The Chronicle

Dear Parents

Although everyone seems to be discussing the news of tier system being introduced next week, it will be business as usual at Crackley Hall.  The pace of learning and activities in school are gaining pace and excitement is building in classes as we prepare for the final weeks of term.

This week seems to have passed by very quickly and Advent will soon be upon us. This marks the beginning of a very busy period in school, celebrating this special time of the year.

As you will have read in a communication earlier this week, there are a number of events taking place in school during these last few weeks to make the end of term as special as it can be for our children. Mr Sansum and his catering team will once again be providing our Christmas lunch. The PTA are busy preparing for ‘Crackley’s Enchanted Christmas’, where there will be a few lovely and magical surprises. Sshh! Not a word to anyone younger than 12.  We will also have our annual Christmas Jumper Day, where we raise money for Save the Children, and a non-uniform day and pizza lunch, on the last day of term.

A highlight of the year is always our Nativity productions, and I have already heard some of our younger children preparing for them. Nativity rehearsals are going well and Mrs Olden has assured me that we are in for a spectacular performance from our younger children. 

Although we are unable to invite parents into school at this time to watch, I know that you are in for a real treat, albeit via the virtual performances this year.

LAMDA examiners have been in school this week, hearing Junior 3 and Junior 4 pupils perform their selected pieces.  I hope that all the children gained confidence from this experience and I look forward to their results in due course.

Junior 2 also had a virtual visit from a local dentist and dental nurse, who explained why we all have teeth and how best to look after them. The session ended with the children getting to try a disclosing tablet, to see just how well they brush their teeth!

In assembly this morning I was delighted to announce the results of the ISA Art Competition that was judged recently.    Some of the winners have now moved to other schools but I am sure that they will be delighted to read their names in the Chronicle this week.  Cadie, last year’s Junior 6, won the first prize in the KS2 2d Art category and Neve, also last year’s Junior 6, was awarded second prize.  Elizabeth in Junior 3 was highly commended for her artwork in the KS1 category and our current Junior 4 children submitted a group entry which was awarded second prize in KS1.  All the art work is being currently displayed in school and the children will receive their certificates shortly.  Congratulations to all our budding artists.

Congratulations to our Stars of the Week: May, Olivia, Felix, Aaryan, Josh, Austin, Louis, Elena, Eve, Amelia, Marley, Scarlett and Maxwell. Arabella from Reception is also congratulated for her lovely work on Random Acts of Kindness and Josie and Esme both received their bronze awards.  Exceptional efforts continue with our Junior da Vinci awards.  This week Noah received his award for Maths and Rafferty for music.  You can also watch Rafferty’s wonderful performance as it was sent with this morning’s assembly link.  Well done to everyone on your continued hard work, it is wonderful to see your efforts rewarded.

As mentioned, the PTA have been incredibly busy these last couple of weeks, helping to organise more events for the children to enjoy.  There is a particularly exciting event planned for December 11 and this is one that we would like to keep as a surprise for the children to make it as memorable as possible.  My thanks to the whole PTA team who work tirelessly thinking of new ideas, managing the second-hand uniform, promoting the social media pages and being an ever-friendly team to approach.  All of your children see the rewards of their efforts and your support.

As you will have read in my letter earlier today, children can start to bring in their Christmas cards for posting and these will be quarantined to ensure the COVID and hygiene procedures are being followed.

This week I have met with local residents who are particularly concerned about the traffic congestion and parking in the residential area.  May I ask you to please park safely and considerately.   Do not block driveways or on the hatched line areas.  Please arrive at the time allocated to your child’s collection time and use the carline area as effectively as possible.  It would also be much appreciated if you could turn your car engines off if waiting for any length of time.

I would like to wish everyone a very happy and restful weekend.

God bless

Mr Duigan