The Chronicle

From Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 March, Junior 5 enjoyed a wonderful trip to Alton Castle in Staffordshire where they took part in a residential retreat. The short trip was muddy, exhausting and memorable but above all, it was a lot of fun!

Alton Castle is a residential youth centre run by the Archdiocese of Birmingham. The centre promotes the personal, spiritual and social development of the children who visit through retreats based around a variety of outdoor activities, that make the most of the beautiful location.

The theme of Crackley Hall ’s retreat was ‘Discipleship’ and as well as being packed full of fun activities, pupils were also encouraged to join in with evening reflections and prayers and to help prepare for and experience Mass.

The fabulous residential experience was shared with St Augustine’s School, coincidentally also from Kenilworth, and it was wonderful to see both schools mix so well and forge some lasting friendships.

There were plenty of exciting activities to be experienced, from bucket ball to trekking, bike riding to night line and archery to survival. The activities all provided challenges that developed the children’s confidence and teamwork skills. The climbing wall and adventure course proved particularly big hits, working up formidable appetites for the delicious food that was provided throughout the stay.

On the second evening the children took part in a beautiful Mass. It was a wonderful service and some of our Junior 5’s enthusiastically assisted with the readings and helped with the altar serving. After the calmness of the Mass came the excitement of the evening Talent Show and Disco, which featured a range of different acts from both schools, which were very entertaining. The highlights included: India’s super singing (whilst pot tapping) and Martha’s fabulous singing and Ukulele playing.

And before everyone knew it, the time had come for the return journey to Crackley Hall. Weary children were met by their welcoming parents who, no doubt, delighted in listening to their many tales of this exciting and memorable trip.

Thank you to all the staff who gave up their time to support the trip: Mrs Roberts, Mr Cottrill, Mrs Vaughan, Mrs Geran, Miss Jones and Mr Kefalas.

This month, Kiran Dhillon (J4H) and Rocco George (J6L), two of Crackley's leading performers trod the boards of the Stratford Arthouse in Stratford Musical Theatre Company's staging of Les Misérables (the School Edition). 

This was the company's (and our rising stars') first venture into this exciting and popular musical. Consisting of 75 children aged between 8 and 18 years, the cast bonded brilliantly to produce a show of outstanding quality that was performed to sell out audiences over four days.

Rocco and Kiran featured within the super strong chorus, coming together to perform classics such as 'Do You Hear the People Sing?' and the 'First Attack'. We are certain here at the Chronicle that when musical heights such as these are acheived, then these children are likely destined for great things!

We can hardly hold our breath until our own school's summer production, as with talent such as this it promises to be a spectacular.    

We at the Chronicle are delighted to report that the Easter Bunny got word of how well behaved our children have been this term. For this reason, with the help of our ever industrious and generous PTA, the Easter Bunny paid a covert visit and sprinkled chocolate treats across our loverly school.

Let's just say every child from each class had an extra special chocolate suprise courtesy of Mr Whisker's himself. 

We hope everyone has a most wonderful Easter break - you all deserve it! 

Back by popular demand at this year’s Family Fun Day (held on Saturday 12 May), the annual Crackley’s Got Talent show is an opportunity for anyone in the school community to show off their wonderful entertaining talents. 

In previous years the bill has been diverse as jugglers, rock guitarists, gymnasts, mermaids, comedians and magicians – so we’re looking to create a rich smorgasbord of talent coming together to entertain the crowds at this year’s main Trinity Term event.

Entry forms will be available shortly and lunchtime rehearsal times will be organised during the weeks leading up to the event.

The Easter holidays provide an ideal opportunity to put an act together and practise – it’s always lovely when children group together and create something between themselves and particularly wonderful to see whole classes perform at the Talent Show. 

So, it's time for our children to get their thinking caps on, get the creative juices flowing and get ready to wow the hugely supportive audience. Don't forget Crackley - it’s your time to shine!