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10th October 2025 Newsletter – Disco reminder, Book recall, Harvest and more

A note from Mr Applegate

Another busy week as Autumn definitely sets in. Year 2 were incredible on their walk about the local area, and Year 6’s letters to the Prime Minister around climate change are great – and we are sending them off! Year R, 1 and 2 also enjoyed drama workshops by Perform. 

We look forward to seeing you over the next 2 weeks for our parents evenings. Please don’t be offended that teachers will have a 10 minute timer out – it makes it fair for everyone!

And a heart-felt thank you for your generosity for the half-marathon – you’ve raised £618 each for FOSM and Cancer Research!

Have a great weekend, Charles.

This week’s homework and learning

Agents of Change Home Challenges

Pastoral Drop In – This Monday!

The next pastoral parent drop in will be held on Monday 13th October from 8.30am-9.30am in the church. The pastoral team will share how we can support your child’s wellbeing in school, as well as exploring the family support available in the Basingstoke area. Younger children are welcome to attend, and refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you!

Camera Watches

Whilst electronic watches are allowed, watches with a camera are not allowed. Children must not access the internet or network through their watches.

Be mindful of these books

We’ve been alerted that these books may contain highly inapproriate links – we advise you to throw them away. We have cleared them from our school.

Parents Evenings – Last Chance to Book

Please book a 10 minute appointment to meet with your child’s class teacher(s) in person. Appointments will run from 3:40pm to 6:50pm on both evenings. You will receive an email with details about how to book online.  Bookings will close on Monday 14th Oct at 12pm. 

  • Weds 15th October (1/2) 3:40pm-6:50pm
  • Weds 22nd October (2/2) 3:40pm-6:50pm

Click here to book.

Disco – This Friday!

The KS1 disco will be 5-5.45pm and the KS2 disco will be 6-7pm.  

🕺🕺🕺🕺Click here to book a ticket 🕺🕺🕺🕺

KS2 violin lessons – one place still available!

Due to a family’s relocation, we have unexpectedly had a violin space become available. If you would like to take this space, please can we ask you to complete this form asap.  Details of the cost are included on the form.

School Tours for Year R Sept 2026

If you know someone who has a child starting school in Year R in Sept 2026, please share with them this link: www.stmarksprimary.net/join

School Orchestra

Orchestra will resume on Thursday 23rd October.

 Uniform Plea from the Teachers 🖊🖊🖊

Please can you check your child’s uniform, especially jumpers and cardigans. Teachers have had a lot of complaints this week about lost items of clothing but they are very often unnamed.  Please can you help us out by naming them over the weekend? Thank you 😊

FOSM – Can you help?

There’s more than one way to help us at FOSM to raise money for our school. Here’s some ideas…

1. Sweet jar donations – Our sweet tombola will be returning at the Christmas Fayre this year. We are asking for donations of filled jars with wrapped sweets. Any jar of any size accepted as long as they are clear. We will also accept additional empty jars.

2. Raffle prizes – Can you or your business donate a raffle prize for our Christmas Fayre? If you think you can help please get in touch (contact details below).

3. Volunteering – Events cannot run without them. Thank you to those that have already put themselves forward for this school year. If you are interested in volunteering. 

4. Come to our events and have fun – This is equally as important as volunteering. Yes, our events are aimed at raising funds for the school, but we also want everyone to have FUN! Bring family, meet friends and enjoy yourselves.
How to get in touch: chair.fosm@stmarksce.org.uk; secretary.fosm@stmarksce.org.uk

Thank you for your support as always!

OPAL – Do you have any….

St Mark’s Photo Reel

Charlie competed in his very first TAE KWON-DO competition on Saturday 4th Oct in Devon and he won a medal. Well done Charlie! 🏅

Well done to Anthony, Ivy, Freddie, Jenson and Joshua for running in the Children’s Race last week!

Thank you for your donations and support!

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ On Sunday, our incredible Headteacher Mr. Applegate and his daughter Hannah completed the Basingstoke Half Marathon — a fantastic achievement!

💰 They raised over £1200 which will be split between Cancer Research and FOSM.
🏆 Together, they showed dedication and perseverance and displaying their roles as true Agents of Change in our community.

👏 We’re so proud of their effort and grateful for the support!

A message from Mr Applegate:
The last 3km were tough, but the thought of completing the race and doing what we said in order to show our thanks for the fundraising spurred us on. It was great to see so many familiar faces in the race and also encouraging from the sidelines.
If you’d still like to donate, you can do so here. Thank you!

Thanks to FOSM and your generosity – our guinea pigs have a new, warm, clean home. Previous one was rotting and rusting!

