Dear Families

I open this Newsletter giving thanks for all the love and support families have shared on the funeral of dear Mr Adrian Smith RIP on Saturday 23rd November. The funeral service,  although incredibly moving,  was a wonderful celebration of the legacy and impact Mr Smith had on us all. The community of St John's Catholic Primary School truly shone their light, with the incredible adult school choir singing, tributes to our friend and colleague and uplifting video created by the children. I think he would be very proud of everyone. After the service the school hosted the wake in the school hall and the family felt some comfort being surrounded by his loved ones and work colleagues. On the Monday after the funeral  every child was invited to plant a bulb on the school grounds - making sure we live out our mission of looking for beauty and joy wherever we are - living out being a steward of our world. In the summer term we are planning a day of remembrance for Mr Smith which may well include a tennis event and an orienteering competition! We look forward to welcoming families to join us in marking his life. 

Over the past few weeks we have invited many new families who are having to choose a Primary school for their EYFS child on tours around the school. It has been a privilege to welcome the families to the school and many have been very complimentary about the learning behaviours and calm purposeful learning          environment. If you have friends or family who would like to visit please encourage them to contact the school office team who will be able to arrange a tour with me.

To welcome the beginning of the season of Advent we gathered together as a school family to celebrate the Advent Penitential Service with Fr Richard and     supported by the Chapel Champions. It was a meaningful reflection to dedicate time on how we can open our hearts during this season of preparation. After the service children who had received the Sacrament of Reconciliation where invited to confession with Fr Richard and two other visiting priests from Bath. The children were prayerful, showed reverence and were well prepared for the Sacrament - well done to all those children in Year 4, 5 and 6.

I must now mention of course the superb Christmas Fayre 2024! Without the    dedicated and committed Friends of St John's team this event would never had happened, we are truly grateful and blessed to have you.  The Fayre was a joyful occasion and the children were very excited about gathering together with their friends and families.

It was simply beautiful to see so many people socialising together and building community. Reggie C was our 'Christmas Light Switch On' Winner 2024 - he did a terrific job! Father Christmas sent a message to say how impressed he was with the Fayre and that he looks forward to visiting again in 2025! Thank you again to Mole Valley Farmers for the generous donation of the  Christmas Tree - the        children play around the tree everyday!

Over the coming few weeks we start our work with the Outdoor Play And Learning (OPAL) team - this will deepen opportunities for purposeful play for all children. I will keep parents updated with how you can get involved in this project and protect the gift of play and childhood.

Two important dates before the end of Term include the EYFS Nativity which will be celebrated in the parish church on Tuesday 17^th December at 2pm. Families are invited into the parish centre after the service for refreshments and an opportunity to buy some last minute Christmas gifts! On the last day of term Thursday 19^th December the whole school is gathering in the Parish Church at 9.30am to    celebrate a Christmas Carol Service. This will be the first time we have celebrated together at this time of year in the Parish Church and all families are very welcome to join us. Once again the parish centre is open after the service for refreshments and a mince pie! 

For families that wish to write a Christmas card to the staff team these are always received with gratitude. The children will be invited to post a Christmas card in the class postbox on the mornings of Monday 16th December and Tuesday 17th on the playground between 8.30am and 8.40am. The cards will then be sorted and delivered to the children by our Year 5 & 6 leaders. 

It is a busy end to a successful term and the school team look forward to           supporting the children to focus on the meaning  of why we celebrate Christmas and the joy we need to share. 

Best wishes

Mrs O'Rourke