The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I would like to begin this week by thanking everyone, very much, who was involved with the Christmas Fayre last weekend.  The hard work of the PTA, led by Mrs Lamb, and staff, along with the support from our wonderful Crackley Hall families, resulted in a very happy and successful afternoon.  The preparations began some time ago with our PTA collecting donations and making arrangements for the day to run smoothly.  I know that the PTA have reported on the event in more detail later in this edition – please do read it.

I am most grateful to Fr Kevin for coming into school this week for the J4 to J6 pupil reconciliations.  Fr Kevin and Fr David will both be joining us for our Christmas lunch next week and Fr Kevin will be celebrating our end of term Mass on Monday 17 December.

This week seems to have flown by and leaves us with only one full week of school left this year.  I don’t think we could have packed much more into this week if we tried; there have been several nativity plays, a rehearsal for the Advent service at Princethorpe, sports fixtures and Junior 1, Reception and Nursery enjoyed a visit to the Warwick Arts Centre today.  Thank you to all the staff involved in these events, each person has a role to play and no matter what it is, it will impact on the bigger picture and is much appreciated.

Next week we will have our Christmas lunch for all to enjoy, the Advent Service for Junior 5 and 6 at Princethorpe, Junior 4 and 5 visit Birmingham to watch The Nutcracker, Junior 6 have a history workshop at school and there is the charity Christmas Jumper day.  All in all, lots to look forward to!

 We will also be collecting ‘ad hoc’ donations for the ‘Shelter’ charity on Christmas Jumper day – a separate box will be available for this and more information will follow next week.  One of our past-pupils, Thalia, has made a poster which is being used as a card for fundraising towards the Shelter Coventry charity which looks after homeless people – especially important at this time of year.

Although the term will end on Tuesday 18 December, I would like to remind you that if you need to book Holiday Club for your child during the Christmas and New Year break (19, 20 and 21 December or 3 and 4 January) please contact the School Office as soon as possible to confirm a place.  There will be plenty of activities to keep the children busy and holiday club will be open from 8.00am until 6.00pm each day.

Unfortunately it is that time of year where there are many colds, bugs and illness and I would therefore like to remind all parents that if your child has suffered from sickness or an upset stomach, the Foundation policy is that 48 hours should have passed after the last episode before returning to School.  This reduces the risk of spreading illness to the rest of the children and staff. 

Congratulations to our ‘Stars of the Week’, Oliver, Mollie, Leonardo, Elsie, Henry, George, Jude, Rosie, Freddie, Dylan and Reece.  Most well deserved!  Kyra was awarded RE book of the week for her beautiful description of the Annunciation and Jared was our Gymnast of the Week – well done to both of you!

Our hockey and rugby players all gave of their best, with some much improved performances.  It is a pity that the season is coming to a close as, I feel, we are starting to play some of our best hockey and the U9 rugby team has definitely improved in all areas.

There has been a wonderful community feel in school this week and, although all staff and pupils are very tried, they have all dug deep and continued to strive for excellence and genuine care for one another at all times.

I hope that you all enjoy a restful and happy weekend with your families.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

Thank you to the parents that have already responded to the Evolve Consent Form for the Foundation’s new Use of Images Policy.

A small number are still to reply and we would be most grateful if they would complete and submit their response to the form by the deadline date of Friday 14 December.  A consent form is required for each child attending the school.

You can find the new Use of Images Policy attached to this article here.

The Foundation makes various uses of images of pupils during their time with us. Where these are necessary for administration and the safety of pupils, such as CCTV and for security ID, the Foundation does not require your consent.

Images are also used for marketing and promotional purposes, to celebrate the achievements of pupils, promote the work of the Foundation and the education it provides. The Foundation does require your consent for these purposes and we hope that parents will feel able to support the Foundation in using pupil images in this way.

Images generally will not have pupil names against them. Names will be used with images when, for instance, celebrating a specific pupil’s, team’s or group’s achievement.

Additional specific consent will be sought for instances when a single pupil is the main focus of a press release or on billboard or bus adverts.

You may withdraw consent at any time in the future by writing to the School Secretary at Crackley Hall. Please be aware that it may not be possible to change printed publications, such as a Foundation magazine or prospectus, or third party publications (for example where we have placed an advert or provided an image to a newspaper).

I am delighted to formally announce that Mrs Tanya Hill has been appointed as the new Assistant Head: Academic and will be joining Crackley Hall from January 2019.  At present Mrs Hill is an ISI School inspector and has previously been Deputy Head at Eversfield School and Warwick Preparatory School and joins us as a highly talented, successful and committed teacher and senior leader.  

Mrs Hill has spent two days at Crackley Hall recently, learning a little more about life here as she prepares to take up post in the New Year.

