The Chronicle

Dear Parents

Reflecting back during this last full week of the school year, I have to think, ‘What a year it has been!’  I am thankful that, whilst we have had cases of Covid in school, we have been able to manage the situation and have not needed to resort to online learning for any year groups.  I sincerely hope that this trend continues and we have seen the last of remote learning.

I would like to briefly touch upon the whole school production which took place last Friday evening.  Whilst apologising sincerely for the timing problems, I felt that the Spa Centre provided a wonderful venue for the production and the standard of the performance was simply outstanding; this sentiment was echoed amongst so many families.  I am hugely proud of everyone who took part in the production and I hope you enjoyed the show too. Grateful thanks are extended again to Mrs Wildey, Mrs Olden, Mrs Paphitis and everyone else who helped in making the production the success that it was – so many people contributed their time and skills.

Unfortunately, we had to postpone the Key Stage 2 sports day on Monday due to the inclement weather and slippery, unsafe ground conditions.  We do hope that the forecast will be fine for Monday 4 July and invite parents to support this event.  Don’t forget, children should wear house colours and be in fine voice to support their house team mates.

On Tuesday, we invited local parishioners and grandparents into school to enjoy a strawberry cream tea and an afternoon of entertainment.  We haven’t been able to host this event for two years so it felt even more special this year and I have received many appreciative letters from those who attended.  Mrs Simmonds, Mrs Wright (and helpers) from the PTA, our performing arts staff members and our Minnie Vinnies hosted or entertained our guests during the afternoon whilst they sampled homemade scones, fresh strawberries and fresh cream.  I would like to thank Mrs Simmonds for organising this event, baking more scones than could be consumed, and rallying volunteers and donations to ensure that this event was enjoyed by all who attended. 

All children were able to spend time in their new classes on Wednesday during ‘move up morning’.  Our Junior 6 children visited Princethorpe College whilst the rest of Crackley Hall pupils moved to their next class and enjoyed activities with their new teacher and class mates.  Our youngest pupils, from Nursery, didn’t have to go too far from their familiar setting as they spent time in Reception classes.  Next year, children will have the opportunity to form new friendship groups and continue to grow and learn with their new teacher.  Communications will be sent towards the end of the summer from your child’s new teacher about the start of the Michaelmas term.

Yesterday was a day of celebration as we hosted our two Prize Givings for the school.  Reception to Junior 4 gathered in the Hall during the afternoon and Junior 5 and 6 took their seats at 6.00pm for the presentation of awards.  Our Prize Giving is an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievement in the classroom and contribution to school life.  All children are considered for awards and this is a much deliberated process with input from teachers and leadership members across the school.  I was delighted to welcome families into school to help celebrate the awards and Ms Arler and her catering team provide a wonderful spread for parents to sample.  My thanks also go to Mr Hester, for presenting the Junior 5 and 6 awards and Father Kevin for opening the evening celebration.  This event could not take place without the organisation behind the scenes and I would like to congratulate the office team, led by Mrs Taylor, Mrs Paphitis, Mr Luis and Mr Hunt on a job well done.  Photographs taken at both ceremonies will be shared shortly with families.

Holiday club will operate for the first two weeks of the school holiday but unfortunately, due to lack of children registered, it is unlikely to operate for most of the remainder of the summer.  If you do wish to book your children into holiday club, please email holidayclub@crackleyhall.co.uk by Monday 4 July urgently.  Once numbers have been confirmed by Tuesday 5 July, we will inform families as to whether booking from 25 July until 31 August can be honoured.

I will write to you all before the end of term and before the start of the next academic year, but in the meantime, I wish you all a lovely weekend.

God bless,

Mr Duigan