Autumn Term 2 - 2025
As the Autumn Term comes to a close and we are all ready for a well deserved rest, I am sure you would agree there have been some fantastic achievements by the children this term. From the new Reception children settling so quickly, to the various performances we have been treated to, we have seen many examples of successes and progress from children across the term. So as we approach the Christmas break, I would like to thank you once again for all the support through this term.
Our Curriculum in Action!
The term has provided lots of opportunities to engage children with a broad and balanced curriculum providing something to engage all children. The video below shows some of what the children have been up to this term.
Our Nativity
Thank you to our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children and staff who treated us to Baarmy Bethlehem last week. The singing and acting was fantastic, the children did so well to perform over four occasions. Well done children!
Steam Week
When we return to school in January we have planned our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) Week. We will be focussing on science, art and D.T. across school. Children will be looking at a range of science activities and topics related to how we are connected with our planet, developing sewing skills across school and exploring tone and texture through the theme of Chinese New Year. A separate letter has been sent requesting a £2 donation per child to cover the materials needed for the week.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT - Ofsted
As you will be aware, we had an inspection by Ofsted under the new framework earlier in December. The report has not yet been released due to additional quality assurance in place, given that a new framework is now being used. We expect the report early in January. The link below explains the new framework and what information to expect. Once again we are very grateful to all who took time to speak to inspectors or complete the parental questionnaire; we had responses from 101 families! The new Ofsted Inspections - a guide
High Praise for St John's
We were recently notified by one of our parents that this year our school was listed in the 'Times School League tables' placing us 320th out of the top 1001 primary schools in England and 43rd in the North West based on our Key Stage 2 results. We are very proud to be included on the list and see it as a reflection of the hard work put in by every member of staff right across school and the children's attitude to learning on a daily basis. Well done to everyone!
Music Provision:
Obviously, with Mr Rayner's resignation we have struggled to still be able to offer all the music opportunities that we did. However, we are keen to provide opportunities for whole class music tuition and singing. I am very grateful to Mrs Taylor and Miss Smith who have stepped up to deliver elements of the school choir to enable them to perform at several key events across Christmas. However, if there are any parents or linked family members who may have the skills to allow us to offer a choir club either at lunchtime or after school then please get in touch as we would like to still be able to offer a free option for those children keen to sing. I am very grateful to the PTA who have offered to fund cello tuition for the current Year 5s for the remainder of the school year. We look forward to seeing them perform again at the summer music event. A separate letter will be sent to Year 5 families sharing the details.
Staffing
At October half term, we said goodbye to Mrs Copley who had been one of our valued teaching assistants for the last 5 years. Through a recruitment process we were delighted to re-employ Mrs Dodd who is now supporting in Year 2, covering the role Mrs Copley left. We also held a recruitment process for the Midday Assistant vacancy that Mrs Copley leaving left. We had successfully appointed and were undergoing pre-employment checks, however the candidate withdrew so we are in the process of re-advertising.
Attendance
If your child is unable to attend school due to illness please inform us as soon as possible on the first morning of absence. Please let us know the reason for absence and how long you expect your child to be absent for. You can ring the office on: 0161 442 7424 and leave a voicemail or email: admin@st-johns.stockport.sch.uk
Children who have vomited or have diarrhoea should remain absent from school for at least 48 hours from the last episode of symptoms, to prevent spread of infection.
Requests for absence during term time can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Request forms are available from the school website or the school office and should be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance.
Currently, our whole school attendance is 96.1%, which is slightly lower than normal. While we understand there has been lots of illness this term, we would appreciate your support in ensuring your child is in school if they are well enough to attend and holidays and routine appointments are kept out of school time.
Junior Bishops
Well done to our 3 Junior Bishops, nominated by staff across school. This is the first time we have had Junior Bishops and it was lovely that Bishop Mark was able to ordain them during the St Nicholas Day Service. Isla, Nancy and Evie are great role models for the rest of school and we are sure they will do a fantastic job.
Our Fantastic PTA
We would like to express our appreciation to the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for all their hard work this term, culminating with the Christmas Fair on Friday 28th November, which raised approximately £1,900. The PTA is always looking for new members who can offer as much or as little support and time as they are able. The PTA meet approximately every half term and organise and run much needed fund raising events for school. Should you be interested, then look out for letters and text messages about their meetings or contact them directly via email: ptastjohns@gmail.com.
Events this half term have included:
- Christmas Fair
- Year 5 Bake Sale
- Whole School Cinema Trip
Watch the video for the latest spending and PTA news.
If you are interested in supporting the work of the PTA the next meeting is on Monday 12th January @ 7.30pm (online).
FABS - Before and After School Club
FABS BOOKINGS: Please remember that all FABS Breakfast and After School Club bookings must be made in advance using Parent Pay. Mrs Longworth can be contacted at fabsbookings@st-johns.stockport.sch.uk. Full payment must be made via ParentPay or a Childcare Payment Scheme at the time of booking. FABS is proving very popular at the moment, therefore we would ask you to book as far in advance as you are able, to ensure we can plan for the number of children and to avoid us having to turn anyone away. Please contact Mrs Longworth to request more information.
Extra-Curricular Opportunties
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our fantastic staff for the range of extra‑curricular opportunities they offer our pupils. This term alone, children have been able to dive into Eco Club, Cooking Club, Newspaper Club, Sewing Club, School Council, Lego Club, Scratch Club, Young Voices Choir and Recorder Club — a brilliant mix of creativity, leadership, and hands‑on fun. Each club represents time, energy and enthusiasm from our team, and it makes a real difference to school life and keeping our curriculum offer broad. A brand‑new list of teacher‑led clubs will be shared early in the new year.
Support for Families
Our school is currently taking part in a new pilot scheme in which the school nurse visits once a month to offer dedicated appointment slots for parents who would like to discuss any health concerns about their children. We’ve now hosted two of these sessions, and every available appointment has been booked by families keen to seek advice or reassurance. Feedback so far has been very positive, and where needed, families have been able to access additional support or follow‑up services as a result of these conversations. This early engagement is already proving to be a valuable resource for our school community.
Mr A Clerc & The St John's Team
Keep up to date with what's happening in school by joining your child's class on Class Dojo Contact: admin@st-johns.stockport.sch.uk Website: http://www.st-johns.stockport.sch.uk