October 8, 2021

8th October Newsletter – Parents’ Evening, FOSM, Harvest and more!

A note from Mr Applegate

It was great to share in our worship this week about diversity and opportunity. Mrs Long, our IT Technician, shared about her career in IT and how she enjoys using technology to help others, and her experience of leading teams of developers. Mrs Long has made a huge difference to our school too, and we are rightly preparing our children for the world they will live and work in. We want our child to see that everyone can make a difference, everyone has opportunity, and that everyone can achieve! Race, gender, religion, ethnicity etc – there are no barriers!

Our children continue to work very hard, and their presentation and pride is impressive. Have a look at our latest Year 5 post for an example.

I’m pleased to say that our covid cases have dropped right down across the school. We are likely to be back to year group bubbles soon! Cases numbers in Basingstoke are still higher than national, so we will continue to be cautious. Please remember to let us know the results of any PCR tests even if negative. It’s tricky if a child has had a test, comes back to school, but we don’t have confirmation of a negative result. Thank you.

We’re pleased to celebrate and think about Harvest this week. Whilst we won’t take in food donations, we would ask you to consider giving online to Basingstoke Foodbank if you are able.

Deadlines for next week (by 15th October)!

Pumpkin trail order form
Christmas Candle Order
Y6 Bikeability Form

Don’t forget to book a parents’ evening slot too!

Have a great weekend, Mr Applegate 🙂

FOSM Pumpkin Trail

The Friends of St Mark’s (FOSM) PTA will be running a pumpkin trail. This will take place in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood between Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st October for you to complete at your own pace. All correct entries will be entered into a draw to win this cute cuddly pumpkin and a £25 Smyths Toys voucher.

Remember to sign up online at https://www.stmarksprimary.net/pumpkintrail

Once we have received all monies and completed registration forms, your map and question sheet will be sent to you at the email address provided. Happy finding!

Harvest!

We’ll be celebrating Harvest on the week begining 11th October! Rev Nicola Such will be helping us learn about the festival, and where our food comes from.

As usual, we’ll be supporting Foodbank. If you are able, we’d love you to donate online here. Why not do this with your child so that they learn more about helping others? You can also donate in person here.

Missed our Key Messages Meetings?

Find the slides here!

Hire our facilities!

We’re opening up again, so why not hire our hall, field or facilities for a birthday party, fitness class or training event? Click here to find out more.

Dates for your diaries

Parents’ Evenings will be a 10 minute slot, online. Further details will follow, but dates/times are:

Monday 18^th Oct, 4-6:30pm
Tuesday 2^nd Nov 3:40-5:50pm
Thursday 4^th Nov 4-6pm

FOSM Advent Candles

This year the Friends of St Mark’s are selling Advent Candles to raise much needed funds for the school. A limited number are available, so these will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

If you would like to place an order, please complete the Google form, a confirmation will be emailed to you. We will then send an envelope home with your child for you to return with your payment. The candles are £3.50 each or 3 for £10.

Order forms must be completed by 15th October and payment must be returned to school by Friday 22nd October.

The order form is available here.

School Payments

Just a reminder that we remain a cashless school.

Please pay for Breakfast Club, school dinners, trips and any other items via your ScoPay account. Thank you

Flu Vaccines

The School Nursing Team will be here on Wednesday 17th November to administer the Flu Vaccine for all children Year R-Year 6.

Consent forms will be sent home shortly.

Bits and Pieces

Remember, the gates close at 8:50am. If you child arrives after this, it is marked as late in the register.
Year 6 only – complete this Bikeability form by 15th October

St Mark’s Heroes – Can you make the difference?

Our children need your help! They would massively benefit from an hour, an afternoon, or whatever you can give to help them during school hours. Our St Mark’s Heroes scheme aims to gather as much support as possible to help our children with their learning. It could involve reading with a child, supporting a small group, or generally helping in class. It could be helping out at lunchtimes. It’s also great experience if you’re looking to get more involved in schools. We’ll provide the training! There would be a simple application form to complete, a chat with Mr Applegate, and a free DBS check to complete. Click here to register your interest, and to find out more. Thank you for thinking about this – and for thinking of the difference you could make!

Star Learners

Well done to:

Year R: Noor, Olivia, Amelia
Year 1: Holly, Logan, Oliver
Year 2: Alex, Riaz, Joey
Year 3: Edward, Aaron, Angelina
Year 4: Theo M, Alfie, Marianna
Year 5 : Alfie, Anaya, James-Dean, Mikey
Year 6: Madison S, Issac, Sophia E

Rock Stars

Best Effort of the Week:

Year 6 – Sophia E, Sophia M, Erica

Year 5 – Matthew, Sophie G, Isla, Elsie, Leighton

Year 4 – Olivia N, Elouise, Elizabeth, George H, Eleanor

Year 3 – Jack K, Annabelle, Thea

Numbots best effort:

Year1: Reeva, Prannav, Harrison
Year 2: Liliana, Amaya, Tina

Bug Club Awards:

Year 1: Eva B, Olivia, Prannav
Year 2: Dylan, Maya, Lily
Year 3: Grace, Isabelle Ru, Zac C
Year 4: Seth, Abigail, Renee
Year 5: Amelia W, Bethany W, Trinity
Year 6: Craig, Parker, Ethan

Year R Tours for September 2022

Are you thinking about your child joining us in September 2022? Come and find out more about us at our online and onsite sessions!

Zoom Information Session:

No need to book! Both Zooms are the same.
Nov 15th Year R Info Zoom – 6pm Link here

Onsite Tours:

Please register here.
Please also attend the Zoom Information Session above!
Oct 12th Year R Tour – 6-7pm
Nov 9th Year R Tour 5-6pm
Dec 2nd Year R Tour 5-6pm
Come along to the main entrance and we’ll direct you.

🎵 Music of the Week 🎵

As part of our children’s education, we’re keen for children to hear a wider variety of music. This week’s choice is below! Relax and enjoy!

Foodbank help

FOSM – Support Our School!

About FOSM

The ‘Friends of St Mark’s’ (FOSM) was formed early in the life of the school. All parents are automatically members and our committee organises social events for children and adults and fund-raising events such as Key Stage discos, Easter Egg Hunts and Summer Fun days.

Over the last few years the ‘Friends’ have donated money that has contributed towards extra resources to benefit the children at St. Mark’s which has included playground equipment, books for the school library, and general school funds. We are now a registered charity, too. Charity number: 1188879

Join our Facebook group here.

We need your help! FOSM can’t run without parent support and effort. Please consider how you can help! We’re a friendly group of people wanting to give that bit extra to St Mark’s. Contact us below:

General email – fosm@stmarksce.org.uk

Cherie Parker – Chair – chair.fosm@stmarksce.org.uk

Mandy Mullen – Treasurer – treasurer.fosm@stmarksce.org.uk

Emma Bryant – Secretary – secretary.fosm@stmarksce.org.uk

Regular Notices

Covid Reminders

Use the email covid@stmarksce.org.uk if you have questions or need to report symptoms or a positive case.
Please keep us updated – for example, of test results.
NHS Symptoms Check
If a child is off school but able to work, then Google Classroom work is available – and it should be completed. Teachers spend a lot of time making sure this work is available so no-one misses out!