The Chronicle

I am delighted to be able to share our newly published Environmental Sustainability Plan with you. A huge amount of work has been done by so many staff and pupils to put this plan together and I hope it gives you a really good insight into what we are doing and what we are aiming to achieve in the future.

You will be aware that the UK government has set ambitious plans to achieve Net Zero. In parallel, the Princethorpe Foundation is taking its own steps on the journey to sustainability. Our ambition is to become carbon neutral, whilst making sure that our environment is safe, fit for-purpose and healthy. Our aim is to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as we emit. Firstly, by reducing our emissions as much as possible and secondly, by offsetting what we do emit.

As part of our journey towards net zero, we have measured the Foundation’s carbon footprint and we will further refine these metrics to measure our progress.

We feel optimistic about joining the fight to build a better future for us all and for the planet, and we are determined to engage and play an active part in the sustainability solution. As part of this we have a central role in educating all our stakeholders about the importance of environmental sustainability. We want our school communities to clearly understand the current global issues and embrace the solutions.

By mobilising our pupils with the requisite knowledge, skills and the desire to effect positive change, we know that the next generation will become the creative problem-solvers of the future.

You will see from the plan that we are working hard to embed environmental sustainability into our thinking and actions in nine key areas and it is particularly heartening to see the high levels of engagement from our pupils. This week the Environmental Sustainability Board approved our plans and we are delighted to share them with you here. We would welcome feedback on the plan from all stakeholders via our new netzero@princethorpe.co.uk email address.

Finally I would like pay tribute and thank our Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, who has led the project for the Foundation and chaired our Environmental Sustainability Board so capably. As Alex retires at the end of April I am delighted to take over this role and spearhead our future work in the area.

E D Hester 

Dear Parents

The brighter days, although cold, have helped to lift spirits, along with the colour being supplied by Mother Nature. It is super to see the daffodils, planted by each pupil last year, are now peeking up through the grass on the slopes near the playground.

Staff were pleased to be able to provide some feedback to parents at this week’s meetings. Thank you for the various comments on the evenings. In the main, the evenings proved most successful and informative. Please be aware that you may contact you child’s teacher at any time in order to request a follow-up meeting to discuss their progress in greater depth. We will soon be undertaking a review of our reporting system, for implementation in the new academic year. We have a rich bank of data on which to draw, as well as having a very in-depth and close knowledge and awareness of each pupil’s achievements and progress, along with areas for development and targets.

I was delighted to see that our U11A netball team won the ISA Midlands Tournament and, as such, will be taking part in the Nationals in the near future. Well done to all the girls and to their coaches, Mrs Vaughan and Miss Farquharson.

Our Reception parents were treated to a truly memorable and lovely Mothering Day Assembly on Wednesday. Thank you and very well done to all the Reception pupils, their teachers and teaching assistants.  Our Nursery mums joined the school for a cup of tea and a fairy cake, lovingly baked and decorated by their children. I thought that this was also such a lovely idea. Thank you to all the Nursery staff and to the children. I am sure that all the Nursery mums enjoyed being pampered and sung to, before going home with a card and flower.

I was sorry that I was not able to attend our Mothers’ Mass on Tuesday, so ably led by our pupils. Thank you very much to Mrs Forino, Mrs Olden and other staff for their preparations, to the pupils who helped in the Mass and to Fr Kevin for celebrating the Mass.

A number of our pupils, along with visiting pupils from other schools, have sat their music exams this week. I am sure that they have all given a very good account of themselves and will secure the results that they deserve, as a result of their hard work over the preceding months.

The school was an array of literary characters yesterday as the community recognised World Book Day. Thank you to Mr Cottrill for leading the assembly, especially as he was dressed as ‘Gangsta Granny’. I am not sure that I would have been able to do that! Well done to everyone for dressing up and taking part in the fun. Reading is so important and, I am sure, the pupils all received that message, loud and clear.

