The Chronicle

Dear Parents,

I hope this week’s edition of the Chronicle finds you well and looking forward to the weekend ahead.  Whilst the weather has been very changeable this week, the pace of life at Crackley Hall has remained steady with some very bright highlights.

This week the sports department has enjoyed two days out of school with the ISA Midlands Cross Country and ISA National Hockey both celebrating successes.  The cross country, held at Bedstone College, resulted in 6 children going forward to the National Finals with the Under 10 boys and Under 12 girls both winning their age-groups (there are usually over 100 runners in each age group).  A number of our athletes were placed highly and several certainly managed their best runs. 

Thursday’s visit to London to the Lee Valley Stadium was a long and tiring day but the boys came home with a bronze medal.  Congratulations to all of you who participated and thank you to the parents who supported the cross-country and hockey teams.  My sincere appreciation to Mrs Vaughan for co-ordinating these events and for her commitment to all sports at Crackley Hall.

Whilst on the subject of sports, please ensure you check the SOCS application regularly on your mobile device for updates as the sports department use this communication to advise parents of any changes or cancellations.  It is hoped that all communications are given at the earliest possible opportunity and allow parents to make logistical arrangements in good time.

Representatives from Unicef returned to school this week to talk to Junior 5.  These visits have been very informative for the children.  Thank you to Mrs Lammas for arranging the visits.

Today I welcomed Dr Maureen Glackin, General Secretary of the Catholic Independent Schools Conference, to Crackley Hall.  Dr Glackin spent an enjoyable few hours visiting classes and meeting children.  Her comments were most complimentary about the warmth of the school as a whole and the wonderful children she talked to.  She was equally impressed with the standard of work and with how well the pupils engaged in learning in all classes.

Congratulations to all of our stars of the week: Joshua, Charlie, Arthur, Beatrice, Leo, David, Elle, George, Millie, Lily, Emily, Augustine, Hattie, Aaran and Andrew.  The RE Book of the Week was awarded to Sienna and Thomas.  This week’s gymnasts are Alex, Amelia, Helayna and Elsie.  Well done to each and every one of you for your determination and hard work.

Holly with her superb singing and Dylan playing the trumpet so incredibly well, provided our musical entertainment at assembly and certainly both deserve high praise for their respective performances.

The last week of this half term is almost upon us and I know that Junior 2 are looking forward to the ‘Great Fire of London’ themed day on Tuesday and all the children are excited about the Skipathon on Wednesday and the PTA School Disco on Friday … please don’t forget that Friday is also a non-uniform day.

I understand that there are still some places available on the half term holiday club so please book online soon to avoid disappointment.

What an interesting start to the Rugby Six Nations!  I hope that it will be a closely contested tournament.  The England cricketers are not enjoying their international matches as much as their rugby counterparts!  Let’s hope for another few rugby surprises this weekend.  Unfortunately, Liverpool are having a bad run of results and the title-race seems to be swinging back towards Manchester City; I wouldn’t write off Spurs either.

I hope that you enjoy the weekend ahead of you and I am sure that I will see some of you tomorrow evening if you are attending the PTA Winter Ball.  No doubt it will be a meticulously planned event and most enjoyable too.  Thank you very much to those parents who are supporting it and to the mums and dads who have helped to arrange the evening.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

Monday 18 February - Friday 22 February 2019

If you struggle for child care during the holidays, look no further. The Crackley Hall Holiday Club will be taking place during the February half-term holiday.

It will commence on Monday 18 February and run until Friday 22 February 2019.

There will be exciting crafts, games and activities taking place at school between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm.

Please be aware that places are limited (due to staff ratios), and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Over Christmas we were fully booked on a number of days and even had to start a waiting list.

Children were kept busy with baking, arts and crafts, films, team building activities and festive party games. There's always lots of fun to be had!

Please follow the link to book a place https://princethorpecollege.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/

Holiday Club Information Sheet

We have a number of trips, events and activities coming up over the next few weeks. Please see the relevant letters below:  

J5 LAMDA Information Letter

J5 LAMDA Consent Form

J6 LAMDA Information Letter

J6 LAMDA Consent Form

Please find attached the termly curriculum sheet for your child's year group:

Reception

Junior 1

Junior 2

Junior 3

Junior 4

Junior 5

Junior 6

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

This week our Girls and Boys Under 10 and Under 12 Cross Country teams ventured north to Bedstone College, Shropshire to tackle their arduous ISA Midlands Cross Country course. Team Crackley were eager and enthusiastic and tackled the course's tricky twists, challenging hills and freezing water with courage and determination.  Slippery conditions led to plenty of trips and falls but between them Crackley’s 40 runners delivered a super set of results.

