Headmaster's Welcome
Dear Parents
The first week of this term has been a very different start to any others experienced at almost every school but I am pleased to report that, apart from a few technical difficulties, the online learning platforms and lessons have, within the constraints, been a success. Thank you to parents and staff for persevering and encouraging the children at all times. As one parent commented, ‘We shall certainly have more computer experience due to the situation forced upon us.’ I am aware that some families may be finding it difficult to supervise their children and continue with their work commitments but these platforms are here to help children continue their education and not to cause additional stresses. If you feel that the current provision is too much, please encourage your child to complete as much as possible where/when time permits and keep your child’s teacher informed. It is important to maintain a balance through this and to prioritise certain aspects of learning, adhering to deadlines where necessary and adjusting to your own timeline in other subjects, as manageable. We are listening to parents and staff and will adjust accordingly, where necessary.
The current home learning programme is accessible on iPads and tablets. Whilst we have offered the loan of Foundation iPads, we are aware that some children, particularly the older ones, would find it easier to work on a laptop due to the length of some answers required. If you are in the fortunate position to have a surplus laptop or are a business willing to loan a laptop/computer to the school, could you please indicate this on the questionnaire mentioned below and confirm the resources available. We can then work with you to allocate to the families who may be in need of additional equipment.
It would also be very helpful if you could spend a few moments to answer questions about your experiences with the online learning platforms and what IT is currently available to your child. Please use the following link to the questionnaire Questionnaire
As you will see from the Star of the Week certificate, it is a first for Crackley Hall but you are all so deserving of a mention. It’s a shame that we cannot have an enormous group photograph of everyone. Congratulations to all the children on your wonderful work this week, some of which has been shared with me and featured in the photograph gallery later in this edition. It is so very uplifting to see that you are continuing to smile throughout this difficult time. Please continue to share your efforts with your teachers and we will try to include as many as possible in the Chronicle – I’d especially like to include the work of pupils who have not yet featured in the Chronicle since lockdown began. A special mention goes to Chloe and Jack in J3 who have been awarded Da Vinci awards for their work in geography. I have awarded a Headteacher’s award to Angelica in Reception for her continued hard work throughout the Easter break, as well as Ted (J2), Will (Rec) and Henry (J5) – well done everyone. Mathletes for this week are Shuvaan, Lena, Amelia and Alfred – congratulations and keep up the good work.
Mrs Jackson-Mayne has provided a link to this week’s Collective Worship which has been supplied by the Diocese and Mr Cottrill has shared a wonderful video from Ted and Will featuring their catapult challenge. I know that many children have been involved in kind gestures within the community including Henry who distributed painted rainbows to his neighbours. These are proudly displayed showing support for the NHS.
It is hoped to provide you with an online calendar within the next week. This will obviously be on a very reduced scale to previous editions but there are some calendar entries that will remain but take a different format; more details will follow.
I do hope you managed to access the assembly this morning and we join together in passing on our happy birthday wishes to those who are celebrating their birthdays this week. Please look out for the ‘happy birthday song’.
Thank you once again for your support and willingness to adapt in these times. The whole Crackley Hall team, including those in Little Crackers and me, are very grateful.
Have a lovely weekend.
God bless,
Rob Duigan
