The Chronicle

Dear Parents,

I hope that Storm Gareth has not caused too much disruption to your week.  Thankfully, the worst seems to be over now and we may have a slightly more settled weekend.

I would like to start by thanking those families whose start to last weekend was delayed a little by allowing their children to return to school in order to participate in our Open Day.  It was a hugely successful day and I am very grateful to all the children as their behaviour was, as usual, exemplary.  The older children were kept busy with tours of the school and took pride in describing, often in great detail, the school day and activities that they are involved with.  I was very proud of all of the children, including their manners and behaviour and how confidently they presented themselves to our guests.

The most talked about event this week was the Key Stage 2 Performing Arts Evening.  I am sure that you will agree, the standard of performance was simply outstanding.  It was easy to see that everyone present enjoyed the evening and your kind comments, post-performance, are very much appreciated as so much thought, time and effort goes into each act or piece.  I would like to thank all of those involved especially Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey, Mrs Paphitis, all of our wonderful peripatetic teachers and your very talented children.  Thank you for joining us at a most delightful evening.

It is unfortunate that the weather this week has affected fixtures, particularly the ISA National Netball Tournament but many of these cancellations are out of our control and are cancelled with health and safety in mind.  We did manage some keenly contested fixtures against Bablake, with the spoils being shared between the schools over the four year groups.  I thought that our pupils reported on the matches extremely well this morning, speaking clearly and concisely – well done to them as well.  The House Football was also hard-fought, with Mars and Jupiter winning the respective competitions this week.

The wonderful flute ensemble’s super performance, as well as Millie’s beautiful singing enhanced our assembly.  Thank you to all of the pupils and their teachers.  Congratulations to our stars of the week: Alexander, Harrison, Amy, Sienna, Mitchell, Penny, Kyra, Amelia, Anabel, Rosa, Louisa, Arun, Wilf, Isabella and Alistair.  They certainly had a lot of fun, engaged in their scientific investigations on top of their all-round lovely work over the week. 

The gymnasts of the week are Elle and George; well done to both pupils!  I’d like to thank Mrs Roberts for organising the science week events – the pupils really enjoyed the activities.

Next Tuesday, on 19 March, we will be holding our annual St Joseph’s Day Mass, along with a special service in memory of Mrs Marlene Head, former teacher at Crackley Hall and Mrs Mary O’Farrell, our former Chair of Trustees.   As mentioned in assembly today, you are warmly invited to attend these events but please let the School Office know by Monday morning if you wish to attend so that we may allocate adequate seating and prepare our catering.  A short service will commence at 13.40, with Mass starting at 14:00.  Visitors are kindly asked to park on the School Field for this event.  If you are unable to attend, there will be an opportunity to view the benches that have been bought in Mary and Marlene’s memory, at a later date.  The pupils will all receive a special ‘feast day treat’ as part of the day’s proceedings.

Ten of our pupils are preparing for their First Holy Communion and, as part of this journey in faith, they will be making their First Reconciliation on Monday.  Please keep them, their families and teachers in your thoughts and prayers.

The Six Nations will be decided this weekend, after a closely contested competition this year.  May the best team win!  There is a still a grand slam up for grabs!  The English football teams have done exceptionally well thus far in this year’s European competitions, with all six qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League or the UEFA Cup.  Let us hope that some of them reach the finals.

I would like to wish you all a restful and happy weekend.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

Thursday 11 and Friday 12 April, Monday 15 - Thursday 18 April and Tuesday 23 - Friday 26 April 2019

Tuesday 28 May - Friday 31 May 2019

If you struggle for child care during the school holidays, then look no further. The Crackley Hall Holiday Club will be taking place during both the Easter holidays and May half-term holiday.

At Easter, it will commence on Wednesday 11 April and run until Friday 26 April 2019 (Please note that school will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday). Thursday 18 April has now also been added.

In May, it will commence on Tuesday 28 May and run until Friday 31 May (Please note that school will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday).

There will be exciting crafts, games and activities taking place at school between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm. Children are kept busy with baking, arts and crafts, films, team building activities, party games and trips to the park or common. There is always lots of fun to be had!

