St John's CEP, Maidstone, Kent

06/10/2026

Year 6 took part in a DT workshop today to introduce them to the world of construction. This workshop was linked to the A249 Bearsted Road improvement works in Maidstone.

The workshop provided Year 6 with an introduction to construction and infrastructure, some of the careers available within the industry, and a practical design-based activity linked to a real local project. As the Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme is focused on road and junction improvements, the children took part in a fun, interactive design challenge linked to highways and infrastructure.

We most definitely have some future construction minded children amongst Year 6!

06/10/2026

In computing Year 2 recreated the ‘thought process’ behind their inventions to understand ‘input & output’.

06/10/2026

Christmas Box Appeal 2026

Today your child will bring home a leaflet for this year’s Christmas Box Appeal for disadvantaged children in Southeast Europe.

To find out more, please follow this link: https://houseofopportunity.org/what-we-do/house-of-opportunity/

We hope you will support us in this as you have done in previous years.

The completed boxes should be brought into school via your child/children’s classroom.

Deadline to hand in your box is Friday 13th November.

05/10/2026

Today Year 6 were lucky enough to be invited to Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) who in partnership with Maidstone Literary Festival, hosted internationally bestselling author-illustrator and 2019-22 Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell!

Cressida is the creator of the How to Train Your Dragon books (which have been adapted into animated and live action films). Cressida spoke about her new books, Which Way to the Future and How to Train Your Dragon School. During the event, Cressida gave us tips on becoming an author or illustrator, gave us behind-the-scenes details about how her books became films, and talked about her inspirations.

Many children from Year 6 purchased books by Cressida which she signed during our time with her.

Year 6 left the event feeling very inspired indeed - we most certainly have some budding authors and illustrators amongst our Year 6 children!

05/10/2026

Friends of St John's (FOSJ) - Upcoming Events

Further information to follow.

05/10/2026

FOSJ - Quiz Night 20th November -

The Friends of St John's are pleased to announce their first quiz night of this academic year.

This will take place on Friday 20th November @ 7.30pm in the school hall.

Tickets (£30 per table, up to 8 people) are now on sale at:
https://www.pta-events.co.uk/stjohnscep/

Closing time for tickets is Tuesday 17 November at 5pm.

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

Church News

This Sunday is our Harvest Festival, a Communion service at 09:00am at Boxley, please do come and stay for our Scarecrow Festival.

The church is decorated with lots of flowers and pumpkins, cakes baked for refreshments and sale, various stalls and a quiz trail through the churchyard for children. All set in beautiful surroundings .

Scarecrows are being placed today. As the weather is due to be kind, why not come and see us between 10am and 4pm Saturday or 11am and 4pm Sunday.

02/10/2026

On Wednesday Year 5 attended Maidstone Museum to learn all about the Ancient Greeks.

As this is our history topic this term, it was great chance for us to sharpen our knowledge, have a chance to handle artefacts and explore all that the museum had to offer.

Whilst there, we also became ‘Greek Artisans’ and made our own terracotta vases. The day was fun, interactive and a really valuable way to boost our history learning. 

02/10/2026

Boys Football -

On Monday, St. John's took part in the boys under 11's 6-a-side tournament at the Gallagher stadium.

The team had a really enjoyable morning and of our 5 group games we won 2, lost 2 and drew 1. The standard of competition was high and although we were disappointed not to progress in to the 'knockout' phase, the team can be very proud of their efforts.

Importantly our boys were always gracious in victory and honourable in defeat.

Thanks to all the family members who helped with lifts and supported the team.