On Wednesday 7^th September we will be having an induction day, which will be for Year 5 pupils only. They will meet their new teacher, complete settling-in activities and get to know much more about the school and Year 5, before other year groups return on Thursday 8^th September.

With change and moving to a new school, we fully appreciate there may be some nerves or concerns about what to expect in the first few days and weeks. I would therefore like to provide some information and reassurance.

All pupils will need to enter the school playground at 8:40am using either the Sanders Park Gate or the Watt Close gate leading directly onto the playground. Please be advised that there is no access for parents/guardians to drive/park on Watt Close. The children will be met by the Year 5 teachers on the playground before the bell ready to start the day at 8:50am. Please ensure your child knows the name of their class teacher and have seen the staff introduction videos on our website.

On this first day, Year 5 pupils will be based within their own classroom, the day will have a less formal structure, therefore, PE Kits will not be needed, and will include -

• Introductions from staff and ‘getting to know you’ activities
• Distribution of planners and timetables for the coming year
• Time allocated to discussion, questions and answer sessions to address any concerns
• Familiarising with school procedures, such as breaks and lunchtimes
• Familiarising with the school layout, such as where the school office is, the canteen, the toilets etc.
• A variety of fun and creative ‘settling-in’ tasks
• Opportunities to meet and get to know other members of the Year 5 team
• Leaving school at the end of the day

Please can we ask that you make sure your child knows the arrangements for the end of the day at 3:15pm, before they leave for school in the morning. Please let them know if you will be collecting them and if so, from which gate, or if they need to walk home. This will help alleviate any anxiety at the end of the day.

If your child has any prescribed medication that needs to be kept in school, please can you complete the attached form and send the medicine in a transparent plastic bag clearly labelled so they can pass onto their form tutor.

You will also shortly be sent via ‘PARENTMAIL FORMS’ a Student Data Collection Form and a Parental Consent Form. You will receive a notification to inform you that there is a form ready to be completed, you will then need to click on 'Forms' in the main menu, fill out the relevant details and then click submit in order to send your form.

Please could I ask that you complete and return these forms as soon as possible to enable us to have all the correct parental, emergency contact numbers and medical information, before your child starts with us in September.

In addition, resources are still available on our website under our ‘New Intake – Year 5 2022/2023’ section and may be useful to refer to before starting. You will find details, such as uniform requirements and term dates, on the website.

Our new pupils will of course be regularly reminded that should they have any worries concerns, or questions about any aspects of the school, they can always speak to a member of staff who will be happy to help. Please be reassured we will provide whatever support we can to pupils and families over the coming days, weeks and terms to ensure our new Year 5 pupils can happily settle into St. John’s life and thrive within their first year.

Kind regards

Mr D Owen - Head of Year 5

Dear Parents/Guardians

A reminder our Sports Day events are taking place next week. All children participating in our field events will need to come to school in their PE kits on Monday 4^th July. Their events will take place during lesson 4 for KS2 and lesson 5 for KS3. Field events for KS2 are the cricket ball throw, rounders ball throw, Nerf throw, long jump and 600 metres. For KS3, field events are Javelin, Discus, Shot Putt, Long Jump, High Jump and 800 metres.

On Thursday, all pupils will take part in a Commonwealth Games themed, PE enrichment day incorporating their track events for Sports Day. All pupils will be expected to come to school in their PE kit but will be permitted to wear a t-shirt/jumper in the colour of their house. If they do not wish to wear a coloured t-shirt then they must wear their PE top.

Finally, we are very excited to be welcoming parents to come along and watch their children compete on Thursday 7th July ONLY. A reminder of the timings are listed below. Please be reminded that entrance will be through Watt Close gate only. Upon arrival you will be asked to sign in so please allow time to do this.

We look forward to welcoming you back to St John’s.

• Year 5 Sports events – 9.05am – 10.10am
• Year 6 Sports events – 10.25am – 11.20am
• Year 7 Sports events – 11.20am – 12.15pm
• Year 8 Sports events – 13.25pm – 14.20pm

Mr M Cowdery - Head of PE

Dear Parents/Guardians

End of Year Celebration Day!

We are excited to inform you that following great success last year we will once again be hosting Funfest at St John’s Middle School! We will be holding this day at school on Friday 8^th July 2022.

This is a rewards-based event to celebrate the hard work, excellent attendance and positive behaviour of our pupils throughout this academic year. Children need to have earned enough housepoints throughout the year to be eligible to take part in Funfest. Each half term children are awarded booster points when specific behaviour and attendance targets are met. Our expectation is that all children have an attendance record of at least 96%. Where pupil’s attendance is less than 90% they may not have received the booster points in a half term. At the end of each term we analysed the circumstances surrounding absence and ensured that COVID-19 absence was excluded from our calculations.

The points categories will be as follows:

300 points – Indoor movie session

600 points – Invitation to Funfest

900 points – Booster ticket = extra Funfest time

If your child has enough housepoints, they will be invited to attend either a morning or afternoon session outside on our school field. Activities include bumper cars, giant slides, inflatable obstacle courses, human table football and a penalty shootout. There will also be a BBQ served by Gourmet Gorillas, who have a five-star hygiene rating and children will have a choice of a burger, hot dog or veggie burger. In addition to this, there will be an ice cream van serving a choice of either a whippy ice cream, slush or ice lolly.

The children who are attending Funfest should wear their PE kit to school on this day. In the event of light, occasional showers, the event will still run therefore children are encouraged to bring a rain coat or water proof with them. If very heavy rain is forecast, we will have no option but to cancel the event and try to rearrange, depending on the external company’s availability. If the weather is forecast to be hot, please ensure your child has applied once a day sun cream before coming to school or brings it with them to apply at school, along with a cap or sunhat.

The cost of the event is £12 per pupil, this includes all activities, food and the ice cream van therefore children will not need to bring any additional money to spend on the day. All of the planned activities will only be available if a minimum number of children wish to attend and the event is financially viable. Please note that when making payment you accept that this event is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason.

The deadline for pupils to secure their place on epraise is Wednesday 15^th June 2022. Payment will then open on Friday 17^th June 2022. The final deadline to pay for the event is Friday 24^th June 2022. Please note, if you do not meet this deadline, your child will not be able to attend.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this event, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you.

Alternatively, you can send an email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Kind Regards

Mrs N Hine - Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

Graduation details

We are pleased to announce that graduation for the Children's University programme will take place on Thursday 30^thJune at 2pm. This year, the University have notified us that they are unfortunately unable to host the graduation at the University of Worcester due to a backlog of University events, however we have made every effort possible for this to be a special occasion for our pupils and it will take place in our school hall.

As we are limited with space and availability, priority will initially go to the parents of pupils who have qualified to graduate at this year's ceremony. Your child should have a good indication if they are on track to meet the criteria (30 accredited hours) to graduate this year upon recent pupil check-ins. However, a meeting with all pupils will take place this week to allow for any questions and queries from unsure pupils.

The final date for pupils' passports to be handed in is Tuesday 14^th June, along with any supporting evidence. A further letter will be sent home to the parents of those who have graduated by Friday 17^thJune.

Pupils who are not graduating

If your child has not met the criteria to graduate on this occasion, the Children's University programme is a continual journey that will run throughout your child's time in St. John's. Upon re-registering next year, your child will be able to carry over any hours they have gained this year to either further advance their certificate or become a new graduate. Your child will still be invited to the graduation assembly to celebrate and support their peers!

Moving forward

Since re-launching the Children's University programme at St. John's this year, we have successfully implemented new steps each term to broaden and embed the programme into our school system. The goal for our next step is to set all pupils up with details for their E-Passport, where they will be able to use their passport online, as well as carry a hard copy. All pupils should receive their online login details by the end of this term, in time for any summer activities.

Thank you for all your continued support and time given to helping your child develop passports at home and for continuing to support the programme for our pupils.

If you have any questions please send an e-praise message to myself or please refer to the 'Children's University' section of the School website.

Kind Regards

Miss A Kelly - Children's University Coordinator

Dear Parents/Guardians

RE: Dyslexia information evening

We are currently in the process of applying for our Dyslexia Friendly Schools mark from the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) and we would very much like to share our progress with you. We are holding a parents information evening on Tuesday 28^th June 2022 between 6pm-7pm.

At the meeting it will be discussed what Dyslexia is, the indicators we look out for, information about our Dyslexia pathway and what school and parents can do to support students with Dyslexic type difficulties. Myself and Miss Jarvis will also be around to answer any questions you have following the presentation.

If you would like to attend, please complete the form located within the ‘forms’ section

Kind regards

Mr D McEvilly - SENDCo

Dear Parents/Guardians

Reporting Absence from School: 

If your child is unable to attend school for any reason, you must contact the school on the first day of the absence to inform us anytime via Parentmail or leave a voicemail message on the school phone, the line opens at 8.30 am.  We ask that parents endeavour to contact us before 08.50am so the class teacher can be informed before morning registration.  If your child remains unwell, please contact us with an update each day.  Where a child is absent from school and we do not receive a reason for the absence, this will be recorded in the register as unauthorised.

Punctuality: 

All pupils should be on the school premises by the specified time.  If your child is late and the school gate is shut the child must enter via the main office. If it is possible to notify the school of your child’s late arrival, this would prevent an unnecessary call to you from us.  However, please can we ask for your support in helping your child to arrive in school on time as late arrival not only means your child is missing out on lessons but can also interrupt the learning of others.

Kind regards

The Office Team

September 2022 School Transport Applications

All your school leavers are reminded that they need to complete a new application if they require transport assistance to their new school in September.

This will be assessed under Worcestershire County Council’s Home to School Transport Policy and applications should be made via the Council’s website: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/SchoolTransportApplication.

It is important that an application is made online as soon as possible, or at least before 31^st July, to ensure that the request can be assessed and any pass issued in time for the start of the new academic year.

Late applications (submitted after 31^st July) will still be accepted but MAY NOT be assessed in time for the start of the new academic year.

IF A TRANSPORT APPLICATION HAS ALREADY BEEN SUBMITTED FOR SEPTEMBER THERE IS NO NEED TO DO SO AGAIN AND WE WILL ADVISE YOU OF THE OUTCOME OVER THE COMING MONTHS. Alternatively, you can view any progress via the Application Tracker (www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ApplicationTracker), using the EDT Reference Number provided when you submitted the application.

For further information and to view the current School Transport Policy, please visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/SchoolTransport. To contact the team, please complete an enquiry form via this link.

Many thanks

Education Travel Team

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are delighted to inform you that, for the first time in 3 years, we are able to welcome parents onto our school site to watch our Sports Day track events. Sports Day will take place on Thursday 7^th July and will run alongside a Commonwealth Games themed enrichment day.

Parents will be asked to enter through the gate on Watt Close (just past the main school carpark) and will be required to sign in upon arrival. Different Year groups will be outside competing at different times; a list of timings is provided below.

Please be advised that although photography is permitted we ask that no photographs containing other pupils be shared on any social media platform.

We look forward to welcoming you back to St John’s for what is a real highlight on the school calendar.

• Year 5 Sports events – 9.05am – 10.10am
• Year 6 Sports events – 10.25am – 11.20am
• Year 7 Sports events – 11.20am – 12.15pm
• Year 8 Sports events – 13.25pm – 14.20pm

Mr M. Cowdery Mrs A. Elwell
Head of PE Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

We have an exciting opportunity for Year 6 pupils next half term! A Drama and Theatre group called WEST END IN SCHOOLS will be visiting St John's on Wednesday 13th July to facilitate a Drama workshop on the First World War. This is an excellent opportunity for Year 6 pupils to develop their knowledge of the First World War, which they are currently studying in their History lessons, alongside promoting greater empathy and understanding of those who experienced war between 1914-18.

The Drama sessions are entitled 'Poetry and Poppies' and all students will be able to participate in Drama based activities to further their understanding of the First World War. Each Year 6 class will have one session with the Theatre company.

For this event to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £4.50 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. Unfortunately, if enough contributions are not received then the event will not be able to go ahead.

The deadline to pay for the event is Wednesday 1^st July 2022 at midnight using our secure online payment system, ParentMail. Once you have made payment, we will take this as your firm commitment to the event, we may not be able to offer any refunds.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Hope you have a great half term break.

Mr N Edwards – Head of History

Dear Parents/Guardians

We have reached the end of a short but very busy Half Term and have celebrated with an Enrichment day full of Jubilee celebrations. It’s been wonderful to see the school decked out in red, white and blue and the children enjoying a picnic lunch in the sunshine.

This Half Term has also seen the return of residential trips, as well as full day trips and sporting calendar. What an amazing time the pupils have had on what is many of their first residential and day trips. There has of course been lots of hard work in the classroom too and let’s not forget the fantastic attitude Year 6 showed towards their SAT’s.

Each Year I send out a Parent survey, we greatly value your opinions as we continue to strive to ‘Give of our Best’ in every aspect of what we do. I would be very grateful if you could take the time to complete the Parental survey located in the form section on ParentMail.

During the half term break, epraise messages will be switched off as they are not able to be monitored as regularly as they are during term time. We understand that occasionally people make contact regarding concerns that arise during school holidays and for this reason wanted to provide you numbers and websites which will be sent out in separate ParentMail should you need assistance.

Looking forward to the last half term, we have our End of Year Leavers celebrations for Year 8 which includes an evening outdoor festival. To provide shelter in the event of inclement weather we are hoping procure a marquee and would be very grateful if anyone is able to assist us with the loan of this item. If so, please email school@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk to let us know.

Have a wonderful Half Term and I hope you enjoy the Jubilee celebrations.

Best Wishes

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents / Guardians

Extra-Curricular Sports Clubs will resume after Whitsun half term on Monday 6th June – no need to re-sign up. The children will retain their places until the end of the summer term. Please note all clubs will cease on Friday 8th July. If your child no longer wishes to attend their club, please advise Mr Cowdery so they can be removed from registers.

The only exceptions are Squash Club and Badminton Club. Badminton will be available for Year 6 pupils after half term. If your child would like to participate in next term’s squash or badminton clubs, please sign up via Parentmail – this will become available Friday 27th May at 2.00pm. There are limited spaces on each club so places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Kind regards

Mr Cowdery
Head of PE

Dear Parents/Guardians

This is a reminder that the commemorative hoody with all Year 8 pupils' names on the back to mark their time at St John's are available to purchase from the Online Shop using the link below. Unfortunately, no orders can be processed through the school as they are all done online directly.

Please click on this link to go to our login page https://www.schoolleaverscompany.co.uk/leavers-hoodies-login . Or alternatively go to the website and click on “Login” at the top of the home page.

Our login details are as follows:

USERNAME: SL58713

PASSWORD: 58713stjohn

Everyone can order and pay for their hoodies online. You can choose your own size (please see size guide) and view the hoody as it will look.

For help with sizing see our sizing help and size guide:

https://www.schoolleaverscompany.co.uk/leavers-hoodies

Don't delay - all orders must be in before 28^th May 2022 without exception as the online shop CLOSES. Order NOW to avoid disappointment.

The hoodies may be worn on end of term trips/events as instructed, hence the earlier cut off to allow for processing and delivery in early July.

Kind regards

Mrs R Bourne – Head of Year 8

On Friday 27^th May 2022, we will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Children to come to school wearing red, white and blue or dressed as a member of the royal family, for example the Queen herself but all clothes need to be school appropriate. If children do not wish to participate they will be required to wear school uniform. There will be a number of competitions running throughout the day, including a Queen’s crown competition. Children are encouraged to create a crown, preferably using recycled materials and bring their home-made crowns to school for a chance to win a prize.

During the day the children will be taking part in a number of exciting activities throughout lesson time. We will also invite all children to a picnic on the school field – weather permitting. Therefore, all pupils will need a packed lunch on this day. If your child is entitled to free school meals, they should order a packed lunch from the kitchen by Wednesday 25th May. During the picnic there will be an ice cream van, so children are welcome to bring a small amount of money (no more than £2) to school if they wish to purchase an ice cream. We will also be planting a tree on the school playground as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Project.

We hope the children enjoy our day of celebrations.

Mrs N Hine – Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Over the past 2 years vouchers have been provided for children who receive free school meals. However, we have received notification of changes to this funding and wanted to notify you of these. Below is the key information received from the local authority as well as information on how Worcestershire families will be supported over half term and the Summer holiday.

"Free School Meal vouchers for use during school holiday periods have been funded by the Household Support Fund during 2021-2022. This grant is allocated by central government to local areas. For 2022-2023 the grant has been extended from April – September 2022 only however the criteria for use have been changed to include help and support for other groups of the population.

Worcestershire has grant available to provide children eligible for FSM for 2 weeks of school holiday periods during this time.

Worcestershire have taken a strategic decision that with this limited provision it would be most effective to make these vouchers available to cover 2 weeks of the summer holiday.

This means that FSM vouchers will not be provided for the half term holiday (w/b 30th May 2022.)

Schools will be able to order for the summer holidays from early in July. Contact will be made again at the end of June and the order families receive for the Summer holiday will cover 2 weeks

Worcestershire understand that this may be disappointing for some families and have requested that we direct families that are struggling financially to the support resources below:

• Direct request access via Here2Help is available at all times for families who may need assistance and should be used for signposting for the half term if needed.

https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20758/here2help_coronavirus_covid-19/2400/here2help_i_am_offering_help

In addition, there is support available to search via Ready Steady Worcestershire (including support for food, financial support, activities and community assistance. The Holiday and Food Activity scheme will be available for children and families to access during the summer holiday period providing free access to food and activities for those eligible for FSM - https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20818/ready_steady_worcestershire_-_school_holiday_food_and_activities

Ready Steady Worcestershire - school holiday food and activities

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme in Worcestershire. On 8 November 2020, the Government announced that HAF programme, which has provided healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children since 2018, will be expanded across the whole of England in 2021, to children in every local authority in England.

www.worcestershire.gov.uk"

Kind regards

Mr Medway

Dear Parents/Guardians

Please see below for a reminder for the Lakeside Trip.

