Students and staff at The Academy of St Francisof Assisi recently came together to celebrate the life and teachings of theschool’s patron saint, St Francis of Assisi.

St Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and the environment, and his message of kindness, humility, and care for all creation continues to inspire the academy community.

The day began with a special form-time reflection, during which students explored St Francis’ teachings and considered how they can live out his values in their own lives.

Students considered the ongoing impact of climate change, particularly on less fortunate communities across the world, and reflected on their own responsibility to protect the planet.

An engaging gallery display in the main corridor of the academy invited students to reflect on the question, ‘What would Francis do?’. Through powerful images of animals in need, the display encouraged students to think deeply about animal welfare and the importance of compassion in everyday life.

In the true spirit of St Francis, the academy community also came together to support its school food bank, with parents, students, and staff donating items to help local families in need.

A highlight of the day was a visit from Boo’s Mobile Zoo, which brought a selection of animals for a special educational display. Year 7 students enjoyed learning about the care, needs, and conservation of different species, reinforcing the values of stewardship and empathy that lie at the heart of St Francis’ teachings.

Year 7 student, Ellie, said: “It was so nice to see the animals and hear about how they are protected in the wild.”

Headteacher of The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, Ms Teresa Bleasdale, said: “Feast Day is always a special time for our academy community. It reminds us of the importance of kindness, generosity, and respect for all living things, values that St Francis lived by and that continue to inspire us every day.”