The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I would like to start by thanking those of you who were able to join us this morning for the cake sale in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care charity.  The supply of cakes was staggering and I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved including the PTA committee, parents, staff and children.  I have been told that the amount raised is already over £1,000 which is wonderful news.  Please don’t forget to collect your tins and containers from the reception area as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, we received some very sad news this morning that Mrs Marlene Head, former member of staff, was involved in an accident yesterday morning and tragically passed away last night.  This, as you will appreciate, has been incredibly upsetting for staff especially those who worked closely with Mrs Head over the years.  For those of you who are fairly new to Crackley Hall, Mrs Head was the friendly face who, in recent years, would provide cover for staff absence from time to time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.  I have discussed this news with our older students this afternoon so they may also mention it at home.

Despite our sadness we continued with assembly this morning and I enjoyed the uplifting performance by Martha; congratulations, you sang beautifully.  Well done to all of our Stars of the Week and a special mention to Blythe who has been busy raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  It is always so pleasing to hear about the number of children who are involved in raising money for other causes outside of school.  They are an inspiration to us all.

I have been involved in another enjoyable sports event this week where our U10’s boys’ football team attended the ISA Midlands 5 a-side tournament.  This was held at Dixie Grammar School on Monday and I am proud to let you all know that the team played exceptionally well and we returned to school with a new trophy for our cabinet.   Our A group won overall and our B group (we were the only school with a B team, showing our strength in depth) came 9th out of 15 schools.  Well done to both teams!  Whilst on the subject of sports, there are a number of free tickets available for staff, pupils and their families to attend the Wasps v Gloucester match on 6 October.  If you would be interested in obtaining a ticket, please inform the school office as soon as possible.  These are available on a first come, first served basis.

There has also been some other sad news in school this week and I have contacted our J6 parents who have been made aware of Mr Lamprecht’s absence due to a family bereavement.  Thank you to those of you who have expressed your kind thoughts and I hope that you will keep his family in your prayers.   Mr Lamprecht landed in South Africa today to attend his late father’s funeral and our thoughts and prayers remain with him and his family at this terribly sad time.  It is at times such as these that the school community comes together to support one another and provide comfort.

I hope you take time to read the rest of the Chronicle this weekend, in between enjoying a fun-filled Barn Dance at Wetherle manor – do support our great PTA!  I wish you all a restful and enjoyable weekend with your family.

God bless,

Robert Duigan