We will leave school on Monday 16^th May 2022 at approximately 9:15am, travelling by coach, returning by around 3pm ready for the end of the school day. All pupils will need a packed lunch on this day and pupils who receive free school meals should have already ordered a packed lunch from the kitchen . Pupils should come to school in their PE kit, wearing a pair of trainers that they don’t mind getting wet. As shorts will not be suitable for some of the activities we recommend they wear tracksuit bottoms.

Please see below a full kit list that will be required for the day.

Kit list

• Medication if required
• Lunch/ snacks
• A complete change of clothes & shoes & towel (no jeans/ wellies/ crocs)
• Waterproof coat (for rainy weather)
• Plastic bag (for wet clothes)
• Swimwear/ shorts for water-based activities

We are asking for children not to bring their mobile phones, jewellery or valuables to the venue. If pupils do bring mobile phones they will be required to hand them in on the morning of the trip, they will be locked away securely and returned to the pupils upon their return to school.

We hope the children enjoy the day

Kind regards

Mrs N Hine - Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

Spaces have become available for the after-school Archaeology Club which will is open to all year groups and runs on a Thursday until 4.15pm.

This club will provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their interest in the past. We will be using material created during the first lockdown by the University of Lincoln and branded as 'Dig School'. This will involve pupils acting as detectives to explore the past in a series of interesting workshops based around archaeology; with the first one entitled 'Crime Scene Investigation'. The aim is to work towards a final session in which we participate in our own archaeological dig! 

If you would like your child to attend, please complete the form in the forms section on Parentmail.

Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and are limited.

Please note: This club is free of charge

Kind regards

Mr N Edwards - Head of History

Dear Parents/Guardians

Thank you to all parents who responded to the survey we sent out regarding the Year 8 leavers event. As we previously mentioned, we have decided to move away from the traditional plan of a school prom. Following the survey, we are pleased to inform you that the pupils chose to attend the beach for the day followed by a festival at school during the evening on Wednesday 20^th July 2022. Pupils can opt to attend one or both events below.

Day time beach trip

We will leave school at 8:15am, travelling by coach to Weston-super-Mare and returning to school by 4:15pm. Children will then be able to go home to get ready for the evening festival which will start at 7pm.

During the day the pupils can wear their own clothes, however they will need to wear either the St John’s PE hoody or the Leavers hoody. Please note, in the event of a rainy day, there is little cover so the pupils should dress appropriately.

We will be provided with a designated area on the beach and use of the toilets throughout the day. Children will be able to play games on the beach including football and rounders with friends. The Victorian Café on the beachfront will be providing lunch for the pupils along with a small whippy ice cream in the afternoon. Please select your child’s food choice via the Parentmail form.

We will also be visiting the pier where the children will be able to enjoy the arcade with a small group of friends if they wish. You therefore may like to provide some spending money for your child to use on the arcade activities. We suggest a maximum of £15 and advise the children bring coins so they do not have to queue to change notes in order to use in the machines. Staff will be supervising in designated areas of the arcade including the entrance and exits.

Evening Festival

Children should arrive at school between 6:30-7pm. They are encouraged to dress in summer festival type casual attire and to bring with them a picnic mat if they wish. There will be food, drink and other refreshments available, most of which will be included in the ticket price. A selfie station will be set up, as well as music from a local DJ and the potential of some live music too. There will be lots of fun ways to make lasting memories with friends on the evening before pick up at 9pm.

The deadline for payments for both of these activities is 22^nd June 2022. If your child would like to attend one or both of these events please complete the form located in the forms section of ParentMail.

We hope this day is memorable and enjoyable for the pupils and hope they can share this special day with us.

Miss R Bourne - Head of Year 8

ear Parents/Guardians

RE: The Queen’s Jubilee Celebration

On Friday 27^th May 2022, we will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We invite children to come to school wearing red, white and blue or dressed as a member of the royal family, for example the Queen herself but all clothes need to be school appropriate. If children do not wish to participate they will be required to wear school uniform. There will be a number of competitions running throughout the day, including a Queen’s crown competition. Children are encouraged to create a crown, preferably using recycled materials and bring their home-made crowns to school for a chance to win a prize.

During the day the children will be taking part in a number of exciting activities throughout lesson time. We will also invite all children to a picnic on the school field – weather permitting. Therefore, all pupils will need a packed lunch on this day. If your child is entitled to free school meals, they should order a packed lunch from the kitchen by Wednesday 25th May. During the picnic there will be an ice cream van, so children are welcome to bring a small amount of money (no more than £2) to school if they wish to purchase an ice cream. We will also be planting a tree on the school playground as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Project.

We hope the children enjoy our day of celebrations.

Mrs N Hine – Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,

During RE lessons over the next few weeks all pupils will be introduced to the National 'Spirited Arts' Art and Poetry Competition.  St John's have taken part in this competition for the past two years and have been successful at a National level.  This competition will be set as an optional homework piece but we hope that as many children as possible will take part as it is an opportunity to showcase their talents.   

All entries will earn housepoints and there will be a small prize for all our 'Top Ten' entries.  There are also National prizes on offer.  The Powerpoint shown in lessons will be available on epraise for children to access and contains all the information that is needed.  Children can enter individually, in pairs or in a group.

Mrs Woodward will also run an after school each Tuesday from 3:15pm-4:15pm from 17^th May until 21^st June 2022, for those who would like to stay at school to complete their entry. Children from all Year groups are welcome to attend the club however spaces are limited.

If your child would like to attend the club please complete the form within the “Forms” section on Parentmail.

Kind regards

Mrs C Woodward – Head of RE

Dear Parents/Guardians 

Thank you to all who have returned the relevant medical and consent forms for our forthcoming trip to Arete, North Wales. If you have not yet completed the two forms, please can you return them ASAP so we can ensure we have all of the relevant information. 

Please could the children arrive at the school gym (main reception entrance) at 8:15am on Monday 23^rd May with their luggage, including a packed lunch for the first day. Please note the children are responsible for carrying their own luggage so please ensure it is condensed to manageable and labelled bags.   

Where stated on the medical form that a pupil requires medication, this should be brought in a clear bag and clearly labelled with your child's name. Please do not pack it into their main luggage as we will store all medication separately on arrival.  If your child suffers with travel sickness please ensure they take a tablet with enough time for it to take effect before travelling and have a tablet packed for their return journey.  

Our estimated time of return from Arete is 5:00pm on Friday 27^th May. Please can you arrange to collect your child from Watt Close at this time. If we encounter any traffic or our return time changes, we will inform you via Parent Mail. Please avoid parking along Watt Close during our departure from school and our return so as to ensure enough room for the coaches to manoeuvre.  

Please remember that mobile phones are strictly prohibited from being brought on the trip by the pupils. If we need to contact you in an emergency or you need to contact us urgently the school mobile phone can be used – 07743 517763. We will also use this mobile to take photos and post updates on our school Twitter page @stjohnsmiddle.  Please remember that there is limited service and we will be out on activities during the day but I will endeavour to return any urgent calls or messages as soon as I can.  

We are happy for the children to bring a few snacks and sweets if they wish. However, please be mindful that we do have some children attending the trip who have an allergy to nuts, therefore please only send nut free snacks and treats. Unfortunately these snacks are unable to be shared.  

We suggest you follow our school twitter page for updates and information about what the pupils are up to @stjohnsmiddle 

We are very excited and are looking forward to some action-packed fun! 

Kind Regards 

Miss K North – Trip Lead 

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Dear Parents/Guardians  

Thank you to all who have returned the relevant medical and consent forms for our forthcoming trip to Oakerwood, Leominster.  

Please could the children arrive at the school gym (main reception entrance) between 8:15am and 8.30am on Friday 20^th May with their luggage. Please note the children are responsible for carrying their own luggage so please ensure it is condensed to manageable and labelled bags.   

Where stated on the medical form that a pupil requires medication, this should be brought in a clear bag and clearly labelled with your child's name. Please do not pack it into their main luggage as we will store all medication separately on arrival. If you have ticked that your child suffers with travel sickness please ensure they take a tablet with enough time for it to take effect before travelling and have a tablet packed for their return journey.  

Our estimated time of return from Oakerwood is 2.30pm on Sunday 22nd May. Please can you arrange to collect your child from Watt Close at this time. If we encounter any traffic or our return time changes we will inform you via our Twitter page. Please do not park along Watt Close during our departure from school and our return so as to ensure enough room for the coaches to manoeuvre.   

Please remember that mobile phones are strictly prohibited from being brought on the trip by the pupils. If we need to contact you in an emergency or you need to contact us urgently the school mobile phone can be used – 07743 517763. We will also use this mobile to take photos and post updates on our school Twitter page @stjohnsmiddle.  Please remember that there is limited service and we will be out on activities during the day but we will endeavour to return any urgent calls or messages as soon as we can.   

We are happy for the children to bring a few snacks and sweets if they wish. However, please be mindful that we do have some children attending the trip who have an allergy to nuts, therefore please only send nut free snacks and treats. Unfortunately these snacks are unable to be shared.  

We suggest you follow our school twitter page for updates and information about what the pupils are up to @stjohnsmiddle. 

We are very excited and are looking forward to some action-packed fun!  

Kind Regards

Mrs K Hall and Ms M Jarvis  - Year 5 Class Teacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

Year 6 SATS – Week Commencing Monday 9^th May 2022

As the SATS examinations approach and the well-being of our pupils is of paramount importance, we have introduced a wide range of activities at school to help support your child with their tests. To further support your child, the school are offering the option for Year 6 children to come into school from 8.10am, Monday to Thursday next week, where PE activities and complimentary toast will be provided to ensure that pupils are ready to face the week and achieve their full potential.

Children that would like to take advantage of this extra support, will need to enter school via the Watt close gate from 8.10am. The toast will be available from 8.15-8.45am from the kitchen, courtesy of our catering staff.

Research has shown that eating breakfast and participating in exercise improves concentration, memory, energy and alertness as well as greatly reducing stress levels.

During the week of SATS we will be offering ‘drop in’ exercise sessions Monday to Thursday. Children will be able to ‘drop in’ between 8.20am-8.40am and take part in activities such as dance aerobics, box fitness, yoga, circuit training and skipping for fitness. The planned activities are designed not to be too strenuous and will be suitable for all fitness levels. At 8.40am children will go outside and line up with their classes.

If your child would like to take part in these ‘drop in’ PE sessions, they should arrive to the Watt Close gate at 8.20am. If children are having the toast, they should go there first, then join the PE activities after.

All Year 6 children are welcome to come to school wearing their PE kits during the SATS examinations, Monday to Thursday.

In preparation for the exams we suggest you encourage your child to have a regular sleep pattern, drink plenty of water and has the equipment needed.

We would like to thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Mr M. Cowdery - Head of PE 
Mrs C Hirons - Head of Year 6 
Mrs A. Elwell - Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

Year 8 trip to Lakeside

As your child was unable to participate in the annual residential to Arete and as we know the vast benefits that this type of trip can bring, including, building self-esteem, team building, confidence and fitness, we would like invite them to The University of Worcester Lakeside Campus.

Activities on offer will include canoeing, rafting, stand up paddle boarding, team building, bush craft and orienteering. All the activities are dependent on the weather and the uptake.

We will leave school on Wednesday 18^th May 2022 at approximately 9:15am, travelling by coach, returning by around 3pm ready for the end of the school day. All pupils will need a packed lunch on this day and pupils who receive free school meals will be able to order a packed lunch from the kitchen two days in advance. Pupils should come to school in their PE kit, wearing a pair of trainers that they don’t mind getting wet. As shorts will not be suitable for some of the activities we recommend they wear tracksuit bottoms. Please see below a full kit list that will be required for the day.

Kit list

• Medication
• Lunch/ snacks
• A complete change of clothes & shoes & towel (no jeans/ wellies/ crocs)
• Waterproof coat (for rainy weather)
• Plastic bag (for wet clothes)
• Swimwear/ shorts for water-based activities

We are asking for children not to bring their mobile phones, jewellery or valuables to the venue. If pupils do bring mobile phones then they will be required to hand them in on the morning of the trip, they will be locked away securely and returned to the pupils upon their return to school.

The full cost of the trip will be £33.00 and the deadline to pay for the event is Wednesday 4^th May at midnight using our secure online payment system, ParentMail. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please note that when making payment you accept that this trip is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason. This trip is optional, therefore any pupils who do not pay will not be able to attend.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Yours faithfully

Mrs N Hine - Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Year 7 trip to Lakeside

As your child was unable to participate in the annual residential to Oakerwood and as we know the vast benefits that this type of trip can bring, including, building self-esteem, team building, confidence and fitness, we would like invite them to The University of Worcester Lakeside Campus.

Activities on offer will include canoeing, rafting, stand up paddle boarding, team building, bush craft and orienteering. All the activities are dependent on the weather and the uptake.

We will leave school on Friday 10^th June 2022 at approximately 9:15am, travelling by coach, returning by around 3pm ready for the end of the school day. All pupils will need a packed lunch on this day and pupils who receive free school meals will be able to order a packed lunch from the kitchen two days in advance. Pupils should come to school in their PE kit, wearing a pair of trainers that they don’t mind getting wet. As shorts will not be suitable for some of the activities we recommend they wear tracksuit bottoms. Please see below a full kit list that will be required for the day.

Kit list

• Medication
• Lunch/ snacks
• A complete change of clothes & shoes & towel (no jeans/ wellies/ crocs)
• Waterproof coat (for rainy weather)
• Plastic bag (for wet clothes)
• Swimwear/ shorts for water-based activities

We are asking for children not to bring their mobile phones, jewellery or valuables to the venue. If pupils do bring mobile phones then they will be required to hand them in on the morning of the trip, they will be locked away securely and returned to the pupils upon their return to school.

The full cost of the trip will be £33.00 and the deadline to pay for the event is Wednesday 4^th May at midnight using our secure online payment system, ParentMail. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please note that when making payment you accept that this trip is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason. This trip is optional, therefore any pupils who do not pay will not be able to attend.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Yours faithfully

Mrs N Hine - Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

Year 6 trip to Lakeside

As your child was unable to participate in the annual residential this year and as we know the vast benefits that this type of trip can bring, including, building self-esteem, team building, confidence and fitness, we would like invite them to The University of Worcester Lakeside Campus.

Activities on offer will include canoeing, rafting, stand up paddle boarding, team building, bush craft and orienteering. All the activities are dependent on the weather and the uptake.

We will leave school on Tuesday 17^th May 2022 at approximately 9:15am, travelling by coach, returning by around 3pm ready for the end of the school day. All pupils will need a packed lunch on this day and pupils who receive free school meals will be able to order a packed lunch from the kitchen two days in advance. Pupils should come to school in their PE kit, wearing a pair of trainers that they don’t mind getting wet. As shorts will not be suitable for some of the activities we recommend they wear tracksuit bottoms. Please see below a full kit list that will be required for the day.

Kit list

• Medication
• Lunch/ snacks
• A complete change of clothes & shoes & towel (no jeans/ wellies/ crocs)
• Waterproof coat (for rainy weather)
• Plastic bag (for wet clothes)
• Swimwear/ shorts for water-based activities

We are asking for children not to bring their mobile phones, jewellery or valuables to the venue. If pupils do bring mobile phones then they will be required to hand them in on the morning of the trip, they will be locked away securely and returned to the pupils upon their return to school.

The full cost of the trip will be £33.00 and the deadline to pay for the event is Wednesday 4^th May at midnight using our secure online payment system, ParentMail. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please note that when making payment you accept that this trip is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason. This trip is optional, therefore any pupils who do not pay will not be able to attend.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Yours faithfully

Mrs N Hine - Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Year 5 trip to Lakeside

As your child was unable to participate in the annual residential to Oakerwood and as we know the vast benefits that this type of trip can bring, including, building self-esteem, team building, confidence and fitness, we would like invite them to The University of Worcester Lakeside Campus.

Activities on offer will include canoeing, rafting, stand up paddle boarding, team building, bush craft and orienteering. All the activities are dependent on the weather and the uptake.

We will leave school on Monday 16^th May 2022 at approximately 9:15am, travelling by coach, returning by around 3pm ready for the end of the school day. All pupils will need a packed lunch on this day and pupils who receive free school meals will be able to order a packed lunch from the kitchen two days in advance. Pupils should come to school in their PE kit, wearing a pair of trainers that they don’t mind getting wet. As shorts will not be suitable for some of the activities we recommend they wear tracksuit bottoms. Please see below a full kit list that will be required for the day.

Kit list

• Medication
• Lunch/ snacks
• A complete change of clothes & shoes & towel (no jeans/ wellies/ crocs)
• Waterproof coat (for rainy weather)
• Plastic bag (for wet clothes)
• Swimwear/ shorts for water-based activities

We are asking for children not to bring their mobile phones, jewellery or valuables to the venue. If pupils do bring mobile phones then they will be required to hand them in on the morning of the trip, they will be locked away securely and returned to the pupils upon their return to school.

The full cost of the trip will be £33.00 and the deadline to pay for the event is Wednesday 4^th May at midnight using our secure online payment system, ParentMail. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please note that when making payment you accept that this trip is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason. This trip is optional, therefore any pupils who do not pay will not be able to attend.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Yours faithfully

Mrs N Hine - Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

Over the Easter holiday Epraise messages will be switched off as they are not able to be monitored as regularly as they are during term time. We understand that occasionally people make contact regarding concerns that arise during school holidays and for this reason, wanted to provide you with the following numbers and websites:

In the event of an emergency (Fire, Crime or Medical) please call 999. 

