The Chronicle

Dear Parents,

I hope the beginning of March finds you well and looking forward to spring.  The warm weather we enjoyed at the start of the week was well timed for the One World Week visits and ISA netball tournament but, unfortunately, it did not last for the cross country yesterday -  I’m sure, though, the more mud, the more fun!

I would like to start by thanking Mrs Jackson-Mayne for co-ordinating another wonderful One World Week.  The children have attended various visits including mosques, synagogues, temples and churches, not to mention the activities taking place in school with a story teller and Bollywood dancer.  As you will see from the photographs provided later in this issue, the children and staff have enjoyed some amazing experiences.  I am thankful to all staff for assisting with these visits and to our PTA for funding the story teller and dancer.

Not only have the children been busy with One World Week but our Junior 1 and 2 classes staged a wonderful music and prose performance for their families to enjoy on Wednesday afternoon.   Every child was involved in the performance and it was, as usual, an absolute joy to watch.  I hope those of you who attended also enjoyed the event.  Thank you to Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey, Mrs Paphitis and the J1 and J2 staff members for organising the afternoon.  I will look forward to the Key Stage 2 Performing Arts Evening on 12 March.

Mrs Vaughan and Mrs Duigan accompanied our U11 netball team to the Midlands ISA competition on Tuesday and I am delighted to report that they played incredibly well earning themselves a place in the Nationals in York later this month.  Well done girls!  

Another wonderful sporting achievement was recorded by those Junior 3 and 4 pupils who attended the cross country yesterday at Grace Dieu.  Sixteen schools took part and our Junior 3&4 boys won, with the Junior 3&4 girls coming 4th.  Max won the boys’ race, with Sid finishing 2nd and Elle came 2nd in the girls’ race.  Well done to the whole team!

Thank you to our PTA and parents who have supported their children at the events, visits and in other ways in school this week and during the rest of the year.  Your involvement in your child’s school life is an important one and we value your contribution.  The Junior 6 parents have asked me to let you know that, following Monday’s meeting, a date has been confirmed for the leavers’ celebration.  This will be held on 29 June with further details later in the newsletter.  Please note that this event is a parent-coordinated one and is not a school function.  We do know that it will be very well organised and enjoyed by all the pupils.

I hope to see as many of you as possible during the parent-teacher consultation evenings on Tuesday and Thursday next week and would welcome your feedback on us hosting the majority of the appointments in the School Hall on this occasion.  Please would you park considerately when attending any event taking place at school as we have received numerous complaints recently from local residents where cars have obstructed driveways, paths and prevented other cars from moving.

May I also request that you use the carline system correctly so that you, and other parents, are able to collect your children safely, as quickly as possible and reduce the keep traffic congestion to a minimum.  Keeping to the correct pick-up times and traffic continually moving around the small roundabout within the car park will help enormously.  I have also spoken to respective members of staff about having pupils ready for collection on time.

Congratulations to all our stars of the week – Edward, Henry, Isabelle, Isla, Isabella, Evie, William, Alex, Harry, Isabel, Soren, Bella, Saffron, Francesca and Amelia.  Well done, also, to those who were awarded their merit certificates – all most deserving!

We were entertained by Finlay on piano, followed by Jorja on flute and both pupils played very well indeed.

School will be very busy during the next few weeks and I would encourage you to read the full content of this newsletter to ensure you are aware of events.  Please do consider putting your name forward for the Headmaster’s Quiz, either by joining or forming a team or by emailing the school or PTA members (we will place you in a team).  It is a good evening of fun, laughter and refreshments!

I wish you a restful weekend and may see some of you at the Healing Mass at St Francis’ Church tomorrow afternoon.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

For details of trips, events and activities over the next few weeks please see below:  

Parent Consultation Evenings

Instrumental Day at Crescent (select J4,5 and 6 children) - Tuesday 5 March - Please be reminded that children will not be returning to school until 5pm.  

World Book Day - Thursday 7 March - Children are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.