Important Parking Message

It would be much appreciated if there were no cars parked in Moss Grove on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week as there will be removal lorries going back and forth between 5 Moss Grove and Coventry Road and it will cause enormous problems if there are any hold ups.

Thank you

Dear Parents

Please complete and return the attached form and menu choices to the school office as soon as possible.

Thank you

Lent Menu Letter and Form

Week 1 Menu

Week 2 Menu

Week 3 Menu

Next Tuesday morning there will be no choral group.

Chamber Choir will run next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Wednesday 19 - Friday 21 December 2018 and Thursday 3 - Friday 4 January 2019

The Crackley Hall Holiday Club will again be taking place during the Christmas holiday.

It will commence on Wednesday 19 December and run until Friday 21 December.

It will then reopen on Thursday 3 January and Friday 4 January.

There will be exciting crafts, games and activities taking place at school between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm.

Please be aware that places are limited, and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Please follow the link to book a place https://princethorpecollege.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/

We have a number of trips and events coming up over the next few weeks. Please see the relevant letters below:  

J3/4 Nutcracker Ballet - 11.12.18

J5 LAMDA Information Letter

J5 LAMDA Consent Form

J6 Victorian History Day

J6 LAMDA Information Letter

J6 LAMDA Consent Form

F1 Sponsorship Presentation

There are spaces available for children to learn violin or viola in the Lent Term, lessons are held on Wednesday and Thursday with places available either day.

If you are interested, please send a lesson request through to Mrs Olden.

Please be aware that Common Lane overbridges will now close for emergency gas work from Monday 3 December to Friday 21 December.

This may have an impact on your journeys to and from school. 

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

The amassed ranks of Santa hats and flashing antlers (a.k.a Crackley Hall's Choir & Choral Group) came together at six o'clock last Friday evening and delivered a most marvellous medley of magical Christmas carols and seasonal favourites to help celebrate Kenilworth's Lights big switch on.

Not even Santa's sleigh mounted petrol generator (who would have thought it?) could drown our the amassed talent on show. Happily, the expected rain failed to materialise, and our singers and players galloped through their set list to the crowd's obvious pleasure. A polished performance and rousing finish was capped by the now traditional light switch on countdown.

A big thank-you to Mrs Olden and her team for creating such a heart-warming start to advent. 

For just one special Saturday in early December our lovely school is transformed into a 'Winter Wonderland'. A festive feast for all is laid before parents, children and guests by our ever industrious PTA and their army of wonderful, willing helpers. Crackley's corridors and classrooms magically transformed from place of learning to site of awe and festive inspiration. There genuinely was something for everyone; tombolas spun and circulated their teddies, bottles and chocolate treats; whilst children worked in secret to prepare special gifts for parents. And still there was more - we moved excitedly through home craft stores and the pampering room, whilst appreciating the truly excellent face-paintings on many of the children.

The Christmas Fayre continues to be the venue for acquaintances to be made and renewed, as our guests sampled fine foods served at the veranda cafe and all washed down with perhaps a delicious glass of mulled wine, Irish coffee or creamy hot chocolate. For the more outgoing and energetic the go-to destinations were the donkeys, the carousel or the visiting Imperial Storm Trooper.  

Let's not forget that the Christmas Fayre is also a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto and chat with his elves. Santa reports he really enjoyed his time with the children and that he would be delighted to visit us again next year.

Thank you so much to our wonderful PTA and to everyone who helped out at our Christmas Fayre or who came along to support us on the day. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting in the festive spirit.

The PTA report (see later) they have raised over £3700, which is an amazing amount for a school of this size. The money will be put to very good use, so thank you very much everyone!

Parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents were treated to a thoroughly entertaining afternoon when Juniors 1 and 2 performed their sensational Christmas nativity.  The musical production took place in a jam-packed school hall on Wednesday 5 December and told the special story of the Inn-spectors visit to Bethlehem.

Sent out to make sure all accommodation is in tip-top condition for the all important census, the Inn-spectors are horrified to discover that at one of the inns visitors are staying in a stable, and that worse still, a baby has been born amongst the hay and the animals!  They declare that this simply will not do!

However, as Mary and Joseph tell their story, the Inn-spectors realise that this is no ordinary baby and their worries slowly start to fade away.  The splendid production featured witty asides from a super Innkeeper's wife, a toe-tapping routine from a musical donkey, memorable moments from the shepherd and his sheep, amazing angelic angels, a sparkling spectacle by the stars, majestic performances from the kings and super song and dance routines from the supporting cast. 

Thus the Inn-spectors are convinced and they happily declare the stable fit for a King!

It was a smashing production performed with energy and enthusiasm.  Well done to all the children you really deserved the audience's ecstatic applause and many thanks to all the staff involved.

