The Chronicle

I'd like to say a sincere thank you to all the parents who have already taken the time to read and feedback to me on the Foundation Strategic Plan which was emailed to all Foundation parents last Friday.

There has been a range of comments and questions, and useful feedback.

There is still time for you to share any comments, ideas or questions you might have about the plan with me. The deadline for this is Monday 29 January. As mentioned I will personally read all the comments and my intention is to feedback generally to parents later in the term. I will also be contacting people directly if appropriate so please do complete your contact details if you would like a personal reply.

To access the Foundation Strategic Plan please click here.

To go to the online form to share your comments or queries please click here.

Many thanks in advance for your time and for all the support that you give to our schools.

Ed Hester

Dear Parents

This week, the sight of our nursery pupils enjoying the emergence of bulbs, signifying the arrival of longer days and warmer weather, was lovely to see. Despite the winds, the temperature rose, bringing a glimmer of hope for the coming season. I must admit to being a little concerned about facing so many days of high winds.

On Wednesday, Crackley's fleet-footed cross-country runners participated in the ISA Midlands qualifier at Bedstone College, facing fierce competition from around 150-180 runners in each age group and category. Despite the tough course, which involved plenty of mud and stream crossings, varied terrain, molehills, potholes and tree debris, the children showed real grit and determination. Six pupils finished in the top 20 of their race, and Junior 4 pupil, Isabel, came third, earning herself a Bronze medal and a place at the ISA Nationals. Junior 5's Leo finished 13th overall, becoming the best-placed boy in the Year 5/6 race. It was an inspiring performance by the children who had their first exposure to cross-country running. Part of the true spirit of sport and what we try to instil in our pupils and children was the grit and determination shown by Harriet (J5) who ran so well to ensure that she completed her race. Mrs Vaughan was impressed by the children's exceptionally well-behaved conduct, being a real credit to the school, and by their courage and enthusiasm. They ran with passion, reflecting the true spirit of sport. Congratulations to all the runners for their remarkable achievement and thank you to the staff and parents who supported the team.

We enjoyed some good fixtures against Priorsfield, Bablake and The Croft this week. Well done to all the pupils, especially the Junior 3’s who played their first-ever netball match.

Let's come together to celebrate this year's Number Day with an eco-theme. We focus on exploring how mathematics is used in the real world to help create a sustainable future. Wear something green (even better if it has numbers on it) on Friday, 2nd February, and show your support towards Number Day and the NSPCC. We will be asking everyone to please contribute £2 to the NSPCC. 

Please refer to the notice in The Chronicle concerning the measles outbreak in the Midlands.

Time passes quickly, and before we realise it, the February Half-Term Holiday Club will be upon us! We're delighted to announce that the club will be taking place from Monday, February 12th to Friday, February 16th, 2024. For more information about the program, please consult the Chronicle. 

Congratulations to our Stars of the Week who received their certificates at assembly: Nursery - Evelyn and Tamara; Rec – Joel and James; J1 – Eli and Sanniv; J2 – Amaya and Saffie; J3 – Charley and Michael; J4 – Tristan and Rory; J5 – Henry and Jessie; J6 – Darcey and Isla.

Well done to all the recipients of rewards today and to Ain (J5) for his fantastic dance performance.

I wish everyone a restful and happy weekend with friends and family.

God bless 

Rob Duigan 

"My teacher gave me the best gift of all. Believing in me!" - Unknown. 

There have been recent localised outbreaks of measles centred around the West Midlands, so as a precaution we would like to share the latest advice with you.

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious symptoms in some people. It spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. You can find out more on the NHS website:

Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Having the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it is important to get vaccinated as it is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell.

MMR is offered to all children as part of the National Immunisation schedule. The MMR vaccine gives long lasting protection with just two doses of the vaccine. The first dose is given at the age of 12 months and the second dose is given at around 3 years and 4 months, before starting school.

The best way to prevent contracting measles, for both children and adults, is to get both doses of the MMR vaccine. It is never too late to have these vaccinations.

