The Chronicle

Dear Parents

It was wonderful to welcome you and your children back to Crackley Hall and the start of the Trinity term; it’s going to be a busy one!  I trust that you all had a relaxing Easter break with your families and have now settled back into the usual routine.

There are a few new faces in school this term and I am pleased to say that all our new pupils have made a very good start both within the classroom and in their friendship groups. 

This week started with the May procession for Junior 3 and Junior 4 on Monday morning.  My thanks to Mrs Jackson-Mayne for co-ordinating this event.  On Tuesday afternoon, I hosted a meeting for Junior 5 parents, which highlighted the process for applying for a secondary school place.  If anyone was unable to attend and would like further information, or you wish to meet with me to discuss your child’s secondary education options, please contact Mrs Dyer in the School Office.

All of our Junior 5 pupils were able to spend a ‘taster day’ at Princethorpe College on Wednesday where they experienced what it would be like to be a pupil at the College.  Although children from Crackley Hall may have siblings at Princethorpe and have also attended various sporting, academic and pastoral events there, it is a valuable experience as they were involved in lessons and able to appreciate the facilities more fully.  I hope that parents found the information evening that followed the taster day useful.  Thank you to Mrs Lammas, Mrs Blyth and Mr Matthew Duigan for accompanying the children on this occasion.

Mrs Vaughan accompanied children and parents to the ISA Triathlon at Lucton School.  Although it was a long day the children gave it their all and came home with a collection of very commendable results.  Well done to all who took part (and on the excellent results) and thank you to those parents who were able to provide support at this event. 

Thursday also saw children take part in another competition.  Mrs Hardwick and Mrs Spillane accompanied the F1 team to the JLR regional challenge which was held at Princethorpe College.  I am delighted to say that our budding engineers were successful in securing 2nd place and therefore progress to the national final in June.  My sincere thanks to our sponsors; Skywave Communications, Chapter Agency, Sew2It Sewing School, WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group), Laser Tools, Race Rapid and Tow-Trust Towbars, parent support and of course to Mrs Hardwick and Mrs Spillane who have spent a huge amount of time with the F1 Group.  Well done to our super team!

Thank you to Mrs Glen-Roots for hosting our assembly this morning.  The Stars of the Week were Diya, Patrick, Elena, Beatrice, Matilda, Grace, Carolina, Rupert, Isabel, Junior 5L and Junior 5R, Isabella, Andrew and Andrea.  Congratulations to each one of our stars and to the recipients of merit certificates, Da Vinci awards, RE Book of the Week and our gymnasts of the week. 

Thank you to our musical performers this morning – I heard that they were excellent (J1 recorder group and Louisa) and many congratulations to everyone who received their certificates following the recent music examinations.

It was not pleasant seeing Liverpool lose 3-0 to Barcelona this week, especially after having played so well at times.  I can only hope that Liverpool has the luck in the return leg and that a certain Mr Messi keeps his genius well-hidden!  Too big an ask, I think!

I hope you enjoy the extended weekend and that the Bank Holiday weather is kind to us all.

God bless

Robert Duigan

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 the May half-term holiday.

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 sometimes get fully booked, so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

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

Please find information attached regarding the J6 Summer Production.

J6 Letter

Rec - J5 Costume Letter

Thinking caps on children, for Mrs Wildey and her dedicated Drama team are pleased to announce the launch of this year's 'Name the School Show Competition'.

You guys have been set the challenge to arrive at a name for the show. On paper this sounds pretty easy, but there's a twist; the production name you come up with must encapsulate the evening's entertainment and showcase if possible the two featured shows. These are, Mary Poppins and Matilda.

Your selected name might be anything. We have previously had 'Magical Moments of Musicals', 'Be Our Guest' and 'Our 4ever Musical Favourites'. Any suggestions are welcome and one will be selected and used for the show itself and the show's programme.

