Friday 2nd December 2022

Dear Parents and Carers,

Who can believe that December is here already and the Christmas holidays are just two weeks away?!

PANATHLON SPORTING EVENT

Four children represented St John's at the London Aquatic Centre in East London on Wednesday 30th November. The children were set a variety of challenges which they had to complete in the Pool. On returning, the children excitedly told me that they had to complete a treasure hunt. Some of the items were floating on the surface of the pool whilst others were sunk to the bottom of the pool. Congratulations to all our children who returned with a trophy, certificates and silver medals!

EFSPT MAT CHRISTMAS CONCERT

On Wednesday 23rd November, we enjoyed hosting a Christmas Concert here at St John’s for Primary schools in the Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust. St John’s Church was filled with excited children who had practised Christmas songs to sing together as well as proud parents and grandparents who looked forward to hearing their children sing. The concert was a tremendous success with children singing new songs as well as firm favourites such as ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’, by Slade. We must say a huge thank you to Mr Peck who organised the event and also to Miss Davy who assists Mr Peck in hosting a choir practice every week during their lunch hour. It certainly got us all into the Christmas spirit and was a delightful way to spend a Wednesday evening.

PANTOMIME

We were treated to a wonderful performance of Aladdin on Thursday afternoon. Judging by the noise, the children had a magical experience. This show was provided free of charge through a connection with one our parents whose sister is a director at Chaplins Pantos in Hainault. Thank you to everyone involved in creating this special event for the children of St John's.

NAHLA AND THE 3D MACHINE

Two weeks ago I was presented with book that has been written by one of our children in Year 6. During the pandemic, Nahla became one of many 3D printer enthusiasts who began printing face masks for the NHS. Nahla produced hundreds of face visors and was involved in printing, assembling and delivering them to hospital wards in East London. Nahla has documented her journey by writing a book which she has self published. This is a truly magnificent achievement. Congratulations Nahla. Her book is available to purchase on Amazon.

DOST

On Tuesday afternoon, years 5 and 6 were joined by Marian, the Director of DOST, a charity that supports young refugees. She brought with her Mishkat who came from The Sudan and Eyob from Eritrea. They told us all about the activities/residentials they have been able to go on with DOST. 

Marian, the leader of DOST has been working there for over 10 years!

They asked us some questions such as, what countries do refugees come from, how many people came to DOST this year and how many boys and girls came to DOST.

At the end, we had an opportunity to ask Mishkat and Eyob questions about their journey from their home countries to the UK.

Finally, it was our turn to say thank you to DOST for the help they provide. We are pleased that last year, year 5s had a sponsored walk to raise money for them. Altogether we had raised £1,300. 

We really enjoyed DOST visiting our school and we know the money that we raised will go towards something amazing!

By Maria and Lily (Year 6)

QUEENS ROAD CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGING

Thank you to all the children and families who turned up for Christmas Carols in Queens Road this evening. Mr Peck led the Choir in joyful song and it was a brilliant occasion. Thank you to the Parish Council for inviting us and Mr Peck for organising.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

I am delighted to announce that following my last newsletter that we have appointed a new Chair of the PTA. I met with Sue Moody last week and discussed the role with her and what is involved. Through our conversations it was absolutely clear that the PTA will be in safe hands. However, this can never be one person's sole responsibility and I know that the PTA committee will work with Mrs Moody to support her and the school in their mission to make school life even more enjoyable, purposeful and fun whilst raising money to enable the school to achieve all of its objectives. Mrs Moody will officially start her new role in January.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR (SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER, 12pm - 3pm)

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day. There are lots of stalls for the children to enjoy so please do come along and support this important fundraising event. Mr Peck and the School Choir will be performing at 12.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join the choir and get us all in the festive spirit.

CHRISTMAS NATIVITIES

All of the Christmas Nativity dates and times are in the school diary which you can view here: https://st-johns-school.com/Diary/

We will be taking donations at each of the nativity shows which will cover the costs of putting on the production and to raise money for our chosen Christmas charity.

STAFFING NEWS

At the end of this term we will be saying a fond farewell to two members of our team who will be much missed.

Firstly, our SENCO, Mrs Maskell has secured a new role as a Class Teacher working at a local special school in Redbridge. Mrs Maskell has been instrumental in ensuring that our children receive the right support to meet their needs and we thank her for the contribution that she has made over the past two and a half years at St John's.

Mrs Heather Mills has been appointed as our new SENCO and she will be starting at St John's on 3rd January 2023. We look forward to welcoming her to our team and I know that she is keen to get to know the parents and the children as soon as possible. Mrs Mills will be working at St John's on Thursdays and Fridays.

Mrs Morgan has secured promotion at a local Primary school as an Assistant Head Teacher and Class Teacher. Mrs Morgan has been striving for the next step in her career and I am delighted that her hard work and the support offered by the team at St John's has enabled her to achieve this. Mrs Morgan has led the school in the development of English and has also successfully led the Year 5/6 team as Phase Leader. This means that we have a number of roles to fill. 

We have already commenced the recruitment process for a new Class Teacher and Phase Leader for St John's. We hope to make a new appointment during the Spring term. I will share more news in the New Year.

I am sure that you will wish to join me in sending our best wishes to Mrs Maskell and Mrs Morgan as they embark on their new roles.

 

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK IS SUPPORTING FAMILIES THIS WINTER

Over 90% of the food distributed by foodbanks in The Trussell Trust network is donated by the public – that’s why food donations are absolutely vital to their efforts in giving everyone referred to them a balanced and nutritious three-day supply of food.

St John's CE Primary School will collect for Epping Forest Foodbank from now until Christmas.  Donations can be brought to school, for information on what is currently needed please see the website: https://eppingforest.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/

For more information please contact Mrs Radley. Donations can be left in The Helping Hand room.

...AND FINALLY...

Do not forget to visit the Advent Calendar. Count down the days to Christmas by following this link: http://advent.st-johns-school.com.  Please share the calendar far and wide and encourage family members from afar to sign the Guestbook. I wonder how far around the globe we can reach?  Also there are challenge questions each day for the children to respond to.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Christmas Bazaar tomorrow afternoon (12pm to 3pm).  Have a very enjoyable weekend and let's cheer on England in their match against Senegal on Sunday evening.

Jonathan Furness
Head Teacher