Doubling the Fun and Excitement: Frankie is Back - Better than Ever!

Frankie the Falcon, our beloved school mascot, has long been a symbol of school spirit. While the original costume was a favourite in the community, it had its fair share of challenges. Thanks to a generous grant from the ISP Fund, Frankie has undergone a complete makeover - taking our mascot to a whole new level. Now, with a fresh look and plenty of new features, Frankie is more ready than ever to inspire school spirit and bring joy to the entire community!

The New-look Frankie

After taking over responsibility for activities involving Frankie, MS language teacher Mariana Garza suggested improvements to the original mascot. Mariana collaborated with students, staff, and representatives from various school groups to redesign the costume. Feedback was gathered on key new features:

• Improved ventilation and durability to cope with all weathers
• Enhanced visibility and better fit
• A friendlier, ‘fluffier’ design with bird-like features including feathers, a tail, and feet

The process involved working through several iterations with the costume company. While there were some missteps (like a head design that initially resembled an owl!), the final costume is a vast improvement. It offers better visibility, a secure fit, and even includes a fan for keeping Frankie cool on warm days!

“The goal was to create a mascot that was not only fun and engaging but also practical for the person wearing it. It was a collaborative effort with students and staff to ensure Frankie’s new look truly reflects our community spirit.”

Mariana Garza, MS Language Teacher

In addition, Frankie’s costume now comes in two sizes, enhancing inclusivity for the wearer. This thoughtful adaptation not only broadens access but also introduces flexibility: Frankie can be in two places simultaneously or appear as a pair for particularly special events, amplifying their presence and impact!

Falcon Fridays

Last year, Falcon Fridays were introduced to enhance school spirit. On Friday mornings, Frankie greets students as they arrive at school, accompanied by dance music with an uplifting beat. Small games are organised, creating a fun atmosphere and offering everyone a chance to start the day on a high note.

“It’s great to get to be the school’s mascot. When I’m Frankie, I like to dance and get my friends involved”.

Zoe, Grade 6

Falcon Fridays have been well received, with students getting involved, even to the point where they are reluctant to leave for class! Rain or shine, Falcon Fridays have become a staple, thanks to a team of Elementary, Middle, and Upper School students who take turns being Frankie.

Expanding Frankie’s Role

Beyond Falcon Fridays, Frankie now visits the Upper School on Wednesdays to spread joy and hand out small, healthy treats. We’ve also introduced Falcons Celebrate, where Frankie helps commemorate milestones or special events in the Elementary School. For example, Frankie recently delivered ‘special agent’ badges to Grade 1 students after completing a detective-themed unit. 

“We want Frankie to be more than just a mascot for sports. Some of our students are not involved in athletic activity, so it's important for Frankie to connect with everyone, no matter their interests.”

Mariana Garza, MS Language Teacher

The community has responded positively to Frankie’s new look, with children writing letters, drawing pictures, and even bringing small gifts for Frankie. Parents have also shared how much the weekly visits brightened their child’s school experience.

Impact on Students

Being Frankie is a unique opportunity for students, particularly the younger ones, to develop confidence and communication skills. For some, arranging their appearance is their first experience of sending formal emails or managing responsibilities like scheduling their time. These interactions help them grow while contributing to the school community.

Moving Forward

To streamline Frankie’s future appearances, a more organised system is being put in place, including a booking calendar and labelled storage for the costumes. While managing Frankie’s schedule and logistics can be demanding, the joy it brings to the students makes it worthwhile.

Frankie has become more than a school mascot; Frankie is a symbol of community and positivity, embodying the welcoming spirit of ISP.
 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2023/24

Your generosity and involvement in the life of ISP make us the great school that we are today. 

Please consider making a gift to ISP Fund in 2024/25.