The Link Newsletter #48

Friday 9th June 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are just two weeks away from the next highlight of this academic year, our annual Sports Day. Over the last few weeks, Mr Perez and I have been discussing how we can enhance the Sports Day format that we introduced last year. 

Our core beliefs are that sport should be inclusive, fun and competitive. It is important to me that all children participate in sporting events in the same way that all children join in with other curriculum subjects, such as Art, Geography and Music. I do not believe that children should be spending a disproportionate amount of time sitting and watching others take part in sport.

Last year, the carousel of sporting activities ensured that all children could take part and compete in all events and we see no reason to change this for this year. However, having listened to feedback from a few parents last year, and recognising that some children do want to compete against others, we are inviting children who wish to run in a 50m sprint race. Heats will take place during our PE sessions before the event, and the finals will be run on the day.

I am also delighted to announce that the children and parents of High Beech CofE Primary School have been invited to join us for a joint Sports Day. I know that you will make the High Beech community incredibly welcome to our school site. Please do take the time to introduce yourselves and build connections. I know that the children with whom we have already begun building relationship with are very excited. One request however, is for parents of St John's to walk to the school rather than drive if you are within walking distance. This will hopefully create some space for High Beech parents to park.

Sports Day will take place on

Tuesday 20th June for children in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6

Wednesday 21st June for children in Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2

All children will be expected to arrive in their PE kits at the usual time. Parents will be admitted as soon as all children have taken their place on the school field / Orchard. This will be approximately 9.20am. Please arrive prompt, so that we can be ready to begin at 9.30am.

In the circumstance that the field is wet or it is raining, we will postpone the Sports Day to our alternative dates, Tuesday 27th June for KS2 and Wednesday 28th for EYFS and KS1.

We will send a follow up letter with important details regarding use of toilets and how we keep our children safe during the Sports Day event.

PTA UPDATE

We still have a vacancy for the secretary role as detailed in The Link Newsletter #45.  

Summer Fayre - Friday 23rd June, 3.30pm to 6pm

Our Summer event is fast approaching and we will be reaching out to parents / carers very soon with further details and requests for help. We are interested in obtaining details of anyone who is willing to use their employer pound for pound matching scheme (matched giving) to help boost our funds after this event.

Following feedback from parents last year, we have decided that the non-uniform day in exchange for bottles for our tombola will take place on the same day as the fayre, Friday 23rd June. This will mean that children will be dressed in more appropriate clothing to be able to enjoy the inflatable events without fear of damaging their school uniforms.

 

If you are interested in either the secretary role or matched giving from your employer please email pta@stjohns.efspt.org

Sue Moody
Chair of the PTA

CROSSING PATROL FOR CHURCH ROAD

Some weeks ago, I was advised that Essex had appointed another adult to operate the crossing of Church Road. Unfortunately, I have received news that the person appointed has since found alternative employment. This means we are back to advertising the position which I attach below. 

Please do speak with Mrs Tinker or myself if you have any questions or know someone who may be interested in this position.

DOGS AT THE SCHOOL GATE

We all know how beneficial it can be to have a family pet both physically and mentally. They can be a great source of comfort and joy. Dogs are often thought of as a member of the family and as so it seems only natural that you bring the dog to pick up your children at the end of the school day. However can I ask you to be mindful of a couple of things. Firstly not all children like dogs and some are quite fearful of them, so I would ask that when tying your dog to the school gate please do it as far away from the school entrance as possible. Secondly can you make sure that parents are responsible owners and pick up your dogs mess as we have had to deal with a few 'accidents' recently. Earlier this week, a dog urinated on the pavement, outside the front entrance. This then led to several children walking through it which is not a particularly pleasant experience.

STAFFING CHANGES AT ST JOHN'S

The strength of the St John's staff team continues to grow and I am delighted to announce the appointment of Miss Gina Williams and Mr Alex McConnell to our team from September.

Miss Williams has been working in Fox Class alongside Miss Gibbons and has proven herself to be an excellent practitioner. Mr McConnell has worked in partnership with Mr Peck in Deer class and has demonstrated his commitment and aptitude to excellence. Both staff members are incredibly excited to be joining our team.

There will be some staff members who will be leaving us this year.

Mrs Hammerston will be taking up a new position as EYFS lead teacher at High Beech CofE Primary School from September. So whilst as a St John's community we will be very sad to see Mrs Hammerston leave, she remains firmly part of the Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust and the ongoing partnership with High Beech. Those of you who have had children in Mrs Hammerston's classes, will know how invested and committed she is to giving the very best opportunities to the children within her care. It is now time for Mrs Hammerston to grow in her career and we wish her well in the future.

We will also be saying a fond farewell to Mr Perez as he and his partner will be relocating to Ireland; something they had been planning to do for some years. As you know, Mr Perez has not only been an excellent class teacher, but his love of competitive sport has shown through. Mr Perez's contribution to St John's has been stellar and we have all benefited greatly as a result. We will Mr Perez and his partner all the very best in their new lives in Ireland.

The first of three transition mornings commences on Monday 26th June. I will write to all parents on this day, advising you of your child's new class teacher for next year. The second and third transition morning take place on Monday 10th July and Monday 17th July. 

SENCO AND INCLUSION TEAM UPDATE

Mrs Mills our SENCO who joined St John's in January has changed her days of working. She is now working Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

I know that many of you have expressed your appreciation for the work of the Inclusion team, of which SEND is a fundamental part. 

Our Inclusion team is led by Alison Tinker who works closely with

Heather Mills, SENCO
Kathryn Radley, SEND Facilitator
Yvonne Jacob, Learning Mentor

and also oversees the therapist provision, 1:1 counsellor, play therapist and family support worker.

DAILY MILE TRACK

During the half term break, contractors were onsite and installed a new running track around the perimeter of the field. This is an excellent asset to our school facilities and so far the children have responded very positively to running along the cushioned rubber surface.

Year 1 children helped me measure the length of one lap, we calculated this to be 196 metres, meaning that 5 laps is approximately equal to 1km and 7.5 laps is equal to a mile.

We have been able to use our Sports Premium funding to fund the cost of the track and this will lead to more sporting opportunity for our children, whereas before, there was not enough playground / Orchard time in order to avoid PE lessons and break times. We hope that the track will be available to use all year round as it is slightly higher than the grass.

 

 ...AND FINALLY...

ARTS WEEK

This was a highlight of the last half term for many of our children. The theme this year was "The Wonder of Books" and class teachers used this as a stimulus for art, music and dance.

The quality of the art work, music and dance performed has been exceptional. We really are blessed to have such a talented community of staff and children.

Arts Week was led by Miss Gibbons. Not only did Miss Gibbons organise and book external specialists to support the week, but she arranged the timetable that enabled children across the school to enjoy a wide range of activities led by our teaching and support staff. Well done and thank you Miss Gibbons!