What’s been happening at St. James and St. John Church of England Primary Scho

St. James and St. John School is a one-form entry school located in two villages. Foundation Stage, Year 1 and Year 2 children are taught at the infant site in Akeley and Year 3 up to Year 6 are taught at the junior site in Chackmore.

And we’re back…!

There was a very excited atmosphere on Monday 8^th March as we reopened both sites to all pupils. Although both sites had been very much open to Key Worker and vulnerable children since the start of January, it was fantastic to see all the children return to class. With a strong emphasis on settling back into routines, and with an eye on supporting everyone’s mental health, it has been a fun, safe and stimulating return back into the classroom.

Whilst World Book Day itself was on Thursday 4^th March, at St James and St John, we decided to celebrate it on Monday 8^th March, when we all returned to school. As well as stories and activities in classes, the children came to school dressed as their favourite character from a book. As usual, everybody looked inspiring! There were some fantastic costumes from both children and staff alike -a huge well done to our parents for your amazing support. Photos from the day are on both the school website and school Facebook page, if you missed them!

Sunday 14^th March was Mothering Sunday, so as well as the beautiful cards that the children lovingly made in class, the PTFA also provided some beautiful flowers. There were bouquets of daffodils for the children at the Chackmore site to give to their mothers and some gorgeous primroses in many colours, for the children at the Akeley site to give to their mothers. In addition to the traditional yellow, there were also whites, purples, pinks and a variegated red for the children to choose from. From all the happy Mother’s, a big ‘thank you’ to our fantastic PTFA!

March was a busy month, because Friday 19^th March was Comic Relief’s ‘Red Nose Day’. This year children and staff were asked to ‘paint’ the school red- by wearing one, two, or as many red items as they wanted- as long as they were red! We saw an incredible array of red clothing, red hair and red faces, on both children and staff- what a lot of red noses! Everyone was asked to donate online this year due to coronavirus restrictions, but hopefully a large amount of money was raised for this good cause.

As we approached the end of the Spring term, our attention turned to the Easter story and the meaning behind many of the traditions at this time of year. As well as online assemblies exploring the Easter story in age-appropriate language, other activities also took place in class. KS1 made Easter gardens to reflect the Easter story. As a treat, the PTFA also provided small wrapped chocolate eggs for the children, which were hidden and the children immensely enjoyed hunting for before bringing home to be enjoyed.

At the time of writing, it has not yet been confirmed when lockdown will be further eased, but we are hopeful that everyone can enjoy the warmer weather and growing signs of Spring all around us.

Finally, we wish all the children, parents, staff and friends of St James and St John a happy, but safe, Easter and look forward to seeing all the children after the Easter holidays!