11^th July is World Population Day

Armed Forced Day

Sunday 26^th June

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets. There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved.

Charities

Although Armed Forces Day is not a charitable event, the Armed Forces have the support of several UK charities and many local events will offer opportunities to support them. To find out more about Armed Forces charities please have a look on their website.

Many thanks

Jo Griffiths

Virtual Pilgrim Days 2021

As we can’t join together this year as planned, we thought that you might like to take part in the Pilgrim Days at home. A web page has been set up with everything you need. This is aimed at Yr4 and Yr6 children moving on from First and Primary or Junior to Middle or Secondary school. Please follow the link below to take part.

Many thanks

Jo Griffiths

Bath and Wells Diocese | Virtual Pilgrim Days

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education at Kingston St Mary School

At Kingston St Mary School SMSC is promoted throughout our curriculum in lessons, in competitions, fund raising, assemblies, concerts, shows, trips and visits, visitors to the school etc...

Below is a summary of what Spiritual. Moral, Social and Moral development means for our children.

Spiritual Development

• Children participate in Religious Education where they explore their own religious and spiritual identities, as well as those of their classmates. We invite in guest speakers from a variety of faiths and local places of worship.
• Children participate in visits to places of worship every year.
• We celebrate significant experiences such as birthdays and festivals and ensure that children have the opportunity to feel special and valued.
• We create opportunities where children can develop awareness of the world and its capacity to inspire awe and wonder. We have a curriculum which comprises of imaginative learning projects that are creative, flexible, thematic, inspiring and engaging. We encourage children to use imagination and creativity in their learning.
• We plan times for children to take part in opportunities to be quiet and reflective. We give them space for their own thoughts, ideas and concerns.

Moral Development

• We encourage children to respond appropriately to the needs and feelings of others and to show consideration and kindness to others.
• We create opportunities for children to learn from people who are excellent models of positive behaviour.
• We teach children to communicate in ways that will enable them to form positive relationships and enjoy participating in school and community life.
• We give children opportunities across the curriculum to explore and develop moral concepts and values – for example, personal rights and responsibilities, truth, justice, equality of opportunity, right and wrong.
• We also provide models of moral virtue through literature, humanities, sciences, arts, assemblies and acts of worship.
• We want them to recognise the difference between right and wrong, and respect the civil and criminal law of England.

Social Development

• We provide a range of activities which develop children’s social skills and understanding, like how to care for people, living things, property and the environment.
• We teach children to work cooperatively as a member of a group or team, taking turns and sharing within a range of social contexts.
• We create opportunities for children to develop positive relationships with peers and adults, including those who have different needs.
• We teach children to help and support others and to experience being helped by others.
• We teach a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and with a range of needs and abilities.

 Cultural Development

• We celebrate each other’s cultural identities and teach children to value their own cultural heritage and develop a positive, personal identity, and to show respect for other people’s values and beliefs.
• We want our children to demonstrate an understanding of the range of different cultures within the school “and further afield” as preparation for life in modern Britain.
• We encourage children to participate in, and respond positively to a range of artistic, musical, sporting, mathematical, technological, scientific and cultural opportunities.
• We provide opportunities for children to experience and respond positively to the languages, food, music, artefacts and cultural practices of different and diverse communities present and past.
• We encourage children to show an interest in exploring cultural diversity and show positive responses towards different religions, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.
• We celebrate our cultural diversity.

 Teaching and Organisation

Development in SMSC takes place across all curriculum areas, within activities that encourage pupils to recognise the spiritual dimension of their learning, reflect on the significance of what they are learning, and to recognise any challenges that there may be to their own attitude and lifestyle.

Class discussions and circle time will give pupils opportunities to:

• Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
• Express and clarify own ideas and beliefs.
• Speak about difficult events, eg bullying, death etc.
• Share thoughts and feelings with other people.
• Explore relationships with friends/family/others.
• Consider others’ needs and behaviour.
• Show empathy.
• Develop self-esteem and a respect for others.
• Develop a sense of belonging.
• Develop the skills and attitudes that enable pupils to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally — eg empathy, respect, open mindedness, sensitivity, critical awareness

Below are just some examples of how we have promoted SMSC in the last few years.

