The Chronicle

`The secret in education lies in respecting the student.’ 

Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Dear Parents
 
Welcome to the last Chronicle of this term. With Easter just around the corner, there is much to look forward to and to be grateful for. 
 
Junior 5 set off for their adventure in Shropshire, arriving at the PGL centre at Wednesday lunchtime. The pupils have been able to experience so many different activities and staff have updated me on how much the children have enjoyed the visits and how well they have represented Crackley Hall School. I have seen some photographs of the visit but look forward to hearing more about their time away next week. I am sure all the children will have lots to report to you and I hope they have created memories with their friends which will last a lifetime. Thank you to all the staff who have helped make this visit happen and to those who have accompanied the children this week. I’m not sure that the weather behaved, though! 
 
It was wonderful to be able to welcome Father Kevin into school on two occasions on Tuesday - for Easter Mass and the Easter Performance. I am incredibly grateful to Father Kevin for giving his time to school and guiding our pupils on their spiritual journey.  Many thanks are also extended to Mrs Simmonds, Mrs Olden and Mrs Jackson-Mayne for their help in preparing for a most spiritual Mass. 
 
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Amanda Brew from our Catering Team, who freshly baked a selection of cakes, catering to all dietary needs, for our Easter Extravaganza event. This event was for our new Reception children for 2023 who do not attend Little Crackers Nursery. 
 
Today we held our Pre-loved Uniform sale in school which had been planned for the Michaelmas Term. The cost of new items can be a big expense, and with children growing out of clothes quickly this is a fantastic opportunity. I would like to thank the PTA for arranging and hosting this event and delivering the important sustainability message that goes hand in hand with reusing uniform. 
 
In this morning’s assembly, I announced our Stars of the Week as: Aiden, Jack, Margot, Marie, Marley, Wilf, all Junior 2, Zach, Gaby, Charlotte C, all Junior 4S, Evie and Andrew. There were lots of pupils presented with their Bronze awards and Junior Da Vincis today. Congratulations to you all on your achievements and well-earned rewards. Felix, Rory, Mahnoor and Liana all played exceptionally well at assembly today and Nieve’s singing was also outstanding. Well done to all of you! 
 
Although some days are full, Holiday Club bookings are still able to be made but please do so quickly as spaces are now limited. The booking facility can be found on the My School Portal. The office will be open throughout the Easter Break but operating the reduced hours of 9.00 am until 4.00 pm. 
 
My thoughts and prayers are with our Muslim families as they began the holy period of Ramadan on Wednesday evening. We are approaching Holy Week in our Liturgical Year, and a most important time in the Church’s year. Christians all around the world will be observing the period of fasting, prayer and almsgiving in preparation for the wonder of Easter. 
 
I recently received the news that Mrs Susanne Jackson-Mayne will be retiring from teaching at the end of this academic year in July. She has been a mainstay of our school and has been immense in helping to lead the spiritual development of our pupils and staff. She is an inspiring and gifted teacher who exudes joy in all her engagements with the pupils. We are currently advertising for a Religious Education Leader (who will also teach other subjects across the curriculum). 
 
I am grateful to our fantastic team of staff, from those in the office, catering, support, estates, through to the classroom. They have all worked so hard to help make for a wonderful educational experience at Crackley Hall. I bid a sad farewell to Mrs Jo Walter our Aftercare Leader, who has been with us for the last four years, we wish her all the best for her future, and Mrs Sophie Wheatley who has gone on Maternity Leave, we look forward to her return in 2024. As parents and family members, thank you all, very much, for everything you have done for your children and the school over the past term.  I wish you and your family a restful and Happy Easter when it comes.  Don’t forget to amend your clocks on Saturday evening. 

God bless,

Rob Duigan