St John’s Church of England VA Primary School
Vision and Values
'Sharing Joy and Hope within the Community'
At St John’s our vision is rooted in our firm belief that we are a community where all members are respected, cherished and valued. Our mission is to provide a safe environment in which children can learn, make mistakes and develop their confidence and understanding of the world around them, whilst being supported by their school community.
Jesus told a parable, often called The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11 - 33). It reveals how everyone is part of God’s family and everyone is loved for who they are not what they do. We want every member of our community to feel part of a family. A central element of being a family is interdependence: all are needed and valued and each person is important to the whole. We want our children to know that they are needed, valued and important.
We want to spread joy and hope throughout our school and throughout our entire community. We hope that in doing so we can support our children to discover their strengths and passions.
Our Core Christian Values
Respect
We respect all members of the community; we show consideration for the feelings, wishes or rights of others. We care for and respect our environment. We know it is important to respect and value that we are all different; we all learn in different ways.
‘Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.’ (Romans 12: 10)
Compassion
We show compassion through kindness; we put ourselves in the shoes of others and walk alongside them through both difficult and joyous times. We want to be happy and we want others to be happy, so we practise compassion.
‘But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.’ (Luke 15: 20)
Friendship
We recognise that as a community, we are all friends. We know that friendship is rooted in trust, compassion, forgiveness and kindness. We encourage one another and build each other up.
‘I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.’ (John 15: 15)
Service
We want to give back to those who may need our help. We are thankful for what we have and want to share it with others. We serve one another in love.
‘But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he took the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.’ (Luke 10: 33 - 34)
Endurance
We recognise that there are times when life can be difficult or painful for ourselves and others. We are able to endure these times with the love and support from the community around us. When the world says, ‘Give up’, we are the hope that whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’
‘And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ (Romans 5: 2 - 4)
RELIGIOUS CHARACTER OF ST JOHN’S
The school’s Religious Education policy has been drawn up in accordance with the Somerset Agreed Syllabus with reference to the Diocesan Board of Education, and the daily Act of Worship is intended to reflect our Christian tradition. It is, however, intended that our pupils should gain some awareness and understanding of other world religions. Daily collective worship for the whole school takes place on Mondays and Fridays at a school collective worship in the hall. There are separate Class and Key Stage assemblies on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Worship through Music on Wednesdays.
For festivals and special occasions we hold services at St John’s Church, Wellington.