Dear Parents,
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of our Christmas performances over the past two weeks. We look forward to the Year 5/6 concert in the church tonight. Thank you to all the staff who have put in the time and effort with these events and also across the term in so many ways.
Thank you to all our parents and carers for your support this term and we wish you all a relaxing, enjoyable and Merry Christmas.
We look forward to welcoming the children back in the ew year on Tuesday 3rd January.
A reminder term ends at 2pm (R/KS1) and 2.10pm (KS2) tomorrow.
A message from the Chair of Governors
It’s so wonderful to see Christmas, as it should be, at Sheen Mount rather than how it’s had to be in the last few years – all the children excitedly playing their part in the shows, concerts and celebrations in Church. The community connecting again in ways that had to be foregone. It’s such an important part of what our school has to offer – a sense of being a part of something bigger than any one of us.
This term we have held two governing boards. It was great to hear Tom’s headteacher report – especially as this is his first September with us. The strategic development plan for the year has been very much a joint effort between the governors, the leadership team and staff and builds on many initiatives already underway, particularly around maths, English and the curriculum subjects. It was great to hear the progress being made on so many fronts.
This year we were also able for the first time not only to discuss the Year 6 SATs results but also the end of year tests for the children in KS2. The SATs were a real credit to both the children and the staff, particularly given the Covid interruptions, and the school are justifiably proud. The end of year tests for Years 3 to 5 provided both governors and staff with rich insight to be able to ensure progress is tracked and built upon year on year.
We’re really excited to have two new governors in Andrew Gardiner and Edward Nicholson join the Board this term and are looking forward to working with them both.
Come July, we will have a governor role available for someone with HR experience – please spread the word and if this is of interest to you or someone you know please do get in touch via governors@sheenmount.richmond.sch.uk
As you can see the school is moving forward on so many fronts to provide the children with the rounded education that is the is hallmark of Sheen Mount.
Thank you to all the staff, parents and children for all your support of the school and on behalf of the Board, I wish you and your families a joyous and relaxing festive season.
Justine Hebert
A message from our mental health lead-Mrs Teeling
Dear Parents,
I am pleased to inform you that Eda Giray, Art Psychotherapist from the Achieving for Children Mental Health Support Team (MHST), will be working with Sheen Mount this term.
Eda will be offering individual appointments to parents on Wednesday mornings throughout the Spring term.
If you have concerns about your child’s emotional health, these appointments aim to provide a supportive space to discuss initial worries, explore topics such as low mood/anxiety, explore supportive and coping strategies, and receive further signposting if needed.
To arrange an appointment please email Paula Teeling at the school email address.
Choir event
Last Thursday, Sheen Mount Choir performed at a charity Christmas Concert in Christ Church in aid of the Holly Lodge Education Centre. As well as performing three Christmas songs as a stand-alone choir, they also joined together with Clarendon School Choir and Sheen Gate adult choir for a joint performance of 'O Holy Night' involving both singing and Makaton signing. Nancy started the whole concert off with a wonderful solo and all the children sang beautifully, with incredible commitment and enthusiasm. They acted as fantastic ambassadors for the school throughout the evening and were highly praised by all who attended.
Many thanks to Mrs Adams for teaching the choir and taking them to this event.
Borough Cross- Country Year 5 & 6
This event was held on Friday 2nd December. With 6 girls and 6 boys taking part in a very competitive event with each race having over 100 runners. Well done to all those who competed for the school; ensuring you do not get tripped up at the mass start is the first hurdle to overcome!
A quite stunning achievement by two of our girls in their race, where we achieved an unprecedented Gold and Silver medal. In her victory, Ava took the lead just at the bottom of the final steep hill and powered her way to a very impressive win. Liberty had a real battle to secure a medal with around 5 children close around her. She managed to dig deep for the silver medal. Well done girls, a great achievement.
Enrichment
Our Y6s took part in the primary maths challenge this term and a range of bronze, silver and gold awards were given from their results.
This is a national competition and 17 of them were offered the opportunity to take part in the bonus round.
Next term, children in Year 3 and 4 will get the opportunity to take part in this.
https://www.primarymathschallenge.org.uk/what-is-the-pmc
All children in Years 3 to Year 6 will get the opportunity to be in the school Quiz team for general knowledge, where they get the chance to compete against other schools.
https://www.quizclub.org/
There is also a Quiz 'Club' term run by our enrichment lead Mrs Sroka - more information will be sent via email.
Headteacher for the day
Beatrice from Rabbits class in Reception was headteacher for the day on Wednesday following the prize from the school ball.
As well as doing various tasks around the school and watching the Y1 Christmas performance, she and three friends joined me for Christmas lunch in my office.
Safeguarding advice for setting up new devices
Please see attached some useful advice about setting parental controls for new devices.
Accent catering
The survey is still open for feedback for school lunches. It has had minimal numbers submitted so far - this is your opportunity to offer your opinion, and we will ensure we receive updates on any comments given.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/M6SGVQN
Please see the attachment around the health benefits of a school lunch.
Richmond Good Neighbours
Following our bag collection for this local charity, they sent the following thanks through.
Dear Mr Holmes
On behalf of Richmond Good Neighbours, I would like to thank you for the wonderful support from Sheen Mount School parents who have donated over 40 beautiful Christmas gift bags for elderly Richmond residents.
The thoughtful gift bags busting with beautifully wrapped gifts and charming messages and cards from the children, will give great pleasure to our clients.
Special thanks must go to Cornelia who has been so kind helping to co-ordinate these donations; we are so lucky she offered once again to help us.
Rollover winner
Congratulations to number 44 which was the double rollover winning number this month. Well done to Heather Adams.
PSA
Dear Sheen Mount Community
Ahead of the holidays we wanted to share an update with you on fundraising efforts this term. We are delighted to report that thanks to your help and support we have raised £34,000 this term.
We look forward to more community and fundraising events in the new year and will share plans (and feedback from our events survey) so you know what to expect in the Spring Term. 
In the meantime, as you do your holiday shopping, please do remember to use AmazonSmile and Easyfundraising (as it’s free money for you an us!). Head to Classlist or contact Sophie or Calli for how to to cheat.
We wish you all a healthy, happy holiday season.
Calli, Sophie and the rest of the PSA committee.
Communication
A reminder, I am more than happy to speak to parents at drop off and pick up, or you can contact me directly at:
headteacher@sheenmount.richmond.sch.uk
Have a good Christmas break.
Tom Holmes - Headteacher
Maria O'Brien - Deputy Headteacher
