The Chronicle

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.