The Chronicle

Dear Parents

Welcome to the Chronicle which is filled with news and photographs of this week’s events which culminated today with our celebration of the Feast of our Patron Saint, St Joseph.

This week, children in all year groups took part in National Science Week and immersed themselves in exploring various scientific topics in many different ways.  Thank you to Mrs Roberts who provided the enthusiasm and ideas to help each year group celebrate science.

The Scholastic book fair has been running each day this week.  Thank you for supporting this event; each purchase made contributes to book rewards which will be used to update our current library provision.  Hopefully your orders will be with you before the end of term. Thanks to Mrs Steeples for her hard work and organisation.

We have had some super sporting results this week.  Mrs Vaughan kept me updated on Thursday when the girls took part in the ISA Midlands Under 9 Netball Competition at Stafford Prep.  The team played exceptionally well, cheered on by parents from the side-line, and reached the final, only to be pipped at the post by a golden goal.  Congratulations to the whole team and my thanks to Mrs Vaughan, Mrs Duigan and our parents for preparing and supporting the team for the fixture this week.

On Tuesday, children from Junior 5 and 6 visited to Crescent School for an orchestral workshop.  The day was a great success with children from both schools demonstrating their skills and performing to a Junior 5 and 6 audience at the end of the day.  My thanks are extended to Mrs Olden and Mrs Barnes, at Crescent School, for organising this event; and also Mrs Bhogal for accompanying the pupils.

Yesterday, Junior 5 stepped back in time to experience life in Tudor times.  This is a regular event in our calendar which is always enjoyed by staff and children alike.  The practical day brings history to life and children experienced workshops in craft making and learning about a range of typical Tudor professions.  Thank you to Mrs Wildey and Mrs Lammas for organising this event and to our parent helpers who were also able to take part.

I welcomed Father Kevin into school today to mark the Feast of St Joseph through the celebration of Holy Mass for the whole school.  This is the first time that the whole school have been present for Mass which made it an extra special occasion.  I am very grateful to Father Kevin for leading Mass, Mrs Jackson-Mayne, Mrs Paphitis, Ms McAloon, Mrs Simmonds and Mrs Horan for their efforts helping to prepare Mass.  Tomorrow, 19 March, is the official Feast of St Joseph Day and the doors of Crackley Hall School will be open to ex-students and staff, along with some current pupils and staff, as they are welcomed into school to remember their time here and see how the school has evolved over the years.

In assembly this morning, Junior 3 and 4 were present in the Hall when I presented the Stars of the Week to: Jamie, Wilf, Grace, Arabella, Savannah, Thomas, Theo, Joseph, Grace, Arthur, Lawson, Georgie, Moreton and Alex.   The Junior 3 and 4 year groups also had an impressive collection of Junior da Vincis, Bronze and Silver Awards; well done to everyone! The Junior 4 choral group performed two excellent pieces for the assembly – they were outstanding!

I have been kept informed of the continuing fund-raising efforts by many children in school who have thought of different ways to raise money for both the Ukraine appeal and Mary’s Meals.  This has ranged from making cakes, selling handmade jewellery and sponsored chores, all of which are highly commendable and everyone should be proud of their efforts which contribute to making a difference.  I understand that Mrs Simmonds is hoping to make a final count of the Skipathon fund raising so please forward any outstanding donations as soon as possible.

Congratulations to our U11 5-a-side football team who won the plate section at the national ISA finals last Friday. It was a pleasure presenting the team with their medals and trophy at today’s assembly.  Well done to the boys and Mr Stedeford. Thank you to Mr Cottrill for accompanying them and the parents who supported the team on the day.  Best wishes to all our athletes who will represent the Midlands at the national ISA Cross-county Championships tomorrow.  Thank you to Mr and Mrs Vaughan for accompanying the team.

Before ending this week’s message to you, may I please ask that parents continue to park considerately when arriving at school and use the school field on Friday mornings if attending assembly.  If you are parking within the lower playground, please collect your child then vacate the area as soon as possible to enable other parents to access the car park.  Children should not be using the lower car park as a play area after end of day collection as they cannot be supervised by staff and traffic continues to flow in this area.

I hope that you are able to enjoy the rugby this weekend. I can’t see anyone other than France winning the Six Nations. However, there might be a surprise winner

Thank you to the staff and pupils who are helping at the Open House and St Joseph’s Day celebrations tomorrow. I wish everyone a restful weekend. 

God bless,

Mr Duigan