The Chronicle

Dear Parents 

I hope you all enjoyed celebrating the VE day anniversary last week as best you could given the current restrictions.  Some of the photographs I have received certainly looked like the children had prepared well for the event and were very excited to be marking the occasion whilst learning a little about the history too.

Online learning has continued at an impressive pace this week with lots of work submitted to teachers.  You will be able to view a small selection of work in the class sections in The Chronicle.  I am sure you will notice that this week the Chronicle has a slightly different format whereby we have introduced year group sections rather than a photographic gallery.  I hope that you find this new format easy to view and if you have any comments, please let me know by emailing post@crackleyhall.co.uk

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement that primary schools may re-open from 1 June if certain criteria are met, I have started to make plans regarding a possible return.  However, to enable me to plan more accurately, I will need parents to respond to the following survey.  Survey Link   You will only need to respond if you have children in Nursery, Reception, Junior 1, Junior 6 or are a key worker.  This survey will close at 12:00 on Monday 18 May.  There is still much to be decided as to how we might facilitate the re-opening of school.  Please do bear with us while arrangements are put in place and I will confirm more details as and when they are available.  I can however confirm that school will not be open during May half term.

I hope that you were able to watch my assembly this morning and I would like to again congratulate our Stars of the Week: Cameron, Jessica, Rory, Diya, Adreena, Isla, Evie, Jia, Alex, Marley, Isabel, Sam, Harvey and Daisymay.  Well done to David and Niamh who received a full Da Vinci Award this week for their outstanding work.  Congratulations to Venus House on another successful week and to Ethan on his Headmaster’s Award.

Junior 6 would have been departing for their residential trip to France on Sunday.  This is a visit that is eagerly anticipated by staff and children so I know how disappointed Mrs Horan’s and Mrs Vaughan’s classes will be.  I know that Junior 6 will be having French theme activities next week which I hope will cheer everyone up a little and I will confirm details about potential refunds to parents after half term.

I will be arranging to meet with parents of Junior 5 pupils after half term to discuss secondary schools.  This is an annual meeting which is held to look at the options available locally and gives parents an opportunity to ask questions.  Unfortunately, this year, this will have to be held online and more details will follow next week.

I do hope you have an enjoyable weekend and are able to make the most of the improving weather.

God bless

Cyber-crime – please be extra 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.  The latest scam offers a large discount on fees for the coming academic year if paid immediately.

This is probably trying to take advantage of the fact that some independent schools have offered discounts for this term and that parents may therefore be more open to such a suggestion. You can always protect yourselves by only making payments to us in line with our normal, published methods.

As 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 Information Booklet 2019 – 2020 for each school, 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:

Congratulations to you all.

Happy birthday to Leonardo in J4 and Olivia and May in Nursery who are all celebrating their birthdays this week.

We hope you all enjoy this pre lockdown video Happy Birthday.

Back in April we reported that Crackley Hall staff and pupils had been working hard to help support NHS workers by making use of their crafting skills.

Lorraine Dyer, the Headmaster’s PA, has been especially busy, she started by making wash bags and ear protector headbands but has now progressed on to making full sets of scrubs.

Lorraine told us, “Isabella, who is in school as her Mum is a Key Worker, asked for some bags for her Mum, who is a nurse. So I ran up a few extra ones for her and sent them off.  It was such a surprise when she sent these photos through to me. It does make it all worthwhile."

Thanks to all those who have donated material to Lorraine and if you are interested in getting involved yourself you can find out more on Facebook.

As you may be aware, Raring2go! magazines are distributed in school approximately every term.  

This term a digital edition of the magazine has been published and is full of clickable content.  It is aimed at helping parents with ideas to keep their children entertained.

Why not have a look. 

Raring2Go! Newsletter

Princethorpe College Virtual Open Evening – Wednesday 3 June 2020 – 6.30pm onwards

Prospective pupils and their parents are warmly invited to the College’s first ever Virtual Open Evening on Wednesday 3 June from 6.30pm.

The evening will consist of a link to a pre-recorded video comprising an address by our Headmaster, Ed Hester, short video clips of some of our pupils from Year 7 to Sixth Form and fun, interactive subject activities for children to participate in at home. The evening will also provide information as to the admissions process.

The pre-recorded video will be followed by a live streamed Q & A session with Mr Hester, Mrs Rooney, the Registrar, and the senior team from 7.30pm, which parents will be able to submit questions to in advance or on the evening via a chat function.