Thursday 11 - Friday 12 April, Monday 15 - Wednesday 17 April and Tuesday 23 - Friday 26 April 2019

If you struggle for child care during the school holidays, look no further. The Crackley Hall Holiday Club will be taking place during the Easter holidays.

It will commence on Wednesday 11 April and run until Friday 26 April 2019.

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 (due to staff ratios), and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

We do occasionally get fully booked on certain days and so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Children are kept busy with baking, arts and crafts, films, team building activities, party games and trips to the park or common. There is always lots of fun to be had!

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

J6 Leavers Celebration - Save the Date!

A Leavers Celebration for the Junior 6 children is planned for Saturday 29th June 2019 from 3-6pm. Please make a note of the date as further details will be provided in the coming weeks.

If there are any Junior 6 parents who would like to be involved in helping to organise the party celebration or who may have useful contacts, please contact Stella Kelly on stella@chapelfarm.me.uk

Also, thank you to the Junior 6 parents who have already provided their contact details. If you have not yet submitted your contact details (i.e. email and mobile number), could you please send these through to Stella.

Many thanks

J6 Leavers Team

All classes in school will be working on the TAKING CARE CURRICULUM again this term.

Protective Behaviours

Please find attached the termly curriculum sheet for your child's year group:

Reception

Junior 1

Junior 2

Junior 3

Junior 4

Junior 5

Junior 6

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Crackley Hall School will be adding an extra Reception class for pupils starting in September 2019 after seeing an increase in the demand for places at our popular Prep school.  The new Reception class will enable more children to benefit from the school’s specialist tailored approach, a wealth of opportunities and the chance to be stretched and challenged.

Applications for places in Reception in 2019 started early, with high levels of interest from parents with children at the school’s own nursery, Little Crackers, and other local nurseries.

Comments Headmaster, Rob Duigan, “We normally limit places in Reception to no more than 20 children each year, but this year with registrations well over that number we have decided to offer a second Reception class.”

Please do encourage family and friends interested in places in Reception or other Year Groups to come along to the next Open Morning, on Saturday 9 March from 10.30am – 12.30pm, to meet Mr Duigan, the staff and the children and to see what the school and its nursery has to offer.

Contact Jenny Vaughan, Admissions Secretary on 01926 514410 or by email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk for more information. All are most welcome.

Crackley Hall is celebrating after its U11 Netball team qualified for the ISA National Netball Finals.

A combination of committed play, great passing and excellent teamwork saw them finish in 3rd place at the ISA Midlands’ Regional Tournament held on Tuesday 26 February at Malvern St James Girls’ School, Worcestershire.

With nine in Crackley’s pool, the team started a busy day with eight matches of eight minutes each. The girls made a solid start with a 2-1 win against Twycross, they then drew 1-1 against Stafford Prep and Malvern St James, before St Edwards delivered the team their only first round defeat 1-2. The girls stayed focused and committed and were rewarded with good wins against Mylnhurst 3-0, Akeley Wood 2-0, Castle Howard 4-0 and Arnold Lodge 7-0. They finished as runners up in the pool and qualified for the semi-finals.

Their semi-final was a much closer and competitive game and the team were disappointed to lose 1-2 to Grantham Prep. They faced Old Vicarage in the play-off and performed brilliantly to win 3-1, take the bronze medal and win a coveted place in the National Netball Finals.

A jubilant Head of Games, Mrs Kat Vaughan, commented, “The girls were great, they were feisty, didn’t lose concentration and really worked well as a team. I am delighted to be taking them to the Nationals.”

Well done to you all.

Playing in the team were: Hannah Wildey (Captain), Maddie Lambeth, Isabella Osborne, Francesca Kelly, Annamaria Kordas, Amisha Modi, Caitlin Horan and Martha Harris.

Crackley Hall’s KS1 Performing Arts Afternoon took place on Wednesday 27 February.  The concert featured music, poetry and song, and was a testament to the range and talents of the young performers. Parents, family and friends gathered excitedly in the school hall to enjoy this celebration of the talent of some of our youngest pupils.

