At this time of year I am always so humbled to spend quality time with all of the children as they remind us what a special time of year this is. Spiritually, we have been preparing ourselves for God’s greatest gift-Jesus. Last night, we joined other small schools at St. Antony’s Church in Fulwood for an Advent Service. Some of our children sang ‘Are You Ready for the Light’ and it was beautiful. We are very proud of them and I thank you for bringing your children to the service. Through assemblies, prayer and liturgy, we understand the true meaning of Christmas. We hear of such sadness in the world and think about the less fortunate in particular at this time of year. The thing that makes a school so special is the loving care that all show towards one another. At St.Francis’ we work together as a community to support one another as we grow in faith and, even at this busy time of year, we continue to be thoughtful towards each other’s needs and never stop moving forwards. Next Wednesday, Preston College are coming to school to perform ‘Puss in Boots’ pantomime. On Thursday, Year 5 are carol singing at Bushell House Rest Home, our Christmas Fair is on Sunday 11th December after Family Mass, our Aladdin trip is on 13th December and on the same day our Pre-School children  will be singing Mini-Carols around the tree with parents, School Christmas Dinner is on 14th December, Carols around the Tree is on 15th December at 2.00pm and the KS2 Advent Service is at 6.00pm that evening. Christmas Jumper Day is on Friday 16th December and KS1 Nativity ‘Sparkle’ is at 6.00pm on 20th December. The children are working very hard to learn lines and songs. The Advent Service and Nativity will be very special events and it is so important that we come together at this time of year as a family unit. Please bring your children to take part in these events although they are after school. Every smile, voice and speaking part is important.

What a great time we had making our Christmas CD. The whole school sang a variety of Christmas songs for you to buy. With only having one day to record and make the CD, we have included the ‘best’ takes. We will be performing more traditional songs for you at the Advent Service and at Carols around the Tree. The children wanted to record the songs that they love the most. The PTFA will be selling the CDs at the Christmas Fair on Sunday 11th December after Family Mass. They will be available to buy in school also. The price for the CDs is still being negotiated but we will let you know soon.

Our Mad Science assembly on Monday was fantastic. Forms to sign up have been sent home. Here are some pictures to make you smile…

Learning about sound waves using a slinky…

Recording Studio in the school hall…