Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Letter From Mrs O'Rourke

  Fri 17 Apr 2026

  Dear Families,

  I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable Easter break. It has been a pleasure to welcome the children back to school for the start of the summer term. In the Catholic tradition, the celebration of Easter continues for 50 days, and we look forward to marking this special season together in school.

  The children have made a fantastic start to the term and are looking very smart in their summer uniforms—thank you for your support in ensuring they are so well presented each day.

  Learning continues to be a key focus across all classes. This week, we were pleased to welcome a visitor Tracey Dunn from Anaphylaxis UK, who delivered an informative session to the whole school about supporting children living with allergies. This is such an important area of awareness, and we are planning a fundraising event to support this valuable charity.

  We have also enjoyed hosting IF Opera, which was a wonderful experience for the older children, and a group of our Year 6 pupils have begun their swimming sessions at Trowbridge Swimming Pool. Year 3 and 4 parents were invited to a multiplication check workshop which was another example of the importance of school and home working together to accelerate the learning for your child.

  At the end of Term 4 we hosted Richard Pomfrett in delivering an online evening workshop for parents named ‘Parenting in the Digital World’. Thank you to the 19 families who were able to attend - I have received such positive feedback about the content and how it will support parents to guide children with living alongside technology. I am really hopeful next year we will be able to engage even more families in this vital issue which is changing rapidly.

  Looking ahead, we are excited about the events planned for this term. In particular, the Colour Run, organised by the Friends of St John’s, will take place on Friday 22nd May. Please do add this to your diary and refer to the attached advert for further details.

  Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks for the generous contributions to our annual Easter Raffle in support of Dorothy House. This year, we raised an incredible £304.13—a phenomenal amount. We are very grateful to all the families, friends, and governors who donated prizes or purchased raffle tickets.

  Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

  Yours sincerely,

  Mrs O’Rourke

• Iford Manor Opera Visit

  Fri 17 Apr 2026

  Iford Manor Opera Visit

   

  Patience Class had their first session with Iford Manor Opera yesterday afternoon. They began with warm-up activities, where they learned new vocabulary related to staging, such as upstage and downstage. The children were then introduced to a French song, Carmen, by Lynsey, the opera singer. Even without understanding the language, they were able to interpret its meaning through Lynsey’s expressive movements, facial expressions, and body language. The class went on to act out scenes inspired by the song and even had the opportunity to perform for one another.

  

• Easter Cards

  Fri 17 Apr 2026

  Easter Cards

   

  Annabelle O made some Easter cards at home to sell to other pupils in school during the last week of Term 4.

  They were very popular and she made £40.50.

  The money raised will go to CAFOD.

  Congratulations and well done Annabelle for all your hard work.

  

• Year 4 and Year 6 Residential Visit’s Academic Year 2026 - 2027 – Parent & Children Information Session

  Fri 17 Apr 2026

  Year 4 and Year 6 Residential Visit’s Academic Year 2026 - 2027 – Parent & Children Information Session

   

  There will be a parents information evening for parents of pupils in going into Years 4 and 6 in September 2026 who will be going on residential visits during the school year.

   

  The meeting details are as follows:

   

  Date: Monday 20th April

  Time: 5.45pm – 6.45pm

  Location: School Hall

   

  We strongly encourage all current Year 3 and Year 5 parents to attend with their child, as it will be a great chance to receive essential information and we hope it will help your child prepare for this exciting adventure.

• Letter From Mrs O'Rourke

  Fri 20 Mar 2026

  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

• Year 2 Roller Skating Experience

  Fri 20 Mar 2026

  Year 2 Roller Skating Experience

   

  Year 2 recently enjoyed an exciting roller skating session delivered by Sk8Hire. Many of the children were trying roller skating for the first time, and it was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and determination as they developed new skills.

  This opportunity was made possible through our PE Premium funding, allowing children to experience a new form of physical activity in a fun and supportive environment. The day ended with a roller disco, creating a real sense of enjoyment and achievement for all.

  The session supported not only physical development, but also confidence, resilience and teamwork — key aspects of our commitment to developing the whole child.

   

  

• Lent Penitential Service

  Fri 20 Mar 2026

  Lent Penitential Service

   

  The whole school family gathered together with Fr Richard and Fr Peter (Mission Priest) for our Lenten Reconciliation Service. It was a time to reflect on our behaviours and say sorry for when we have made poor choices – knowing that we are always loved by God. It was  beautiful service with singing and reflection led by the children in KS2.  A particular congratulations to the children in Year 3 who have today celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. We are very proud of you all.

  

• Letter From Mrs O'Rourke

  Fri 06 Mar 2026

  Dear Families,

  As we begin Term 4, it has been wonderful to see such a positive and purposeful start across the school. The children have returned with great enthusiasm for their learning and have been working hard in every classroom. We have been particularly proud of the determination and effort they have shown across the whole curriculum, embracing new challenges and striving to do their very best.

