The Chronicle

Dear Parents

We’ve enjoyed a full and exciting week with events taking place both at school, on visits and at Princethorpe College.  On Tuesday the Junior 3 and Junior 4 classes watched The Nutcracker in Birmingham.  I hear that it was enjoyed by all and my thanks are extended to the accompanying staff for making this visit possible.

Wednesday was an especially busy day for children and staff as we held our Christmas lunch during the day and Junior 5 and Junior 6 then performed in the Princethorpe Chapel in the evening.  The Christmas lunch was a wonderful occasion where Mr Sansum and his team served delicious turkey and accompaniments, followed by puddings; all of which was enjoyed by pupils, staff and Father Kevin who was able to join us.

As in previous years, the Advent Service was a memorable event where parents and staff were amazed by the musical talent of our wonderful children.  My sincerest thanks go out to everyone involved in making this event the important and special occasion that it is, particularly Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey, Mrs Paphitis, the Estates Team, the Princethorpe College catering team, the Office Staff at Crackley Hall and the Princethorpe prefects, Meera and Jake (who are both past-pupils of Crackley Hall) - not to mention the children themselves.

Junior 6 took part in a Victorian Day yesterday and I hope you have a look at the photographs later in the Chronicle where you should catch a glimpse of a very stern looking Mr Lamprecht.  I am grateful to Junior 6 staff for throwing themselves into the spirit of the day and joining in with all the activities.  I was also pleased to see several parents enjoying the day too.  These events, which are provided on a regular basis, help history lessons come alive and allow the children to use their imagination and learn different skills that might not be normally covered in the curriculum.

The ‘Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day’ has been organised by Mrs George and I was delighted to see so many varieties of jumper; in fact I only saw two duplications this year.  Hopefully, we will be able to confirm grand total raised next week.  Many thanks to Mrs George for her initiative and to everyone for supporting the cause.

In addition to raising funds for Save the Children, we also held a collection for Shelter, another most deserving cause.  This will extend into Monday and Tuesday next week so if you are able to donate any amount to this collection it would be much appreciated.  The collection box will be located in the School Office and will be given to the local Shelter Charity on Tuesday next week.  It is hoped that parents and staff will be able to donate either the cost of a cup of coffee or a meal for a homeless person.  Additionally, there are a few greeting cards available to purchase for a small donation.  Every penny of this collection goes directly to the homeless people of Coventry.

Congratulations to our Stars of the Week, who were: Zach, the whole of Reception, Sienna, Elsie, Isabella, George, Oliver, Leo, Freddie, Jasper, Ajunee, Aaron, Charlotte, Edward and Seb.  All were most worthy recipients of the final ‘Stars’ this week.  We also congratulate all Merit Certificate winners as well as those who have performed so well outside of school.  I would encourage our mathematicians to keep going in Mathletics and for everyone to join clubs and sports events next term.  Become involved – there really is no excuse not to become involved in school life.

Our long and happy assembly started with a lovely performance from our guitar ensemble and my thanks go to Solon, Rosa, Henry, Jasmine and Harry.  Thank you to parents and staff at assembly for joining in with our Christmas carol and with the singing and dancing at the end!

Many congratulations to Mars House for winning the U/10 inter-house rugby this week.

Next week will be a very short week but we will be able to celebrate Advent Mass on Monday morning and a special surprise for the children, organised by the PTA, on Tuesday morning followed by an end of term assembly before lunch.  I also hope to be able to send a brief newsletter to you on Tuesday evening just to conclude the year and inform you of any important news ready for the New Year.

I hope you have a relaxing weekend.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

Thank you to the parents that have already responded to the Evolve Consent Form for the Foundation’s new Use of Images Policy.

A small number are still to reply and we would be most grateful if they would complete and submit their response to the form ASAP, as the deadline date is today Friday 14 December. A consent form is required for each child attending the school.

You can find the new Use of Images Policy attached to this article here.

The Foundation makes various uses of images of pupils during their time with us. Where these are necessary for administration and the safety of pupils, such as CCTV and for security ID, the Foundation does not require your consent.