Bring in a food item for our Harvest Worship – Monday 20th October

quote

⭐ Weekly Achievements ⭐

⭐ Attendance Updates ⭐

Our target over the year is 97%. Last year’s attendance was 95.8% – above national levels, but we’d like it to be much higher.

Our current attendance percentage is 98% 🤩

Weekly Attendance by Class

School Dates, Lunches, and Clubs

View the full calendar here. Subscribe on either Chrome/ Android or Apple

 

Helpful Information

In worship this week…

Music of the Week

Circle of Security

 

Community News

BFB1

Regular Notices

Latest Posts

3rd October 2025 Newsletter – Parents’ Evenings, Disco Tickets, FOSM Marathon and more

A note from Mr Applegate

The children have been working so hard this week, and we are pleased with their kind attitude and work ethic. From Year R to Year 6, we can already see children “growing and learning together in God’s love”, as is our school motto. Thank you for all of your input and support to make this happen. It’s a real privilege to lead our school.

Have a great weekend, Charles.

This weekend! Mr Applegate’s half-marathon for FOSM

Mr Applegate and his daughter Hannah are running their first half-marathon in Basingstoke, all in aid of their chosen charities – FOSM and CancerResearch. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here. Thank you!

This week’s homework and learning

Agents of Change Home Challenges

Parents Evenings

Please book a 10 minute appointment to meet with your child’s class teacher(s) in person. Appointments will run from 3:40pm to 6:50pm on both evenings. You will receive an email with details about how to book online.  Bookings will close on Monday 14th Oct at 12pm. 

  • Weds 15th October (1/2) 3:40pm-6:50pm
  • Weds 22nd October (2/2) 3:40pm-6:50pm

Click here to book.

Disco – 17th October 2025!

The KS1 disco will be 5-5.45pm and the KS2 disco will be 6-7pm.  Look out for more information about how to order your tickets in advance which will be sent to you soon.

🕺🕺🕺🕺Click here to book a ticket 🕺🕺🕺🕺

School Tours for Year R Sept 2026

If you know someone who has a child starting school in Year R in Sept 2026, please share with them this link: www.stmarksprimary.net/join

School Orchestra

Orchestra will resume on Thursday 23rd October.

Pastoral Drop-In

The next pastoral parent drop in will be held on Monday 13th October from 8.30am-9.30am in the church. The pastoral team will share how we can support your child’s wellbeing in school, as well as exploring the family support available in the Basingstoke area. Younger children are welcome to attend, and refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you!

KS2 Violin lessons – one place still available!

Due to a family’s relocation, we have unexpectedly had a violin space become available. If you would like to take this space, please can we ask you to complete this form asap.  Details of the cost are included on the form.

OPAL – Do you have any….

St Mark’s Photo Reel

Samuel competed in his first club swimming competition.  For his age group he won Silver for the 50m backstroke and Bronze for the 100m breaststroke!

Well done Samuel! 🏅

Ellen received a trophy to celebrate her achievements in her Cricket Club.  She is the Most Improved Under 11s Player!

Well done Ellen! 🏏🏆

An incredible lion by Ellen Y4!

Bring in a food item for our Harvest Worship – Monday 20th October

⭐ Weekly Achievements ⭐

⭐ Attendance Updates ⭐

Our target over the year is 97%. Last year’s attendance was 95.8% – above national levels, but we’d like it to be much higher.

Our current attendance percentage is 98% 🤩

Weekly Attendance by Class

School Dates, Lunches, and Clubs

View the full calendar here. Subscribe on either Chrome/ Android or Apple

 

Helpful Information

In worship this week…

Music of the Week

Circle of Security

 

Community News

BFB1

Regular Notices

Latest Posts

26th September 2025 Newsletter – Elections, Parents Evening, Census Day, Disco and more

A note from Mr Applegate

The children were INCREDIBLE today as they took part in our elections. We had ballot papers and boxes, and polling booths! Well done to everyone who put themselves forward, and for the children who were elected.

Year R, 1 &2 pupils – don’t forget to have a school dinner on Thursday please.

It’s a full newsletter this week – thank you for taking time to read it.

Have a great weekend, Charles.

This week’s homework and learning

Agents of Change Home Challenges

Census Day – Thursday 2nd October 

Our KS1 dinner numbers on Census Day dictate part of the funding the school is given next year.  If you have a child in Years R to 2 we would be very grateful if you would encourage them to have a school dinner please. It can make a difference of ££££ to our school.

The Favourites Day menu will be: 

Hot Dog with ketchup or Vegan Hot Dog with ketchup 

Served with Baked Wedges, sweetcorn and baked beans 

Dessert: Waffle with mixed berry sauce

Parents Evenings

Booking for our Autumn Term parents evenings will open on Monday morning at 8am.

