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!

This was only the start of something wonderful. Today, our chicks have now been kept in the open. I love my Friday UFA group because the children are so caring and knowledgeable about how to look after our little chicks. As we busily tended to the chicks, we caught sight of the other UFA groups that were going on outdoors. Mrs McDade had taken her group outdoors and the children were enjoying sewing in the sun. In fact, the children were so engrossed in what they were doing that they were barely talking to each other. They were enjoying the sunshine and calmness of nature as they sewed and quite content in the company they had. Rounders was also being played and board games competitions were being had indoors.

When I showed a visitor around school earlier this week, she said that other schools must see what we are doing because it is ‘exemplary.’ It is always a joy to welcome people into our school and I sometimes wish that more would come and see what incredible things we have to offer. Staff continue to go the ‘extra mile’ and their dedication is inspiring. We have a dedicated love of what we do at St.Francis’ and I am so pleased that we can offer a pre-school from September. On the last day of this half term, we welcome you all to come in and have a tour of your child’s classroom with your child. They can show you around school and their classroom and tell you all about the exciting things that have been going on.

Music lessons are wonderful and I just love hearing the ukulele players. They will be performing for you all at our next Coffee Morning Concert. I have sent a newsletter home this evening for you all to read with important upcoming dates for your diary. Teachers will keep you up to date with any additional events and I will be very excited to inform you of our Barbeque date soon.  The term is flying by so quickly and I would urge you to keep following our school website. This always has new dates and information on the ‘news’ section enabling you all to be kept informed.

After the half term, new starters will be regular visitors in school as they join the Reception Class for ‘stay and play’ sessions and the pre-school will also be ready in the last few weeks of the term for children to visit and have a smooth transition. Any information can be provided by school. Please always just ask. We welcome your opinion and involvement. It is an absolute pleasure working with you all and I speak on behalf of all staff in thanking you for your support, kind words and collaboration in making our school ‘the best place on earth.’