The Chronicle

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Junior 6 welcomed a special visitor on Tuesday 11 February when Foundation Head, Ed Hester, visited Crackley Hall to set them all a special STEAM Challenge.

Mr Hester began by stressing the importance of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) subjects to the modern world. He shared with the children how they run through all our lives and how, as pupils of the Foundation, they could embrace STEAM to forge their own futures.

Mr Hester invited the children to test their STEAM knowledge. Working in groups of four he asked the pupils a series of questions on a wide range of topics, from binary to bones, scientists to stars to the speed of light and even mind-boggling optical illusions, the children all enjoyed puzzling out the answers. After the quiz Mr Hester set them one further design challenge. Using just tape, scissors and index cards, pupils worked together to build a free-standing tower. The children all took different approaches, testing out structures and the towers began to grow. In just ten minutes many were reaching lofty heights, with the tallest finally measuring in at 69.1cm. They all had fantastic fun. 

Mr Hester commented, “STEAM subjects are essential for all our futures, we can’t even begin to imagine the changes that are going to happen to our world in these children’s lifetimes. Hopefully my session today will inspire them to engage in every STEAM related opportunity presented to them during the rest of their time at Crackley and when they move on to senior school.”

Well done to all the children, the results were:

Best Quiz Score:

Tesla:  Jorja, Seb, Lucan N, Oliver

Highest Tower:

Einstein: Nancy, Avar, Harvey.

Combined Scores Overall Winners:

Joint 1st:

The Newtons: Bella, Annabel, Sam, Aaron

Newton:  Hunter, Ajunee, Thomas and Archie

On Thursday 13 February Crackley Hall’s pupils took it in turn to hop, skip or jump in a charity skipathon, an annual fund-raising event organised by Crackley’s Mini Vinnies.

Mini Vinnies’ Co-ordinator, Mrs Dolores Simmonds explains, “This year the children are again skipping to support the Sister Mary Aloysius College of Mercy in Nigeria.  It is a school funded completely by donations named in thanks after one of the Sisters of Mercy.  Our school also has links with the Sisters of Mercy as Sister Philomena, who is now in charge of the Sisters of Mercy order, was once Headmistress here at Crackley Hall when the school was a convent.  This year is Sister Philomena's final year as Mother Superior so we wanted to make an extra special effort.”

The children at Crackley Hall pledged to raise as much money as possible for the charity and have been collecting sponsors over the last few weeks.  In the skipathon the children took it in turns, one House at a time, to skip, hop or jump for one minute each.  Supervised by Mrs Simmonds and Mrs Bhogal, wave after wave of eager skippers jumped across the hall.

The underlying purpose of the Mini Vinnies, the junior arm of the St Vincent de Paul organisation, is to make a difference to underprivileged people’s lives. As always, Crackley Hall’s bouncing beans have done just exactly that. The money raised will be donated to the College of Mercy to help with an urgent repair to the roof, which will enable more children in Nigeria to benefit from an education.

Well done to all the skippers who took part and a big thank you to those who have generously donated to the skipathon. Pledges so far total over £2,000 but we'll keep you updated as to the final amount raised once it rolls in. Please can any outstanding sponsorship money be brought into school straight after half term.

The Key Stage 2 Evening of Performing Arts took place on Tuesday 11 February.  It showcased the breadth and depth of pupils’ musical and dramatic talents as the audience was treated to a variety of individual and group performances.

The orchestra opened proceedings with a stirring rendition of Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons. Then followed some 28 performances all sparkling with crisp clear deliveries and well-rehearsed polish. Too many to mention individually, a wonderful testament to the wide range of the repertoire.

There were entertaining ensemble numbers from the brass, violin, cello, guitar and choral speaking groups. Delightful solos on piano, viola, trumpet, drum, saxophone and flute.

Throughout the concert, pupils recited LAMDA pieces, many causing a chuckle, and there were many high-quality group and solo musical theatre performances.

The evening finished, as it had begun, with the stage packed with performers as the Chamber Choir and Choral Group delivered glorious performances of favourites such as Somewhere Only We Know and There’s Power In The Music.

Headmaster Mr Duigan expressed his delight announcing, ‘There is no better way to spend an evening than to come and watch Crackley’s children perform.  Our Key Stage 2 Evening of Performing Arts is always a highlight of the year. I am so proud of them all.  It has been a truly wonderful evening.”

Huge thanks also to all of the staff involved in preparing the children and supporting the production and to Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey and Mrs Paphitis who have shown us yet again what talent, energy and zest for the performing arts there is at Crackley Hall.

It looks like Lego has inspired another pupil’s imagination to share their Lego model with the Crackley family. 

Following on from last week’s inspirational prison and police station built by Lego Captain Arthur and his brother, Alfred, this pupil has gone on a mission to build her own house! 

Beatrice in J2 decided she wanted to build a house with its own balcony for her to play in.  To share in her excitement, she got a few horses, birds, dogs and cats to live with her and added in a space rocket in the corner of the garden for good measure.  It took her a month to build and afterwards a very happy Beatrice said, “This is my dream house which one day I want to live in.” 

We all hope she will fulfil her dream!

Please find decade letters below:

Reception

J1

J2

J3

J4

J5

J6

Last weeks Mathlete of the week for Mrs Lammas's group is Woody and for Mrs Roberts group it is Francesca 

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Mathlete of the week for J3S is Lucas 

Mathlete of the week for J1H is Jude

Mathlete of the week for Mrs Lammas group is Millie and Helayna

Mathlete of the week for Mrs Roberts group is Henry

Mathlete of the week for Mrs Hill's group is Holly

Well done all!