For non urgent police reports call 101 or use https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

For Children's Social Care (Worcestershire) 

https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20501/children_young_people_and_families/1842/how_to_contact_childrens_social_care

For Parent Support, including financial and where parental conflict may be impacting on a child.

https://www.startingwellworcs.nhs.uk/families

On our website you will find information and links to organisations to support wellbeing and online safety:

https://www.st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk/page/?title=Safeguarding+and+Wellbeing&pid=66

There are also links, phone numbers and details of organisations in the following documents:

Our Early Help Offer:

https://www.st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=1276&type=pdf

Our Early Help Statement:

https://www.st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=1275&type=pdf

On behalf of all the Senior Leadership Team, we hope you and your families enjoy the Easter break and we look forward to seeing everyone return refreshed for the Summer term.

Kind Regards

Mr K Medway – Deputy Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

We have had a fantastic first check-in last week. A huge will done to all of the pupils on their efforts so far.

A reminder, that any extra-curricular clubs must be registered with Children's University. A list of all clubs can be found on the Children's University website:

https://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/

The next step for our school re-launch of the Children's University programme, is to allow pupils to make up extra hours be releasing our own St. John's activities. These will begin in the summer term and will give many more pupils the opportunity to gain hours. Pupils will be notified when a new activity is created and these will be available on the school website after Easter break.

The minimum hours a child must have gathered to graduate this year is 30hours and although graduation is not a requirement for all pupils, I am pleased that many pupils have already surpassed this expectation.

Please find attached this half-term's newsletter for your convenience.

I hope you all have a wonderful and restful Easter break.

Kind regards

Miss A Kelly – Children’s University Coordinator

Dear Parents/Guardians

We will be starting an after-school Archaeology club which will be open to all year groups and will run on Thursdays until 4.15pm.

The club will start on Thursday 5^th May 2022.

This club will provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their interest in the past. We will be using material created during the first lockdown by the University of Lincoln and branded as 'Dig School'. This will involve pupils acting as detectives to explore the past in a series of interesting workshops based around archaeology; with the first one entitled 'Crime Scene Investigation'. The aim is to work towards a final session in which we participate in our own archaeological dig! 

If you would like your child to attend, please complete the form in the forms section on Parentmail by 3pm on Thursday 7^th April 2022. 

Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and the places are limited.

Please note: This club is free of charge

Kind regards

Mr N Edwards - Head of History

Dear Parents/Guardians

This year we are once again offering pupils the chance to purchase a commemorative hoody - with all Year 8 pupils' names on the back to mark their time at St John's.

We’re happy to confirm that our personalised Online Shop is now ready to use. No orders are processed via the school, all are done online directly.

Please click on this link to go to our login page https://www.schoolleaverscompany.co.uk/leavers-hoodies-login . Or alternatively go to the website and click on “Login” at the top of the home page.

Our login details are as follows:

USERNAME: SL58713

PASSWORD: 58713stjohn

Everyone can order and pay for their hoodies online. You can choose your own size (please see size guide) and view the hoody as it will look.

For help with sizing see our sizing help and size guide:

https://www.schoolleaverscompany.co.uk/leavers-hoodies

Don't delay - all orders must be in before 28^th May 2022 without exception as the online shop CLOSES. Order NOW to avoid disappointment.

The hoodies may be worn on end of term trips/events as instructed, hence the earlier cut off to allow for processing and delivery in early July.

Kind regards

Mrs R Bourne – Head of Year 8

Dear Parents/Guardians

We wanted to let you know about a safeguarding challenge we are facing within school at the moment. We are experiencing an increasing number of incidents of children making inappropriate, sexual comments, noises and gestures which they may not necessarily fully understand.

Whilst we understand that children of middle school age may be naturally curious about these matters, it is not appropriate for these to be discussed with peers outside of a Relationships and Sex Education lesson. Members of the class have reported feeling uncomfortable and unsafe due to this. 

Where sexual comments are made in this way, this may be interpreted as sexual harassment and we will be using the ‘Sexual Violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges’ guidance Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges (publishing.service.gov.uk) which states that schools should adopt a zero tolerance approach to such behaviours. Where there is clear evidence of sexual harassment as defined in this document or sexual violence, serious consequences will be implemented.

It is important that we work together to resolve this issue. School continues to address these issues within our PSHE curriculum. Please access the following websites which are recommended for parents to use to talk to their child about these issues. Please review these and use them to support a discussion with your child.

• https://parentzone.org.uk/home
• letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk
• NSPCC Net Aware

Please monitor your child’s internet use as some language has been found to be coming from apps such as TikTok and YouTube. There have also been incidents in which adults have attempted to make contact with pupils via WhatsApp.

In the Summer term we are looking to offer a webinar advising on online safety. A Parentmail form will be sent out to see what interest there would be in this. If this is something that you would like to attend, please respond appropriately.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that, as part of our ‘Online Safety’ policy we have rules and expectations on mobile phones. This includes phones being switched off and out of sight at all times during the school day. Please ensure that your child is aware of how to switch their phone off. Breaches of these expectations would result in consequences and could mean that they cannot bring their phone to school.

Please ensure that your child understands that such comments and behaviours outlined in this letter and the website will not be accepted at St John’s C of E Middle School. 

Thank you for working with us to keep our children safe.

Mr K Medway – Deputy Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

I wanted to write to you following changes to the National guidance surrounding COVID-19 testing and isolation, which comes into effect from today.

In summary the key points are:

• Free testing for most people ceased on Thursday 31 March. There are exceptions to this, based on medical vulnerabilities and for certain occupations but for most students and parents, this is not the case. School cannot provide Lateral Flow Device test kits to any family without instruction from our local health protection team, local authority or director of public health.
• Children who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can go back to school when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend.
• Children who have tested positive for COVID 19, are advised to isolate for a period of 3 days or until they no longer have a high temperature.

If your child is unwell and has a high temperature then they should not attend. If a child develops a high temperature or starts to feel unwell whilst at school we will request they are collected as soon as possible.

Could I please ask that all contact details are up to date and contact the school office if there are any changes to telephone numbers etc.

Thank you for your continued support on these matters.

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

Thank you to all who have returned the relevant medical and consent forms for our forthcoming trip to Oaker Wood. If you have not yet completed the two forms, please can you return them ASAP so we can ensure we have all of the relevant information.

Please could the children arrive on Watt Close (main reception entrance) at 9:15am on Sunday 3^rd April with everything they need. We do not plan to access the school building so it is important that they have already used the toilet at home and that they collect any medication they need from the school office on Friday.

Where stated on the medical form that a pupil requires medication, this should be brought in a clear bag and clearly labelled with your child's name it. Please do not pack it into their main luggage as we will store all medication separately on arrival.

Our estimated time of return from Oaker Wood is 2:45pm on Tuesday 5^th April. Please can you arrange to collect your child from Watt Close at this time. If we hit any traffic or our arrival time changes, we will inform you via parentmail.

Please remember that mobile phones are strictly prohibited from being brought on the trip by the pupils. If they need to contact you or visa versa, the school mobile phone can be used.

We are happy for the children to bring a few snacks and sweets of they wish. However, please be mindful that we do have some children attending the trip who are allergic to nuts therefore please only send nut free snacks and treats.

We suggest you follow our school twitter page for updates and information about what the pupils are up to @stjohnsmiddle

We are very excited and look are looking forward to some action packed fun!

Kind Regards

Mrs N Hine – Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

Year 8 and the Launch Pad History trip to Black Country Living Museum

On Friday 29^th April 2022, Year 8 and children from the Launch Pad will be visiting the Black Country Living Museum, to support their History studies on the Industrial Revolution. Whilst at the museum we will have the opportunity to go down a mine shaft, travel along the Dudley canal on a barge and learn about the fascinating Industrial history of the area – alongside the pre-historic story of Dudley. We will explore other buildings, shops and houses from this era, including a schoolroom.

The children will travel by coach, they will be picked up from St John’s school at 9.15am and return for the end of the school day at 3.15pm. Children will need to wear their school uniform and will need to bring sensible footwear as well as sun cream and a coat as much of the day will be outdoors.

Children will need to bring a packed lunch with them however if your child has free school meals, they will need to advise the kitchen two days in advance.

Children are able to bring a small amount of money (no more than £10) that can be spent in the gift shop.

For this trip to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £15.50 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. Unfortunately, if not enough contributions are made the trip will not be able to go ahead.

The deadline to pay for the event is Wednesday 6th April 2022 at midnight. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

 Kind Regards

Mr N Edwards - Head of History

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Dear Parents/Guardians

We are all looking forward to the trip to Worcester Cathedral next week. To confirm:

7WW, 7ALK, 7MMO will be visiting on Wednesday

7MH, 7PM, 7JCD will be visiting on Thursday

Please make sure pupils arrive at school in full school uniform and they will need a coat in the Cathedral as it may be cold.

children are permitted to bring a maximum of £10 to spend in the gift shop and will return by the end of the school day.

Yours sincerely

Mr N Edwards - Head of History

Dear Parents/Guardians

Thank you to all who have returned the relevant medical and consent forms for our forthcoming trip to Oaker Wood. If you have not yet completed the two forms, please can you return them ASAP so we can ensure we have all of the relevant information.

Please could the children arrive on Watt Close (main reception entrance) at 9:15am on Sunday 3^rd April with everything they need. We do not plan to access the school building so it is important that they have already used the toilet at home and that they collect any medication they need from the school office on Friday.

Where stated on the medical form that a pupil requires medication, this should be brought in a clear bag and clearly labelled with your child's name it. Please do not pack it into their main luggage as we will store all medication separately on arrival.

Our estimated time of return from Oaker Wood is 2:45pm on Tuesday 5^th April. Please can you arrange to collect your child from Watt Close at this time. If we hit any traffic or our arrival time changes, we will inform you via parentmail.

A school mobile number will be provided to you in due course should you need to contact us in case of an emergency or if we need to contact you for any reason. Please remember that mobile phones are strictly prohibited from being brought on the trip by the pupils. If they need to contact you or visa versa, the school mobile phone can be used.

We are happy for the children to bring a few snacks and sweets of they wish. However, please be mindful that we do have some children attending the trip who are allergic to nuts therefore please only send nut free snacks and treats.

We suggest you follow our school twitter page for updates and information about what the pupils are up to @stjohnsmiddle

We are very excited and look are looking forward to some action packed fun!

Kind Regards

Mrs N Hine – Assistant Headteacher

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Dear Parents/Guardians

Next week we will commence our first "Check-in", therefore I will be gathering the children's passports to log their hours to date and ensure our records reflect all of the hard work the children are putting in to their extra-curricular clubs.

Please could all children involved bring their passport into school all next week to allow time for collection and updates. Any clubs missed for signing next week can then be back-dated the following week to ensure your child receives credit for their hours. Any official Children's University activities will need some proof of the work carried out for example photos, certificates and pieces of work to receive a stamp for these hours.

Kind Regards

Dear Parents/Guardians

Year 8 History trip to Black Country Living Museum

On Friday 29^th April 2022, Year 8 will be visiting the Black Country Living Museum, to support their History studies on the Industrial Revolution. Whilst at the museum we will have the opportunity to go down a mine shaft, travel along the Dudley canal on a barge and learn about the fascinating Industrial history of the area – alongside the pre-historic story of Dudley. We will explore other buildings, shops and houses from this era, including a schoolroom.

The children will travel by coach, they will be picked up from St John’s school at 9.15am and return for the end of the school day at 3.15pm. Children will need to wear their school uniform and will need to bring sensible footwear as well as sun cream and a coat as much of the day will be outdoors.

Children will need to bring a packed lunch with them however if your child has free school meals, they will need to advise the kitchen two days in advance.

Children are able to bring a small amount of money (no more than £10) that can be spent in the gift shop.

For this trip to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £15.50 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. Unfortunately, if not enough contributions are made the trip will not be able to go ahead.

The deadline to pay for the event is Wednesday 6th April 2022 at midnight. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

It promises to be a very enjoyable trip.

Kind Regards

Mr N Edwards - Head of History

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Dear Parents/Guardians

Spring Term Reports 2022

Please be advised you can access reports from 12pm today (25/03/2022) using epraise as follows:

• Log into ePraise, click Me at the top of the page, this will direct you to page where you'll see your child. Click on their portrait and then click the Documents link. Your child's report will be found here, this will open as a PDF.

The report can be used as part of discussions during parent’s evening. Please note that reports will only be available to view on epraise for 3 months, therefore if you would like to keep a copy of the report, please ensure you download this before the end of the 3 months.

If you have any queries regarding accessing your child’s report or you require a paper copy, please don’t hesitate to contact school.

Yours sincerely

Mrs L Moyle - Head of Maths

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Dear Parents/Guardians 

We are currently looking ahead to the next academic year to see what opportunities we can offer to our pupils. 

We are making enquiries regarding a visit to Ingestre Hall in June 2023, when your child will be in year 6. This trip is a two-night residential in which pupils get to participate in in various performing arts activities such as art, film and animation, dance, drama and social time. In the past it has been a huge hit, with boys and girls of all abilities having had a wonderful time.

The cost of the trip will be approximately £200. As with all our school trips, the school will endeavour to offer financial support to those parents who are eligible. 

At this stage we are only asking for parents to register interest for a place on the Ingestre Hall residential. In order for us to determine the viability of the trip, please complete the form by 12 noon on Wednesday 23^rd March 2022. If we do not get enough expressions of interest, we will not make a firm booking for this trip and there will potentially not be a residential trip. 

Please click on the following link to view Ingestre Hall via the website : www.ingestrearts.org.uk

Many thanks, 

Mrs Hine 

Educational Visits Coordinato

Dear Parents/Guardians

We will be holding a non-uniform day on Friday 18^th March 2022 in support of Red Nose Day and the Red Cross Ukraine appeal.

For a donation on £1 we are encouraging children to wear blue and yellow in support of the innocent victims of the current conflict in Ukraine. In addition children can wear Red Nose Day merchandise (including red noses). If you would like to make a donation, please send your child in with £1 cash, on that day, to hand to their form tutor. All monies raised will be equally split between the two worthy charities.

We will also be selling doughnuts, biscuits and cakes at break time, for a price of 50p per item, to raise money for both Red Nose Day and the Red Cross Ukraine appeal.

During the week, each form group will plant a sunflower in solidarity to the people of Ukraine, as the sunflower is their national flower and provides a symbol of hope.

Thank you for your support

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

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Dear Parents/Guardians

Year 7 History trip to Worcester Cathedral

On Wednesday 6^th April and Thursday 7^th April 2022, Year 7 will be visiting Worcester Cathedral, for a History trip. Worcester Cathedral is home to the tomb of King John, one of the most famous Medieval Kings. Pupils will spend the day learning about King John, using a variety of interactive workshops, which will broaden their understanding of the topic ‘Why did Medieval Kings struggle to rule England?’.

The children will travel to the Cathedral by coach, they will be picked up from St John’s at 9.15am and return for the end of the school day at 3.15pm. Children will be required to wear their school uniform and will need to remember a coat and their school jumpers, as it can be quite cold inside the Cathedral.

Children will need to bring a packed lunch with them however if your child has free school meals, they will need to advise the kitchen two days in advance.

Children are able to bring a small amount of money (no more than £10) that can be spent in the gift shop.

For this event to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £12 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. Unfortunately, if not enough contributions are made the trip will not be able to go ahead.

The deadline to pay for the event is Wednesday 23rd March 2022 at 12 noon. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

It promises to be a very enjoyable trip

Kind Regards

Mr N Edwards - Head of History

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Term 2 Parents Evenings 2022

We will be holding virtual subject parents evenings on Monday 28^th March 2022 and Thursday 31^st March 2022 3.45pm-7:15pm, using Zoom. This is an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s subject teachers to find out how they are getting on and discuss their attainment and progress so far this academic year.

The booking of slots can be made in the normal way using epraise. Simply login to epraise and under the Community tab at the top select Parents Evenings. Click on the date you wish to book an appointment, select your child’s subject teachers and the time. This will automatically populate the teacher’s schedule.

In order to meet demand, appointments will be released in stages:

• Stage 1: English, Maths and Science for all years from 7am on Monday 14^th March 2022
• Stage 2: All subjects for all years from 7am on Monday 21^st March 2022.

Each member of staff will have a Zoom meeting open and a link will be provided on epraise (in the Room tab at the top of your booking schedule) for you to join and will take you a waiting room, staff will then admit you at the designated time.

Please note that appointments are strictly 5 minutes in order to accommodate demand, however certain time slots do fill up quicker than others so please book as soon as possible to avoid missing your requested slot. Bookings for these evenings will close on Friday 25^th March 2022.

You will also receive an interim report prior to parents evening detailing your child’s target grades and current prediction.

Kind regards

Mr R Upwood - Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

As a part of your child’s education at St John’s Middle School, we promote personal development and wellbeing through a comprehensive personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme.

PSHE education is the curriculum subject that gives children the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live safe, healthy, productive lives and meet their full potential.

We are writing to let you know that, after Easter, your child will be taking part in lessons which will focus on the relationships and sex education (RSE) aspect of this programme.

In Year 5 this will include pupils learning about:

• Healthy relationships, including peer pressure; growing and changing which includes puberty;
• Personal hygiene; changing feelings; keeping safe; the importance of balance in their lifestyle. Pupils will also have opportunities to ask questions.

PSHE education is taught throughout the school in every year group and is monitored and reviewed regularly by the staff and Governing Body. All PSHE teaching takes place in a safe learning environment and is underpinned by our school ethos and values.

All details of the RSE curriculum and our school policy is on our website.

As a school community, we are committed to working in partnership with parents. Parental feedback has indicated that the overwhelming majority of parents are highly supportive of our relationships and sex education programme. 

If you have any questions about the RSE programme of study or our policy, please contact the office and we can arrange a phone call back to you. 

Yours faithfully

Mrs K Hall - Head of PSHE            

Dear Parents/Guardians

We are delighted to be running a Spire Trust Art and Design photography day on Tuesday 15^th March 2022 and we would like to invite your child to take part.

