The Chronicle

Dear Parents

We began our week with thoughts and prayers for those, some unknown but all never forgotten, in our Remembrance service that took place to pause and reflect on history and the immense loss and devastation caused by war. We will remember those many people; it resets us and helps us realise what, at times, we take for granted. Thank you to everyone who purchased poppies and other memorabilia to help support veterans in all manner of charitable causes.  
 
Flu vaccinations took place seamlessly - thanks to Mrs Edkins for her coordinated efforts with the NHS to schedule the appointments in school.  
 
We have embraced Anti bullying week, through Monday’s assembly, led by Mrs Glen-Roots, Odd Socks Day on Tuesday and various other opportunities where staff spoke with their classes. We should do all we can to encourage pupil dialogue with their peers and for staff to listen and address concerns that arise from time to time. We always encourage any concerns to be raised with regard to this important issue. Children have a voice, and we always listen as we want our school ethos to breed an atmosphere where all pupils will thrive and succeed, in whatever they attempt, in a nurturing and supportive environment. We have great pastoral systems in place to address concerns or issues and will always work with you to ensure the highest of welfare for our children here. It was great to see the selection of odd socks on Tuesday to think about and encourage diversity and inclusion.  
 
We welcome Sarah Hudson, who has joined us as a nursery practitioner in our thriving Little Crackers setting. Sarah is an experienced and skilled Early Years practitioner and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and care. Please do share our usual warm welcome with her when you see her.  
 
We also celebrated World Kindness Day, where the office had an unexpected visit from Junior 1R, who offered their help and wore their rosettes proudly, sharing their attributes to help others. Thank you to Mrs Ambrose and Mrs Bhogal who visited us, we really appreciated your offers.  
 
We always like to think of others, particularly at this time of year. Our shoebox appeal is running this Advent, and support of this will go a long way to helping others who are less fortunate. Our support makes such a difference and for these children to receive such a wonderful gift of goodies is both in keeping with God’s love for all and also bringing joy and happiness to those children. Thank you for your ongoing support and kindness.  
 
Various sports fixtures took place this week; well done to all who represented Crackley Hall. The feedback that I received was very encouraging, especially the Junior 3 rugby results against Crescent School. Well done to them and their coaches. The taking part is important, just as much as how the team conduct themselves both on and off pitches, supporting each other and keeping going when it gets tough, or the pressure is on. 
 
It is a real pleasure recognising achievements in our weekly celebration assembly and today was no different. Congratulations to this week’s Stars of the Week: Rec – Freya and Bodhi; J1 – Yubo and Eva; J2 – Sanniv and Ted; J3 – Dottie and Sam; J4 – Michael and Laura; J5 – Una and Tristan; J6 – Anthony and Swaran. As always, well done to all our stars of the week and congratulations to those who received the first Crackley Compass certificates and badges this week, as well as the recipients of Da Vincis! I thought that Aaryan and Edward were outstanding in their performances at assembly. Well done to both of them! 
 
I see the weather is forecast to turn colder and we may even have some white flakes. We have Mr Stedeford and Mr M Duigan accompanying our footballers to Repton Prep on Saturday and we wish them the very best in this annual tournament! 
 
There is a lot of good sport this weekend and I am very nervous as England and the Springboks prepare to face each other on the rugby pitch. England always seem to raise their game against South Africa. 
 
I wish you all a most enjoyable and restful weekend. 
 

God bless, 
Rob Duigan 

"World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion." - Dalai Lama XIV

We are holding our annual Post Examination Activity and Enrichment Week during the week beginning 25 November 2024.  During this week, we have arranged a variety of different activities that will allow children to break from the more formal academic focus, while alllowing for the development of different interests and skills; some timetabled lessons will continue as usual.

For further details of the activites, and anything required, please check here

We know that the children are very much looking forward to this week and we hope that they enjoy the different activities planned.  In addition to this, each day, we will be giving the children clear instructions on what they need to remember for the next.

There will be a small charge of no more than £8 for the cost of the Costa Take-Away ordered, which will be added to your next school bill.  Please do consent to the Evolve that will be sent out regarding this.

