St. John’s RC Primary

Our school trips

Classes 1 and 2 had a fabulous time at St. Leonard’s Farm, the original setting of the TV soap, Emmerdale Farm.

The children saw lots of different animals, some of which they fed and played on the play areas.

On 6 June, classes 3 and 4 went to Eureka the national children’s museum in Halifax. Here the children visited the “From the chew to the poo” exhibition where they learned about the process of the digestive system.

They had the opportunity to explore the “All about me” exhibition and learned how amazing and unique their bodies are and how and why they should keep it as healthy as possible.

This week our Reception classes visited Sea Life in Manchester where they were able to observe sharks, rays and a whole host of other sea creatures.

This visit to Sea Life linked in with the topic under the sea.

Meanwhile, class 6 had a trip to the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, the Sea Life Centre and picnicked on the promenade. A fun and fabulous day with beautiful weather was enjoyed by all.

Yet to come . . .

25 June, Nursery class will be visiting Legoland, Manchester.

4 July, class 5 will be visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre in York.

Important news concerning industrial action day

The school has received notification that the trade unions which represent teachers within the school intend to take industrial action on Thursday 27 June 2013. The dispute is in connection with the changes proposed to the teachers’ pension schemes, workload, and conditions of service including pay and pay progression and job loss.

Some teachers within the school are members of these unions and have indicated that they intend to take strike action.

We have undertaken a risk assessment for the school and have made the decision to partially close the school for pupils.

Classes 2 and 5 will be open so if your child is in that class please ensure they attend school; the rest of the school will be closed. All children should return to school on Friday 28 June 2013.

We understand that this may cause difficulties with childcare for some families but this is out of the control of the school.

Project Harar

Professor Mark McGurk will be visiting the school on 28 June with his colleague Jonathan Crown.

We will be doing mini fundraising sessions before the visit in order to raise more money for the project. The sessions will include a World cup competition, a shoot out and St. John’s has got talent.

To find out more about Project Harar you can visit their website.

Retirement Mass

There will be a Mass in St. John’s Church at 9.30am on Wednesday 17 July to celebrate the retirement of Mrs Duffy, Mrs Orford and Mrs Kecyk. Please come along to join us in wishing them a long and happy retirement.

Diary for June and July

The following events will take place during June and July. More information will be given in detail nearer the date.

21 June St. John’s has got talent show 9am

21 June Coffe/tea afternoon for parents and grandparents in aid of Harar 2pm

23 June First Holy Communion 1pm mass

2 July Moving up day for whole school and taster day for year 6

2 July Welcome day for new Reception intake

4 July School disco 6pm to 8pm

12 July Pupil reports handed out to parents

12 July Sport and Citizenship awards ceremony 1.30pm

17 July Leavers assembly 1.30pm

18 July End of term assembly and presentations

Amendment to holiday dates

Please note that there is a slight change to the holiday list for 2014.

School will start on Monday 6 January 2014. The other change is for the Easter break, school will close on Wednesday 16 April.

Golden book awards

The Golden Book awards are for children who have tried their best in all areas with politeness and respect.

Foundation 2: All of class
Reception/1: All of class
Class 1: Alisha and Ishtar
Class 2: Joyce and Dennis
Class 3: All of class
Class 4: All of class
Class 5: Michalina and Iqra
Class 6: Bilal and Ramsha

Highest attendance award went to Class 3.

Thoughts for the week

‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’ and ‘it is alright to laugh with others but not to laugh at them’.


Church news
Father Chris will be moving to St. Hilda’s and Father Michael Johonnett will be joining us the weekend 29/30 June.

A leaving party is being arranged for Father Chris on Tuesday, 25 June, 6.30pm at St. Gabriel’s Presbytery Garden.

Please sign the list situated at the back of the church if you can come for estimate of numbers.

Friends of St John’s are in need of more supporters. Do you have some good fund raising ideas? If you would like to join us, telephone Pam on 01706 650835.