Six runners have qualified for the ISA Nationals, huge congratulations to Elle, Sidney, Maxwell, George, Hannah and Amisha.

In the team events the first four across the line count so with so many top placings Crackley also secured first place in both the U12 Girls and U10 Boys events.

U12 Girls: Hannah, Amisha, Caitlin, Isla 

U10 Boys: Sidney, Maxwell, George, Olly 

A special mention must go to Elle, Sid, George and Olly, who are all only in Year 3 and competed in the U10 age-group and beat them!  Also, to Hannah, who has qualified for National Finals for the third year in a row.

The children then enjoyed cheering on the Princethorpe runners (many of whom were ex-Crackley Hall pupils!)

Commenting on the event, PE Teacher, Kat Vaughan, said, “As always, the children were exceptionally well behaved, a real credit to the school, and a pleasure to take to the competition.  They were nervous but excited and ran courageously despite the conditions.  This is an excellent set of results.” 

Crackley Hall took a team of ten boys to the National Hockey Finals at the Lee Valley Stadium last Thursday 7 February. It was an early start leaving school at 6am, the boys were full of excitement and anticipation although a few delays in traffic meant they got there only just in time!
The morning pool games were for qualification into the cup or plate competitions in the afternoon. Crackley played steadily to achieve the following results:

Game 1 vs Abercorn – 1-0 win

Game 2 vs Rosemead – 0-0 draw

Game 3 vs Lingfield – 0-1 loss

This put them on equal points with Rosemead however, on goal difference, Rosemead were ahead, so Crackley turned their attention to the plate competition setting their sights firmly on winning that.

The team had good results in the plate first round:

Game 1 vs Lewes – 0-0 draw

Game 2 vs Avon House – 1-0 win

Game 3 vs Oakkfield Prep – 2-0 win

That put Crackley top of the table with 11 points. However, one of the other team's results had been entered incorrectly, so having thought they were in the final the boys then found out they were equal on points with Lewes. So, it went to the result of their game – a draw. Then onto goal difference, which was also equal, then goals for and Lewes had scored just one more than Crackley over the tournament, so Lewes went into the final and Crackley were in the play off for 3rd/4th place.

The boys were really disappointed, but showed real grit and picked themselves up, playing the best game of the tournament and beating Queen Ethelburga 3-0 to secure the bronze medal!

Players’ player of the tournament – Fintan

Coaches' player – Sam 

Most improved player – Seb 

Player of the match in the final – Joe (as voted by the opposition)

Commenting on the event, PE Teacher Kat Vaughan, said, “The boys were an absolute pleasure to take out for the day. They showed exceptional team spirit, working hard to support each other in celebration and disappointment. Mr Vaughan and I were incredibly proud of them.  They certainly kept us entertained during the long coach journey!”

The educational experience of children dramatically affects their quality of life and their subsequent life choices. For this reason UNICEF champion the cause of children and seek to bring the world's attention to this important matter.  This week they hosted a seminar on educational inequality for our Junior 5 classes.

Education inequality is a measure of the experience and life choices a child may or may not have. For example, certain children have less opportunity and access to school materials and resources than other kids. These experiences are not confined to school either, as our pupils came to understand the differences between the home and school life of two children named Daniel and Sarah, who lived in the Phillipines and United Kingdom respectively. Even something as simple as how one might get to school can show a huge difference, with one taking a warm car journey to a smart school building, and the other walking miles over uneven terrain to an 'open air' classroom. 

Events such as these help bring the world closer, given our understanding and empathy for each is enhanced. We extend our thanks to the Warwickshire University UNICEF representatives, as your engaging knowledge and insight has brought real meaning to a matter that is often overlooked.  

For a great part of the World's population and Crackley's Key Stage 2 students, last Wednesday was New Year's Day. This event was savoured through the creation of genuine Chinese style beef dumplings, cooked by all to a regional recipe under the expert guidance of Mrs Wu, the children's Mandarin Teacher and Mrs Simmonds her dedicated assistant for the day.

Even the delicate pastry case didn't fox our plucky students, as an ever thoughtful Mrs Wu had made sure that all had conquered the subtle art of chop stick usage through some hands-on fun skill drills.

The Chronicle is happy to report that the dumplings made good eating and were a perfect way to bring in the New Year. 