If your child hasn’t received two doses of the MMR, please consider contacting your GP surgery and booking an appointment.

As always, if your child is unwell, please keep them off school to minimise the spread of infection within the community. As a Foundation, we will follow any advice or guidance from the Department of Health

Paula Greig
Princethorpe College Senior Matron

The school provides a designated car parking area for our Accessible badge holders only which we also allow Pregnant mothers the freedom to use.

We kindly request everyone to cooperate and follow our accessible parking regulations in order to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. By showing consideration and respect towards one another, we can make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same. In case you require an additional accessible parking area, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

February Half Term Holiday club will be running from Monday 12 to Friday 16 February 2024.

Please click here to see our jam-packed programme of fun activities, including some exciting trips out of school (additional charges will apply).

Please email holidayclub@crackleyhall.co.uk to make your booking.

We have been made aware of planned works by HS2 which will result in the road closure of Dalehouse Lane between Common Lane and Stoneleigh Road from 12 February to 1 March 2024.

A full road closure will be in place during these dates. Please use the signed diversion route during the closure.

Please click here for more information or visit https://www.hs2.org.uk/work-items/road-closure-on-dalehouse-lane-kenilworth/

A reminder that we are kindly asking children to fill a sock (or a pair of socks) with essential items and toiletries for the Helping Hands charity. Please bring them in to school by Friday 2 February.

Helping Hands Community Project will return to collect the items, which will then be distributed locally to those in need.  It is important to note that the essential items can be for either adults or children.  We kindly ask for items such as shower gel, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, small packets of tissues and roll-on deodorant (no aerosols please).

There will be a box in the foyer where children can place their socks.

Thank you in advance for your support in helping this amazing local charity.

Welcome to 2024 and the Lent Term House ‘Art’ competition!

Don’t worry if you weren’t successful last time, you can try again……and again!

This term, our theme is ‘SUSTAINABLE PORTRAITS’ 

Ms Holmes challenges you to create a portrait of yourself, or someone else, maybe someone you admire using recycled and sustainable resources. (The image shown is to give you an idea only of how you could achieve this). House points will be given for entering, for innovative ideas and for overall creativity.

Entering - 5 house points

3rd prize - 10 house points

2nd prize - 20 house points

1st prize - 25 house points

Work should be your own and no larger than A3.

You should demonstrate clever use of recycling and reusing resources. Work should be brought into school to Ms Holmes by Thursday 21 March.

Sustainability is key.

Professor Penguin is conscientious – a trait we should all be working towards. Creating sustainable artwork is a fabulous way to show how YOU can contribute to the planet’s future.

Please click here for further information.

Good luck everyone, can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Get CREATING!

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Congratulations to them all!

On Wednesday 24 January, we took a team of Crackley’s fleetest cross-country runners to the ISA Midlands Qualifier at Bedstone College. Facing fields of 150-180 runners, six pupils finished in the top 20 in their race and Junior 4 pupil, Isabel, came third earning herself a Bronze medal and a place at the ISA Nationals. Well done also to Junior 5’s Leo who finished 13th overall and was the best placed boy in the Year 5/6 race.

The course at Bedstone is notoriously challenging, taking real grit and determination to complete. It involves mud and stream crossings, along with other varied terrain that challenges the balance and stamina of the competitors. For many of the children, it was their first real exposure to any type of cross-country running. There were areas of the course that had mole hills, potholes and tree debris, making significant trip hazards. 

Commenting on the day, Director of Sport, Kat Vaughan, said, “As always, the children were exceptionally well behaved, a real credit to the school, and a pleasure to take to the competition. They were nervous but excited and ran courageously, I was very pleased with them all.”

On Thursday, Crackley Hall’s PTA held their popular ‘Pre-loved Book Fair’ with a huge selection of wonderful second-hand books, both fiction and non-fiction, all looking to find new homes. Divided into age categories and put on display for the children to peruse there was much excitement as in turn the classes came down to choose.

