The Chronicle

Dear Parents 
 
The week after half-term break has flown by and it was certainly a lot colder than last week. It was incredibly busy, but very successful and meaningful in many ways, particularly with it being One World Week. Everyone learnt about Fair Trade at Monday’s assembly and the roles of farmers around the world in producing local produce whilst receiving a fair wage to support their families. All our classes visited a place of worship, including Gurdwaras, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues or Churches. Reports back from the pupils showed that they were inspired and interested in what they had discovered and learnt. It is so important that we all learn to integrate harmoniously and supportively as a human family. All pupils enjoyed being part of the sessions with the graffiti artists, who helped them design artwork in support of earth care and our precious world. My thanks are extended to the PTA for funding the cost of the artists’ visit. Thank you very much to Mrs Jackson-Mayne for her tremendous inspiration, initiative and organisation of the week. 
 
We hosted an U11 Girls’ Football tournament on the school fields today which drew many participants and supporters from a number of other schools. A very well-organised tournament proved a huge success and might be a fixture on our calendar for the future. Thank you very much to Mr Stedeford for this initiative and organisation. Our footballing girls certainly enjoyed a wonderful day. 
 
Our pupils and staff also dressed up for World Book Day today and the school was full of fantastic outfits.  Thank you to Mrs Horan and Mrs Steeples for their interest and efforts in promoting reading at all levels. 
 
A definite highlight of the past week was our U11A Girls’ Netball team qualifying for the national tournament next Friday. The girls and their coach, Mrs Vaughan, have all worked hard for a while now and managed to score an incredible 66 goals on the day. They finished second in the ISA Midlands Region and will be looking to build on this outstanding achievement at the nationals. More about the team next week, whilst we wish them the very best. 
 
Having commented on each pupil’s report, I feel that I have a very clear view of the efforts, achievements and attitudes of our super pupils. I was pleased to see that, overwhelmingly, the children are making very good progress and that they will almost always look to treat others kindly. Parents will be able to discuss their child’s progress with teachers next week. I appreciate the understanding of parents and also the planning of Ms McAloon in arranging an additional evening to accommodate necessary Junior 5 and Junior 6 parent meetings on 21 March. 
 
Thank you to parents for completing the recent survey. We have been provided with so much useful data, much of which confirmed our thoughts on the areas that require development. We were also pleased to see the affirmation in areas that are currently proving successful. I shall be compiling a synopsis and report on the survey which will be shared with staff and parents in due course. 
 
The school is hosting an Open Morning tomorrow and I’d like to thank all the staff for giving of their time, and especially the parents and pupils who have volunteered to help. Pupils are required to attend in full school uniform, with those only playing sport needing to arrive in their sports kit (a further confirmation message has been sent to attendees late this afternoon). Those playing music must please remember their instrument and those who were asked to join forest school should bring their outdoor clothes to pull on over their uniform. 
 
Today we say farewell to James Sparks and Tayla Carter-Whyte who have served as gap students and teaching assistants for a few months. We will soon be welcoming Mrs Georgia Jeffrey, our new Teaching Assistant, to Crackley Hall. Ms Hannah Barlow will be joining the School as an Office Administrator and Playground Assistant from next week. 
 
I would like to wish everyone a peaceful and restful weekend. 
 
God bless,

Rob Duigan