Records were broken. A new House lifted the trophy, bringing Beaufort's long reign to an end. But the magic of a St John's Sports Day lives in the moments in between. From our youngest Reception pupils taking part in their first races at Pre-Prep Sports to our Year 8 leavers enjoying their final Sports Day, these events are a celebration of courage, friendship, determination and community spirit.
Our Pre-Prep threw themselves into every activity with enthusiasm and smiles. Whether balancing carefully in the egg-and-spoon race, navigating the obstacle course, bouncing determinedly across the field on space hoppers or taking part in the ever-popular pairs dressing-up race, every child embraced the challenge with energy and excitement.
The class relays were a particular highlight. As teams raced back and forth, the atmosphere became increasingly electric, with families, staff and older pupils offering a constant soundtrack of cheers and encouragement from the sidelines.
For many of our youngest children, this was their very first Sports Day, making every race, every ribbon and every achievement all the more special. At this age, sport is about participation, enjoyment and having the confidence to have a go. Every effort was celebrated, every child was encouraged and every success, big or small, was warmly applauded.
Waiting at the finish line were our fantastic Year 7 pupils, ready with high fives, badges, hugs and plenty of encouragement. Their kindness helped every participant feel proud of their efforts and perfectly captured the supportive spirit of the St John's community.
On Sports Day itself House points were fiercely contested, records were recorded and pupils produced some outstanding athletic performances across the track and field events. Yet the most memorable moments were not always the ones recorded in the results book.
They were found in the nervous glance before a race began, the encouragement offered by teammates and the determination shown by pupils pushing themselves beyond what they thought possible. Time and again, children discovered they could run faster, jump further and keep going longer than they had ever imagined.
One of the most moving moments of the day came during The Great Race. Year 8 pupils joined hands with children from Year 3, guiding them all the way to the finish line.
For a few precious moments, the whole journey of a St John's education was visible for all to see: older pupils encouraging younger ones, friendships spanning year groups and a powerful reminder that nobody succeeds alone.
The Leavers' Tug of War provided another memorable highlight. It was one final opportunity for a year group that has grown up together to pull as one team, cheered on by the school community that has watched them develop from small children into confident young people ready for their next adventures.
What makes Sports Day so special is that it brings together every pupil in the school. Of course we celebrate the records and the outstanding performances, but what really stands out is the encouragement, resilience and teamwork that we see from children of every age. Those are the moments that stay with you.
I loved the relay race because everyone was cheering and it made me run really fast!
For a few hours, the records, trophies and House points feel like everything. But what lasts are the memories. The friendships. The laughter. The courage to try something new. The kindness shown in victory and defeat. Most of all, it is the confidence children gain from discovering what they are capable of and helping others do the same.
That is the true spirit of Sports Day at St John's.