The Chronicle

Many congratulations to Junior 3 pupil, Chace, who has been awarded first place in the 2023 Catholic Independent Schools Conference (CISC) Christmas card competition. Chace won the Infant class and was presented with his certificate by Mr Duigan in our Celebration Assembly last Friday.

The theme for the competition this year was ‘Jesus – King of Kings’ and Chace produced a beautiful drawing of the nativity scene with baby Jesus in his manger.

CISC reported that there were a bumper number of entries to the competition this year so a super huge well done to Chace.

You can see Chace’s design on the CISC website here. 

During Advent, Crackley Hall has been preparing for Christmas in many different ways. Across the school, each class has taken part in a Reverse Advent Calendar activity and the results have been heart-warming.

Today, pupils' generous donations were collected by the Leamington and Warwick Food Bank Team, to be distributed to people in need this Christmas.

It is extremely important for our children to realise that not everyone is so lucky and that we can all use our gifts to find ways to help.

A huge thank you to all our Crackley Community for your kindness this Christmas time.

Father Kevin celebrated our school Advent mass on Tuesday and we were delighted to wlecome Mrs Jackson-Mayne, parents and parishioners into school to join us for the service.  The mass was said for the good of the school and for Mr Duigan. During the Homily, Fr Kevin talked about being awake and being prepared for Jesus in our lives. He asked the school where we think Jesus is and answered that He was in each and every one of us and that as we look at each other we catch a glimpse of Him in everyone around us. Father Kevin blessed the Bambinellis which each class had made and reminded everyone that this Advent tradition was first instituted by St John Paul II as a way for children to connect their Nativity scene at home in the celebration of Christmas. The Chamber Choir concluded the mass by singing Candlelight Canon.

Huge thanks to Crackley's PTA for organising a festive treat for all the children on the last Monday of the Michaelmas term.

Outside the Box Productions brought the magic of theatre into school as they performed the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty.

The traditional story, told with much slapstick comedy, silly songs, quick changes and a liberal sprinkling of traditional panto magic, was a hilarious show much enjoyed by all the children and was a super treat at the end of a busy term.

And an extra special award for Mr Ashley who stoically endured the attentions of the cast!

Junior 2 have been busy understanding and making their own Advent wreaths. Not only did they carefully reflect on the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, they also wrote their own Advent prayers incorporating the meaning, through their eyes, of these words. They have also been using playdough to recreate the Nativity story.

'Tis the season to be jolly, and also the season for some festive arts and crafts, and everyone in Nursery has been joining in, including our very youngest Dormice! Being creative in Nursery means painting, sticking, glitter and glue and is all about self-expression while developing those fine motor skills.

We hope you enjoy all the wonderful gifts our lovely Little Crackers bring home – we have certainly had a magical time making them all!