The Chronicle

Crackley Hall was thrilled to welcome two very special guests to school on Friday 10 May. Paralympic Swimmer, Tully Kearney and British Long Jump Champion, Reynold Banigo, visited the school to meet and work with pupils and staff.

The athletes began by leading an inspirational assembly for the whole school where they shared their journey to success. They talked about the challenges they have faced, and the dedication and hard work required to succeed. They shared motivational clips, and their message was clear that with determination you can follow your dreams.

Then across the day, pupils were treated to an exciting PE lesson with either Tully or Rey, who enjoyed putting the pupils through their paces. They took part in warm ups, races and competitive games. Each class also had the chance to handle the athletes’ rare and impressive medals and to ask lots and lots of questions.

The pair’s visit to the school was organised through Athletes in Schools, which aims to inspire the next generation of champions.

Tully and Rey finished their day with a visit to Crackley Hall’s Key Stage 1 Athletics Festival out on the Sports Field where they met with children from participating schools, Priors Field, Crescent School and Stratford Prep. 

Head of Games, Rich Stedeford, said, “Meeting Tully and Rey was an amazing opportunity for the children. They were excited to hear their stories and to work with them. We can’t thank them enough for coming today and we wish them both the very best of luck with their Olympic selection.”

Crackley Hall welcomed Key Stage 1 children from Crescent School, Priors Field Primary School and Stratford Prep School to the Sports Field on Friday 10 May for an afternoon of athletics fun.

Led by Crackley Hall staff and Junior 6 sports leaders, and alongside Crackley's youngsters, the children worked in groups taking part in four activities, a sprint, the high jump, long jump and a throw. They rotated round each of the activities in turn very much enjoying all the events. It was fantastic to see everyone taking part, working together, trying their best, taking turns and generally having a super time. 

The event finished with an extra special sporting treat when Olympic hopefuls, Paralympic Freestyle Swimmer, Tully Kearney and British Long Jump Champion, Rey Banigo, came out to the field to say hello.

It was lovely to see so many parents out on the field cheering their youngsters on. Many thanks to all who organised the activities and a huge well done to everyone who took part.

On Thursday, KS2 celebrated the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord - when Jesus ascended into Heaven to return to His Father. Father Kevin said the Mass intention for the good of the school and for pupils taking exams at Princethorpe College, and other secondary schools, that they would be blessed with the work they undertake. Junior 4A led the mass. 

During the Homily, Fr Kevin remarked on how beautiful a starry night can look and how remarkable a day can be especially when the sun is shining. The beauty of this encourages us to look skywards like the disciples did when Jesus was taken up into heaven, and it is telling us that one day, it is our hope to be with God forever. We are also drawn into the the love which unites the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and, as we wait for this time of being with God eternally, Jesus wants us to try our best on this earth to make this world a happier place.