Of course, the book sale was hugely popular with our Crackley and Little Crackers crew, as there is simply nothing they enjoy better than exploring a new book. The brightly coloured jackets and bold titles caught the imagination of them all and our eager readers were excited to take their new books home.

Thank you so much to the PTA for organising this wonderful event and to all the parents who donated books. Huge thanks also to Kenilworth Books who most generously donated a selection of new books to the fair and to Princethorpe College’s Library team who also provided books to add to the stock.

Reading is such an important skill for our children, and it was fantastic to see them getting so excited about books.

Back in September the Nursery children planted over a hundred bulbs in the EYFS playground in one of the raised beds. They are now starting to grow and the children are very excited about the green shoots and have started to emerge.

This year's Number Day has an eco theme, as we explore how maths is used in the real world to help create a sustainable future.

What to do:

Please wear something green (even better green with numbers) on Friday 2 February to show your support of Number Day and the NSPCC.

We would like to ask pupils to bring in a £2 contribution to the NSPCC.

Friday 23 February 2024 - 6:45pm to 10:00pm

Join us for a night of good food, great company, and valuable insights into the future of farming.

Hear from two speakers:

• Jennie Wheildon: Unlock New Funding Opportunities and Plan for the Next Generation in Farming.
• John Price (OP 2014): My Journey into Farming and prospects for the future of farming.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and gain valuable knowledge for the future of your farm.

Secure your spot here by Friday 16 February 2024.

Pupil Progress Meetings will be held on Tuesday 5 and Thursday 7 March between 4.15pm with the last appointment finishing at 6.35pm. This will be for Reception to Junior 6.  More details will follow nearer the time.

We love to celebrate our pupils' talents, so every week in Celebration Assembly we hear of the childrens' successes and achievements and we watch performances by some of our pupils.  Here are some photos from this morning.

A huge well done to all!

This has been a really busy week for the children of Junior 6. In English, the children continued their work looking into The Highwayman and writing a creative setting description. In RE the children have been thinking about baptism; the first sacrament. We discussed the various promises that are made at birth. We also learned all about the signs and symbols that appear during baptism and their significance. This week we also started to get excited about our residential trip to France. In French, the children have been learning about French cuisine. We were all daydreaming about crepes for the rest of the day. We hope that both parents and children found Thursday evening’s information helpful and hope you are all getting excited. Well done Junior 6, we have been so proud of you this week!

Junior 5 have been rather gassy this week, whilst investigating the cause and effect of an irreversible change. The children mixed vinegar with baking powder and discovered that this created carbon dioxide, resulting in the inflation of a balloon. They continued this learning to then investigate whether increasing the amount of baking powder or vinegar, would increase the size of the balloon. Despite the now ever-present scent of vinegar surrounding our nostrils, the children enthusiastically engaged with the investigation and improved their skills in conducting scientific enquiries. Excellent learning everyone!

Junior 4 have had a lot of fun in Science this week, as they have been learning about solids, liquids and gases, and they were given the challenge of keeping an ice cube frozen for as long as possible. A range of materials and even a few mini inventions were used in their enthusiastic attempts to keep their ice cubes frozen. The winning pair kept theirs frozen for an impressive four hours! Well done to all!

In RE this week, Junior 3 have been learning about the importance of listening to God and recognising His voice. We read the story of Samuel and how he learned to hear God’s voice as a young boy and then went on to be an important messenger of God. The pupils used role play to act out the story and show their understanding of the story and its meaning. 

In today’s exciting world, we are surrounded by amazing technology that help us learn in new and fun ways. In Junior 2, this is what we have been doing, embarking on a journey to discover how becoming digital in learning can make education even more awesome! Becoming digital in learning is like stepping into a magical world full of possibilities. The children are able to explore, learn and have fun at the same time. What an amazing adventure! In Maths we have been looking at equal amounts in money; this topic is like learning a new secret language! All of Junior 2 have really enjoyed playing with money and gaining valuable insight on exchanging and gaining. Great work again, Junior 2 - we absolutely love your enthusiasm.

