The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I hope that you have all had the opportunity to see the changes to the front entrance by now and apologise for any inconvenience you might have been caused on Monday while the area was out of use.  It is not quite complete but I hope you will agree that is much improved and the television screen will be used to display notices for parents which I hope will be helpful.

This week we have held two assemblies to mark Remembrance Day.  On Monday Mr Cottrill spoke to the children about why we mark the occasion and today we welcomed one of our trustees, Kieron Shaw OBE, to our Remembrance Service.  I am sure that some of you will also be attending local services this weekend.

Please join me in saying a prayer for Mrs Hill at this time of the sudden passing away of her father yesterday evening.  Please do keep her and her father in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.  May he rest in peace.

On Tuesday, we opened our doors to students from Princethorpe who brought Saints Alive to Crackley Hall.  Children throughout the school were excited and enjoyed being involved in this event. My thanks are extended to the students from Princethorpe, Mrs Cefaliello and Mrs Jackson-Mayne for making this celebration possible.

Mrs Vaughan and Mr Matthew Duigan accompanied our hockey team to the ISA Midlands tournament on Wednesday and I hear that the quilted sports coats provided by the PTA were very welcome.  Despite the cold weather, the squad performed exceptionally well to win their group and progress to the semi-finals where they beat Stafford Prep School 1-0.  In a close-fought final, Crackley hall ran out of legs and lost 0-1 to win the silver medals.  Overall it was a most successful day and my congratulations go to the players and staff.

I have been advised that there are road closures which will possibly affect your journey into school over the coming weeks.  From Monday 12 November, the bridge over Kenilworth Greenway and the railway on Common Lane will be closed until 10 December so please bear this in mind when allowing time to travel to school.

Next week will see the start of Anti-bullying Week and we will be covering various topics in school where we will highlight the help that is available to children, teaching the importance of respecting each other and also everyone will be asked to wear odd socks on Wednesday to show that it’s okay to be different.  If you have any questions about the week, please feel free to contact school to discuss.

Congratulations to all our super Stars of the Week and other award recipients, with special mention going to Nancy, Constanza and Isabella on their fantastic achievements in their dancing competition in October – they all won a first place!

Well done and thank you to this morning’s great musicians – Zack and Fintan on drums, Mollie on piano and Henry singing – they were all fantastic and helped make for a most enjoyable assembly.

This first week of the second part of Michaelmas term has set the pace for the rest of this calendar year; blink and you will miss it but, rest assured, there will be plenty to keep everyone occupied.

I would like to wish all of our Junior 6 who are sitting their entrance examinations at this time, including those who will be at Princethorpe on Saturday, the very best of luck.  Do your very best and believe in yourself because you are all wonderful and capable of amazing things.

Have a restful and enjoyable autumn weekend with your friends and family.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

The School Photography Company are visiting the School on Friday 16 November.

There is now the opportunity to have individual or sibling photographs re-taken, should this be required.

Please contact the School Office if you would like any individual or sibling photographs.

Children will be required to be smartly dressed, wearing blazers, but not jumpers.

Please be aware that Common Lane overbridges will be closed for emergency gas work from Monday 12 November to Monday 10 December.

Next week is Anti-Bullying week and we are encouraging the children to take part.  Everyone is invited to wear odd socks on Wednesday 14 November.

We are delighted to announce the launch of this year’s CISC Christmas Card competition.

This year’s theme is ‘Child of Our Planet’ – plenty of scope for young artists to think ecologically and astronomically as well as theologically in their creative interpretation of the theme!

Entries should be submitted to school by Monday 19 November. Any winning artists will be featured on this year’s CISC Christmas Card and on the CISC website.

Details

·         Theme ‘Child of our time’

·         Entries should be 2D art work in any media, or a photograph and can be portrait or landscape.

·         Please make sure that your art work has your full name and age on the back.  

·         Entries can be handed in to the school office.

Your children should by now have brought home their sample Christmas cards together with an order form for cards, gift tags, mugs, tea towels and bags.  This is a great opportunity to purchase reasonably priced cards and other items displaying individual artwork produced by your child, whilst also raising money for the PTA.

To ensure we get the orders back in plenty of time, all orders MUST be back at school by next Tuesday, 13 November.

Please include payment with your order form (cash or cheque payable to Crackley Hall PTA) or alternatively you can pay online:

Sort Code: 30-94-93

Account Number: 02023477

Ref: Surname Xmas

The designs are beautiful this year and the children should be proud of their efforts.  Hopefully, your families and friends will enjoy them as much as they did last year.

