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

• Letter from Mrs O'Rourke

  Tue 25 Nov 2025

  Dear Families and Friends of St John’s,

  This has been a hugely successful Term 2, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of our school community. Your support, encouragement and partnership have been deeply appreciated, and they continue to make St John’s the vibrant, faith-filled community we are so proud to be.

  This term has been marked by many successes across the school. Most notably, we welcomed our Section 48 inspection team last week. I am incredibly grateful to everyone—staff, pupils governors and families—for the warmth, honesty and openness shown throughout the process. The inspectors spoke highly of the ethos and spirit within our school, and we look forward to sharing the full report with you as soon as it is released in the coming days.

  I would also like to thank the large group of parents who took the time to complete the questionnaire. Your responses were overwhelmingly positive about the quality of Catholic education at St John’s, and your affirming comments mean a great deal to us. They strengthen our resolve to continue placing Christ at the centre of all we do.

  Across the school, the children have worked with enthusiasm, creativity and determination. I am especially proud of our Year 6 pupils, who represented St John’s so brilliantly on their residential visit to Skern Lodge. Their maturity, teamwork and joyful spirit were noted by everyone who worked with them, and they were exemplary ambassadors for our school. It was also noted by the instructors that the children’s den building was very impressive – thank you OPAL!

  This Friday our whole staff team will be taking part in a dedicated yearly RE Training and Development Day with Sr Judith Russi. This will be a valuable opportunity to reflect together on our mission and to deepen our understanding of how we continue to shape and strengthen Catholic education for every child entrusted to our care. Please note school is closed all day this Friday.

  As we approach the sacred season of Advent—our time of waiting, hope and joyful expectation—I would like to end with a prayer:

   

  Advent Prayer

   

  Loving God,

  As we enter this season of light and promise,

  Open our hearts to welcome Your presence anew.

  Guide our preparations, calm our busy minds,

  And help us to recognise You in one another.

  May our school community grow in faith, hope and love,

  And may the peace of Christ fill our homes this Advent.

  Amen.

   

  Wishing you and your families a peaceful and hope-filled Advent season.

  With every blessing,

  Mrs O’Rourke

• Year 5 and 6 Singing

  Tue 25 Nov 2025

  Year 5 and 6 Singing

   

  Our Year 5 and 6 pupils have been busy developing their singing with the generous support of members from our parish. Together, they have been practising a range of beautiful hymns in preparation for our Children’s Mass, which was celebrated on Sunday 16th November.

   

  The children sang with confidence, clarity, and joy, and their hard work truly shone through. We are grateful to our parish volunteers for sharing their time and musical talents.

  

• First Holy Communion Enrolment

  Tue 25 Nov 2025

  First Holy Communion Enrolment

   

  The next First Holy Communion and First Confession preparation programme at St John the Baptist will start on 29^th January and run on certain Thursday evenings at St. John’s Parish Centre until June (dates will be given to parents upon registration).

   

  If your child has been Baptised and is in school year 3 and above you can enrol them by filling in the online form: First Holy Communion Registration 2026 Alternatively, the form can be found on the St John the Baptist parish website: www.stjohnthebaptisttrowbridge.co.uk

   

  Deadline for registration is 5^th December. There will be no registrations past this date. Baptism certificate’s need to be emailed to Eve in the Parish Office to complete your registration: trowbridge.stjohnthebaptist@cliftondiocese.com

• Rise Theatre Visit

  Tue 25 Nov 2025

  Rise Theatre Visit

   

  On Wednesday 12th November St John's were treated to a visit from a Catholic theatre company called Rise Theatre. They were here to help the children learn about the Catholic Social Teaching themes that are embedded in the teaching and learning of the school.

  Through performance which used puppetry, film, theatre and song the children followed the journey of a fictional school child as he looked for hidden gems through interactions with characters such as Ivor Bigbrain, a junk shop owner, a trawler fisherman and the Saint, Oscar Romero.

  The children went further in the workshops in their classrooms which focused on Dignity of the Person and Rights and Responsibilities. Thanks to the Friends of St John's who provided the funds for the day's activities.

  

• Chaplaincy Day at Clifton Cathedral

  Tue 25 Nov 2025

  Chaplaincy Day at Clifton Cathedral

   

  On Thursday 20th November, our Chapel Champions enjoyed a very special trip to Clifton Cathedral.

   

  Bishop Bosco celebrated Mass with us and then commissioned our new leaders for the year ahead.

   

  The children were wonderful ambassadors for our school - respectful, prayerful and joyful throughout the day. We are incredibly proud of them.

   

  Thank you to the governors who attended and supported the children on this memorable occasion.