Design and Technology was a hit this week with wind-powered vehicles. Using only simple materials everyone made a version of a land sailing vehicle which, when wafted with air, rolled along the ground quite successfully. We went to the opposite end of the world this week in Science, finding out about the Arctic and all the animals that live there. Did you know polar bears have black skin and transparent fur? After learning about the four countries that make up the UK last week, in Geography we moved on to the names and locations of the capital cities of each country. In History we were able to finish our Viking ships, which were a great success. Finally, all the hard work of learning the story of Mrs Armitage on Wheels paid off as there was the chance to write out the story in order, using parts of our story map to help.

This week in Reception we have been finding out about safari animals! The children found information about lots of different animals that they may find on the African savannah and started to talk about how these animals survive in the intense heat. They then used their knowledge from maths, where we have been finding out about capacity and mass, to build a float to save the animals from a flood!

Our Dormice children have been busy this week, sorting out coloured bricks and using them to create their own models with their favouriate colours. This continued outside as well, making the most of the dry days.

This week’s theme has been ‘All about Doctors’. The children have giggled and jiggled their way through topical action songs to help them name all their body parts. They have solved clues to match the purpose of the body part to the corresponding picture. They then had a go at describing a body part for others to guess, using our whirly wheel game. There was lots of medical fun in the role play area too, as children took turns pretending to be hurt and to give prompt medical attention. So many broken bones and x-rays this week. The children have also crafted their own ointment pots out of cardboard tubes and tissue paper, to soothe bumps and ouches.

The focus continued in the Outside Area, as the children rushed around on bikes, pretending to be paramedics travelling in ambulances to help people who were injured.

In the Great Outdoors, they have been practising conversation skills by passing secret messages and instructions to each other down a long, flexible tube.

Ms McAloon led the Mission Assembly on Monday and talked about the Good News of the disciples spreading the message of Jesus. Ms McAloon reminded the pupils about the School Ethos of following the teaching and example of Jesus as we celebrate everybody, every day, creating a school family where we love, learn and grow. Mention was made of the news within the Chronicle this week and this was linked to how we too can share the Good News of Jesus, like the disciples did. The pupils were asked how we could do this? Answers ranged from being kind and sharing all that we have, standing up for what we believe in and having our voices heard, and praying. Every time we follow Jesus, and each time we spread the Good News, we are making a difference. 

Junior 2 have been learning all about the Parable of the Prodigal Son this week and looked at the feelings of the father and the feelings of the older son and how he reacted to his wasteful younger brother spending all of his inheritance. We learnt that the father was forgiving, welcoming and caring, whereas the older son was jealous, insecure and sad. The pupils were able to link the father in the parable to God, and how the older brother could be us. The father who had been wronged, was forgiving. But the eldest son, who had not been wronged, was unforgiving.  We acted out and hot-seated this parable as we imagined how the father, the younger son and the older son all felt.  

Please click on the link below for this week's Weekly Mission:

Weekly Mission

Please find information below:

Children's Liturgy

Activity Sheet

 Please remember to check team sheets and find further fixture information on www.crackleyhallsport.co.uk

Kenilworth Tennis & Squash Club are offering full day and half day camps this half term holidays. 

Please click here for more information.

Kenilworth Wardens FC are currently offering free football sessions for girls.

Please click here for more information.

As ovens across the country are pre-heating in anticipation of the new series of The Great British Bake Off later in the year, Lego Club couldn't quite wait that long, so we decided to run our own mini GBBO as we recreated some iconic challenges! We had the bakers waiting for Star Baker results, the bakers taking a bake out of the oven and even one of the bakers getting a coveted handshake from Paul Hollywood! We also thought of little details like the Union Jack flags hanging around the baker’s tent and the cake stand trophy. Even security guards were in place to stop anyone pinching gateaus!  Did you know that Legoland Windsor has given fans a sweet treat with its own Lego miniature version of the brilliant baking show? They made an exact replica of the set using more than 12,000 Lego bricks which was showcased in Miniland at Legoland Windsor before the 2023 series concluded. Lego Club couldn’t quite reach those dizzy heights, however, but after a few wobbles, we had a good try and just rolled with it! Bon Appetit, Lego Club!