Spiritual:

• Our Learning skill for one half term was ‘Reflection.’ Children have been thinking back on their learning both last year and this term and thinking of what was good and how to improve.
• In our Harvest assembly we reflected upon what we were sharing with others.
• All classes to make a trip to a place of worship. KS2 classes have visited a local Mosque.
• Assembly theme of New Beginnings
• Remembrance and 2 minutes silence in school.
• Our musical concerts.
• Interhouse competition promotes personal values.
• Residential trips promote team building and reinforce personal values.
• Christingle Assembly was very spiritual and provided opportunity for reflection and wonder.
• In Autumn we did a lot of work around Remembrance Day. We have listened to music of the WW1 era, thought a lot about what remembrance means, why we should remember, held a special assembly about remembrance and had the 2 mins silence. The children learnt and sang two quite emotional and beautiful songs for the assembly.
• We have also thought about peace in its many different forms – from world peace, to peace within our school to how to gain peace within ourselves.
• The use of our allotment and our gardening club promote fascination and a sense of awe and wonder.
• Our Harvest Assembly had a focus on a rainbow of colours in the foods around us and we thought about how beautiful the world around us is.
• All of our Y6 children have monitor jobs that give them responsibilities to support staff and younger children.
• There has also been a theme of Peace in some of the assemblies.

Moral:

• We have had a big focus on Anti- Bullying . Children in Y5&6 will be focusing on cyber bullying.
• The importance of manners has been explored in assembly.
• In assemblies we acknowledge moral virtue in terms of celebrating achievement and behaviour both inside and outside of school.
• We have an annual School Travel Plan and we think about being safe, parking etc.
• We took part in National Road Safety Week and the school council sent out leaflets about keeping safe
• Supporting an international charity – Sports Relief.
• Our football and netball teams are practicing and have been participating in inter school matches.
• We also supported a local charity – Fearn Animal Sactuary.
• We had a harvest assembly where we collected food to donate to Homeless Action in Taunton. 
• We have supported a national charity – Children in Need. Children and staff came to school in fancy dress.
• Assemblies on Wednesdays with Mrs Griffiths have followed the theme of “Feelings” – exploring emotions, happiness, excitement, fright, pride, confusion, nervousness, shame, jealousy & loneliness.  The summary of the feeling assemblies is talking about how we are all different and we are all special.
• We had a half term of assemblies based around friendships.
• We had another half term of assemblies based around Aesops fables and the messages we can learn from them.

Social:

• We have introduced more clubs and these have been very well received.
• Our football and netball teams are practicing and we will be participating in inter school matches.
• Other assemblies looked at What is a code of conduct and why do we need school rules? Assemblies then looked at each of the statements in our code of conduct – respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity.
• Other assemblies are about people who help us – at home, at school, when we are ill, in an emergency, in the community, when we are travelling and how can we help others.
• Reinforcing school rules and class rules makes children think about their own personal qualities and social skills.
• Our many and varied clubs encourage participation in the wider life of the school and in events in the local area.
• Our regular House events encourages participation, co-operation, problem solving, co-operation and participation and working with children across the school of different ages.
• The Headteacher’s assemblies on Fridays to the whole school have continued to celebrate children’s achievements in and out of school.

 Cultural:

• We celebrate Black History Month. Each class does lessons and we have an assembly. The theme was Martin Luther King and his speech – ‘I have a dream.’ Homework was also set around this theme.
• We display labels in Spanish in each class so that it is evident that we learn Spanish at this school.
• Concerts include songs sung in different languages.
•  Displays around the school feature our global community and labels are often written in different languages.
• We try to appreciate the personal influences of others e.g selling poppies.
• There has also been a theme of  British identity in assemblies focusing on respect, traditions  and rule of law.
• The local vicar led an assembly.

Responsibility

Our value for this half term is responsibility. This means the obligation to behave well, having a duty to fulfil. In Kingston St Mary School this may be shown as: making good decisions about our own behaviour, taking responsibility for our learning, being independent, bringing the correct equipment and PE kit to school, handing homework in on time, caring for others. Responsibility also includes thinking about being a good citizen and caring for our environment.

Kingston St Mary School is supporting the British Red Cross 3rd - 9th May 2021.

Virtual collections make it even easier to fundraise for the British Red Cross.

What is Red Cross Week?

Red Cross Week is a great time of the year. It ties in with World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. This is an annual celebration of their Movement's work across the world. It's celebrated in May each year.

How our virtual collection will help

The British Red Cross plays a vital role in emergency response, and the ongoing, ever-changing situation concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is no exception.

In times of crisis, they're here to help people. They're local and they're global and they've been doing this for 150 years. Their network of incredible staff and volunteers means they are uniquely placed to reach people in fearful, uncertain times. 

But it’s the generosity of supporters like you that enables their work to happen quickly and efficiently. With your help, they'll continue to provide vital humanitarian, individual support for the most vulnerable, and those who fall through the gaps.

