IN HER letter to parents, St John's School headteacher Diana Mason welcomes the new school year with news that hot meals are now available at lunch times, supplied by Cygnets, Weymouth College Caterers.

A special project this year is to create a Christian sculpture trail around the school, using local artists and materials.

The theme of the first sculpture is, Courage and the children have been invited to design something which could be carved into Portland stone and put in the school grounds.

The aim of these sculptures is to give children an area to sit and think about the subject chosen.

When the project is finished, there will be an official walk around the sculptures for children and parents.

The school prayer group meets on a Monday mornings and welcomes Christians from all denominations.

In assemblies during the first week, Mrs Mason spent time talking to the children about their worries as they start a new school year, some of whom chose to decorate a Bible verse that she had given them for encouragement.

Plans for this term include a Kenya Day, when parents are invited to help in the classes and on Saturday, September 27, from 10am to noon, a jumble sale at the school raises money for Wiru School in Kenya.

  • ST ALDHELM'S Church Friday Night Club is starting again this Friday (19), with a beetle drive.

Everyone is welcome at this social gathering, meeting at the Church Lounge.

  • ST ANN'S Schoolroom is the local venue for the Weymouth Trefoil Group World's Biggest Coffee Morning.

It is hoped that a huge stir' will be made for this event which takes place from 10am til noon on Saturday, September 27.

  • THE St Aldhelm's Church harvest supper and quiz night is on Saturday, October 11, starting at 6.30pm.
  • A DOZEN community and voluntary organisations were represented for the Meeting Point lunch at St Aldhelm's Church Hall to discuss matters of joint interest and concern.

Gary Fookes of Team Dorset spoke of opportunities that are opening up relating to the 2012 Olympics.

The extent to which the whole community stands to benefit at each stage can not be overstated.

After giving examples of ways in which youngsters are becoming inspired with the whole prospect, Gary described how Team Dorset is working as a catalyst, serving as a recognisable brand for people and organisations to join.

Thus they can express their commitment to this growing and tangible expression of Olympic ideals.

It is important that our communities grasp the opportunities for growth and improvement that will be presented in terms of transport, health, sports, tourism and education Gary referred to the Cultural Olympiad, which is set to encompass a range of events and festivals that will be of special significance for all age groups and which will feature community and voluntary groups as never before.

The media coverage will be huge, so it is impossible to overestimate the effect on our communities!