As I write this blog, I reflect upon the many transformations St.Francis’ has had throughout the year so far. I have just submitted an article to ‘The Guide’ about our Pre-School and, when I look at all of the things we have achieved together in such a short space of time, it really makes me so very proud to belong at St.Francis’ School. Yesterday, a teacher told me how happy staff are here and I have to say that it shows each and every day. I just don’t know how we are now in our last half term of the year. It stills seems like yesterday when I was only visiting school. We continue to thrive on our ‘onwards and upwards’ approach.

We have had a wonderful day which began with our ‘Make a Splash’ concert. Every child in the school performed and they were all incredible. Pendle Class sang and performed a rap, Parlick sang ‘Love Shine a Light,’ Fairsnape sang ‘Mamma Mia’ and Becaon class played ‘A Sailor Went to Sea’ and ‘Counting Stars’ on the ukuleles. The soloists and group performances were amazing and all children made us very proud. They are all shining stars. We had many parents and visitors and I thank you all for cake donations. Mrs Eastham donated some plants to sell and two children in Year 6 ran a ‘guess the name of the teddy stall!’ When I saw a Steiff bear sat on the table very close to some chocolate cakes, I have to say I did panic a little. I am glad that the bear remains clean! We raised £110 in total so well done to all of you and to our very talented children who performed today!

When I walked into the assembly hall to see trophies and certificates it made me smile. Our football team were outstanding in yesterday’s tournament and they came second in the final against many other schools. They were a credit to us all, as were our cricket team on Wednesday. Keeping on a sports theme, I don’t think I have heard the children as excited as they have been about Judo lessons. I am not entirely fond of children wrestling each other on the floor but I have been assured that it is a great sport with discipline. Seeing their faces so happy and watching their enthusiasm means I have to accept that the Judo lessons are a positive enrichment activity and not a dangerous health and safety threat!

The week has been very busy- in fact it began for me on Saturday at Longridge Field Day. We had a St.Francis’ stall where we promoted the pre-school. I was delighted to find a box with St.Francis’ baseball caps inside earlier this week as they will match the ‘Pre-School opening in September’ T-shirts we have very well. Mrs Kerr is over the moon at having to wear one at Grimsargh Field Day! Thank you to all who came to Family Mass on Sunday-the recorder players were wonderful and they hadn’t been learning ‘One More Step Along the World I Go’ for long. Their talent and enthusiasm is inspirational. It is a pleasure to listen to the recorder players rehearse outside on the grass during lunch times. They sit in a big circle and enjoy each other’s company as they play all of the songs they know.

Next week, we look forward to ‘St.Francis’ Got Talent’ which is on Friday afternoon at 1.30pm. The children have been organising this and we can’t wait! You are all most welcome to come and watch. Please send in any backing tracks or music/props that the children need by Tuesday next week. We also look forward to welcoming our new starters for their first ‘Stay and Play’ session on Friday morning. They will be regular visitors until the end of the term.

I can’t quite believe how quickly this year is flying by but we still have school trips to enjoy and I look forward to my first Summer Social BBQ and Beacon Class production. Year 6 Leaver’s Mass is on Tuesday 19th July and don’t forget to come for our Pre-School opening on Monday 18th July. The Mayor will be coming and so will the local papers!

I have posted some pictures of our wonderful week below. Have a lovely weekend.