A warm welcome back to you all!

Today, as it happened, was not such a warm welcome back for all inside our usually very cosy school. I am glad that the heating is now back in working order and school will be open tomorrow. Father Smith, the engineer and myself spent much of this evening down in the boiler room with only frogs and torches as company on what was a very dark evening! I had an interesting time in Fairsnape  this morning as Mrs Kerr, in her truly dedicated nature as a teacher, had spent much of her Christmas break looking for interesting rocks and fossils to start a new class topic. I won’t give too much away but when she asked if we can bring in a ‘Rock n Roll’ dance troupe I found myself again in awe of the dedication our staff have in providing such an all round experience for the children. Mr Gilmour has been exploring how to safely blow up giant rockets in the playground after the ‘collaborative and very scientific learning’ has taken place in the classroom! We will keep you posted. I look forward to sending you a newsletter at the end of the week.

We had another exciting week at school. Yesterday was our school Christmas Dinner and today we had a magician and party! After much pressure, I finally agreed to the children wearing ‘sensible’ party clothes. When a child asked ‘what were sensible party clothes?’ I struggled to think of a quick enough answer. Seemingly, sensible party clothes in my opinion are ‘tights and no socks because it is too cold outside.’I was given a little snowman today by one of our infant children. When I read what mum was asked to scribe for the little girl it said ‘You are wonderful. I love you!’ It made me wonder what it was that children thought was wonderful in people or things and I can only think that it is the kindness and time you give to them. I remember the teachers I had as a little girl and some I will never forget. At our school we know that small things make a great difference-even when we think they are so minor they won’t even be noticed. As we break up tomorrow I urge you all to remember the little things that make a big difference-even if we think they don’t. In our school assemblies we talk about giving a simple smile can make somebody’s day.

Another week has soon passed by and I am very much looking forward to our Advent Service that the Key Stage 2 children have been preparing for. I can’t believe the standard of singing within our school. I had the privilege of watching the rehearsal in church for this special service, which is on Tuesday next week at 2.00pm. It is clear that one thing St.Francis has to offer is the community feel to everything we do. No matter what age or gender, our children always give it their all and have no inhibitions. The children were all singing strongly with every confidence. I have always believed that we create a culture of our own excellence and we shine in so many ways. The rehearsal demonstrated to me that shared vision is everything and we are all incredible.

What a wonderful half term we have had so far. As Christmas fast approaches and we work our way through Advent, we remind ourselves what a wonderful time of year this is. It feels like the Reception children have always been here and I am sure you will enjoy watching them perform with such confidence in the Nativity ‘Born in a Barn.’School is looking wonderful. I am attaching pictures of displays and general school areas. The decorating was certainly worthwhile and we look forward to having our Willow dome re-threaded.The children in the school choir and band have been rehearsing today and I found it amazing to watch some of our Reception children there too. The older children look after the younger children so well with so much care and kindness. I sometimes can’t believe how mature some of the children are-especially the Year 6 children who are preparing for such wonderful (yet challenging) things towards the end of the year.