The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I have been fortunate enough to see many of you in school this week to celebrate our wonderful nativities performed by Nursery, Reception and the J1 and J2 classes.  If you were not feeling the Christmas spirit before, I am sure you will be by now after enjoying these heartwarming productions.  My thanks are extended to all the staff who were involved in bringing everyone together for these occasions and to each and every child who made their parents and school so very proud.

Yet again our PTA organised a spectacular Christmas Fayre last Saturday which was very well attended and I think a few members of staff were particularly disappointed when they realised that Santa’s Grotto wasn’t a permanent fixture outside the Reception class. Thank you very much to Kara Wasley and her fantastic team.

The other event taking place last Saturday, on the school field, was rugby and I am pleased to report that Crackley Hall U11A team beat Hipperholme Grammar School by 13 tries to nil; the player of the match being named as Oliver Farquharson.  The same team beat Balsall Common U11A by 8 tries to 2 on Wednesday with Calan Byrne being player of the match.  Thank you to Mr Ferris for organising these games; for those of you wishing to say goodbye to Mr Ferris there will be an opportunity during next Friday’s assembly.

Our U9A netball team beat a very strong Bablake U11A team 5-4 in a very hard-fought game. The B team lost 0-2, conceding two very late goals. What a wonderful performance by the girls. Constanza Alvarez-Lujan and Lily Carroll were our players of the match.

Well done to this our stars of the week, bronze star winners and Yiyang Pan who receives the award for RE Book of the Week. Assembly began with some lovely music from our chamber orchestra and flute group, as well as a beautiful hymn sung by the whole school. We were treated to super singing by Honey and Francesca too.  Well done and thank you to all of them.

Next week we can look forward to the J4 and J5 Advent Service at Princethorpe which will take place on Wednesday evening, the school Christmas lunch on Wednesday and Christmas jumper day on Friday.  Children have been asked to wear Christmas jumpers over their school uniform and donate £1 to ‘save the children’.

We did not receive the snow that was promised although the children did enjoying playing in a brief flurry of snow this morning.  However, I am aware that there is more snow forecast over the weekend and should the decision be taken to close the school, you will be contacted via ISAMS and, as backup, a message will be displayed on our website and/or via Twitter.

Whatever the weather and your plans for the weekend, I hope you and your family have a relaxing time.

God Bless

Robert Duigan

Children involved in the Christmas service rehearsal at Princethorpe on Tuesday 12 December are reminded to have their instruments with them in school.

Parents are reminded that earrings do not form part of the Crackley Hall School uniform on health and safety grounds. For this reason, children are not allowed to wear them whilst at school.

Please note that if your child has recently had their ears pierced then they are permitted to wear them with a plaster covering each one for a limited period to stop the piercing closing up. This period should not exceed six weeks from their original piercing.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

We have a number of trips coming up over the next few weeks. Please see the relevant letters below. This information is also available in the Trips and Important Dates section. 

One World Week: J3 trip to Singers Hill Synagogue 15.02.18

One World Week: J4 trip to Buddhist Peace Pagoda 13.02.18

One World Week: J5 trip to Birmingham Mosque 13.02.18

One World Week: J6 trip to Gurdwara Sahib 12.02.18

J4 Anglo Saxon History Day 08.03.18

We have a number of events coming up over the next few weeks. Please see the relevant letters below:

Year 6 French Trip 20-25.05.18

J6 Trip to Coombe Abbey 15.01.18

Tuesday 16 January - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Please do spread the word that Crackley Hall and Little Crackers Nursery are opening their doors for an Open Day on Tuesday 16 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. All are welcome, no need to book.

Those that can't make the Open Day but would like to look around the school, should call our Admissions and Marketing Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514444, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

On Friday 1 December children from Nursery, Reception and Junior 1 visited Warwick Arts Centre to watch We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.  Direct from a smash hit season in the West End the show is a stage adaption of the modern children’s classic written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

The much loved story was brought vividly and nosily to life.  The intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog went off on a quest to find a bear; they waded through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud!

The children very much enjoyed the performance with its catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure.

Assistant Head Early Years and Key Stage 1 and Reception Teacher, Susan Glen-Roots, said “The journey to the bear cave was ingeniously and imaginatively re-created. The rhythmic text and catchy music kept the children engaged.  We all thoroughly enjoyed the show.”

This year’s Reception Nativity took place on Tuesday 5 December.  The school was delighted to welcome parents to the performance, along with special guests of honour, Councillor Michael Coker and his wife Janice, and Foundation Trustees, Mary O’Farrell and Cecelia Lane.

The performance told the traditional nativity story of the journey to Bethlehem, the search for a room at the inn, the birth of baby Jesus and the visits of the shepherds and wise men.  The class of 20 children had been transformed into the nativity cast with a multitude of angels, shepherds and innkeepers who together with Mary, Joseph and the donkey created a marvellous spectacle.

The simple story was told beautifully with each child carefully enunciating their individual lines. Together our most junior children sang delightfully crowd-pleasing tunes such as Clip Clop, Knock Knock, Lullaby Hushaby, Special Star and the very amusing Crossing The Desert.

