The Chronicle

This year's winning Crackley Hall Christmas Card design was by Evie from J6. Her striking drawing capturing the spirit of the season with a candle of hope burning brightly in the window. The design has featured on the front of every ecard sent out by the Headmaster this advent.

Mr Duigan commented, "Evie’s design was a clear winner, with strength in its simplicity, but the standard overall was high. I was delighted to see so many entries, well done to everybody who took part."

This year Evie’s design was turned into a gif in support of the Foundation’s drive for sustainability.

There was an exceptionally strong field to choose from this year, so our congratulations also go to the children whose designs will feature as cameos on the reverse of the card. Well done to Charlotte (J6), Isher (J1), Josh (J6) and Liana (J4).

Crackley bid a heartfelt farewell to General Catering Assistant, Wendy Glover, after nearly 11 years of dedicated service. Ms Glover expressed her excitement about having more time for watercolour painting, reading and enjoying moments with her family and beloved dog, Louis. She shared, "I will miss everyone at Crackley, especially the children, but I will be thinking of them all when I am eating my lunches!"

Pupils from Junior 6V took the lead role in opening our special Advent Mass, which brought together the whole school community and, as Father Kevin warmly welcomed trustees, parishioners, parents, grandparents and former staff members, he reflected on this time of Advent as we prepare for Christmas through prayer and demonstrating love. Three candles on the Advent wreath were lit and during the Homily, Fr Kevin reminded us that Christmas Eve will see the start of the Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ initiated by Pope Francis. Father Kevin drew a powerful connection between Mary and Joseph being ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ at the beginning of Jesus’ life and, as we encounter Jesus each day, we too can encourage everyone to be bearers of hope in difficult situations.

It was wonderful to see the children getting into the Christmas spirit in the disco today. Pupils from nursery, then in year groups all the way through to Junior 6 had the chance to let off a little steam and celebrate the end of the term. There were bubbles, sweet treats, drinks and even snow delivered with high energy entertainment for all. Lots of happy and excited faces showed us their special Christmas dance moves as they enjoyed themselves with their friends. Using feedback from their earlier survey, the PTA were delighted that so many families said how their children really enjoyed this activity.