Adopted from John 3:13-17 The Exaltation of the Holly Cross
Jesus said to Nicodemus: No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. The Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.
A New School Year
Welcome back! I hope you all had a lovely summer and managed to enjoy some rest, fun, and family time. It has been such a joy to see the children’s smiling faces coming through the school gates again this week, full of stories to share and excitement for the year ahead.
A special welcome goes to all our new children and families who are joining St John’s for the very first time. We are so happy to have you as part of our school community, and we look forward to getting to know you and sharing many happy memories together.
The start of a new school year is always an exciting time – new classes, new learning, new opportunities, and new friendships. Here at St John’s we want every child to feel safe, happy, and ready to shine. Guided by our faith and Gospel values, we will be working together to help each child discover their unique gifts and to grow in confidence, kindness, and love.
I’d like to thank our wonderful staff for all their hard work in preparing classrooms and learning spaces over the summer. The care they put into every detail really makes our school such a welcoming place for the children to learn and thrive.
As we begin this year’s journey together, let us place our trust in God’s love and guidance. With his blessing, and with the support of our whole school family, I am sure this year will be filled with joy, learning, and growth for us all.
A Prayer for the New School Year
Loving God,
Bless our school family as we begin this new year together.
Guide us in our learning, strengthen us in our friendships,
and help us to live with kindness and love each day.
May Your light shine through all that we do.
Amen.
Best Wishes
Mrs Farr.
Headteacher
Attendance Award – Year 4 – 99.6%
Whole School Attendance – 96.2%
Karate
We were very pleased to welcome Dale from Southern Martial Arts to our assembly on Wednesday to demonstrate to our children the wellbeing and self defence benefits of the sport. From Tuesday 16th September, Southern Martial Arts will be running a club in our school hall for any children interested in learning more. The session will run from 5-6pm for year groups 1-6. £5.50 per child per session, pay as you go.
For further information please contact Dale on 07979185217 or email dale.southernmartialarts@gmail.com
Superstars of the Week!
YR – To all of Reception for settling into school so well and a fantastic first week! We are so proud of you!
Y1 – Joselle for having such a super start in year 1 and trying so hard in her learning!
Y2 – Mylo for his participation during our maths input on the carpet, showing increased focus and confidence to answer questions.
Y3 – Daniel G having a brilliant understanding of how God created the world in 7 days!
Y4 – Lucas for his wonderfully cheerful and positive attitude to school
Y5 – All of year 5 for an excellent start to the new term and showing good learning behaviours. It will be a great year!
Y6 – Milo for settling into our class and St John’s brilliantly!
Proud Work: 12/09/2025
YR – We are exceptionally proud of all our reception class this week for their behaviour during their first time in the lunch hall. They listened to instructions, had beautiful manners and all seemed to enjoy their food!
Y1 – Sophie & Emily for engaging so well in our RE lessons this week, learning about our saint: Saint Bernadette.
Y2 – Ariana for her amazing adjectives used in her sentences about our book character Goldilocks
Y3 – Zakariya for a fantastic description based on a scene from our English reading book.
Y4 – Maria for the excellent progress from the first draft of her science learning to the wonderful final version – showing aspiration in her learning.
Y5 – Ross for his fantastic letter in English to convince Philippe petit not to take a huge risk, excellent persuasive writing!
Y6 – Pola for a well thought – out response to the discussion about our relationship with God after reading the second account of creation.
Numbots
Iron: Y3 Daniel G, Kieran W, Holly M
Chrome: Y4 Aurora B
Tin: Y3 Holly M
Rust: Y3 Kieran W, Holly M
Buongiorno!
This half term our focus language is Italian as we have several Italian speakers in the school. The children will be learning how to answer the register in Italian and a few other greetings, words, numbers. If any Italian speakers would like to teach their class some Italian, or bring in any souvenirs, photos etc to show their class, that would be wonderful. Grazie!
Signora Curtis
Nut Free School
At St John’s we are a nut free school. Please can we remind all parents, please do not pack into children’s packed lunches any items that are made from or may contain nuts. This includes items such Kinder Bueno and some cereal bars.