Reception’s Nativity took place in the school hall on Tuesday 4 December helping to herald the start of Christmas at Crackley Hall.  The 15 boys and girls were magically transformed into angels, stars, soldiers, shepherds and kings and confidently took their places ready to perform.  Their production of Shepherd Little was delivered with plenty of enthusiasm, with the children clearly enjoying every minute of their time on stage.  The story of Bethlehem's smallest resident, and his trouble with the truth, proved an enchanting retelling of the much loved traditional Nativity story.   The singing was beautiful and the lines were spoken clearly so that everyone in the appreciative audience could hear how the village finally learnt to trust Shepherd Little’s tales.

It was a gorgeously simple script told with sheer joy and delight.  Our most junior of children energetically sang crowd-pleasing tunes such as ‘A Little Trouble With The Truth’,  along with old favourites ‘Away In The Manger’ and ‘Happy Christmas’.  Reception Teacher, Mrs Whitehurst said, "It went very, very well. We are so proud of all our children, they have all worked so hard."

Well done children, everyone loved your little nativity.  Thanks go to Ms Kefalas, Mrs Whitehurst and Mrs Verma for putting together such a super performance.

On Friday 7 December, Nursery, Reception and Junior 1 took the short trip over to the Warwick Arts Centre to watch Wilde Creatures. 

A motley crew of storytelling musicians brought Oscar Wilde's classic fairy tales to life in a brand new show direct from London's West End.

Characters from The Happy Prince and other stories sprang to life as the pompous mayor, the petulant princess and the love-sick student competed to become the new town statue.

The beautiful tales were told with original live music and a generous dash of comedy. The perfect Christmas treat for our youngest children!

Thursday 24 January - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Crackley Hall is opening its doors to prospective and current parents and children for an Open Day on Thursday 24 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

If you can't make the Open Day but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

Friday 14 December will be Christmas Jumper Day for Save the Children.

If children would like to participate, they should come to school in their usual uniform with a Christmas jumper in place of their school jumper.

All children wearing a Christmas jumper are asked to bring in a £1.00 donation for Save the Children.

Please click on 'View Gallery' to scroll through a few photos from this week's events.

RE Book of the Week has been awarded to Kyra for her beautiful description of the Annunciation

U9 'A' Rugby v Ratcliffe College 3 - 5 (loss)

Player of the Match - George Fry

We are pleased to announce that Emily Hutton was awarded Gymnast of the Week last week and Jared Warrener-Gray is Gymnast of the week this week.

Please see the attachment below for information regarding a holiday club running after Christmas.

The club is provided by an external provider and not Crackley Hall School.

Tennis Camp Information

Due to the darker nights we are bringing forward some of the finishing times for our outdoor sports clubs. Timings vary dependent on day and location.  

Monday J5/6 Hockey:

Remains at 5.00pm at Warwick Uni, 5.30pm at school.

Children staying at school will be brought in just before the end and finish with a theory session for the last 20 minutes or so – video playback of international matches, positional play discussions, skill-based discussions and video clips, etc.

Tuesday J3/4 Hockey:

Will remain the same - 5.00pm (as the hall is available)

Wednesday J3/4 Netball and Football:

Now finishes at 4.30pm due to lack of light.

Thursday J5/6 Netball:

Remains the same - 5.00pm pick up from Moorefields, 5.20pm from school.

Thursday J5/6 Football:

Earlier finish of 4.30pm due to lack of light. 

Friday J5/6 Girls Football:

Earlier finish of 4.45pm due to lack of light.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Due to the Christmas Lunch taking place in the school hall next week, we have had to change the days for Rugby Tots.

Therefore next week it will be on Tuesday 11 December.  

Please see attached letter for more information (J2 - J5)

Bayleaf Cookery Club

A massive congratulations to all the children who took part in the Nativity on Tuesday.  You were amazing on stage, and as always, you ‘knocked my socks off’ with your confidence at such a young age. 

I would also like to say a big thank you to the parents for sending in those lovely costumes, to all of the Nursery staff who worked so hard to learn the songs with the children and to remember who was doing what, where and when, and to Mrs Olden for her thoughtful piano playing – allowing our little ones to sing at a speed appropriate to them! 

What a wonderful way to start the Christmas season.

Newsletter

Little Crackers Nursery has been full of anticipation as pupils and staff have excitedly prepared for this year’s Nursery Nativity.  The grand performance took place on Tuesday 4 December and dressed in their sparkling and brightly coloured costumes the children looked enchanting as they were led in to the big hall.  Climbing on stage in front of a large audience of excited parents and grandparents takes more than a little courage, so for a second or two, the cast were wide-eyed as they searched for familiar faces in the crowd, but they soon got into their stride.