On Wednesday 13 February all children at Crackley Hall School will have the chance to take part in a sponsored Skipathon for The Sister Mary Aloysius College of Mercy in Nigeria. 

Organised by Mrs Simmonds, our chaplancy assistant and the Mini Vinnies, each child will be hopping, skipping or jumping for 1 minute during the day. 

The children should have brought home a sponsorship form earlier this week for you to help them raise funds for this worthy charity. We would be most greatful if you could please send back your completed sponsorship forms by Monday 11 February. Thank you!

The Foundation is holding a special memorial service to celebrate the life of Mary O'Farrell, the Foundation's much loved former Chair of Trustees, on Friday 29 March 2019 at 6.00pm in the Princethorpe College Chapel.

Mary joined the Foundation’s Governing Body in 2000 and held the role of Chair of Trustees for eight years until 2016, continuing to serve as trustee until her death. A former primary Headteacher with many years’ experience, Mary played an integral part in the Foundation's growing success, overseeing the merger with Abbotsford in 2010 and with the Crescent in 2016.

Comments Ed Hester, Head of the Foundation "Mary very sadly died in September last year and is sorely missed by us all. She was a remarkable woman in so many ways and with her passing the Foundation lost a true and valued friend. She was an exceptional Chair of Trustees, known for her wise counsel, collaborative approach and sense of humour, all of which she brought to bear in her role. She had an implicit understanding of education, teaching and learning and this, combined with her unique personal touch with fellow trustees, staff and children, had an immeasurable impact on the Foundation over the years.

He continues, "We hope this Memorial Service, which we have organised with her husband John, will give the many people whose lives she touched a chance to come together and celebrate her wonderful life."

The service will be followed by refreshments in the Sixth Form Centre. All are most welcome.

If you would like to attend the Memorial Service please click here to RSVP by Friday 15 March.

Foundation parents, staff, past pupils and friends are all cordially invited to attend Princethorpe - A Vision For The Future, a presentation by Ed Hester, Head of the Foundation on Thursday 14 March at 7.30pm in the College's Clarkson theatre.

The presentation will outline the Foundation's vision for the next five to ten years, and provide more detailed information on the College's new Science Building and campus improvements, including an interactive walk through of the Science facility.  Mr Hester will also feedback highlights from the College's parental questionnaire, unveil the Foundation's new website and outline plans for a new, improved Foundation parent portal.

Refreshments will be served after the presentation in the Sixth Form Centre.

The event is aimed at adults, although pupils are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult.

Please click on this link to let us know if you would like to attend by Monday 4 March 2019.

Work is well underway on an exciting, new Foundation website which is due to launch this spring.

The new site has been carefully designed as five websites in one to perfectly showcase the Foundation and its four schools - Princethorpe College, Crescent School, Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery.

Melanie Butler, Assistant Head – Marketing, Admissions and Communications, comments, “This has been a major project, which we hope will be well received by the Foundation community and prospective families. It will look better, work faster and be easier to use than our current sites. We can’t wait to share it with everybody!”

The project has been carried out in partnership with website company, e4education.

Keep an eye on the Foundation social media platforms for previews of the site and news of the launch date.

A pdf copy of the Lent Term 2019 Calendar can be found below.

Please be aware that events are added as the term progresses, so remember to keep an eye on the Chronicle for any additions/changes.

Lent Term Calendar

Please click on 'View Gallery' to scroll through a few photos from this week's events.

RE Book of the Week has been awarded to Thomas (J5L) and Sienna (J1G)

Wednesday 13 February - Mass

The next Mass, which will be led by Junior 6V, is on Wednesday 13 February at 9am, all are welcome. As it is close to Valentine’s Day it will be on the theme of love.

Monday 25 February - Friday 1 March - One World Week  

This is a special week where the children learn about different faiths and beliefs in more depths. This is an ideal way for pupils to develop an understanding and respect of the different ways people express their faith.

Help Wanted: We would like volunteers from all faiths to come and talk to the children about their faith and beliefs. 

Please contact Mrs Jackson-Mayne on sjacksonmayne@crackleyhall.co.uk or speak to your class teacher if you are happy to come and talk to a class about how you live out your faith.

U11B Football vs Eversfield 3 - 9 (loss)

Player of the Match - William Spashett

We are pleased to announce that Elsie (J3V), Alex (J3V), Helayna (J4W) and Amelia (J3V) are our gymnasts of the week.

