Headmaster's Welcome
Dear Parents
Monday was a tremendous day for Crackley Hall as our U10s went off to play in the ISA Midlands rugby tournament. We played outstanding rugby all day, resulting in Crackley Hall winning the tournament. What a performance! Well done to all those who played. My thanks extend to Mr Vaughan and Mrs Carroll for coaching and accompanying the team!
I hope that parents and families of Junior 5 and Junior 6 enjoyed our Advent Service last evening. The warm welcome included the wonderful smells of Christmas, with home-made mulled wine and a selection of cakes available, prepared and served by our super catering team. We were treated to a special message of us preparing for the arrival of our Infant Saviour on Christmas Day. It was a privilege to see and hear the talents of the children bringing such joy to everyone present. Thank you for joining us.
We had a fantastic turn out last week at the annual PTA Christmas Fayre, with a lovely atmosphere enhanced by so many exciting activities for our pupils and families. I was so pleased to see so many families attend and, as Headmaster, I really enjoyed being able to speak to so many of you. Thank you to everyone who helped plan, set up, clear up, clean, bake and serve, to name a few of the many jobs needed to ensure the day ran smoothly! Special thanks to Maria Gordon, Aimee Clarke, Sara Higginbotham and Sandrine Farrow and their team, along with past families and pupils who helped and also our staff helpers, particularly Sarah Lammas. We will let you know as soon as we are informed on how much was raised. These funds help the school in so many ways. So, a big thank you to everyone!
It is wonderful to hear the practising and rehearsals taking place in school for the upcoming Nativities. As you can imagine there is a lot of work that goes on to prepare for what you ultimately get to see. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge Mrs Paphitis, Mrs Olden and the classroom staff from Nursery to Junior 2 for the input, direction and commitment to this aspect of school life. Thank you for your efforts.
Congratulations to this week’s Stars of the Week: Nursery – Akira; Rec – Matilda and Maya; J1 – Emma and Joshua; J2 – Avni and Tianna; J3 – Ted and Elliot; J4 – Michael and William; J5 – Thomas and Thea; J6 – Henry and Alexander. Well done to all who received their Da Vinci’s; they are so well-deserved. Huge congratulations go to all the recipients of Crackley Compass stars as well.
We were treated to some outstanding music today. Well done to Josh for his wonderful guitar performance, to the guitar ensemble for their excellent Christmas tunes and to the orchestra for their outstanding rendition of ‘Walking in the Air’. You are all so inspirational and I am immensely proud of all of you.
I find it unbelievable to say that next week is our last full week of the term! Holiday Club is popular so, if you are wanting to make a booking, please do so at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment at holidayclub@crackley.co.uk
I will be writing to Reception, Junior 3 and Junior 5 parents regarding collection routines. Please do look out for the email on Monday.
I will also be writing to Junior 3G parents regarding arrangements that have been put in place for the introduction of Mrs Copland over the next few weeks and early next half term.
Thank you very much for participating in the recent parents’ survey. I am delighted to have been able to sift through the information (with a little help from AI) and to have started on a response and, on some points, the beginnings of an action plan. I shall share with you the general outcomes before the end of this term and will address the action points with you at the start of the Lent Term. It becomes so powerful when home and school can work closely and constructively together. The pupil’s benefit!
I would like to wish you all a very happy and restful weekend.
God bless,
Rob Duigan
