The Chronicle

Dear Parents,

I hope that this Friday evening finds you well at the end of another busy week.   We have enjoyed a number of activities at school with our two parent evenings taking place on Tuesday and Thursday, the ISA Midlands under 10 netball on Monday, our orchestra performing at Crescent School on Tuesday, Ash Wednesday Mass and rehearsals for the forthcoming Key Stage 2 Performing Arts evening held during the week as well.  The netballers enjoyed a good result against Crescent.

I would like to start by thanking all staff involved in the parent evenings.  It is not just the teachers, but our catering staff, catering team, aftercare, office team and the PTA for serving refreshments throughout the evening.  They all played a part in ensuring that the evening flowed as smoothly as possible.  I managed to see some parents in between their appointment times and I was pleased to hear positive comments regarding the new system but if you would like to leave any additional feedback on the new approach for appointments and the venue, please let me know via the office or in person.

Whilst mentioning the PTA, I would like to pass on my thanks to parents on their behalf for remembering to bring their re-usable coffee cups during Friday’s assembly.  We are also grateful to the Cooper family for donating compostable cups which will be available to any parents who are unable to bring in their re-usable cups.

Mrs Williams, our French teacher, will be leaving Crackley Hall at the end of this academic year to reduce her working commitments.  Mrs Williams has been a valued member of staff since 2001 and has also accompanied numerous school visits to France.  I am pleased to say that she will be joining this year’s visit and there will be time for a proper goodbye later next term.  Whilst we will be sad that Mrs Williams will no longer be a member of staff at Crackley Hall, I am pleased to say that she will keep in touch with the Crackley Hall community through private tutoring or possible supply teaching.

The weather was not over-kind to our netball team on Monday and they returned earlier than scheduled after a deluge of rain and hail but I am pleased to report that the team acquitted themselves well in winning five or their eight matches.   Thank you to Mrs Vaughan and Mrs Duigan for accompanying the girls.

Our orchestra visited Crescent School on Tuesday to perform in an instrumental day.  Although I was unable to attend this event personally, I am told it was another wonderful performance co-ordinated by the music teachers from both schools.  Thank you to Mrs Olden and Ms Osborn for accompanying the children.

I am most grateful, as ever, to Father Kevin for celebrating Mass at school on Ash Wednesday.  I was pleased that we were able to mark the beginning of Lent with the school community being challenged to reflect, repent and to pray a little more during Lent.  I hope that we can all be strong together in our resolve to keep our Lenten promises. 

Our treasured St Joseph’s statue, situated in the main entrance, is currently under repair by Mrs Thornhill who is able to expertly attend to some recent damage.  I would ask that St Joseph is admired and looked after by all to help to ensure that he remains in good condition for years to come.  He survived the war years, being the only item standing in a demolished church in Coventry – he comes with quite a history!

There are just a few items of housekeeping which I would like to draw your attention to in case you miss them later in this edition.  Firstly, may I stress that you keep to the correct collection times for car line.  It has unfortunately become increasingly busy with children being released late for car line or parents failing to either move around the roundabout, arriving at the incorrect times or parking inconsiderately.  This has in turn led to complaints from residents and parents alike and could possibly lead to an accident.  I would like to work with you to keep your child safe whilst they are in school and on their journey to and from school.  As such, I would respectfully ask that you please heed the correct procedure at all times.

There are several children in school who have health issues which compromise their immune system.  We do our very best to care for the needs of these children whilst they are in school but would ask for your co-operation by informing the School Office if your child is suffering from a contagious illness.  We can then make a decision to inform the necessary parties involved so as to reduce the risk of any unwanted health complications.

Next week we look forward to the much anticipated Key Stage 2 Performing Arts Evening.  I am aware that Tuesday will be a long day for the children involved but they are incredibly excited about taking part and I am very much looking forward to being entertained by their incredible talents.    

Congratulations to our Stars of the Week:  Nieve, Theo, Ellie, Sumhar, Jay, George, all of J3H and J3V, Sam, Max, Avar, Alfie, Georgina, Stuart and Hannah.  We also congratulate Merryn on being awarded the RE Book and Jasper on his award as Gymnast of the Week.  We were enthralled by the wonderful singing of both Cecilia and Francesca – thank you and very well done to both of them.

As the weather improves it is my hope to increase the number of fixtures in our sporting calendar which will enable as many children as possible to take part in various activities.  Your support at these events is always welcome and makes such a difference to the children having their families cheer them on from the side line.