PTA Preloved Book Fair

The Crackley Hall PTA preloved book fair took place on Thursday 25 January. What an amazing event it was - for children and adults alike! There was a lovely buzz in the hall as every class entered in anticipation of selecting their books. It was heart warming to see all the children getting excited and so eager to sit on the stage and read their new purchases. Every child left the hall with at least one book of their choice and a big smile on their face.

This event relies solely on kindness, donations and time; this year we had an abundance of all three. Thank you so much to both our parents and teachers, who donated books and their time in making the event possible and, of course, to the children for being so beautifully behaved, well mannered, and for sharing their contagious excitement over the love of reading.

A special mention must go to the kindness and generosity of Kenilworth Books who donated some brand new books to our event, several of which were signed by the authors! A special thanks also to Princethorpe College library, who sent across donations for our advanced readers.

So far, we have raised £687 through this event (with donations still coming in). This sum will go straight towards the PTA climbing wall fund; an addition to Crackley Hall that is sure to be enjoyed by children across the whole school.  

PTA Headmaster's Quiz

Get ready to be a part of an exciting evening filled with fun and entertainment! Join us on Friday 23 February, for the Headmaster's Quiz.

This event is sure to be the highlight of the year, and it will be packed with a range of activities that will keep you on your toes. You can indulge in a delectable cheese board and enjoy a bar service to keep you refreshed throughout the night.

This event is the perfect opportunity to come and mingle with other parents, members of the PTA, and staff from Crackley. You can form a team of up to eight people and take part in the quiz that will test your knowledge and skills. It's an excellent chance to meet new people and make new connections that will last a lifetime.

So, don't miss out on this unforgettable experience that you'll cherish for years to come. Come and join us for an evening filled with laughter, excitement, and entertainment. Tickets on sale next week.  We can't wait to see you there!

PTA Pre-loved Uniform

Many thanks for all the donations that have been sent in this year - without these we literally could not operate!

Please continue to use the containers in the foyer to drop off any donations rather than dropping into the office staff. We are especially grateful to receive good quality sports items - particularly tracksuit bottoms!

Please email us at: uniform@pta.crackleyhall.co.uk stating your child’s name and class and we will get all orders sent home for you.

PTA Dates for Your Diary

We've moved a couple of dates to better accommodate activities happening at school so please check our save the date poster for key dates for your diary.

A few lucky people are still to receive a late Christmas gift! If you won a raffle prize at the Christmas Fair please do ask at the School Office and you can take your winning item home with you.

Below is a link to view the Lent Term 2024 calendar.

If any changes do arise we will infom you by email and the weekly Chronicle.

You can also keep yourself updated with all the school events and activities via the school website www.crackleyhall.co.uk or SOCS.

Click here to access Crackley Hall School Lent Term Calendar 24.

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

Nursery

Reception

Junior 1

Junior 2

Junior 3

Junior 4

Junior 5

Junior 6

Due to club and activity changes, permanent Aftercare bookings are only valid for the current term. 

If you require either permanent or occasional Aftercare for the Lent Term, please make a new booking by emailing:

aftercare@crackleyhall.co.uk or receptionist@crackleyhall.co.uk

If you need to make a same-day Aftercare booking - please ensure you contact the school office no later than 1:00 pm that day. Any requests made after 1:00 pm will only be authorised at the Headmaster's discretion.

If you have booked an Aftercare session, letting your child know would also be helpful.

Any children not collected from the carline, for example, if parents are stuck in traffic, will be taken to Aftercare at 4:15 pm, when carline finishes and charged accordingly.

Aftercare runs from 3:15 pm until 6:00 pm, with charges being £5.00 per hour or part thereof.

Childcare vouchers can be used as payment or part payment for Aftercare.

The school office closes at 5:00 pm, please call Aftercare directly on 07732 036625 for collection. 

Please click here to view the term dates for 2023/24.

