Coding Week - Mission Zero
Next week is National Coding Week.  Coding is a key part of our computing curriculum so is already well covered by the children. To enhance this offer, next week we will be participating in the Mission Zero project.  The children will get the opportunity to write some code to enter a competition - the winning entries will have their code for the Astro Pi beamed up to the International Space Station for the astronauts on board to see.  Hopefully some King’s Oak code will be making the journey to space! I’ll let you know how we get on.

School Fund voluntary contributions
As you are all aware, all schools are facing challenging financial circumstances with rising costs and limited budgets.  A way that parents can support us is to donate to our School Fund.  This money is used to supplement the school budget and help pay for resources and initiatives that we would not otherwise be able to afford.  We know that families are also facing financial pressures so this is totally voluntary and the amount that you donate is up to you.  Your Arbor account has been set for a £5 termly donation - please give what you feel is appropriate.  Any financial support received is much appreciated and will really benefit the pupils at King’s Oak.

Secondary Transfer
This week we held our meeting for Year 6 parents about secondary transfer.  A reminder for Year 6 parents that the deadline for submission of your application form is the 31st October.

Here is the list of dates for the Kingston secondary school open evenings - hopefully you will find these events useful in making your secondary school selections.  Please check on the individual school websites for booking information for the open evening events.

If you have any questions about the secondary school application process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

PSA Updates
After school next Wednesday (18th September) the PSA will be holding a pre-loved uniform and coat sale.  This will be in the KS2 playground.  Please come and take a look if you need to supplement your uniform stocks for the term ahead and get ready for winter with a warm coat.

We also now have the date for the PSA AGM.  This will be taking place at 9:00 on Friday 18th October.  Please attend if you would like to find out more about the work of the PSA, would like to sign up to a role on the committee or to generally support the PSA with their community and fundraising initiatives.
 

‘Helping children with...’ Webinars for parents 2024/25

Achieving for Children’s Mental Health Support Teams are delivering a series of
webinars for parents of primary-aged children. The ‘Helping Children with ...’
series of webinars will cover a range of common difficulties experienced by children and will aim to share evidence-based strategies to help parents and carers support their children with these difficulties.  The first one is about helping children with worries.

How to sign up
Parents and carers can sign up to the webinar by following this link. You can choose the date you would like to attend, and will need to provide your email address, the school your child attends and their year group.

Kingston Grow Programme

Grow Programme are funded by the UK government and LB Kingston to help parents get ready for work. We have a strong offer for parents who are not working that incudes a £50 Job start bonus, free accredited training and the award winning Grow App. We have a welcome event every month in central Kingston, starting on the 23 September - to book a space, please click here.

Thank you for your continued support, it has been wonderful this week to see all our new children settling in so well.  The children in Reception have loved their new shady area - the astro looks amazing and is a great new addition to the space.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Ian Hutchings

Headteacher