The Chronicle

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

On Friday 1 December children from Nursery, Reception and Junior 1 visited Warwick Arts Centre to watch We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.  Direct from a smash hit season in the West End the show is a stage adaption of the modern children’s classic written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

The much loved story was brought vividly and nosily to life.  The intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog went off on a quest to find a bear; they waded through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud!

The children very much enjoyed the performance with its catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure.

Assistant Head Early Years and Key Stage 1 and Reception Teacher, Susan Glen-Roots, said “The journey to the bear cave was ingeniously and imaginatively re-created. The rhythmic text and catchy music kept the children engaged.  We all thoroughly enjoyed the show.”

This year’s Reception Nativity took place on Tuesday 5 December.  The school was delighted to welcome parents to the performance, along with special guests of honour, Councillor Michael Coker and his wife Janice, and Foundation Trustees, Mary O’Farrell and Cecelia Lane.

The performance told the traditional nativity story of the journey to Bethlehem, the search for a room at the inn, the birth of baby Jesus and the visits of the shepherds and wise men.  The class of 20 children had been transformed into the nativity cast with a multitude of angels, shepherds and innkeepers who together with Mary, Joseph and the donkey created a marvellous spectacle.

The simple story was told beautifully with each child carefully enunciating their individual lines. Together our most junior children sang delightfully crowd-pleasing tunes such as Clip Clop, Knock Knock, Lullaby Hushaby, Special Star and the very amusing Crossing The Desert.

Reception Teacher, Susan Glen-Roots commented, "It went very, very well. We are so proud of all our children, they performed brilliantly.”

What a wonderful start to the exciting final few weeks of term.

Former Crackley Hall pupil, Charlie Ferguson, who is now in Year 7 at Princethorpe College, was recently awarded Runner-Up in the Independent Schools’ Association’s prestigious National Art Competition. His entry, Hummingbirds, which he produced last year in Junior 6, was placed second in the Key Stage 2 2D Art Individual class.

Charlie was not the only Princethorpe Foundation prize-winner in this year’s competition. Also receiving national recognition were Princethorpe College’s Art Scholar, Helena Lintott, who was awarded a first place for her entry, Self Portrait, in the Key Stage 4 Drawing class and recent Upper Sixth leavers Tom Barnes - Runner-up, in the Key Stage 5 Sketchbook class and Oliver Mottershead - Runner-up, in the Key Stage 5 2D Art Individual class, with his piece Memory, Isolation, Decay. Former Year 11 Lauren Hill, also received Highly Commended, for her entry, A Day at the Beach, in the Key Stage 4 Textiles Individual class.

The National competition followed on from the Regional Midlands competition which took place back in late September where Crackley Hall School received the following results:

KS2 2D Art Individual: 1st Charlie Ferguson - Hummingbirds

KS2 2D Art Individual: Highly Commended Rocco George - Tudor Royals

KS2 3D Art Individual: 2nd Megan Shipton - Paw Print

KS2 3D Art Group: 1st Junior 4 - Swimming Together 

All of the artists are to be congratulated on their success.

Image shows Charlie Ferguson with his winning picture.

Mr. Duigan was delighted to announce Cadie Hardwick (J4J) as the winner of the school's Christmas Card Competition. Kadie's simple design captured the essence of Christmas by focusing the reader on the words of John 4:9 with a supporting cast of stars in attendance. This design will feature on the front of every card sent out by our Headmaster this advent, and as such represents a tremendous honour for this talented young artist.

The competition runners up were also more than happy to take a bow during assembly, as their work was only just pipped to the top stop. Well done Marley Hardwick(J2), Evangeline-Lily Upstone-Wells (J5V) and Dylan Williams (J5G); your stunning designs will also feature on the reverse of the card as smaller cameos.

For just one special Saturday in early December the Gables is turned into a veritable 'Winter Wonderland'. A feast for all the senses is laid before parents, children and guests alike by our ever industrious PTA and their army of willing helpers. There genuinely was something for everyone; tombolas spun and circulated their teddies, bottles and jar-filled treats; whilst children waited patiently outside a fabulous ginger bread house to meet Santa, the fayre's number one attraction. And still there was more - we moved excitedly through home craft stores and the pampering room, whilst appreciating the truly excellent face-paintings on many of the children.

The Christmas Fayre continues to be the venue for acquaintances to made and renewed, as our guests sampled the best of seasonal fayre wahsed down with a glass or two of mulled wine, Irish coffee or a creamy hot chocolate. For the more outgoing and energetic the go-to destination was the bouncy castle and duel arena, as the children hit new heights and lengths in their bouncing efforts. That said, for those looking for a much-needed rest the brightly covered tables and chairs afforded an area to recover should your legs get tired.

Thank you so much to everyone who helped out at our Christmas Fayre and who came along to support us on the day. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting in the festive spirit. Whilst the PTA are still working out some of the finer details of the day it looks like we made over £2,700, which is an amazing amount for a school of this size. The money will be put to good use to buy items for the children, so thank you very much everyone for all your support!

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... and the Kenilworth Christmas lights were switched on before the amassed ranks of maroon coats, Santa hats and flashing antlers (a.k.a Crackley Hall's Choir & Choral Group). What a magnificent conclusion the lights offered to this most marvellous open air carol concert. For this week, Crackley's young voices drew together at six o'clock on Friday 2 December to belt out a medley of Christmas carols and seasonal favourites.

Not even the slope outside Loch Fyne or Santa's sleigh mounted petrol generator (no really) could have put the skids on the amassed talent on show. A polished performance and rousing finish was capped by the now traditional light switch on countdown, which we can confirm only took a single attempt to light every bulb of the seasonal decorations that surround Kenilworth's Old Town.

This was a winter wonderland in miniature and we thank Mrs Olden and her team for creating such a special event at the start of advent.

We are delighted to welcome Wasay Foladi to Crackley Hall’s Aftercare Team, where he will be helping to provide care for the children who stay with us after school. Wasay has settled into his new role quickly, his friendly, cheerful approach helping to engage the children and encourage them to participate in the different activities on offer. He has a calm and supportive manner and strong organisational skills that will ensure the children can focus on completing their work but also enjoy some play time too.

Originally from Dubai, Wasay holds a Masters in Psychology. As a youngster he was a keen dancer but after an injury he took up yoga to help him recover. The discipline of yoga has never left him and he now teaches the philosophy. Wasay also had a spell as a Captain in the Pakistan Army.

So he has a host of skills at his disposal to help him deal with our cheeky Crackley crew!

Ist: Jupiter (306 House Points)

2nd: Saturn (256 House Points)

3rd: Mars (253 House Points)

4th: Venus (227 House Points) 

Required for September 2018 a dynamic, innovative and well-qualified graduate to lead Mathematics in this flourishing school.

Candidates should have strong leadership and management skills, be visionary in their approach, have a proven track record of success in the classroom and be effective team players. An enthusiasm to become involved with the co-curricular life of the school is essential.

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 11 December 2017, at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 14 December at Princethorpe.

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