Crackley Hall PTA

Order Form

Friday 7 December 2018

We are in the process of planning exciting events and visits for the children in the lead up to the Christmas break and, with this in mind, we would like to take Nursery Thrilling Threes and Fabulous Fours, Reception and Junior 1 to see Wilde Creatures at the Warwick Arts Centre on Friday 7 December 2018.

The children will be leaving by coach at 9.15am, returning by 12.30pm in time for lunch.

The cost of the trip will be £16.00 per child, which will be added to parents' Lent Term invoices.

Nursery would welcome parent volunteers to accompany them on the trip. If you feel you would be able to assist, please speak with Mrs Bird before purchasing your ticket, as parent helpers will need to purchase a ticket through the School Office at a cost of £16.00.

Mrs Patricia George and Mrs Clare Bird

We have a number of trips and events coming up over the next few weeks. Please see the relevant letters below:  

J3 Forest School Letter

J3/4 Nutcracker Ballet - 11.12.18

J6 Victorian History Day

The weather is on the turn and this quick reminder is to let you know that you can purchase your school winter wear essentials from either the Uniform Shop at Princethorpe College or from the Office at Crackley Hall. Items are priced as follows:

Fleece Gloves – Age 2-4, 5-7, 7-9, 9-12          £4.00

Fleece Hat – Small / Standard                        £5.00

Fleece Scarf – One Size                                 £7.00

Crackley Hall's Office Team can accept cash or cheque, whilst the Uniform Shop at Princethorpe can also accept card payments. Alternatively, you might choose to add your purchase to your bill and have the items delivered to Crackley Hall for you to collect.

Early Birds runs from 7.45am - 8.20am - please use the Gables entrance (apart from Reception pupils who can be taken directly to their classroom via the main school entrance).

Nursery drop off - please use the main door.

Registration times are from 8.20am - 8.40am and pupils can go straight to their classroom using the main school entrance.

Late signing in is from 8.40am - please go to the school office. 

If pupils are coming in early for music lessons/choral group/choir they need to sign in at the school office.

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Those that trod the the corridors of Crackley last Tuesday and listened at the door of any classroom might have heard a Saint or two recounting their life's work and good deeds. For that day was no ordinary one; as Crackley Hall RE Coordinator, Mrs Jackson-Mayne, and Princethorpe College's Joint Head of Drama, Mrs Cefaliello, had hatched a plan to inspire and delight our young charges with an interactive message that could transend the ages. 

Never knowingly underperformed and/or underprepared our dream team briefed a group of Princethorpe College drama students to deliver the life story of their assigned Saint and have the back story to dispatch a tricky Crackley student question and answer session. It goes without saying, that such animated student performances packed to the brim with detail easily quaffed our pupils thirst for knowledge. 

Such Foundation expertise and assistance is most welcome, given our students now have an excellent knowledge of St Joseph, St Terese of Liseux, St Francis, Mother Teresa, St Peter and St Paul. We now eagerly await the feast days Masses that relate to the Saints, as we for one are more than well prepared.   

Armistice Day was marked by the whole school coming together for an assembly of Remembrance on Tuesday. Mr. Cottrill, most ably assisted by RE Captain, Madeline Lambeth, led the school in a poignant reflection of our fallen heroes from all wars. This year marks a hundred years since the guns went silent across all fronts in the First World War, a conflict that was hoped might 'end all wars'. 

Today Mr. Duigan welcomed Mr. Shaw, a member of the school govenors, who had previously served within the Armed Forcesa, to attend our two minute silence as part of our Remembrance Service. We are expecially grateful to the School Chamber Choir, Junior 6 students Francesca Kelly, Joseph MuCullough and Dylan Williams for assisting Mr. Duigan. 

It should be noted that all students have been proudly displaying their poppies and other associated Royal British Legion Remembrance symbols around school. We are grateful to the Head Boy, Head Girl and Junior 6 School Councillors for devoting their break and lunch times to the sale of these items, the money raised will help servicemen and their families across our country and beyond.  

On Wednesday 7 November Crackley Hall School travelled to Cannock Hockey Club to take part in the ISA U11 Mixed Hockey Tournament. One of 12 schools from across the Midlands, Crackley took a team of nine, five boys and four girls, including Hannah Wildey, Amiisha Modi, Annamaria Kordas, Caitlin Horan, Seamus Meakins-Owens, Joe McCullough, Dylan Williams, Charlie Wilcox and Sam James.

