The Chronicle

Dear Parents,

I have prepared today’s Chronicle slightly earlier this week as I have joined the Junior 4 and Junior 5 classes as they travel to Birmingham to take part in the Young Voices Concert. This is an extraordinary gathering of children from across the UK enjoying participating together in one huge musical event. I know that many parents will also be able to enjoy this uplifting occasion; hopefully you may even be able to spot your child in the crowd. It will be a very late return to school this evening, but I am sure the experience will be worth it. The children are already buzzing with excitement and it is not yet break time.

On Monday this week Junior 5 classes had a wonderful day as ‘Off The Page’ visited and presented a Tudor Day. As you will see from the photographs later in this edition, the children (and staff) experienced life as a Tudor child and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. My thanks to Mrs Roberts, Mrs Lammas, Mrs Blyth, Mr M Duigan and other staff for their efforts in organising this event.

Mrs Glen-Roots, Mrs George, Mr Kefalas and Mrs C Hill took the Junior 1 classes to the Transport Museum on Tuesday where they were able to learn about various methods of transport and the history and development of vehicles. This was very much a hands-on experience for the children and was enjoyed by all.

Yesterday the doors of Crackley Hall were open once again when we welcomed visitors to our Open Day. I am pleased to report that this was a very successful occasion and I was, yet again, immensely proud of all the children who our visitors met, especially our Junior 6 tour guides. I have received many complimentary comments on the politeness and how well-spoken our children are. They are a credit to you all.

Congratulations to all of our Stars of the Week: Charlie, Lucas, Miley, Holly, Merryn, Maxwell, Henry, Lucas, Amelie, Charlie, Grace, Olivia, Amy, Lucas, Sebastian and Francesca. I enjoyed reading the certificates and am delighted with the various reasons why you were chosen this week. Well done to everyone continuing to strive to be the best you can be.

Next Monday, I will be welcoming a guest speaker to assembly to tell the children about the homeless charity, Shelter. In addition to the assembly, there will be a collection box available into which the children are welcome and encouraged to place donations. All the money received will go directly to the local Shelter Charity in Coventry.  There are also cards that can be purchased from the School Office for a donation of the cost of a hot meal. I know that there are many charitable causes to support throughout the year but I do hope that you feel that you can help Shelter on this occasion.

Please do not forget to read the PTA messages regarding the Winter Ball. This event is drawing near and is a spectacular occasion that our PTA work very hard to organise. Any last minute bookings must be confirmed to the venue tomorrow, therefore if you are hoping to attend, please use the contact details in the ISAMs message sent earlier today. This is a wonderful occasion and we would very happily welcome parents to any of the ‘composite’ tables that we are putting together. It’s a great way to meet new people who share a common interest.

I have been made aware of some forthcoming major roadworks that will be taking place on the Kenilworth Road, into Coventry, from 6 February but will provide you with more information next week. It is hoped that the temporary traffic restrictions will be in place only between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm for one week. However, there will be a road closure in Crackley Lane between Cryfield Grange Road and Blind Lane from Monday 4 February and diversions will be in place. Both of these road works may affect your journey to School.

I hope you all have a restful weekend and enjoy some time with your family.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

Monday 18 February - Friday 22 February 2019

If you struggle for child care during the holidays, look no further. The Crackley Hall Holiday Club will be taking place during the February half-term holiday.

It will commence on Monday 18 February and run until Friday 22 February 2019.

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 (due to staff ratios), and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Over Christmas we were fully booked on a number of days and even had to start a waiting list.

Children were kept busy with baking, arts and crafts, films, team building activities and festive party games. There's always lots of fun to be had!

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

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

J5 LAMDA Information Letter

J5 LAMDA Consent Form

J6 LAMDA Information Letter

J6 LAMDA Consent Form

Please find attached the termly curriculum sheet for your child's year group:

Reception

Junior 1

Junior 2

Junior 3

Junior 4

Junior 5

Junior 6

Any medicines brought into school must be handed in at the office. They must also be clearly labelled with the child’s name, and dosage instructions, accompanied by an authorisation form (see below). We need a new authorisation slip for each new batch of medicine. Medicine to be returned home must be collected from the office by an adult and cannot be handed to a child.

If your child needs regular medication, such as an inhaler, please ensure there is one in the school office.

All medicines should be collected from the office at the end of the academic year; we cannot store medication over the summer period.

Authorisation Form

Cyber-crime – please be vigilant

Parents are asked to be vigilant when reading emails relating to the payment of school fees and any other items to the Foundation.

We continue to receive reports regarding spam emails being sent to parents of independent schools asking them to pay future fees to a ‘new’ school bank account.

Please be advised there has been no change to the bank details of either Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall or Crescent and there is no intention to make any changes in the foreseeable future. Any electronic notification that appears to be from any of the Foundation schools changing these details may be fraudulent.

Our bank details are available on the Parent Bills, the Online Payment Portal and for Princethorpe in the Princethorpe College Information Booklet 2018 – 2019, and only those details should be used.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleagues in the Bursary if you are have any doubts about the correct details or indeed if anything appears suspicious.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

There was plenty of excitement when Junior 1 went to the Coventry Transport Museum this week to find out more about all manner of man-made 'propelled vehicles', to inform their cross-curricular studies in History, Science and English.

