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.

Everywhere I have looked this week and everyone I have seen has been very busy indeed. I walked into Fairsnape this morning to find an Egyptian tomb. I can never keep up with Mrs Kerr and her absolutely out of the box ideas for lessons. I taught in Fairsnape Class on Tuesday and when I saw rotting apples on the desks I did wonder. I had a brilliant morning in class with the children and was in awe of their Egyptian lap books. I would urge you to have a look at their Web page for the exciting apple explanation!  The children have been wowing me with their musical skills and Parlick sang ‘love shine a light’ in assembly today with only hearing it for the first time earlier that afternoon. We have children from Reception class in the choir and I counted half of the school there today.

As I haven’t had chance to see the parents to thank them again, I write this as a thank you. Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome some little pre-school stars into school. We took some pictures of our soon to be new starters or pre-school children and it was brilliant! The children had a wonderful time and it was just lovely to see them so happy in school. Thank you parents who helped in the making of our latest pre-school brochure. I attach some pictures to make you smile…

I haven’t been in school today as I have been on a course. This comes with benefits and problems as I always miss school when I am not there and wonder what the children are doing. After my course, I returned to school to catch up on anything I had missed and to return emails and phone calls. I was met with three perfectly arranged Ipads on my desk and no one in sight-no one until Mr Gilmour appeared to tell me all about the exciting assembly I had missed. The Year 5 children led a WWF reflection as a reminder for our ‘Wear it Wild’ day and parents joined in with singing ‘Knees Up Mother Brown’- and that was only the beginning. When I asked what the Ipads were doing on my desk, I was told they had been put there so I could see what had been going on in school throughout the day!

When a child tells you that their school is the ‘best place on earth,’ you remember what high quality education is all about. Every school, to a child, should be the best place on earth. I was equally as excited as the children when I was approached by many of them asking if I could take them into the Millennium Walk at lunchtime. Obviously, I stopped what I was doing, put my wellies on and headed off with them. Tiny doors for fairies were placed at the ground of the beautiful trees and I was asked to help the children look for ‘Toad of Toad Hall.’ We spent at least half an hour trying to find ‘Toad’ but he must have gone or heard us coming! The search continues!

I am delighted to tell you that you can register your child now ready to start in September. We can welcome children from the age of two. Next half term, we will invite you in for visits and we will also be welcoming new starters into school to stay and play weekly. More information coming soon. Pre-School packs are in the process of being prepared and will be available very soon. In the meantime, Miss Taylor will add your child’s name to our list and with your days and requirements will log places. We can offer 20 places in the morning and 20 in an afternoon session.

Beacon Class have been busy making posters for this event. Send your child into school on 27th May dressed as a wild animal to raise money for WWF. Any donations, no matter how small, will be gratefully received and sent to WWF. This ties in nicely with the Pope’s Encyclical on ‘Care for our Common Home.’ Please have a look on Beacon Class page for more information and a link to the WWF website.

Most of you will have been told by your children that we have been watching our eggs hatch this week! We have four very healthy little chickens and one that is being nurtured to full strength as we speak by Miss Stuart. We welcomed Mr Severyn to our team this week, as he has joined us for the rest of the term to teach curriculum music to all year groups. Ukuleles are being ordered on Monday and the day began with the sound of reggae music! It is incredible to hear how the children in the infants are genuinely talented at music and many are playing instruments. The juniors set a fabulous example for our younger children and I sincerely thank them for their inspiration.  I don’t think they realise just how powerful an influence they all are. I was delighted to welcome back some children who have now returned to choir. We have so many infant musicians and we are currently planning to have an infant music concert. Children in Year 2 joined the choir today and what an incredible sound they all made. We value every voice and children can join the choir at any time.