The children have had a very busy week – spending lots of time outside enjoying the sunshine, and inside having far too much fun! Our young leaders have been working with all the children across the school getting them playing different sports and taking part in different activities during break and lunch time. Having a wander around the playground at lunch time to see what the children were up – turned into me becoming a judge of an impressive variety talent show – something I am very experienced at, having pretended to be Simon Cowell on many talent show panels – this was of course done with the help of some very observant Year 2 children, who also fancied themselves as judges.  The children are so very creative and fun to be around – it really is a pleasure to wander around at lunch time to see what they are getting up to. My wandering on Thursday afternoon reminded me of my very first visit to St Francis. I visited on a UFA afternoon some 10 years ago, and I was blown away by the variety, smiles, laughs and skills that the children were demonstrating. It is nice to see after so many years, that spirit of UFA has definitely not faded over time. UFA is a favourite part of the week for children to access different aspects of the curriculum, in fun creative ways – and the children love it! Check out the photos to see to children in their UFA groups. 

It is fast approaching that busy, exciting time of year once again, and this is being reflected around school. The coming weeks are the most exciting time to be a teacher; being around children at Christmas keeps the magic alive! The Key Stage 2 children in the St Francis Choir have been busy preparing for the Advent Service on the 4th December at St. Anthony’s Church. They have had a day of singing rehearsals with Mrs Davies and myself. Singing isn’t one of the things I would necessarily choose to do, especially when in the company of our very own Katherine Jenkins (Mrs Davies), but we had a great day with the children, who listened and performed so well. The travelling nativities are now doing their rounds; please use them with your children and return them to school the following day for the other children to use. Mrs Kerr has been very creative with Reception Class, linking in learning about 2D shapes, to making Christmas trees – the children have done a great job!

Firstly, thank you to all the well-wishes given to school for Miss. Deakin in her recovery from surgery. She is recovering well at home, and we all wish her a speedy recovery. I am in contact with her each day, giving her updates and making sure she stays off her e-mails – which isn’t easy!

It is with great sadness, that I sit and write these words. A much-loved former pupil, Timmy Hindle, sadly passed away last week, aged just thirteen. Timmy is fondly remembered by everyone at St Francis’ and the news weighs heavy on our hearts. Timmy was a quiet, kind and thoughtful boy, who had a wonderful, dry sense of humour. He loved the outdoors and was well-liked by both staff and his peers. A small memorial garden will be created at school and will be named in his memory. All the staff and pupils at St Francis’ send their thoughts, love and condolences to Timmy’s family and friends.

We are delighted to present our new school video. We hope you all enjoy!