Please see below for a message from the Schools Immunisation Team:

Any parents/guardians who did not submit their child's nasal flu consent form before the portal closed or whose child was absent, unwell or refused on the day of the school session can now book on and attend a local clinic venue for the flu vaccination.

Appointments can be booked via the Swiftqueue link below:

https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk/userlogin.php

 Please see here for a guide to booking online using the above link.

We can confirm Crackley's Christmas Holiday club will be running on Thursday 19 December, Friday 20 December, Thursday 2 January, Friday 3 January and again on Monday 6 January.

A programme of activities will be available as soon as it is finalised, but if you wish to book in advance of this, please email holidayclub@crackleyhall.co.uk to make your booking.

Everyone who is attending Young Voices has already received the details to log onto the Young Voices Music Room, please can the children focus on the following songs this week: 

Please concentrate on the dance moves and get the whole family involved.

• Let’s Dance – Look at the dance moves please.
• Hairspray
• Get Loud

Songs already covered are:

• Try Everything
• Little Blue
• Birdhouse in Your Soul
• Oceania
• Marley Magic

Have fun, listening and learning!

Susan Olden
Director of Music 

Due to the MISGA gym competition taking place Gymnastics Club will be cancelled on Thursday 21 November 2024.

Christmas is fast approaching and each year we enter a tree into the St Nicholas Church Christmas Tree Festival. Please see the flyer for the times of the festival.

All money raised will be donated to Baby Basics, Warwick - a local charity that supports vulnerable women and their newborn babies. The Crackley Hall Christmas Tree will be adorned with decorations created by the pupils of Crackley Hall.

We are delighted to once again be supporting Operation Christmas Child and their shoebox appeal. This year is even more exciting as some pupils from Crackley Hall will be taking all our donated shoeboxes to the distribution centre in Coventry and seeing the next step on the donation journey. Please see the webpage below for instructions on packaging the boxes and content suggestions.

May we please have all boxes in school by Wednesday 27 November at the latest.

Thank you. 

How to Pack a Shoebox

Please see detailed below events for the week beginning 18 November 

At the Eleventh Hour on the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month – We Will Remember Them.

On Monday, the whole school gathered in the hall to remember the men and women who had fallen during conflicts throughout the world. Mr Duigan led the Remembrance Service and at 11am The Last Post was played and a two-minute silence was held.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

Today, we celebrate Gurpurab, Guru Nanak’s birthday. He is the founder of Sikh faith.

Punjabi club celebrated Gurpurab by remembering his teaching of love for all creation, gender equality and working for the betterment of everyone, regardless of their colour, gender or creed. His concept of Langar is feeding millions of people across the globe.

We have a big Sikh community in our school. Mrs Kaur, who runs a Punjabi Club in school, brought samosas and sweets in for the children to celebrate. Happy Gurpurab!

It was lovely to welcome so many families to Stay 'n' Play on Wednesday morning. This week’s session was held in Little Crackers Nursery, providing parents and carers the perfect opportunity to see the nursery setting. Nursery Manager, Emma, was on hand to say hello while Miss Mary had organised a special poppy craft table. The children were free to explore the resources, including the sand pit, small world toys, reading corner and painting easels. As always, everyone enjoyed their coffee and cake.

Stay ‘n’ Play is back in the school hall next week from 10.30am to 11.45am and everyone is welcome to come along. Our next special session will be our Christmas party which takes place on Wednesday 11 December. Visit our website to find out more about Stay ‘n’ Play: www.littlecrackers.co.uk/stay-n-play

In support of Anti-Bullying Week, Crackley Hall School took part in Odd Socks Day on Tuesday 12 November, to celebrate that we are all different and unique. Odd Socks Day reminds pupils that they are allowed to be themselves and brings to life the important messages behind Anti Bullying Week 2024 in a fun and positive way.

This year's campaign asked us all to ‘Choose Respect’ and to imagine a world where respect and kindness thrives. Classes were working with their teachers exploring the theme throughout the week.

Friday 29 November - 5.30pm

Choral Group will be singing at the Kenilworth High Street Christmas Lights Switch On, on Friday 29 November at 5:30pm.

This is wonderful event to start the festive season and you are welcome to come and support Choral Group.

For those children in Choral Group who have signed up to sing at the Christmas Lights switch on, there is an extra rehearsal on Friday 29 November at 8.00am.