Music Captain, Andrea Zanyi, and Performing Arts Captain, Isabella Osborne, compered and began by warmly welcoming everyone.  Mini Brass Group opened the proceedings with a stirring rendition of Hot Cross Stomp and Theo Cowlishaw stayed on stage to play a super cornet solo of Old McDonald’s Echo.   Then Isabella Osborne performed her set piece Why Am I Always The Bridesmaid.  Junior 1 played Sleepless Night beautifully on recorder and were then word perfect as they recited the poem What Is Under.

Next up was Julia Kozhan and she delighted all with her piano solo Ode To Joy, followed by Arisha Shujaat who spoke slowly and clearly as she enunciated her poem Falling Star.  Mrs Goode’s singing group delivered a fabulous and enthusiastic performance of The Work Song. Then Andrew Parizzi played Indian Song on piano and Carter Headland performed the poem Dragonfly.

The concert continued with Junior 2's amusing rendition of Skipping Steps, and Amelia Turvey carefully fingering out her piano solo Twinkle Twinkle.  Junior 2’s Violin Ensemble had the audience yee-hawing along as they played Old Chuck Wagon.  Then the very talented Isabella Olden played a beautiful piano solo Cruella de Vil.  Junior 2H came on stage to recite Wet Play and the Junior 2 recorders played the lively St Lewis Blues.

Allegra Fox performed the thought provoking poem A Lion, she was followed by Andrea Zanyi singing Shy.  Miss Pavett’s singing group cheekily brought the afternoon to a close with a wonderful performance of I Won’t Grow Up.

Our enormous thanks and congratulations go to all our accomplished performers who took to the stage in front of their proud parents, and of course to their teachers who have worked so hard to help them achieve so much.

Appreciating other faiths and understanding how other cultures live out their faith is the key message of Crackley Hall’s 'One World Week'. Each year group has explored a different faith and the Junior 4 children have been learning about Buddhism.

On Tuesday 26 February, accompanied by RE Coordinator and J4J Teacher Mrs Jackson-Mayne, Teaching Assistants Mrs Convey, Mr Harris and Mr Vaughan, the two classes visited the Buddhist Peace Pagoda in Birmingham. Completed in 1997 the Dhamma Talaka Peace Pagoda in Ladywood, Birmingham, is the only purpose built Myanmar style pagoda in the UK and one of only six structures world wide that share the same shape. It is a miniature replica of Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, which is over 2,500 years old and one of the most important pagodas in that country.

Buddhists believe you should make time to reflect and pause, to make the most of what you have. The pagoda symbolises peace, compassion and the other exemplary qualities of the Buddha. As such, Buddhists venerate it.

The children learnt about the principles and beliefs of Buddhism, that what Buddha taught is the foundation of how to comprehend the reality of nature and the world, rather than the questioning of who created it and why. They learnt that Buddhism is a way of life and about tenets of the faith such as the significance of the lotus flower, and how it rises up from mud, signifying goodness from anything.

It was a fascinating visit; everyone came away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of what it means to be a Buddhist.

On Monday our three J6 classes made their way to the Gurdwara Sahib of Leamington Spa and Warwick. After they had donned their headscarves, our excited but ever so respectful pupils, entered the temple's shimmering interior to patiently await an access all areas tour.

As you would guess real understanding comes through respect and listening; Sikh virtues that would stand our students in good stead as they were schooled in a brief history of Sikhism in Warwickshire and the wider Sikh religion. Just 50 short years separate Leamington's first temple and the magnificent structure that sits majestically atop Tachbrook Park. The temple, funded entirely through donations, both reflects and serves its community. 

Through instruction Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and social justice. The religion is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. For Sikhs there is only One God and he is the same God for all people of all religions. Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. It teaches the full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.

Enlightened and eager to find out more our pupils asked pertinent and searching questions. Such enterprise will no doubt be rewarded as the J6 pupils embark on a week learning about Sikhism in class through various activities.

Our sincere thanks are extended to the temple and to our Junior 6 pupils for their immaculate behaviour and respectful, thought provoking questioning.

As part of One World Week students from Junior 5 ably assisted by class teachers Mrs Roberts, Mrs Lammas and Mrs Hill made the short journey to Birmingham Central Mosque. There to greet them was an affable representative from the mosque, a most welcoming gentlemen ready to enlighten our eager learners in the Islamic religion and culture.

