This week, we have been watching as our new outdoor classroom has taken shape. We are very excited that it is now complete and cannot wait to start having lessons there, including our Forest School sessions. A huge thank you to the Friends of John Clare for funding this project - we are so very grateful.

On Wednesday 4th June 2025, our Key Stage 2 children travelled to London to watch 'Wicked the Musical'. We had an absolutely fabulous time!

Today, KS2 have been visited by Ennio's mum, Mrs Tomeo. Mrs Tomeo works in theatre and film make-up and worked in the stage production and film production of 'Wicked the Musical'. She brought in some of the masks used in the show and the make-up used to paint Elpheba. She spoke to the children about her role and the children had many questions for her! We are so fortunate to have had this experience ahead of our trip to see Wicked after half-term. Thank you so much, Mrs Tomeo!

We are delighted to announce that for the second consecutive year, John Clare are Cambridgeshire County Netball Champions! The children have played three tournaments, not losing a single match and today faced 19 schools from across the whole of the county. They played amazingly - a huge, huge achievement for our small village school 

This week, our netball team went to the Peterborough Schools Finals after winning the Soke Schools Finals last week… and we are delighted to say we won! We now progress to the County Finals in May.

This tops an amazing few weeks of achievement in sport at John Clare - Girls Football winners, Boys Football runners up, and Rugby winners. Well done to all of our children, we are very proud!

We have two exciting new additions to our school community: 2 tortoises!

Mrs Nicolson has rehomed these wonderful creatures and once they are fully settled, they will be spending time with the children, including to listen to them read!

They met some of our children today, who stayed very quiet and calm to help them settle into their new environment. We are looking forward to taking care of our new tortoises and getting to know them - we are currently thinking of some new names, so ideas are welcomed!

Throughout the week, our Year 5 children have had the opportunity to take part in the Bikeability programme.  This is a national cycling programme that helps children learn practical skills and understand how to cycle on today’s roads.  The visiting instructors commended our children, saying that they were the best group they had taught so far!

 

 

It was lovely to welcome the families of Torpel Class (Year 6), into school this morning to share their child's learning.  We hold our Stay and Share sessions termly, for every class, to enable all children to showcase their work a

John Clare Primary School Hosts Successful SEND Support Event for Parents

John Clare Primary School, located in Helpston, Peterborough, recently hosted its first drop-in coffee session for parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

As part of the Soke Education Trust, the primary school demonstrated its commitment to supporting families and providing inclusive educational experiences through this inaugural event. The coffee session brought together various support organisations, professionals, and agencies to offer guidance and assistance to families.

"Our aim was to create a welcoming space where parents could access valuable resources and connect with others facing similar challenges," said Abi Kefford, SENCo at John Clare Primary School. "We're thrilled with the turnout and the valuable discussions that took place between parents, our area SENCo, SEND governor, and representatives from the Peterborough City Council SEND Information Hub."

Cathy Carlisle, CEO of Soke Education Trust, emphasised the importance of community support, stating, "In today's fast-paced world, nurturing our children's mental health is just as crucial as their academic achievements. We are committed to developing collaborative practices that support every child and family in our trust".

The event featured representatives from multiple support organisations, who provided attendees with crucial information and advice. Parents had the opportunity to meet with SENCos and staff from other local primary schools across Soke Education Trust, creating an environment for sharing ideas and experiences.

Building on the success of this initial session, the school plans to host another SEND coffee and catch-up event in the summer term, featuring additional visitors who can share their expertise and services for local children and families.

We have had some special visitors today! All the children in school have had a great morning meeting Santa. Every child has received a special gift: a lovely bag with a message and a treat. Thank you Santa!

This week, we received an update from the ‘Helping our Ukrainian Friends’ team. The shoeboxes you generously donated, along with donations of food, medicines and  clothing, are now starting their journey to Ukraine ready to be given to those in need in time for Christmas. This photo shows just how much there will be on the lorry this time! Without your help and that of many others, the team wouldn't be able to do this, so a sincere thank you to you all.

 

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