Please follow this link to read the most up to date guidance from the Department for Education and Public Health England on the COVID-19 virus:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19

Once upon a time George, the friendly, happy storyteller, came to visit St John's!

Year R were lucky to have a professional storyteller, George Hoyle, visit on Monday 3rd February to help celebrate National Storytelling Week. Everyone was in awe of his calming nature and his talent on the guitar and ukulele, as well as his storytelling, of course! George retold 'The Enormous Turnip' using songs, music, actions and many props from his story suitcase. Everyone loved it when he changed his hats to act out different characters in the story.

Having been inspired by George's storytelling, Year R then had the opportunity to create their own stories. They were shown the 'story hand' to help them remember all aspects of a simple story.

1. Where? Where does the story take place?

2. Who? A good story has at least 3 characters. 1 goody, 1 friend for the goody (a person or an animal) and 1 baddie

3. Once a upon a time. Start your story with the characters going something very normal.

4. Uh - oh! A problem. What goes wrong in your story?

5. Happily ever after. What happens at the end of your story? How is the problem solved?

Year R have become fantastic storytellers since. They cannot stop making up funny and unique stories which often follow their interests. 

Can you make up you own stories at home using the 'story hand'?

Advice from Public Health England to share with your school community:

What is the coronavirus?

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus has been spreading since it was first reported in December 2019.

Symptoms include fever and respiratory symptoms including coughing and shortness of breath. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

If you develop these symptoms and have recently travelled to an area where the coronavirus is being widely reported or believe you may have come in contact with the virus then you should stay indoors and call NHS 111 informing them of the details linking you to the virus.

What should I do?

If you are feeling unwell and have not been contacted by Public Health England, then there is no need for concern.

You should continue to treat your symptoms as usual for seasonal flu or a common cold. If you feel unwell and do not know what you should do, then call NHS 111.

As always, if you have symptoms of a cold or flu, then there are measures you can take to bugs spreading:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

How do I know if I’ve been in contact with a case?

Public Health England is in the process of contacting people who have had close contact with the confirmed cases.

Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure any risk to them and the wider public is minimised.

Where can I find more information?

• Information for the public
• Blog and frequently asked questions
• Travel advice for those travelling and living overseas

At the weekend the TWRFC u7 side fielded a team of St John’s boys for the first time - Harry & Jack D (Apple) and Archie, James, Oliver & Theo (Cherry) played really well, winning both their games and all scored several tries each.

If any girls and boys are keen to play mini-rugby from reception upwards please email alex-nicholson@live.co.uk

On Wednesday 15th January we held a special assembly to celebrate our long standing members of staff. The children created wonderful 'world clouds' for each celebrated staff member to highlight the impact they have had at the school. 

Please take a look at the PowerPoint presentation which was played at the assembly: https://st-johns-cofe-primary-school-kent.primarysite.media/media/length-of-service-assembly-january-2020 

On Friday 6th December, 30 members of the upper school choir performed for a local residential home, Hale Court. The children were truly outstanding as they sung their hearts out for a 30 minute performance, with unfailing energy and enthusiasm throughout. The residents were utterly delighted by their 'afternoon treat' and thoroughly enjoyed speaking with the children, who they described as 'such lovely, chatty, talented children', whilst they all enjoyed tea and cake! Mrs Wilson couldn't have been prouder of their performance. Special thanks to Mrs Parish for her support with choir club, Mrs Styles for joining the choir on the day with her dulcet tones and Mr Turvey for his driving and photography skills!

Girls teams:

The girls had their first competition together at Hawkenbury Astroturf. The girls just missed out on the final after drawing their last game- they needed a win but couldn’t get a goal against Southborough. Special mention to Tessa for her super effort and Cerys who played in her first ever match in goal!

After a very close battle (again) against Southborough, St John’s had a free kick with just 3 minutes of the match remaining - Emma curled the ball into the top corner ‘Beckham-esq’ to give us the win (see photo reel). Special mention to Vreni and Mabel who started to help set up attacks. We look forward to the season ahead.

Boys teams:

On Wednesday the A-Team began the season with a good start in the ESFA Primary Schools Tournament.  The goals were spread across the team and our efforts in playing "our way" were evident throughout.  Special mention to Rufus who not only scored on his debut but also got injured whilst bravely closing down the opposition!

Thursday saw the B-Team take on Southborough School in game which we dominated from start to finish. Goals from Denny, Max & Albert meant that the boys finished up as 5-0 winners.  Xavier was Man of the Match with an outstanding performance on the ball.  Thank you to all the supporters across both matches!

Children from St. John’s were once again invited to the TW in Bloom Schools Awards Ceremony, which took place last Thursday. For their amazing Bee Art Posters, Abeer, Hector and Tilly were presented with certificates and goodie bags. For our school garden, we were delighted to once again receive a Gold award and overall winners trophy. Representing all the children from this years Gardening Club, George, Molly and Nathan stepped forward to receive a certificate and trophy. We also won, garden vouchers, seeds, bulbs and a trowel, all of these will be put to good use by current and future Gardening Club members. A big thanks to all those involved!

Overview of our successes:
 

• Rounders – 1^st and 3rd
• Orienteering - 1st and 2nd in all categories
• Rugby - 1st
• Handball - 1st in Tunbridge Wells and 9th in Kent
• Girls’ Basketball - 1st
• Mixed Basketball - 3rd
• Netball - A team came 2nd (only losing 1 match)
• Football (Girls, B Team, etc.) –

Girls won the league

B team came 1st in the tournament and 2nd in the league

• Cross-country - Rachel came first in the girls' category
• Cheerleading – Placed as “successful”
• Swimming - 4th and Eve came second in the diving
• Colour Dash - Rachel placed first in the girls' category