The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I trust that everyone is enjoying the good weather (finally) and looking forward to the long, hopefully warm, weekend ahead.  This week has, yet again, passed very quickly and the events this week have been successful and enjoyed by those taking part.

On Monday Mrs Wildey and Miss Kefalas accompanied children to the Nuneaton Drama Festival and I was delighted, although not surprised, to learn of their success.  All the children who participate in the performing arts at Crackley Hall and outside of school have my admiration.  Their talents are outstanding and every visitor to the school comments on the high standard of each performance; this is partly due to the continued guidance of staff including Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey and Miss Kefalas and also to the talent and hard work of each pupil.

I was pleased to meet some of our Junior 6 parents after school on Monday at the French trip meeting.  This is a very exciting visit which both pupils and staff look forward to and the departure date will soon be upon us.

On Tuesday Junior 3 and 4 took part in the May procession to honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Mrs Jackson-Mayne ably led the service with children from both year groups assisting.  I would like to thank Mrs Simmonds who baked cakes for the occasion; Mrs Duigan laid them out in the shape of the rosary to remind everyone that May is a special month where we remember Mary and say the rosary.  Children returned to the hall later to reflect on these teachings and this special day by making a rosary bracelet from beads.   

Crackley Hall welcomed Sally Crewe, a Nutritionist from Holroyd Howe, to school on Tuesday.  Some of you may have met Sally when you arrived at school on Tuesday and she stayed for the day talking to children about the importance of a balanced diet.  I know that the assembly, discussions in lessons and lunchtime activities were very well received by the children.  The abundance of fruit and vegetables on offer was appreciated by most and the staff can certainly vouch for the beetroot cake and wholemeal shortbread which was available as an alternative treat. 

The PTA meeting took place on Wednesday evening and I would like to thank the hard working Crackley Hall PTA for the work that they do on the School’s behalf.  Their fund raising efforts, to which all families contribute, have enabled the school to benefit from many additional items that the children have been able to enjoy.  Most recently it has been outdoor play equipment and some very smart, warm, sports coats which I am sure will keep our sports teams warm and dry at fixtures.

Unfortunately, due to the poor weather at the start of the week some fixtures and clubs were cancelled at short notice.  I apologise if you were caused any convenience but sometimes these occasions are out of our control as other schools can dictate as to whether their facilities are available.  We will always endeavour to contact you as soon as possible and provide after school care if needed.

On Thursday, Junior 5 felt what it was like to attend Princethorpe for the day.  Mrs Geran, Mrs Roberts and Mr Kefalas accompanied the children on a full day of lessons at Princethorpe.  Whilst it may seem like a long time before they leave Crackley Hall, it is a valuable experience for the children so that they have a taste of what they might be part of in the future.  I hope those of you who attended found the information session useful but if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to speak to me.

Congratulations to all the recipients of awards at this morning’s assembly; it was a special pleasure being able to hand out so many Da Vinci certificates, along with the new badges.  The badges are super and my thanks are extended to everyone involved in facilitating this, especially Mrs Spillane and Mrs Pascoe-Williams.

Our performers at this morning’s assembly were excellent and I’d like to thank Scarlett, Hannah, Silvie and Hattie for sharing their outstanding musical talent with us and the drama groups for their brilliant performance of one of the pieces they presented at the Nuneaton Festival – congratulations to Henry, Emily, Martha, Jorja, Amisha, Cadie, Millie and Hannah.

A number of families are travelling to various sporting festivals and I hope that they have a super weekend away and travel safely.  I hope that you and your family enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend and maybe manage to even have your first barbecue of the year.

God bless,

Robert Duigan