It is with some sadness that the school community bid farewell to the Head’s PA and Office Manager, Mrs Davis-Harris, at the end of last week. I would like to extend my personal thanks to her for all her hard work and care, especially for the may pupils who visited the school office. I am delighted to inform everyone that Mrs Anna Bond, who held the same role at Crackley Hall about 8 years ago, has stepped into this role in an interim capacity. I am sure that everyone will join me in thanking Mrs Davis-Harris and in welcoming Mrs Bond back to Crackley Hall.

I would like to draw everyone’s attention to a piece in The Chronicle on school uniform from September 2024. We are changing the uniform slightly, but not adding in extra items for purchase. Please do note the article.

We are holding our school Open Morning tomorrow and, hopefully, the weather will be kind to us. Thank you so much to all the pupils who have volunteered to help, in sport, music, forest school or as tour guides. This is very much appreciated. Please could I remind everyone to arrive at school by 10:15 and be collected just after 12:30, unless earlier collection arrangements have been made.

Please could I remind all families that, when dropping your children off at school in the mornings, you drive all the way around the mini roundabout in the front of school so that we don’t have cars tailing back onto the main Coventry Road. Also, if you prefer to walk your child into school, please use the lower car park to park up and walk to school. Abandoning cars in the drop-off circle creates many issues, including possibly leading to the minor accident on the Coventry Road this week.

Congratulations to our stars of the week: Nursery - Layla and Arabella; Rec – Maria Paula and Eva; J1 – Ana and Teddy; J2 – Oscar and Matteo; J3 – Laura and Cameron; J4 – Beatrice and Edward; J5 – Daiya and Ben and J6 – Sebastian and Ding. Well done to all of you. Well done as well to those who received their silver Crackley Compass stars and also those who earned Da Vinci certificates. We were treated to some fantastic guitar playing from the ensemble of Alfie, Hector, Swaran, Rohan and Josh, as well as soloists, Darcey and Elle. They were all absolutely fantastic!

Please can we remember all those affected by war around the world, not least those in Gaza. I include a prayer that can be said to help the situation in Gaza and around the world:

Saving God,

Look with pity on all in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank:
the bereaved, the wounded, the homeless; those struggling to bring aid and relief; doctors and nurses and all medical staff; neighbours and friends sharing their struggle, grief and despair.
Lord, have mercy.

Strengthen in faith and unity our brothers and sisters in Christ. Be their light in the darkness.
and their hope amidst despair.
Lord, have mercy.

Guide with your wisdom those who are seeking peace, and the laying of new foundations for justice, peace and reconciliation.
Lord, have mercy. 

Living God,
reach through the violence of the proud and the despair of the weak, to create in Jesus Christ a people free to praise your holy name, now and forever.

Amen.

Lord, let us go peaceful, in gentleness, through the violence of these days…
Through darkness, in troubled times, let holiness be our aim.

Amen

I hope that sports fans are able to enjoy some good sport this weekend, including the Six Nations rugby matches. India and England are locked in the final test match.

I wish everyone a happy and restful weekend.

God bless,

Rob Duigan

"A good teacher isn't someone who gives the answers out to their kids, but is understanding of needs and challenges and gives tools to help other people succeed." - Justin Trudeau. 

Dear Parents 

School uniform is an important way that we build a shared identity and provides pupils with the opportunity to establish a sense of community and to feel pride in their school. Any changes to uniform need to be carefully thought through, not least when new expenditure is required.  

With this in mind, I wanted to share with you some proposals regarding the school uniform policy for September 2024. You might well be pleased to hear that this will not involve any changes to the uniform you need to buy nor require any additional kit to be purchased.   

In the current Joining Pack and Parent Handbook guidelines, girls and boys have uniform listed separately. From September, we are proposing that this will be replaced by two uniform options, but they will simply be named ‘Uniform Option 1’ and ‘Uniform Option 2’. The two lists will contain the same uniform items as they currently do. Children and families will then choose which of the two options is right for them. 