How does a virtual street collection work?

Set up your fundraising page by clicking their website and join the largest British Red Cross virtual street collection! Send the link to your friends and family via email, social media, or even text message! Ask for donations, no donation is too small to help vulnerable people.

How long can I fundraise for?

The main 'Virtual Bucket Shaker appeal' dates will be 4-10 May (when Red Cross Week was originally planned), however you can start fundraising now and keep going as long as you like! 

Are there other ways I can get involved?

Get creative and organise your own virtual fundraising event: a virtual quiz, yoga, bingo, the possibilities are endless! You can donate by phone, or online by contacting your local fundraiser at getfundraising@redcross.org.uk or 0300 456 1005.   Many thanks

Jo Griffiths

Tuesday 20th April 2021         Our Christian Value

The first half of the Summer Term our school will focus on ‘Service’.

Words relating to ‘servant’ and ‘service’ are central in Christian theology.  Some of the most important prophecies in Isaiah speak of the coming of the ‘Servant of the Lord’ and his role as a ‘suffering servant.’  That is why Jesus said that he ‘came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper.  This turned upside down the normal relationship between master and disciple, leader and follower.  In many ways, this astonishing action symbolizes the essence of the Incarnation: God stooping to share the human condition.  Jesus is very clear about the meaning of his action: ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done.’ 

The parable of the Good Samaritan shows we should serve those in need whoever they are.  Such service is not offered to gain some advantage for ourselves.  ‘Going the extra mile’ involves sacrifice, putting ourselves out for someone else’s benefit.

Serving God means serving others.  It also means that we cannot serve other masters as well - such as money.  However, the Christian message is equally clear that service is not all about restrictions.  It is precisely in a life of service that we become most truly free.

How can we demonstrate our value of Service?

Galatians 5:13-14    You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.  The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbour as yourself”.

• Think of others before yourself.
• Let someone go in the line before you.
• Hold doors open and let people go first.
• Pass the glue to someone before you use it.
• Let someone play with a toy you wanted.

Luke 10:33-34   But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.  Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.

• Help people even if they are not your friend.
• Put rubbish in the bin rather than on the floor-put the world first.
• Recycle as much as you can- put the world first.
• Donate some of your pocket money to charity.

View large version of image

Easter Animation

In this animated video, our talented illustrators have brought The Last Supper to life. Lovingly drawn and clearly narrated, I think this short film would be perfect for you to share at home with your family. Pause the film at intervals and encourage the children to discuss what they’re watching in real-time.

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/go/resource/tg2-re-7-the-last-supper-motion-story

Easter at Kingston St Mary

Easter is going to be very different this year at Kingston St Mary School for a second year running. We are looking forward to reflecting with the children within our bubbles about the importance of the Easter story. The Diocese of Bath and Wells have a collective Worship YouTube Play List; there is a series telling each part of the Easter Story: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfoG5SQ7Zs9UJQmQ2M8cUsQ/playlists
The image is a cross on coloured mosaic labelled Collective Worship: 

Story 1: https://youtu.be/Uc0aAQHFFQ4  (Introduction Easter the most important story) 

Story 2: https://youtu.be/QzretA8XGqs (Palm Sunday) 

Story 3: https://youtu.be/NMJfYJeNf78 (Jesus in the temple) 

Story 4: https://youtu.be/QWbcdJwQN (Last Supper)

Over the Easter holidays, it would benefit the children to look over our ‘Church Distinctiveness’ page on our website. During the summer term, I am hoping to start our ‘Voice of Values’ Council which will replace our ‘School Council’. Pupils will be able to access key information about taking part on the website.

Voice of Values Motto

"In all that we do our values shine through!"

Mrs Griffiths

Forgiveness

What is 'Forgiveness'?

Chloe - Yesterday I forgave someone for being mean.

Theo - This week I forgave someone for saying I wasn't their friend.

Jesse - Once, when I was going to football, the ball hit me in the face, I forgave them.

Thomas - When someone hurt me I forgave them.

Kingston - A long time ago someone hit me with a hockey stick and I forgave them.

Rhys - Our team had to forgive because someone kicked our ball over the hedge.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is fundamental to the character of God. Throughout the Bible, God is described as slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin (Numbers 14:18).

Jesus was uncompromising in his command to forgive. Forgive, he said, ‘seventy times seven’ (Matthew 18:21). In other words, forgive and keep on forgiving without limit.

Forgiveness was at the heart of everything he did and is at the heart of the Lord’s Prayer. When Jesus declared a person’s sins to be forgiven, it often aroused the anger of those who were less willing to forgive than he was and yet a prayer for the forgiveness of his persecutors was on Jesus’ lips as he died. Christian preaching has always put forgiveness at the centre.

