The Chronicle

Dear Parents

It has been a glorious day to end this half term and I hope that the weather continues to be this good during the next two weeks so that everyone can enjoy some time outside.

It was a pleasure to speak to a number of parents this week during the consultation evenings and I hope that you have all managed to meet with the respective class teachers to discuss your child’s first half term.  Unfortunately it was necessary to cancel Mrs Lammas’ appointments but these are now available during the first week back to school after half term.  My thanks to members of the PTA team for being present during these evenings organising the sale of second hand uniform.

We were blessed to have Fr Kevin celebrate our Junior 4 class Mass on Thursday.  Thank you to Mrs Jackson-Mayne and Mrs Simmonds for all they did in preparation for the Mass.  The pupils all carried out their roles with reverence and it was a lovely occasion.

There have been several events this week which you will be able to read more about later in this edition.    Our J2 classes visited the Mad Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon on Thursday where they were able to experience science using the interactive pieces of mechanical art.  They then went on to enjoy a boat trip in Stratford before returning back to Crackley Hall amid much excitement.  My thanks to Mrs Hardwick, Mrs Malcolm, Mr Hardwick and Mr Rawson for making this visit possible.

Some of our J3 pupils have been to St Francis this week to re-discover what happens during a Baptism.  Ms Holmes accompanied J3 and has told me how much the children enjoyed this experience which was hosted by Father Kevin. 

Today has been a busy morning which started with our assembly; well done to all of our stars of the week, our musicians (J1 group, Alistair, Issey and Seb – who were all brilliant) and to all of those whose successes were celebrated this morning.  Please continue to let us know of your children’s achievements outside of school as it is wonderful to see so many diverse hobbies, events and clubs that they are involved in; it also inspires others.

We also said ‘congratulations’ to Miss Rod who will be getting married on Sunday.  I am sure you will all join me in wishing both her and Sav, her husband to be, the very happiest of futures together.  After assembly this morning Mrs Jackson-Mayne co-ordinated the collection of the donated food that you have kindly brought into school.  This has now been taken to the Kenilworth Community Centre Food Bank and will be distributed to those in need. 

On Monday this week interviews took place for the Assistant Head: Academic role and I will be making a further announcement regarding the appointment in due course.   We were fortunate to have a very strong field of candidates and the interview panel are confident that the newly appointment member of staff has the skill set to assist the existing teaching team and continue to take the school forward.

Our sports teams all gave of their best again and we enjoyed some excellent results all round.  Special mention goes to the U/8, U/10 and U/11 rugby teams who all enjoyed a clean sweep of victories against Bablake.

As mentioned last week, there will be building work taking place during half term and the normal access to school will be out of use.  Therefore, if you are visiting school for Nursery or Holiday Club, please ensure you do not use the main front steps and entrance.   I believe there are still some places left in our holiday club so if you are in need of a place for your child during the next two weeks, please contact the School Office.    I hope that with all the building work completed during the holiday, you will return to school and notice a very different reception area which will be further improved later in the year.

Thank you very much to our parents for their support over the term – this joined-up approach helps with the children’s education.  My sincere thanks to all my staff for their dedication, support and good humour over an emotionally tough start to the school year.  They all deserve a well-earned rest.  I believe that the children have made wonderful progress and that our new pupils have settled so well into Crackley Hall.  It is noticeable how appreciative our new families are and how they recognise the difference that Crackley Hall makes to those joining.  Thank you for your positive comments and feedback.  Our PTA team are superb – we are so fortunate to have the support and energy of a willing and interested team of parents (I hope that you also get a good rest).

It remains for me to wish you a safe and restful half term and I hope that the children return refreshed and ready for the entrance examinations and other events that take place in the second part of this term.

God bless,

Robert Duigan