Newsletter: Spring 1 2026
Message from Mrs Arnold
Dear Parents, Carers, Pupils and Members of our School Community,
I would like to begin by welcoming everyone back to school and wishing you a very happy New Year. I hope the holiday period provided time for rest, reflection and enjoyment with family and friends, and that our pupils are returning refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead.
As we begin this new term, our focus remains firmly on providing a safe, supportive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. High expectations, combined with care and encouragement, continue to underpin everything we do. We will be encouraging pupils to take pride in their work, show respect for one another, and approach new challenges with confidence and curiosity.
This term promises many exciting learning opportunities, events and activities across the school. From enriching curriculum projects to sporting fixtures, creative performances and educational visits, there is much to look forward to. We strongly believe that these experiences play a vital role in developing well-rounded, confident learners who are prepared for the future.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff team for their continued hard work and commitment. Their passion and professionalism make a significant difference to our pupils every day. I would also like to thank parents and carers for your ongoing support and partnership; working together is key to ensuring the very best outcomes for our children.
As always, communication between home and school is extremely important. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions. We value your feedback and welcome your involvement in school life, together with the Parent Forum and PTA.
I wish everyone a positive and successful start to the new year and look forward to all that we will achieve together in the months ahead.
Best wishes,
Susie Arnold
Our School Vision 🏫
To become the best versions of ourselves through the shared Christian values of...
Love
Honesty
Faithfulness
Kindness
Forgiveness
Attendance 📋
Over the last half-term, the children at St. John’s have coped extremely well with the various viral infections circulating, alongside the usual coughs and colds that appear at this time of year. This resilience would not be possible without your ongoing help and support. As you know, many factors can influence absence beyond illness, such as term‑time holidays, family events or exceptional/unavoidable circumstances. School will continue to communicate attendance each half-term with parents of children whose attendance falls below 90%. This is not only to keep you informed, but also to offer support where needed.
📞 Reporting Absence
Please continue to inform us of any absences using one of the following methods:
Leave of Absence forms
Dedicated absence line(s)
Schoolcomms
Email to the school office
Speaking with your child’s class teacher
Staff will attempt to contact home several times, and if we are unable to reach a parent/carer, the absence will remain unauthorised (O code).
Please note:
Five days of unexplained absences within a 10‑week period may result in a fixed penalty notice being discussed or issued by school.
🎒 Focus for the Remainder of the Year
This year, we will be placing additional focus on pupils aged 5 and under, promoting structured routines and highlighting the impact of time away from school - not only on attendance, but also on the social and emotional development of our youngest learners as they begin their school journey.
Curriculum 📚
Spring 1 has seen the start of one of our favourite areas of learning - HISTORY!
This half term, children have been diving into the past to explore where it all began. Why are our lives shaped the way they are today? What significant events took place? Which important people influenced change?
It’s time to find out!
Our pupils have become historians, investigating key questions and discovering answers through their sequence of lessons.
Here’s what each year group has been learning about…
EYFS 🐯🦒🦓
A History of Me and The History of Transport. How has transport changed over time?
Year 1 🦜🐢
Great Fire of London and Significant People: Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole and Edith Cavell. Who was to blame for the Great Fire of London? How did life in London change following the Great Fire?
Year 2 🐧🐧
Guy Fawkes, The Houses of Parliament and the Royal Family. Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night? How does someone become ‘a Monarch’?
Year 3 🦊🦝🐿️
Stone Age to Iron Age. How did life in Britain change during the Prehistoric period?
Year 4 🦉🐈
Raider to Invaders: A Journey through time looking at the Romans, Saxons, Scots and Vikings. Who were the different groups that invaded Britain and how was life affected/changed by these invaders?
Year 5 🐆🐆
Ancient World: Life in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. What was daily life like in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece? What were the biggest achievements of these Ancient Civilisations?
Year 6 🦔🦦
World War II and the Battle of Britain. Why did Britain go to war in 1939? How did the events of WWII change life in Britain and the wider world?
Some year groups have already experienced engaging workshops and theme days, whilst also making links with ICT and exploring our topics using VR headsets as we bring history to life.
Reminders
School Day Timings ⏰
🐅Nursery
AM: 8:30–11:30am
PM: 12:10–3:10pm
🐞KS1
Doors Open: 8:40am
On Task: 8:45am
Finish: 3:15pm
🦉KS2
Doors Open: 8:45am
On Task: 8:50am
Finish: 3:20pm
🔒 Gates Close: 8:55am for a prompt, safe start.
📞 Need to speak to staff?
Please call or email the office to arrange an appointment. This helps us keep drop-off and pick‑up safe and calm.
Thank you for your support! 🌟
PE 🎾
We are once again allowing children to come to school wearing their PE kit on PE days so that no learning time is lost getting changed. Please ensure you know which day your child has PE, and that the correct school PE uniform is worn.
✔️ School PE Kit
Black Shorts (suitable length) or Dark Tracksuit Bottoms
Plain White T‑shirt
Black Hoodie/Jumper
Trainers or Pumps
Clothing should be weather‑appropriate. Children who are not wearing the correct PE kit may be asked to change into school‑provided uniform. Adaptations will be made for children with sensory needs.
🧷 Earrings
Earrings must be removed at home on PE days.
If your child has recently had ears pierced, please speak to the class teacher.
School cannot take responsibility for any injuries caused if earrings are not removed.
🧤 Please label all uniform and PE kit, including coats.
Healthy School 🥗
At Penistone St John’s, we actively encourage healthy eating.
🍎 Breaktime Snacks
Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils receive a free piece of fresh fruit or vegetables each day through a government initiative.
Key Stage 2 children may bring their own snack, and we encourage this to be a healthy option.
🥪 Packed Lunches
If your child brings a packed lunch, please support our approach to healthy eating by including nutritious choices.
🚫 Nut-Free School
A reminder that we are a nut‑free school due to allergies. Please do not send any products containing nuts.
🥛 School Milk
If you would like your child to have milk at school, you can sign up via the Cool Milk website.
All registered children receive a portion of fresh, chilled semi‑skimmed milk daily.
Children under 5 receive milk for free.
Children entitled to free school meals can also receive milk free of charge.
For all other pupils, a small termly fee applies.
💧 Drinking Water
We encourage children to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, which helps them concentrate and supports learning. Please send your child with a named water bottle each day.
PTA 🌟
🎉 Our Amazing PTA
The money raised by our PTA helps fund exciting visitors, workshops and activities that enrich the curriculum, as well as new equipment for the children throughout the year.
📍 Everyone Welcome!
The PTA holds regular meetings at Cubley Hall — and everyone is invited to join.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact the school office. Your support makes a huge difference!
Children's University 🎓
Please continue to support your child in recording their out‑of‑school learning to earn credits towards Children’s University certificates.
All children should have received a username and login. For more information, please visit the Children’s University page together with the information on our school website.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact the school office.
Diary Dates 📆
Date | Year Group | Event |
Monday 26/02/2026 | Y5 | Bikeability |
Friday 30/01/2026 | KS2 | Language Day |
Tuesday 03/02/2026 | Whole School | Class Photos |
Monday 26/02/2026 - Friday 20/02/2026 | Whole School | Half-Term |