You are invited to book a 10 minute appointment to meet with your child’s class teacher(s) in person. Appointments will run from 3:40pm to 6:50pm on both evenings. You will receive an email with details about how to book online.  Bookings will close on Monday 14th Oct at 12pm. 

  • Weds 15th October (1/2) 3:40pm-6:50pm
  • Weds 22nd October (2/2) 3:40pm-6:50pm

Click here to book.

School Disco

It’s our first FOSM School Disco of the year on Friday 17th October. 

The KS1 disco will be 5-5.45pm and the KS2 disco will be 6-7pm.  Look out for more information about how to order your tickets in advance which will be sent to you soon.

School Tours for Year R Sept 2026

If you know someone who has a child starting school in Year R in Sept 2026, please share with them this link: www.stmarksprimary.net/join

School Orchestra

Orchestra will resume on Thursday 23rd October: 

Mr Applegate’s half-marathon for FOSM

Mr Applegate and his daughter Hannah are running their first half-marathon in Basingstoke, all in aid of their chosen charities – FOSM and CancerResearch. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here. Thank you!

KS2 Violin lessons – one place still available!

Due to a family’s relocation, we have unexpectedly had a violin space become available. If you would like to take this space, please can we ask you to complete this form asap.  Details of the cost are included on the form.

OPAL – Do you have any….

We are still looking for any small children’s push chairs/prams (the ones that children would push around, not big ones!) please bring them in to the office. 

Do you have contact with anyone who works in a supermarket? We could love some bread crates (slightly thinner than the ones used for home deliveries).

Do you have any contacts with builders or electicians? We are looking to improve our construction area, so we need cable reels, crates, tubes, guttering etc 

Any OPAL questions? opal@stmarksce.org.uk

St Mark’s Photo Reel

💗Love💗

by Mia (4C)

Love can be big or small

Sometimes you don’t feel it at all

If you don’t you might need a friend

They may be round the bend

Can you feel the love?

Do you have a love?

Love is the best!

And here is a joke from Mia too…

Q: What did the policeman say to his tummy? 

A: Freeze! You’re under a vest!

Elsie performed for the very first time with The Popstar Academy. She went on stage and performed 7 dances!  We are so proud of you Elsie! What a superstar! ⭐⭐⭐

Bring in a food item for our Harvest Worship – Monday 20th October

⭐ Weekly Achievements ⭐

⭐ Attendance Updates ⭐

Our target over the year is 97%. Last year’s attendance was 95.8% – above national levels, but we’d like it to be much higher.

Our current attendance percentage is 98% 🤩

Weekly Attendance by Class

School Dates, Lunches, and Clubs

View the full calendar here. Subscribe on either Chrome/ Android or Apple

 

Helpful Information

In worship this week…

Music of the Week

Circle of Security

 

Community News

BFB1

Regular Notices

Latest Posts

19th September 2025 Newsletter – Monday’s school photos, Elections deadline, homework and more

A note from Mr Applegate

It was great to see an average of 80% of parents attend or watch our key information sessions this week. Links for the recordings are below.

A reminder that if you need to know what your child’s homework and learning is, it’s always on our weekly newsletter. See the section below.

Finally, logins for our online websites will be coming out next week in the back of the green reading logs. We had a bit of a tech hitch with the Spelling Shed logins so need to update them.

Have a great weekend, Charles.

This week’s homework and learning

Agents of Change Home Challenges

Rewatch the Key Info Sessions here

Year R – Year 1 – Year 2 – Year 3  –Year 4 – Year 5 – Year 6

Individual school photographs – this Monday 22nd

  • Please ensure your children are wearing a polo shirt (white or navy) and their green school cardigan or jumper. The photos are head and shoulder shots. 
  • Every child will have an individual photograph taken this Monday 22nd September.
  • Children with PE 
    • Please send children in wearing PE kit on their lower halves and polo shirts and green school cardigans and jumpers on the top please.
  • Children with Forest School (Y2)

    • Please send your child into school in school uniform with a change of clothes for Forest School afterwards. 2CL will change straight after as their session is in the morning, 2P will change after lunch. As the individual photos are only of head and shoulders please feel free to send them in Forest School trousers/leggings and trainers, with just school uniform on the top half to make the changing quicker and easier

Wet Play

With OPAL, we’ll be outside a lot more, even if it’s raining. Coats are essential, and wellies and waterproof trousers are a great idea.

School Tours for Year R Sept 2026

If you know someone who has a child starting school in Year R in Sept 2026, please share with them this link: www.stmarksprimary.net/join

Election Fever

Don’t forget to apply by 24th September – you can do so here.

Blue Modern Professional Football Club Badge Logo

Luke Murphy speaks to St Mark's

Wonderful Art Club Lions

Yr2-3
Yr2-2
Yr2-1
Yr2

OPAL – Do you have any….