Six pupils from each of the four schools within the Spire Trust will work with the professional photographer, Michael Jones, to create a series of images, whilst working together and having fun. This day will take place at St John's Middle School and will run from 10am until 2pm.

Due to the nature of the day, children will need to have digital permission as we would like to put images of the day on our Twitter page, as well as around the school.

We will be providing the children with iPads, therefore will only need to bring their normal lunch and water bottle. Full school uniform is required.

Please complete the permission form within the ‘Forms’ section on ParentMail as soon as possible, even if you do not wish your child to be involved, this way another student will have the opportunity to take part.

Kind regards

The Office Team

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Dear Parents/Guardians

I hope you have enjoyed your half term break.
 
I wanted to write to you prior to the return to school on Monday, as I am sure that you would have seen this week’s announcement regarding the changes to the testing and self-isolation guidelines. It is wonderful that after two long years we are edging towards life without COVID restrictions, although as a community we must be mindful that every individual may have different approaches to this response.
 
As the scientists acknowledge, the virus hasn’t gone away and I want to reassure you that your child’s safety has been at the forefront of our decision making throughout this situation and will continue to be our primary consideration. 
 
The changed guidance from the Department of Education (DfE) show a shift from use of the word ‘must’ (legally binding) to ‘should’ (strongly advised). Using that guidance, a number of operational changes in school will take place.
 
Attendance –Staff and Pupils
Attendance is mandatory for all and it is a priority. Critically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) and vulnerable staff and children will need to attend school. Staff and pupils do not need to wear face coverings around the school, unless they choose to do so for personal reasons. However, we would appreciate it if all visitors continue to wear a face covering when in the reception area due to the confined space and lack of ventilation.
 
Hygiene and Ventilation 
Children will continue to sanitise their hands regularly throughout the day and classrooms will continue to be well ventilated.
 
Staff and KS3 Pupils
Staff and KS3 have been twice weekly lateral flow testing since January 2021 as directed by the DfE but, moving forward, this has now stopped as the DfE have stopped sending LFD test kits into schools. 
 
If your child is unwell 
Please do not send your child to school if they have a temperature or are unwell at all. This is for the safety of everyone. If your child becomes ill whilst at school, you will be asked to collect them. Please ensure that contact details are up to date with the office. If they are unwell and display symptoms of COVID-19 they will be isolated until you arrive. You should then make arrangements for them to be tested. School should be informed of the result as soon as possible. A positive result may mean that the child should isolate for up to 10 days, following the latest NHS guidance and Government self-isolation advice. Even if your child tests negative, we would ask that your child does not return to school until they are well.
The Government is keen that everybody continues to respond positively with the track and trace system. Schools are not legally bound to do this, but I will keep you informed of cases if they start to increase beyond a small number across the school. 

 Isolation
The guidance indicates that whilst the law has changed, the directives for public safety remain. We will follow this guidance, so isolation continues to be up to 10 days, unless you have 2 negative lateral flow tests from day 5 that are 24 hours apart. 
 
‘Children and young people with COVID-19 should not attend their education setting while they are infectious. They should take an LFD test from 5 days after their symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms) followed by another one the next day. If both these test results are negative, they should return to their educational setting if they normally attend one, as long as they feel well enough to do so and do not have a temperature’.
 
It is very important that these isolation procedures are followed by staff and children so that the risk of transmission is kept to a minimum. Some of our staff who have tested positive have experienced severe enough symptoms to be unable to work for many weeks. If we increase the risk of infection further by allowing children and staff into school whilst still possibly infectious, we increase the risk of further staff absences. This could result in a shortage of staff to deliver lessons and the cancellation of trips, clubs and residentials, as we would be unable to staff them. This is something we are desperate to avoid.
 
Close contact changes
The new guidance has brought an end to routine contact tracing. Close contacts will no longer be required to self-isolate or advised to take daily LFD tests for 7 days. Staff, children and young people should attend their education settings as usual. 
 
‘Children and young people who usually attend an education or childcare setting and who live with someone who has COVID-19 should continue to attend the setting as normal ‘.
 
Please remember that remote learning will only be provided if your child tests positive for COVID-19 and is well enough to access work. 
 
If cases rise across the school, additional measures may need to be reintroduced to reduce transmission including face coverings. If any further measures are needed I will inform you as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that our whole school community stays as safe as possible and our children’s education can continue without disruption. Your support will hopefully allow us to avoid a situation where we need to evoke contingency plans and reintroduce measures due to an outbreak situation.
 
We look forward to welcoming our pupils back on Monday rested and raring to go.

Mrs Elwell

Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

Advance notice and some exciting news!

We are planning to take all of Year 7 to visit Worcester Cathedral next term, to reinforce their recent studies of King John. Pupil's will visit King John's tomb in the Cathedral and spend a day participating in workshops about various aspects of King John's life.

Due to COVID restrictions, not all of the year group can be accommodated on the same day, hence some classes will visit on Wednesday 6^th April 2022 and others on Thursday 7^th April 2022. This should make for an interesting and exciting end to the term. Pupils will travel by coach to the Cathedral and the cost of the trip will be in the region of £10-£15. More information will be released when we return after half term.

Kind regards,

Mr Edwards

Head of History

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Dear Parents/Guardians

Since re-launching Children's University in December, we have been overwhelmed by the fantastic uptake and effort of all of our pupils, parents and external clubs - many thanks for all of your support and effort with this fantastic programme!

Attached is the February half-term Children’s University newsletter. If your child joins in with any scheduled activities, tasks and resources of their choosing over the break, if it is a recognised Children’s University activity it can be validated on their passport. The newsletter also contains a list of all current and new learning destinations/clubs registered outside of school which may also use to recognise their hours.

Just a few points to note moving forward in the programme:

External Clubs

All external clubs must be registered to gain recognition for your child’s contribution and hours. Please use the Children's University website and attached Newsletter to check if your external cub is registered. If not, please provide the desired club with the following link:

https://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/get-involved/learning-providers/

If any club is having issues with registration, please ask them to email akelly@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk and I can signpost them to our local Children's University coordinator at the University of Worcester to assist with any issues.

Evidence:

For school clubs, the coach/trainer's need to sign in the 'STAMP OF APPROVAL' section. For external clubs, this may be a signature or an official Children's University stamp in the 'STAMP OF APPROVAL' section. For any online work or activities found on the newsletter or Children’s University website, it is advised to keep a copy of the work for validation at check-in time. If this is a practical activity, a photograph of the work carried out can be a good piece of supporting evidence.

Past Children’s University pupils have often found it useful to keep a Children's University folder, where they have safely gathered their work and past evidence of any practical work. You can also write the practical activity in your child's pupil passport where it can be stamped with evidence upon their check-in.

Please reach out should you have any further queries and I hope you have a safe and restful half-term break.

Kind regards

Miss A Kelly – Children’s University Coordinator

Dear Parents/Guardians

Homework is an important part of school life and if done regularly it can assist pupils with learning independently, re-enforcing the learning done during school time and helps develop good self-discipline and work ethic. We would like to thank the pupils who ensure that homework is done regularly and to the best of their ability and we will continue to award these pupils with positive housepoints.

You can view the homework your child has to complete via the epraise planner. You will also be able to view if your child does not complete their homework as demerits will be logged on epraise in line with our behaviour and positive relationships policy. The demerit value will be dependent on the number of occurrences of no homework.

We understand that there may be some occasions when a pupil cannot complete homework and we will always support families in special circumstances.

A homework club is held every evening until 4pm, where pupils can use ICT equipment and if required, receive assistance from a member of staff. Please contact Mrs Moyle, via epraise if you would like a regular place for your child at homework club, the session times are available below:

It is vital that we work together to develop good routines therefore children who are identified as regularly not completing homework will be requested to attend a compulsory homework club session to catch up on their missing work. Parents will be contacted directly if this is required with the relevant details.

Thank you for your support in this matter and please get in touch if you have any further questions.

Mrs N Hine – Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

School is open as normal today. We will continue to monitor the weather throughout the day, the safety of our children remains our priority. If the situation changes, we will let of course let you know as soon as possible.

Please note, Zoom lessons can only be accessed by pupils who are self-isolating due to COVID.

Kind regards

Mr K Medway - Deputy Headteacher

Dear Parent / Guardian, 

Newspaper Club 

St. John’s is introducing a new student-led Newspaper Club which will run on Tuesdays after school, finishing at 4:15pm, commencing Tuesday 1^st March 2022. Newspaper club is a fantastic platform for students to express their ideas and creativity outside of the classroom, whilst building their confidence and skills in writing. 

The club will be open to all year groups however will be limited to 20 places. Duties will consist of writers, reporters, photographers and cartoonists. 

If your child would like to attend, please complete the form on Parentmail in the forms section. Please note : if it will not allow you to submit your form, this means that all places are full.

Yours sincerely, 

Miss A Albutt 

Teacher 

Dear Parents/Guardians

At St John’s we are keen to take any opportunity to promote reading therefore on Thursday 3^rd March we will be celebrating World Book Day. On this day, pupils will be off-timetable during the afternoon and will take part in enrichment activities. This year, there will be a particular focus on developing pupils’ speaking and listening skills and their confidence to perform in front of their peers. As well as this, we have several other activities planned, including:

Costume competition

Pupils are invited to take part in our fancy-dress competition! We would like children to come to school on World Book Day dressed up as a well-known book character. In each year group, prizes will be awarded for the best individual costumes. In Year 7 and 8 there will be an additional category for group entries. This is where a group of children co-ordinate their outfits and come as characters from the same book (for example – Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Piglet). This has always been a popular option in the past, with groups of friends turning up in some fabulous costumes!

There is no expectation at all that outfits need to be purchased for this - some of the best costumes are homemade.

The categories are:

Year 5 – best individual costume (1^st place and runner-up)

Year 6 – best individual costume (1^st place and runner-up)

Year 7 – best individual costume (1^st place and runner-up)

-best group costume (1^st place and runner-up)

Year 8– best individual costume (1^st place and runner-up)

-best group costume (1^st place and runner-up)

Blind Book Swap

Additionally, Miss Sedgwick is organising a blind book swap event to take place on World Book Day. During the days leading up to the event, from Monday 14^th February onwards, pupils can bring up to three books into school which they no longer want, in exchange for tokens. They will then have the opportunity to swap their tokens on World Book Day for wrapped, labelled books. The books are being wrapped in order to encourage pupils not to judge a book by its cover! Please note - the books pupils bring in to swap must be appropriate for a child aged 9-13 and must be in excellent condition.

Contribution

We are asking for a contribution of £1 per pupil for this day, this money will go towards purchasing some more books for our school library. If you would like to make a donation, please send your child in with £1 cash, on World Book Day, to hand to their form tutor

Please note, World Book Day is not a non-school uniform day and casual wear does not count as a costume. If a child does not wish to dress-up in a costume, they will be expected to wear normal school uniform.

World Book Day at St John’s is always a fun event and we hope the children will enjoy getting involved with all of the activities we have planned for them!

Kind regards

Miss K Devey – Head of English

Dear parents and carers,

Recently we have noticed an increase in some issues between pupils, originating from use of social media and messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and TikTok. We have reminded many pupils that for most apps and sites such as these the age of acceptable use is often 13 or above and they should therefore not be accessing them.

This week pupils have also been given further guidance during our 'internet safety' week.

We do of course fully appreciate that many pupils will have phones so they can communicate easily with you to and from school, but some recent issues have involved pupils making comments to others they would be unlikely to say in person, excluding others from chat groups and taking pictures in their uniform, which once shared, even with friends only able to see, could lead to screenshots of those photos being shared and viewed by others out of their control.

We fully understand many pupils will have a good understanding of how to use technology responsibly and we will of course keep advising pupils on sensible use, but would also appreciate any further support at home, with either removal of certain apps, or advice on responsible use.

The link below may be useful as a reference.
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers

Many thanks,

Mr. Owen

Dear Parents / Guardians

Apologies for any inconvenience caused, but we would like to advise you that the following after school sports clubs are cancelled this week due to an athletics fixture and staff training taking place.

CANC - Tuesday 8th February 2022

Year 8 Boys Football

KS3 Girls Football

CANC - Thursday 10th February

KS2 Indoor Hockey

Year 7 Boys Football

KS2 Girls Football

Please note - All other clubs on these days will go ahead as normal.

Kind regards

Mr M Cowdery

HEAD OF PE

Earlier this year pupils signed up and registered online for our school's Children's University programme. These pupils have received their learning passports and can now begin to gather their hours. Attached is an information sheet with information on how to use the passport and to familiarise yourself with it. Please note, the 'STAMP OF APPROVAL' section is to only be signed by a relevant coach/activity handler, this will then be validated with a stamp in school upon check-ins.

All of our in-school clubs are already registered and validated, where hours can be recognised towards pupil development in the scheme. If your child partakes in any out-of-school clubs where you would like these hours to also be recognised, please feel free to pass on the below link for the coach/organisation to complete and fill in their details. This will then be reviewed by Childrens University and validated.

https://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/get-involved/learning-providers/

It is important that any external club complete this registration for your child to receive recognition for their activities or these external hours will not be validated and will therefore not count towards the pupil's check-in.

Your child now also has access to Public Learning Destinations, where they can use their passport and part-take in external/out of school activities. You can also visit Children's University website to get further information about external programmes running near you or in any destination throughout the UK:

https://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/

A Children's University tab is available on our school website, where you can understand more about the programme and refer to any relevant newsletters and documentation.

Thank-you for your support with this fantastic programme. If you have any other queries regarding the learning passport or Childrens university, please feel free to contact me via email AKelly@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Kind regards

Miss A Kelly – Children’s University Coordinator

Dear Parents / Guardians

Your child should come home today with a letter and forms to be completed for the Year 5 Level 2 Bikeability course. This course will take place during school hours in the forthcoming weeks and there will be no cost to parents as this will come from our sports premium funding.

If you would like your child to take part in this course, please complete the forms - including the important bike checks - and return to your child's class teacher by Friday 4th February 2022. It is important that you meet this deadline if you would like your child to participate, as all places need to be pre-booked and we will not have enough instructors to add pupils on at a later date.

Any queries, please do not contact the school office, please email or epraise Mrs Jennings :-

jjennings@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk

We look forward to receiving your completed forms - please keep the form entitled 'bike check' for your reference.

Kind regards

Mr M Cowdery

HEAD OF PE

Dear Parents/Guardians

The DFE have updated national guidance on the use of face coverings in communal areas from 27th January 2022. Following this advice pupils and staff will no longer be required to wear face coverings in communal areas in school from tomorrow.

We will continue to monitor positive cases of COVID 19 and will liaise with the Local Outbreak Team and public health experts who are still able to recommend the use of face coverings in educational settings if deemed necessary. We would of course communicate this with you if this was the case within school.

Kind regards

The Office Team

On 10^th February 2022 Year 7 pupils will take part in a Poetry Slam.  The day is led by two poet laureates culminating in a winning group being chosen to perform against other schools at the Palace Theatre, Redditch later in the year. 

We are asking you for a voluntary contribution of £4.00 towards costs. Please note that when making the payment you are accepting that this is a non-refundable event if your child is unable to attend for any reason.   

If you require financial support to pay, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Mrs Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

This is always a very enjoyable day for all involved! 

Yours sincerely,                                                       

Miss K Devey                           

Dear Parents/Guardians

As a result of new Government guidelines from Monday 17 January, pupils who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD). The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. (e.g. if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to school immediately on day 6).

If the result of either of their tests is positive, pupils should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest.

Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.

All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.

Thank you for your continued support

Kind regards

The Office Team

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR PARENTS APPLYING FOR A PLACE AT FIRST, PRIMARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR SEPTEMBER 2022 – CLOSING DATE SATURDAY 15^TH JANUARY 2022

Please can I remind you to apply to FIRST, PRIMARY & MIDDLE School, if you haven't already done so. You can apply online via the following website;

www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.

If you have already applied please make sure that you have received a confirmation email of your application from County.

Please be aware that the CLOSING DATE for applications to FIRST, PRIMARY & MIDDLE School is SATURDAY 15TH JANUARY 2022 A late application can only be considered after all those received on time. Therefore, If you do not apply by this date you may not get the School of your choice.

If you have difficulty accessing the website to apply, please contact the Admissions Team at Worcestershire County Council or contact me at school for help.

Jean Gagen, School Admissions Officer.

Dear Parents / Guardians

You have signed your child up for Squash Club which starts this Friday 14th January. Please ensure your child has cash payment of £18.00 to hand to the squash coach & they come to school in their PE kit.

The children should meet in Reception at the end of the school day. They will be walked to Altered Images by the squash coach. Please note they will be dismissed from Altered Images at 4.30pm, please be prompt when picking up.

If you no longer require the space, please contact me via email or epraise as there is a waiting list.

Many thanks.

Mrs Jennings PE Dept (jjennings@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk

Dear Parents/Guardians

From 11 January 2022, children who test positive using a lateral flow device (LFD) test and do not have any symptoms, will have to self-isolate immediately however they will not be required to take a confirmatory PCR test.

If children have any COVID-19 symptoms they are still required to take a PCR test and isolate immediately.

This is a temporary measure while COVID-19 rates remain high across the UK.

Mr H Cheuk – Acting Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

All PE clubs start the week beginning 17^th January apart from squash that begins 14^th January.

All other clubs including Elite maths, drama, mock trials, STEM, book club and homework club start week beginning 17^th January on their usual evenings.

Apart from Photography club which begins Monday 10^th January and Year 7 French club starts 1^st February.

Kind regards

The Office Team

Dear Parents / Guardians

Please accept our profuse apologies, but unfortunately due to staffing issues we have to cancel tomorrow's District Cross Country at Bromsgrove School. We know the children will be very disappointed, as are we.

