A Half Term of Growth, Opportunity, and Joy

It has been a truly rewarding and inspiring half term so far here at our school, and I am delighted to take a moment to reflect on all that our young people have achieved both inside and outside the classroom.

At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. This term, I have witnessed countless examples of resilience, kindness, and determination from our pupils—qualities that make me immensely happy to be Headteacher of this wonderful community.

Celebrating Success

Our children continue to shine in so many ways. From outstanding classroom achievements to sporting success and creative performances, it has been fantastic to see their talents flourish. We can't wait for our annual music showcase event, alongside the children from our sister school St.Mary's Claughton. Our band, choir and Glee clubs are going to bring us such joy next half term.

A particular highlight has been the continued focus on academic excellence. Children have embraced opportunities to deepen their knowledge, take ownership of their learning, and strive for personal improvement. The progress seen across all year groups is a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our staff. We wish our Year 6 children well as they prepare for their SATs next week. They have worked so hard and so have the great team supporting their learning-thank you!

We have also celebrated achievements beyond the classroom. Whether representing the school in competitions, contributing to community projects, or simply demonstrating our core values each day, our students have shown what it truly means to be part of our school.

Children from both schools are preparing for their First Holy Communion and we thank Mary and Charlotte for giving their time so freely. It will be a very special occasion.

We also have the school float to look forward to and we thank our team of dedicated parent helpers who make this possible.

Inspiring Learning Beyond the Classroom

We have been particularly proud of the rich curriculum experiences offered to our pupils this term. These opportunities bring learning to life and spark curiosity in ways that stay with children for years to come.

Our KS2 pupils had the fantastic opportunity to take part in Lancashire Sings, where they represented the school brilliantly. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm, teamwork, and confidence as they performed alongside pupils from other schools. Experiences like this not only develop musical talent but also build lifelong confidence and pride. Above all...we had FUN! 

 

We also welcomed a visiting biologist, who delivered an engaging and thought-provoking session on rainforests and minibeasts. The children were fascinated, asking insightful questions and demonstrating a real passion for the natural world. It was a wonderful example of how bringing experts into school can deepen understanding and inspire future aspirations. Children in Fairsnape Class and our infants loved seeing and hearing about all of the interesting facts.

 

Memorable Trips and Experiences

Our younger pupils have also had an exceptional term full of adventure and discovery. A particular highlight was the Reception and KS1 trip to Blackpool Zoo, which proved to be a huge success. 

 

The children thoroughly enjoyed seeing a wide range of animals up close while linking their learning to real-life experiences. From observing animal habitats to discussing conservation, the visit provided a valuable and memorable extension to their classroom learning. Most importantly, the excitement and enthusiasm shown throughout the day were simply fantastic to see.

A Strong Sense of Community

One of the things that makes our school so special is the strong sense of community that runs through everything we do. Partnerships between staff, students, and families are vital, and I am grateful for the continued support from parents and carers.

Events held this term—whether academic evenings, performances, or fundraising activities—have brought us together and strengthened those connections. It is through this collaboration that we can provide the very best environment for our young people.

Supporting Every Child

We remain committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and able to succeed. Our pastoral team continue to work tirelessly to support wellbeing, recognising that happiness and confidence are key to success. Please keep in mind, you can pop in and see us if you need any support at all. We make very good brews and we like to chat!

We have also expanded opportunities for student voice, allowing pupils to play a central role in shaping their school experience. Their ideas, perspectives, and leadership are invaluable as we continue to grow and improve.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, there is much to look forward to. We are continuing to develop our curriculum, broaden enrichment opportunities, and invest in resources that enhance learning experiences.

Our focus remains clear: to provide a high-quality education that prepares children not only for exams, but for life beyond school. We want our children to leave us as confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a positive difference in the world.

I think you are going to love our St.Francis'/Laudato Si art gallery. This will be an immersive experience set up in the school hall next half term. Every child will have their art work displayed and we are focusing on St.Francis and care for our common home as the theme.

We are also having a St.Francis' open air Mass on the 12th July to celebrate the Jubilee Year of St.Francis'. If any of you remember the ' Animals' episode of The Vicar of Dibley, where parishioners could bring their animals to be blessed-this is happening here at the open air Mass on our very own school playground! I will be bringing Martin (my turtle) and we hope to see many of your there with your beloved animals for this truly unique tribute to St.Francis!