Well, as you know, we do like to have fun at Farsley Westroyd. We are a group of like-minded adults and children who certainly have an eye for fun and like to see the lighter side of life! Every single day, numerous times throughout the day, I laugh out loud. Not many people can say they go to work and this happens! This week we had the perfect combination for our school. Someone who was going to make us laugh and inspire us to read! As you may know, this is the National Year of Reading and although this year writing is our main priority in school, the correlation between reading and writing means we are going to do whatever we can to get our children to read more. To quote our year six teacher, Mr Fawcett, he says that what is missing from children’s writing is “the turn of phrase.” This means how the children use language in their writing to create effect. The best way to improve a child’s turn of phrase, is by reading. So, we kicked off this year’s reading plan, with a visit by a comedian who also happens to be an author. James Campbell, who I had never heard of if I am honest, but I certainly do now. He worked with each class, delivering a workshop, and he was absolutely hilarious and had everyone in stiches, with his play of language. We think he did struggle with our Yorkshire accent at times, being from Essex, but that just became part of his impromptu performance. We featured on his Instagram page that day and I would love to have him back in for another stand-up performance.

It may be winter and not cricket season, but the children have a block of cricket training over the next six weeks, thanks to Yorkshire Cricket’s, Time to Shine initiative. Thankfully, we have astroturf and nets, meaning the children were playing on an ideal surface for cricket. Tom, the coach, said he had the best day working with our children from Y1- Y4, and their ball skills were strong, meaning he could really push them further.

Would you believe I went to a meeting on Friday to plan this year's Farsley light switch on? How organised are we this year! The three primary schools are working closely with Farsley Community Project to ensure the event is creative, fun and child-centred. We did decide on a theme for the lanterns this year, but my lips are sealed! It is a good one for sure and the lantern making starts very soon. Watch out for a simple fundraising event between all the schools in the village so we can get cracking.

Finally, I am in a funny position this weekend as I write this, as I am about to be off school for two weeks and out of physical action for three months at least. Having never had a block of time off work and rarely been absent at all in a 28-year career, it feels a bit odd. They say exercise is good for you. Well, a lifetime of exercise and training has and is taking its toll on my body, and I am about to have surgery to have my torn hamstring repaired at the top of my left leg. I have been struggling for the last two years, with the most painful activity being sitting down! Well, all that is about to change, in the hands of my consultant, so I can keep working and training for many years to come. Short term pain for long term gain! School will be in very safe hands, with our team. I am worried about coming back to school though. How can I make a brew and take it to my room whilst on crutches? I have already warned the children I am going to need some assistants! I won’t be short of help, our children love helping out and organising.