Dear parents/guardians,
It has been a busy first week back in school with lots of trips and lots of classes starting new topics! As I have mentioned, Summer term means show season at Johnston and classes are already getting exciting for Johnston's Summer Festival.
Hook Update
I hope that you were able to read the information which I shared on Thursday relating to Hook School. Whilst of course it will be challenging, I am going to work hard to manage my commitment to both schools and ensure that my work at Johnston does not suffer. I love coming to school each day and believe that we will continue to make progress as a successful school. My overarching belief is that through commitment and hard work, I will ensure that the school is always led in a positive and auspicious way. I look forward to writing to you to inform you of exciting developments and projects which we are working on behind the scenes, ready for next year.
Why have they asked Johnston?
- We are located close enough that travel between the two sites is not an issue; but far enough away that we are not competing for pupils.
- Johnston is seen as a successful school. We have a successful curriculum model and a great deal of mapping which sits behind it. Not many schools have forged ahead creating such a detailed, comprehensive and considered curriculum.
- Our value added, the progress that pupils make from their starting points, is very strong.
- As well as focusing on academic skills, we endeavour to provide pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum.
- We have a very well managed budget. There was an article in the press just last week stating that 35 primary schools in Cardiff have set deficit budgets this year. We are not paying back a licenced deficit or forecast to enter a deficit this year.
What does this mean for Johnston?
- A part of my time would be spent at Hook each week. I will spend more time at Johnston as we are a larger school.
- I am going to be meeting governors to enhance our leadership structure so that I have more support with certain tasks.
- Schools working closely together can be very successful as Hook School will have areas of strength that we can learn from. My wife works at Tavernspite School which is federated with Templeton school (the schools are very similar in size to Johnston and Hook) and this has been a strong arrangement which has benefited both schools. Both were judged as 'Excellent in 2018' by Estyn.
Diolch Mrs Scriven
It is with great sadness that we are saying goodbye and thank you to Mrs Scriven. If there is a surname associated with Johnston school then I think that there are none more synonymous than 'Scriven'. As well as living close to the school, the building is located on land that was once a part of the Scriven farm. Mrs Scriven, her husband and her daughters attended the school and therefore the association runs very deep. Mrs Scriven has supported the school in various capacities, in breakfast club, building maintenance to name but a few and it is safe to say that we are going to miss her dearly. As well as this I think that Mrs Scriven has supported just about every class in the school at different times during her period of employment and throughout her time at the school she has been tremendously popular with both pupils and staff. Mrs Scriven has decided to leave in order to spend time with her husband and is looking forward to spending extended periods of time in America. We wish her all the best and I am sure that we will still see her during our community events.
Support in class two will be remaining the same.
Free School Meals
If you qualify for free school meals, please register even though all children now receive a free meal.
A significant part of our financial funding is linked to the number of pupils who are registered for free school meals.
Best wishes,
Mr. Williams.
Visits!
This week, year six have visited Bala, year five have been on a meadow study (science and geography focus), year two have held a wedding and year one have visited Manor Park. On Wednesday night, we also hosted a Springboard Fayre! What a week!
Information From ASD Family Help
Strategic Equality Plan
Every four years, the Governors are required to create a Strategic Equality Plan to ensure that we work towards making the school an inclusive place for all those who are part of our school community. Part of the process is to get the views of all key stakeholders, including pupils and parents. Please read the information on the Form and, if you would like to, take some time to complete the following Form so that we can include your views in our plan for 2024 to 2028. Please also complete the pupil questionnaire with your child/ren if you feel it is relevant to them.
Summer Term - More Dates will be added to this list!
- HALF-TERM - Monday 27th May - Friday 31st May.
- Tuesday 4th June - Friday 7th June. Year Six Glan Llyn residential.
- Wednesday 4th June - Meadow trip.
- Thursday 20th June - Year Four Camp Out
- Wednesday 10th July - End of year performances. These will be held after school to support working families.
- Week beginning 15th July - Reports out.
- Week beginning 15th July - Year Six Leavers ceremony and party.
- Thursday 18th July- Last Day of School.
Attendance Reminder
Well done to Year Two who achieved 95.5% attendance this week. You are our best class this week. This is the second week in a row. Well done!
Don't forget the really useful guidance provided by the NHS: Is my child too ill for school?
This will help you make a decision about whether to keep a child off school or send them in. Please remember that minor coughs and colds should not prevent a child from coming into school.
This time of year is really exciting and busy. If children miss school they are not only missing learning, but often will miss lots of our special events and activities, which makes them feel left out.