Reception Teacher, Susan Glen-Roots commented, "It went very, very well. We are so proud of all our children, they performed brilliantly.”

What a wonderful start to the exciting final few weeks of term.

Former Crackley Hall pupil, Charlie Ferguson, who is now in Year 7 at Princethorpe College, was recently awarded Runner-Up in the Independent Schools’ Association’s prestigious National Art Competition. His entry, Hummingbirds, which he produced last year in Junior 6, was placed second in the Key Stage 2 2D Art Individual class.

Charlie was not the only Princethorpe Foundation prize-winner in this year’s competition. Also receiving national recognition were Princethorpe College’s Art Scholar, Helena Lintott, who was awarded a first place for her entry, Self Portrait, in the Key Stage 4 Drawing class and recent Upper Sixth leavers Tom Barnes - Runner-up, in the Key Stage 5 Sketchbook class and Oliver Mottershead - Runner-up, in the Key Stage 5 2D Art Individual class, with his piece Memory, Isolation, Decay. Former Year 11 Lauren Hill, also received Highly Commended, for her entry, A Day at the Beach, in the Key Stage 4 Textiles Individual class.

The National competition followed on from the Regional Midlands competition which took place back in late September where Crackley Hall School received the following results:

KS2 2D Art Individual: 1st Charlie Ferguson - Hummingbirds

KS2 2D Art Individual: Highly Commended Rocco George - Tudor Royals

KS2 3D Art Individual: 2nd Megan Shipton - Paw Print

KS2 3D Art Group: 1st Junior 4 - Swimming Together 

All of the artists are to be congratulated on their success.

Image shows Charlie Ferguson with his winning picture.

Mr. Duigan was delighted to announce Cadie Hardwick (J4J) as the winner of the school's Christmas Card Competition. Kadie's simple design captured the essence of Christmas by focusing the reader on the words of John 4:9 with a supporting cast of stars in attendance. This design will feature on the front of every card sent out by our Headmaster this advent, and as such represents a tremendous honour for this talented young artist.

The competition runners up were also more than happy to take a bow during assembly, as their work was only just pipped to the top stop. Well done Marley Hardwick(J2), Evangeline-Lily Upstone-Wells (J5V) and Dylan Williams (J5G); your stunning designs will also feature on the reverse of the card as smaller cameos.

For just one special Saturday in early December the Gables is turned into a veritable 'Winter Wonderland'. A feast for all the senses is laid before parents, children and guests alike by our ever industrious PTA and their army of willing helpers. There genuinely was something for everyone; tombolas spun and circulated their teddies, bottles and jar-filled treats; whilst children waited patiently outside a fabulous ginger bread house to meet Santa, the fayre's number one attraction. And still there was more - we moved excitedly through home craft stores and the pampering room, whilst appreciating the truly excellent face-paintings on many of the children.

The Christmas Fayre continues to be the venue for acquaintances to made and renewed, as our guests sampled the best of seasonal fayre wahsed down with a glass or two of mulled wine, Irish coffee or a creamy hot chocolate. For the more outgoing and energetic the go-to destination was the bouncy castle and duel arena, as the children hit new heights and lengths in their bouncing efforts. That said, for those looking for a much-needed rest the brightly covered tables and chairs afforded an area to recover should your legs get tired.

Thank you so much to everyone who helped out at our Christmas Fayre and who came along to support us on the day. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting in the festive spirit. Whilst the PTA are still working out some of the finer details of the day it looks like we made over £2,700, which is an amazing amount for a school of this size. The money will be put to good use to buy items for the children, so thank you very much everyone for all your support!

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... and the Kenilworth Christmas lights were switched on before the amassed ranks of maroon coats, Santa hats and flashing antlers (a.k.a Crackley Hall's Choir & Choral Group). What a magnificent conclusion the lights offered to this most marvellous open air carol concert. For this week, Crackley's young voices drew together at six o'clock on Friday 2 December to belt out a medley of Christmas carols and seasonal favourites.

Not even the slope outside Loch Fyne or Santa's sleigh mounted petrol generator (no really) could have put the skids on the amassed talent on show. A polished performance and rousing finish was capped by the now traditional light switch on countdown, which we can confirm only took a single attempt to light every bulb of the seasonal decorations that surround Kenilworth's Old Town.

This was a winter wonderland in miniature and we thank Mrs Olden and her team for creating such a special event at the start of advent.

We are delighted to welcome Wasay Foladi to Crackley Hall’s Aftercare Team, where he will be helping to provide care for the children who stay with us after school. Wasay has settled into his new role quickly, his friendly, cheerful approach helping to engage the children and encourage them to participate in the different activities on offer. He has a calm and supportive manner and strong organisational skills that will ensure the children can focus on completing their work but also enjoy some play time too.

Originally from Dubai, Wasay holds a Masters in Psychology. As a youngster he was a keen dancer but after an injury he took up yoga to help him recover. The discipline of yoga has never left him and he now teaches the philosophy. Wasay also had a spell as a Captain in the Pakistan Army.

So he has a host of skills at his disposal to help him deal with our cheeky Crackley crew!