Kind regards

Mrs Jennings

PE Dept

Dear Parents/Guardians

Polite reminder that our extensive extra-curricular sports clubs will commence next Monday 17th January 2022 , with the exception of Squash Club which starts this Friday 14th January 2022, due to offering full 6 weeks programme.

Please find attached the new club timetable. The deadline for signing up to a club is midnight tonight, a lot of the clubs are now full. If anything changes within those full clubs, we will re-advertise spaces.

Please note that due to such a high number of pupils attending clubs, we cannot send individual confirmation for each place. If you have successfully signed up to a club via Parentmail, then your child has a place on that club. When the club reaches its limit, Parentmail will not allow any further sign ups. If you cannot sign up, it will be due to the club already having reached full capacity.

If you have any further queries regarding our extra-curricular clubs, please do not telephone the school office, but send an Epraise/email message to Mrs Jennings who will get back to you as soon as she can.

On the day that your child has a club, please ensure they attend school in their PE kit.

We are looking forward to a fantastic Spring of sport!

Mr M Cowdery

Head of PE

Dear Parents/Guardians

Mrs Elwell is currently not in school, therefore Mr Cheuk will be Acting Head of School in the interim.

Mrs Hine is also currently absent from school, therefore Mr Upwood, Assistant Headteacher will be in charge of Behaviour during Mrs Hine’s absence. If you do have any issues with behaviour please continue to contact Form Tutors in the first instance.

Thank you for your continued support

Mr G L Roberts – Executive Headteacher

Mr H Cheuk – Acting Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

RE: JANUARY 2022 INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE

Happy New Year, I do hope you had an enjoyable Christmas break and are looking forward to the start of the Spring Term.

I wanted to write to you before our pupils return to update you on the new guidance that has been issued by the Government in response to further minimise the transmission of COVID across school and the wider community.

Testing

Key stage 2 children should return to school on Wednesday 5^th January 2022.

As you will already be aware, all Key Stage 3 students are to undertake one test at school before their return to school for the new term. As previous correspondence stated this will take place on Wednesday 5^th January 2021, times are as follows:

9.00-9.25 7WW

9.25-9.50 7MMO

9.50-10.15 7ALK

10.15-10.35 7PM

10.35-11.00 7JD

11.00-11.30 7MH

11.40.12.00 8MC

12.00-12.25 8KLN

13.15-13.35 8JCD

13.35-14.05 8NGE

14.05-14.25 8CSS

14.25-14.50 8MF

Key stage 3 should then return to school on Thursday 6^th January 2022.

We would like to remind all families that they are strongly encouraged to continue testing twice weekly at home and to report all results to NHS Test and Trace. Even if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, they are strongly encouraged by the DfE to take part in Lateral Flow testing at school or at home once they have completed their isolation period for their prior infection.

Face Coverings

In line with the Government guidance issued on Sunday 2^nd January, Key Stage 3 pupils will be required to wear face coverings in classrooms, in addition to communal indoor areas and whilst walking to and from lessons. Key Stage 2 pupils will only be required to wear face coverings in communal areas and are not required to wear them in the classroom. The advice is short term only, to support children and teachers as they return to school this term and builds on the existing Government guidance. Pupils will not be required to wear face coverings whilst outside.

The advice on face coverings in classrooms will be in place until Wednesday 26^th January, when Plan B regulations are currently scheduled to expire, at which point it will be reviewed by the Government and schools will then informed accordingly and will be communicated to parents as soon as possible. Please can you ensure your child has an appropriate face covering for the first day of school.

Isolation Period

A reminder that since Wednesday 22^nd December, the 10 day self-isolation period for children who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced for those children who receive two negative test results from day 6 of their isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart therefore we suggest the test is taken prior to school hours on day 6 and day 7. If both these test results are negative and your child does not have a high temperature, they may end their self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to school from day 7. Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.

People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFT every day for seven days and continue to attend school as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.

Visitors to school

In order to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at this time, we kindly ask that parents do not make visits to the school office, including bringing in forgotten items. Any items that your child may have forgotten to bring the school will be able to provide.

Thank you in advance for your continued support in keeping our school as safe as we can to help protect all members of our community.

Kind regards

Mrs A Elwell - Head of School

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Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are currently reviewing our contingency plans for learning in advance of our return to school in January. Currently we are fully intending to return to school on Wednesday 5th January for Year 5 & Year 6 and Thursday 6th January for Year 7 & Year 8 however, the situation is once again changing on a daily basis.

Please ensure that your child is able to access epraise, Century and Zoom - these are the platforms we would use for home learning should this be required.

As you will be aware, testing for Years 7 & 8 will be on Wednesday 5th January, please see below for timings that your child will need to attend. If you would like your child to be tested before returning to school, please complete the consent form in the forms section on Parentmail.

9.00-9.25 7WW

9.25-9.50 7MMO

9.50-10.15 7ALK

10.15-10.35 7PM

10.35-11.00 7JD

11.00-11.30 7MH

11.40.12.00 8MC

12.00-12.25 8KLN

13.15-13.35 8JCD

13.35-14.05 8NGE

14.05-14.25 8CSS

14.25-14.50 8MF

Kind regards

The Office Team

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Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are currently reviewing our contingency plans for learning in advance of our return to school in January. Currently we are fully intending to return to school on Wednesday 5th January for Year 5 & Year 6 and Thursday 6th January for Year 7 & Year 8 however, the situation is once again changing on a daily basis.

Please ensure that your child is able to access epraise, Century and Zoom - these are the platforms we would use for home learning should this be required. If your child does not have a device that enables them to access these platforms please complete the form in the forms section on Parentmail.

Kind regards

The Office Team

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to inform you that our extensive extra-curricular sports clubs will re-commence w/c 17th January 2022 with the exception of Squash Club which starts on Friday 14th January 2022, due to offering full 6 weeks programme.

Please find attached the club timetable to share with your child. If your child would like to attend one of the clubs, please sign them up, but only if they are sure they will attend each week.as numbers are limited.

Please read the individual information for each club that will be sent out via Parentmail forms giving specific details for each club along with the opportunity to sign up. This will be available in the forms section of Parentmail from Thursday 16th December at 12.00 noon. The deadline for signing up for each club is Monday 10th January at midnight.

Please note that due to such a high number of pupils attending clubs, we cannot send individual confirmation for each place. If you have successfully signed up to a club via Parentmail, then your child has a place on that club. When the club reaches its limit, Parentmail will not allow any further sign ups. If you cannot sign up, it will be due to the club already having reached full capacity.

If you have any further queries regarding our extra-curricular clubs, please do not telephone the school office, but send an Epraise message to Mrs Jennings who will get back to you as soon as she can.

Please note : If your child already has a space on a club, please do not sign them up again.

On the day that your child has a club, please ensure they attend school in their PE kit.

We are looking forward to a fantastic Spring of sport!

Mr M Cowdery

Head of PE

Dear Parents/Guardians

From Tuesday 14 December a new national approach to daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 is being introduced.

Children aged 5 to 18 years and 6 months identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take a lateral flow device (LFD) test every day for 7 days instead of self-isolating. Daily testing by close contacts will help to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Once notified as a close contact, all pupils should take an LFD each day for 7 days. If they test negative, they can continue to attend school.

If they test positive, they should self-isolate and take a PCR to confirm the result. If the PCR is positive, they must self-isolate for 10 days. If the PCR test is negative, they no longer need to self-isolate but should continue to carry out the remainder of the daily tests, and only need to isolate if it is positive.

Finally, it is important to continue regular twice weekly over the festive period.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Mrs A Elwell

Dear Parents/Guardians

As we rapidly approach the end of the Autumn Term and look forward to the festivities that Christmas time offers, I thought I would update you following the recent change in guidance published by the DfE last week.

The first change to national guidance asks all students, staff and visitors to wear face masks (unless medically exempt) in communal areas and on public transport. This guidance is aligned to St John’s Middle School’s current approach of wearing masks. We will continue to remind pupils regarding the importance of wearing a mask in communal areas and ask that you support us in ensuring pupils have a face mask for school unless medically exempt.

Presently we have a small outbreak of COVID-19 in Year 5 and we continue to notify parents of close contacts and ask that you take your child to have a PCR test. If your child is in Key Stage 3 we ask that they continue to lateral flow twice a week and that this increases to daily testing if they have been a close contact of a positive case in addition to a PCR test. We thank you for your ongoing support with this request as children continue to test positive who are asymptomatic.

To further support us in protecting the school community, please can we request that visits to the school are for essential purposes only. If your child forgets their lunch or water bottle, please inform the school office via telephone and they will arrange for one to be provided.

The second announcement by the DfE last week was the mass testing of all Key Stage 3 pupils on their return to school at the start of the Spring Term. The suggestion is that there will be only one test administered in school. On Wednesday 5^th January 2022 Key stage 2 children will return to school and we plan to test Year 7 pupils in the morning and Year 8 in the afternoon, with Key Stage 3 children returning to school on Thursday 6^th January 2022.

Year 7 & 8 - We have sent an electronic form via ParentMail for you to complete to consent to the testing and we kindly ask that you complete the form again even if you have completed one previously. Further details regarding the testing will follow closer to the time.

We continue to take enhanced precautions at school to protect our community and ask if your child does display any symptoms, however mild, you keep them at home and take them for a PCR test. This way we can all hopefully continue to enjoy the exciting activities we have planned this festive season.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support.

Kind regards

Mrs Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

Christmas Jumper Day 2021

On Friday 10th December 2021, we are inviting all pupils to take part in the Christmas Jumper Day.

Everyone will be asked to wear their silliest, sparkliest or cosiest Christmas themed jumpers or tops and donate £1. The proceeds raised will go towards the charity, Save the Children. If you are able to make a donation, please make the payment via Parentmail.

If your child does not have a festive jumper already, you can dig out a plain top and decorate it with tinsel, baubles or homemade snowflakes.

Children are to come dressed in their normal school uniform, just swapping their school jumper/blazer and tie for a Christmas Jumper.

We would really appreciate your help to make the Christmas Jumper Day a huge success and with your support, we are looking forward to a really great day!

Yours sincerely

Mrs A Elwell
Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

On Thursday 9th December 2021, we are taking the children in Year 6 to the Pantomime at The Palace Theatre in Redditch. The children should wear school uniform and can bring a small packet of sweets or chocolate as a treat for during the performance. All pupils will have a late lunch on return to school, children will therefore need to bring a packed lunch with them to school.

We hope the Pantomime will be an enjoyable experience.

Mrs Hirons - Head of Year 6

Dear Parents/Guardians

RE: Christmas present ideas for keen readers

I have listed below a few books that fit well with the topics students are currently or will be studying in their History lessons at St John’s for each year group.

If you would like more information about these books, which includes reviews completed by children, please click on the link below. You may however, find that books other than those suggested below take your interest.

https://www.history.org.uk/ha-news/news/3997/ha-young-quills-2021-shortlist

Year 5 - Children of the Benin Kingdom Dinah Orji Dinosaur Books Ltd

Year 6 - Jasper: Viking Dog Hilary Robinson Strauss House Production

Year 7 - The Siege of Caerlaverock Barbara Henderson Pokey Hat

The Great Revolt Paul Dowswell Bloomsbury Education

Year 8 - The Austen Girls Lucy Worsley Bloomsbury Children's Books

I, Ada Julia Gray Andersen Press

The Undefeated Kwame Alexander, Illus Kadir Nelson Andersen Press

I hope you find this list is of value and you have a happy and restful Christmas.

Best wishes

Mr N Edwards - Head of History

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Dear Parents / Guardians

We are writing to inform you that all of our PE extra-curricular activities will finish on Friday 3^rd December 2021, with the exception of Squash club which will finish on Friday 10^th December as parents have paid for the use of the courts at Altered Images until then. This is due to staff illness, cold weather and the darker nights.

We hope you understand and support this decision as we must put the health and safety of our pupils getting home safely at this time of the year first.

Please note there will be no clubs going ahead this, Thursday 2^nd December, due to it being Parents Evening.

We wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas holiday with your families and look forward to seeing all the children again in January, when clubs will resume.

Kind regards

Mr M Cowdery

Head of PE

Dear Parents/Guardians

Autumn Term Reports 2021

Please be advised you can access reports from 12 noon today - Friday 26th November 2021 using epraise as follows:

• Log into ePraise, click Me at the top of the page, this will direct you to page where you'll see your child. Click on their portrait and then click the Documents link. Your child's report will be found here, this will open as a PDF.

The report can be used as part of discussions during parent’s evening. Please note that reports will only be available to view on epraise for 3 months, therefore if you would like to keep a copy of the report, please ensure you download this before the end of the 3 months.

If you have any queries regarding accessing your child’s report or you require a paper copy, please don’t hesitate to contact school.

Yours sincerely

Mrs L Moyle - Head of Maths

Dear Parents/Guardians

A key part of our PE curriculum at St John’s is allowing for all pupils to experience a range of sporting opportunities throughout their time at the school. With this in mind, we intend to deliver cross country lessons during the two PE lessons that the children will have next week (week beginning 22^nd November).

We understand that even the mention of cross country can cause anxiety for some children, it is our hope that this message may help to elevate these concerns. Children will be asked to do a variety of activities including challenges in pairs or groups, all of which will be tailored to the needs and abilities of the children involved. Children will not be expected to run without rest periods or for the entirety of their lessons. We aim for cross county lessons to be a positive and enjoyable experience for the children to participate in.

As we are currently asking children to attend school in their PE kit on days when they have PE, we have identified that this may cause a problem if areas of the school site are wet or muddy. For that reason, we are asking that all children bring a change of shoes/trainers/boots and socks on the days when they have a PE lesson. They will be given time at the beginning and end of the lessons to change footwear as required. This will ensure that children do not have wet feet for an extended period, whilst also maintaining the cleanliness of the school building and site in general.

We appreciate your continued support

Mr Cowdery - Head of PE

Christmas Lunch

This year our Christmas Lunch will be held at Bromsgrove School, this will allow key stages and teachers to eat together and enjoy a different dining experience. It will also take place on one day and will allow a whole key stage group to eat together in a larger space.

This is a lovely opportunity for children and staff to share in the Christmas celebrations by eating together, singing songs and having fun and we would like to encourage everyone to take part.

The cost of the meal will be £5.45 per pupil and only Christmas lunch will be available on that day as our kitchen at St John's will be closed.

The Christmas lunch will comprise of a roast turkey dinner or a mushroom and vegetable pie as the vegetarian option, followed by festive yule log and assorted fruit jelly. A full menu is attached.

Payment must be made through our online payment facility, ParentMail, by midnight on Sunday 5^th December. Your online payment will confirm that parental permission has been given.

We will presume that a turkey dinner will be required for most pupils however if a vegetarian option is preferred or if your child has any dietary requirements, for example allergies, gluten free or halal, please email Mrs Dawn Marshall our Kitchen Manager dmarshall@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk before Sunday 5th December. All children qualifying for Free School Meals will be provided with a Christmas lunch.

It is essential that your payment is made online. If payment is not received by midnight on Sunday 5^th December we will presume that a Christmas lunch will not be required. Your child will need to bring a packed lunch from home as no further meals will be provided by the kitchen, they will still take part in the trip to Bromsgrove School so that everyone can eat and celebrate together.

Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please not that when making the payment you accept that this is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason.

If you feel you require financial support to pay, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Bromsgrove School is a nut free site and we ask that this is respected if you are preparing a packed lunch from home for your child.

Yours faithfully,

Year 5 Oakerwood Residential Week 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to inform you that a provisional booking has been made for our Year 5 pupils to visit Oakerwood Leisure on Friday 20^th May – Sunday 22^nd May 2022 inclusive.  

During the weekend, a range of interesting, stimulating and challenging activities will be offered to the children including low ropes, paintballing, monkey climbing, zip wire and raft and den building. The accommodation consists of wooden glamping pods with bunk beds which have electric lighting and heating for colder months.

The cost of the trip will be approximately £175 which includes accommodation, all meals, activities and use of specialist equipment and tuition. We plan to leave school on the Friday at 9:30am arriving at the campsite by 11:30am. We will then leave the campsite on Sunday at approximately 1:30pm and aim to be back at school by 3:30pm, traffic permitting.

We are initially asking parents to express an interest in their child attending so that we know how many pupils would like to go this trip. We endeavor to take as many pupils as possible, but should demand exceed availability, names will be randomly selected to allocate places. The deadline to express an interest in your child attending this trip in Thursday 25th November 2021. (Please see ParentMail forms.)

Please see below the estimated cost and payment schedule for the trip. Please do not complete the form unless you are sure your child wants to attend and that you are able to meet the required payment deadlines. If there is not sufficient interest, then the trip will not go ahead.

Non-refundable Deposit £32 by Thursday 2nd December 2021 

Second installment - £47.50 by Wednesday 2nd February 2022

Third installment - £47.50 by Wednesday 2nd March 2022

Final installment - £47.50 by Friday 1^st April 2022

All payments must be paid via Parentmail

Covid-19 is still having an effect on school life and we have been working closely with Oakerwood and will continue to monitor the situation in school and follow government regulations. Refund requests relating to covid-19 will be considered on an individual bases and proof of a positive PCR may be required for those who cannot attend due to contracting the virus at the time of the trip.

If you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered or is available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Kind regards

Mrs N Hine

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Year 7 Oakerwood Residential Week 2022

We are excited to inform you that a provisional booking has been made for our Year 7 pupils to visit Oakerwood Leisure on Sunday 3^rd April – Tuesday 5^th April 2022 inclusive.  

During the weekend, a range of interesting, stimulating and challenging activities are offered to the children including low ropes, paintballing, monkey climbing, zip wire and raft and den building. The accommodation consists of wooden glamping pods with bunk beds which have electric lighting and heating for colder months.