These changes will bring us in line with the other schools in the Foundation, as well as many other schools around the country who have adopted a similar approach. 

One possible outcome of this change is that girls may wear trousers, rather than the skirt or pinafore. If they choose to do this only on some occasions, such as when there is a cold weather snap, that would be fine. 

If you have any questions or comments regarding this update to our uniform policy, please do not hesitate to contact me.  

Kind regards

Rob Duigan
Headmaster

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Congratulations to them all!

The Foundation's new advertising campaign, which launches next week across a variety of media, takes a joined-up approach to communicate the values and ethos of a Princethorpe Foundation education to prospective parents and pupils.

The new Foundation for Life campaign has been developed to highlight that our schools provide more than just an education, preparing pupils with the skills, learning and experiences which will put them on the road to happy and fulfilled lives. The concept underscores the unique strength of the Foundation and that there is a Princethorpe Foundation setting for every stage of a child’s educational journey. It also incorporates a gentle play on words.

Using a distinctive new graphic style emphasising the Tower icon, alongside eye-catching photography, the individual school logos and palette of Foundation brand colours, plus a new gold Foundation colour, the campaign is designed to be both visually impactful and incorporate strong messaging. Text panels emphasise that every individual is valued and that our family of schools aim to nurture, inspire and challenge our pupils to achieve great things.

Comments Melanie Butler, Foundation Assistant Head for Marketing, Admissions and Communications, "We have long wanted an overarching Foundation advertising campaign that encapsulates what the Foundation offers as a whole, as well as being adaptable to the personalities and nature of the individual school or nursery settings.

“Foundation Marketing and Communications Executive, Jo Flowers, and I have really enjoyed developing the campaign with the help of Marketing Consultant and OP, Nigel Bromley and our designer, Debbie McLaughlin. We hope the campaign will resonate not only with prospectives in terms of what they are looking for from a school or Foundation for their child, but with the whole Princethorpe community - staff, parents, pupils and Old Princethorpians alike."

Timed to coincide with the launch of Princethorpe’s 2025 admissions cycle, the Marketing Team will be working over the coming weeks to roll the campaign out across digital, outdoor and traditional media for all the Foundation schools. 

Check out the different advert concepts in the gallery!

Forest School teacher, Verity Clark, brought her adorable, six-week-old working Springer Spaniel puppies into school today. Meatloaf, Fig, Alfred, Ruby and Mabel melted everyone’s hearts and under careful supervision the children stroked and petted them. Already weaned off their mum, they are now eating and drinking lots. Mrs Clark will be keeping Rugby, whilst the other puppies will be going to families and working homes. Meeting the children was part of the puppies’ socialisation process and it also provided pupils with an important lesson on how to behave around a puppy. What an extra special Friday treat it was.

On Monday, Junior 6 visited the Confucius Institute at Coventry University to gain some experience of Chinese culture. The children participated in different activities highlighting some traditional Chinese crafts, including calligraphy, opera mask painting and traditional paper cutting.  

In traditional paper cutting, the children carefully folded up paper in particular ways, drew lines, as modelled, and cut out beautiful Chinese 'spring' characters for the Spring Festival, which is a common name for Chinese New Year.  

In opera mask painting, the children learned that different designs and colours in opera indicate different characteristics and feelings; the children then used various colours to paint their own opera masks. 

During the calligraphy session, children learned how to hold a calligraphy brush and use ink to form different characters. One of these characters was 福 (fú) which means good fortune. This sign is one which will be displayed in many households in China. 

It was wonderful to see the children immersing themselves in all the activities. 

What a wonderful World Book Day we had here at Crackley Hall School. All the pupils looked amazing, and their costumes were incredible. During assembly with Mr Cottrill, we talked about the joys of reading books and then in lessons across school there were lots of lovely book themed activities. The children in Junior 2 brought their favourite books into school and also completed a World Book Day Maths mystery game. Junior 3 shared a story from the World Book Day Story Corner called‘Ruby’s Worry. They also put themselves into the ‘paws’ of their class story character, Mowzer, as they wrote a recount of her morning in Mousehole Village. It was a lot of fabulous fun. Don't forget to use your World Book Day vouchers everyone!