Images are also used for marketing and promotional purposes, to celebrate the achievements of pupils, promote the work of the Foundation and the education it provides. The Foundation does require your consent for these purposes and we hope that parents will feel able to support the Foundation in using pupil images in this way.

Images generally will not have pupil names against them. Names will be used with images when, for instance, celebrating a specific pupil’s, team’s or group’s achievement.

Additional specific consent will be sought for instances when a single pupil is the main focus of a press release or on billboard or bus adverts.

You may withdraw consent at any time in the future by writing to the School Secretary at Crackley Hall. Please be aware that it may not be possible to change printed publications, such as a Foundation magazine or prospectus, or third party publications (for example where we have placed an advert or provided an image to a newspaper).

Wednesday 19 - Friday 21 December 2018 and Thursday 3 - Friday 4 January 2019

The Crackley Hall Holiday Club will again be taking place during the Christmas holiday.

It will commence on Wednesday 19 December and run until Friday 21 December.

It will then reopen on Thursday 3 January and Friday 4 January.

There will be exciting crafts, games and activities taking place at school between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm.

Please be aware that places are limited, and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Please follow the link to book a place https://princethorpecollege.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/

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

J5 LAMDA Information Letter

J5 LAMDA Consent Form

J6 LAMDA Information Letter

J6 LAMDA Consent Form

There are spaces available for children to learn violin or viola in the Lent Term, lessons are held on Wednesday and Thursday with places available either day.

If you are interested, please send a lesson request through to Mrs Olden.

Please be aware that Common Lane overbridges will now close for emergency gas work from Monday 3 December to Friday 21 December.

This may have an impact on your journeys to and from school. 

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s evergreen production of The Nutcracker has been part of the City’s Christmas tradition for over 27 years, so it was no wonder that Director of Music, Mrs Olden, chose to take two year groups along to the Hippodrome to take in such a fabulous festive treat. 

When the curtain went up, our pupils joined young Clara as she was spirited away into an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Her magical Christmas tree and her handsome prince with his army of toy soldiers were an unforgettable delight for our young charges. In this most festive ballet, gigantic sets, lavish costumes, 60 dancers and a full orchestra all combined to make this a perfect Christmas treat for students and staff alike.

Crackley Hall’s Key Stage 2 Christmas Advent Service was a celebration of the Spirit of Christmas. It took place on the evening of Wednesday 12 December in the gloriously atmospheric setting of Princethorpe College’s Our Lady’s of the Angels Chapel. Led by Junior 5 and 6 the service was filled with carols, readings and music, punctuated by the careful lighting of the candles on the advent wreath.

Parents, grandparents and friends were welcomed by RE Captain Madeline Lambeth before the service opened with the traditional solo verse of Once in Royal David's City by Aaron Cooper from Junior 5. 

Head Boy, Joseph McCulloch and Head Girl, Francesca Kelly then announced the opening of the green doors, to the left of the Chapel, given each subsequent entrance heralded a thoughtful reflection from our speakers.  

Recorder and flute performances lifted the spirits, as did the music of the orchestra who played 'Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer'. 

Choral poetry from Junior 5 and the sublime sound of the Chamber Choir singing 'O Holy Night', 'Jessye's Carol' and 'Christmas Song' blended excellence with wonderful storytelling. The audience couldn’t help but clap their approval in between each programmed item.

There was a wealth of singing and solos showcasing superb voices and real talent; with Junior 6’s Martha Harris, Amelie Read, Freddie Knot and Junior 5's Sebastian Lloyd-Evans and Martha Summers (amongst others) and the Choral Group as a whole.

So many musical moments glittered throughout the sixty minutes that it was no surprise that Headmaster, Rob Duigan, was almost lost for words as he thanked parents and friends for coming to watch the concert.

This festive cornerstone of Crackley Hall’s calendar did not disappoint. Much loved music and prayer brought families together to joyfully bow their heads for the final blessing as the Advent Service came to its end.

On Thursday 13 December Crackley Hall’s Junior 6 pupils and teachers were transported back to Victorian times courtesy of history specialists, History Off The Page. The school hall was transformed into a village school from the Victorian era, where Master Gray welcomed his charges to sit and learn a curriculum suitable for a 'master' or a 'girl'.