To sign up for the Virtual Open Evening, please complete the short online form here by Wednesday 27 May.

You will then be emailed the link to the Virtual Open Evening and instructions for the Live Q & A Session on Wednesday 3 June.

If you have any other questions related to the admissions process or Princethorpe generally please contact Mrs Rooney, the Registrar, at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call her on 07930 601877.

Lighting Up Our Lockdown!

Our Junior 6 children have embarked on two projects recently.  They have sent photographs to Mrs Vaughan and Mrs Horan of the object, person or pet that has helped them through the lockdown - the one thing they couldn't be without.

The second collage is from our PSHECE sessions on a Wednesday, also known as 'LockdownLetLoose'. The children (and staff) chose a different theme each week and then all dance and sing along to one of the songs that the Junior 6 children put together for their France Trip Playlist.

This week, the theme was wigs, hats or funky hair!  So far, the songs we have let loose to have been 'Sweet Caroline', 'Never Gonna Give You Up', 'Allstar' and this week's choice was 'Wonderwall'.

As you can see from the photographs, Freddie in J5R proudly saluted a neighbour during the VE Day anniversary celebrations last Friday. We think you look incredibly smart Freddie!

Sam produced a very interesting PowerPoint on the life of Jane Goodall, which impressed Mrs Roberts this week.

Francesca had a birthday to remember this year.  Some of her classmates were driven past her house (by parents) and she was able to receive her birthday messages from car windows.  Francesca and her family were so pleased to be able to see friends...from a safe distance.  If you would like to view the brief video of the birthday wishes, please follow this link Francesca's birthday

There has also been some outside learning with lessons in the garden, and a lovely photo from Henry taken as part of his science lesson on pollination.  Isabel made great science presentation detailing the life of Jane Goodall, you can view it here

Jacob has written a story 'Beyond The Stars', which we would like to share with you.  Beyond the Stars 

We have celebrated Noah achieving his Silver certificate - well done Noah!  Our English theme this week has been how to write exciting story starters (using action, dialogue, description, etc). Here are a couple of great examples:

'Everything was pearly-white – like it was draped in a glistening blanket of snow. Puffy, light clouds of smoke were coming out of almost everyone’s chimney. I was snuggled up in bed – trying out my new AirPods.' - by Isabel

'The gravestones stood silently, row upon row like soldiers long forgotten. A scream shattered the silence.' - by Maxwell

'At Duckborne High, the corridors started to flood after the children started running out of their classes. They heard it again; the black panther savagely screeched his nails across the chalkboard.' - by Anabel

 Mrs Lammas was rather impressed with Max's use of vocabulary in his 'warning' story from last week. If you want to read it, please click here. Max's story 

All J5s and their teachers 'brought their favourite teddy to school' today. There was a plethora of brightly coloured bears, rabbits, lions, and so much more. Henry (5L) brought along a 70 year old bear, who had been handed down from his grandfather to his dad and now to Henry - how super!

Well done to everybody this week on your continued amazing work, we're super proud of you.

Junior 4 have been working hard - well done all.

The children approached the making the Rosary task very creatively, just look at all those different ingredients in the photos in the Gallery.

We always enjoy seeing photos of your study tasks and projects, some of this week's wonderful submissions include baking of biblical proportions, super simile work, a Long John Silver creative design task and some brilliant bunting.

Junior 3 have been impressing Mr Stedeford and Mrs Van Zyl with their efforts.  They have also been writing to Mr Duigan with their thoughts on a virtual sports day this year.

JS3 have been very busy with their learning. Congratulations to David for his fact file on Coober Pedy, this has earned a creative Da Vinci award.  Grace has been keeping fit while mum keeps count and you can see Grace in this link. Arisha has mastered the Century Tech home learning platform and is also the J3S Mathlete of the week - well done!  Congratulations to J3S Star of the Week - Evie.

It has been a wonderful week of learning for Junior 3V. We have been treated to so many highlights, from Oliver's Treasure Island songs, to a guided tour of Elena's new tent during form time. We have dissected flowers in science lessons and continued to develop our skills in ordering and comparing fractions in maths. Olivia provided us with a super video clip about how to select suitable reading books and it has been a delight to hear you all read individually this week. We have shared so many stories, while all along being part of a whole new story together. I am overwhelmed by your kindness and perseverance J3V - you are all superstars. Particular congratulations this week to Jia for being our Star of the Week and to Georgie and Olivia, our Matheletes. Well done, all. 

