The Chronicle

Dear Parents

When we returned to school in September I was hoping that we would not have to experience a second lockdown this year.  Unfortunately, it has been necessary to increase the restrictions nationally resulting in many changes to all of us but I am grateful that schools can remain open and children can continue with their learning and socialise with their friends. I’m also hoping that all households will adhere strictly to the government’s guidelines and regulations as failure to do so can probably impact on the health and wellbeing of others in our community.

I will be asking you to adhere and take on board the advice given by the Government, NHS and school to ensure that we can keep our school open.  You will receive a separate letter from me detailing any changes that will take place during the next few weeks but essentially, in order to keep the children, staff and wider school community safe, please do not send your child to school if they display any Coronavirus symptoms.  Schools have been informed that children may also display symptoms of fatigue or muscle and joint aches.  This too can be attributed to Coronavirus and the children should be monitored then a test book if the symptoms continue.

I do not wish for this week’s Chronicle to be dominated by the lockdown news received this week as there were many positive events in school.  On Monday, Father Kevin visited school to celebrate Mass.  I am very grateful that Father Kevin has been able to visit school safely so far this term but his visits are now on hold until further notice.  Thank you to Mrs Jackson-Mayne (in her absence) and Mrs Simmons for their work in preparing for Mass.

On Wednesday, as part of Vocations week, the whole school were involved in planting daffodils on the grass bank below the top lawn.  This will provide a beautiful display in the spring and will give all of us something to look forward to.  The children may not remember exactly where they planted their bulb but hopefully they will enjoy looking for their daffodil and will be able to share this with you too.  My thanks to Mrs Jackson-Mayne for organising this activity, Mr Robertson from the Estates Team for assisting with the planting and to Mrs Stephenson for capturing the event on camera.  You will be able to read more about this later.

Unfortunately, two members of staff have been absent this week due to the virus which they contracted offsite during half term.  I have written to the respective class teacher’s parents to explain that lessons have been covered safely and within the existing bubble permutations.  I will continue to notify families who may be affected more directly by staff absences as a result of Covid19.  Certainly, any hint of an outbreak at Crackley Hall will be dealt with swiftly and carefully.

During celebration assembly this morning, ‘star of the week’ was awarded to Dalilah, Chase, Thomas, Zachary, Lexi-Jean, Elsie, Ted, Georgie, Jack, Mya, Dillon, Rosa and Helayna.  Very well done to you all.

Next week I will be delivering a Remembrance assembly to the children, with Junior 6 pupils also contributing.  Poppies are being sold at school and details will follow separately about how this will be facilitated.

I wish you an enjoyable weekend with your family.  Please keep safe.

God bless

Mr Duigan