The children participated in an informative seminar and practical activities on the history of bicycles, hosted by Sara, who looks after the Museum's historic pedal collection. They tested out riding wooden and rubber wheeled scooters over a bumpy surface to establish why the materials used for wheels changed over time. They constructed bicycle frames to test which shape was the strongest, and wore goggles to carry out further science investigations. They heard of Coventry's important role in the design, development and manufacture of cycles, beginning with the Boneshaker of the 1820s, moving on to the Penny Farthing and the tricycle of the 1880s and the safety bicycle of 1888. At the museum supercars, buses, bikes and electric vehicles were all eagerly explored.

Upon returning back to school the children have written up their own TripAdvisor recounts and started to design and create their own moving vehicles.

Well done Junior 1, we are very proud of you.

On Monday 21 January Junior 5 left modern day Britain behind and travelled back in time to the Tudor era.  Children, staff and even parents came to school dressed in costume and enjoyed a memorable day exploring life in the 16th century.

They began in the court of King Henry VIII in the year of our Lord 1536. Despite rumours and intrigue surrounding his second wife, Anne Boleyn, the King’s household had plenty of tasks to attend to. Set out in Crackley’s great hall were typical Tudor professions and a range of crafts that included: Alchemists, Apothecaries, Barbers, Chandlers, Embroiders, Leatherworkers, Miniature Artists, Scholars (ink making and writing), Scent bag and Soap makers. The children all enjoyed taking part in the traditional Tudor activities, it was fantastic hands-on learning.

In the afternoon the children took on various roles at a mock royal banquet. Some were servants whilst others were entertainers, dancers and even singers. As they worked, more rumours swirled around the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The background narrative really helped bring the Tudor era alive.

Sebastian from J5 commented, "Tudor Day was amazing. The man was very knowledgeable, he made history come to life." Amy, also from J5, added, "I thought it was fun and exciting. The stories of Tudor punishments made me feel glad I'm living now and not then."

Crackley’s Tudor Day was led by History Off The Page, a company who run historical workshops. The day was organised by teacher Sarah Lammas, who commented, “The children had an amazing time, immersed in history and surrounded by authentic replica artefacts. It was a day full of practical learning, storytelling and drama.“  Fellow Junior 5 teacher, Julia Roberts added, “History Off the Page were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. All of the children and adults thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, a huge thanks goes to all of the parents, who joined in the fun, dressed up and so ably assisted us.”

Five times a year Crackley Hall throws its doors wide open to welcome prospective pupils and parents into school. It is their chance to see what is so very special about Crackley Hall and what makes it a place that has been described as the ‘next best place to home’ by its pupils.

The latest Open Day took place this week on Thursday 24 January 2019 and the school was pleased to welcome 11 famillies with strong interest for Reception 2019 and Little Crackers Nursery.

Rob Duigan, Headmaster commented, “We were delighted with the level of interest in admission to the school. We know many families who already have children at the school will have recommended it to friends, and we were pleased to be able to show the school at its best."  

Pupils from Junior 6 took visitors on a tour of the school, confidently answering questions whilst they showcased the school’s fantastic facilities. Staff and pupils in other years continued with their normal lessons but welcomed visitors to their classrooms warmly. Parents were able to talk with staff and children and afterwards meet Mr Duigan.

Parents are reminded that the deadline for applications for admission to Reception in September 2019 is early next month, Monday 4 February. Parents interested in applying for places in other years, current Reception to Junior 6, are advised to contact Jenny Vaughan, Admissions and Marketing Secretary on admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or 01926 514410 to enquire about availability.

Crackley’s next Open Morning takes place on Saturday 24 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm and will include tours, performances and activities showcasing the school.  

Some of Crackley Hall's pupils were among 80 young singers from local primary schools that enjoyed a super day of singing when they attended Princethorpe's Choral Fun Day. 

The Year 5 and 6 pupils tackled a variety of choral pieces from popular favourites such as Katie Perry’s Roar, classics such as Abba’s I Have A Dream and The Beatles’ Nowhere Man, traditional works such as Joshua Fought The Battle Of Jericho and The Sally Gardens, to the wonderfully corny hit Everything Is Awesome from the LEGO movie.

As well as rehearsing furiously, the visiting children took part in a musical team scavenger hunt and enjoyed lunch in the Refectory.

The day culminated in an impressive gala performance of their newly learnt pieces in front of an enthusiastic capacity audience of family and friends in the College's newly refurbished Clarkson theatre, followed by afternoon tea for all.

Commenting on the day, Princethorpe's Director of Music, Gil Cowlishaw said, "We were really impressed by the children. They achieved such a lot in just a few hours, learning six songs and then taking to the stage to perform is no mean feat, well done to them all!”

A pdf copy of the Lent Term 2019 Calendar can be found below.

Please be aware that events are added as the term progresses, so remember to keep an eye on the Chronicle for any additions/changes.

Lent Term Calendar

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 Rosa (J4W).

