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

• Letter From Mrs O'Rourke

  Fri 05 Jun 2026

  Welcome Back to Term 6

  Dear Families,

  It has been a wonderful start to Term 6, and we have been delighted to welcome the children back to school. They have returned with beaming smiles, full of enthusiasm for the weeks ahead, and looking incredibly smart in their summer uniforms. Their pride in wearing the school uniform reflects our shared value of the dignity of work and the importance of always striving to do our best. Thank you for your continued support.

  We hope that all our families enjoyed the recent half-term break and were able to make the most of the beautiful weather. As we move into the final term of the academic year, we will be revisiting and reinforcing important learning around water safety with the children. With warmer weather and increased opportunities to spend time near water, this remains a vital area of learning to help keep our children safe.

  The past few days have also been marked by the sudden and deeply sad passing of Mike Simmons, RIP, our Chair of Governors. Mike was a passionate advocate for our school family and gave generously of his time, wisdom, and support. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

  Mike's family have shared that his funeral will be held on Wednesday 17th June at 10:00am at St John the Baptist Catholic Church. All are welcome to attend. A book of condolences will be available on the playground from Monday for adults who wish to leave a message or share their memories. We know that many members of our community will appreciate the opportunity to express their condolences and celebrate Mike's life and contribution to the school.

  We also keep in our prayers all the children who will be celebrating the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in the coming weeks. This is a very special milestone in their faith journey, and we look forward to hearing all about their celebrations. We keep the children and their families in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for and receive this wonderful sacrament.

  We wish everyone a happy and successful Term 6 and look forward to all that we will achieve together in the weeks ahead.

  Mrs O’Rourke

  A Prayer for Our School Family

  Loving God,

  As we begin this new term, we thank You for the gift of our school family. Bless our children as they learn and grow, our staff and governors as they guide and nurture, and our families as they support one another.

  We pray especially for the repose of the soul of Mike Simmons. May he rest in Your peace and may his family find comfort in Your love at this difficult time.

  We pray for all the children preparing to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. May they grow ever closer to You and experience the joy of Your presence in their lives.

  Help us to live each day with kindness, courage, and faith, following the example of Jesus in all that we do.

  Amen.

  "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you."

  — Numbers 6:24–25

• The Friends Colour Run on Friday 22nd May 2026

  Fri 05 Jun 2026

  The Friends Colour Run on Friday 22^nd May 2026

   

  Thank you to all the families who took part in our first ever Colour Run!

  It was such a wonderful occasion organised and supported by the Friends of St. John’s. We are blessed to be able to offer such rich and varied opportunities to the children and families.

  If you are interested in offering support to the Friends please contact Friendsofstjohnstrowbridge@gmail.com If everyone does a little, it makes a huge difference.

  A GoFundMe page has been set up if anyone would like to contribute to raising money for Dorothy House in memory of Mr Smith. 

  https://gofund.me/adfb33e12

  

• OPAL News – Come and Play!

  Fri 05 Jun 2026

  OPAL News – Come and Play!

  On Thursday 11th June, from 2:15pm–3:15pm, we will be celebrating the International Day of Play and our recent achievement of OPAL Platinum Accreditation (the highest level of recognition for schools committed to providing outstanding play opportunities).

  Families are warmly invited to join us outside to experience OPAL in action and spend time playing alongside their children. We are also delighted to be welcoming a number of special guests, including our local MP and representatives from the Friends of St John's, who will be helping us celebrate this fantastic achievement.

  This accreditation reflects the hard work, creativity and enthusiasm of our whole school community, and we look forward to sharing the afternoon with you. We are incredibly proud to have achieved OPAL Platinum. It has been wonderful to see children embracing imaginative, creative and active play across the school. Thank you to our families for their continued support of the programme.

  As the event will take place outdoors, please come dressed appropriately for the weather. See the attached poster for further details. We can't wait to play with you!

  

• Living Rosary

  Fri 05 Jun 2026

  Living Rosary

   

  During the Month of Mary, our school community has been focusing on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, which invite us to reflect on key moments in the public life and ministry of Jesus: His Baptism in the Jordan, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. These mysteries help us to see more clearly how Christ is the light of the world, guiding us in faith, service, and love.

   

  The Year 5 and Year 6 children, including a group of selected pupils who helped to lead the prayer, have approached these reflections with great reverence and maturity. Each mystery has provided a meaningful opportunity for quiet meditation, prayerful listening, and thoughtful discussion.

   

  We have also been weaving the spirit of the Luminous Mysteries into daily school life—encouraging pupils to recognise God’s presence in their learning, their relationships, and their actions. Whether through classroom prayer, collective worship, or moments of reflection, the children are learning to carry the light of Christ into their everyday choices and interactions.