The cost of the trip will be approximately £175 which includes accommodation, all meals, activities and use of specialist equipment and tuition. We plan to leave school on the Sunday at 9:00am, arriving at the campsite by 11:30am. We will then leave the campsite on Tuesday at approximately 1:30pm and aim to be back at school by 3:30pm, traffic permitting.

We are initially asking parents to express an interest in their child attending so that we know how many pupils want to go on the trip.  We endeavor to take as many pupils as possible, but should demand exceed availability, names will be randomly selected to allocate places.  Please see below the estimated cost and payment schedule for the trip.  Please do not complete the form unless you are sure your child wants to attend and that you are able to meet the required payment deadlines. If there is not sufficient interest, then the trip will not go ahead. The deadline to express an interest in your child attending this trip is Thursday 25^th November 2021 via ParentMail forms.

Non-refundable Deposit £64 by Thursday 2^nd December 2021

Second installment – £55.25 by Wednesday 2^nd February 2022

Final installment - £55.25 by Wednesday 2^nd March 2022

All payments must be paid via Parentmail.

Covid-19 is still having an effect on school life and we have been working closely with Oakerwood and will continue to monitor the situation in school and follow government regulations. Refund requests relating to covid-19 will be considered on an individual bases and proof of a positive PCR may be required for those who cannot attend due to contracting the virus at the time of the trip.

If you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered or is available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Kind Regards

Mrs N Hine

Arete Outdoor Centre Residential Week 2022

We are excited to inform you that a provisional booking has been made for our Year 8 pupils to visit Arete Outdoor Centre in North Wales on Monday 23^rd – Friday 27^th May 2022 inclusive.

During the week the children will take part in activities including Rock Climbing, Mountain   Walking, Abseiling, Coasteering, Canyoning and Gauge Walking. For full details, please visit www.aretecentre.co.uk .   Please note that mobile phones will not be permitted on this residential

The cost of the week will be approximately £300, which includes accommodation, meals at the centre, all activities and travel to and from the park. We plan to leave school on the Monday at 9:30am arriving in North Wales at around 1:30pm. We will then leave the Centre on Friday at approximately 1:00pm and aim to be back at school by 5:00pm, traffic permitting

We are initially asking parents to express an interest in their child attending so that we know how many pupils would like to go on this trip.  We endeavor to take as many pupils as possible, but should demand exceed availability, names will be randomly selected to allocate places.  Please see below the estimated cost and payment schedule for the trip.  Please do not complete the form unless you are sure your child wants to attend and that you are able to meet the required payment deadlines. If there is not sufficient interest, then the trip will not go ahead. The deadline to express an interest in your child attending this trip is Thursday 25^th November 2021 via ParentMail forms.

Non-refundable Deposit £80 by Thursday 2^nd December 2021  

Second installment - £72 by Wednesday 2^nd February 2022

Third installment - £72 by Wednesday 2^nd March 2022

Final installment - £72 by Friday 1^st April 2022

All payments must be paid via Parentmail.

Covid-19 is still having an effect on school life and we have been working closely with Arête and will continue to monitor the situation in school and follow government regulations. Refund requests relating to covid-19 will be considered on an individual bases and proof of positive PCR may be required for those who cannot attend due to contracting the virus at the time of the trip.

If you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered or is available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Kind regards

Mrs N Hine

Dear Parents/Guardians

Firstly, please can I thank all those that went for a PCR test over the weekend following receiving notification confirming close contact to a positive COVID-19 case. Following this testing, multiple positive asymptomatic cases were identified and are subsequently isolating.

To keep the school community as safe as possible we have continued to implement enhanced control measures, which include wearing of face masks in communal areas, increased hand sanitising, reduction of external visitors to school, virtual assemblies and the postponement of higher risk activities such as singing. Consequently all of our Year 5 Choir, Year 6-8 Choir and Advanced Choir rehearsals will be postponed for the next two weeks. We hope to be able to resume them as soon as possible.

Please can I remind you that Zoom lessons are for children who are isolating due to COVID only, including waiting for PCR results or are positive and have no symptoms, not for children who are absent due to non-COVID related illnesses. If children are not well enough to be physically present in school, they should take the time to rest and recuperate so we can welcome them back into school as soon as possible. Whilst teaching staff endeavour to commence Zoom lessons as soon as possible for children that are absent from school due to COVID, it does take a day for the Zoom links and work to be arranged.

Thank you for your continued support

Mrs A Elwell - Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

Monday 15^th November is the start of Anti-Bullying week, as a school we will be following the theme of ‘One Kind Word’. During this week, if an Anti-Bullying Ambassador sees your child doing or saying something kind to another student, they will be awarded a raffle ticket. There will be prizes drawn at the end of the week.

To promote Anti-Bullying week , as well as other activities being carried out in school, we will be taking part in ‘National Odd socks day’.

National Odd socks day will be on Monday 15^thNovember, if your child would like to support this great cause then please wear odd socks on this day – the purpose of the day is to remind us all to take the time to think about our words before we say them and their effects they may have on others.

There is no charge for children to wear odd socks on this day.

Kind regards

The Office Team

Dear Parents/Guardians

The School have been closely monitoring the number of cases of COVID-19 within the school and looking for patterns in transmission. We have informed those that have been identified as close contacts of positive cases however we feel it sensible to make the whole school community aware that the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases has increased over the last few days.

Please can we ask you to be extra vigilant and if your child presents with any of the symptoms, even if they are minor, we would kindly ask that you take them for a PCR test as soon as possible. We also request that parents remind their children to attend school with a mask for communal areas and ensure they have the required stationery to reduce the need for sharing of resources.

As the Winter months are now upon us, we are going to see an increase in common illnesses alongside COVID-19. Therefore, we kindly ask that if your child is at all unwell you do not send them into School until they are fully recovered. This means they have been symptom free for at least 24 hours (sickness and diarrhoea 48 hours).

Updated COVID-19 Requirements

We would like to take the opportunity to remind you of the updated COVID-19 requirements, these can be summarised as follows:

Testing

We would like to reiterate the importance of children in Year 7 and Year 8 completing lateral flow tests twice a week.

Positive Cases

Anyone with a positive test result will need to:

• self-isolate in line with the stay at home guidance (if they test positive at School, you should arrange for them to be collected)
• book a further test (a lab-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test) to confirm the result

Whilst awaiting the PCR result, the individual should continue to self-isolate.

We ask for you to inform the School of a positive result as soon as possible, as we are closely monitoring the number of positive cases.

Negative Test Results

If the PCR test is taken within the 2 days following a positive Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test result, and is negative, it overrides the LFD test and your child can return to School, as long as they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.

If you need any further guidance please don’t hesitate to contact us.

As always thank you for your continued support.

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

Term 1 Parents Evenings 2021

We will be holding parent’s subject evenings on the following dates:

• Monday 29^th November - 3.45pm-7.15pm
• Thursday 2^nd December - 3.45pm-7:15pm
• Monday 6^th December - 3.45pm-5pm

This is an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s subject teachers to discuss their attainment and progress so far this academic year.

In order to keep everyone safe and well these meetings will be held virtually using Zoom. The bookings can be made in the normal way via epraise.

Simply login to epraise and under the Community tab at the top, select Parents Evenings. Select the date you wish to book an appointment, your child’s subject teachers and the time.

In order to meet demand, appointments will be released in stages:

• Stage 1: English, Maths and Science for all years from 6am on Monday 15^th November
• Stage 2: All subjects for all years from 6am on Monday 22^nd November.

A link will be provided on epraise (in the Room tab at the top of your booking schedule) which will take you to a waiting room, staff will then admit you at the designated time.

In order to accommodate demand, appointments will be limited to 5 minutes. Certain time slots do fill up quicker than others so please book as soon as possible. Bookings for Evening 1 and 2 will close on Sunday 28^th November and Evening 3 on Thursday 2^nd December.

Before Parents’ Evening, you will be able to access your child’s Autumn term report using epraise as follows:

• Log into ePraise, click Me at the top of the page, this will direct you to page where you'll see your child. Click on their portrait and then click the Documents link. Your child's report will be found here, this will open as a PDF.

This report can be used as part of the discussions during parent’s evening and will show, end of year targets and end of year predictions based upon work completed so far in school. We will send a further ParentMail notifying you when the reports are available to view.

Year 5 pupils have completed a baseline GL assessment in reading, SPAG, mathematics and science which forms part of the report and further details are explained in the report.

Yours faithfully

Mr R Upwood, Assistant Headteacher

Mrs L Moyle, Head of Maths, Assessment & Data

Photography workshops

I am pleased to let you know the popular photography workshops, delivered by Education in Focus, will be recommencing for another year!

The children have been made aware of the workshops and what is involved in a recent assembly. The club will run afterschool on Mondays from 3.15pm – 4.15pm at a cost of £30 for 6 sessions. The club will commence after the Christmas holidays.

To reassure you that Education in Focus do not have access to any photographs taken by the children, their strict Safeguarding Policy prevents them from supplying cameras to the club members. Therefore, children should provide their own devices (which may include smart-phones, iPads/tablets or compact, bridge or DSLR cameras) and all equipment should be clearly labelled with your child’s name and class. On the mornings of the club, all equipment should be put into the art cupboard until the start of the workshop.

However, for those keen photographers who don’t have access to their own devices, the school will be able to provide a limited number of iPads for them to use.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 pupils, however to make the running of the club financially viable we will need a minimum of 10 pupils to attend. The total cost for all six sessions is £30.00 per child (payable in advance). If you would like your child to attend, please complete the expression of interest form within the forms section on ParentMail by Friday 19^th November 2021. We do not require payment at this stage.

If we have sufficient interest in the Workshops, you will be advised further information including how to make payments and the dates when your child’s course will run.

We are very much looking forward to running the sessions again, I’m sure they will be a fun and fruitful learning experience for all.

Yours faithfully

Mrs J Davenport

Head of Art

Dear Parents/Guardians

We are pleased to announce that we will be re-launching our Children's University programme in school this academic year. The programme will work in association with The University of Worcester.

Children's University is a fantastic way for our pupils to feel empowered by tracking and validating their after-school activities. These will be tracked on a pupil’s learning passport and stamped monthly, allowing pupils to progress through different levels of recognition for their efforts. These hours of extra-curricular work are calculated at the end of the year and your child will be invited to attend a ‘graduation ceremony’ at the University of Worcester with their classmates for a day of celebration.

Your child has been supplied with a Powerpoint in school to notify them of this programme and what it entails. There is no requirement for your child to participate in Children’s University, however if you do wish for your child to take part, the registration fee is £5 - you can pay this through Parentmail. This will include your child’s passport and online learning passport, which will be issued in December.

If you feel you require financial support to assist with payment please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd.

If you require any further information about the Children’s University programme, please refer to our school website or contact myself via e-praise.

Kind regards

Miss A Kelly

Children’s University Coordinator

Dear Parents/Guardians

Book Club

We will be running a KS2 book club after school on a Wednesday 3.15pm until 4.00pm and the first session will take place on Wednesday 17^th November 2021.

The book club is aimed at both keen and reluctant readers to promote and engage students in reading and allow them to share their love of reading for pleasure.

If your child would like to attend this club please complete the form in the forms section on Parentmail.  

Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and the places are limited.

Miss R Sedgwick

Year 6 Class Teacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

Book Club

We will be running a KS3 book club after school on a Tuesday 3.15pm until 4.00pm and the first session will take place on Tuesday 16^th  November 2021.

The book club is aimed at both keen and reluctant readers to promote and engage students in reading and allow them to share their love of reading for pleasure.

If your child would like to attend this club please complete the form in the forms section on Parentmail.  

Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and the places are limited.

Miss R Sedgwick

Year 6 Class Teacher

Dear Parents/Guardians

This is a message to inform you that on Monday, Year 5 children will be moving into their new English groups. Since the pupils arrived in September, they have been taught English in their form classes. This has allowed them time to settle in and has enabled us to get to know them and their abilities. As we now have a better idea about their abilities, pupils are ready to move into groupings specifically designed to suit their ability. On Monday, the children will go to English as normal and then will be told who their new English teacher is.

We will continue to monitor pupils' progress throughout the year and there will always remain some flexibility for a pupil to move if it becomes apparent that they would be better placed in a different group.

Kind regards,

Karen Devey (Acting Head of English)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

STEM Club

We would like to invite your child to attend our STEM club.  STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (and computing) and our club intertwine the topics, with members of staff from all subjects contributing to the club over the academic year.

The club will take place after school on Wednesday evenings from 3.15pm until 4.00pm, with the first session commencing on Wednesday 10th November 2021. Students will begin by undertaking the CREST Bronze Award which will be completed over the next 10-15 weeks.

We will be inviting visitors from scientific backgrounds and STEM Ambassadors to several sessions to enrich the learning experience of the students. This will lead to visits and trips related to the topics and work within the local community. 

If your child would like to attend STEM club please could you complete the form in the 'forms' section on Parentmail by Tuesday 9^th November 2021

Yours faithfully,

Mr. M. Field                      Dr. J. Dowler                     Mrs C Stables                    Mrs. A. Elwell

Head of Science               Class Teacher                    Class Teacher                    Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We will be starting an after-school drama club which will be open to all year groups and will run on Thursdays until 4.15pm.

The club will start on Thursday 4^th November.

This club will provide pupils with the opportunity to take part in drama games and work on their improvisation skills. They will also get the chance to perform mini plays in front of the other pupils in the club.

If you would like your child to attend, please complete the form in the forms section on Parentmail by 3pm tomorrow - Wednesday 3rd November. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and the places are limited.

Please note: This club is free of charge

Kind regards

Miss K Devey and Dr Dowler

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We still have places available for homework club and would like to open this to any pupil, even if you did not originally request a place.

We can now also open this up to more than one night for those that have already applied for a session, however this will still be on a first serve basis.

There is a maximum number of pupils per session due to ICT facilities and the following nights have been allocated to the two Key Stages:-

Monday and Wednesday – Year 7 and 8

Tuesday and Thursday– Years 5 and 6

To book your child’s place please complete the form on Parentmail by 4pm on Wednesday 3^rd November.

It is expected that your child attends each week on their allocated day. If at any time you no longer require your child to attend homework club please could you let Mrs East know in the office so it can be allocated to another pupil.

The Homework Club will run until 3:55pm and pupil will leave via the main reception. Please can you confirm that you will make the necessary arrangements for the collection of your child at 4:00pm or for them to walk or wait for me at an agreed place.

Homework club for all pupils will commence the week beginning 1st November for those that have already signed up and the week beginning 8^th November for any additional pupils.

Kind regards

The Office Team

We are pleased to inform you that we have booked a trip for our Year 8 pupils to attend a roller-skating disco at the Ryland Centre during the afternoon of Wednesday 15^th December 2021. The disco will be hosted by Skaters Club who will be providing the skates, teaching pupils new skating skills and leading games.

The children will walk to the Ryland Centre with adult supervision. All pupils will need a packed lunch on this day. Pupils who receive free school meals will be able to order a packed lunch from the kitchen the day before the trip. If your child requires a school lunch, please advise the kitchen two days in advance. On this day the pupils can wear their PE kit to school.

For this event to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £4.65 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. This is to cover the cost of hiring skates, the company’s supervision and hire of the venue. Unfortunately, we can only go ahead with this trip if the requested voluntary contributions are paid.

The deadline to pay for the event is Friday 5^th November 2021 at 12 noon. Please note, if you do not meet this deadline, your child will not be able to attend. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please note that when making payment you accept that this trip is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason.

If you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs A Elwell Mrs N Hine

Head of School Assistant Headteacher

We are pleased to inform you that we have booked a trip for our Year 7 pupils to attend a roller-skating disco at the Ryland Centre on the morning of Wednesday 15^th December 2021. The disco will be hosted by Skaters Club who will be providing the skates, teaching pupils new skating skills and leading games.

The children will walk to the Ryland Centre with adult supervision. All pupils will need a packed lunch on this day. Pupils who receive free school meals will be able to order a packed lunch from the kitchen the day before the trip. If your child requires a school lunch, please advise the kitchen two days in advance. On this day the pupils can wear their PE kit to school.

For this event to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £4.65 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. This is to cover the cost of hiring skates, the company’s supervision and hire of the venue. Unfortunately we can only go ahead with this trip if the requested voluntary contributions are paid.

The deadline to pay for the event is Friday 5^th November 2021 at 12 noon. Please note, if you do not meet this deadline, your child will not be able to attend. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please note that when making payment you accept that this trip is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs A Elwell Mrs N Hine

Head of School Assistant Headteacher

RE: Year 6 Christmas Trip to The Palace Theatre, Redditch.

We are pleased to inform you that we have booked a school pantomime trip for our Year 6 pupils to see Jack and the Beanstalk on Thursday 9^th December at The Palace Theatre, Redditch.

“Oh no we haven’t…. Oh yes, we have… “

We will leave school at approximately 9:15 am, travelling by coach. We will be returning to school for a late lunch therefore all pupils will need a packed lunch on this day. If your child requires a school lunch, please advise the kitchen two days in advance. The children should wear school uniform and may bring one small packet of sweets or chocolate as a treat for during the performance, if they wish. The children will be required to wear a mask whilst travelling on the coach, unless they are exempt.

The pantomime is a great opportunity for the children to see a live performance in a theatre.

For this event to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £16.60 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. This is to cover the cost of the tickets, coach travel and includes an optional tub of ice cream whilst at the theatre. Unfortunately we will be unable to go ahead with this trip if the requested voluntary contributions are not received.

The deadline to pay for the event is Friday 5^th November 2021 at 12 noon. Please note, if you do not meet this deadline, your child will not be able to attend. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please note that when making payment you accept that this trip is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason.