If you are unsure please do not hesitate to check with the school office.
Chartwells Order Deadline Dates
Please order by the dates below to ensure your child has a hot lunch in the Autumn Term.
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Week commencing |
Order deadline |
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Monday 1st September 2025 |
Thursday 21st August 2025 |
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Monday 8th September 2025 |
Thursday 28th August 2025 |
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Monday 15th September 2025 |
Thursday 4th September 2025 |
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Monday 22nd September 2025 |
Thursday 11th September 2025 |
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Monday 29th September 2025 |
Thursday 18th September 2025 |
Teacher-Led Clubs
Teacher-led clubs will be starting from the week commencing Monday 22nd September. Further information on the clubs available for this term, along with how to book will be issued via MCAS next week.
Class Portals
We are pleased to confirm that our new class portals (replacing the class tiles previously on SZAPP) are now live and can be accessed from the parent page on our website. These portals are secure sites where information specific to your class can be accessed throughout the year.
We will be issuing class passwords for the portals via MCAS next week.
For clarification, all home school communications will be issued via MCAS. Any forms or wider school information will be available from the website and class portals.
Meet the Teacher
We would like to invite you to an informal meet the teacher session on the dates below to give you the opportunity to see your child’s new class room and hear a little from their class teacher on the topics they will be covering this term. The session will start at 3.25pm and last approximately 15 minutes.
Y1 – Wednesday 24th September
Y2 – Tuesday 23rd September
Y3 – Thursday 25th September
Y4 – Thursday 18th September
Y5 – Tuesday 16th September
Y6 – Monday 22nd September
Reception meetings have already taken place.
Parents Evening
Parents Evening will be taking place on the 12th and 13th November 2025 from 3.40pm – 6.30pm.
Instructions on how to book will be issued via MCAS over the coming month.
My Child at School
Hopefully you will all now have access and be seeing communications coming through to you via our new MCAS app. If you are still experiencing problems please speak with the school office. Please remember to check messages and announcements and that your notification settings on your phone and app are activated.
If you haven’t done so already please download the School Gateway app to continue to make payments to the school.
If you cannot remember your log in details, please click FORGOTTEN PIN input your email address and mobile number and it will send you a new PIN number.
Any queries please speak to the school office.
Secondary School Open Evenings
St Wilfreds: Thursday 9th October
The Forest School: Thursday 2nd October
Millais School: Small School Tours are available to book on their website.
Tanbridge House School: Thursday 25th September
Bohunt Horsham: Wednesday 24th September
The Weald: Thursday 18th September
Please also come and support our school at St John’s Church this Sunday.
Mass starts at 9.15am. Children to wear school uniform please. For further information please see the MCAS message issued this week.
Thank you.
Line Dancing
FRIDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2025 7.30 – 9.30 PM
The Governors are hosting a “Have a go at Line Dancing” Evening to raise funds for the upcoming works of replacing the hut and other projects.
As a voluntary aided school, the Governing Body are responsible for finding 10% of the costs of any building improvement works and we are trying to build up this pot of money after having paid for two lots of roofing repairs over the past few years.
Please keep this date free and come and join us. No experience necessary! No partner necessary! Just come and have fun. The event is suitable for older teenagers (accompanied) and adults only. It will be £10 on the door – bring your own re-freshments.
The Governors wish all the St John’s community a lovely summer break and hope you have some enjoyable times with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you again in the autumn term. With our very best wishes.
2025/26 Term Dates!
Autumn Term 2025
Friday 10 October: INSET Day
Friday 24 October: children break up for October half-term
Half-term: Monday 27 October—Friday 31 October
Monday 3 November: children back to school
Friday 19 December: Last day of Autumn Term
Christmas holiday: Monday 22 December—Friday 2 January 2026
Spring Term 2026
Monday 5 January: children return to school
To keep up to date with future school events, please visit the school calendar which can be found on the parents page on our website.
