I often refer to our children as stars because they shine in everything they do. Even when things are difficult, they sparkle because they always try their very best. One of our governors emailed me to congratulate our league table success as one of the top performing primary schools in the country. I had forgotten about this because we are so used to our natural  ‘sparkle’ at St.Francis’ that we sometimes take it for granted that we do well. Results can change year on year and different circumstances affect score boards but I do know that our children are very talented and kind individuals and our staff are highly skilled and dedicated. This week, we won £100 and were presented with a cheque from Furness Building Society on behalf of OJ’s charity. Some of our children filled Smartie tubes with money and we found out that we raised the most out of all other primary schools. Our head girl, Libby, had promoted this throughout school and we thank her very much.Following or huge gymnastics success last week, I couldn’t believe that our ‘small’ school had managed another win. Whatever we do, we do well because we do it wholeheartedly and that it what always makes the difference.

PRESTON SCHOOLS CHAMPIONS!

We have made a great start to our Spring term. In a huge event, at the City of Preston Gymnastics Centre, close to 200 gymnasts were present, with the competition lasted close to six hours, with some of the biggest schools in Preston taking part. St Francis were represented by two girl teams and one boy team (made up of Amy Peacock, Gracie Holden, Katrina Grixti and Maggie Luke – as the first team. Grace Davies, Lizzy Moran, Libby Riley and Kitty Rossall as the second team. Liam Hamer,  Leo Briggs, Frankie Rossall and Felix Spinks as the boys team.) The children had spent the last two weeks preparing their routines, in school and and at home.  Our girls first team, came first overall, out of 32 teams, made up of 128 individual girls. Making St Francis, the Preston Schools Gymnastics Girls CHAMPIONS! Amy Peacock,  won the individual award, as the most outstanding gymnast in the girls category. Gracie, came 4th overall with an incredible routine.  The boys team, made up of two children who are new to gymnastics, came third overall, out of 16 teams; an incredible achievement.Frankie and Leo finished 5th and 6th respectively, just missing out on the medals.

We are very proud – well done children! You can see how professional they came across from the pictures below. Thank you very much Miss Stewart, Mr Gilmour and parents for preparing the children so well. Not only did they perform really well, they had a great day out also.

In other news, new topics have sparked new inspiration and there seems to be a theme of bones and wildlife running throughout school. Our Wednesday animal welfare group found two mice in the greenhouse and this triggered a lengthy rescue mission. It seems that the wooden planting area was causing little birds to become trapped and unable to fly out. The remains were taken to Fairsnape class to be investigated and we removed the bench so this wouldn’t happen again.

As I sit here and write another end of term blog, I think about all of the wonderful things we have already accomplished in such a short space of time. I cannot believe that another term is over and we will return on January 8th to a new Spring Term. The children have continued to amaze us and we are very proud of them all.  I am pleased to tell you all that Infant Nativity song DVDs will be available to buy for £6.00 after the Christmas holidays. These will make a wonderful lasting gifts for your loved ones to cherish forever. We will be selling them to raise money for outdoor resources for our new EYFS and infant area. Due to the very cold weather, work will continue after the Christmas holidays and will be finished within the first fortnight back. We need some round wooden picnic tables, a wooden shed for storage (or even better-a large Wendy house for role-play), an outdoor perspex painting easel, large weighing scales and other outdoor curriculum enhancements. It is all very exciting! We thank you all for your kindness, support and dedication in making our St.Francis’ family so strong. Everything really is about communication and positive relationships. Our Outstanding Section 48 Inspection validated that we are a dedicated, highly skilled and caring staff team. It truly is a blessing to come to our school every day and watch your children love learning and thrive. The relationships between our children are a constant reminder of the values that underpin all aspects of our school. Kindness, thoughtfulness and love between every member of our school community permeates throughout. With our beautiful 2 year olds through to our exemplary Year 6 class, St.Francis’ continues to be a place of warmth and success. I thank all teachers and staff for working tirelessly and all children for always trying their best and being so considerate.

Here are some pictures taken today. This outdoor EYFS and infant area can also be used by all children in the school. Breakfast and after school club will be able to access this, as will children in every year group. We will use this for UFA groups, as part of our forest school development, and we will tie this in with our Millennium Walk development. It is all very exciting!

Dear all,

This is copied from a letter your child will be coming home with today. Please ask your child to give you the letter.

I am struggling to contain my excitement at the moment because the outdoor area is really taking shape. Our ‘World of Pure Imagination’ will be finished by the Christmas holidays. I just hope that this weather gets a little warmer for the workmen to see the ground! It is so cold today that the grass is hidden under a blanket of ice and I could barely feel my toes earlier. Please take great care when driving to school.

We are so delighted to be able to share our wonderful news with you all.  The inspectors were such a delight to have in school and we are very pleased that they saw all of the wonderful things we see in school every day. We are very proud of our children and of our school. I am sure you will all agree that this report highlights the effort of staff and our genuine Catholic ethos. Our school has been described as a  ‘unique and special place’.