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

• Letter from Mrs O'Rourke

  Fri 18 Jul 2025

  “We are many parts, we are all one body…” – 1 Corinthians 12:12

  Dear Families,

  As we come to the close of another academic year, I find myself filled with both gratitude and pride. This has been a year of many milestones — not least of all, it marks my first year in headship here at St John’s Catholic Primary School. It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such a vibrant, compassionate, and faith-filled school community.

  I would like to express my deepest thanks to all of you — our families — for your support, encouragement, and prayers throughout this year. Your kindness and partnership have helped guide me through this first chapter of leadership, and I feel truly blessed to walk this journey alongside you.

  One of the highlights of this term was undoubtedly our fantastic ‘Farm Fest’ school fayre. Organised by the tireless efforts of the Friends of St John’s, it was a beautiful celebration of everything we value — community, joy, and togetherness. The afternoon was filled with   laughter, music, and children enjoying simple pleasures which will remain as precious memories. Thank you to every volunteer, every stallholder, and every family who attended — you made it a day to remember.

  This year has also brought us moments of deep sadness. In November, we lost our dear    colleague and friend, Mr Adrian Smith. His passing touched every corner of our school   family. Adrian served St John’s with incredible dedication and care, and his absence is still keenly felt by us all. Yet, in our grief, I have witnessed the most powerful signs of love and  resilience — in the quiet strength of our children, in the unwavering compassion of our staff, and in the prayers and support from you, our parents.

  Together, we have carried one another through the hardest days. That, in itself, is the truest expression of our Catholic faith — to be community, even in sorrow. To lift each other up in love.

  As we move into the summer break, I pray that you all find rest, renewal, and precious time with loved ones. Let us take forward the hope and unity we’ve built this jubilee year, and return ready to grow in faith, learning, and joy once more.

  Thank you for making my first year as headteacher a truly memorable and meaningful one.

  With every blessing,

  Mrs O'Rourke

  Headteacher

   

   

• Whole School Pilgrimage on Friday 11th July 2025

  Fri 18 Jul 2025

  Whole School Pilgrimage on Friday 11th July 2025

  Last Friday, the whole school took part in a special pilgrimage to St Thomas More Church in Bradford on Avon to mark the Jubilee Year of Hope. Throughout the day, the children showed great reverence and took time for thoughtful reflection along the way. A highlight of the journey was Mr Brown leading groups in song as we walked along the river, filling the air with joyful voices. Once at the church, the children took part in a series of reflections and prayers, deepening their understanding of hope and faith. It was a beautiful day of unity, reverence, and spiritual growth, and we are proud of the respect and participation shown by all the children. A huge thank you to all the parents and volunteers who helped make the day so special.

   

  

• Letter from Mrs O'Rourke

  Tue 01 Jul 2025

  Dear Families,

   

  As we reach the midpoint of our final half-term, we have much to celebrate and look forward to.

   

  First Holy Communion Celebrations

  Last Sunday, a group of our Year 3 pupils received their First Holy Communion at St John the Baptist Catholic Church—a truly special and sacred moment in their journey of faith. We were so proud of their prayerful participation and the way they approached the Sacrament with such reverence and joy. Congratulations to all the children and their families on this blessed occasion.

  We now look ahead to this coming Sunday, when another group of children will receive the Sacrament for the first time. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare to welcome Jesus in the Eucharist. May this be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Christ for each of them.

  A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Richard, our parish catechists, and all parents and carers who have supported the children so beautifully throughout their preparation.

   

  Transition Morning – Tuesday

  Next Tuesday morning will be our Transition Morning, when all children will spend two hours in their new classrooms with their new teacher for September. This is an exciting and important part of helping the children feel confident and prepared for the next stage in their school journey. We know they will benefit from this opportunity to begin forming relationships and getting to know the learning environment they’ll step into in September.

  Year 6 children moving onto St Augustine’s Catholic College in September will be attending the College for the full day.

   

  Thank You for Your Feedback

  We would also like to thank all of you who responded to our parent questionnaire regarding the organisation of classes in the next academic year. Your thoughtful and supportive feedback has been invaluable.

  After carefully considering your views and working closely with the teaching team, we are pleased to share that next year, the children will be learning in split year group classes. For Maths and Phonics, however, they will be taught in dedicated year groups, to ensure targeted teaching and progression at the appropriate pace for each child.

   

  This will look like the following:

  Early Years Foundation Stage: Two classes

  Years 1/2: Three split classes with Year 1 and Year 2 taught separately for Maths and Phonics

  Years 3/4: Three split classes with Year 3 and Year 4 taught separately for Maths

  Years 5/6: Split classes with focused teaching by year group where appropriate, including Maths

   

  We are confident that this structure will continue to support high-quality teaching and learning, and provide a nurturing and effective environment for every child.

  In addition, we listened to the voice of the children, staff team and parents and in September will be changing Class Numbers to Class Names based on the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit – linked to our school logo. 

  Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we continue to grow and develop as a school community rooted in faith, learning, and love.

  Please note the final newsletter for this academic year will be Friday 18^th July.

   

  With every blessing,

   

  Mrs O’Rourke

• EYFS Trip to Longleat

  Tue 01 Jul 2025

  EYFS Trip to Longleat

   

  Foundation Stage had a fantastic trip to Longleat at the start of Term 6! The fun began when we boarded our lovely coach and started our journey to Longleat.

  The coach was full of excitement and anticipation! When we arrived we went straight to our “Amazing Animals” workshop with two of Longleat’s keepers. The children had the opportunity to touch, hold and observe cockroaches, snakes, guineapigs and Miss O’Mahony was nominated to hold the tarantula!

  After that we took shelter from the rain and enjoyed a delicious picnic. Once refuelled we boarded the Longleat express to take us on a train journey around the park and then hopped on the boat to see the sealions.

  We finished the day with a drive through the safari park looking out for many different animals. It was a wonderful day!