It isn’t compulsory but it would be greatly appreciated if your child could attend.

On Thursday 5 December, all children in Junior 5 and 6 will perform in the Advent Service at Crackley Hall starting at 5:30pm and finishing no later than 7:00pm.

We ask that all children arrive back at school between 5:00 and 5:20pm.  Please accompany your child to the Gables entrance, ensuring that they are signed in with a member of staff.

Children must be smartly dressed in their winter uniform. Children should wear black socks or tights. All children will require their blazers and ties, but not jumpers, hats or caps.

Please park on the school field before making your way to the Gables entrance, where refreshments for parents will be served from 5:00pm.

After the performance the children will be escorted back to the Junior 1 classrooms to collect any belongings.

Please then collect the children as follows, ensuring that you sign them out with a member of staff before taking them.

Junior 5 - Gables Fire Exit Door

Junior 6 - Gables Main Doors

There will be two seats allocated per family in Junior 5 and 6, and if you require more seats, please email receptionist@crackleyhall.co.uk to be added to the waiting list, and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Should you require Aftercare for this evening, please book the normal chargeable Aftercare through My School Portal, as usual, before Monday 2 December. Please ensure that you book for both sessions, as this will ensure that your child is given tea.

Staff will then collect the Junior 5 and 6 children from Aftercare at 5:00pm.  Please be aware that you will need to collect any siblings from Aftercare prior to the start of the Advent Service.

Our Stars of the Week this week are: 

Congratulations to them all!

We love to celebrate our pupils' talents so every week, in Celebration Assembly, we hear of the children's 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!

Junior 6 have spent time this week remembering those who fought and died in conflicts throughout the world. Through discussions about ongoing wars, the children have gained an understanding of the importance of people learning from past events to avoid repeating the same mistakes. In their History lessons Junior 6 began examining the outbreak of World War 1, exploring alliances between nations and identifying countries on a map. In French lessons, the children made Christmas cards to send to their penpals. The kind messages and effort that went into the cards to send to France showed great warmth and respect for others. Junior 6 were also excited to start work and planning for their Advent Service, filling us all with hope and excitement for the future.

In Science this week, Junior 5 have been testing gravity, air resistance and the impact the surface area has on these forces. The children created three parachutes using plastic bags, string, paper clips and blu tack. These parachutes were 10cm by 10cm, 20cm by 20cm and 30cm by 30cm. Once all three parachute are prepared, the children will release them and measure the time taken for each to descend to the ground. They are investigating whether the size of the surface area affects how long it takes to fall.

Junior 4 have been working hard to learn and use their 3x and 6x times table. They have practised using songs, and hundred squares to learn them off-by-heart and then challenged themselves to work together and solve different jigsaw puzzles in preparation for the Multiplication Tables Check at the end of the year. They have also been continuing their work on the water cycle and have planned an experiment about the rate of evaporation of water.

Junior 3 marked Anti-Bullying Week with a creative and meaningful activity combining social awareness with artistic expression. The children crafted unique 'odd socks' containing their personal advice on avoiding conflict with friends as they wrote about the need to respect each other’s point of view, despite them not necessarily agreeing. Junior 3 have also been diligently working on their handwriting skills in anticipation of earning their pen licences. This will be awarded throughout the year, with pupils receiving their licences individually as they demonstrate readiness. Once the children receive their pen licences, they are then allowed to write with a blue handwriting pen. We have been carefully practicing joined up handwriting, focusing on the size of our letters, sitting them on the line and ensuring our ascenders and descenders are clearly formed.

This week, Junior 2 have been getting stuck into their Living Things and Habitats topic for Science. The children loved exploring the local habitat around the school grounds, hunting for a range of plants and animals that thrive in the area, ticking them off their list, and then thinking about why they would successfully live around the land at Crackley Hall. They are such budding scientists. Well done, Junior 2!

