Weekly Update from Mr Meehan

I hope you all enjoyed a restful and refreshing February half term break. It has been a pleasure to welcome the children back into school this week, ready for the busy and important weeks ahead. Over this short half term, our iShare Learning theme is “God so loved the world,” based on John 3:16. In the run up to Easter, we will be reflecting on what this powerful verse teaches us about love, hope and sacrifice, and how we can show God’s love in our daily actions towards one another and the wider world.

This is always a special and reflective time in the school year, as we journey through Lent and prepare to celebrate Easter together. Through worship, classroom learning and our shared values, we will be encouraging the children to consider how they can live out compassion, kindness and service in practical ways. Even if Easter is not part of your tradition, I am sure your children may be looking forward to the odd Easter egg or two in a few weeks! Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership in nurturing not only academic growth, but also the spiritual and moral development of our children at Christ Church.

We are thankful to some parents over half term who have built for us a new expanded junior mud kitchen for the children to enjoy. You will notice that our ‘Ways to Be’ wall has now been whitewashed and painted ready for some new art, inspired by some of the children’s ideas from last term. We would love a ‘graffitti’ type design from a graffiti artist; if you have any contacts who specialise in this, let us know.

Finally, remember we are looking for talent of all sorts for our junior talent show next month, whether this is your children - or a family performance! This is one last call out for entries, before we start putting the event together. Here’s the letter again, which tells you how to get involved.

Have a lovely weekend, especially as the hours of daylight continue to increase! If you'd like something lovely to do on Saturday afternoon, why not pop along to our PTA’s Craft Fair between 1-4pm at Korean Culture and Arts Centre & SeOUL Residential. Well done to all the children (and parents!) preparing crafts for this event.

Our School Updates for Parents

OPAL Bingo 

This morning, we launched OPAL Bingo. Each class will take part and when a child brings an item in the class can put a cross through that box. There will be prizes for the first class to tell Mr Burkinshaw that they have completed a column, a row or (for a big prize) the whole sheet.

School Street Trial: We are very pleased by the reduction in traffic at drop of and pick up in Lime Grove. To help RBK assess the impact of the trial which runs until June, please do give them your feedback on the form sent via email.

Thank You Garson’s Farm 

A big thank you to Garson’s Farm, who have donated some soil, pots, and seeds for use at Connect. 

Information about the new Ofsted framework 

Please find here a letter from the local authority regarding changes to the Ofsted framework. Whilst we are not yet expecting our next Ofsted inspection as a school, this information may be helpful to parents ahead of this.

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.

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

Next Thing Education Easter Tech Camp

Next Thing Education are running a Tech & STEM Camp at our junior site on 7th - 10th April from 9am - 4pm - a thrilling week packed with hands-on experiments, high-tech gadgets, and mind-blowing inventions that you can take home with you. Children aged 5-11 will build, code, and create while exploring the world of STEM in the most fun way possible! There is also an early bird discount if you book before 5th March for £5 off with code - EASTER5. Please see the attached poster for more information or you can book on their website here.

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 Easter and Summer at Holy Cross Prep School, children will enjoy a fantastic range of over 40 sports, games and art activities every week. Please see their website for more information.

Easter HAF Multi-Sports & Basketball Camp 

Future Rising Foundation will be delivering a HAF Multi-Sports & Basketball Camp during the Easter holidays. This will run from Monday 30th March - Thursday 2nd April from 11:00am - 3:00pm at Kingston College Sports Arena for children and young people aged 8–18. The four-day programme includes basketball coaching, football, flag American football, table tennis, volleyball, badminton, and structured team activities, all delivered by experienced coaches in a safe and inclusive environment. Funded places are available for children eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals, and a nutritious meal is provided each day.Please see the attached flyer for full details and the registration link here.

New Malden Theatre Academy - Easter Workshop

New Malden Theatre Academy are running a workshop over the Easter holiday. Please see the attached poster for details.

HENRY Newsletter

The School Health Team have asked us to share with you the attached HENRY Growing Up Team newsletter. It includes information about their upcoming April programme, which runs for 8 weeks online, as well as their one‑off workshop, “Looking After Ourselves.” 

Key School Dates

• 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) 
• 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)
• Monday 9th – Friday 13th March – Wellbeing Week
• Monday 9th – Friday 20th March – Y5 Bikeability
• Tuesday 10th March – Y3 & Y4 Soloist’s Concert @ 9am
• Tuesday 10th March - Y6 Trip to Odeon Wimbledon "How To Train Your Dragon" (am) 
• Friday 13th March – PTA Discos and Mufti Day
• Monday 16th – Friday 20th March – Chums Week
• Tuesday 17th March - Y3 Trip to Odeon Kingston "Paddington in Peru" (am) 
• 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)
• Tuesday 24th March - Y5 & 6 French Play - Joy 4 Kids (Au Pays Des Lutins) 
• 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