I will be in school early tomorrow to prepare for Open Day and look forward to seeing some of you and the children during the morning.  I very much appreciate the time you and your family are giving up in order to support the school at this event.  I know that the children who take part are very proud to be involved and promote the school in this way.

The Six Nations rugby matches should be fairly predictable this weekend in build up to next week’s final round of matches.  Ireland, though may find the French ready for a good contest and, I am sure, Scotland will do whatever possible to upset Wales.  There is also some good football and cricket viewing – after the Open Day!  I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

J3/4 Hockey Club will be cancelled on Tuesday 12 March due to the Performing Arts Evening.

Thursday 11 and Friday 12 April, Monday 15 - Thursday 18 April and Tuesday 23 - Friday 26 April 2019

Tuesday 28 May - Friday 31 May 2019

If you struggle for child care during the school holidays, then look no further. The Crackley Hall Holiday Club will be taking place during both the Easter holidays and May half-term holiday.

At Easter, it will commence on Wednesday 11 April and run until Friday 26 April 2019 (Please note that school will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday). Thursday 18 April has now also been added.

In May, it will commence on Tuesday 28 May and run until Friday 31 May (Please note that school will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday).

There will be exciting crafts, games and activities taking place at school between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm. Children are kept busy with baking, arts and crafts, films, team building activities, party games and trips to the park or common. There is always lots of fun to be had!

Please be aware that places are limited (due to staff ratios), and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

We do occasionally get fully booked on certain days and so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

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

A Leavers Celebration for the Junior 6 children is planned for Saturday 29 June 2019 from 3.00 to 6.00pm. Please make a note of the date, further details will be provided in the coming weeks.

If there are any Junior 6 parents who would like to be involved in helping to organise the party celebration or who have useful contacts, please contact Stella Kelly on stella@chapelfarm.me.uk

Also, thank you to the Junior 6 parents who have already provided their contact details. If you have not yet submitted your contact details (i.e. email and mobile number), could you please send these through to Stella.

Many thanks

J6 Leavers Team

All classes in school will be working on the TAKING CARE CURRICULUM again this term.

Protective Behaviours

It’s British Science week next week! For this reason, all classes will be informed of a fabulous list of ideas that the children can try. There will also be a whole school biscuit dunking investigation going on within the childrens' science lessons.

The fun doesn't end there either, as children will have the opportunity to design a fabulous poster, which will once again be focused on our science topics. Further details can be found by clicking on this attached link. Please note that all posters once completed will need the child's name, age and school on their reverse.  

So children, it's time to get dunking and have some fun!

BSA Science

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

On Tuesday 5 March, Crescent School welcomed musicians from fellow Foundation junior school, Crackley Hall, for an orchestral workshop. It was another opportunity for the young virtuosos to work together following a successful Choral Workshop at Crackley Hall in the Michaelmas Term. The event saw 20 members of Crackley Hall’s Orchestra join 20 Crescent instrumentalists for a day designed to develop and stretch their music and performance skills.

Pupils from both schools worked together under the guidance of Directors of Music, Julie Barnes and Susan Olden, to prepare and rehearse a mixture of pieces ready for an afternoon performance for parents.

The children enjoyed a busy morning and afternoon of rehearsals, they relished making music together especially in such a big group. They worked hard to prepare two challenging pieces, including the moving 'I Dreamed A Dream' from the hit musical Les Miserables and the stirring ‘Great Movie Adventures’ by John Williams, both pieces testing the players’ technical and music-reading ability to the limit.

The afternoon concert was superb, a sensational symphony of sound. As well as featuring the full 40-piece orchestra playing their now near perfect pieces, it also included four solo performances, two from each school. Edward Hunter played ‘I’d Do Anything’ from Oliver on Trumpet, Fin Calder played ‘Reverie’ by Tchaikovsky on Tenor Horn, Andrea Zanyi played ‘Take Five’ by Paul Desmond on Flute and Matthew Thomas played ‘Prelude’ by Charpentier on Cornet.

Mrs Barnes, Director of Music at Crescent, commented, “It was a very successful day and the pupils enjoyed working and collaborating together. They achieved a very high standard of performance, and this was due in no small part to the preparation and practising that went on in the weeks beforehand”.