The children, all dressed for the part, sat in silence in orderly rows in their new classroom facing the chalkboard. Discipline was strict and the teacher was to be addressed as 'sir' at all times. A very different style of teaching awaited Crackley's most senior pupils. The boys had instruction in Mathematics whilst the girls were encouraged to copy Bible passages and undertake dictation, activities that 'might', in the words of Master Gray, develop them into a supportive wife for their future 'heads of house'.

Crackley’s boys and girls dutifully adopted their roles for the day and immersed themselves in all things Victorian; with a dip pen and ink, for the boys, or a chalk and slate, for the girls, they studiously undertook the lessons their new schoolmaster presented.

In the afternoon, the 57-strong class was challenged to select, learn and perform an act of their choice from a contemporary Victorian Music Hall bill. The children put on a programme of fine performances, with strongmen, comedians, hearty songs and a flea circus all jostling for the limelight.

Modern day Junior 6 teachers Mr Lamprecht, Mrs Vaughan and Mrs Horan were  impressed, commenting, "The day was a lot of fun, it really brought history alive and it was a fabulous way to round off our term studying the Victorians."

A team of six swimmers represented the Princethorpe Foundation at the National Independent Schools Association’s Swimming Championships held at the London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, back at the beginning of December. They were swimming for the Midlands team and were up against tough competition, the best swimmers from regions across the country.  The team included Crackley Hall's, seasoned swimmer, Junior 5, Lily Carroll.

Princethorpe College Director of Sport, Neil McCollin, commented, “Our swimmers have traditionally done well in the ISA Swimming Championships and they have had another successful outing this year. Well done to everyone who competed in both the National Championships and in the qualifying regional competitions, it’s good to see Foundation pupils representing the Midlands and we are delighted with their performances.”

Saturday 1 December, was a busy day, with swimmers across the age ranges, 9 to 17 years old, competing in no less than nine events; the Senior Girls 4x50 metre medley relay and freestyle relay, the Year 7 Boys 50 metre butterfly, the Year 7 4x50 metre medley relay and freestyle relay, the Senior Girls 100 metre backstroke, the Girls Year 9/10 4x50 metre freestyle relay, the Boys Year 9/10 4x50 metre freestyle relay and the Year 5 Girls 50 metre backstroke.

Crackley Hall’s Junior 5, Lily Carroll, had an excellent outing at the competition in the Year 5 Girls 50 metre backstroke, finishing in a personal best time of 48.68, nearly 4 seconds up on last year.

Lily commented, "I really enjoyed taking part and was very pleased to achieve a new personal best.  I swim weekly but after qualifying for the Nationals I did extra training in a 50m pool to prepare for the competition." 

Together the team brought home four medals and helped the Midlands to a new event record.  A super, huge well done to all of our swimmers.

Not even the continued busy school calendar could separate Head Chef Ian Samsum and the mountain of foodstuffs that presented themselves to his kitchen door. So it was with sleeves rolled, approns on and sharp knives that Dawn, Wendy, Donna and Ian fashioned the produce into a feast for both eye and tummy. The numbers are eye watering; 30kg of potatoes, 30kg of turkey, 400 sausages, 22kg of vegetables and 20l of gravy - and that's just the main course! Who could forget the homemade mouth watering mince pie or chocolate coated shortbread to finish.

We genuinely don't know how they do it, or for that matter, ever want them to stop. Thanks so much for making a special day even better!

Friday’s Celebration Assembly concluded with the first public assembly of the newly formed Crackley Hall Steward body. Junior 6 children had voted for a specific aspect of school life in which to be a Steward and for the first time they offered areas of school life that they thought might benefit from their considered intervention. This may have been curricular, community or pastorally based. New fields of interest included; morning uniform check and social care. Indeed, Mr. Duigan commended their good thinking by adding, "The initiative shown by the children in this selection process has been nothing short of inspirational. We therefore expect each pupil to excel, as they have truly made each role their own."

The pupils beamed with pride as they wore their badges of office for the first time. Crackley Hall’s latest Junior 6 year group will, we are sure provide the younger children with excellent role models to follow. We wish you all every success in the fulfillment of your duties this year.