  This week has also brought some very special news for our school community. Following our OPAL audit with Helen Easton, we are delighted to share that St John’s Catholic Primary School has achieved the Platinum Level Award. This is a significant recognition of our commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to play, explore and develop through high-quality outdoor provision each day. Play is such an important part of children’s wellbeing, creativity and social development, and we are incredibly proud of the opportunities available to our pupils. My sincere thanks go to our staff team, children and wider school community whose dedication and support have made this possible. In particular, I would like to thank the parents who were able to support the sand pit – including Mr & Mrs Davies who dedicated time, energy and muscle to the project. We are so grateful for the payment of the digger hire and your workforce! Stronger Together. In addition, Mr Butler, Mr Potem and Mr Zhuravel gave up their time and energy to support the importance of play for every child.

  We must share our thanks for the donations from The Friends which have ensured we could purchase the incredible reading cabin on the school site. This will provide a beautiful space for all children to rest, relax and read during their lunch break. We are currently working on ensuring the space is safe and equipped to be used – photos to follow!

  I am pleased to share a message we received from Michael Follett

  ‘I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations on your recent achievement in gaining an OPAL award at St John's Catholic Trowbridge. Changing the culture of an organisation is not easy but you have done it, to become one of the best schools in the country for the quality of your playtime provision. Along the way I am sure you have had ups and downs dealing with the common issues of rain and mud, tidying-up and broken loose parts, but the fact that you have gained an award proves you have succeeded in transforming playtimes for all your children.

  Best wishes Michael Follett OPAL Director.

  In the coming weeks we will share a date in the summer term when we will invite parents and the wider community to celebrate the Platinum Play Award alongsravelide the children.

  As we move quickly into the second week of the season of Lent, our children have been reflecting deeply on how they can live out their faith through action. This year we are working alongside the Little Vinnies charity with a Lenten focus of “Heart to Heart.” Through prayer, discussion and their learning in school, the children have been considering how they can respond to the call to care for others, particularly by thinking about what they can do to help stop the spread of loneliness in our society. It has been inspiring to hear their thoughtful ideas about small acts of kindness, reaching out to others, and showing compassion within our school and wider community. We are excited to see how the children will live out this message in the weeks ahead.

  Within the parish of St John the Baptist, we will also be embarking on our Parish Mission Week beginning on 9th March. This will be a special time for our parish community to come together in prayer, reflection and renewal of faith. As part of this, children in UKS2 will have the opportunity to attend Mass during the week, which will be a wonderful experience for them to deepen their faith and feel part of the wider parish community. For further details about the Parish Mission Week and the events taking place, please refer to the parish website.

  Finally, a future date for your diary is Wednesday 20th May, when we will be holding our Mission Review Evening from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Parents, governors and members of our wider community are warmly invited to join us for an evening of reflection and conversation, accompanied by wine and cheese. During this session we will come together to reflect on the mission of St John’s Catholic Primary School and consider how we continue to live out our values as a faith-filled community. This is an invaluable opportunity for you to have your voice heard and to help shape the future direction of our school. We look forward to welcoming you to this important event.

  We look forward to all that this term will bring and thank you, as always, for your continued support.

  Mrs O’Rourke

• St. John’s School Wins Top Platinum Award for Outstanding Playtimes

  Fri 06 Mar 2026

  St. John’s School Wins Top Platinum Award for Outstanding Playtimes

   

  St John’s Primary School in Trowbridge is celebrating after being awarded the OPAL Platinum Award, the highest level of accreditation in the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme.

   

  The award recognises schools that provide outstanding play opportunities for children and have embedded high-quality play across the whole school environment. Following a full audit of playtimes, St John’s was recognised for its creative play spaces, rich use of loose parts, and a culture that encourages children to explore, imagine and play together across year groups.

   

  Children at the school now enjoy a wide range of play opportunities including den building, sand and water play, wheeled play, climbing, digging and nature exploration. The programme has helped transform playtimes into active, creative and inclusive experiences for all pupils.

   

  

• World Book Day

  Fri 06 Mar 2026

  World Book Day

   

  Yesterday (Thursday 5th March), St John’s celebrated World Book Day in style! Children and staff arrived at school dressed as their favourite book characters, filling the classrooms with colour, creativity and excitement. The day began with a whole-school assembly led by Mrs O’Rourke, who was wonderfully dressed as Bluey, where she introduced the purpose of World Book Day – to remind us all that reading is both fun and enjoyable.

   

  Throughout the day, the children took part in a range of activities designed to inspire a love of reading. These included book-themed quizzes, quiet time to sit and enjoy a good book, designing their very own National Book Token, and creative writing inspired by the magic that a great story can bring.

   

  At the end of the day, each child took home a reading poster or bookmark filled with recommendations of great books to explore, a special key symbolising that reading unlocks the world for us, and a £1 book token to spend. To make the day even more special, the Friends of St John’s kindly gifted every child a book – thank you!

   

  What a wonderful day celebrating the joy and power of reading! 📚✨