Entries need to be in by Tuesday 7 May and given into the office on a named piece of paper. Our Drama Team will then consult with the Headmaster to reveal the winner in Celebration Assembly.

Oh and just one thing; remember children this is a competition for just the title of the show - not the programme design.

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

After all the preparations, the plans, the discussions, the designs and the build it was finally time to plug in the compressed air canisters and get down to some serious racing at this year’s Jaguar Primary School Challenge.  Team ‘Firecrackers’, comprising Junior 4’s Amelia Hunt, Jasper Nicholls, Woody Osborn, Henry Verity and Thomas Zanyi, had been fiendishly busy working hard to prepare for the big day.  The challenge requires teams to research, design, manufacture, test, promote and race the fastest car possible using standard chassis and engine housing nets with a car body made only from card. It is a technical brief but one that has proven to really engage potential future engineers.

As soon as they parked up at Princethorpe College, the team leapt into action setting up their pit display. Crackley’s team boards and table displays looked smart and professional. Bright colours and eye-catching graphics told the visual story of their journey so far.

After a welcome from Mr Scopes, Head of Design Technology at Princethorpe College, they were on to their first assessment, the Engineering judging where the team were examined on their car design and manufacturing process.  Then it was on to the all-important Verbal presentation where the judges were looking at technique, composition and knowledge of subject matter.  After break the judges examined the Portfolio and Pit Stop Display and the team took time to carefully explain their work to the judges. 

During the day, the team also had to complete an Additional Challenge, a Design Technology Challenge to manufacture a carry case for their racing car.  The focus of the exercise was once again to test the team’s ability to work together, delegate, design and manufacture. 

Then finally, it was time to get down to the serious business of racing. This was, after all, what the whole challenge has been about. Team Firecrackers carefully set up their car for a head-to-head down the racetrack and prepared themselves quietly and calmly for the competition. The cardboard Formula One cars flew down the track recording lightning-quick times. In a matter of seconds, it was all over.

Standards had been incredibly high and after a day’s worth of demonstration, presentations and racing the judges got down to their deliberations and analysing the scores. The Firecrackers waited calmly but confidently, they knew it would be a close call but when the results were announced they could hardly believe it.  Not only had they won the award for 'Best Engineered Car', they had also won 'Best Portfolio and Pit Display' but best of all the team had placed second overall and had only gone and earned themselves a place in the National Finals at the British Motor Museum in June.

Mrs Hardwick and Mrs Spillane who helped guide the Crackley Hall team were jubilant, “What an amazing day. Our Crackley Hall pupils have worked so hard. They’ve dealt with the pressure of competition brilliantly and we are so very proud of them.”

Thanks must also go to the team's sponsors Skywave Communications, Chapter Agency, Sew2It Sewing School, WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group), Laser Tools, Race Rapid and Tow-Trust Towbars, and of course the children’s parents.  We are very grateful for all your support. 

On Wednesday 1 May Junior 5 pupils had the chance to spend the day at Princethorpe College. The special Crackley Hall only taster day gave them an early opportunity to experience life at the Foundation’s senior school.  Pupils were involved in a number of different classroom lessons; depending on their group, they enjoyed Maths, Art, Computer Science, History, Science, English or Design Technology.  They also had a tour of the school buildings and grounds including the bluebells on the Mile Walk, lunch in the Refectory and participated in other activities including a pupil panel (a great chance to ask those questions you wouldn’t ask a teacher!)

The Taster Day experience is all about letting the Junior 5 children enjoy a day at senior school, it is a chance for them to start to become familiar with a bigger school environment, to orientate themselves and to help make the forthcoming change a less daunting experience.

Amongst the images you can see the children making Zentangle patterns in Art and programming the mirco:bit mini computers, Soren and Teddy cleverly programmed their micro:bit to play rock, paper scissors!  It was clear they all had a great time.