If you feel you require financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs A Elwell Mrs N Hine

Head of School Assistant Headteacher

RE: Year 5 Christmas Trip to Malvern Theatres

We are pleased to inform you that we have booked a school pantomime trip for our Year 5 pupils to see Peter Pan on Tuesday 14^th December 2021 at The Malvern Theatres.

“Oh no we haven’t…. Oh yes, we have…”

We will leave school at approximately 9:15 am, travelling by coach. We will be returning to school for a late lunch and so therefore all pupils will need a packed lunch on this day. If your child requires a school lunch, please advise the kitchen two days in advance. The children should wear school uniform and may bring one small packet of sweets or chocolate as a treat for during the performance, if they wish. The children will be required to wear a mask whilst travelling on the coach, unless they are exempt.

The pantomime is a great opportunity for the children to see a live performance in a theatre.

For this event to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £20.25 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. This is to cover the cost of the tickets and coach travel and unfortunately will only go ahead if the requested voluntary contributions are received.

The deadline to pay for the event is Friday 5^th November 2021 at 12 noon. Please note, if you do not meet this deadline, your child will not be able to attend. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds. Please note that when making payment you accept that this trip is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend for any reason.

If you feel you need financial support to pay for this trip, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you or alternatively you can email to alloyd@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs A. Elwell                                                                            Mrs N. Hine

Dear Parent/Guardian

We are thrilled to inform you that your son/daughter has been selected to be a Wellbeing Champion. They will be joining other middle school pupils in the local area as part of a wider Health and Wellbeing project run by the All Active Academy CIC through funding awarded from the National Lottery.

The health of our young people is a national priority. 1 in 10 young people between the ages of 5 and 16 will experience mental health problems (that’s three pupils in the average school classroom). This Health and Wellbeing project was conceived in confidence that preventative early action in the school environment will develop a far greater awareness of mental health issues.

The roles and responsibilities of the Sports Crew and Wellbeing Champion are to:

• Promote and champion mental health and wellbeing in their school and raise awareness

• Promote activities and opportunities within school that support wellbeing

• Provide opportunities to talk and share with their peers

• Signpost peers to adults that they can talk to

• Be friendly and approachable

• Develop leadership skills

• Adopt practical examples to embrace a growth mind-set

• Promote sporting activities within school

As part of this role we invite your son/daughter to attend a Wellbeing Champions training session which will take place on Tuesday 2^nd November 2021, 13:00-14:30pm, at Bromsgrove School.

If you would like your son/daughter to take part in this activity, please complete the form in the forms section on Parentmail.

Kind regards

Mr Clements

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Commonwealth Themed Festival of Sport 2021

As you may be aware, the Commonwealth Games will be held in Birmingham next year. Your child has been selected to take part in a multi skills afternoon at Bromsgrove School on Wednesday 3^rd November 2021. This will involve pupils learning through the fundamentals of movement, balance, co-ordination and aiming.

The children will walk to Bromsgrove School at 12.30pm and return to school at approximately 2.45pm. Children should bring a packed lunch on the day and this will be eaten at school, before the children leave for the event.

Your child will need to wear their P.E. kit to school on the day, bring a snack, drink (non-fizzy) and a waterproof jacket in case of inclement weather.

If you would like your child to participate in this event, please complete the form which will be available in the forms section of ParentMail.

Mr M. Cowdery

Head of P.E.

Dear Parents / Guardians

We are pleased to confirm that squash club will start on Friday 5th November and will run until Friday 10th December (6 weeks), the cost of this is £3.00 per session. Please may we ask that total payment of £18.00 is made in cash directly to Bett Dryhurst (squash coach) at the first session.

Your child has signed up to the club, which has limited spaces - if your child no longer wishes to attend, then please let me know as soon as possible so we can fill the space as there is a waiting list.

Please note the club is held at Altered Images, Bett Dryhurst will collect the children from school reception at 3.15pm and will walk the children to the venue. Please arrange for collection of your child promptly at 4.30pm from there.

If you have any queries or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via epraise or email.

jjennings@st-johns-bromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk

Kind regards

Mrs Jennings PE Dept

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Thank you for your response regarding homework club, we are extremely pleased that there has been such a high interest shown.

In order to accommodate the maximum number of pupils, in the first instance we can offer one session per pupil each week on a first come, first serve basis.

The following nights have been allocated to the two Key Stages:-

• Monday and Wednesday – Year 7 and 8
• Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – Years 5 and 6

To book your child’s place please complete the relevant form for which day you would prefer within Parentmail by Wednesday 20th October.

Please note: The number of spaces available is limited, if you cannot submit your form online, it is because the club is full.

It is expected that your child attends each week on their allocated day. If at any time you no longer require your child to attend homework club please could you let …… know so it can be allocated to another pupil.

The Homework Club will run until 3:55pm and pupils will leave via the main reception.

Kind regards

Mrs Moyle

Please can I remind you to apply to High School, if you haven't already done so. You can apply online via the following website;

www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.

If you have already applied please make sure that you have received a confirmation email of your application from the Worcestershire Admissions Team.

Please be aware that the closing date for applications to High School is SUNDAY 31 OCTOBER 2021.

If you do not apply by this date you may not get the High School of your choice.

If you have difficulty accessing the website to apply, please contact the Admissions Team at Worcestershire County Council or contact me at school for help.

Jean Gagen, School Admissions Officer.

Dear Parents/Guardians

St John’s School Attendance Procedures

As your child settles back into life at St John’s after lockdown and the summer holiday, we thought it would be helpful to remind you of some of our attendance procedures.

Reporting Absence from School:

If your child is unable to attend school for any reason, you must contact the school on the first day of the absence to inform us. We ask that parents endeavor to contact us before 08.50am so the class teacher can be informed before morning registration. If your child remains unwell, please contact us with an update each day. Where a child is absent from school and we do not receive a reason for the absence, this may be recorded in the register as unauthorised.

If your child is going to be absent from school for any reason other than a planned holiday, please report the absence in one of the following ways:

• Leave a message on the school absence line by calling 01527 832376 and pressing option 1.
• Send a message on Parentmail to the absence portal – please include (if known) the absence length.

Please do not Epraise message the teachers directly. They sometimes do not get chance in the morning to check their messages before taking the register - this will also avoid you receiving unnecessary absence messages and phone calls.

Punctuality:

All pupils should be on the school premises on time for their morning registration. If your child is late and the school gate is shut the child must enter via the main office. If it is possible to notify the school of your child’s late arrival, this would prevent an unnecessary call to you from us. However, please can we ask for your support in helping your child to arrive in school on time, as late arrivals not only means your child is missing out on lessons but can also interrupt the learning of others.

Medical Appointments:

Wherever possible, we ask that medical appointments are arranged outside of school hours. However, where this is not possible, please advise the school in advance of the appointment. Absence due to medical appointments will affect your child’s attendance figures so we would ask that you keep these to a minimum.

Planned Absence for Holiday and other similar reasons:

Government regulations make it clear that parents do not have any right or entitlement to take a child out of school for purposes for a term-time holiday. Headteachers are not able to grant any leave of absence during term-time for holidays. In exceptional circumstances pupils may be granted leave of absence during term-time for not more than one week (5 school days) in any calendar year. Parents contemplating absence during school time should complete a request form and first discuss the implications with the school before making any commitments. Should parents decide to still take their child on holiday without authorisation a referral may be made to the Education Welfare Service which may result in a Penalty Notice (a fine of up to £120 per adult per child) being issued. Any absence from school can have a serious effect on a child’s educational progress and can create continued difficulties on their return to school.

Absence for reasons relating to COVID-19:

The DFE have changed their guidelines which affects the way the school needs to record attendance. Previously, the codes given to a child who had symptoms or had a positive case of COVID did not affect the percentage of attendance however, the updated guidance means that we have to code children differently which does have an impact on their attendance as well as the school’s.

We are aware that your child may find this disheartening but please reassure them that they will not be penalised due to being absent because of COVID and any attendance or rewards will be looked at on a case by case basis.

Yours sincerely

Mrs East

Attendance Officer

A polite reminder to parents:

Dear Parents / Guardians,

There have been a few incidents recently involving parents driving into the staff car park.

These have resulted in:

• damage to staff cars
• a near miss with a pupil crossing the car park after a club
• on occasion members of staff have been verbally abused by Parents as they are waiting to enter or leave Watt Close and the school car park

Can I remind you that parents are not allowed to drive into the car park before 4:45 p.m. (unless collecting a child for medical or emergency reasons). The car park is especially busy at the end of the day with teaching staff leaving and cleaning staff arriving.

We realise parking around school is difficult however, we would ask you to please abide by our rules. They are there to ensure the safety of the children, especially those attending extra-curricular clubs who have to exit through the car park, the staff and to afford smooth entrance and exit from school.

If your child attends an extra-curricular club please find alternative car parking and do not use the car park or Watt Close.

We appreciate your co-operation in this matter and understand that the vast majority of parents respect and abide by our rules.

Kind regards

The Office team

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are delighted to announce that we are now in a position to launch our extensive extra-curricular sports clubs. Clubs will begin from Monday 11^th October and run for two weeks until half term. We appreciate your understanding and support whilst we have tried to contain COVID outbreaks and ensure our pupils and staff are kept safe.

Unfortunately, due to previously arranged fixtures and staff illness we cannot launch the following clubs as planned next week but they will start the following week. All clubs will then continue after half term.

Clubs that will not be starting next week –

• Year 6 Dance on Tuesday
• KS2 Girls football on Tuesday
• Year 6 Boys football on Wednesday
• Year 7 Boys football on Thursday
• Squash Club on Friday

In addition to this we would like to make parents aware that the cheerleading trials on Tuesday 12^TH October will be for Year 5 pupils only, and Tuesday 19^th October will be for Year 6 and 7 only - This is to allow for a team to be selected. Those selected will then attend training sessions with Miss Kelly after half term.

All children attending clubs must come to school wearing their PE kit.

Please note: leggings are not permitted.

Once again we thank you for your continued support and look forward to a busy few weeks of clubs before the Christmas break.

Mr Cowdery

Head of P.E

Dear Parents/Guardians

Our Harvest celebration assembly will be held week commencing Monday 18th October. Normally we would hold our Harvest Festival at St John's Church but unfortunately due to COVID restrictions we are unable to do this so we will be holding a virtual assembly to mark this important occasion. If you would like to make a contribution, please could you send in any dried or tinned goods with your child by Friday 15th October. Unfortunately we are unable to accept any fresh food items.

All items will be donated to St Basils, a charity that works with young people who need support to prevent homelessness and to our local food banks.

We are also pleased to announce that extra-curricular after school clubs are able to reconvene from Monday 11th October. We are keen to get these clubs up and running as soon as possible as they are important for children's development and well-being.

Kind regards

The Office Team

Dear Parents/Guardians

We would like to remind you that our school day starts at 8:50am and the the school gates open at 8:40am, we would encourage the children to travel directly to school without stopping to play in the park.

We are aware of a number of pupils who are playing unsupervised in Sanders Park before school in the mornings. We are particularly concerned about those who are playing football on the courts, as these games can become boisterous and there are no adults present to help in the event of an incident or should one of them become injured.

Kind regards

Mrs N Hine – Assistant Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thank you for your understanding during the forced closure of the school due to staff absence. I would like to reiterate school closure is always our last resort, but without a certain percentage of staff in school to look after the children we cannot safely open.

Although we still have a high staff absence due to the COVID outbreak, I am pleased to report that we can safely staff the school for the remainder of the week and therefore we will open to all year groups from normal time tomorrow morning.

During our Outbreak meeting with LORT and Public Heath England we were complemented on the comprehensive and considered list of extra precautions we have put in place during this outbreak. These precautions will remain in place until we feel that the outbreak is firmly under control.

Following the Outbreak meeting, it was advised to request the mass PCR testing of all children and staff. From the 260 results that were submitted to school since this message was communicated, there were 15 more positive cases identified. Many of these positive results were a complete shock to parents, as their child had displayed very mild, or no symptoms and were negative on lateral flow tests. We encourage parents to continue lateral flow testing, but also to err on the side of caution and PCR test children even if they are displaying very mild symptoms. With isolation of positive contacts no longer required, we all need to work together to try and prevent the spread of COVID through our school community, so I ask if your child is at all ill please get them tested before sending them into school.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school tomorrow morning when our school community can once again be reunited.

My final words go to those pupils and staff who are affected by COVID at the moment and wish them a speedy recovery.

Best Wishes

Mrs A Elwell

Dear Parents/Guardians

Following my previous communication with you regarding the high number of positive COVID cases and the recommendation by Public Health England to ask all pupils and staff to take a PCR test, I would like to thank all the parents who have followed the recommended advice and are working with us to identify positive cases to try and prevent the spread throughout our community.

Throughout the pandemic we have strictly followed National guidelines as set out by the DfE and Public Health England, this includes the guidance that no longer requires individuals with no symptoms to isolate if they are a contact of a positive COVID-19 case, but rather to get a PCR test. I am aware of unfair criticism of the school for communicating this message and would like to remind everyone that we are acting from updated advice on a national level.

I am sorry to report that following the mass PCR testing, we have already received more positive COVID-19 results from staff members. Therefore this means we are no longer in a position where we can safely open the school to children. Consequently the school will be closed to all pupils on Monday 4^th October and Tuesday 5^th October, this will then be reviewed when we are able to ascertain staffing levels for the remainder of the week.

Remote education will commence on Monday morning and will consist of both Zoom lessons and tasks set on epraise.

• Zoom links will be added to your child’s classwork section on their epraise account.
• Lessons will begin at their usual timetabled times.
• Pupils should set their names on Zoom to reflect their own name, without this they will not be admitted from the waiting room.
• Cameras should be switched on and pupils will need a suitable working area with an appropriate background.
• Pupils should wear appropriate clothing, no night wear please.

Attached is a Pupil’s guide to remote learning and the presentation policy.

For Year 5 pupils who may be less familiar with St. John’s remote learning offer, their class teacher will provide a Zoom link on epraise, to access a support and troubleshooting lesson starting at 9am on Monday morning. If you are unable to access Zoom please send an epraise message to your child’s class teacher who will try to assist.

If no Zoom link or epraise task is available for any specific lesson, this will be due to staff illness and therefore Century tasks will be provided as an alternative activity for your child to complete during this time.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause however the safety of the children is our priority at this time.

We wish all our unwell pupils and staff a speedy recovery and we look forward to reuniting as a school community as soon as circumstances allow us to do so.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

We are still continuing to experience a high number of positive COVID-19 cases within school, amongst both children and staff, despite extra precautions and additional measures put in place. Therefore a meeting was held with the COVID Outbreak Team and Public Health England where we were advised to strongly encourage all members of our school (children and staff) to carry out a PCR test as soon as possible.

We were informed that the local testing centre has sufficient capacity over the next few days to carry out these tests. Anyone that has received a positive PCR test result within the last 90 days does not need to be tested again.

When your child has received their result of the PCR, please log this on the form on ParentMail

To book a PCR test please go to: Get a free PCR test to check if you have COVID-19 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

However, Children aged 5 and under are not be advised to take a test unless they are a contact of positive case within their own household, or they develop symptoms.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness.

The school remains open and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend the setting as normal whilst they are awaiting the result of their PCR test.

We would suggest that you consider taking additional precautions to limit the spread of infection by reducing their contacts with others outside school, avoiding close contact with those who may be clinically vulnerable.

If your child is at all unwell please keep your child at home and book a PCR test as soon as possible. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 they must self-isolate and follow the Stay at Home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19.

There are still simple things we can all continue do to reduce the risk of spreading the virus:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

There continues to be additional support for those self-isolating or vulnerable as a result of COVID-19 can be accessed through Here2Help:

https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help or 01905 768053 then press option 3. The Here2Help opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.

Thank you for your continued support

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

We are looking to offer children the opportunity to access computers afterschool to enable them to complete homework or independent work on Century. Further information will be sent out regarding days and times in due course.

In order to facilitate this, we need to gauge numbers for each year group that would be interested in attending these sessions. If your child would be interested in attending, please complete the form on ParentMail by Monday 4th October.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Moyle - Head of Data, Assessment and Maths

Dear Parents and Guardians

I would like to thank you for your support in following the guidance and taking children for PCR’s tests when they have been in contact with a positive COVID-19 Case. This is leading to an increase in the detection of other positive cases that might not have otherwise been detected.

Please can I ask you to be understanding regarding the offer of live Zoom lessons to all children currently self-isolating. As a staff body we have also been affected by COVID-19 and many teachers are currently absent. So far we have managed to cover lessons within school however this is becoming increasingly difficult. Please look at epraise for either a Zoom link or a description of the task for each lesson. All staff will now be using the classwork setting for the work for those self-isolating, this will help distinguish between self-isolation work and Homework tasks. We will endeavour to ensure that Maths, English and Science is set regardless of staff absence, tasks for all other subjects will be dependent upon teacher availability. Century Tech platform is available for all children to access should they require extra work. If your child does not know their Century log in details please contact Mrs Moyle who will be able to assist you.

Thank you for your understanding

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parent/Guardians,

We have been advised that there has been a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 within your child's class. We strongly advise accessing a PCR test for your child as soon as possible and carefully follow the guidance on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To book a PCR test please go to: Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

However, Children aged 5 and under are not be advised to take a test unless they are a contact of positive case within their own household, or they develop symptoms.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

The school remains open and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend the setting as normal whilst they are awaiting the result of their PCR test.

We would suggest that you consider taking additional precautions to limit the spread of infection by reducing their contacts with others outside school, avoiding close contact with those who may be clinically vulnerable.

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 please keep your child at home and book a PCR test as soon as possible. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 they must self-isolate and follow the Stay at Home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19.