We forgive because we are forgiven. Paul says: ‘Be compassionate and kind to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ (Ephesians 4:32)

The parable of the Unjust Steward tells of a servant who was forgiven his large debt only to be condemned because he refused to forgive a small debt owed to him.

Forgiveness cannot be given or received unless it is asked for, and the asking must be genuine and from the heart. Too often ‘sorry’ is said very easily, implying: ‘All I need to do is say I’m sorry and everything will be OK’. Real repentance demands that we take what we have done wrong with the utmost seriousness and have a deep desire not to do it again.

The whole sacrificial system in the Law of Moses was based on the principle that forgiveness requires sacrifice. Animal sacrifices are no longer offered, but the truth remains that forgiveness is costly to all involved. Once we understand that, forgiveness can be truly liberating both for the person who is forgiven and for the person who forgives.

Voice of Values Council

2020 - 2021

The Voice of Values Council has a very important job in our Church of England School. Their responsibilities include;

• Being ambassadors and actively promoting our Christian Values throughout our school community.
• Planning, leading and evaluating collective worship.
• Organising and running fundraising events for our chosen charities and helping our local church community with their events.
• Working with the wider school community to promote 'Home School Values'.

Voice of Values Motto

" In all that we do our values shine through!"

We are a Church School.

How do you know?

On, Friday 22^nd January 2021, our Key worker children gathered to reflect on our school Christian Values. I also asked the children, “How do you know we’re a Church School?" The responses from the children were astounding and heartening to the efforts of all involved with our school. Well done everybody!

Mrs Griffiths

Freya Y6 –

“We have Christian Values”

“It says it in the name of our school”

“We learn about all religions in RE”

We are loving and caring”

Kingston Y4 –

“We visit the Church”

“It says it on our jumpers”

“We visit the Church for festivals and services”

“We talk about the values in the bible”

Ruby Y4 –

“People from the church come here and talk to us”

“We hear bible stories and we talk about them”

Isla Y6 –

“We have assemblies and we pray”

“We pray for others”

“Posters around our school remind us of Jesus”

“We are thankful for Jesus”

Oakley Y5 –

“We talk about the compassion of God the Father and the strength of his son”

Wilson Y3 –

“We live near the church”

“We have bible stories”

“We have lots of bibles in our school”

Home School Values

Home School Values is a resource which allows us to share stories and a range of fun activities for the all family, linked to our Christian Values. By exploring each of our Christian Values at home, you are promoting your Child's Spiritual and Moral Development whilst learning and sharing time together. Please take some time during this lockdown to look at the activity sheets for each value we are learning about.  

Please see the link to this website below.

http://christianvaluesforschools.com/ 

Many thanks for your ongoing support during this difficult time. Mrs Griffiths

Kingston’s Christian Core Values

At Kingston St Mary School, we have defined the Core Values that underpin our thoughts and actions. Not only when we are at school but also throughout our day-to-day lives. These values have been clear to see over the last few weeks since going back into another lockdown. We have felt extremely proud of all our school community. I have spent today mulling over how children at our wonderful school demonstrate their understanding of our Christian values. Mrs Griffiths.

Wisdom at Kingston St Mary – we make good choices. We wait for negative emotions like anger, fear or resentment to pass before taking action, wherever we are. We consider the thoughts of others as well as our own. We approach each day with an open mind and a readiness to learn.

Justice at Kingston St Mary – we treat others, as we would like to be treated. We are truthful and honest in all we do. We show self-discipline in the face of our desires and are concerned with the well-being of others.

Courage at Kingston St Mary – we are brave when faced with a challenge and persevere when things are tough. We are not reckless but willing to take necessary risks when fear, embarrassment or the opinion of others might otherwise discourage us from doing what is right and proper.

Compassion at Kingston St Mary – we help those who need help, not just our friends. We are forgiving of others who have made poor choices and show care and concern for all. We put others before ourselves and show kindness in all we do.

Belief at Kingston St Mary – we believe in everyone. We know that hard work and good intentions make a difference. We look to the future with positivity and high expectations and work hard to achieve our dreams and ambitions.

Respect at Kingston St Mary – we are kind and polite to everyone. We are tolerant of people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds and honour the achievements and qualities of others.

Responsibility at Kingston St Mary – we keep our word. We take care of our work, always conduct ourselves responsibly and follow the rules, both in out and of school. We accept our failures and mistakes without excuses and with a willingness to improve and persevere.