Reception had such a wonderful time preparing for their class assembly for Mother’s Day. They created a beautiful portrait of their mummy and chose lots of creative craft materials to make a frame that represented them too. The children did so well at learning and saying their lines and had such lovely ideas as to why their mummy is so super special to them. We hope that everyone enjoyed the assembly and boogied along to the Mother’s Day song!  Please take a look through our Gallery to see lots of photos.

Junior 2 led a Key Stage 1 Mass on Tuesday to celebrate Mary and our Mothers. The Mass was to celebrate the life of Mary, the Mother of God, and mothers everywhere. We thought about the sacrifices Mary made, her joys and her sorrows and her complete faith and trust in God. We thought about our own mothers and the ways in which they believe in us and help us to be all that we can be. During the Mass we asked God to give our own mothers strength and understanding, just like Mary, to enable her to carry out this important role.

To assist in achieving its aim of raising awareness, understanding and learning about different Faiths, the Warwick District Faiths Forum has arranged a Faiths Trail to visit different places of worship on Saturday 20 April 2024.

This is free to attend and everyone is invited, which will enable people to walk, talk and learn about different Faiths.

Please see the attached flyer here for further information.

The British Science Week 2024 poster competition is open now!

The theme this year is ‘Time’, and there are lots of STEM topics pupils can explore! Students could create a poster showing how a certain type of technology has changed over time, or even the advancement of time-telling technology itself. Budding poster makers could also go futuristic and show us how they think the world might look in years to come, or perhaps look at nature – lifecycles, lifespans, evolution and hibernation – nature is full of timely topics.

British Science Week 2024 marks the Week’s 30th anniversary, with the inaugural celebration happening back in 1994. So students could think about scientific innovations since then, or explore 1994 itself – what was life like 30 years ago?

Judges will be looking for:

• Creativity in approach – innovative angle on the content or creative interpretation of the theme – don’t be afraid to think outside the box
• Content – clear, accurate and informative about a STEM topic
• Effective communication – presented and communicated in an engaging way

Members of the British Science Association will shortlist entries, and a panel of judges will select a winner in each category. 

All entries to Mrs Roberts - posters should have a name, age and our school neatly written at the back of them.

Entries to be handed to Mrs Roberts by Monday 25 March.

Now in its sixth year, the Young Artists’ Summer Show is a free, open submission exhibition for students aged 4–19 studying in the UK. Artworks are judged by a panel of artists and arts professionals, with selected artworks displayed online and on-site at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Registration and submission is open until 27 March 2024, please click here find out more and get involved.

Please see detailed below events for week begininng 11 March 2024. 

Please see our SPORT section for fixture information.

Saturday 9 March - 10.30am to 12.30pm

We are holding a Nursery and whole school Open Morning on Saturday 9 March. Come and find out why Crackley Hall School has been judged 'Excellent' in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. It's a great opportunity for prospective families considering Crackley Hall School or Little Crackers Nursery to come and have a look around and get a feel for the Nursery and school. There will be opportunities for visitors to speak to pupils, key members of staff and to meet Mr Duigan, Headmaster.

To find out more and to book your visit to Crackley Hall and Little Crackers Nursery visit our website here.

Little Crackers Nursery are now accepting registrations for September 2024 onwards. If your child is turning two, get in touch and come and take a look around our Nursery or come along to our friendly Stay 'n' Play Toddler Group on Wednesday mornings in term time.

Please do share this information with family and friends. 

Tuesday 12 March

On the morning of Tuesday 12 March, all the children in school will be taking part in our annual Skipathon. 