Parents are reminded that Crackley Hall children are not automatically entered for Princethorpe’s Entrance Examinations.  Those wishing to apply for September 2020 entry must complete a registration form by Friday 4 October at the latest and the Entrance Examinations will take place on Saturday 9 November.

On Monday the sun shone on Junior 3 and 4 as they took part in Crackley Hall’s annual May procession to honour Mary, the Mother of God.

After a short presentation led by Mrs Jackson-Mayne, where she and volunteers from both year groups led a decade of the rosary, the pupils processed outside.

Pupils sang the Hail Mary prayer as Dylan Horran advanced to Mary's statue. Our thanks go to Annabel (J5) who baked cakes for the occasion and to Mrs Simmonds, who laid them out in the shape of the rosary to remind us all that May is a special month where we remember Mary and say the rosary.

Afterwards it was back to the classroom with cake in hand to reflect on these teachings and this very special day.   

What an early start our triathletes had for this year’s ISA Triathlon. The event was taking place at Lucton School in Herefordshire so we were up at dawn just to make sure we were there in time for registration at 9am. Thank goodness the weather was on our side this year after the arctic conditions of last!                                              

31 schools had entered the event and the competition was fierce, although there was somewhat of a scarcity of our usual Midlands rivals – not brave enough perhaps!

We took 23 determined athletes this time (a mixture of boys and girls from Junior 3 through to Junior 6) and they competed in the Tristar Start, 1 and 2 events.
Tristar Start (Year 3): Swim 50m, Cycle 800m, Run 600m
Tristar 1 (Year 4/5): Swim 150m, Cycle 2km, Run 1.2km
Tristar 2 (Year 5/6): Swim 200m, Cycle 4km, Run 1.8km

The children all performed fantastically - for many of them it was their first triathlon, an increasingly popular multi-discipline sport involving an indoor swim, followed by a bike ride and then a run; for others more used to competition there were high hopes of a medal.

In the end our highest finisher was Issey, who finished 1st in the Tristar 1 girls, closely followed by Merryn and Holly who placed 3rd and 17th respectively. That said, the boys of Tristar 1 were keen not to be outdone, as Niki ran in 2nd, with George (6th), Olly (7th) and Harry (9th) all hot on his heels. We are so proud of all of the children who did outstandingly well, given 12 of our 23 competitors placed in the top quarter of final placings, with every competitor finishing well above the midpoint of entries for their age category. A special mention to Soren who finished a fine 10th overall in the TS1 category.

The organisation required, the worry about transition and the energy sapping nature of the course meant that the children showed true grit and determination on the day. Mrs Kat Vaughan said, “It is such an amazingly proud moment when you see a Year 3 pupil completing their final lap of their first ever triathlon with several of the Year 5 and 6 children running with them to cheer them on. I was also touched to see that former Crackley pupils who are now at Princethorpe also joined in to encourage our tenacious little ones.”

What true triathlon motivation our Crackley iron-men and iron-women showed - after all as triathletes know - everything is hard before it gets easy. Well done everybody.

Mrs Holmes has asked if parents can bring in any old bits of unwanted jewellery which they can use for Tudor Art and any old food magazines that you may have at home.

They also require the use of an old rocking chair for the summer show suitable for an adult.

Thank you

Trinity Term Calendar

Tuesday 14 May 2019 - 5.00pm to 7.30pm

Please do spread the word that Crackley Hall and Little Crackers Nursery are opening their doors for an Open Evening on Tuesday 14 May from 5.00pm to 7.30pm.

This is a fantastic opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils during the evening. All are welcome, no need to book.

Those that can't make the Open Evening but would like to look around the school, should call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410, or email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk - we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

Wednesday 5 June 2019 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm 

The College's Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 5 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is an informal opportunity for prospective families to look around the school and to meet members of staff and pupils.

There will be activities in each department for children to participate in, and the Headmaster will also address visitors in the Chapel during the evening. Light refreshments are available.

There is no need to book.

