Headmaster's Welcome
Dear parents
I am sure you will all agree that I need to start this week’s Chronicle by congratulating all the children who participated in our performing arts events this week. Parents, grandparents, fellow pupils and staff were treated to some wonderful music, poetry, acting and singing. The performing arts evening and afternoon showcased many of the talents that the children have and standards they have reached. Their abilities never cease to impress me. I know from the many comments I overheard and reactions from the audience, that you also found it uplifting and emotional to see your children grow in confidence and stand on stage to perform to an audience. The children have all worked exceptionally hard to prepare their acts but none of this would be possible without the planning, encouragement and attention to detail from Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey, Mrs Paphitis and the peripatetic teachers who visit each week. I would also like to thank Mrs Stephenson who attended both events and was able to capture some action shots of many of our pupils.
This week we have focused on children’s mental health and it has been quite timely that the children have all been able to join in together and celebrate through music which often brings great joy and a welcome break from academic studies and stresses of growing up. Mrs Burley and Mrs Jackson-Mayne led the activities during mental health week and our children have really taken on board how important it is to look after one's mental health. Thankfully this is a subject that is talked about more widely now, even at a young age, which can only be a positive move. It is also good to see children looking after each other and recognising when their friends might need extra support. Whilst we have focused on mental health this week, it will not be forgotten for the rest of this academic year as measures are in place to make sure the pupil voices will be heard and staff identify when extra help might be needed.
I was delighted to receive copies of the Crackley Review from 2021/22 academic year. These have now been sent to our families in school and leavers who are in secondary school; I'm sure their families will enjoy looking at the photographs and reflecting on the time they spent at Crackley Hall School. It is also interesting to see how much some of the current children have grown since the photographs were taken. My thanks to the teachers involved and to Mrs Butler, Miss Flowers and particularly Mrs Stephenson from Princethorpe College for bringing to life this wonderful keepsake copies of which will be kept in archive for future staff and pupils to view. I feel it is a privilege to have a place in Crackley Hall history and be a part of so many children’s formative years.
On Wednesday this week Junior 4 were invited to attend Princethorpe College to watch a performance of The Addams Family. The younger children find it very exciting and interesting to visit Princethorpe College and Wednesday was no exception as they were treated to an outstanding show and hospitality from the College. I’d like to thank Mr McCollin for inviting our pupils and all Junior 4 staff for ensuring this visit was enjoyed by the children.
In assembly this morning I congratulated our Stars of the Week: Sebastian, Isla Bevan, Jay, Elliott, Charley, Rory, Nieve, Jude, Gwen, Phoebe, Austin, Sofi and Kate; Jia was presented with her star of the week from last Friday. We also had another lovely musical performance this week and it was the turn of our drum group of Elsie, Ivy, Alfie, George and Ryan, followed by the choral group. Two super performances were enjoyed by everyone. Congratulations to everybody today, it has been a super busy week.
We will end this week’s school events with the annual Headmaster's Quiz and I'm delighted to welcome teams to the School Hall later this evening. I look forward to meeting the teams this evening and I am thankful to the PTA for putting in so much work behind the scenes to ensure this quiz can take place.
Next week is the last full week before half term and I'm sure the children will have shown you their sponsorship forms for the Skipathon. This is a charity fundraising event held each year in support of Mary’s Meal who provide essential food provision the children in Africa. Mrs Simmonds, our Chaplaincy Assistant, coordinates this fundraiser and last year managed to raise £5,000. This year it will be slightly different as we will divide the total amount raised and share it with the Red Cross who will be providing aid for following the recent earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. Whilst on the subject of charity and fund raising, I am pleased to confirm that a total of £269.19 was raised at last week’s NSPCC Number Day and this money is now on it’s way to the charity. Thank you to everyone who donated.
Mid-term reports will be issued within the next ten days and a letter has already been sent to all families inviting you to attend a parent evening appointment on either the 8 or 9 March. You will be able to book an appointment from Monday 13 February from 4.00pm; please access My School Portal to do so. Further details about bookings are contained in the letter from Ms McAloon.
I wish you all a happy and restful weekend. I hope that you are able to enjoy the rugby. It was a super weekend for Ireland and Scotland fans last time out.
God bless,
Rob Duigan