On Thursday Milo (from J1G) had his dad visit us on the field with his tractor and forage harvester. We have been comparing different types of farms in Geography and this was the perfect opportunity for the children to see first-hand how big tractors are and find out what they actually do on the farm. Mr Aston was dressed in his overalls and explained how he uses the tractor and forage harvester to gather up the crops that he uses to turn into gas which is used for cooking and also as the fizzy gas in beer! We were all super impressed when he started the forage harvester up and moved the arms around, showing us what it can do. We were very grateful to the Astons for showing us the tractors and gave them three cheers to show them our thanks. In addition, we have celebrated World Kindness Day, where we shared positive experiences of how kind words can have a big impact in our lives. 

This week Reception have had a lovely time in school, especially in gymnastics with Mrs Allen. Both classes have been using the apparatus; benches, balance beams, A frames and big mats to help us jump and land safely! They are listening and joining in with great enthusiasm. We also joined in with the whole country this week, talking about and wearing odd socks, finding out all about what the word bullying means - and most importantly, how we can make sure it doesn't happen.

The progress in Reception has been truly remarkable with their independent writing skills, pencil control, and letter formation. It's particularly wonderful to observe their improving pencil control and growing confidence in letter formation. Keep up the great work, Reception!

Mrs Glen-Roots delivered a powerful Monday Mission Assembly to mark the beginning of Anti-Bullying Week, introducing Odd Socks Day. The assembly centered on the fundamental message of individuality and respect, emphasising how each person is uniquely precious in God's eyes. Mrs Glen-Roots encouraged each of us to be a buddy, not a bully; to speak up if something doesn't feel right; to show kindness each and every day, and to be proud of who we all are. In conclusion, Mrs Glen-Roots inspired us to embrace these values, not just during Anti-Bullying Week, but as ongoing principles for daily life.

Weekly and daily Masses are held at St. Francis RC Church, Warwick Road, and St Augustine RC Church, Beehive Hill, Kenilworth. Mass in ordinary times are generally held at the following times. 

St Francis 
Sunday 10.30am 
Monday 9.30am
Tuesday 12 midday
Wednesday 
Thursday 7.30pm
Friday  7.30pm
Saturday 10.00am and 5.30pm

St Augustine

Sunday 8.30am
Wednesday 10.00am

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday 10.30am to 11.00am and 4.45pm to 5.15pm.

As we come into the Christmas period, we take time to reflect on God’s goodness to us and the blessings we have. We would like Junior 5 to join us in supporting our local Foodbank during the run up to Christmas. 

Please see below for suggested donations and kindly bring into school by Thursday 5 December:

• Tinned Vegetables
• Instant Mash
• Tinned Rice Pudding
• Chocolate
• Biscuits
• Crisps
• Small Bottles of Squash
• Ketchup/Mayonnaise
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shower Gel
• Washing Up Liquid
   

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

Weekly Mission

On Wednesday 13 November, the A and B teams played at Bilton Grange in a Rugby Festival. Both teams played well and developed their skills as they took part in the coaching-style match-ups. As an added bonus, the teams were refereed by Dylan Hartley, the former Northampton Saints player and England Rugby Union Captain. Hartley was a great sport throughout – giving out lots of advice during the games and was kind enough to pose for pictures with the Crackley boys.

Week Beginning Monday 18 November 2024

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.

This week in STEAM club we linked our Technology, Aart and Maths with Remembrance Day and created a ‘Poppy Pinwheel’ to help us remember those who died for us to be free. As you can see, it was a successful challenge and everyone was able to learn some new skills whilst also being creative.

Dormice have been whizzing around on the bikes this week, developing their movement, balance and riding skills. Some of the children decided to work together.

Badgers and Hedgehogs have been introduced to our first Forest School woodworking tool. They have each taken their turn to drill a hole in a small birch log slice, which will form ‘the tummy’ for their Christmas snowman decoration. (With the support of Mrs Whitehurst’s guiding hands, of course!) Everyone was keen to ‘watch a friend first and then do’ this rather exciting activity. It was lovely to hear some of our Badgers (who attended Nursery as Hedgehogs), spontaneously share their memory of using the drill last year and to recall how to keep ourselves safe. Our next step will be to fashion heads for the snowmen.

On the art table this week, our Little Crackers have crafted a sun-catcher candle from tissue paper and these look absolutely stunning when the last rays of Autumn sunshine stream through our big, beautiful Nursery windows.

