Dear Families,

As we journey through the darker months of January, I continue to be deeply impressed by the way our children are approaching their learning with such enthusiasm, resilience, and joy. Even on the coldest and greyest of days, the classrooms are filled with light — the light of curiosity, kindness, and a genuine love of learning that reflects our shared values as a Catholic community.

Thank you all for your wonderful contributions to Blue Monday and Zoo Monday. These have brought such positive energy, smiles, and rays of hope to our Monday mornings this term. It has been a joy to see the children arriving with excitement and creativity, reminding us that small acts can lift spirits and strengthen our sense of togetherness.

We are now looking forward to Shoe Monday (children invited to wear their favourite pair of shoes) on Monday 2nd February, followed by the much-anticipated Kazoo (each child gifted with their own kazoo – please do not buy a kazoo) on Monday 9th February. These moments of shared fun play an important role in nurturing joy and connection within our school family.

This coming week also marks a very special milestone for our Year 4 children, who will be heading off on their first residential away from home to Braeside Adventure Centre in Devizes. This is an exciting opportunity for them to grow in independence, courage, and friendship. We cannot wait to hear all about how they rise to new challenges, support one another, and experience success through love, prayer, and plenty of laughter. We are always so grateful to the committed and passionate staff team who give up their own time to support such an important event for the children.

This week we have had safe delivery of our reading shepherds hut which has landed on the school field. Going forward this will allow all children to have access to a safe space to read and relax on the school field during their lunchtime. We are always so grateful to the Friends of St John’s who have supported with the cost of the purchase of this provision for all children. We are excited about the new opportunities this will offer!

Before I close please ensure you check your diaries and are able to attend the online parent/grandparent zoom workshop on Monday 9^th February at 7pm. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to be upskilled in managing to live alongside the demands of the technical world and how to support your child. I cannot encourage you enough to engage with this opportunity – Richard Pomfreet is an incredible national consultant and speaker – I guarantee you will come away with some new skills and/or knowledge!  During the school day children in KS2 will be working alongside Richard but the parent zoom meeting is for every parent – including those with the youngest children. The link can be found on the attachment.

As always, thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. Together, we help our children to grow not only in knowledge, but also in faith and character.

With every blessing,

Mrs O’Rourke