Dear Families,

As we come to the end of what has been a short but incredibly positive term, I would like to take a moment to reflect and give thanks for the many blessings within our school community.

Last week, we were privileged to welcome the missionary priests into our school. Their visit was a wonderful affirmation of all that we strive to achieve each day. I would like to share a reflection they offered, which truly captures the spirit of our school:

“I am amazed at your wonderful schools in this area. We have spent some time in your schools and they are marvellous. Absolutely marvellous. I have really enjoyed being there – seeing the staff – the dedicated staff. The wonderful children who have been remarkably well behaved. Maybe just in front of us – I don’t know. I remember a number of times praying the Mass here in the morning and I forgot that the children were right next to me. All because they were so quiet and attentive and well behaved. They are wonderful.’

Their words are a testament to our dedicated staff, our exceptional children, and the strong sense of community that makes our school so special. We are deeply grateful for their visit and for the encouragement they have given us all.

I would also like to thank all parents and carers who attended Parents’ Evening in such large numbers. Your support, engagement, and partnership with the school make an enormous difference to the children’s learning and wellbeing. We truly value the opportunity to work together.

During Term 5, the beginning of the Summer Term children are invited to wear the school summer uniform – this includes:

         a gold polo shirt with a logo and brown shorts should be worn with shoes or sandals (3/4             length shorts and Bermuda or surfing shorts are not acceptable).  Socks must be worn at all times.

         a yellow and white checked dress may be worn (white shorts may be worn under dress) with either white or dark shoes or sandals. Again socks must be worn at all times.

When we return from the Easter break we are delighted to be welcoming If Opera Schools Programme to St John’s Catholic Primary School for the very first time! Since 2010, If Opera has been inspiring school children across Wiltshire and Somerset, providing opportunities for children to work alongside outstanding professional vocal animateurs, singers and musicians. With a proven track record for the quality of its performances, young artists’ programme and schools’ projects, they want to introduce many more young people to the wonder of opera, and the schools projects are central to this mission. The UKS2 children in Patience? Class will be working alongside the professionals during the summer term and preparing for a performance to family and friends on Monday 15^th June 2026.

Looking ahead to next week, we will be holding our annual Easter Raffle in support of Dorothy House. Raffle tickets will be on sale every break time and lunchtime, organised by our Chapel Champions. Tickets are 50p each, and the draw will take place on the final day of term, Friday 27th March. We are very grateful for your continued generosity in supporting this important cause.

In addition, one of our talented school families has created a selection of beautiful Easter cards, which will also be on sale during break times next week. These cards will be sold in support of CAFOD and will cost £1.00 each. We encourage you to support the children and this worthy cause.

As we enter the holy season of Easter, we are reminded of the heart of our faith: hope, renewal, and the promise of new life through the Resurrection of Christ. This is a time to pause, to give thanks, and to reflect on the love, sacrifice, and joy that Easter brings to us all. May this season inspire us to show kindness, compassion, and generosity in our daily lives, just as we see so beautifully within our school community.

I wish every family a truly blessed and joyful Easter. May your homes be filled with peace, hope, and love, and may you enjoy special time together with family and friends as we celebrate this most important season in our Church’s year.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs O’Rourke