The Chronicle

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Congratulations to them all!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Miss Emma Birch to the role of Nursery Manager at Little Crackers Nursery with effect from February 2023.

Miss Birch has extensive experience of the nursery sector, having previously been employed at The Rugby Montessori Nursery School for thirteen years. Starting as a student on placement, she worked her way up during her time there to Nursery Manager, a post she held for 4.5 years. She was responsible for the smooth running of the nursery for some 80 children from babies to pre-school and 30 members of staff.

Emma lives in Rugby and enjoys reading and walks with her dog in her spare time.

Comments, Rob Duigan, Headmaster, “Emma’s knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for the early years sector shone through at interview and in her interactions with staff and children. She has exciting plans for improving our already outstanding nursery provision and we look forward to working with her and welcoming her to the Crackley Hall and Little Crackers family.

Emma adds, “I am thrilled to be joining the Princethorpe Foundation to lead the excellent Little Crackers Nursery team. My heart has always been in Early Years education and building close partnerships with parents will be my top priority, alongside providing the highest quality educational provision and care for the children and of course having lots and lots of fun.”

As part of their history studies of Tudor times, Junior 5 left modern day Britain behind on Monday 23 January when they came to school dressed in costume to enjoy a memorable day exploring life in the 16th century.

They began in the court of King Henry VIII in the year of our Lord 1536. Despite rumours and intrigue surrounding his second wife, Anne Boleyn, the King’s household had plenty of tasks to attend to. Set out in Crackley’s Great Hall were typical Tudor professions and a range of crafts that included: Apothecaries, Barbers, Blackwork, Chandlers, Leatherworkers, Miniature Artists, Scholars (ink making and writing), Scent bag and Soap makers. The children all enjoyed taking part in the activities, it was fantastic engaging learning for them all.

As they worked, more rumours swirled around the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The background narrative really helping to bring the Tudor era alive.

Junior 5 teacher Nicki Wildey, commented, “Our Tudor Day was led by History Off the Page who were both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The children were immersed in the history of the time period and surrounded by authentic replica artefacts. It was a day full of practical learning, storytelling and drama that the children and adults all thoroughly enjoyed.”

As part of our commitment to helping people in Warwickshire this year, we are continuing to support the Foodbank. Each month, a different class are invited to bring in donations. 

During the week Monday 30 January to Friday 4 February, Junior 2 are invited to bring in items (these can include: tins, packets of food or hygiene products) so that these can be donated to people in need in our local community. Please give your donations to the class teacher who will put them in a box in the classroom. Donations will be collected on Friday 4 February and taken to the Kenilworth, Leamington and Warwick Food Banks to help communities in need. 

Donations particularly in need are:

Long Life UHT Milk
Washing up Liquid
Male & Female Deodorants
Shower Gel
Packets of Instant Mash
Tinned Vegetables
Jam
Toothpaste

Products to avoid: dried pasta, baked beans, soup and tea so, please try to avoid those items if at all possible.

If you have any questions or indeed any suggestions in ways we could help our local community, please contact Mrs Jackson-Mayne at sjacksonmayne@crackleyhall.co.uk.

Thank you for your support.