Headmaster Mr Duigan has requested that a charity collection be made this Christmas for Shelter.

For this reason, our school needs your help to aid the homeless this December and to try to give them a better Christmas than they might have been expecting. 

This charity collection will extend into Monday and Tuesday next week so if you are able to donate any amount to this collection it would be much appreciated.

The collection box will be located in the School Office and donations will be given to the local Shelter Charity in Coventry on Tuesday next week.

It is hoped that parents and staff will be able to donate either the cost of a cup of coffee or a meal for a homeless person. Additionally, there are a few greeting cards available to purchase for a small donation.

Every penny of this collection goes directly to the homeless people of Coventry.

Thursday 24 January - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall is opening its doors to prospective and current parents and children for an Open Day on Thursday 24 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

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

Advent Mass

All parents are invited to our final mass of the term on Monday 17 December in the School Hall at 11am where we will celebrate Advent.

Holy Communicants

Reminder for Holy Communicants 2019 that there is a meeting with Father Kevin for parents on Tuesday 15 January in the Oratory at 7pm. Please bring your child’s baptism certificates with you.

RE Book of the Week has been awarded to Harry Turvey. 

Please see the attachment below for information regarding a holiday club running after Christmas.

The club is provided by an external provider and not Crackley Hall School.

Tennis Camp Information

Please see the attached letters for more information on the Lent Term Extra Curricular Clubs: 

Bayleaf Cookery Club

Irish Dancing

Karate

Mad Science

Chess

Rugbytots

Cricket

Tennis

Yoga

Ballet

Guitar

Mini Brass

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas from everyone in Little Crackers! 

We have had a lot of fun in the build up to Christmas, the children loved the wrapping station and spent a lovely morning wrapping everything, including themselves in paper! 

We have also been making mince pies, dressing up as Father Christmas and exploring the world of glitter in our creative corner. 

In the new year a few things will change; Miss Katie won’t be with us as she leaves to have her baby, Miss Jane will move into the big room and Miss Mary will be with us in the little room, but as always we will be ready and waiting to welcome you all through the doors for a new learning adventure. 

See you in January!

Newsletter

Thanks One And All...

The PTA would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and to thank everyone for all their support this year

Have A 'Winter Ball' This February Courtesy of the PTA

Following the success of last year's Winter Ball, the PTA are organising another event at The Woodside in Kenilworth on 9 February 2019.

We would love to get at least one table together for each year group as it will be a fantastic opportunity for old friends to get together and also to get to know newer members of the school community.  You can either put together your own table of 6-10 people or we can add you to a table with other parents from your child's year.

The Winter Ball will be a black tie event with a welcome drink, 3 course meal and tea, coffee and truffles.  There will be live entertainment and a disco and we will have the function room with dance floor, plus sole use of the bar area.

Tickets are priced at £45 per person and if you pay before the end of term, you will be entered into a draw to win a free night's accommodation at The Woodside on the night of the Ball.  If you wish to book your own accommodation, this can be done directly with The Woodside on 01926 852217.

Payment for tickets can be made directly into the PTA account (details below) or card payments can be made before or after school on Monday (a member of the PTA will be in the school foyer).  Alternatively, you can speak to Julie Hutton (Emily in J5's Mum) on 07958 282235.  Please let Julie know if you have paid online so we can arrange to get your tickets to you.

PTA bank account:

Sort Code: 30-94-93

Account Number: 02023477

Ref: Surname/Ball

We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a really enjoyable evening.

Lost

Olivia Swinson (J6V) has lost her named school hat. 

Beatrice Hieber (J2H) has lost her named school jumper.

Mairen Steel (J2H) has lost her named school jumper.

Nancy Volpe (J5L) has lost her named skort.

Oliver Britner (Reception) has lost his named winter coat.

Mikey Bell (J3V) has lost two named school jumpers.

Jenson Stokes (J1GR) has lost two named school jumpers and a blue fleece lined scarf.

Jasper Nicholls (J4W) has lost his named winter coat.

Parents please can you check all uniform and sports kits over the Christmas break – if any of it is not yours, please let the School Office know, and return it to us as soon as possible.

Also please ensure that all school uniform and sports kits are named.