Dear Parents,
Two four-day weeks have certainly ensured we maximise our time in school. Our Year 6 children have been working really hard at their SATs exams (public examinations) this week. Excitingly for them, they also have their school residential trip to PGL coming up the week after next.
There will be one more newsletter this half-term. A reminder, Friday 26th May is the last day before half-term, with a normal finish time. The first day back after the half-term break on Monday 5th June is an INSET Day. Children return on Tuesday 6th June.
Year 4 residential trip to Juniper Hall
Last week our Year 4s ventured off to Juniper Hall, which is close to Dorking, for their residential trip.
It was a three day, two night trip focusing on a range of outdoor activities, plus of course, the independent nature of going away with classmates and developing these skills. Many thanks to all the adults who gave up their time to make this trip successful - Mrs Teeling and our Year 4 team - Miss Hopwood, Miss Costa and Mrs Sparkes, Mrs Kuzmina and Mrs Brenna.
Children's comments:
Vivian 4H - I really enjoyed the fire lighting. It was really challenging, especially with the rain that was falling. Once we had used the fire starter to get the initial spark, we then put it onto some cotton wool and the fire lit. We then had to make sure we put the smaller wood on first.
Alexander 4C - I really enjoyed finding out which other children would be in my dormitory. It was very exciting to see who we would spend two nights with and I was really pleased to have my first choice in my room. There were 6 of us in total in the room.
John 4S - My favourite part was the hike up the steep hill. We also had to use compasses to find the tower. It all ended with a great view. It was very fast coming back down, but we had to be careful due to the mud.
Following this successful trip, Year 3 have their school sleep-over coming up before half-term and Year 6 have their residential trip to PGL. Our residential trips for the year conclude with Year 5 going to the Isle of Wight in week 2 of Summer 2.
Year 1 and Year 2 Forest School
Our Year 1 classes have completed their forest school experience and the Year 2 classes are nearly coming to the end of their six-week forest school programme. Below are some comments from the children. Reception have four sessions each coming up. Moving forward, we have decided to dedicate our sessions next academic year to Year 2 and Year 4. Having a KS2 year group taking part will bring a further rich experience for the children, that we can maximise across the curriculum. Forest school and outdoor learning can play a purposeful role in older children's education; we see that at Juniper Hall.
We intend to continue with some sessions for Reception at the end of the summer term each year.
Holly - Owls: My favourite part was toasting the marshmallows. Melissa (forest school lead) made the fire and we had to put the marshmallows onto the stick and took it in turns to toast them. Then we ate them!
Hugh - Robins: I really enjoyed building a nest. We used hay, grass and sticks to make it. In following weeks we built a boundary around it, using sticks and red leaves.
Rose - Doves: I really enjoyed making sparks for a fire. We had to scrape something against the metal and do it really hard. If you had the right technique it worked. We didn't make a real fire, just sparks!
Parents of Reception 2023 children
We will be sending some communication out the week commencing 22nd May about settling in dates and other information. Whilst the deadline has passed to accept places, Richmond are still working through their administration to finalise places.
Reception 2024 and beyond places
If you know of anyone who may be interested in attending the school in September 2024 or beyond, a reminder of our form on the school website to sign up for the Open Days. These take place in the Autumn Term. https://www.sheenmount.richmond.sch.uk/page/?title=Open+Mornings+%2F+School+Tours&pid=35
Sports Day dates
These will both be on Sheen Common with more of a mix of races, as well as the throwing activities when children go around in a carousel in their colour team groups.
- KS2 Thursday 6th July from 9.30 -12.30pm
- Reception and KS1 Friday 7th July 9.30 -12.30pm.
Coronation Celebrations
The children enjoyed some coronation activities and wearing their own red, white and blue clothes last Friday. We (genuinely) found a Charles and Camilla in Year 6 and they graced us with their presence in both celebration assemblies, handing out the stickers. Our younger children shared the coronation songs they had been learning in singing assemblies, plus we had some royalty/coronation links for those in the celebration book.
Class Photos
These will take place on Friday 9th June. The children will have a photo taken in the more traditional sense of each class in three rows. There will also be a 'fun' photo taken as well. Parents can then choose when they purchase which options they want.
This is not the same company that took the previous class photos.
PSA events
Discos
All the information is on class-list and members of school staff will be there to support the event on Thursday 18th May.
Summer Party - on Friday 9th June at school 7.30 -11pm.
All the information is below, there are still tickets available. Please sign up to enjoy this school social event for parents.
https://app.classlist.com/events/#/events/view/974470921
Forest, Field Fun totaliser
You can see the totaliser on the outdoor window of the main hall as you walk through each week. 
Money already donated within the PSA funds has allowed to us to reach the £60k marker.
You may still be collecting money from the children's challenges and that is absolutely fine. The link will remain open and is below. We have an aim to get this part of the link to £20k. So please continue to reach out.
Together with the money already committed from the PSA and the cycle ride, this will bring us very close to our target displayed on the totaliser.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/forestfieldfun
100 Club Draw
Congratulations to number 29, which was this month's winner.
And finally....
Spring has indeed sprung. The Wisteria has finally started to bud. Make sure you look up as you walk through for pickup and drop off.
Have a good weekend.
If you wish to contact me directly, please see me on the school gates or for email headteacher@sheenmount.richmond.sch.uk
Tom Holmes - Headteacher
Maria O'Brien - Deputy Headteacher
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