The pupils joined in enthusiastically with warm ups and games aimed at exploring and improving articulation, blending, tuning and rhythm.  They had lots of fun adding body percussion patterns and actions.

Led by their Music Co-ordinator, Charlie Evergreen, Sefton Park Choir performed Optimistic Voices, a mash up of music from their forthcoming production of The Wizard of Oz and the musical Annie. St John’s children were invited to accompany them by singing a melodic ostinato.

St John’s Y5 pupils, led by Music Co-ordinator, Lindsay Churchill, taught their new friends a riff and a bass line which they layered with a melody to create a thick texture for a performance of a song called, Wish, by Mathers and Derbyshire.

The afternoon concluded with a workshop performance of Walking on Sunshine, accompanied by Mr Evergreen on the guitar, and a range of improvised percussion embellishments.  Everyone left feeling very uplifted and smiley! 

Congratulations to everyone who took part but special congratulations to Kobi and Joshua for achieving ‘Best In School’ certificates and to the following children who also achieved distinction award: Axel, Teddy, Gabriella, Belle, Avery, Lucas, Thomas.

The children invited will have their names and photo displayed in school and are also listed below:

Year 3&4:   Vikshara KPI, Nixie P-C, Rafi J, Alexander W, Benjamin B, Ted P, Thomas S-B, Reuben C, Lily M, Stefania V, Yibei T, Edith S, Freya L, Darius ZZ, Lydia T

Year 5&6:   Isla J, Linda P, Erim I, Leyla N-B, Alexandros B, Ismene S, Io W, Luca I, Dorian R, Axel E, Willow C, Carys S, Martha S, Yasmeen A, Maggie L

Children from across the school received a headteacher’s certificate in service today to acknowledge their exceptional manners and respect towards others. We know that politeness is an important life skill and we are looking to ensure this is a consistent feature of St. John’s children behaviour and attitude so please do support this at home.

Subsequently, we have been delighted to learn that this turned out to be the highest mark of all the drama groups taking part in the Festival and therefore they have been awarded a sleek glass trophy for being the best group overall!

We are very proud of our performers as this was a significant achievement against tough competition – a great honour indeed.

Miss Morgan will be running a Group Speaking ensemble next year if this has inspired your child to give it a try – look out for more details in the autumn.

Well done to: Ieun, Yasmeen, Aurora, Linda, Will, Romy, Ismene, Hebe, Lily, Lowen.

Children in Bristol urgently need foster homes. By fostering with Bristol City Council, you help children say close to their friends and family. Every child deserves a safe and welcoming home to help them reach their potential.

There’s no typical foster family – just as there’s no typical child.

You don’t need to be married, own your own house, or have specific qualifications to be a foster carer. We welcome people of any ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and religion.

In return for your time and care, you’ll receive:

1. A weekly allowance per child plus weekly payments
2. Dedicated support and regular contact with other foster carers
3. Free access to Bristol City Council gyms and other citywide discounts

 “Fostering is the best thing we have ever done and brings us joy and fun every single day.” BCC foster carer.

 Want to know more or have an informal chat with our team?

Email: fostering@bristol.gov.uk

Call: 0117 353 4200

Does your child love singing?

Calling all parents of musical children in Year 4. Auditions for Bristol Cathedral Choir are currently open, to start in September 2026.

As a chorister your child would

• Have a guaranteed place at Bristol Cathedral Choir School from Year 7
• Receive free singing lessons
• Receive termly incentive payments
• Receive free instrumental lessons
• Enjoy biennial tours to Europe
• Receive a first class musical education
• Sing alongside professional musicians

If your child loves singing, and you think being a chorister might be right for them, the Cathedral Choir is holding auditions on Saturday 2 May and Saturday 9 May 2026. For details on what to prepare, and to book, see here: https://bristolcathedral.churchsuite.com/-/forms/rtsnnq6x

Please note: there are just eight places for choristers each year. Being a chorister is a commitment from the start of Year 5 through to the end of Year 9. The expectation is that your child, once accepted, remains in the choir for the duration. You need to be sure this is the right decision for your child and your family. The commitment is high, but the reward is high also.

For any additional queries, please email music@bristol-cathedral.co.uk.

The winners of the Easter competition were announced, congratulations to the winners, and a big well done to all who took part. The judges were very impressed with all your creations.

LRR

Winner  Destiny-Grace A Owls

Runner Up  Ish B Ducklings

Highly Commended  Jackie K Owls, Seth F Cygnets, Monty C Kestrels

WR

Winner  Nikolas G Dragon Boats

Runner Up   Amelia W Balloons

Highly Commended  Millie H-S Carnival, Iris R Avon

Lots of excitement and fun , some great competition and good sportsmanship. Also, great opportunity to check on skills improvement in the 2 sports.

Well done to some of our amazing sports leaders that helped with coaching the teams and officiated the Y3&4 matches as well as to all the children that took part on both days.

Rowling won the Y3&4 basketball event and Dahl the Y5&6 netball.

The children also experienced an exciting Explorer Dome science show, where experiments with carbon dioxide created effects that looked just like magic! They then took part in a spaghetti and marshmallow structure challenge, where Matilda, Theo and Hector were delighted to win awards—well done to all three of you!

All of the children had a fantastic time, including the adventure of travelling back by bus up Whiteladies Road. We are incredibly proud of how brilliantly they represented our school -well done to everyone involved!

The exemplary behaviour and conduct of St. John’s students were praised by Festival organisers, which makes us very proud.

On Tuesday 31st March, there will be a celebration concert showcasing work from across all sections of the Festival. If you would like to purchase tickets, information can be found here: http://www.bristolfestival.co.uk/concert/