March 2013

Dear Parent/Carer

School Uniform – Supplier Change

Our aim is to provide the best level of service to the families of our students.  One area that we have been looking to improve on is our school uniform.  Given the current economic crisis we are all facing, we have been committed to sourcing the best value uniform for our students.  On the lead up to the Christmas break we met with a number of suppliers, passing on feedback we have received from you.  

Friday 19th April
12:15pm - 1:10pm
Main Hall

Tickets available at Student Reception £2

All proceeds go toward Project Peru.

 

The under 14 girls netball team participated in the level 3 competition at the Louisa Centre in Stanley. After getting off to a fantastic start beating Sedgefield convincingly and Consett Academy by a 1 goal margin the girls struggled against some of the more challenging competition. The girls were fantastic throughout and showed dedication and committment to the team.

St John's participated in the Level 3 School Games Swimming Competition at Freeman's Quay on Friday 22nd March. All events were team swims, consisting of 4 X 50m freestyle and 4 X 50m Medley. All students' thoroughly enjoyed the competition and came 2nd overall out of the 10 schools entered. Outstanding performances from the Junior girls in both events led them to achieving two Silver medals, whilst Intermediate girls were 3rd in the Medley race.

Bishop Auckland students have been stepping up to the challenge of producing designs for the UK’s only manufacturer of washing machines.

Ebac, which is developing a production line to start manufacturing the appliances from Spring 2014, invited design and technology students from St John’s to come up with their own designs.

Year 8 students have been taking part in a literacy project, Roots in our Community. Activities have included poetry sessions with performance poets Jeff Price and Ruth Dixon, willow craft with Serena Hodgson (we have a large collection of butterflies, dragonflies, spiders and bees!), felt making with Jackie Stonehouse and re-imagined books with Susan Warlock. Next term 2 days of dry stone walling are planned as well as a day of falconry presentations and displays.

Last October students in Years 7 and 8 raised over £500 for the Royal National Institute for the Blind. We were lucky enough to win a prize of 12 free books!

Students from Years 9 and 12 had the opportunity to listen to Stephen Hughes, a member of the European Parliament speak on his own career and role in local and European politics. Born and raised in East Durham and now the Labour representative for the North East region, Mr Hughes gave students an insight into the way in which he first became interested in politics and described his weekly duties in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Eight students from Year 8 were selected on the basis of excellent achievement in RE to attend Commonwealth Day Observance ceremony at Westminster Abbey in the presence of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and a number of other dignitaries. Unfortunately, due to illness, The Queen was unable to attend this year's ceremony.

On Wednesday 6th March seven Year 9 students took part in a monthly event known as ‘The Source’. The event was organised by the Youth Ministry Team (YMT) and took place at St Mary’s Church, Blackhill. The Source is a service which specifically targets students aged between 14-18 and youth participation is high on the agenda of the Catholic Partnership who aim to get youngsters involved in the ‘Year of Faith’.

An outstanding production of 'Guys and Dolls' was enjoyed by many last week at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, as students from St John's displayed their fabulous acting skills, musicality and talent during their inspiring performance of the popular musical.

Open to all students of any ability, all equipment provided

Tuesday 3.00-4.00 (four sessions remaining)

St John's Sportshall

With Mike Pilgrim (PGA Professional)

at Bishop Auckland Golf Club