Friday 14th October 2022

Dear Parents and Carers,

Yesterday morning we were treated to the first of many Class Assemblies. Raven Class performed wonderfully in front of the whole school, parents and grandparents. Their confidence on the stage really did shine through and I always make the connection between their confidence on stage and their confidence in learning in the classroom. This is why performance is such a big part of what we do at St John's. Raven Class performed an assembly about books, the importance of books and the love of reading that they provide. We enjoyed a brief explanation of the heart and a snippet from The Highwayman. Well done Raven Class.

Congratulations to all of our runners who participated in the PTA Fun Run 2022!  The children ran their hardest to complete as many laps of the field or the Orchard as they could. Whilst this was not a competitive event, the children's ambition to run or walk as far as they could was very evident. We have begun collecting money using the red postbox at the front of the School in the mornings. A huge thank you to parents, grandparents and friends who have sponsored children and raised money for the school. If anyone works for an organisation that has a matched-funding arrangement, please let the school know as this does make a significant difference. Thank you to Mandy Smith and Zoe Stevens who have given up their own time to prepare and run this hugely successful and enjoyable event. It has been lovely to see the children wear their medals with pride.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

We need you!

We have yet to appoint a new Chair of the PTA following the departure of Michelle Baker who left with her family for New Zealand in the Summer. We really do need a Chair of the PTA to lead the committee and make key decisions regarding events, fundraising and spending!  I can assure you that the role is incredibly rewarding and one that truly makes a difference to the opportunities available to the school and its children. Remember that the PTA is a committee of people and not one person doing all of the work. It may be that a group of parents come forward and share the responsibility of being a Chair with a number of Vice Chairs to support. 

I am deeply concerned that if we do not have a Chair or Vice-Chair in post, there is a real possibility that the PTA will fold as it cannot exist without a PTA structure in place. Therefore, it is imperative that we find the right people to lead the PTA into its next phase. Please do give this some thought.

I would welcome you to speak to me on the gate or email the office, admin@st-johns-school.com to discuss this further with me.

HARVEST DONATION EARNS ITS STRIPES

Thank you once again for your incredible donations. The team at the Epping Forest Foodbank have now weighed the items donated and this comes to a whopping 284kg. That's the equivalent in weight to a Burchell's zebra!

PARENTS' EVENING

Our first parents' evening of the year takes place on 8th and 10th November between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. It is an expectation of mine that all parents make an arrangement to meet with their child's class teacher. Please ensure you that you look out for the email inviting you to book a slot. If, for whatever reason neither evening is convenient, please get in touch with the class teacher and we will do our best to accommodate a time on another day. Bookings will be made using the Arbor app which is new for us and new for you!

CROSSING PATROL

I am delighted that Sarah has now settled into her new Crossing Patrol role outside the entrance to St John's. Richard Watson, School Crossing Patrol coordinator for Epping Forest has informed that there is a second vacancy to fill on the road adjacent to the church graveyard, at the top of Church Road. If this is a role that you may be interested in or if you know someone who might be, please let the school know, admin@st-johns-school.com or email Richard directly, richard.watson@essex.gov.uk. Training will be provided.

SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS (YEAR 6)

A reminder that applications for Secondary school places must be submitted by 31st October. Applications received after this date will be considered late and therefore places will be initially allocated to families who submitted before the deadline. If you need help or support with this decision or the process, please come and talk to one of the staff members.

...AND FINALLY...

Next week the children will be taking part in our DT Theme Week learning about the six dimensions of Design Technology, User, Purpose, Innovation, Authenticity, Functionality, Design Decision. Children across the school will be building puppets, each year group adding a layer of complexity to match the core curriculum content for their age group. Do encourage your child to talk about their experiences next week and what they have learnt rather than just what they have made.

Have an enjoyable and restful weekend,

Jonathan Furness
Head Teacher