With no delay, it was shoes off and into the main prayer hall for a tour of the mosque; a most interesting exploration punctuated with informative displays and instruction. This included the study and social areas of the Mosque and the architectural significance of the building's elements. Holding close to three thousand worshipers the Mosque is a significant religious structure and noteworthy addition to the city's skyline. That said, we were informed that the Great Mosque of Mecca can welcome over five million people at one time, and even then an extension is planned to accommodate more.

Time spent amongst friends will always pass too quickly, so it was with no surprise that the penultimate Q & A session had to be curtailed prior to some refreshments and goodbyes. Trip leader Mrs Lammas summed up the uplifted feeling of all that participated, "Respect and friendship will always flow from greater understanding. We are very grateful for such a wonderful welcome and insightful instruction on the religion of Islam".  

As part of Crackley Hall’s ‘One World Week’ pupils from Junior 3 have been learning about Judaism. On Thursday 28 February the children had the chance to visit the West Midland's oldest functioning Synagogue, the Singers Hill Synagogue in central Birmingham. The Synagogue has been the main Jewish place of worship for the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands for over 160 years.

Studying Judaism has given Junior 3 the chance to explore a different culture and helped them understand how people from different religions practise their faith. During their visit to the Synagogue the children learnt about the importance of the Torah Scrolls, the holiest book in Judaism, the main Jewish festivals such as Passover and Yom Kippur and Jewish symbols such as the Star of David.

Class teacher, Mrs Van-Zyl remarked, "The Synagogue was magnificent and we were made to feel very welcome. We had a fascinating morning learning about the Jewish place of worship and Jewish traditions. The visit was an invaluable support to our classroom studies."

Foundation parents, staff, past pupils and friends are all cordially invited to attend Princethorpe - A Vision For The Future, a presentation by Ed Hester, Head of the Foundation on Thursday 14 March at 7.30pm in the College's Clarkson theatre.

The presentation will outline the Foundation's vision for the next five to ten years, and provide more detailed information on the College's new Science Building and campus improvements, including an interactive walk through of the Science facility.  Mr Hester will also feedback highlights from the College's parental questionnaire, unveil the Foundation's new website and outline plans for a new, improved Foundation parent portal.

Refreshments will be served after the presentation in the Sixth Form Centre.

The event is aimed at adults, although pupils are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult.

Please click on this link to let us know if you would like to attend by Monday 4 March 2019.

Saturday 9 March - 10.30am to 12.30pm

Join us for our Spring Open Morning, a great opportunity to look around the school and nursery at the weekend and to chat to staff and pupils.

Junior 5 and 6 pupils will act as tour guides and there will be music and sport activities on display. Light refreshments will be available.

All are welcome to look round the school, and to meet staff and pupils. No need to book.

Please email Mrs Jenny Vaughan, Admissions Secretary at admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or call her on 01926 514410 for more information on the Open Morning and admissions process.

A pdf copy of the Lent Term 2019 Calendar can be found below.

Please be aware that events are added as the term progresses, so remember to keep an eye on the Chronicle for any additions/changes.

Lent Term Calendar

Please be aware that next week the following clubs will be cancelled:

Monday 4 March: J5/6 Hockey Club (due to ISA Netball)

Tuesday 5 March: J3/4 Hockey Club and Maths Challenge Club (due to Parent Consultation Evening)

Thursday 7 March: Arts & Crafts Club (J1) and Yoga & Mindfulness Club (J5/6) (due to Parent Consultation Evening) - the J5/6 Girls Rugby Club will go ahead as normal.

There is a new series of Mini Tennis classes for children from J1 and J2

If you would like your child to attend please complete the attached form and also sign-up on SOCS.

Mini Tennis Form 

What a fantastic week we’ve had, the weather has allowed us to really stretch and breathe in the outdoor area, we have had a good spring clear up and many of the children have enjoyed building campfires in various areas under the trees – it’s amazing how good our imaginations are with pretend fire – some of us even enjoyed pretend marshmallows! 