We are still looking for any small children’s push chairs/prams (the ones that children would push around, not big ones!) please bring them in to the office. 

Do you have contact with anyone who works in a supermarket? We could love some bread crates (slightly thinner than the ones used for home deliveries).

Do you have any contacts with builders or electicians? We are looking to improve our construction area, so we need cable reels, crates, tubes, guttering etc 

Any OPAL questions? opal@stmarksce.org.uk

Screenshot 2025-09-18 121219
Screenshot 2025-09-18 121101
Screenshot 2025-09-18 121010

Mr Applegate’s half-marathon for FOSM

Mr Applegate and his daughter Hannah are running their first half-marathon in Basingstoke, all in aid of their chosen charities – FOSM and CancerResearch. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here. Thank you!

St Mark’s Photo Reel

Liam was awarded his yellow belt green stripe this weekend and is very proud of his hard work.

Congratulations Liam! 🌟🌟🌟

KS2 Violin lessons – one place available now!

Due to a family’s relocation, we have unexpectedly had a violin space become available. If you would like to take this space, please can we ask you to complete this form asap.  Details of the cost are included on the form.

⭐ Weekly Achievements ⭐

⭐ Attendance Updates ⭐

Our target over the year is 97%. Last year’s attendance was 95.8% – above national levels, but we’d like it to be much higher.

Our current attendance percentage is 98% 🤩

Weekly Attendance by Class

School Dates, Lunches, and Clubs

View the full calendar here. Subscribe on either Chrome/ Android or Apple

 

Helpful Information

  • After School Clubs - from 15th September

    Clubs List Autumn Term 2025

    Parents may ONLY access the school from the KS1 Gates 

    Clubs will start week commencing: 15th September

    Clubs will finish week commencing: 24th November

    Orchestra will restart after October half term.

In worship this week…

Music of the Week

Circle of Security

 

Community News

Brighton Hill Open Evening

Regular Notices

Latest Posts

12th September 2025 Newsletter – FOSM AGM, Key Information Sessions This Week and more

A note from Mr Applegate

It’s been great to welcome our new Year R children to their first days at school this week. They’ve done so well, and quite often haven’t wanted to leave :)

We’re looking forward to seeing as many parents as possible at the FOSM PTA meeting on Monday evening – 7:45pm at school.

And don’t forget about the online Key Information Sessions this week too. Dates, times and links below.

Have a great weekend, Charles.

This week’s homework and learning

Key Information Sessions this week

Wet Play

With OPAL, we’ll be outside a lot more, even if it’s raining. Coats are essential, and wellies and water proof trousers are a great idea.

School Tours for Year R Sept 2026

If you know someone who has a child starting school in Year R in Sept 2026, please share with them this link: www.stmarksprimary.net/join

OPAL plea

If anyone has any small children’s push chairs/prams (the ones that children would push around, not big ones!), please bring them in to the office. Any OPAL questions? opal@stmarksce.org.uk

KS2 Violin lessons – one place available now!

Due to a family’s relocation, we have unexpectedly had a violin space become available. If you would like to take this space, please can we ask you to complete this form asap.  Details of the cost are included on the form.

Breakfast Club: Parking vs Dropping Off

Please can we ask parents who use the car park after 8am not to take a bay in the car park. Instead, please can we strongly encourage you to use the drop off system with Mrs Dodd.  If this is not an option, please pull in, alongside a car that has already parked in a bay.  By this time in the morning, our staff are arriving and may well accidentally block you in while you are taking in your child. Staff need to take priority for spaces. Remember, the car park is not accessible after 8:20am for Breakfast Club users.

🐔 Book a Farm visit here 🐰

Book a fun free day out for your family!
Click here

Remember the attendance rules (and fines)

… get a reminder – click for more info

Need to request an absence?

Use the form here.

St Mark’s Photo Reel

Harrison has been playing disc golf for over 2 years.  Last weekend, he took part in an annual tournament called Trilogy in Milton Keynes and he came second in the Juniors category!

Congratulations Harrison! 🌟🌟🌟

Hallie took part in a Gymnastic competition and was awarded 3 gold medals and a 4th Place ribbon for her achievements overall. Congratulations Hallie! 🌟🌟🌟

 

Video for the teenagers…

⭐ Weekly Achievements ⭐

⭐ Attendance Updates ⭐

Our target over the year is 97%. Last year’s attendance was 95.8% – above national levels, but we’d like it to be much higher.

Our current attendance percentage is 98% 🤩

Weekly Attendance by Class

School Dates, Lunches, and Clubs

View the full calendar here. Subscribe on either Chrome/ Android or Apple

 

Helpful Information

In worship this week…

Music of the Week

Circle of Security

 

Community News

CAMHS1

Regular Notices

Latest Posts
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