Children are invited to hop, jump or skip for charity, and this year we will be raising money for the Air Ambulance. The children came home with their sponsorship forms on Friday 23 February - see here for a copy, and we ask that these are returned, with any raised money, on the day of the Skipathon, up until Friday 15 March.

Please can we ask that children bring a skipping rope to school on Tuesday 12 March.

Thank you 

Tuesday 19 March - 2.00pm to 3.00pm

To mark St Joseph's Day on Tuesday 19 March, Crackley Hall School is holding a St Joseph’s Day Mass.

We cordially invite all former St Joseph's and Crackley Hall pupils and former staff to join us. The Mass will take place from 2.00pm to 3.00pm and afterwards there will be light refreshments for visitors and an opportunity to tour the school.

More information will be shared with all those registered before the event takes place.

To register please go to Princethorpe Connect.

Tuesday 30 April 

As part of the preparation for secondary school transition we will be taking the Junior 5 classes to our Foundation senior school, Princethorpe College, on Tuesday 30 April for a Taster Day. They will be leaving Crackley Hall at 9.00am, by minibus.

Pupils will get a feel for senior school life through a variety of classroom sessions, they will also tour the school, have the chance to quiz current pupils in a Q&A session and experience breaktime and lunch in a busy secondary school environment. Please send your child in full school uniform but please note that no bags, snack, water bottle or lunch are needed as these will all be provided.

At the end of the afternoon, parents who are interested in entry to Princethorpe in September 2025 are invited to an informal Parents’ Information Session at 4.15pm, where they will collect their child.

Grove du Toit, the Headmaster, along with other key members of staff will be available to talk to you about the College and will outline the admissions process. The children will also be able to trial the online CEM test, one of the exams that prospective pupils complete during the Entrance Examinations Day, which will take place on Saturday 9 November 2024. Light refreshments will be served. 

For those parents who are unable to attend the Parents’ Information Session, your child will be transported back to Crackley Hall for 3.30pm. Children whose parents are collecting them from Princethorpe will have an extra lesson before their parents arrive.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about admissions to Princethorpe College, do get in touch with the Admissions Team on 01926 634201/297 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Sunday 5 May - 9.30am

The Kenilworth Runners School Cross Country Challenge is returning this year and will be held in Abbey Fields on Sunday 5 May at 9.30am. Pupils in Junior 5 and Year 6 can enter, there are individual prizes for the first three boys and girls and a team prize for the overall highest scoring school (the first six runners from each school count towards team results).

More information will follow nearer the time so, for now, please save the date in your diaries.

We love to celebrate our pupils' talents, so every week in Celebration Assembly we hear of the childrens' successes and achievements and we watch performances by some of our pupils. Here are some photos from this morning.

A huge well done to all!

This week, Junior 6 have auditioned for roles in their summer show: A Hint of Snow White. We heard all the children sing, act, and narrate and were blown away with how they took the time to prepare themselves and add their own twist to the characters. Our performing arts staff now have an incredibly difficult job choosing their cast, as all the children exceeded themselves. Whatever happens, however, we want to congratulate everyone for their determination and diligence. We can’t wait to see you all on stage! Well done Junior 6!

Junior 5 have been learning animal nouns and adjectives in French this term. They have drawn and written about fantastic, imaginary animals made up of the parts of other animals to send to their penpals in Nantes. Last week they were excited to receive postcards from their penpals. This week they watched video recordings of their French friends telling them about their hobbies.

Junior 5 have been enthusiastically writing replies to their penpals, giving information about their favourite animals using the language they have learnt this term. They have created postcards with both writing and drawings of their chosen animals ready to post to Nantes. Well done, Junior 5!

In Art this week, Junior 4 have been making clay moulds in Viking style designs in anticipation of their pewter smelting session. Pupils had several attempts at moulding their clay into the right shape, as the centre of their design had to be deep enough to hold the pewter. Pupils used a large button or a cork and pressed the button into the clay to make a rune shape which formed a recess for the moltan metal to sit into. The pupils then carved and smoothed out the recess. Great work, Junior 4!

