Polka Theatre (am)
• Wednesday 18th March - Y5 Easter Experience
• Wednesday 18th March - Junior Talent Show @ 6:00-7:30pm
• Thursday 19th March - PS Catering - Parent Taster Session at pick up
• Thursday 19th March - Learning Look from pick up until 4:30pm
• Saturday 21st March - PTA Easter Egg Hunt (time tbc)
• Wednesday 25th March - Y3 Trip to Butser Ancient Farm
• Wednesday 25th March - Easter Bonnet Parade at the infants
• Friday 27th March - Easter Service @ 9:30am
• Friday 27th March - Term finishes early at 1.05pm (infants) and 1.20pm (juniors). Connect will finish at 5:15pm
• Monday 30th March - Friday 10th March - Easter Holiday
• Monday 13th April - Summer Term Starts