The Chronicle

Dear Parents

This will not be the usual full Chronicle that you would normally receive but just a brief update on the last couple of days of this term.  I think the children will agree that there has been a wonderful atmosphere in school today; we have had parties, secret Santa exchanges, pizza and ice cream deliveries, Christmas films to name just a few and I think they are now ready to prepare for Christmas.

Activities have not stopped in school even though we were winding down for the year.  Yesterday Mrs Cowlishaw co-ordinated a reverse advent calendar for the Warwickshire Food Bank and there was an overwhelming response from Crackley families.  The delivery of all the items took place on Monday and I am sure that this will make a huge difference to many families who are not in such a fortunate position.  Thank you for your kindness supporting this charity.  We will hopefully have news of the Christmas jumper day very soon and I will let you know how much was raised for Save the Children.

Today, Mrs Stephenson from Princethorpe, captured Junior 6 contacting and conversing with their French pen pals online.  Madam Tatton led the Teams session where she used her links with a school in her home town of Lyon to talk to the students at Ecole La Rédemption.  I very much hope that this can be a regular occurrence providing a wonderful opportunity for the children to practice their French.

Unfortunately, this year I was unable to invite you into school to watch Nativities and take part in Advent celebrations but we have arranged for each year group to be filmed and these will be with you very soon.  In addition, Mrs Dyer will be sending an extra video for you to enjoy with a special Christmas message from all the staff at Crackley Hall – be sure to watch it on a big screen.  The pupils had a sneak preview of this screening earlier today.

I will also be sending our last year’s Junior 6 Prize Giving video to parents very soon.  I had hoped to be able to host this event in school but the restrictions have necessitated that this was, sadly, also a remote celebration.  I was really hoping to be able to welcome everyone back to school and catch up on your news of how you are getting on at your secondary schools.  Trophies, awards and salvers will be ready to collect in the New Year and the school office will confirm collection arrangements with you; book prizes will be posted.  Thank you to all our past J6 pupils who sent in video clips of their speeches; these have been collated and included as part of the ‘whole evening’.

Holiday club will be operating until 23 December and, although we are full for this week, there are some places left for next week.  Should you require a space, please contact the school office and they will advise further.

The school will be closed to children until Tuesday 5 January when Lent term starts.  The school office will re-open on Monday 4 January 20121.

Arrangements in school at the start of next term will remain the same with staggered drop off and collection times.  The current bubbles will remain in place throughout the school day.  Winter uniform should continue to be worn apart from days when your child takes part in sports.  It is an ideal time to please check on neatness of uniform, such as loose or lost buttons, dry cleaning, etc.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us this term.  In particular, all of the staff including teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, Father Kevin, the Trustees, the catering team, the estates team including the cleaners, the PTA parents and many other families as well.  Without your support and understanding it would have been a very difficult job this term. I am hoping and praying for a much happier New Year for us all.  Thank you, everyone, for the many cards, good wishes and gifts at this time – although they are not expected at all, they are very much appreciated by all the staff.

Have a peaceful and blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.

God Bless

Mr Duigan