This week Junior 3 have been transformed into geologists and have been exploring the properties of different rocks. We have looked at marble, slate, bubble basalt, sandstone and chalk, carefully examining and describing each one. We then learnt all about how different types of rocks form, and what a very long time this takes. We recorded our understanding of these processes on Seesaw, using pictures and the microphone function. Using scientific language can sometimes be tricky, but not for our budding Junior 3 geologists. The classrooms and corridors are also buzzing with excitement for our upcoming Open Day, and we have been proud to display both our completed Pharaoh Portraits, and wonderful work that we have done on Judaism, for all to see.

On Thursday, we enjoyed celebrating World Book Day and dressing up as our favourite book characters. We were quite surprised to see two characters (Old Tom and Mowzer) from our current class story The Mousehole Cat; we hadn’t been expecting to spend a day at sea with them!

Junior 2 have been very curious this week as they enticed their taste buds during a Science experiment. The air was filled with the warm aroma of a variety of bread, with each child embarking on their tasting journey which was very exciting as they discussed the texture, taste, and blend of each type - from a crusty baguette, to the soft embrace of a sweet brioche. Their taste buds danced a symphony of textures and flavours as they discovered the diversity of bread. We all, including staff, delighted in this culinary journey. Thank you to all our lovely parents who helped to make this happen.

This week we have learnt all about adjectives in our English lessons, practising how to describe different nouns, before describing the monsters in our focus story, Where the Wild Things Are. Everyone then drew their own monster and chose lots of adjectives to describe how they look or what they might sound like. In Science, we learnt about the germination of a seed and how plants need water, light and warmth to grow. Everyone has planted their own sunflower seed and we are excited to see the shoots appear before they are taken home to continue their growth. For Maths, we have been using the scales to compare the measurement of different objects and cubes to find out what they weigh. Our classrooms have also become science labs with our cress experiments taking place. Over the coming week we will be testing what happens to cress seeds when they are placed in light, warmth, dark or cold. We can’t wait to discover what happens!

World Book Day proved to be a lot of fun for our Reception children this year. They all joined in with the most amazing costumes and were full of enthusiasm for our whole school assembly, as well as the various activities within the classroom – from designing book covers to drawing favourite characters. The children were so keen they decided to remain in their costumes for the entire day – making for an interestingly colourful PE lesson! Reception also had such a wonderful time preparing and performing for their class assembly for Mother's Day.  What a busy week we have all had in Reception!

This week, Nursery travelled under the deep, blue sea in our big, yellow submarine. The children discovered an amazing world full of all sorts of sea creatures.

They have crafted with shells; created translucent jellyfish with trailing tentacles; and painted underwater scenes outside, along the red brick walls.

On Wednesday, we invited our mummies in for an informal Mother’s Day ‘cuppa and fairy cake’, lovingly mixed, baked and decorated earlier in the week, by all our little Crackers.

The children regaled our visitors with songs to thank their mummies and to tell them how much they love them. Every mummy went home with a beautiful handmade card and a golden daffodil. It was lovely to welcome mummies into Nursery and for the children to have chance to show off their ‘home-from-home’ and to introduce their friends.

As we began a new week at school, we were reminded of who we are at Crackley Hall School and of our school ethos. Ms McAloon led the Monday Assembly and talked about change - how when things change inside us, they can also change around us, which was linked with the Feast of the Transfiguration, when Jesus' appearance changed. Ms McAloon asked why this happened and what the message was to the disciples?  The pupils recognised that Jesus was special and that He really was the Son of God and we should listen to Him. As change means to evolve, we learnt also how change can happen in our natural world. Through our actions this Lent, we too can hope for wonderful changes by walking in the footsteps of Jesus and praying, fasting, and giving.  If we change, then everything changes.

Please click on the link below for this week's Weekly Mission:

Weekly Mission 

Please find information below:

Children's Liturgy

Fourth Sunday of Lent (Year B)
We reflect on how much God loves the world and all people. We think about how we can share God’s love with others.

