Dear Families,

Another fantastic week of events at St John the Baptist this week. The highlight of the week was our Year 6 production, “Let Loose!” in which our oldest children showcased an impressive array of acting, singing and dancing talent. The children’s performances were fantastic and the show was a great success. A big thank you to all who came to enjoy the show with us and a special thank you to all the staff and adults who helped behind the scenes and supported Year 6 through their rehearsals. Well done to the Year 6 team – it was a great performance.

Next Tuesday, we are celebrating, “Cultural Appreciation Day”. One of the most special things about St John the Baptist is how we are as a community so diverse and Cultural Appreciation Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate this.

Next Wednesday morning (from 8:45am) myself and our class teachers are looking forward to meeting parents and carers from Reception to Year 5 who will begin in September in classes Year 1-6. It is a great opportunity for you to briefly meet and chat to the teacher your child will have in September.  April, Rhiannon,Sam and I are also looking forward to welcoming September’s Nursery and Reception class parents at the EYFS Tuesday welcome meetings (9:30am Nursery and 10:30am Reception).  Your child will receive, in their report emailed out on Monday, a letter detailing this information.

Have a lovely weekend.

Best wishes,

Ms Toni Mason

Cultural Appreciation Day

On Tuesday 16th July 2024, we are celebrating Cultural Appreciation Day. We are asking all children to dress up in clothes that are meaningful to their culture or heritage. Children could also (or instead) bring in an item that is important to them too that represents their culture or heritage. Children will have the opportunity throughout the day to share their clothes and/or items and we can all learn about different parts of the worlds, different cultures and more about our heritages.

Congratulations! and a Fond Farewell

I am thrilled to share that Mrs Sarah Tai is moving north to become a Headteacher! We are so pleased that she is able to share her knowledge and expertise with a brand new cohort of children and wish her every success on this new journey. We would like to thank Sarah for her tireless advocacy for our community and children and the hard work and effort teaching, leading and supporting our children and families over the last 10 years.

Whilst we will be sad to see her go, we welcome Ms Catherine Thomas to the team as Deputy Headteacher. Catherine is an experienced senior leader, working within the Primary Advantage Federation for many years. She is looking forward to meeting you all in the new academic year.

We are also saying farewell and good luck to Mr Paul Teeling who is leaving to take up a Deputy Headteacher post outside of London. He is moving to join extended family. Thank you for your dedication and support of our children over these past four years, both in the classroom and out of it in so many areas. We know you will continue to inspire and support children in your new school and wish you every success as you progress in your career. You will be missed.

Finally, it is also time to say goodbye to Mrs Tolu McCarthy, our beloved music teacher. Your passion, talent and championing of music here at St John the Baptist will be sorely missed. Thank you for continuing to inspire and motivate our children’s musical talents. Good luck on the next leg of your journey and know that flexible opportunities outside school will increase time with your child and family will be rewarding.

Ms Joanne Miller, who worked with us whilst Mrs McCarthy was on maternity leave and who you may remember from last year’s Music on a Summer’s Afternoon performance, will rejoin the team in September alsongside our work with SING.

SJB Summer 2 important dates

Summer Fayre 2024

Summer Fayre Raffle

We are selling raffle tickets in the office for £1 per strip. We have great prizes up for grabs such as hampers, a skateboard, an air fryer, 2 £30 gift cards, a £30 Waterstones voucher, Yummy order of Cupcakes and biscuits and many more fantastic prizes! We will be drawing the raffle at our summer Fayre on 22nd July.

Badu Summer Camp

 The Badu Camp Team are now taking bookings for the summer camp 2024.

The Summer Multi Sports Camp  & Football Camp are taking place at:

Address:- City Academy, Homerton Row, London E9 6EA

Monday 29th July –  Friday 23rd August 2024

Ice Lolly Stall

Next Friday (and any sunny days) we will be selling ice lollies in the main playground. All money raised goes towards the school to purchase new books , replenish the ice lollies and resources for our summer fayre. Please remember to bring cash. Unfortunately, if it is wet, we won’t be selling ice lollys.

Nursery Applications – Apply Now!

Please spread the word to friends and neighbours if they have children who are 2 and 3 years-old – applications are now being considered. Apply quickly for 2 year-old and 3 year-old Nursery places if your (or their) child was born between Sept 1st 2020 and 31st Aug 2022.

All applications are now easier as they are online and with the new funding outlined by the government more parents can access FREE 2 year old and 3 year old Nursery places. Here is the link to apply.

Upcoming Coffee mornings:

Wednesday 17th July – 8:45am Coffee Morning – Meet the teacher (pop in to meet your child’s new teacher)

Wednesday 17th July – 8:45am Coffee Morning – Meet the teacher (pop in to meet your child’s new teacher)

In the news this week…