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My strongest memory of being in the junior school was the above ground swimming pool that we had. We loved it but it was always so cold. I have two swimming certificates that I was awarded by the school, for learning to swim at Maindee Pools. My first teacher I had in the junior school was an art teacher and he let us draw a lot (maybe that is where my love of art started) he might have been called Mr Webb but I am not 100% sure. I then went upstairs to Mr ? Class and I remember loving history. Then I went to Mr Davies’ class (who also taught my son) – I remember doing pottery with him – I might still have the pot. He also taught us Welsh songs such as Sosban Fach. Then my last teacher was Mr Pugh. I remember having stuffed animals from the museum, such as badgers in class for a few weeks. I also remember school trips to St Fagan’s, Longleat and Dodington Park (nr Bath although it is not there now), it had an amazing adventure playground. We used to do old time music shows, where we dressed up in old fashioned long dresses and bonnets. Also we had residential trips to places such as Forest Coal Pit and Hilston Park. There was also a bomb scare when I was at St Julian’s Junior school. We were all kept on the top yard until it was safe. Mrs Owen was a very strict teacher but she was great at keeping our spirits up.

I have since worked mostly in administrative roles until I had children, working for Newport County AFC and then in the motor trade. After my children were born, I became a civil servant working in the Passport Office and then the Office for National Statistics. All this time, I was still living in St Julian’s until Feb 2007, when I moved to Sydney, Australia with my family. Returning to St Julian’s at the end of 2009, I went to Coleg Gwent to study Art and Design, which led me to a degree course at Cardiff Metropolitan University. I graduated in July 2016 with a BA(hons) degree in Artist Designer: Maker, at the age of 50! I have been working on various creative projects since graduation to gain experience, working predominately on participatory art projects.

I just remember Mr Davies and his guitar.

I now have a 10 year old child and work as an admin manager.

I remember Mrs Tamplin and our project on hot air balloons. Mrs Coombes’ assemblies. Mrs Elway on the piano. Long play times on the field. The swimming pool. Sandwich bar with chocolate spread sandwiches!

I’m now a Primary School Teacher in Pontypool. I sent my son to St. Julian’s because I loved it there so much 😀.

I remember being part of the Welsh dance group both in the infants and with Mr Carter in years 5 & 6. I remember flapjacks being sold at break time for 20p.

After A levels I did a gap year to look for work, then went on a Foundation Diploma course in Art, Media and Design. Went into a BA Hons course for photographic art with UWN, Caerleon. Only did one year and dropped out. Took another gap year and went into a Foundation Degree in Photography with Coleg Gwent. I’m currently considering topping up to a BA Hons in September.

I have also tried setting up my own photography business and am a regular Welsh Dancer with Gwerinwyr Gwent who also run the Gwyl Plant which I was a part in while in school.

I remember lovely teachers, PC Hopkins’ talks, Mr Drewitt, the summer spectacular where my dad always used to run the ‘soak a teacher’ stall!

I went on to Caerleon Comprehensive, then studied animal management in Usk college, worked at Summerhill Vets. Now currently working as a senior travel money advisor/trainer for a bank.

I remember a lot… the recorder lessons at break time and lots of different teachers… Mrs Evans and Miss Coombes.

I work in retail.

I remember playing sports – played cricket and chess at county level in the 4th year. I remember the chess team organised by Mr Corbett. Christmas concerts and sports days. I lived 50 yds from the school gate! I now live in Fredrikstad, Norway.

I spent 20 years at the University of Surrey, have a PhD and taught Chemical Engineering. I am now an environmental researcher in Norway.

I am pleased to say that I have only fond memories of St Julian’s, many influenced by teachers and their love for singing and arts and crafts. My teachers were Mrs Evans (Year 3), Mrs Hollings (Year 4 and 6) and Mr Davies (Year 5). It was at St Julian’s that I found my love for singing. I was encouraged to join the local Gwent youth choir and perform with friends across Newport and even putting in a performance at The Royal Albert Hall as part of their Youth Proms. Singing is a hobby that I continue this day as a member of Allegra Ladies Choir with which I am able to perform for audiences at venues such as The Celtic Manor and later this year at Cardiff Arms Park. During my time at St Julian’s I recall my favourite lessons being art with Mrs Lewis. To this day, I still have a number of pieces I created, including a coal sketch of my boot, a painting of a Māori tribal mask; as well as a 2D Welsh lady which for many years held pride of place on our fridge.

After receiving AEN support myself during primary school and then later going back to St Julian’s Primary for work experience during 6th form for work experience; I found a love for teaching and supporting pupils who may need that extra support to reach their full potential. I went on to study for my ‘CACHE Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3’ which I passed in July 2017. Without the support of St Julian’s Primary (that took me on again so that I could complete the work placement section of the course) I would not have qualified and gone on to register with a local teaching recruitment agency which in turn has enabled my to work in a number of schools in Newport. I love my job and at is all thanks to St Julian’s Primary.