Activity Sheet 

Please remember to check team sheets and find further fixture information on www.crackleyhallsport.co.uk or on SOCS.

Please can we remind all parents that whilst sports fixture information, once published, usually remains the same, parents should check www.crackleyhallsport.co.uk or SOCS on the day of the fixture for the most up to date information.

Congratulations to Isabel in Junior 4 who came joint 25th at the ISA National Cross-Country Championship at Worksop College on Saturday. Isabel finished 3rd at the Midlands Qualifier earlier this year, which secured her a place at National Finals. On the day she faced a field of nearly 70 runners, in what was in places a crowded, muddy course. We are so proud of Isabel and look forward to seeing how she progresses next year.

On Thursday 7 March, Crackley's U11 Netball Team took part in the ISA Midlands Tournament. They had a super day finishing in first place overall and, as such, will be taking part in the Nationals in the near future.

Well done to all the girls and to their coaches, Mrs Vaughan and Miss Farquharson.

Congratulations to our Junior 5 netballers who came third overall in the U10 ISA tournament on Monday. They had a strong start, winning all of their games in a particularly hard group, progressing to the quarter finals to win again. The girls played exceptionally well as a team throughout, and only lost by 2 goals in the semi-finals to Twycross House, who went on to win the tournament. This was the only game they lost, beating St Dominic's in the playoffs to finish third.

Mrs Burley remarked on how the girls gave their all in every single game and fully deserved to walk away with a medal. Well done everyone!

Please see below for any Club cancellations and/or changes for week commencing Monday 11 March:

Thursday 14 March

Junior 3 & 4 Rugby Club - CANCELLED 

Junior 3 & 4 Netabll Club - CANCELLED

Lego Club ventured into the Savanna this week after being Frozen into spiralling fractals last week. With The Lion King making a roaring entrance, we made animals galore with Simba and Mufasa taking centre stage in a beloved vet clinic. After discovering that Simba in Swahili means lion, we just fell in love with these gorgeous, adorable and endearing furry little animals mingling with their lion cubs. We also had an added abundance of renewed sleek minifigures making their welcome return to the spotlight after last week’s hair-raising episode, as we overheard Batman majestically roaring that he just Can’t Wait to be Batman Again!!  How delightful.

Our Stay ’n’ Play Toddler Group welcomed Crackley Hall's specialist PE teacher, Mr Vaughan, this morning for a Sports Skills Activity Session. The children had great fun developing their movement and co-ordination skills. First, they tried balancing on a wobble board, then they explored travelling and jumping around a small circuit and finally they sorted and colour matched a huge bucket of tennis balls. All fabulous activities that encourage and support physical and mental development, and as you can see in the photo, they all very much enjoyed themselves.

Next week Stay 'n' Play will be holding its Easter Crafts session. Find out more on our website here: https://www.littlecrackers.co.uk/stay-n-play

200 Club

It's back and better than ever! Thank you to all who have supported us and signed up to the new format 200 Club. This half term's winner will be announced in the next Chronicle. We have more half-termly draws and the end of year £200 super draw so please sign yourself up to raise funds directly for the playground climbing wall. Every little helps and we thank you for your support. Please click here to buy a ticket.

PTA Pre-loved Uniform

Many thanks for all the donations that have been sent in this year - without these we literally could not operate!

Please continue to use the containers in the foyer to drop off any donations rather than dropping into the office staff. We are especially grateful to receive good quality sports items - particularly tracksuit bottoms!

Please email us at: uniform@pta.crackleyhall.co.uk stating your child’s name and class and we will get all orders sent home for you.

Save the date! Our next in person pre-loved sale will be held in The Gables on Friday 15 March - 8.20am to 9.30am.

Events Survey

Please coulld you fill out a 3-minute survey for us to gauge what you would like to participate in?

