The role of the School Chaplain

In our Catholic school, the chaplain's role is to nurture the spiritual and pastoral care of the school community, promoting the Catholic ethos and supporting students and staff in their faith journey through prayer, liturgy, and catechesis. Our school chaplain is Mrs Susanne Gibbons.

Spiritual and Pastoral Care:

• • The chaplain serves as a spiritual guide, offering guidance and support to students and staff.
  • They create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can grow in faith and love. 
  • They are available to listen, counsel, and offer prayer and support during times of need. 

Promoting the Catholic Ethos:

• • The chaplain is a key figure in supporting and developing the school's Catholic mission – to Be Inspired by Christ, Service to Others and Excellence for ALL.
  • The chaplain works with students and staff in school, to ensure that the school's Catholic life is vibrant and meaningful – through activities such as fund-raising, school masses, retreats and the Christmas Carol Service.

Nurturing Faith Formation:

• • The chaplain supports students undertaking sacraments such as Confirmation, helping students to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. 
  • The chaplain organises and lead prayer services, liturgies, and other faith-based activities such as retreats to Aylesford and Canterbury Cathedral.

The School Chapel

The school chapel is a welcoming place to all staff and students in the school. The chapel is open daily and frequently used by staff and pupils. The Blessed Sacrament is present. The chapel contains Stations of the Cross and Catholic Bibles, and is decorated to be a holy place – for reflection on the Glory of God. Staff and pupils welcome the use the of the chapel for private prayer opportunities. The Holy Mass is also said in the chapel on a termly basis, for staff and students.

School Retreats

Year 7 Retreat to Aylesford. Monday 6^th October to Friday 10^th October 2025.

I am pleased to be able to make you aware that we have arranged a Retreat day (day of spiritual reflection) at Aylesford Priory, near Maidstone, for all Year 7 students. The theme of the day is ‘Discovering my talents; a Journey with Christ’. The day will encourage pupils to reflect on their own strengths, how they can use them to serve others, and how they can use their gifts to grow closer to God. This is an ideal opportunity for pupils to reflect on their first term at St John’s in the relaxed atmosphere of the Priory.

RE teachers will issue pupils with letters at the start of term. Please may I ask letters are returned to your child’s RE teacher as soon as possible.

I am looking forward to spending day with your sons and daughters.

Susanne Gibbons, Chaplain