Mrs Olden, Director of Music at Crackley Hall, agreed commenting, "I thought it was a brilliant day for all the children. They learned so much challenging music in such a short space of time, it was simply great for them to play with so many other talented musicians."

Another successful Foundation day with the young musicians leading the way enjoying learning and working together!

A flurry of book characters skipped their way to school on Thursday morning to celebrate World Book Day. Now an annual literary homage, all pupils and staff were invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.

Characters from Harry Potter, Where's Wally, the Broccoli Boy and even Chewbacca filled the classrooms and corridors. The teachers were resplendent in their own costumes, with Mr and Mrs Twit, a meerkat, and your Chronicle editor types this report whilst sporting an outfit made famous by 'Robin' from 'The Midnight Gang'. 

Certainly, the joys of reading and the pleasue from sharing a book are not lost on our Crackley cohort. As Mrs Horan said in her most captivating World Book Day assembly, just ten minutes a day spent in the company of a book can foster sharing, friendships and a joyful imagination.  

Our heartfelt thanks are extended to Mrs Horan for arranging such spectacular and special day.  The wait until next year's event is almost unbearable!

Third in the group and fifth overall tells just one side of a story. Sadly, the results entered into a ledger can never reveal the sheer determination and grit our girls showed to overcome stiff opposition over many rounds. Sadly, the weather ultimately took hold of the day, forcing the tournament to be abandoned, but not before our girls converted their talents into most excellent Midlands victories.  

Pool Results

Salterford House 7 - 0 (win)

Stafford Prep 2 - 0 (win)

Dodderhill 2 - 3 (loss)

Crescent 4 - 1 (loss)

Castlehouse 4 - 0 (win)

The latest edition of Crackley Hall and Little Cracker's Admissions Update e-newsletter was published last Friday.  Its publication coincides with our Open Day that takes place tomorrow Saturday 9 March between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

This issue is packed with news to give prospective parents and pupils a feel for Crackley life, information on forthcoming events and helpful advice about the admissions process, particularly for those who are looking at entry in September 2019.

Our Admissions Update Newsletters are issued twice a year to coincide with key admissions periods, the next edition will be published in autumn 2019.

Please click here to go to the Admissions Update newsletter.

Or if you have any queries relating to admissions please do feel free to email the team at admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or telephone our Admissions Secretary, Jenny Vaughan, on 01926 514410.

Foundation parents, staff, past pupils and friends are all cordially invited to attend Princethorpe - A Vision For The Future, a presentation by Ed Hester, Head of the Foundation on Thursday 14 March at 7.30pm in the College's Clarkson theatre.

The presentation will outline the Foundation's vision for the next five to ten years, and provide more detailed information on the College's new Science Building and campus improvements, including an interactive walk through of the Science facility.  Mr Hester will also feedback highlights from the College's parental questionnaire, unveil the Foundation's new website and outline plans for a new, improved Foundation parent portal.

Refreshments will be served after the presentation in the Sixth Form Centre.

The event is aimed at adults, although pupils are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult.

Saturday 9 March - 10.30am to 12.30pm

Join us for our Spring Open Morning, a great opportunity to look around the school and nursery at the weekend and to chat to staff and pupils.

Junior 5 and 6 pupils will act as tour guides and there will be music and sport activities on display. Light refreshments will be available.

All are welcome to look round the school, and to meet staff and pupils. No need to book.

Please email Mrs Jenny Vaughan, Admissions Secretary at admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or call her on 01926 514410 for more information on the Open Morning and admissions process.

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 Merryn in J3V.

She created some beautiful work on the signs and symbols of Judaism, following our visit to the Singers Hill Synagogue in Birmingham, and focused so hard to produce a meticulously presented piece.

A super effort so well done Merryn.

This week the whole school came together to celebrate Mass and to receive a blessing from Father Kevin. Led by Father Kevin and assisted by Year 6, the focus of the Mass was a reflective homily on the meaning of Ash Wednesday and how we in our modern day lives respond to it. 

We are very grateful to Father Kevin for making himself available to lead us in prayer and our further religious instruction. 

We at the Chronicle are delighted to report that our Minnie Vinnies served Mass at St Francis Church last Saturday. This day was a special annual Mass for those parishioners who typically find it difficult to make their way to church, so special transport is laid on to permit their easy egress.

Following on from the Mass our ever-ready Minnie Vinnies then put their best foot forward to both entertain and serve our parishioners within the St Francis Hall. A varied mix of musical treats ensured everyones' feet tapped along with merriment. Thanks one and all, your efforts were very well received by a deserving audience. 

