Headmaster's Welcome
Dear Parents
After recently returning from being away from school for a short period, I was fortunate to be able to enjoy some time outdoors with the Estates Team today, discussing the Jubilee tree planting which will take place next week. It almost felt like Spring during the late morning and I look forward to being involved in the planting on Monday when each class will be able to plant their tree. We are incredibly lucky to have such beautiful surroundings as a school and I am delighted that part of the lower playground will be developed into a Jubilee Garden. I will provide everyone with more details next week but this will be an area that all children will be able to visit and contribute to whilst, hopefully, also providing a haven for insects and birds. Thank you to the PTA for organising the ordering of the trees and the various classes for their participation in this initiative. I hope that, if you have ordered a tree as a family, that you are able to enjoy planting your own Jubilee tree this weekend, or early next week.
Last Friday, the whole school participated in Number Day and raised over £430 for the NSPCC. My thanks are extended to Mrs Van Zyl who expertly co-ordinated this event and I would encourage you to read the full feature report later in this edition.
This week we focussed on Mental Health Week which included various activities across the year groups including meditation, mindfulness, Yoga and some time spent in the Forest School area. We will be continuing with elements of these important activities as part of the school day as children respond positively to ways in which they can deal with various daily concerns and situations. I do hope that your child has been able to share some of these activities with you.
During Celebration Assembly this morning, Mr Cottrill awarded quite a collection of certificates including our Stars of the Week: Sebastian, Ella, Lucas, Cameron, Casper, Leyton, Henry, Rory, Molly, Isabelle, Aidan, Kate, Elsie and Joseph. There was also an impressive selection of Da Vinci Awards presented to Darcey, Jenson, Adreena, Josh, Mahnoor, Alexander, Georgie S and Elora receiving two awards. Congratulations to everyone involved. Thank you to Mr Cottrill for leading the assembly in my absence.
Next week the PTA have helped to organise two fund raising events which take place on Monday 14 February. As previously mentioned, the Jubilee Tree planting will involve each class during the morning where they will be planting a native tree commemorating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (10 min per class). Following that, the book sale will be held in the school hall and every £1 raised will be directed to the PTA funds. Mrs Stephenson will be on hand to capture both events on camera and I look forward to updating you on these events next week.
I am delighted to announce that two new members of staff will be joining the Crackley Hall School family next week. Miss Francis will be joining Little Crackers Nursery and Mr Hunt will be joining the Estates Team and assisting Mr Luis around school. I am sure you will join me in making them feel most welcome.
Junior 1 and Reception classes both have visits to look forward to next week which will be a lovely way to end this half term. Holiday club is currently receiving bookings but these will close by Wednesday next week to enable staffing to be confirmed. If you have not yet booked or are unable to do so, please contact the school office as soon as possible to secure your child’s place.
Please look out for reports on the various sports results and class activities that took place during the past week. I wish you and your families a happy and relaxing weekend.
God bless,
Mr Duigan