For further information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney, on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

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 Arthur (J1G).

We are pleased to announce that Amy (J1GR), Sumhar (J1GR) and Isla (J1GR) are our gymnasts of the week. 

U11 'B' Cricket vs Bilton Grange 249/10 - 299/7 (loss)

Player of the Match - Joe McCullough

Please find details attached of the schedule for the Trinity Term:

Schedule

Can we please remind you that if choosing a club led by an external provider, you must sign up both on SOCs and with the provider themselves.

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

Bayleaf Cookery Club

Karate

Mad Science

Chess

Rugbytots

Cricket

Tennis

Yoga

Ballet

Mini Brass

It has been a real pleasure coming back into nursery after the Easter break, which I appreciate wasn’t a break for all of you!  

It has been great hearing all about the adventures the children had here without us, the castle building and drawing on the floor were very popular!  But it has also been good to hear all about the holiday adventures everyone has had, either making the most of the sunshine here at home, or heading off to fabulous places around the world. 

This has given us a brilliant opportunity to practise our listening and attention skills, and some of us have been showing off our drawing skills as we create records of the fun we had. 

Enjoy the Bank Holiday on Monday, don’t forget that we are closed! See you next Tuesday.

Newsletter

You should also hopefully have received your raffle tickets alongside a flyer which tells you all about some of our amazing prizes including use of a 4-bedroom holiday villa in Spain, a family ticket to Drayton Manor Theme Park, worth up to £130, a hamper of mixed drinks plus family days out, beauty vouchers and meals in local restaurants.

Each family will receive 10 tickets and we ask that you return ticket stubs and money as soon as possible.  Please also return any unused tickets.

If you require any more tickets, they will be available from the school office or members of the PTA before Friday assemblies, as well as at the Family Fun Day.

If you have any unwanted gifts that you would like to donate as a raffle prize, they will be gratefully received and can be left with the school office.

Friday 10 May 2019

There will be a non uniform day for all Crackley Hall pupils on Friday 10 May. In return, all children in Nursery, Reception, J1 and J2 are kindly asked to donate a box of chocolates or sweets and all children in J3, J4, J5 and J6 to donate a bottle. We are also requesting any unwanted books in good condition that you have for our second hand book stall, new unused gifts for a separate stall and for all you makers and bakers out there, we would greatly appreciate any whole cakes (not cupcakes), and any home made produce, such as chutneys, jams, pickles or eggs for our home made produce stall. All can be left in the boxes in the foyer from Tuesday 7 May. 

Many thanks for your continued support.

Saturday 11 May - 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Tickets for this year's Family Fun Day can be purchased here:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/crackley-hall-pta

Entry can only be made with an advanced ticket, as the ticket includes BBQ food or a hog roast and the PTA need to know how many to cater for on the day.

Early bird tickets are on sale until midday on Tuesday 7 May at £5.50 per adult and £3.30 per child, this will also include a complimentary glass of Pimms on arrival for the adults or a non alcoholic alternative.

After this the standard price for tickets available until Friday 10 May at midday is £8 per adult and £5.50 per child.

When buying your tickets please select whether you want the hog roast option or the 8oz burger or the jumbo sausage. The hog roast numbers are limited so don’t delay in buying your tickets!

We are able to accommodate a few external stalls so if anyone is interested please email mfox1401@gmail.com

We are also always on the lookout for extra helpers, so if you can help on the day or in any way beforehand and haven’t yet let us know then please do - thank you! 

Interested in working for the Princethorpe Foundation?  We currently have the following vacancies:

• Head of Religious Studies
• Teacher of Religious Studies
• School Nurse

Full details of the roles and how to apply for them are available on the Foundation's website:

https://www.theprincethorpefoundation.co.uk/join-us

Lost

Davi (J5L) has lost his named school blazer.

Ajunee (J5L) has lost her named school blazer.

Francesca (J4W) has lost her school hat.

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

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