Dear parents and carers,
I hope you are well and have had a good half-term break. Welcome to the final half-term of the academic year. Despite the four-day week, we have hit the ground running with 'Bee' Day on Tuesday, Forest School starting for Y2 and R this week and a visit from the Maths Hub Learning Team, as well as an unexpected fire alarm!
Fire Alarm
This occurred as parents were beginning to come and collect their children yesterday. It was not a drill, but was caused by a smoking computer that had been PAT tested less than a month ago.
As in all circumstances, please support the school in these situations by keeping everyone safe; it may be that you can not come onto the premises until we have fully assessed the situation. The children were calm and collected when the fire alarm went off - just as they always are when we have a drill.
Staffing
Please see attached some upcoming changes for September. Teaching assistants have a shorter notice period, so we will bring you news should there be any further changes.
Congratulations Mrs Adams
I know some parents are aware of this as we posted on Instagram, but congratulations to Mrs Adams (science lead) for her award this week. As well as being nominated, she then had to have interviews and lesson observations at the school. You may recall she is the borough schools-based advisor for science and ran a science information morning for our parents last academic year. She also teaches in Year 6 and fits all of that into working three days a week!
https://pstt.org.uk/news/primary-science-teacher-award-2025/
Science Visit-NPL
Seamlessly linking to the above.... Mrs Adams is aware of fantastic opportunities such as the one below. The science ambassadors were some of the children who were able to attend this and they have written such a thorough report that I have added it as an attachment.
From Mrs Adams-
On Tuesday, 10 keen scientists from Years 4, 5 and 6 visited the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington to participate in the NPL Discovery Day. Throughout the afternoon, they met real-life scientists and engineers and took part in some fantastic hands-on STEM activities, including building and launching rockets, freezing objects with liquid nitrogen and solving a measurement-themed escape room. They were brilliant ambassadors for the school, learned lots of new things and had great fun!
Bee day
As you may have seen through Instagram and hopefully heard from your children, all year groups enjoyed a very informative assembly all about bees on Tuesday and then had a 'bee' themed lunch. Thank you to our caterers, Accent, for providing this free of charge activity and sending their sustainability and engagement manager to deliver these.
Residential Trips
The week before half-term, our Year 6s enjoyed 5 days and 4 nights at PGL Marchants Hill (Hindhead). Many thanks to all the staff who gave up their time to make this trip happen.
The Year 5s are off to the Isle of Wight next week for the same amount of time and I will be going with them. We hope there's some sunshine waiting for us.
Term Dates
The term dates have been set for 2026-2027. Please see all the information on the website.
AfC are currently consulting schools over a two-week October half-term as secondary schools and Surrey have moved to this format. This would mean one week less holiday in the summer. This won't start until 2027-28.
https://www.sheenmount.richmond.sch.uk/page/?title=Term+Dates&pid=29
Sports
Borough Sports
13 children took part in this event at St Mary's University Athletics track yesterday-well done to all those involved. We finished 4th in the large schools and 6th overall, so an excellent effort. This included 5 children taking part in the EHCP Team 1000 event. Congratulations to Ben, William and Ameelia for winning their medals in this event. Congratulations to Charlie and Lottie for qualifying for the finals evening in two weeks.
Weekend Football Tournaments
Thank you to Mr Brown for giving up his weekend for these events.
The boys' team represented Richmond at a school tournament in Barnet. They successfully negotiated their way through the group and the last 16, but unfortunately lost to the eventual winners in the final.
Five of our girls plus two girls from outside Sheen Mount represented the school at a tournament on the first Saturday of half-term, called the Denham United Tournament. Despite some of the teams coming from a far wider selection pool, the girls had a fantastic day. They finished second in the group, won a golden goal semi-final and then went all the way to win the final! Well done to Esther, Clara, Elsie and Lottie from Y5 and Mia from Y4.
PSA events
Disco-from the PSA
Currently being enjoyed tonight. Thank you to all those who have helped organise or put on the event tonight-parents Emma Robinson, Kirsty Hillman, and Dan Havers (aka DJ Dan). The children had/are having a fantastic time!
Now that the kids have had their chance to dance, it’s the parents’ turn next—with a party on Friday, June 20, also at the school. This popular annual event is a great way to have fun while raising valuable funds for the school’s PSA.
Fair - Saturday 5th July
We are beginning to turn our thoughts towards this, and I know lots of planning has already taken place.
Cycle
I cycled with over 20 parents over two days last weekend on different training rides, so lots of people are putting the time and effort in. A date for your diary is 'The Grand Return' on Sunday 29th June starting in late afternoon - more details will follow of the picnic at school. The experience everyone had 2 years ago of leaving school for Paris was incredibly special and this time it is the return we are celebrating.
Just a reminder, those cycling three days will cover 320 miles and those cycling one day will be doing 100 miles. These are very tough challenges! Please spread the sponsorship link far and wide!
General fundraising page- https://www.justgiving.com/team/sheenmountride25
The staff page- https://www.justgiving.com/page/sheenmountstaff
Summer Fair Poster Competition
CIRCUS TENT
WINNER
James Thomas (3T)
JOINT RUNNERS-UP
Zach Beill (5W)
Olivia Siopoudis (4C)
CIRCUS PERFORMERS
WINNER
Lilian (Otters)
RUNNER-UP
Evie Strachan (Doves)
POPCORN/CANDYFLOSS STAND
WINNER
Tora Patgiri (Moles)
RUNNER-UP
Sasha La Forêt (Rabbits)
Golf Day
In very sunny conditions, 20 parents took part in the first Sheen Mount Golf day. It was a really fun event and great to get to know some more parents. The prize for top golfer was won by Andrew Simms. There was also a longest drive, nearest the pin and a raffle to finish the day off. Over £700 was raised for the PSA. Photo attached before the round and the subsequent sunburn!
Community News
Please find attached two community events/information
From Richmond School Travel
Cargo Bike Festival
We're delighted to announce the launch of the inaugural Richmond Cargo Bike Fair – a bold new celebration of cleaner, greener transport! Taking place in Old Deer Park on Sunday 15 June at 11am. This free, family-friendly fair promises a packed day of hands-on experiences, expert advice, and entertainment for all ages. With cargo bike popularity surging across the capital, the Richmond Cargo Bike Fair will be the go-to event for anyone curious about making the switch – whether for school runs, local deliveries, or everyday errands.
Richmond Fire Station Summer Plan
Please see a range of attachments from them for parents and families.
Have a good weekend.
Should you wish to contact me directly, please do so on headteacher@sheenmount.richmond.sch.uk
Tom Holmes - Headteacher