The sunshine bought plenty of other things out to say hello, and we were able to spot plenty of signs telling us Spring was in the air, we have primroses and daffodils growing, the bees are out and about and we have started disturbing our worms again to see how they are. 

Wednesday was our busy busy day with Bollywood dancing as well as Rugbytots, AND Dramatots – so hopefully, with all this fresh air, dancing and drama, our little ones should have slept really well. 

Have a great weekend, and don’t forget World Book Day next week; we will all be dressing up as our favourite characters on Thursday.

Newsletter

The PTA would like to thank Mr Sansum and his kitchen staff for supplying the tea, coffee and biscuits for the KS1 Performing Arts Afternoon this week.

PTA morning coffee update

In an effort to move towards Crackley Hall PTA  becoming more environmentally responsible, we have decided to try and reduce our use of single use plastic. Therefore, tea and coffee before celebration assembly will continue to be complimentary but we ask that you bring along your own re-useable cup (with lid). Re-usable cups will also be available for you to purchase. If you wish for us to provide you with a cup to use there will be a nominal charge for tea/coffee from the 8th March. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Second hand uniform shop

 The PTA's second hand uniform shop will be available at both Parent Consultation Evenings next week.

You are all cordially invited to join our ever popular quiz night hosted by our very special quiz master for the evening, Mr Duigan, on Friday 22 March 2019 at 7.30pm.

Teams of up to eight people are invited to battle it out against other year groups and our reigning champions from last year, the Crackley Hall teachers and staff, to take this year's winner's title.

Tickets are on sale now and are limited to a maximum of 12 teams only, so please don’t miss out.

The tickets are priced at £7.50 each and include a shared cheeseboard. You are welcome to form your own teams or book individually and we will allocate you to a team of parents from your child’s year group. A licensed bar will be available on the evening to purchase refreshments and you are encouraged to bring additional nibbles to enjoy. We regret that this event is for grown-ups only but there will be lots more family events to look forward to throughout the year.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a fun and sociable evening. If you have any questions regarding the event you may email Melissa Fox mfox1401@gmail.com who will be happy to help.

To purchase your tickets please click here.   

Required for September 2019, an enthusiastic, innovative and highly motivated teacher to deliver an outstanding programme of Modern Foreign Languages to pupils aged from 4-11.

There are two part-time positions available and candidates are invited to apply for both, which would equate to a full time role, or for either of the roles on a part time basis.  One role based at Crackley Hall is equivalent to 0.55 of a full timetable and the second role at Crescent School is equivalent to 0.45. The exact days and FTE are negotiable for the right candidate(s).

The successful candidate will be able to offer French to a high standard and may also offer other modern languages.  An enthusiasm to become involved with the extra-curricular life of the school is also important. Candidates should be able to demonstrate outstanding teaching skills in the classroom and be effective team players.

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.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe Foundation application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing their personal qualities, experience and how they meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates and indicate if they wish to apply for the role on full time or part time FTE, and for which school, if appropriate.

Closing date: Thursday 21 March 2019, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held on Wednesday 27 March and/or or Thursday 28 March.

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

Arun (J5JR) has lost his winter coat.

Sebastian (J5JR) has lost his named school cap.

Noah (J4JM) has lost his Crackley Hall book bag containing his music books.

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

Could you please check all uniform and sports kits at home – if any of it is not yours, please let the School Office know, and return it to us as soon as possible.

Any medicines brought into school must be handed in at the office. They must also be clearly labelled with the child’s name, and dosage instructions, accompanied by an authorisation form (see below). We need a new authorisation slip for each new batch of medicine. Medicine to be returned home must be collected from the office by an adult and cannot be handed to a child.

If your child needs regular medication, such as an inhaler, please ensure there is one in the school office.

All medicines should be collected from the office at the end of the academic year; we cannot store medication over the summer period.

Authorisation Form

Please find a link below to the current vacancies available across the Foundation:

• Groundsman\Gardener - Part-time, two days a week

Full details of the roles and how to apply are available via the following link: https://www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities