Dear Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Term 4 continues to bring us new opportunities and we are thrilled with the progress the children are making in their faith journey, learning and of course play! Over the past few days  we have been delighted to welcome three external visitors to work with the school team to monitor our outcomes and provide challenge. We make know apology of being highly ambitious for all children. The feedback from the visits included: 

'Thank you for a great day working with your team at St John’s Catholic Primary School. You are such a strong team and are always so reflective on how you can make learning the most effective for your  children'. Ramsbury Hub Specialist Literacy Group, Department  for Education 

 'Across all areas seen during my visit, there were clear threads that are building consistency in teaching and pedagogy. As a result, progress can be evidenced and pupils are enjoying their learning. The school is to be commended on the   success of the implementation of OPAL. 'Wiltshire Local Authority School Advisor

It goes without saying  we are blessed with our dedicated and talented team of adults who constantly strive to improve outcomes for all children and develop the change makers and leaders of the future that our world so desperately needs.  

As part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of all our pupils, I would like to take this opportunity to share some important updates and reminders regarding safeguarding at St John's Catholic School.

Keeping Our Children Safe

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We work hard to ensure that our school remains a safe and supportive environment where all children feel protected and valued. Our staff receive     regular training on safeguarding procedures, and we encourage all members of our school community to be vigilant and proactive in promoting child welfare.

Online Safety

This week we have added additional information to the newsletter in connection to Online Safety - please do take the time to read. With children spending increasing amounts of time online, it is essential to remain aware of potential risks. We encourage parents to:

· Regularly check privacy settings on devices and social media platforms.

· Have open discussions about online safety and responsible internet use.

Monitor the apps and websites children access to ensure they are age-appropriate.

We also teach online safety as part of our curriculum, empowering children to navigate the digital world safely.

Mental Health and Well-being

Supporting the emotional well-being of our pupils is a priority. We have a dedicated team that provides support to children who may need help managing their emotions, stress, or any concerns they may have. If you feel your child needs additional support, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Reporting Concerns

We all have a responsibility to safeguard children. If you have any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being, please speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Mrs O'Mahony. Concerns can also be reported anonymously via our school safeguarding email address

Preventing Absenteeism and Promoting Attendance

Regular school attendance is crucial for a child's education and overall well-being. We kindly remind parents to inform the school immediately if their child is absent and to work with us to address any attendance concerns.

Holidays and long weekends away during term time can not be authorised, please continue to support our ambition for all children to achieve a minimum of 96% attendance rate.

Working Together

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the role parents and carers play in keeping children safe. By working together, we can ensure that our school remains a secure and nurturing place for all.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

Best wishes,

Mrs O'Rourke