The competition began with a first round of two pool groups of six schools.  Crackley started their campaign well with a 2-1 win against Arnold Lodge and their confidence grew game by game.  They saw off St Joseph’s Prep 2-0, and then had a goal bonanza against Highclare with a 4-0 win.  Old Vicarage, previous tournament winners, held them to a 0-0 draw, but they were quickly back to winning form in the final pool match against Twycross 2-0.  Crackley finished top of pool and were through to the semi-finals.

In the semis Crackley faced Stafford Prep, their nemesis.  They are a team they often meet in semi-finals, have a real close battle and then end up losing to, often in the dying seconds of the game.  This time though, it was different, the team held their nerve, played superbly and were delighted with a 1-0 win.

The final was against Burton Hathow and it was a very closely contested game with nothing in it.  Crackley got into good attacking positions and were unlucky not to score.  By this stage in the day there were some very tired legs on the pitch and the game could have gone either way.  In the end Crackley went down 1-0 to finish in second place with the silver medal.

PE Teacher, Kat Vaughan, was very pleased and commented, “This was a great competition for the children, especially as this is the first time they have actually played together.  We had exceptional play from every member of the team on the day.  Sam James only stepped in at the last minute and was cited as keeper of the tournament. Joe McCullough scored some exceptional goals and Seamus Meakins-Owens was dynamic in the midfield.”

A special mention must also go to the PTA for the overcoats they bought for team use. The hockey players used them on the side-lines and were very grateful to have them on, as it rained literally all day!

Informal Concert - Wednesday 7 November

Newly set within the calendar this unique event hosted by Mrs. Olden allowed those less confident performers the opportunity to gain valuable 'on stage' experience. 

The evening's loose and friendly format certainly encouraged a diverse bill, as students from across both Key Stages calmed their nerves under the lights to produce a variety of pieces with voice and instrument.

One thing for sure is the Crackley community that bore witness to this special event clapped and whooped their appreciation as Hattie Das Guphta (J6) brought the evening to a rousing finale. Well done, one and all. You conquered your fears and are now without question en route to great things. 

Our best wishes go out to all of the J6 pupils who have taken or are about to take school entrance examinations. We know that your teachers have prepared you well and that each of you has also worked really hard in preparation. Remember to stay calm and focused and trust in what you have learnt. All of you are in our prayers; and although you might worry, remember to take strength from the Lord.

The Princethorpe College Entrance Examination is this weekend, so we are pleased to announce that next week marks the arrival of the J6 post examination activities, a series of events that are richly deserved. So if you are in J6, do make sure you're up-to-date with everything that's planned. Parents of J6, please refer to your correspondence from the class teacher, as this lists any equipment needed.

Thank you to everyone who raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support - we are delighted to tell you that the final total is £1163.83.

Please click on 'View Gallery' to scroll through a few photos from this week's events.

The theme of Monday’s Mission assembly was remembrance and we gathered together to reflect upon the centenary of the end of World War One.  The children were able to reflect upon the impact of the war and to explore why remembrance has become part of national life in the UK and other countries.  The assembly covered why we remember World War One and how that remembrance is marked, for example by Remembrance Sunday events in November, the two-minute silence, war memorials and poppy-wearing.  

The whole school then held a two minute silence at 11.00 am today, Friday 9 November.

John 15: 13

'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man may lay life down for his friends'.  Love one another.

Thomas Zanyi (J4W) has been awarded RE Book of the Week for his thoughtful and comprehensive recount of the life of St Paul. This indepth knowledge was amassed from his meeting St Paul from the 'Saints Alive' day within school.  

Over the last few years Crackley Hall has donated hundreds of boxes to many countries around the globe and helped make Christmas special for many children.  Thank you to all those parents and children who have supported this excellent cause in the past.

Once again we will be participating in Operation Christmas Child and the flat-packed boxes are now available to buy in the office for 50p, profits made from the sale of the boxes is used to help with shipping.  I know that some parents find these patterned boxes much easier to use.  However, you are also welcome to use an ordinary shoebox if you want to. Please remember to attach a Boy/Girl label sticker to your box. They can be downloaded from the Operation Christmas Child website or each class teacher and the school office will also have a set.

The boxes need to be returned to school by the Thursday 16 November.