On Remembrance Day we followed the example of the rest of the school in observing a two minute ‘silence and stillness’ in our Nursery playground. The children were amazingly respectful – we were so proud of them. Back in class we shared the gentle, silent, Cbeebies clip which uses the perspective of the birds and animals to sensitively introduce the significance of the poppy flower, with no need for follow-up discussion. We had all sorts of poppies in our curiosity cube for the children to explore and they had an opportunity to hone their hand-to-eye coordination with our dotty-spotty-poppy painting activity.

Our Nursery children are very lucky to have Crackley Hall's specialist teachers for some of their activities, one of whom is Mr Vaughan for PE. Our Dormice had immense fun last week, learning about movement to music and developing their ball skills. Playing with balls makes physical activity fun and is good for muscle development and hand-eye coordination. The youngsters tried to catch the ball by wrapping their arms around it and cradling it to their chest. It was lovely to see their accuracy developing and from the delight on their faces, we could see just how much they enjoyed themselves!

Want to join our PTA? Come along for the AGM on Wednesday 20 November 2024 at The Almanack Kenilworth at 7.00pm.

We hope you will be able to join us and find out what the PTA does for the school and how you could help us by supporting events such as the Christmas Fair and Summer Fair.

There will be an opportunity to meet other parents, including those who are new to the PTA, and existing members. In this meeting members of the committee will be voted on for the year so if you wish to join it, this is your opportunity!

We have a number of parents who are involved in the PTA to differing degrees. As well as welcoming those parents who may wish to join us on the committee - we also very much welcome parents who may be able to spare an hour supporting the fairs. It really is an excellent way to get involved with school life and you can offer as little or as much of your time as you feel is possible.

Our main aim is to provide the 'extras' for the school which are very much appreciated by pupils and staff alike; we organise and support events such as the Welcome back event, Author visits, Quidditch Day, Colour Run, School Disco, Pantomime, Easter Egg Hunt, Commemorative events. We also endeavour to provide playground and playground equipment, sporting equipment, Library books and so on.

If you are interested and would like to discuss what is involved in being on the PTA please feel free contact the Committee at hello@pta.crackleyhall.co.uk

Saturday 30 November 2024 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

PTA Christmas Fair   

Join us for a heart warming afternoon filled with laughter, festive delights and a celebration of our school community. Get ready to enjoy a wonderful time with your family at our Christmas Fair! From Santa’s Grotto to face painting, we’ve got it all covered.

Introducing Elfridges The Magical Gift Shop at The Crackley Hall Christams Fair! 

The Fair is only two weeks away and there are few things for your diaries we would be very grateful for your assistance with:

Friday 29 November will be a non uniform day. In exchange for non-uniform please send your child with either chocolate or a bottle (depending on year group) for our very popular chocolate and bottle tombola.

Soft Toys: We are happy to rehome teddies and other cuddly friends for our teddy tombola. Please place these in a bag and leave in the reception foyer for PTA collection.

Finally, if there are any bakers out there, we would very much welcome any home made (nut free) cakes/cookies/mince pies. Your home-made goods will be gladly received on Friday 29 November non-uniform day prior to the fair.

Parent Stall volunteering - we are delighted to say that we have a fabulous band of merry parent helpers running the class stalls and the children are very excited in anticipation of our Christmas event built around them. Thank you so much for your support to make it a lovely afternoon for everyone,

Your PTA

The PTA have been working very hard behind the scenes on preparing the Christmas cards and gifts, along with raffle tickets that will be coming home today. On the form you can order cards, gift tags, mugs, baubles and tea towels with your child`s unique design on, which makes wonderful gifts for loved ones at Christmas! 

At assembly, the PTA announced the the top prize in the raffle is a Nintendo Switch, with an oled screen, in white. The audience gasped in wonder and excitement! This was alongside squishmallows, unique prizes you cannot buy; such as your class being able to wear trainers for the day. You have to be in it to win it!

The PTA has left more tickets in the school office if you need more. 

Save the date to be able to buy Elfridges vouchers, which will be available to buy from the PTA at every breaktime in the week leading up to the Christmas Fair, so from Monday 25 November these vouchers will be on sale and priced at £4 each. 

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

The Princethorpe Foundation

• Trustee 

For further information please refer to the link below 

 www.princethorpe.co.uk/join-us