

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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreHere 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!
Read MoreI always feel very privileged to be a part of the St.Francis’ family. The ‘family’ I often speak about includes many different people. Our parents continuously support our school and I give thanks for their generous donations, especially when we collect for school events. Thank you to all who contributed towards the success of our Christmas Fayre. PTFA raised a staggering £595.00 and , through a team effort, we are now is close sight of our outdoor amphitheater being built in the new year. Our parish stalls raised £160.00. Thank you to all who helped and thank you to our imaginative children and staff, who spent a great amount of time creating beautiful gifts to sell. The children’s watercolour cards were gorgeous. I thank Santa, who also managed to come on Sunday, despite being so busy this time of year! Whilst Santa arrived on his sleigh, I also arrived in my usual style that involved stopping on the road and herding approximately 40 sheep off Horns Lane and into a lane, which I presumed was the lane that led to their farm. I do apologise if this was the wrong lane and you were greeted by a herd of rather large sheep running in your direction-they did seem to know their way back home!
Read MoreDear all,
This is copied from a letter your child will be coming home with today. Please ask your child to give you the letter.
Read MoreI 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.
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