HAPPY BIRTHDAY ST JOHN'S!

St John’s Primary School have been celebrating their 300th year this month with a series of celebrations. The school was founded in 1721 after money was left in the will of Ann Harris to educate the poorest 40 pupils in the Parish of Midsomer Norton. Today the school is attended by over 430 pupils who are enormously proud of the school’s long history.

The 300th anniversary festivities began on St John’s Day, Thursday 24th June, when we held assemblies where the children learnt more about the history of the school. They took part in a treasure hunt around the school to find key features which hint to the development of the site from commemorative plaques, bricked up doorways, historic fireplaces and the school bell which was tolled for us all to hear. In the afternoon we held a picnic on the field in class bubbles and enjoyed cakes (donated by our lovely PTA) and party games. Earlier this month, Alun Williams, CEO of Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, Headteacher Danielle West-Gaul and pupils from Year 3 officially opened our outdoor classroom.

This new facility will provide another area of learning for pupils attending forest school, as well as the opportunity to move lessons out of the classroom. Other year groups worked hard preparing for its opening by helping to cover the floor area with chipped bark. We would like to thank George’s Garden for donating a cherry tree which was planted to mark the occasion. Later this year the school will be installing a stained-glass window in the school hall which is being designed by Edgar Phillips. Former pupils and local residents can make a donation to go towards the installation by visiting gofund.me/09844bd6