Welcome to the end of the first full week back! It has been very busy but very rewarding with so much fantastic learning and fun activities evident across the school. We are also starting to see attendance data creeping back up which is a positive sign that we are coming out the season of all the bugs and illnesses!
Deadline for applying for Reception September 2023 entry
If you have a child born between the 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019, this is your final reminder to get your Reception class application in by the deadline of the 15th January!
Don't forget and miss out on a space! To apply, please use the eAdmissions website. https://www.eadmissions.org.uk/
Are you thinking of getting a new bike?
Try Before You Bike is a scheme that allows anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough of Kingston to try out a new or nearly new bike for a monthly fee, which you claim back if you buy the bike. Monthly fees start at £10 for kids, £30 for a standard hybrid or folding bike, £75 for an electric or adaptive bike and £200 for an electric bike. The bikes are delivered to your door for free by a qualified instructor who will help get you started. Find out more by visiting Kingston Council’s website.
Coram Beanstalk
Our school is currently working with a charity called Coram Beanstalk, who enable children to grow a love for reading and in turn improve their attainment across the curriculum, their confidence and well-being. Over the past 50 years, they have developed huge expertise in making this happen. Coram Beanstalk help children become readers; ensuring all children get the wider support they need to switch on to reading and become confident, independent readers. The reading helpers are trained in a proven approach and will lead sessions for each child that bring fun and enjoyment to the reading experience, ultimately wanting the child to choose to read and be enthusiastic about it!
To find out more about who they are and their work please visit https://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 020 7729 4087.
Phonics Workshops for Year 1 Parents
There will be two opportunities next week for parents and carers with children in Year 1 to find out more about our phonics teaching and how you can support your child at home. They will take place in the new hall (opposite the Year 1 classrooms) at 9:00 and 14:30 on Wednesday 18th January. I hope that many of you will be able to attend.
Surbiton Warm Hub
In order to help fight the economic hardships and the energy crisis of the winter months, Surbiton High Girls' Prep School have committed to running a warm Hub through January, February (and March if there’s demand). It is taking place every Thursday between 15:30 and 17:00.
In short, a place where the local residents can come to enjoy a hot drink, soup, and some warm conversation. Everyone is welcome – and people are very welcome to come and collect a large flask of homemade soup and a pile of fresh bread after school to take home for a family dinner.
Nothing required, no questions asked – they can stay and chat or take and go. We are here to help in any way we can.
GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE: adult education
Starting in February, Surbiton High are offering a GCSE English Language as an adult evening course. This is intended for those who would benefit from it most: refugees, immigrants, those who weren’t able to get a GCSE at school or those simply looking to improve job chances, or to help their children with their homework. Please follow the link here for further information - for those who cannot afford the donation, this is offered free of charge.
New Planters - coming soon!
We have been taking part in the Climate Resilient Schools Programme that is being funded by the DFE, Mayor of London and Thames Water to help schools across London become more resilient to extreme rainfall. One of the ways to do this is to install Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). SuDS are interventions that primarily reduce flooding and make school grounds more resilient by responding to the changes in our weather. In the next few weeks, we are having 10 SuDS rain planters installed that slow the flow of rainwater from the roof to the ground that will help to reduce the risk of surface water flooding causing disruption to our school. The planters also have the additional benefit of encouraging wildlife and greening the school grounds. Look out for them around the school site!
Don't forget about our next PSA meeting taking place on Friday 20th January at 9:00 in the spare Year 5 and 6 classroom - I hope to see many of you there.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Ian Hutchings
Headteacher
