The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I hope that you have been able to enjoy some of the beautiful weather and Autumn sunshine this week.

I would like to start this week by thanking the PTA for organising two recent events in which both parents and children have been able to participate.  The first took place last Saturday where children were able dance to their heart’s content without a sound being heard by anyone else while parents had the opportunity to sit and chat in the glorious sunshine.  It was the first silent disco to be held at Crackley Hall and it was very well received, judging by the reactions from the children.  The second event took place last evening and was another ‘first’ for Crackley Hall.  The Business Networking Event proved very interesting and I hope that all those who attended found it worthwhile.  I thought that the speakers were excellent and feedback I’ve had from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.  Additionally, I also know that the PTA have some new parents who will be willing to be involved at various levels and events in the future.

The much-anticipated opening of the new ‘Garden Room’ and relaunch of Little Crackers Nursery took place on Wednesday this week.  We welcomed visitors, regular Stay ‘n Play parents and children who all joined in the fun and activities with staff of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.  We were able to make full use of the outside facilities and also appreciate all the new equipment available in Little Crackers.  You will be able to read more about this later in the Chronicle but my thanks are extended again to the Early Years team, Melanie Butler, Helen Stephenson, Jenny Vaughan, Verity Clark and Charlotte Hancock for their efforts in co-ordinating the event.

It would certainly appear that we are enjoying a term of ‘firsts’ with another new experience today.  The Reception classes were lucky enough to see several owls today when Raptor Exotics visited Crackley Hall.  The children, who have been reading Owl Babies during class, patiently sat and watched the owls swoop over their heads and then return to their handler.  Thank you to Mrs Convey for organising this magical and informative visit and for Helen Stephenson for capturing the day on camera.

As mentioned in an email to parents this week, there will be some changes to our catering provision from next week.  We have listened to feedback provided in last term’s parental questionnaire and, in consultation with Holroyd Howe, it has been decided that cakes and similar desserts will only be served at lunchtimes on a Tuesday and a Thursday.  We will continue to serve healthier desserts such as yogurts and a selection of fruit from which the children may choose.  Snacks at breaktime will remain the same, with children having the option to bring something in from home if they wish.  My thanks to Mr Sansum and his team for helping to facilitate these changes.  Mr Cottrill will be closely monitoring our menus and the choices that pupils are making.

I was delighted to award stars of the week to Hugo, Hector, William, Grace, Elsie, Jakob, James, Hattie, Merryn, Niamh, Alyx, Max, Arun, Skye, and Matilda; well done to you all.  Our Gymnast of the week was Cadie and RE Book of the week was awarded to Lily – well done to both of them.  Soren and Martha both sung beautifully at assembly and were most impressive with their routines – thank you for sharing your talents with the school.

Before signing off, I would like to let you know that the Parent Consultation evenings, which will take place on 8 and 10 October, will be available to book online from Sunday afternoon.  Please keep a look out for a letter from Mrs Hill which will explain the appointment booking procedure and contain a link to My School Portal.

The Rugby World Cup started today with hosts, Japan, beating Russia.  There are a few good matches scheduled for this weekend – mostly at civilised times.  Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the Saturday sunshine before the rainy weather sets in.

God bless,

Robert Duigan