The Chronicle

Dear Parents

Welcome to the Trinity Term, traditionally one of our busiest terms in school and I am sure this year will be no exception.  I hope that all the Crackley families enjoyed a restful Easter break and I would also like to welcome our new families to School.

We started this week on a very positive note when I invited a representative from Mary’s Meals to receive a cheque for £5,000.  She delivered a most informative assembly.  This outstanding amount was raised during this year’s Skipathon co-ordinated by Mrs Simmonds.  It was the highest amount we have collectively raised for a charity and I am grateful to the Crackley community for supporting the charity so generously.  Mary’s Meals will keep me informed about how the funds will be helping feed so many school children in impoverished countries around the world; we really have made an enormous difference.

Our Reception Classes have been busy in the woods today when they were out visiting the local area with Mrs Allen, Mrs Green and Mrs Malcolm and Mrs Brannen.  We are very lucky to have such wonderful surroundings on our doorstep which children can explore.  You will have no doubt notice a new surname in the Reception Class teaching list; Miss Collins became Mrs Brannen earlier this week.  The day was shared with close family and the bride looked radiant; we send, Mrs Brannen and her husband, our very best wishes for a happy marriage.

Mrs Burley co-ordinated a school council litter pick today which is the first time the school council have come together to benefit the local community in this way.  Armed with litter pickers and a keen eye for discarded rubbish, the school council have made another positive change to the environment.  It is hoped that this will become a regular occurrence.  My thanks to Mrs Burley for co-ordinating such activities.

Next week, Junior 6 will be embarking on a residential visit to Wales.  I am thankful that we have been able to organise a residential visit for the Junior 6 cohort after 2 years of not having the ability to stay overnight.  The visit to Aberdovey promises to be a fun, active and challenging few days and one that I am very much looking forward to joining.  I hope that the children will have a memorable time and will be able to recount tales for years to come.  There will be more news on this visit next week and updates can be followed on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

I hope that you have all received copies of the Trinity Term calendar card which were sent home at the beginning of the week. Since going to print, some dates have changed and the most up-to-date calendar of events can be found on the school website.  Two dates have been removed from the calendar and these are: NSPCC day and World Maths Day on 6 and 5 May respectively.

I was delighted to be able to confirm to Junior 3 and 4 parents that swimming has returned, at a new venue, to the calendar.  Junior 3 will begin their swimming lessons on Monday 9 May and Junior 4 attended their first session on Tuesday this week.  Children should wear the sports kit on the day of lessons which will allow for quick and easy changing at the venue.  I understand that the Aquarius swimming scheme is particularly good with children being continually assessed in each lesson.

Mrs McAloon hosted Celebration Assembly this week and Junior 5 and 6 were in attendance.  Our stars of the week were: Jacob, George, Amaya, Jai, Zach, Alfie, Gwen, Harriet, Elora, Ria, Charlie, Jay, Grace and Kyra.  There was an impressive collection of Junior da Vinci’s, Bronze Awards and achievements outside of school today.  My thanks to Ms McAloon for stepping in and to Mairen for performing at the end of assembly. Congratulations to everyone on your achievements this week.  Next week’s assembly will be for Junior 3 and 4 and Friday 13 May will be for Reception, Junior 1 and 2.

I am sure you will have seen, on the approach to school, that there is advanced notice of a road closure which is scheduled to take place between 12 and 20 May.  Following contact with the council and the contractor, it has been confirmed that this should not affect our usual morning and carline procedures as the closure is between 9.00am and 3.00pm.  However, parents arriving between these times are asked to bear in mind severe delays as a gates man (banksman) is required to allow vehicles access to school or the residential area.  In order to minimise disruption at carline, please do not try to arrive any earlier than 3.00pm during the planned closure.  We have been guaranteed safe crossing over the Coventry Road when using the sports fields and the major works will take place on 19 and 20 May when the new road surface is laid.

I hope you enjoy the extended Bank Holiday weekend.

God bless,

Mr Duigan