Similar to last year, I am also putting four donation boxes in the Reception and Porch area for anyone who would like to donate items or money instead of doing a box, the School Council will assemble boxes with these donated gifts. These will be for the following:

1. Envelopes filled with a £3.00 donation to help with shipping or the purchase of additional items.

2. Toys such as dolls or stuffed toys (with CE label), toy trucks, harmonica, yo-yo, skipping rope, ball, small puzzles; pens, pencils & sharpeners, crayons or felt pens, stamps & ink pad sets, writing pads or notebooks & paper, solar calculators, colouring & picture books etc

3. Hygiene items such as toothbrush and toothpaste, bars of wrapped soap, comb or hairbrush, flannel

4. Extras: Hat, cap, gloves or scarf, sunglasses, hair accessories, jewellery set, wind up torch, wrapped sweets.

Please note that items not to be included are:  Used or damaged items, war related items such as toy guns, play soldiers or knives; chocolate or other food items; liquids or lotions of any type including bubbles; medicines; hand-made or knitted stuffed toys; anything of a political, racial or religious nature; sharp objects; glass containers, mirrors or fragile items; playing cards of the 4-suit variety; clothing other than as listed above.

U9 A Rugby vs Balsall Common 4 - 13 (loss)

Player of the Match - George Fry

This has been a big week for celebrations and thank yous.  We have enjoyed exploring fireworks in different ways, from listening to Handel’s firework music, to making fantastic firework paintings, then after Bonfire Night we were keen to find out all we could about Diwali from Miss Anupa and helped her celebrate this important festival by listening to the story of Rama and Sita. 

A big thank you goes to the wonderful PTA who gave us money for our outdoor learning area.  We bought some fabulous wooden blocks for super-sized building projects and now they have been varnished they will be outside for all of the Early Years children to use.

Newsletter

HO....HO.... HO..... 4 Saturdays to go until the Crackley Christmas Fayre

Countdown To Christmas Fayre

Crackley Christmas Fayre - Saturday 1 December, 1pm-4pm

Planning is underway for this pivotal event in the Crackley Hall calendar, so please save the date. Requests for help and more details will follow shortly, so watch this space.

Non Uniform Day

Friday 30 November 2018 - Non Uniform Day for PTA Christmas Fayre.

Have A 'Winter Ball' This February

We are holding a Winter Ball at the Woodside Hotel in Kenilworth on Saturday 9 February 2019 and we really hope you can join us. 

Please save the date. Tickets will go on sale soon. 

Glitter Winter Ball Flyer

Ideally starting in late November 2018, we are recruiting Estates Assistants to work as part of the Estates team, providing support services to all of the Foundation schools - Princethorpe College, Crescent School in Rugby and Crackley Hall School in Kenilworth.

The duties will primarily involve maintenance work internally and externally, security, traffic management, porterage and some cleaning. Applicants with some carpentry, plumbing or decorating skills would be most welcome. This is a ‘hands-on’ role facilitating the proper functioning of the schools to ensure a safe and satisfactory working, learning and recreational environment.

The successful applicant will need to be able to provide a high quality service to staff, pupils and visitors and be enthusiastic as well as honest, trustworthy and reliable, able to lift and to work on his/her own as well as part of a team.

Working hours: We have a variety of shifts available, from as little as two hours and up to eight hours, in the afternoons and evenings or on Saturday and Sundays.  We would be happy to consider applications for working evenings and weekends only or with other shifts on a rota basis.

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.

To discuss the post in more detail please contact Michael Small, Foundation Estates Manager - 01926 634267 or Pete Wilkes, Estates Manager – 01926 634200.

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 12 November 2018 at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 15 November 2018, at Princethorpe.

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

Reporting to the Foundation Estates Manager, we are seeking to appoint an Electrician to maintain and service all electrical engineering plant and equipment on Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall and Crescent School sites. They will carry out technical duties in the college theatre and assist in the supervision of electrical contractors. A flexible and pro-active attitude to duties and additional working hours will be required.

The successful candidate should have an appreciation of the priorities of a school environment and have the ability to appropriately interact with pupils of all ages, especially when providing technical support in the Theatre.

This role is working 40 hours a week, on a 7 days’ contract. The working pattern will include evenings and occasional weekends on a flexible basis, according to the needs of the school, with core hours Monday to Friday.

The salary for this role is £25,000 to £32,000 (full-time equivalent) – depending on experience.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing foundation that values their 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 suitability for the role.  Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 26 November 2018 at 9am, and interviews are likely to be held on Friday 30 November 2018.

Further details are available from the School website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment opportunities

Lost

Arun Bilkhu (J5R) has lost his un-named Rugby Head Protector

Theodore Hamblett (reception) has lost his named blazer

Harry Turvey (J4SJM) has lost his winter coat

Theo Cowlishaw (J2EM) has lost his named cap

Willow Rochford (J3AV) has lost her school shoes