The production was a classic retelling of the nativity story and it was beautifully told.  Those with lines delivered them carefully with perfect timing, whilst the supporting cast looked on.  The singing was pitch perfect in ways that only under fours can pull out of the bag, bringing tears to the eyes of many who had come to watch.  For half an hour the hall was completely spellbound as friends and family craned their necks to spot their little angel, king, shepherd or star trundling their way across the stage.

A King is Born drew to a close to rapturous applause. For many of our youngest pupils this was their first nativity and what a performance they gave; it was a lovely morning’s entertainment that ensured all went away full of good humour and festive spirit.

Congratulations to all our little stars and to Mrs Bird, Mrs O’Carroll-Bailey, Mrs Olden on piano, and all the Nursery team who made the perfect production possible.

What a cracking Christmas party the Stay 'n' Players had on Wednesday 5 December.  At what was the last session for our friendly toddler group this term, it was wonderful to welcome a bumper 37 families into the school hall for some fabulously festive fun.

The Nursery had organised plenty of Christmas-themed activities to keep everyone busy.  The little ones got to choose from joining in with Drama Tots’ ‘Christmas Journey’, get stuck in at the Christmas craft table or just enjoy playing freely with the laid out toys.  All whilst mums, dads and grandparents welcomed the chance to catch up over a warming Christmas coffee.

Mid-morning it was time for a Christmas snack and then our Stay 'n' Players truly couldn't believe their eyes, when one of Santa’s helpers popped in to lead them all in a very special Christmassy sing song. 

Santa’s elf enjoyed meeting all our Stay 'n' Players, exchanging glad tidings and offering each a very special chocolate treat.  She said, "I was given a wonderful welcome by the children and their parents. I hope they all enjoyed their party and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year"

Little Crackers Stay ‘n’ Play returns after the Christmas break on Wednesday 9 January.  The first visiting activity will take place a week later when Stay ‘n’ Play will welcome Little Earthlings Yoga for a special introductory session.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our annual Christmas Fayre last weekend. It was a wonderful way to start the Christmas festivities with such a lovely community feel and despite the weather not being kind to us we made a staggering £3,642.00 which was an amazing result and will be put to good use around the school.

The international foods was as ever a roaring success, alongside the candy floss, popcorn and roasted marshmallow’s. Mmmm Mmmm Mmmmmm.........

It was the last Crackley Christmas Fayre for Stella who has run and supported our Home Crafts Stall for the past six or more years and Angela (Angela Jaynes Florist) who once again donated some stunning Christmas Wreaths and worked tirelessly spinning candyfloss for the kids. 

Craft areas such as the, Gingerbread Men creations, Reindeer food for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet or Cupid went down an absolute storm, card decorations and other craft activities were greatly received by all the children. The parents who were involved in these stalls will be thanked personally, however I think you will all agree we are extremely lucky to have such a great school community who go beyond the call of duty to make the day such a huge success. You are all shining stars in this regard.

Storming the way to into space – we would like to thank Tony Upstone for giving the children the opportunity to experience outer galactic space. Hopefully you all got the opportunity to check out Santa’s Grotto – ride the donkeys and take a magical journey on the Victorian Carousel.   

Some very special mentions for some very special people.

Simon and Rebecca Moreton, who kindly provided the school with their very much needed patio heaters to keep us all toasty warm on a cold winters day!

Lisa Oakes and Matthews Perkins from MODUS Advanced Dental Practice with their very kind sponsorship donation which enabled us the children to enjoy the wonderful donkey rides.

T J Timms & Co Facilities Limited for their extremely generous donation which enabled the children to enjoy the Victorian Carousel.

Angel Solicitors which added sparkle with their generous sponsorship.

Lois Thomas and her family of merry men (and women) from Reveal Displays Limited who worked tirelessly in the run up to the Fayre to produce an amazing Santa’s grotto. 

Becky Deeley and family for sponsoring Reindeer food stall. 

Joanne Ward and family for sponsoring Gingerbread decorating. 

Ian Sansum from Holroyd Howe Catering. 

Saturday 9 February 2019 - 7.30pm to 1.00am

We are holding a Winter Ball at Woodside Hotel in Kenilworth and we really hope you can join us. Please see the poster for further details. 

Dear Parents

Now that the evenings are getting darker it would be very helpful if parents could park up to the next car in the row at pick up time and avoid leaving half car gaps.

Also for safety reasons please could we ask parents, if at all posssible, to reverse into spaces when they park to avoid having to reverse out of spaces when children are going to and getting into cars.

Thank you

Lost

Josh Bhushan (Rec) has lost his fleece gloves.

Theo Cowlishaw (2M) has lost his named winter coat and named school cap.