Please see details below:

Tennis Camp at Kenilworth Tennis Club

There will be a new series of Mini Tennis classes for children from J1 and J2 after half term.

If you would like your child to attend please complete the attached form and also sign-up on SOCS.

Mini Tennis Form 

An enthusiastic Kung Hei Fat Choi! To you all, this week we have been talking about the Chinese New Year celebrations and the children had a wonderful surprise when Sam from ‘Dramatots’ bought along a real Chinese dragon to show us!  We danced and joined in with the story of the animals racing across the river and the children were rather impressed with the clever rat who rode on the  back of the strong ox, but then jumped off to win the race. 

We also had a great time with Mrs Olden, who helped us to explore the pentatonic scale with the xylophone.  The children listened as she played beautiful Chinese music, then played along with bells and cymbals. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Newsletter

On Wednesday 6 February Little Crackers Stay ‘n’ Players enjoyed a visit from Amber's Language, Music and Play.

Amber, who founded the group, introduced the little ones (and their grown-ups!) to some basic French words and phrases through the use of popular nursery rhymes, such as The Wheels on the Bus and Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! The children were thrilled to launch their rockets up high whilst counting down in French. The session finished off with some playful popping of bubbles.

This session was just one from a regular programme of visiting activities at Stay ‘n’ Play, Little Crackers' toddler group that runs every Wednesday morning from 10.00am to 11.30am during term-time.

The next visiting activity will take place on Wednesday 6 March when Stay 'n' Play will welcome ARTventurers. Colourful, creative, art and messy play classes for babies, toddlers and children.

To find out more about what Amber's Language, Music and Play offer, you can contact Amber via email on amber@childrensfrenchclasses.co.uk or visit her Facebook page.  

Friday 15 February 

To mark the end of a busy half term the PTA and teachers are organising celebratory school disco!

Friday 15 February will be a non-uniform day and children are asked to bring in a £1 to cover the cost of the disco and a small treat. There will be different discos for the different year groups but all will be in normal school time so children can attend clubs after school or be picked up in car line as normal.

The PTA hope the children enjoy this end of half term treat. 

Friday 22 March 2019 at 7:30pm

You are all cordially invited to join our ever popular quiz night hosted by our very special quiz master for the evening, Mr Duigan, on Friday 22 March 2019 at 7.30pm.

Teams of up to eight people are invited to battle it out against other year groups and our reigning champions from last year, the Crackley Hall teachers and staff, to take this year's winner's title.

Tickets are on sale now and are limited to a maximum of 12 teams only, so please don’t miss out.

The tickets are priced at £7.50 each and include a shared cheeseboard. You are welcome to form your own teams or book individually and we will allocate you to a team of parents from your child’s year group. A licensed bar will be available on the evening to purchase refreshments and you are encouraged to bring any additional nibbles to enjoy. We regret that this event is for grown-ups only but there will be lots more family events to look forward to throughout the year.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a fun and sociable evening. If you have any questions regarding the event you may email Melissa Fox mfox1401@gmail.com who will be happy to help.

To purchase your tickets please click here.   

Mitchell (J2H) – has lost his named fleece hat 

Hugo (J5R) – has lost his named school bag (in the changing rooms on Monday AM)

Issy (J1G) – has lost her clip-on tie (after tennis, on Thursday)

George (J3V) – has lost his blazer and jumper

India (J6V) – has lost her PE jacket

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Parents, please ensure that all school uniform and sports kits are named.

Could you please check all uniform and sports kits at home – if any of it is not yours, please let the School Office know, and return it to us as soon as possible.

Please find a link below to the current vacancies available across the Foundation:

• Head of Physics – Princethorpe College
• Examinations and Assessment Administrator – Princethorpe College

Full details of the roles and how to apply are available via the following link: https://www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

Grasscrete area – please be aware that this area is reserved for staff parking and that parents are asked to use the lower playground or street parking if they choose to walk their child into School.  

Please ensure that when using the car park directly outside the entrance, you park considerately and move all the way around the roundabout to drop off.   

Please do not park next to the roundabout on the entrance to Littleton Close.

Any medicines brought into school must be handed in at the office. They must also be clearly labelled with the child’s name, and dosage instructions, accompanied by an authorisation form (see below). We need a new authorisation slip for each new batch of medicine. Medicine to be returned home must be collected from the office by an adult and cannot be handed to a child.

If your child needs regular medication, such as an inhaler, please ensure there is one in the school office.

All medicines should be collected from the office at the end of the academic year; we cannot store medication over the summer period.

Authorisation Form