Mrs Malcolm and Mrs Holmes have enjoyed seeing all your photographs this week and hearing about what you have been able to do at home.  This week includes:

Patrick has worked very hard this week focussing on time and has enjoyed his live lessons with Mrs Holmes.

Rory created his own totem pole.

Amy, Jenson and Jessica have all impressed Madame Tatton with their efforts this week.

Isaac put on a dramatic performance this week which he shared with Mrs Wildey too. Please follow this link to watch Isaac's performance

J2H Mathlete of the week is awarded to Lizzie for her fantastic pictorial 'time' maths.

Ted has been collecting flowers and leaves in the garden ready for pressing.  He also enjoyed celebrating the VE Day anniversary with his brother last week.

Madame Tatton has been working with Junior 1 who have been making their own  mini 'flash cards' to learn French words.  Evie has been busy in her work book.

Harrison has sent a photograph of his Paschel candle which he produced during his RE lesson this week.

Mrs Hardwick was delighted to hear that Jacob's baby sister arrived safely last Saturday; he looks a very proud big brother.  Congratulations to your family.

Josh and Joseph have made thaumatropes for DT.  If you have a photograph of your thaumatropes, please let Mrs Hardwick know.

Daiya created a television as part of her history lesson.

Please keep using Mathletics when you have a moment.  This week's Mathlete of the Week is Shuvan.

Well done to all the Reception children for another great week of learning.  Do keep sending your photos in so we can share them with the school community.

Last week the Reception class learned about the journey of a letter.

As part of their English lessons the children watched a clip about the post service and the work that the sorting office and postmen and women do. They also learned how to write a letter and address an envelope. They then chose who to send their own letter to, and posted them!

Crackley Hall also sent them all a personal letter, which they were surprised and delighted to receive.

The children wrote letters to each other, their grandparents, cousins, their own mummy and daddy and it was so sweet to see all the creativity and effort they put in.

It was a hugely popular learning task, and as you can see in the photo we were very delighted to receive some of their letters here.

Well done Reception what an amazing effort from you all!

Congratulations to Niamh in J5 for her animated science presentation and to David in J3 for his work in Geography.  They have both achieved a Da Vinci award this week.

Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, Tania Goode, Crackley Hall’s peripatetic singing teacher, has continued to teach her pupils through the videotelephony medium of Zoom. 26 pupils have taken part in virtual lessons, continuing to work on preparing their exam pieces and the children and their parents have had a lot of fun along the way.

Mrs Goode explains, “The children have been working hard for over four weeks now and are delivering really accomplished performances. They have been so inventive, I have set homework to create props such as the camera you can see in Aaron’s performance.   They have learned to adapt to the space they are using and to use their surrounding furniture as part of their performance. The end result is absolutely fantastic work from children who have embraced every challenge I have given them.

Parents have been so supportive too, playing the music for their children and ensuring they have enough space for the lesson. Technology has at times been challenging but we have always overcome, and I can honestly say I am blown away by their enthusiasm and commitment.”

Well done to everyone. 

You can enjoy some of their performances below:

Aaron

Lizzie

Elsie

Mrs Goode - Let's Go Fly a Kite

Children have been making edible Rosary Beads this week and have used some very inventive ingredients.

All of the Little Crackers have been keeping busy again this week.

The children have continued their home learning, joining Miss Lisa for more fun Phonics and Maths on-line activities.

The live stories continue and have also been well received this week, as has Mr Cottrill's story session.

Miss Lisa's letter to you can be viewed here Nursery News

Please find a link below to the current vacancies available across the Foundation:

•  Shop Manager

Full details of the roles and how to apply are available via the following link  https://www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

Should you know anyone who might be interested in these posts, please do share this information with them.

The Foundation’s senior school Princethorpe College has set up a Twitter account to provide helpful advice and guidance to parents of pupils at the school.  Much of the advice is not specific to secondary aged children so we are inviting all members of our wider school community to follow the account. 

Run by Princethorpe College’s Deputy Head Pastoral, Mrs Beth Sharpe, it is sharing information and links from a variety of official sources and includes useful learning resources as well as advice to keep us all mentally well and safe.

Search for @Parenting@Princethorpe to follow the Twitter account.