There are still simple things we can all continue do to reduce the risk of spreading the virus:

wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
wash your hands as soon as you get home
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

There continues to be additional support for those self-isolating or vulnerable as a result of COVID-19 can be accessed through Here2Help:

https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help or 01905 768053 then press option 3. The Here2Help opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians,

From this week we will be introducing a new reading rewards system to help encourage our pupils to regularly read. As you know, St John's pupils are expected to read at home at least three times per week (although we would love them to read even more than this). Pupils are then expected to record this reading in their planner and to get this signed by an adult at home.

Every week, your child's class teacher will check their planner and if they have read at least 3x they will be rewarded with a reading point (a type of house point). Each classroom also has a reading reward chart. Each week, every child who has read will also get a tick on this chart. At the end of each term, children who have read every week without fail will be rewarded with their choice of small gift/extra playtime or one free homework pass (subject to conditions).

We hope that this will help incentivise reading as well as continue to build a love of reading amongst our pupils. Shortly we also hope to re-open our school library. Pupils will be given their book band levels (based on their reading ages) and will be given the opportunity to visit the library and select a book at an appropriate level for them. We have been gradually adding to our library stock and have many brand new, exciting books for pupils to enjoy!

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Dear Parent/Guardians

We have been advised that your child has been identified as a contact of a positive case of COVID-19 within the school. We strongly advise accessing a PCR test for your child as soon as possible and carefully follow the guidance on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To book a PCR test please go to: Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

However, Children aged 5 and under are not be advised to take a test unless they are a contact of positive case within their own household, or they develop symptoms.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

The school remains open and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend the setting as normal whilst they are awaiting the result of their PCR test.

We would suggest that you consider taking additional precautions to limit the spread of infection by reducing their contacts with others outside schoo, avoiding close contact with those who may be clinically vulnerable.

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 please keep your child at home and book a PCR test as soon as possible. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 they must self-isolate and follow the Stay at Home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19.

There are still simple things we can all continue do to reduce the risk of spreading the virus:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

There continues to be additional support for those self-isolating or vulnerable as a result of COVID-19 can be accessed through Here2Help:

https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help or 01905 768053 then press option 3. The Here2Help opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

Following on from my recent communication regarding an increase in illness in school and the reintroduction of pupils attending school in PE kits on the days when they have PE, I feel I need to update you on the current situation within school. As of this afternoon we have 20 positive COVID pupil cases and 2 positive members of staff. Additionally, we have 25 pupils who are symptomatic and awaiting results.

As you are aware school is no longer responsible for track and tracing following a positive COVID cases, however we feel that to ensure parents are made aware of possible contact in a timely manner, we will recommence notifications. The advice now recommends that pupils who have had contact with a positive case have a PCR test and only isolate if they are, or become symptomatic. We do ask if your child becomes unwell with any possible symptoms you book a PCR test and inform school as soon as possible. Please do not rely on lateral flow tests if your child is symptomatic, or has been a close contact, as we have seen children test negative on a lateral flow test, yet positive on a PCR test.

I have been in contact with the Worcestershire Local Outbreak Team this morning who confirmed that we are already taking all the necessary precautions that they would advise and that this situation is mirrored in many of the Worcestershire schools.

Following a meeting with the Trust this afternoon, we have made the decision to reintroduce the following measures:

• Masks should be worn in communal areas by all staff and pupils from all year groups, unless exempt.
• Extracurricular clubs are suspended until we feel it is safe to resume.
• Visitors to school should be by appointment only and visitors will be asked to wear masks
• Gatherings such as indoor assemblies are postponed and will now take place within the form classroom.
• Pupils are asked to wear school PE kit to school on the days they have their PE lesson to eradicate the need to use changing rooms.
• Close contact notifications will be sent out via Parentmail.

Please be reassured that we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our school community whilst continue to deliver a high quality education.

As always thank you for your continued support

Mrs A Elwell - Head of School

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Dear Parents/Guardians

It has been lovely to return to School and experience some sense of normality however, we are not being complacent and the recommended precautions remain in place and we continue to closely follow all Government guidance.

We have been notified of a number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases over the last few days. Therefore, please can we ask you to be extra vigilant and if your child presents with any of the symptoms, even if they are minor, we would kindly ask that you take them for a PCR test as soon as possible.

As we move towards the Winter months we are going to see an increase in common illnesses alongside COVID-19. Therefore, we kindly ask that if your child is unwell you do not send them into School until they are fully recovered. This means they have been symptom free for at least 24 hours (sickness and diarrhoea 48 hours).

Updated COVID-19 Requirements

We would like to take the opportunity to remind you of the updated COVID-19 requirements, these can be summarised as follows:

Testing

We ask that children in Year 7 and Year 8 continue to do lateral flow tests twice a week.

Positive Cases

Anyone with a positive test result will need to:

• self-isolate in line with the stay at home guidance (if they test positive at School, you should arrange for them to be collected)
• book a further test (a lab-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test) to confirm the result

Whilst awaiting the PCR result, the individual should continue to self-isolate.

The School is no longer required to track and trace individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Instead, this will now be undertaken by the NHS, who should make contact directly if your child is identified. However, we still ask for you to inform the School of a positive result as soon as possible, as we are monitoring absence to identify possible outbreaks that may require further precautions being introduced.

Negative Test Results

If the PCR test is taken within the 2 days following a positive Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test result, and is negative, it overrides the LFD test and your child can return to School, as long as they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.

Self-Isolation

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in, or are currently part of, an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or guardians that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

Children and young people aged under 18 years 6 months who usually attend school who have been identified as a close contact and do not show any symptoms should continue to attend school as normal.

As always thank you for your continued support.

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

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Dear Parent/Carer,

Biometric Finger Print System

I am excited to inform you that we will be implementing a new biometric finger print system at St John’s Middle School Academy to be used to purchase break and lunchtime items.

This is a technology that has been used successfully by thousands of schools and as a Leadership Team we are convinced that this is the right way forward for St John’s Middle School Academy.

We expect this system to improve the services we are able to offer students and staff significantly, with benefits including:

- Reduction in queuing time

- Reduction in administration time and cost dealing with lost or forgotten cards/passwords/PINs

- Pupils will not have to remember to bring a card

We would like to make it clear that our school will comply at all times with the Data Protection Act and with the guidance given by Becta and by the Information Commissioner’s Office regarding the use of biometric data.

Fingerprint images will not be stored by the system. Instead, a set of coordinates is translated into a string of numbers and encrypted. The encryption method used by the system is a high level, industry standard method. The data held could not be used to recreate a fingerprint image, nor could it be used in a forensic investigation.

Please now complete the questionnaire by visiting the Biometric Finger Print consent form under the 'forms' section of ParentMail.

We will also offer an opportunity to opt out for those pupils who, upon consideration, feel that they would rather not have their biometric data recorded. If you would like more information or the chance to discuss this further, please feel free to contact us.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs A Elwell

Head Of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

We are excited to inform you that our extensive Autumn extra-curricular sports programme will commence w/c 20th September 2021.

Please find attached the club timetable to share with your child. If your child would like to attend one of the clubs, please sign them up, but only if they are sure they will attend each week. If they change their minds and decide they do not want to attend, this could prevent another child requesting a place as numbers are limited.

Individual letters will be sent out via Parentmail giving specific details for each club tomorrow, Wednesday 15th September at 1.00pm. Please sign up via Parentmail, the deadline for signing up for each club is Sunday 19th September at midnight.

As places are limited, we are asking parents to sign their child up to one club only to begin with, ensuring as many children as possible have the opportunity to participate. If spaces remain unfilled, we will re-advertise the spaces.

Please note that due to such a high number of pupils attending clubs, we cannot send individual confirmation for each place. If you have successfully signed up to a club via Parentmail, then your child has a place on that club. When the club reaches its limit, Parentmail will not allow any further sign ups. If you cannot sign up, it will be due to the club already having reached full capacity.

If you have any further queries regarding our extra-curricular clubs, please do not telephone the school office, but send an Epraise message to Mrs Jennings who will get back to you as soon as she can.

We are looking forward to a fantastic Autumn of sport!

Mr M Cowdery

Head of PE

Dear Parents/Guardians

It has been lovely to return to School and experience some sense of normality however, we are not being complacent and the recommended precautions remain in place and we continue to closely follow all Government guidance.

We have been notified of a number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases over the last few days. Therefore, please can we ask you to be extra vigilant and if your child presents with any of the symptoms, even if they are minor, we would kindly ask that you take them for a PCR test as soon as possible.

As we move towards the Winter months we are going to see an increase in common illnesses alongside COVID-19. Therefore, we kindly ask that if your child is unwell you do not send them into School until they are fully recovered. This means they have been symptom free for at least 24 hours (sickness and diarrhoea 48 hours).

Updated COVID-19 Requirements

We would like to take the opportunity to remind you of the updated COVID-19 requirements, these can be summarised as follows:

Testing

We ask that children in Year 7 and Year 8 continue to do lateral flow tests twice a week.

Positive Cases

Anyone with a positive test result will need to:

·     self-isolate in line with the stay at home guidance (if they test positive at School, you should arrange for them to be collected)

·     book a further test (a lab-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test) to confirm the result

Whilst awaiting the PCR result, the individual should continue to self-isolate.

The School is no longer required to track and trace individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Instead, this will now be undertaken by the NHS, who should make contact directly if your child is identified. However, we still ask for you to inform the School of a positive result as soon as possible, as we are monitoring absence to identify possible outbreaks that may require further precautions being introduced.

Negative Test Results

If the PCR test is taken within the 2 days following a positive Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test result, and is negative, it overrides the LFD test and your child can return to School, as long as they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.

Self-Isolation

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

·     they are fully vaccinated

·     they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months

·     they have taken part in, or are currently part of, an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial

·     they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or guardians that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

Children and young people aged under 18 years 6 months who usually attend school who have been identified as a close contact and do not show any symptoms should continue to attend school as normal.

As always thank you for your continued support.

Mrs A Elwell – Head of School

Dear Parents/Guardians

As you were informed previously we had planned on sending home part of the GL report at the end of the Summer Term. These will be sent home by today, please could you let your child’s form tutor know if you require additional copies. We feel that this will be useful as it identifies the marks that pupils obtained in different strands within Maths and English and is something we are often asked about in terms of strengths and areas to work upon. Century is currently being linked to the new classes and pupils will have access to this shortly, this can then be used for any additional support at home for those that wish.

Kind regards,

Mrs Moyle - Head of Data, Assessment and Maths

Year 6 Art trip to Witley Court and Gardens

On Tuesday 21^st September 2021, Year 6 will be visiting the historic house and gardens of Witley Court in Worcestershire, for an Art trip. Witley Court is a Grade 1 listed building as well as being designated as a National Monument, now in the care of English Heritage.

Pupils will be drawing pictures, taking rubbings and photographs. Pupils may bring their own cameras, however, this will be at their own risk and responsibility. The children will travel by coach, they will be picked up from St John’s at 10.30am and return for the end of the school day at 3.15pm. Children will need to wear their school uniform and trainers.

Packed lunches are needed, but if your child requires a school lunch, please advise the kitchen two days in advance.

For this event to run, we are asking parents to make a voluntary contribution of £5.00 using our secure ParentMail online payment system. Unfortunately, if not enough contributions are made the trip will not be able to go ahead.

The deadline to pay for the event is Friday 17^th September 2021 at 12 noon. Please note, if you do not meet this deadline, your child will not be able to attend. Once you have made payment, we will take this as a firm commitment to the event and will not be able to offer any refunds.

If you feel you are financially struggling and require financial support to pay for this item, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Amanda Lloyd who will be able to see what support can be offered/available to you.

It promises to be a very enjoyable trip. Please send in a coat for the children to wear just in case it rains and a black plastic bin liner to sit on.

Yours faithfully

Mrs J Davenport Mrs A Elwell

Head of Art Head of school

To all Parents of pupils currently learning a musical instrument (except for keyboard/piano).

Bromsgrove School Middle Schools’ Orchestra

We have a really exciting opportunity this year to join with other middle school musicians, and musicians from Bromsgrove school as the Bromsgrove School Middle Schools’ Orchestra. We would be thrilled if your son/daughter would like to take part. I have attached the poster with more information. Please note that participants will need to have reached a minimum standard on their instrument, and to pupils beginning to learn for the first time this September should speak to Miss Russell before signing up.

The Bromsgrove School Middle Schools’ Orchestra, will held in the concert hall (Routh Hall) on Bromsgrove School’s site. The activity will run every Thursday afternoon from 3.50-4.50pm.

The link to signup is here:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Dxd7Ozk8jkGTiDvrVmk2opWg-EeMiRZAp8ZDleEpesxURFdPNUFDMTkxQVlVNUNMWVBNRU0xRERTMC4u

The first session takes place on Thursday 16th September at 3.50pm. The children will be greeted by welcoming staff, and cake and squash will be served before we set about playing any music!
Best wishes
Miss Russell
Head of Music

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We hope your child had a fantastic first day in Year 5 at St. John's and that any initial nerves are much more settled. It was a pleasure to meet all of the new pupils in their smart new uniforms and watch them enjoy their induction day activities - it was particularly lovely to see those who may have been feeling a little anxious, with big smiles by the afternoon, after meeting their teachers and learning a lot more about the school.

After a little uncertainty with just one or two pupils, please could we ask you to remind all children of the details of their home travel arrangements before school each morning so they are very clear whether they will be walking with friends or meeting someone and where, to help avoid any nerves and needing to call home to check. We will of course check with all pupils that they know who to meet and where, as well as remind them to always speak to a member of staff if at all unsure, who will be glad to help.

Please could we also ask you to help pupils check their new planners and timetables for when their first PE lesson will be to ensure they bring their kit.

Kind regards

Mr. Owen.

Head of Year 5

Dear Parents/Guardians

Welcome back to the new term!

We hope you have had an enjoyable summer break and that the children are ready to settle into a new academic year with renewed energy and readiness to learn. We are looking forward to welcoming our children back to school and a return to something a little closer to normal.

During the summer there has been an update to the DfE guidance regarding the safe running of schools during the pandemic. Therefore, we will no longer be operating in Year group bubbles and staff or children are not advised to wear face masks within school. Although face masks are still recommended on public and designated school transport. We will however continue to follow strict hygiene procedures, encouraging regular handwashing and sanitising and reminding children to ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’. Enhanced cleaning will remain in place throughout the school, provided by our own onsite cleaning team. The latest public health guidelines no longer require children to isolate if they have been a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, but it is advised that they take a PCR test. Children can still attend school as normal whilst waiting for the result however, any child with Covid-19 symptoms should not attend until they have the results of a negative PCR test.

This year we are staggering the start date for our children to ensure that Year 5 have a designated transition day and the required lateral flow testing of Key Stage 3 can be carried out. The return dates are as follow:

Monday 6^th September: Year 5 transition day (this will be class based all day) and 2^nd testing for Year 7.

Tuesday 7^th September: Normal school for Year’s 5, 6 and 7 and 2^nd testing for Year 8.

Wednesday 8^th September: All children attend school as normal

From Monday 6^th September we will be returning to our normal school hours. Children will be able to enter the school playground at 8:40am, when the gates are opened, ready for registration at 8:50am. The school day will finish at 3:15pm for all children. Please ensure you have communicated with your child regarding home time arrangements and if applicable which gate you are collecting from.

Many thanks to everyone who responded to our survey regarding our school values. These are very important as they underpin the vision of our school and help to shape the mind-sets of our children as future adults. We are pleased to inform you that our new revised values are Forgiveness, Love, Integrity and Perseverance which teachers will often refer to and are proudly displayed around school.

Our children wear their uniform to show that they are a part of our St John’s C of E Middle School family and it is important that we maintain high standards. We look forward to seeing the children looking smart in their new uniforms, although we are aware of a few issues regarding available stock and hope that this will be remedied soon. This term we are returning to children wearing their school uniform to school every day. This decision was made to enable the children to participate in our full PE curriculum offer without the restriction of having to avoid outdoor PE where the children could get wet and be unable to change out of their clothes for the remainder of the day. Therefore, the children should bring their PE kit with them on their timetabled days, which they will find out on their return. We are happy for children to bring their PE bag on a Monday and leave it in their classroom storage area until their PE day. Alternatively, they can bring their PE kit in on the day of their lesson.

We would like to remind you of some key parts of our uniform policy which is also on our school website:

• School shoes – Black leather shoes. No logos, no heels, no boots, no canvas and no trainer style shoes e.g. Nike air force trainers.
• Jewellery of any description is not encouraged. One pair of small ear-studs and a watch is the only permitted jewellery. Nose studs and all other types of piercing are not permitted.
• Make up, nail varnish and false nails are also not permitted. Hair should be kept to a natural colour – no bright hair dyes.

Please ensure that your child attends school every day with everything they need. This includes, a pencil case, blue handwriting pen, pencil, ruler, general note book, a full water bottle (Water only. Squash is not permitted) and their school planner which will be issued on their first day.

We encourage the children to have a healthy snack during morning break. These include fruit and vegetables e.g. carrot sticks, low sugar cereal bars, low fat string cheese, rice cakes, and whole grain muffins or bagels. Processed, less-healthy snack foods such as crisps, sugary drinks, sweets and cake are able to be eaten occasionally but should not be offered every day. We ask that you save these treats as ones you give at home and not at school. If you would like your child to have a small chocolate bar and/or crisps, these should only be eaten as part of their lunch meal.

We understand that many of our children bring a mobile phone to school and would like to remind you of the expectations that come with this:

• Mobile phones must be switched off and out of sight for the duration of the school day
• If you need to get an urgent message to your child throughout the school day, please call the school office and do not message or attempt to call your child’s phone. If there is a need for contact to be made with you, the call will be made by a member of staff.

We are very proud of our school and of our children and believe that high standards of uniform, behaviour, being properly equipped and attending regularly, give each one of our children the very best chance of learning well and achieving their very best.

We look forward welcoming the new Year 5 children on Monday and welcoming all Years back next week for another exciting academic year.

Yours sincerely

Mrs A Elwell - Head of School