Please see the attached menus for the Lent Term. These rotate on a four weekly basis.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Crackley Hall School Office
01926 514 444
Email: post@crackleyhall.co.uk
Postal address: St Joseph's Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2FT
SATNAV: Use CV8 2FT

Office Manager/Headmaster’s Personal Assistant – Sharon Davis-Harris
01926 514 444
Email: receptionist@crackleyhall.co.uk

Little Crackers Nursery; Nursery Manager - Emma Birch
01926 514 456 - Email: post@littlecrackers.co.uk

After Care - David Johnson, Aftercare Manager
Collection contact no; 07732 036 625
Email: aftercare@crackleyhall.co.uk

Bills, Fees and Online Payment
01926 634 273
Email: georginamalin@princethorpe.co.uk

Registrar - Jenny Vaughan
01926 514 410
Email: admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk 
 
Princethorpe College General Office
01926 634 200
Email: post@princethorpe.co.uk
 
website: www.crackleyhall.co.uk
twitter: @CrackleyHallSch  
facebook: @crackleyhallandlittlecrackersofficial
instagram:@crackleyhall_littlecrackers

When dropping off in the morning, if you are using carline, please move round the roundabout before dropping off and do not leave your car unattended. Carline can cause traffic issues on the Kenilworth Road, so please be mindful.

If you are dropping off and wish to walk your child up to the school or are coming into school please use the Lower Playground or the Sports Field. Please remember to park considerately as parking is at a premium.

We would ask that if you use the lower playground at morning drop off, that you leave the school site promptly, as parking is at a premium, and it has been causing traffic congestion.

Please do not park on the Grasscrete Parking area or on the left hand side when you enter the school main carline, as these are both staff parking areas.

Where possible, please avoid parking on the local residential roads, and if you do, please park considerately and legally. 

When collecting in the afternoon, please adhere to the collection times, as if you arrive too early, this causes traffic congestion. If you are early, we would suggest parking on the Sports Field and walking up to school.

If someone other than yourself is collecting your child, please ensure you have notified the School Office by email/telephone no later than lunchtime that day. If you would like alternative collection arrangements to be permanent, please can you notify the School Office by email.

If you are unsure or wish to clarify any points, please call the School Office.

Please see below the carline locations and collections for the Michaelmas Term:

Please see below collection locations for after games lessons (but not clubs):

To order uniform please use the electronic form.

New Uniform Order 

Please also note the following items are stocked in the School Office and can be added to your account. Do pop in to collect any items.

Winter hats
Scarves
Gloves
Ties
Swimming hats
Hair bands
Hair scrunchies

School Uniform Shop 
Tel: 01926 634272
Email: uniform@princethorpe.co.uk

For children who require any medication, the Office requires a completed Administration of Medication Form before this can be administered. A copy is attached for your convenience. 

Administration of Medication Form

Please ensure that ALL medication brought into school is in date and labelled with your child's name and form. If your child is on a pain relief medication, please ensure this too is supplied to the office. 

All medication is to be handed to the School by an appropriate adult and not given to the child to hand in. 

If your child is interested in taking music or singing lessons at school, please complete the below Expression of Interest Form and hand in to the school office

Expression of Interest Form

Please ensure that all items of school uniform, equiptment and sports kit are named. Please can you also check that any items purchased from the PTA are renamed and old labels removed.

Could you please regularly check all uniform and sports kits at home and if it does not belong to your child, please return the items to the School Office as soon as possible.

Lost Property

Grace D - School Coat and Gloves

Alexander L - School Coat

Teo F – school shoes (black, Velcro, size 1)

We regularly recruit for a variety of roles, please do share news of the vacancies with interested friends and family. Current vacancies include:

Princethorpe College

• Sixth Form Administrator
• Digital Transformation Leader
• IT Engineer
• Payroll Officer
• Minibus Driver

Crescent School

• School Registrar and Marketing Secretary

Further information and application forms on all roles are available on the Foundation's website - www.princethorpe.co.uk/join-us