St. Francis School

My name is Renee Hennessy, and I have worked for St Francis Preschool for sixteen years. My journey at St Francis began in 1995 when the preschool first opened its doors. As a college student at U of L, I was hired to work with the extended day program. I recall sitting in my first meeting with the head of school and director at the time and being completely inspired by the beautiful campus, the mission of the school, and the experience and excitement of the teachers. Since those beginning days at the preschool, I have taught in all of the classrooms and age groups from two year olds to Junior Kindergarten. During my teaching career I was influenced by the works of Lillian Katz and her book Young Investigators: The Project Approach in the Early Years, as well as the book The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach. Dr Katz supports the sustained, in depth exploration of events or objects in a child's environment. Children are encouraged to raise questions and look for answers about things that interest them.

Since that first day in August 1995, I have had many more inspired moments at the preschool. Specifically, they are the children that enter through our doors and the creative teachers that sing, read, paint, dream, laugh, and celebrate childhood.