Dear parents and carers,

This week has been quite an emotional week for some. Year 6 have had lots of leavers' events and children have had the chance to meet their next teachers. Change is often difficult but we work hard to make sure children are ready for their next step. You might have noticed your child be a bit more 'wobbly' than usual at home; there is a mixture of excitement and anxiety in the air and children can react in different ways. Remember to use the zones of regulation at home to - talk to your child about what zone they are in and why, and chat to them about all the positive things to look forward to.

Year 6

This has been such a busy term for the teachers and the children. This week Year 6 had a trip to Drayton Manor, a leavers' party and two performances of their Leavers' show. Everyone in year 6 has worked so hard and the show was brilliant - it made people laugh and cry in equal measure - and the singing was incredible. I was really proud of them. I'd also like to say a huge thank you to the Year 6 parents who put on a graduation party for the children. Party organisation takes a lot of effort and it was such a lovely evening. Year 6 (children, parents and teachers) definitely deserve a holiday!

Church service

On Tuesday we held our end of year Collective Worship at St John's church. It was lovely to have so many friends and family join us for the occasion. We had lots of positive feedback from parents, staff and children. One Year 4 student told me that she had enjoyed it so much and the building was so lovely to sing in that she would like to go back again. One parent emailed in to say:

'I just wanted to say I really appreciated today thought it was lovely to see the passion the teachers and TA's have in supporting our young people. It was a rare glimpse at seeing all the hard work that goes in to the year.'

Grow your road

Year 5 have taken home bags of seeds and compost this week as they are doing a project called 'Grow your road' which encourages children to improve the area around them, spend more time outdoors, learn new skills and improve well being. Here is a link to how the project has been successful in Birmingham so far:

http://www.ampersandprojects.org/growyourroad

Ruqayyah in Year 5 told me:

'I feel really excited that Mrs HE applied for this project. I am looking forward to doing it in the 6 week holiday. My mum plants lots of fruit, veg and flowers and she has a space at the end where I am going to plant mine. Let's hope my cousins don't knock them down with their football!'

Talent show

On Monday 24th July we are holding our 'St John's has got talent' performance which is being presented to the whole school. We are having a non-uniform day to celebrate it. We are asking for a donation a £1 (£1.50 per family).

End of term

School finishes on Tuesday 25th July at 1pm. The children will have lunch before they leave so if your child usually has a packed lunch, make sure you send them into school with one.

Saying goodbye...

As well as Year 6, Mr Sufyain and Mrs Large will also be leaving on Tuesday to start their new adventures. I am writing to let you know that Miss Benton has also decided to leave at the end of this term. She has had a huge impact at St John's supporting children across the school. It is Miss Benton that reminds us to use the Zones of Regulation and to keep doing our yoga breaths! She always brings a sense of calmness when we are feeling the stress. I know that many of you will also miss these staff members so make sure you say goodbye and pass on your good wishes in the next couple of days. I always say that St John's is such a special place, that even when you leave, you take a little bit of it inside you. I wish all of our leavers a very happy and successful future.

Best wishes,

Mrs Hedges

Head Teacher