For example we funded the Rise Theatre day for the whole school, just one of the termly events we facilitate to give every pupil an extraordinary, enhanced experience. There are many ways to help us keep up the good work!

• Donate your time, goods or services for events.
• Buy tickets to see if you win the 200 Club for prizes of up to £200.
• Donate your time in thoughts for what we could do and how you could help.

Every contribution really does makes a difference. Whichever way you choose to support us, we are very grateful. 

Click on the link below for the 3-minute survey

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaODzZBANZEt1USF2Vn15G9chqa8MaVbHo0v0mLNRMdCbUrg/viewform

Please click here to view the term dates for 2023/24.

Please take note of our new phone number for Aftercare and Holiday Club services outside of normal hours: 07543 164 779

Due to club and activity changes, permanent Aftercare bookings are only valid for the current term. 

If you require either permanent or occasional Aftercare for the Lent Term, please make a new booking by emailing:

aftercare@crackleyhall.co.uk or receptionist@crackleyhall.co.uk

If you need to make a same-day Aftercare booking - please ensure you contact the school office no later than 1:00 pm that day. Any requests made after 1:00 pm will only be authorised at the Headmaster's discretion.

If you have booked an Aftercare session, letting your child know would also be helpful.

Any children not collected from the carline, for example, if parents are stuck in traffic, will be taken to Aftercare at 4:15 pm, when carline finishes and charged accordingly.

Aftercare runs from 3:15 pm until 6:00 pm, with charges being £5.00 per hour or part thereof.

Childcare vouchers can be used as payment or part payment for Aftercare.

The school office closes at 5:00 pm, please call Aftercare directly on 07543 164 779 for collection. 

Crackley Hall School Office
01926 514 444
Email: post@crackleyhall.co.uk
Postal address: St Joseph's Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2FT
SATNAV: Use CV8 2FT

Interim Office Manager/Headmaster’s Personal Assistant – Anna Bond
01926 514 444
Email: receptionist@crackleyhall.co.uk

Little Crackers Nursery - Emma Birch - Nursery Manager
01926 514 456 - Email: post@littlecrackers.co.uk

After Care - David Johnson, Aftercare Manager
Collection contact no; 07732 036 625
Email: aftercare@crackleyhall.co.uk

Bills, Fees and Online Payment
01926 634 273
Email: georginamalin@princethorpe.co.uk

Registrar - Jenny Vaughan
01926 514 410
Email: admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk 
 
Princethorpe College General Office
01926 634 200
Email: post@princethorpe.co.uk
 
website: www.crackleyhall.co.uk
twitter: @CrackleyHallSch  
facebook: @crackleyhallandlittlecrackersofficial
instagram:@crackleyhall_littlecrackers

To order uniform please use the electronic form.

New Uniform Order 

Please also note the following items are stocked in the School Office and can be added to your account. Do pop in to collect any items.

Winter hats
Scarves
Gloves
Ties
Swimming hats
Hair bands
Hair scrunchies

School Uniform Shop 
Tel: 01926 634272
Email: uniform@princethorpe.co.uk

Please ensure that all items of school uniform, equiptment and sports kit are named. Please can you also check that any items purchased from the PTA are renamed and old labels removed.

Could you please regularly check all uniform and sports kits at home and if it does not belong to your child, please return the items to the School Office as soon as possible.

Lost Property

Angelica L - Blazer

Charlie R - Sports Fleece 

Katie T - School Coat

Williams O - Sports Fleece

Wilson - Sports Fleece

We regularly recruit for a variety of roles, please do share news of the vacancies with interested friends and family. Current vacancies include:

Princethorpe College

• Head of Outdoor Pursuits
• Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
• Digital Transformation Leader
• Minibus Driver

Further information and application forms on all roles are available on the Foundation's website - www.princethorpe.co.uk/join-us

If your child is interested in taking music or singing lessons at school, please complete the below Expression of Interest Form and hand in to the school office

Expression of Interest Form