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

• Class 7 Violin Concert

  Fri 28 Feb 2025

  Class 7 Violin Concert

  Parents and Carers of pupils in Class 7 are invited to the Violin Concert in the Hall at 2.40pm (arrive 2.35pm) on Tuesday 25^th March. This is a concert to celebrate the learning that the   children have been doing with Charlotte in their violin lessons during Terms 3 and 4.  Thank you.

   

• Official Opening of Our Prayer Garden

  Fri 28 Feb 2025

  Official Opening of Our Prayer Garden

  On Friday 14^th February we were delighted to welcome over 30 guests to celebrate the official opening of the school prayer garden which is located on the school field. Many thanks to Fr Richard for leading the service so beautifully and also to Mrs Sessions who joined us to   officially cut the ribbon! The prayer garden was one of her unfinished projects and it was a delight to welcome her back to St John's     Catholic Primary. The school choir led us in song and the Chapel Champions contributed prayers and reflections. All children across the school will now be able to access this quite reflective space during the school day and as part of our lunch time provision. 

   

  

• Letter From Mrs O'Rourke

  Fri 07 Feb 2025

  Dear Families,

  I hope this newsletter finds you well. We are continuing to have a fantastic term during this Jubilee year, and I would like to take this opportunity to share some highlights and upcoming events with you.

  We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their enthusiasm and dedication to learning. This term, our Year 5 and 6 have been taking part in challenging learning in RE focussed on the Transfiguration, exploring the wonders of scripture and linking to their lives today. The quality and their depth of knowledge is very impressive. Meanwhile, pupils in Lower Key Stage 2 have been getting creative with drama and art, producing some wonderful drama based on Luke's scripture and also making their very own stunning Class Rosary. Photo attached! EYFS and KS1 are working hard every day with a particular focus on their phonic skills, reading and handwriting - we are all so impressed with the effort and resilience they are showing. Please keep reading with your child every day - it really does unlock access to the whole curriculum!

  OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) during lunchtime continues to develop and I am           incredibly appreciative of the parents support and suggestions for future developments. The children are provided with rich daily opportunities to play outside but in addition to this offer the school lunchtime does include the children having access to the school chapel, school library and lunchtime club - which are all currently held inside the building. In addition we welcome children having the option to wear waterproof overalls or their own clothes during the lunch break - particularly if you believe this would support them in their play.    

  Upcoming Events

  Opening of Our School Prayer Garden: On Friday 14th February families who have        donated towards the creation of our school prayer garden are invited to attend an official opening of this beautiful space within our school site. The Chapel Champions along with the School Choir will lead the service and we are delighted to welcome Fr Richard and Mrs Tracey Sessions to join the school family during the afternoon. We look forward to every child being able to access this space from Term 4 onwards.

  Safer Internet Day: Tuesday 25th February will be celebrated during the school day with the theme “Too good to be true”?  How can we learn to protect ourselves and others from scams online.

  Year 4 SKERN Residential: Children in Year 4 will depart on the morning of Friday 28th   February and return to school on the afternoon of  Sunday 2nd March after a fun packed weekend.

  Parents’ Evening: Taking place on Tuesday March 11th and Thursday March 20th from 3.30pm - 6.00pm. This is a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher. Further information will provided with booking online at the beginning of Term 4.

  World Book Day: Thursday 6th March, this will be a fun packed day focussed on the love of reading and children are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. Please encourage your child to start thinking about their favourite characters from the books they love. More details to follow.

  Feast Day Mass: Friday 7^th March at 9.15am celebrated in the St John the Baptist Parish Church - all welcome! 

  Reminders

  Please ensure your child arrives at school on time every day - school gates open at 8.30am and close at 8.45am

  School uniform must be worn daily; if you need assistance, please contact the office.

  A huge thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support. Your involvement in our school community is invaluable, and we appreciate everything you do to support your child’s learning. Particular thank you to the Parent Representatives who dedicate their own time to work in partnership with the school and strengthen our wonderful community. 

  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

  Warm regards,

  Mrs K O'Rourke

   

   

  

• Jubilee Launch Day – A Celebration of Hope

  Fri 07 Feb 2025

  Jubilee Launch Day – A Celebration of Hope

  Last Friday, our school community came together to celebrate the launch of the Jubilee Year, focusing on the theme of hope. Each class explored the story of Noah’s Ark, reflecting on what they are hopeful for in their own lives. The children responded to the scripture with beautiful artwork and thoughtful poetry, showcasing their creativity and faith.

  Beyond the classroom, some of our Year 5 & 6 Chapel Champions led a special reflection in the school hall. Classes visited throughout the day, taking time to reflect and contribute to a collaborative whole-school art piece—a meaningful expression of our shared hopes.

  It was a truly inspiring start to what promises to be an exciting and enriching year.

  A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and family members who visited classrooms to engage with the children about their learning. Your support and involvement make these moments even more special.

   

  

• New House Saints

  Fri 07 Feb 2025

  New House Saints

  We are updating our house Saints to better reflect modern life and inspire our children in meaningful ways. While our traditional saints have guided us well, we want to choose Saints whose lives and missions connect more directly with today’s world—especially in areas like technology, social justice and caring for the environment.

  For example, alongside beloved Saints like St. Francis of Assisi, who teaches us about respect for nature, we will have Blessed Carlo Acutis, a role model for using technology for good. These changes will help our children see how faith can be lived out in today’s world. The      colours of the House groups your child is currently in will remain the same.

   

  Saint Rose (Red) = Blessed Carlo Acutis (To be canonized a Saint on 27th April 2025)

  Saint Dominic (Yellow) = Saint Don Bosco

  Saint Anthony ( Green) = Saint Francis of Assisi  

  Saint Teresa (Blue) = St Mother Teresa

  In our assembly today, the house captains encouraged the children to research their new house Saint at home and share with them anything they found out.  

  Thank you for your support as we continue to grow in faith together!