The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I do hope that this letter finds you well despite the very unseasonable weather we have experienced this week.  Unfortunately, the English summer has impacted on a number of scheduled events which is very disappointing.  However, we will hope and pray that next week the sun will shine on us all and all events will take place as planned.

Thankfully, the Charity Day on Monday was able to take place inside and the children were buzzing with excitement throughout the morning.  Whether they were running or supporting a stall, every child helped make this event a huge success.  The total amount raised for the Blind Sports charity was announced today and I am delighted to confirm that £1,142 will be presented to the charity very soon.  My thanks to Mrs Malcolm and the School Council for arranging this day and to all children and parents for baking or donating goods and wares or setting up a game.

On Tuesday, our Firecrackers Team headed to Gaydon to compete in the National Finals in the JLR Schools Challenge.   This year’s team impressed the judges winning the Best Engineered Car category – a fantastic achievement and a wonderful trophy to bring back to school.  This success has been due to a huge amount of time and effort from Mrs Hardwick, Mrs Spillane, the children and several parents who have given their time most generously.  Thank you and congratulations to all.

My thanks to Mr Lamprecht for organising the Ian Bell Masterclass Cricket Coaching on Tuesday this week.  Whilst I was unable to watch this class, I am told that those children who attended enjoyed it enormously and it is something that we hope to be able to offer again in the future.

On Wednesday, our Reception class enjoyed a visit to Twycross Zoo.  Mrs Whitehurst and Mrs Verma reported that all the children were exceptionally well behaved throughout the day and were thrilled to see so many of the animals being very animated.  Thank you to our parent volunteers who also attended this trip.

Unfortunately, due to the weather, it was necessary to cancel the ISA Cricket Event that we host every year, as well as the Nursery sports day.  However, we do hope to be able to hold KS1 sports day on Tuesday if the weather improves (Note change of date).  KS2 Sports Day has been moved to Friday 28 June due a number of Junior 6 children being involved in transition days at other schools.  I am aware that there are also music examinations taking place on Friday 28 June, but every effort will be made to ensure that children attend both the examinations and their race.

I was able to sample some of the delights that were available at the Junior 4 India Day yesterday.  This event, arranged by Mrs Hill and parent volunteers, gave the children an insight into Indian culture and I am very pleased that we have been able to offer this wonderful experience to children again this year.  

I know that parents may have been discussing the ‘All About Me’ lessons that have been delivered this week.  We hope that we have provided you with as much information as possible in order for you to support your children and reassure you of the content this programme.  Please do feel free to contact Mr Cottrill or your child’s class teacher for any further information.

As in many schools, this time of the year sees staff move on to new ventures and Crackley Hall is no different.  We are very sad to be saying goodbye to Dr Wu, Miss Jones, Mr Harris and Mr Duigan (junior).  Mrs Huang returns from her study sabbatical to replace Dr Wu, Miss Jones is growing her own sports coaching business, Mr Harris begins a year of teacher training in a Coventry state school and Mr Duigan begins his teacher training at university.

Mrs Williams has been a member of the support or teaching staff at Crackley Hall for 18 years and Mrs George has taught here for 10 years.  They have both lovingly given so much of themselves over the years for the benefit of so many pupils and we will be very sad to see them move on into the next of life’s chapters.  We have shared many years of happiness and laughter with both of them, as well as with our other members of staff who will be leaving us.  We do hope to see them from time to time and, maybe, be able to welcome some of them back to Crackley Hall as colleagues in the future.  We will have our own ways of thanking these members of staff over the next couple of weeks and, I am sure, they will have an opportunity to say their goodbyes.  Mrs George has included a short but lovely message for all our parents in this week’s Chronicle.

As mentioned, there will be plenty of opportunities to say our goodbyes before the end of term but there will be a collection for each member of staff should you wish to contribute and sign their leaving card.  Announcements regarding our new staff will be made in the very near future.

We are pleased to announce that Lawson and Evie were our gymnasts of the week last week and Esme and Elsie are our gymnasts for this week.

Our Stars of the Week this week are Katherine, Joseph, Olivia, Isla, Jay, Arisha, Finlay, Elsie, Rupert, Finlay, Lucas, Tom, Harry, Aaran and Carys.  Congratulations to you all.

Well done to our guitar ensemble, Thomas, Jasper and the drama group on your outstanding performances at this morning’s assembly.  Congratulations to our excellent athletes on your selection for the Midlands team – more about this next week.

Next week will be incredibly busy with production rehearsals throughout the week.  Please keep a close eye on your emails for communications from the School regarding any updates or changes to arrangements.  School will close early on Friday next week and there will not be any aftercare provision available on this day.

I wish you all a very happy and relaxing weekend and hope that the South African cricketers can do a lot better.

God bless,

Robert Duigan