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

We do occasionally get fully booked on certain days and so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

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

A Leavers Celebration for the Junior 6 children is planned for Saturday 29 June 2019 from 3.00 to 6.00pm. Please make a note of the date, further details will be provided in the coming weeks.

If there are any Junior 6 parents who would like to be involved in helping to organise the party celebration or who have useful contacts, please contact Stella Kelly on stella@chapelfarm.me.uk

Also, thank you to the Junior 6 parents who have already provided their contact details. If you have not yet submitted your contact details (i.e. email and mobile number), could you please send these through to Stella.

Many thanks

J6 Leavers Team

All classes in school will be working on the TAKING CARE CURRICULUM again this term.

Protective Behaviours

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

This week we have celebrated British Science week.  

All pupils, from Nursery to J6 have been involved in a progressive biscuit - dunking investigation!

The pupils have enthusiastically sorted, observed, predicted and finally tested out the 'dunkability' of various scrumptious biscuits in a warm liquid.  Fair testing permeated all investigations and a wide range of impressive scientific vocabulary filled the air (as well as the aroma of hot chocolate).

It was fabulous fun for all!

Thanks to all the super science staff and the pupils for their enthusiasm. 

The scientific fun doesn't have to end there either, as students can click on the link below to enter a fabulous science poster competition - best of luck everybody.  

Please follow the link below for more information:

https://www.britishscienceweek.org/plan-your-activities/poster-competition/

The Key Stage 2 Evening of Performing Arts took place on Tuesday 12 March.  As always, it showcased the breadth and depth of pupils’ musical and dramatic talents as the audience was treated to individual and group performances across a variety of disciplines.

The orchestra opened proceedings with a stirring performance of I dreamed a dream from the much-loved musical, Les Miserables.  Then followed some 35 performances all sparkling with crisp clear deliveries and well-rehearsed polish. Too many to mention all individually, a wonderful testament to the wide range of the repertoire.

There were entertaining ensemble numbers from the flute, violin, cello, percussion and choral speaking groups. Delightful pieces by the recorder and brass groups, many fine solos on piano, violin and flute and a duet on viola.

Throughout the concert, pupils recited LAMDA pieces, many causing a chuckle; Sebastian Lloyd-Evans’s Zebra Question, Lily Bryson’s Ballet Lesson and Marley Hardwick’s Farewell, Pete to name but a few.

Many high quality musical theatre performances were staged. Isabella Osborne’s confident rendition of Just you wait Henry Higgins and Miss Pavetts’s Junior 3 & 4 Singing Groups’s performance of Hard Knock Life were greatly enjoyed.

The evening finished, as it had begun, with the stage packed with performers as the Chamber Choir and Choral Group delivered glorious performances of favourites such as Hold Back the River and We are the World.

Headmaster Mr Duigan expressed his delight announcing, ‘There is no better way to spend an evening than to come and watch Crackley’s children perform.  They never cease to amaze me. Thank you to them all it has been a truly memorable occasion.”

Huge thanks also to all of the staff involved in preparing the children and supporting the production and to Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey and Mrs Paphitis who have shown us yet again what talent, energy and zest for the performing arts there is at Crackley Hall.

Super huge good luck to all the Junior 5 and Junior 6 pupils taking their Speaking Verse and Prose LAMDA exams over the next few weeks. 

39 children will take Grade 1 and 43 Grade 2.  They have all been working really hard and we can't wait to see the results. 

Five times a year Crackley Hall throws its doors wide open to welcome prospective pupils and parents into school.  It is their chance to see what is so very special about Crackley Hall and what makes it a place that has been described as the ‘next best place to home’ by its pupils.

The latest Open Event took place last weekend on Saturday 9 March 2019 and the staff were pleased to see the rain hold off long enough to welcome lots of interested parents and would be pupils.

Rob Duigan, Headmaster commented, “We were delighted with the level of interest in admission to the school.  We know many families who already have children at the school will have recommended it to friends, but our ‘Excellent’ grades achieved across the board in the ISI inspection continues to heightened parental interest." 

Current pupils gave up their Saturday morning to come into school and showcase their talents in music and sport, as well as leading tours of the school, confidently answering questions whilst they promoted the school’s fantastic facilities. Staff organised activities in their classrooms for visiting children and were available for parents to talk to.

Parents are reminded that the deadline for final registrations for entry in September 2019 is Friday 24 May 2019. Parents interested in applying for places in current Reception to Junior 5,  are advised to contact Jenny Vaughan, Admissions and Marketing Secretary on admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or 01926 514410 to enquire about availability.

Crackley’s next Open Event takes place on Tuesday 14 May from 5.00pm to 7.30pm. 

The results of the this week's House Point Competition are as follows:

1st Mars: 279

2nd Jupiter: 274

3rd Venus: 265

4th Saturn: 248

Please see below for information on an orienteering event taking place on Abbey Fields on Saturday 30 March:

Charity Event

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.

The Chronicle is delighted to report that a packed St Francis of Assissi Roman Catholic Church in Kenilworth witnessed the enrolment of Crackley Hall students last Sunday. Thank you to all the students, parents and teachers who took time out of their busy lives to mark this awespicious occassion.

The special place this day has within the school calendar was emphasised and enhanced by the addition of the Choral Group accompanied by Mrs Olden (Head of Music) on keyboard, and Mrs Horan (J6H Class Teacher and English Coordinator) on the clarinet. 

We are pleased to announce that Elle (J3H) and George (J3V) are our gymnasts of the week. They are joined by Scarlett (J4W), who won the award recently but sadly was not able to have her photograph included within the Chronicle at the time.

U8 'A' Football vs Bablake 5 - 0 (win)

Player of the Match - Leonardo

U8 'B' Football vs Bablake 1 - 1 (draw)

Player of the Match - Rhomun

U10 'A' Football vs Bablake 4 - 1 (win)

Player of the Match - Archie

U10 'B' Football vs Bablake 1 - 0 (win)

Player of the Match - Harry 

U10 'C' Football vs Bablake 0 - 6 (loss)

Player of the Match - Teddy

U11 'A' Netball vs Kingsley 9 - 0 (win)

Players of the Match - Constanza and Isobella

U11 'A' Football vs Bablake 2 - 1 (win) 

Player of the Match - Zak

U11 'B' Football vs Bablake 0 - 2 (loss)

Players of the Match - Dylan and Oscar

U11 'C' Football vs Bablake 0 - 6 (loss)

Player of the Match - William

KS2 Winners

Mars

Junior 1 Winners

Jupiter

This week has been such a blustery, blowy sort of week that we haven’t been able to explore outside as much as we wanted, but thankfully Miss Anupa bought the outside in for us; we have been planting seeds. 

The children chose mustard or cress seeds, compared the shapes of them and made predictions about how tall the seeds would grow.  They have been sitting on the windowsill all week, starting to sprout, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for egg and cress sandwiches next week! 

Have a great weekend, let’s hope the wind stops blowing and leaves us with some sunshine!

Newsletter

PTA AGM - Wednesday 20 March at 7.30pm

We are always looking to welcome new members. So if the PTA is something that you fancy getting involved with, we would be very pleased to have you on board.

Second Hand Uniform

As ever thank you for supporting the PTA with second hand uniform donations – if you have any summer dresses going spare we are in short supply and any donations would be greatly received.

PTA morning coffee update

In an effort to move towards Crackley Hall PTA becoming more environmentally responsible, we have decided to try and reduce our use of single use plastic. Therefore, tea and coffee before celebration assembly will continue to be complimentary but we ask that you bring along your own re-useable cup (with lid). Re-usable cups will also be available for you to purchase. If you wish for us to provide you with a cup to use there will be a nominal charge for tea/coffee from the Friday 8 March.

Thank you in advance for your support. 

There is now only one week to go until our popular quiz night, hosted by our very special quiz master for the evening, Mr Duigan, on Friday 22 March at 7.30pm. We still have space to accommodate a few more teams, so don’t delay and book your tickets as soon as possible. 

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 years winner’s title. 

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 up’s 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 visit www.pta-events.co.uk/crackleyhallpta

Required for September 2019, an enthusiastic, innovative and highly motivated teacher to deliver an outstanding programme of Modern Foreign Languages to pupils aged from 4-11.