Both Junior 4 classes came together earlier this week to receive a seminar on the subject of diversity and inclusivity from Warwick University student volunteer members of UNICEF.

This most engaging presentation included thought provoking exercises, where we considered our own attitudes to ability, through the removal of own abilities, and biographical videos shot through the prespective of those with different abilities.

Such an event challenges preconceptions and attitudes for the better, uniting all with greater understanding and empathy. 

We are pleased to announce that Jasper (J4W) is our gymnast of the week.

U11A Netball vs Crescent 8 - 2 (win)

Player of the Match - Amisha Modi

U11B Netball vs Crescent 6 - 1 (win)

Player of the Match - Isabella Price

U10A Netball vs Crescent 5 - 3 (win)

Player of the Match - Nancy Volpe

U10B Netball vs Crescent 4 - 1 (win)

Player of the Match - Jorga Parris

A big thank you to all our wonderful parents who organised so many lovely costumes for World Book Day yesterday!  The children looked fabulous, and the staff did too!  

We had great fun with Stickman, two Batmen, a sprinkling of Spidermen, a pocketful of Princesses, a dragon or two, a soldier and many, many more cuddly characters from our favourite books.  Even the weather couldn’t dampen the spirits as we told each other our favourite stories. 

We hope to see lots of you at Open Day, we will be here from 10:30am, please come and say hello, look around the school and ask plenty of questions. 

Have a great weekend!

Newsletter

PTA AGM - Wednesday 20 March at 7.30pm

We are always looking to welcome new members. So if the PTA is something that you fancy getting involved with, we would be very pleased to have you on board.

Second Hand Uniform

As ever thank you for supporting the PTA with second hand uniform donations – if you have any summer dresses going spare we are in short supply and any donations would be greatly received.

PTA morning coffee update

In an effort to move towards Crackley Hall PTA becoming more environmentally responsible, we have decided to try and reduce our use of single use plastic. Therefore, tea and coffee before celebration assembly will continue to be complimentary but we ask that you bring along your own re-useable cup (with lid). Re-usable cups will also be available for you to purchase. If you wish for us to provide you with a cup to use there will be a nominal charge for tea/coffee from the 8th March.

Thank you in advance for your support. 

There are now only two weeks to go until our popular quiz night, hosted by our very special quiz master for the evening, Mr Duigan, on Friday 22 March at 7.30pm. We still have space to accommodate a few more teams, so don’t delay and book your tickets as soon as possible. 

Teams of up to eight people are invited to battle it out against other year groups and our reigning champions from last year, the Crackley Hall teachers and staff, to take this years winner’s title. 

The tickets are priced at £7.50 each and include a shared cheeseboard. You are welcome to form your own teams or book individually and we will allocate you to a team of parents from your child’s year group. A licensed bar will be available on the evening to purchase refreshments and you are encouraged to bring any additional nibbles to enjoy. We regret that this event is for grown up’s only but there will be lots more family events to look forward to throughout the year. 

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a fun and sociable evening. If you have any questions regarding the event you may email Melissa Fox mfox1401@gmail.com who will be happy to help.

To purchase your tickets please visit www.pta-events.co.uk/crackleyhallpta

Required for September 2019, an enthusiastic, innovative and highly motivated teacher to deliver an outstanding programme of Modern Foreign Languages to pupils aged from 4-11.

There are two part-time positions available and candidates are invited to apply for both, which would equate to a full time role, or for either of the roles on a part time basis.  One role based at Crackley Hall is equivalent to 0.55 of a full timetable and the second role at Crescent School is equivalent to 0.45. The exact days and FTE are negotiable for the right candidate(s).

The successful candidate will be able to offer French to a high standard and may also offer other modern languages.  An enthusiasm to become involved with the extra-curricular life of the school is also important. Candidates should be able to demonstrate outstanding teaching skills in the classroom and be effective team players.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its 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 Foundation application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing their personal qualities, experience and how they meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates and indicate if they wish to apply for the role on full time or part time FTE, and for which school, if appropriate.

Closing date: Thursday 21 March 2019, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held on Wednesday 27 March and/or or Thursday 28 March.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

Harry (J4JM) has lost his named winter coat.

Isla (J1GR) has lost her named school coa.

Found

Silver Bracelet (found outside the Gables Entrance)

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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.

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