The Chronicle

Prize Giving at Crackley Hall is the culmination of the academic year, it is a chance to reflect, a chance to celebrate and a chance to give thanks. This year’s Prize Giving took place on Tuesday 2 July with the Lower School receiving their awards in the afternoon and Junior 5 and 6 in the evening.

Crackley was delighted to welcome a number of special guests to the celebrations including Chair of Trustees, Liz Griffin and in the evening Foundation Principal, Ed Hester.

Headmaster, Mr Duigan gave a thought-provoking speech, he gave thanks to the many who give so much to the school in so many ways. He challenged every boy and every girl to wake up every day and do something different. He reminded pupils that those who succeed have to be brave enough to fail. He encouraged all the children to strive to do their best, to live in the moment, never limit themselves and to celebrate the success of others.

Crackley Hall’s pupil leaders gave their reports speaking movingly about their time in office and their Crackley journeys, and the memories and friends they will take with them as they move on to secondary school.

And then there were the awards, book awards for progress, effort and diligence, school spirit and kindness, contribution to school life and achievement. Followed by cups and shields and trophies galore, all recognising the diligence, effort and excellence that abounds at Crackley Hall.

It was difficult to pick winners for this year’s Special Awards as there were many worthy potential recipients, so it was with great pride that Mr Duigan announced the following:

St Joseph’s School Spirit Award – Darcey W-S

Zanyi Chalmers Award – Patrick F

Scholarship Award – Ben B

Sister Mary Patrick Trophy for Caring – Alexa B

PTA Crackley Hall Shield – Joisie-Jean S

As the ceremonies concluded, all Crackley pupils were encouraged to reflect on their achievements this year, as prize winner or not, all should be rightfully proud.

At the evening ceremony Ms McAloon announced the new Head Boy, Felix H, and Head Girl, Jessie J, and Deputy Head Boy, Alex T, and Deputy Head Girl, Grace A, who proudly took to the stage to receive their badges of office from Mr Duigan.

The ceremony closed with a stirring rendition of the Foundation Hymn Here I Am Lord.

Photos from both Prize Givings will be shared with parents in the next few days.

Many congratulations and the very best of luck to all our Junior 6 pupils who finish at Crackley Hall School this week, ready to move on to a range of outstanding local independent and state schools in September. To mark the end of their time here at Crackley Hall, pupils were presented with their Leavers’ hoodies on Friday.

19 of the cohort will be moving to the Foundation’s senior school, Princethorpe College, while six children have chosen the local grammar schools. We also have pupils going to a number of other independent schools as well as local state schools. We are especially delighted that this year 15 of our Junior 6 pupils have been awarded scholarships, including all-rounder, academic, art, sports, music and drama awards by a variety of schools.

Headmaster, Rob Duigan, said, “Our aim is always to do our best to help our pupils reach the destination secondary school of their choice and we are particularly pleased with the range of scholarship offers this group has received. It’s an excellent outcome and everyone here is thrilled for them.”

Congratulations to all the children on their achievements – Crackley Hall School is really proud of you all.

This morning, Ms McAloon and Mrs Cowlishaw accompanied a group of children from Junior 5, when they attended the final Award Ceremony for the Warwickshire Junior Book Award at King's High School, Warwick.

Along with children from 24 participating schools across Warwickshire, the children had the opportunity to meet the shortlisted authors of the four books they have been busily reading this term:

• Finn Jones Was Here by Simon James Green
• Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan
• The Swifts by Beth Lincoln
• The Storm Swimmer by Clare Weze

Last week, the children participating voted for their favourite book; today, Simon James Green was announced as this year's winner! This text had been a firm favourite with our pupils here at Crackley Hall!

In keeping with Crackley tradition, Junior 6 put on their famous and eagerly anticipated 'Leavers Assembly' for us all today. It was so wonderful to hear the children talk about all their fondest memories from their time at Crackley, as well as hearing the songs that are special to them and have soundtracked their journey from Nursery all the way to Junior 6. Well done to all the children and staff involved for putting on such a fantastic tour de force of their Crackley greatest hits! While there were some tears, we can’t forget what a joyous moment this is. We wait with excitement to hear about all the exciting things you will get up to in senior school and beyond. You really are all superstars!

The theme for the Junior 6 Leaver's Mass was endings and beginning new journeys.  As we said goodbye to friends, we thought of memories that have been created as we celebrated those treasured times, and we thanked God for the opportunities we have been blessed with.  
 
Father Kevin introduced the Mass and explained that change can sometimes be challenging. Change is exciting, but sometimes we might feel anxious.  With support from our friends and family, and spiritual guidance, we can embrace the change and meet each challenge head on.  
 
Through our prayers we asked for God’s blessing - to be with us on the next stage of our journey and to be our guiding light as we try to navigate the challenges that may lie ahead. 

Mention was made of local parishioner and former parent, John Wolffenden, who was celebrating a special birthday. John attends most of the Crackley Hall School Masses and the school is always happy to welcome him. Congratulations on behalf of everyone at Crackley Hall School, John.

Father Kevin ended by asking each of us to remember that Goodbye means God be with you and asked each of us to be hopeful that God is always with us.

During the morning assembly, Mr Duigan said farewell to the staff who are leaving. Kind words, thoughtful gifts and garateful sentiments were given to each person as they were  given their gifts from the staff and parents.

Mr Cottrill, who has been Mr Duigan's Deputy for almost 12 years and is now moving to become a Head; Mrs Roberts who has been a class teacher and Head of Science at Crackley for 12 years;  Mrs Burley, a class teacher for four years and PSHE and School Council Leader; Mrs Steeples, who has been a TA and Head Librarian for three years; Mr Pike a TA for five years; Mrs Brew who has been our School Chef here for two years as part of the catering team. Special mention was also given to class teacher, Miss Rogers, who is leaving to go on maternity leave.

We wish them all the best for the future.

Huge congatulations to Elsie A in Junior 6 who has been selected to play for Warwickshire County Netball Team. Elsie was up against stiff competition and was put through a rigorous assessment before being chosen. She now joins the U12 County Academy and will benefit from extra training and the opportunity to play in County matches.  

It's an amazing achievement - well done Elsie! 

We were delighted to see Olivia in Junior 3, as one of the Queen’s Attendants in the Kenilworth Carnival last Saturday. Olivia was selected after an interview at the Priory Theatre, where she had to go up on stage and be asked questions about herself and her hobbies. Olivia was very happy and excited to be a part of the Carnival, and even helped draw the winners of the Carnival Grand Raffle on Sunday, together with the Carnival Queen, Maid of Honour and Princess.