Everyone in St. John’s has settled back into the school routines.

Primary 1 have now joined us for the full day.  A special word of recognition and thanks to our super Primary 7 pupils, who are carrying out  their buddy responsibilities very well. They are willingly giving of their time to support our new pupils in the playground, cloakroom and classroom. They have been a huge support to Mrs Kelly and helped the children to have such a successful start to Primary 1. Our school values are clearly evident in the behaviour of our senior pupils. Primary 1 are doing very well with their routine and lining up in houses. They have been out and about familiarising themselves with their new surroundings. P1/2 have also been doing some cross-curricular learning through the story of The Little Red Hen. In Science they have been planting seeds and in Food Technologies they have been baking bread. A very busy first full week and very brave of Mrs Kelly!!

Our Primary 6/7 pupils attended the  Diocesan ‘Year of Mercy’ Mass for schools in Carfin Grotto accompanied by Mr Hall, Mrs Carty and myself. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Toal and Irena Rodan represented our school by taking part in the Procession of Gifts. It was a very spiritual occasion and a lovely way to bring all of the schools in Motherwell Diocese together. It was wonderful to see almost 4000 pupils  celebrating their faith together.

Election fever is gripping St. John’s as our Primary 7 pupils, supported by Miss Wadsworth and Mr Hall, prepare for House elections this week. Hustings will take place on Monday, with votes being cast on Thursday. The results will be announced at Assembly on Friday afternoon.

Our afterschool and lunchtime clubs resume this week and my grateful thanks go to the staff members and parents who give willingly of their time to ensure our pupils have the opportunity to participate in these excellent learning experiences.

Please check bags this week for the first newsletter of the year and the envelope containing annual permissions, as well as our Promoting Positive Behaviour policy return slip. We would be very grateful if these could be returned to class teachers as soon as possible.

Finally, we hope to attend the first Mass of the school year on Thursday at 9.10 a.m.

Thank you for reading my blog.
Mrs McCart

A warm welcome back to my weekly blog. I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing summer and managed to enjoy some sunshine!

All staff returned to school, invigorated after their holiday, ready to begin another busy year in St. John’s. We are delighted to welcome new members of staff, Miss Wadsworth who will team teach in Primary 5/6/7 with Mr Hall, and Mrs Dunlop who is our CCC teacher. They have both commented on the very positive ethos and warm welcome they have received from all involved in our school.

Primary 2-Primary 6 pupils returned at 9.00 am on Monday morning. They have all grown so much during the holidays. All the pupils looked very smart, proudly wearing their uniform. I must thank and congratulate all our pupils and families for the very high standard of uniform on our first day back. It is greatly appreciated and contributes enormously to the high standards we have in our school.
The sun was shining for our 12 Primary 1 pupils as they stepped through the door at 10.00am. Such an important time in their young lives. Mrs Kelly welcomed them as they embarked on their learning journey in St. John’s. Primary 1 enjoyed a delicious lunch with their parents on Thursday and quickly picked up the lunchtime routine.

On Friday the children enjoyed a welcome disco in the school which was organised by the Partnership Group. It was very well attended and a great way to welcome our new pupils to St. John’s.

Finally we look forward to our Primary 1 pupils joining us full time from Monday 22nd August. There will be a few tired boys and girls by the end of next week!

Thank you for reading my blog.

Mrs Yvonne McCart

Head Teacher