There are two part-time positions available and candidates are invited to apply for both, which would equate to a full time role, or for either of the roles on a part time basis.  One role based at Crackley Hall is equivalent to 0.55 of a full timetable and the second role at Crescent School is equivalent to 0.45. The exact days and FTE are negotiable for the right candidate(s).

The successful candidate will be able to offer French to a high standard and may also offer other modern languages.  An enthusiasm to become involved with the extra-curricular life of the school is also important. Candidates should be able to demonstrate outstanding teaching skills in the classroom and be effective team players.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe Foundation application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing their personal qualities, experience and how they meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates and indicate if they wish to apply for the role on full time or part time FTE, and for which school, if appropriate.

Closing date: Thursday 21 March 2019, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held on Wednesday 27 March and/or or Thursday 28 March.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

Required for September 2019, an enthusiastic and motivational teacher to join a busy sports department to assist with delivery of the Academic PE, Core PE and the Games programme. The department prides itself on its academic delivery of A-level, GCSE and BTEC (level 2 and 3) and an experience of teaching academic Physical Education to an outstanding level is essential. Games afternoons play a major role in the development of Princethorpe pupils and therefore the candidates should be able to coach a major Game throughout the academic year.

NQTs are also welcome to apply; the College has a comprehensive induction programme leading to full QTS status. Single accommodation may be available. Princethorpe has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 25 March 2019 at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 28 March, at Princethorpe

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

Required for September 2019, a well-qualified graduate to teach Mathematics up to A-level and possibly Further Mathematics, in a lively, successful and flourishing department.  An enthusiasm to become involved with the extra-curricular life of the school is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate success in the classroom and be effective team players.

NQTs are also welcome to apply; the College has a comprehensive induction programme leading to full QTS status.  Single accommodation may be available. Princethorpe has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 25 March 2019 at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 28 March, at Princethorpe

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

Required for September 2019, a well-qualified graduate to teach Politics and History to A-level as part of a maternity cover in a flourishing and successful department. Candidates should be able to demonstrate success in the classroom and be effective team players. There is the potential for Acting Head of Politics responsibility for the right candidate. We anticipate this position will be for one academic year.

Single accommodation may be available. Princethorpe has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Wednesday 20 March 2019 at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Friday 22 March, at Princethorpe.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

We require a Learning Support Assistant for September 2019, working flexibly as part of a team to support pupils who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The person appointed is expected to have an inclusive approach to teaching and learning and will work collaboratively with subject staff in the classroom. This will primarily be supporting learners in Years 7-11, but a willingness to support Sixth Formers with additional needs would be an advantage.

Experience and training in a similar role is vital. A Teaching Assistant Certificate (NCFE, NVQ Level 2\3 or HLTA) would be an additional recommendation. A willingness to undertake further professional development to widen knowledge and skills is important.

Experience of working with learners with specific learning difficulties is necessary. Experience in supporting young people with high functioning autism spectrum needs (including Asperger’s Syndrome) is highly desirable as well as broad-based knowledge of a range of learning needs.

This is a full time, term time only post, working 36 weeks of the year, including INSET days.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 18 March at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 21 March 2019, at Princethorpe College.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Sports Science Graduate to join the thriving Sports Department at our School as a Sports Coach and Teaching Assistant. The post is initially for one year from September 2019, but could be extended for the right candidate. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about sport and wish to share that passion with enthusiastic and energetic young people. The post would suit someone who is considering a teaching career, however, no teaching experience is required.

The Graduate Sports Coach will be responsible for the teaching and coaching of several sports under the direction and guidance of the Foundation’s Director of Sport and will also work closely with the Head of Girls’ Games and other sports staff. They must ensure that all teaching, coaching, administrative and pastoral tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard, enabling the continued success, enjoyment and enthusiasm for sport at Princethorpe. It is hoped that they will add to the profile of the school and inject energy and enthusiasm into our pupils.

The role will also support other teaching staff in selected lessons and assist support staff across a range of duties including the student hub and administration and assist in whole school Open Events.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 25 March 2019 at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Friday 29 March, at Princethorpe

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

Lost

Leonardo (J3H) has lost his named winter coat

Found

Silver Bracelet (found outside the Gables Entrance)

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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.

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