St John's
Catholic Primary School
At St John's we grow and learn in the footsteps of Jesus.
Curious
Thoughtful
Prayerful
Respectful
Creative
Independent
Caring
Responsible
Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
-
Letter from Mrs O'Rourke
Fri 28 Mar 2025Dear 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
-
Easter Raffle
Fri 28 Mar 2025Easter Raffle
St. John's Catholic Primary School is hosting an Easter Raffle to support Dorothy House. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 4th April during Celebration Assembly. Year 5 and 6 Leaders will sell tickets near the outdoor classroom during break and lunchtimes throughout the week leading up to the raffle. Tickets are priced at 50p each or £2.00 for a strip. Prizes include Easter eggs, toys, and cuddly teddies.
Dorothy House is a wonderful local charity offering compassionate care and support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on enhancing quality of life and providing comfort to patients and their families. The care the hospice provided for our dear friend and colleague Mr Smith will be forever remembered.
If any family would like to donate an Easter prize we would be delighted to receive them, please drop into the office Team before Friday 4th April.
We invite all pupils and parents to participate in this meaningful event to support a very worthy cause.
-
Lent Penitential Service
Fri 28 Mar 2025Lent Penitential Service
Today the children and adults gathered together for our Penitential Celebration. The choir once again sang beautifully and the psalm was sung by four of our Year 5/6 girls. At this time during Lent we gather and together and listen more closely to God’s word, and reflect on our lives in the light of that word. It is also a time for contemplation, for being attentive to those things that at other times we cannot find time to focus on. The children showed great reverence throughout.
-
Mass and Liturgy
Fri 14 Mar 2025Mass and Liturgy
As a school family we gathered together for our Ash Wednesday Service in the school hall led by Fr Richard. It was a powerful start to our Lenten journey.
On Friday 7th March we celebrated our Feast Day Mass in the Parish Church alongside parents and parishioners. The children sang and responded so reverently to the celebration and during the day enjoyed an extra long morning break.
Thank you Fr Richard for your continued support and guidance in the prayer life of our school.
-
KS1 Geography Showcase – Tuesday, 1st April
Fri 14 Mar 2025KS1 Geography Showcase – Tuesday, 1st April
We are excited to invite KS1 parents into the classrooms at 2:45 pm on Tuesday, 1st April for a special Geography showcase! The children will be sharing their learning about animals around the world and exploring the important work of ‘The Pangolin Man’ in Uganda as part of our CST stewardship project. This is a fantastic opportunity to see their work and celebrate their learning—hope to see you there!
KS1 Geography Showcase – Tuesday, 1st April
We are excited to invite KS1 parents into the classrooms at 2:45 pm on Tuesday, 1st April for a special Geography showcase! The children will be sharing their learning about animals around the world and exploring the important work of ‘The Pangolin Man’ in Uganda as part of our CST stewardship project. This is a fantastic opportunity to see their work and celebrate their learning—hope to see you there!
-
World Book Day - Thursday 6th March 2025
Fri 14 Mar 2025World Book Day—Thursday 6th March 2025
Last Thursday, St John’s came alive with the exciting buzz of reading as we celebrated World Book Day and immersed ourselves in the joy of books. We started the day with a whole school assembly before 7 children and Peter Rabbit (Mrs O’Rourke) visited Waterstones to choose a book. During the day, students and staff dressed up as their favourite characters – LKS2 even rocked a ‘costume catwalk’ and some pupils in UKS2 (Alaska H ad Sofia D) came dressed as Shakespearean characters, inspired by their Reading lessons. Classes came together to share stories, with some even making the most of the delightful weather by reading outside! We ended the day with a fun “reading relay,” where each teacher moved around the school to read to different classes. EYFS and KS1, in particular, behaved impeccably well, showing great enthusiasm and respect for the stories shared.
A huge “Thank You” to the Friends of St. John’s who donated a free book for every child at the end of a wonderful day.
-
House Saint Launch Afternoon
Fri 14 Mar 2025House Saint Launch Afternoon
Last week, our whole school embraced learning about our new House Saints in their house groups. Children from EYFS to Year 6 supported each other in an afternoon of prayer, singing, learning about the life of their House Saint and fun team challenges. It was lovely to share the special moment with family and friends at the end of the school day. Below is our new whole school prayer and we would welcome your support in helping your child to learn their part.
Loving God,
Thank You for our school,
A place of faith, learning and friendship.Guided by the example of St. Francis,
May we be instruments of peace, caring for all creation.Inspired by St. Mother Teresa,
Teach us to serve with love,
Seeing You in everyone we meet.Following St. Don Bosco,
Help us to live with joy and kindness,
Always encouraging and supporting one another.Like Blessed Carlo Acutis,
May we seek You in all we do,
Using our gifts to share Your light with the world.Bless our school community,
That we may grow in faith, wisdom, and love,
Becoming Pilgrims of Hope, people You call us to be.Amen.
-
KS1 Trip to Trowbridge Library
Fri 14 Mar 2025KS1 Trip to Trowbridge Library
KS1 visited Trowbridge Library on Wednesday 12th March. All children listened to some stories and got time to explore the library. If you are not a member of Trowbridge library, please visit them to get a FREE membership card. They offer a free story time session on Saturday mornings.
Thank you to all the parents that volunteered to help the visit take place.
Page 1 of 1