Thursday 31 January 2019

As part of their RE lesson, Junior 5R will lead a Collective Worship for Junior 1 pupils from St Augustine’s School, next Thursday 31 January. Pupils are excited to help the younger children learn the message, that we are all unique and that God has a special plan for us.

Monday 25 February - Friday 1 March - One World Week  

This is a special week where the children learn about different faiths and beliefs in more depths. This is an ideal way for pupils to develop an understanding and respect of the different ways people express their faith.

Help Wanted: We would like volunteers from all faiths to come and talk to the children about their faith and beliefs. 

Please contact Mrs Jackson-Mayne on sjacksonmayne@crackleyhall.co.uk or speak to your class teacher if you are happy to come and talk to a class about how you live out your faith.

Wednesday 13 February - Mass

The next Mass, which will be led by Junior 6V, is on Wednesday 13 February at 9am, all are welcome. As it is close to Valentine’s Day it will be on the theme of love.

We are pleased to announce that Max (J4JM) and Scarlett (J4W) are our gymnasts of the week.

Please see the attached letters for more information on individual clubs: 

Bayleaf Cookery Club

Irish Dancing

Karate

Mad Science

Chess

Rugbytots

Cricket

Tennis

Yoga

Ballet

Guitar

Mini Brass

Happy Friday everyone! It has been a busy week again in Nursery and everyone especially loved having fun in Dramatots. Would you believe it, we went all the way to the moon!! Sam took the children on an amazing adventure, spotting planets and zig zagging through the blue before meeting aliens. Unfortunately, back down on earth, we seem to have lots of sniffles and coughs bouncing around so please stay warm and have a good rest this weekend.

Newsletter

LAST CHANCE TO BUY TICKETS FOR WINTER BALL

Saturday 9 February

This fun evening is being put on by the PTA as a social event rather than a fundraiser, therefore tickets have been priced as low as possible.  It’s a great opportunity to get dressed up and spend the evening with some of our friendly parents in the beautiful surroundings of The Woodside in Kenilworth.

There are still a few tickets left but final details, including menu choices, need to be confirmed with the venue this weekend so if you would like some tickets, please contact Julie Hutton on 07958 282235 or juliemhutton@hotmail.co.uk so you don’t miss out.

Please see menu below:

You can choose a starter, main and dessert from the selection below.  If you have any food allergies, The Woodside are very accommodating.

Starters:

Applewood home smoked & torched mackerel with fennel salsa and radish salad

Lamb kofta with beetroot & cumin humus, compressed cucumber and toasted flat bread

Spiced butternut squash & yellow pepper soup (v)

Mains:

Slow roast British beef with sweet pepper & cheddar mash and wilted spinach

Pan fried chicken breast with gratin potatoes with parmesan & pancetta and charred leeks

Mediterranean vegetable tart tatin with roquette pesto, mozzarella and picante tomato compote (v)

Desserts:

Seasonal fruit crumble with vanilla ice cream (v)

Melted iced parfait chocolate dome with honeycomb (v)

Sharp lemon tart with blackcurrant sorbet (v)

Friday 22 March 19 at 7:30pm

We do hope you can join us for the Headmaster's Quiz - it's always great fun and it would be really good if we could stop the teachers from winning again this year!

Grasscrete area – please be aware that this area is reserved for staff parking and parents are asked to use the lower playground or street parking if they choose to walk their child into School.  

Please ensure that when using the car park directly outside the entrance, you park considerately and move all the way around the roundabout to drop off.   

Reporting to the Foundation Estates Manager, we are seeking to appoint an Electrician to maintain and service all electrical engineering plant and equipment on Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall and Crescent School sites. They will carry out technical duties in the college theatre and assist in the supervision of electrical contractors. A flexible and pro-active attitude to duties and additional working hours will be required.

The successful candidate should have an appreciation of the priorities of a school environment and have the ability to appropriately interact with pupils of all ages, especially when providing technical support in the Theatre.

This role is working 40 hours a week, on a 7 days’ contract. The working pattern will include evenings and occasional weekends on a flexible basis, according to the needs of the school, with core hours Monday to Friday. We will also welcome part time and job share applications for this post.

The salary for this role is £28,000 to £35,000 (full-time equivalent) – depending on experience.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing foundation that values their staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing suitability for the role.  Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 4 February 2019 at 9am, and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 7 February 2019.

Further details are available from the School website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment opportunities

Unamed blue inhaler found.

Patrick (J1G) has lost his Lightning McQueen lunch box.

Jimmy (J5R) has lost his named maroon and black Crackley sports jacket.

Alfred (J3H) has lost his named rugby boots (blue/black), boot bag (black), and water bottle (blue). 

Jenson (J1GR) has lost his named Tennis racquet.

Sara (J1PG) has lost her Bronze award badge.

Thomas (J5L) has lost his blazer.

Archie (J5L) has lost his named tracksuit jacket.

India (J6V) has lost her named sports jacket, black skins and red sports socks.

----------------------------------------------------------

Parents, please ensure that all school uniform and sports kits are named.

Could you please check all uniform and sports kits at home – if any of it is not yours, please let the School Office know, and return it to us as soon as possible.