Headmaster's Welcome
Dear Parents
This week seems to have passed incredibly quickly which is normal for this time of year in school as there is much to do before the end of term. Although events may not take place in their usual format, I am trying to ensure that the children experience as much normality as possible in terms of their school life. Home learning continues and has now become the (temporary) norm for many children. Those children in Nursery, Reception, Junior 1 and Junior 6 have adapted very well to the restrictions in school but my thoughts are drawn to all those who are still yet to have had the opportunity to return to school, albeit it briefly. I admire their stoicism and continued application, along with their cheerfulness.
The Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, announced on Tuesday the government’s updated plans on the return to school for primary school pupils, including taking away the requirement for all children to return to primary schools by the end of this term. However, the statement and new guidance also makes provision for schools who are able to cater for extra pupils to do so in a safe way. Hence, we need to consider how we can do everything possible to bring all of the children back, at least for some time (any time is better than nothing at this stage), before the end of term. Social interactions with the rest of the group are so important and a return to school, even for a short time, would be a wonderful opportunity to provide closure, including emotionally and psychologically, on the current year. Of course, against this I have to weigh the need for required distancing and safe practice and this will be the overriding consideration – safety! I am currently working hard with the leadership and compliance teams, looking at the options available. I will be back in touch with all parents early next week with more concrete plans.
Something important which is now being recognised more widely, are the worldwide protests on the issue of race equality and discrimination. I would like to add my voice in support of those key messages of anti-racism and equal opportunities. I hold strong beliefs about the rights of all to equality; and the wrongs of all forms of prejudice. Individuals should not suffer negative or demeaning comments as they go about their daily life. It undermines self-belief and the impact of spiteful or misjudged comments accumulate over time for those on the receiving end. This sort of everyday racism may seem to be at the low end of the scale when compared with the tragic circumstances of the death of an individual, such as in the shocking case of George Floyd, but can be enormously damaging in their own right. I believe that the message of these recent protests is absolutely about both ends of this spectrum. Celebrating differences is a central part of our PSHCE programme as well as our broader pastoral message. However, that's not to say there isn't more we can do. All of us here need to reflect honestly on this and ask ourselves what we can do; and we are already looking at this as we make our preparations for the next school year.
I hope you enjoyed this morning’s assembly and the Junior 3 Art video that followed. I am very grateful to Mrs van Zyl and Mrs Hancock at Princethorpe College for co-ordinating this and compiling the video. Congratulations to our Stars of the Week: Edie, Patrick, Katherine, Jude, Aaron, William, Eve, Andrew, Amelia, Elle, Maria, Isabella, Ajunee and Jimmy. I was delighted to be able to announced that Arthur in Junior 2 has earned a Headteacher’s Award for his work on Seesaw – a tremendous effort from Arthur. As we near the end of this school year, the stars and awards are being collated and there are numerous bronze, silver, gold awards to be sent home. Esme has achieved her platinum award which is a super achievement. Mrs Spillane has confirmed that there are lots of Da Vinci Awards and you will be able to read about these later in the Chronicle. Well done to everyone – your hard work has been recognised and your certificates will be with you very soon. I especially acknowledge the work of the many pupils who are working from home.
As I confirmed in this morning’s Assembly, our end of term date has changed to Friday 3 July which will hopefully allow for some extra activities, both in school and online, to be enjoyed at the end of term.
Holiday club will operate from 6 July and those parents who have expressed an interest will be sent a booking form. It is important to stress that this year, booking will be necessary to secure your child’s place. Once booked, you will be invoiced and changes or refunds cannot be made as staffing will need to be confirmed. Holiday club hours are 08:30-4:00 and will be charged at £30 per day.
It will not only be the Junior 6 children who we will be saying farewell to at the end of term. Mrs Margaret Spillane, Mr Charles Lamprecht and Mrs Tanya Hill will also be leaving Crackley Hall. Mrs Spillane will begin her retirement, so spending more time with her family. We wish her much happiness and rest in her well-earned retirement. Mrs Tanya Hill will be taking up a Deputy Headship in the Midlands and we wish her the very best in her new role. We are delighted to share in the good news of her well-deserved career promotion. Mr Lamprecht will also be missed as he embarks on his career change and a new business venture. We wish him everything of the very best in this exciting new stage in his career. If you would like to contribute to a leaving gift or add your name to a card, please see the link later in the Chronicle. Thank you very much to all three colleagues and friends who have contributed so much to the life and growth of everyone in our school community. Their replacements will have a hard act to follow but will, no doubt, ensure the continued excellent care and educational provision continues.
I hope you have a restful weekend and that you are able to spend some time outside, weather permitting.
God bless,
