Headmaster's Welcome
Dear Parents
I would like to start this week’s Chronicle by thanking all the staff at Crackley Hall, the teachers, teaching assistants, the school office, Estates team, peri staff and catering team. With a number of colleagues succumbing to the virus, on rotation, the last two weeks have seen our staff embracing more tasks and duties to ensure that the school can run as efficiently as possible without any detrimental effect to the timetable whilst experiencing significant staff absence. I hope that you will agree that we have managed to keep the school running as close to optimum as possible. Please do forgive any slight oversights or delays. It is a testament to the family and team spirit at Crackley Hall which, I hope you agree, the children also exhibit.
It has been an exceptional week for our sports teams, beginning with our Under 11 hockey team travelling to the national ISA tournament at the Lee Valley Stadium in London. Some of our players have had very little experience at this level but were outstanding. We were kept regularly updated with progress by Mrs Vaughan and the tension was mounting at school when we heard that the team had reached the semi-finals, only to be knocked out on penalties.
The U11 netball team participated in the ISA Midlands competition this week and travelled to Malvern College/St Edward’s. This was another fantastic sporting performance, with the team finishing in 3rd place and qualifying for the national competition later this year. Our outstanding Cross-country team excelled at the ISA Midlands competition on Wednesday, with eight of our team qualifying for the nationals. Further information on placings will be shared when team results are published. A tremendous achievement from all our sporting participants this week. My thanks to Mrs Vaughan, Mrs Horan, Mrs Roberts, Mr Vaughan and Mr Kefalas for helping the children achieve these results and being involved on the day.
The whole school have participated in Number Day today which has been superbly organised by Mrs van Zyl. Not only has this been an opportunity to explore maths in a fun and challenging way, but we have also been able to raise money for the NSPCC. As soon as a final total has been calculated, we will let you know. Thank you to everyone who took part and to Mrs van Zyl for proving that mathematics is everywhere and can be fun for all.
Father Kevin has visited school this afternoon when he led Mass for Junior 5. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend but I am very grateful to Father Kevin, Mrs Jackson Mayne, Mrs Olden, Mrs McAloon and Mrs Simmonds for ensuring that this event could take place this afternoon.
I am grateful to Mr Cottrill, who kindly hosted Celebration Assembly this morning. It was super to see all our talented musicians, hear the sports reports in addition to our stars of the week and awards outside of school. Congratulations to the stars of the week: Isla, Basile, Alexander, Hugo, Rory, Eloise, Jacob, Mahnoor, Evie, Beatrice, Ralph, Amelia, Olivia and Isabella. Well done to everyone involved in today’s assembly!
Next week will be Mental Health Week in school and I know that staff have activities for the children to be involved with across the school. There are other dates for your diary before half term, including the PTA book sale which will take place on Monday 14 February, our Jubilee tree planting will also take place on this day which I very much look forward. Reception classes will be visiting Attwell Farm park on 15 February and Junior 1 will attend the Transport Museum in Coventry on 16 February; I am sure these will be enjoyed by both classes. Holiday club will be operating during half term providing there is significant need from our families. Please look out for the booking link and activity list which will be sent on Monday.
Finally, a big thank you to Mr Cottrill and all the staff for their extra efforts this week, in my absence.
I wish you and your families a relaxing weekend.
God bless,
Mr Duigan