Examples of how we will share our Core Values at Kingston St Mary School 

• Our actions. These values apply to everyone and we lead by example.

• Language. These words permeate everyday school life. 

• Planning and Marking. Where possible, we reference our values in lessons and when marking books. 

• Displays. Classrooms have a dedicated display to the Core Values. Mrs Griffiths has also developed a permanent display in the hall. 

• Facebook. We highlight our children’s achievements on Facebook and always try to link their learning or actions to our Core Values.

• Assemblies. Assemblies are specifically linked to a Core Value to help the children clearly understand their true meaning and why they are so important. 

• Core Value Certificates. These are awarded in Celebration Assemblies and are linked to a Core Value and explained as such when being awarded. 

• Communication. Letters to parents, the school website and Newsletters raise awareness and promote our Core Values. 

Our values are clear, simple to understand and will support our children in their development both inside and outside the classroom. Kingston St Mary prides itself not only in providing an excellent education for its pupils, but also in developing young people into well-rounded individuals who make positive contributions to the society in which they live.

Mrs Griffiths

Perseverance

Emphasis upon endurance and perseverance is common in the New Testament where it is linked with patience and suffering. St Paul is certain that endurance is honed by suffering, is character building and is characterised by love (Romans 5:3-4; I Corinthians 4:12 – 13). It is linked with self-control, godliness (2 Peter 1:6) and steadfastness.

At its root, endurance and perseverance is recognition that life is sometimes difficult and painful, and that it is important not to give up in the face of adversity.

Jesus endured rejection, abuse and the cross, and his followers are warned that they may well have to share that pain as persecution took hold. Discipleship is depicted as ‘taking up the cross daily’ and following in Jesus’ footsteps (Luke 9:23).

Endurance and perseverance are only possible where there is hope and that hope is based on the enduring nature of God’s love and faithfulness. Even Jesus, for all his strength and ability to endure, looked to his disciples to help and sustain him by watching and praying with him (Matthew 26).

Monday 2nd November

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 'Open Door' collection. Mr Griffiths was able to deliver the wide selection of groceries during half term. It was wonderful to see such a wide range of toiletries included. The staff were extremely grateful and Mr Griffiths commented on the delicious smells coming from the kitchens. Hopefully, we will be able to have another collection before Christmas.

Thursday 15th October 2020

As part of our Harvest Festival celebrations this year we will be collecting for the charity 'Open Door'. 

Open Door is a day centre for Taunton’s homeless community. In the first instance they provide a warm welcome, a smile and a cuppa.

After that they work to ensure people have their basic needs met. They have showers, a clothing store and provide a laundry facility. They also serve breakfast and lunch with unlimited refills of tea, coffee and juice. This all works to increase people’s self-esteem and gives them a positive sense of belonging to our community.

They then offer tailored support plans for individuals which target key goals such as developing life skills, sustaining accommodation and accessing employment. All of this is underpinned by a staff team of three and a huge team of over 45 volunteers. Without their volunteers, and support from donors, they would not be able to make such a difference in people’s lives.

On Friday 23rd October, Mrs Griffiths will be collecting at the front of school any donations you would like to make this year. Donations might include coffee, tea, sugar, cereals, juice, tinned meat or vegetables, cooking sauces, toiletries, washing powder etc..

Many thanks

Jo Griffiths

Respect

The Bible has so much to offer in this area of positive personal, relational and community values, and its timeless wisdom can help all us as a Christian school pass on to the next generation the qualities of life that are most valuable and which, as Christians, we believe are not only God-given but also can be God-energised in our lives.

Respect has different meanings but all play a part in how Christians value themselves and the lives of others. Respecting those that love and care for us, our parents, carers and those in the local community, is common in all traditions. We should appreciate what's done for us, finding cooperation not conflict and take responsibility. Romans13 states that we should 'Pay others the honour and respect you owe them'.

Respect for others - everyone is special; everyone's opinion matters; everyone's contribution is important; everyone's feelings should be considered; everyone's faith is sacred

Respect can mean simply treating each other with politeness and courtesy, and recognising that everyone’s contribution is important and that everyone’s feelings should be considered. At Kingston, we regularly discuss how respecting someone does not mean that we always agree with the other person but that we are prepared to listen and share our views without rudeness or impatience.

Christians recognise that respect needs to start with respect for ourselves and our own unique contribution to our homes, schools or communities. Having self-respect means being able to celebrate our gifts and talents, looking after ourselves and the bodies that God has given us. Having self-respect also means nurturing our talents so that we the best we can be, honouring how God has made us and being confident about who we are.