Ist: Jupiter (306 House Points)

2nd: Saturn (256 House Points)

3rd: Mars (253 House Points)

4th: Venus (227 House Points) 

Required for September 2018 a dynamic, innovative and well-qualified graduate to lead Mathematics in this flourishing school.

Candidates should have strong leadership and management skills, be visionary in their approach, have a proven track record of success in the classroom and be effective team players. An enthusiasm to become involved with the co-curricular life of the school is essential.

Single accommodation may be available. Princethorpe has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

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 College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 11 December 2017, at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 14 December at Princethorpe.

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

Yiyang Pan (J2M) has been awarded RE Book of the Week for linking the KS1 Mass on the theme of Mary with his work in class. Yiyang drew attention to the fact that Mary’s time at the temple, where she was preparing and praying a lot, helped her in her later life of being the Mother of Jesus.

Pupils from Junior 4,5 and 6 joined Father Kevin and Father David in a Reconciliation Service at St Austin’s to help them prepare spiritually during the season of Advent. Thank you to all those pupils who participated, Father Kevin commented on how well behaved and reverent they were.

Advent has begun and pupils throughout the school have been learning the significance of the wreath and the different coloured candles. In Monday’s assembly, led by Mrs Glen-Roots, Harry Surtees lit the purple candle of Hope. During the week pupils have thought about the ways they can prepare themselves for Christmas by doing acts of kindness for other people.

U9 'A' Netball vs Bablake 0 - 2 (loss)

U9 'B' Netball vs Bablake 5 - 4 (win)

U11 'A' Rugby vs Balsall Common 8 - 2 (win)

Player of the Match - Calan Byrne

Mr. Ferris was delighted to reprise a very successful season for our U11 'A' squad. Their season's record is impressive, with 9 wins and only 1 defeat. They have troubled the scorer often with 68 tries for and only 15 against.   

U11 'A' Hipperholme Grammar School 13 - 0 (win)

Player of the Match  - Oliver Farquharson

An impressive win against a travelling side who had taken some significant regional scalps. Oliver Farquharson is awarded Player of the Match for his powerful running with the ball and record number of tries.

All clubs are due to run next week apart from the following:

J3-6 Drama Festival Club is cancelled on Wednesday lunchtimes until after Christmas. 

J4 Hockey Club on Tuesday afternoon is cancelled due to lack of light.

All Clubs on Wednesday afternoon are cancelled as children will be required for the Advent Service at Princethorpe College.

Choral group and Chamber Choir (next Tuesday and Wednesday respectively) are cancelled.

The title of our Nursery Nativity this year was ‘What A Star’. And fittingly that this is exactly what everyone was!  Performing on stage to a large audience of excited parents takes more than a little courage, but our Nursery stars, angels, shepherds, wise men and Mary and Joseph were all magnificent. This year’s Little Crackers nativity play told the story of Leo the Star and how he became the brightest star of all.

The performance took place on Tuesday 5 December to a packed school hall. A lot of hard work had gone into the rehearsals, learning the songs, memorising the lines, sorting out costumes, scenery and planning the production, and what a spectacle it proved to be. The children enthusiastically (for the most part) sang and those with lines delivered them with panache.

‘Just do it son,’ says Leo’s Star Dad, and that’s what all the cast did, singing beautifully to songs including Everyone, Everyone Will Shine Like A Star. 

Nursery Manager and Play Director, Clare Bird said, “The children loved the singing and acting and they all did so well. This type of activity really helps the children gain confidence.  I am very proud of them all. They were amazing.”

Our Stay 'n' Players couldn't believe their eyes as Father Christmas decided to take a day away from planning his forthcoming present delivery marathon to drop in and say hello at our annual Christmas party.

Obviously, news of how good the children had been at our weekly Stay 'n' Play sessions had made its way to the North Pole; so much so that the elves insisted that the 'man in red' boarded his sleigh straightaway and make the trip to Kenilworth. Santa met all our Stay 'n' Players, exchanged glad tidings and offered each a special chocolate treat. Father Christmas told the Chronicle, "I was made to feel very welcome by the wonderful children and their parents. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas." 

A special thanks should also be extended to Mrs. Olden and the Crackley Hall Chamber Choir, as their pitch perfect performance provided a wonderful festive atmosphere to a very special day.

Please note that Little Crackers Stay ‘n’ Play returns after the Christmas break on Wednesday 10 January. Please try to make the first session as it will be here that a full programme of visiting activities lined up for 2018 will be revealed.

It has been another frantic, fun filled and fabulous week, but all Mrs O'Carroll-Bailey really wants to say this week is a great big well done! They are so proud of you all, and when they think about how little some of our stars were, and how many family members and friends turned up to see us we are amazed. You all stood proudly on stage and joined in, making everyone smile, and a few even shed a happy tear! You should all be so proud of yourselves, and you deserve a restful weekend now. Also, a huge thank you to our lovely parents who sent in the gorgeous costumes and supported us, even when you must have been hearing the songs over, and over… and over, and over again! And to all the staff who have been involved with practicing and preparing – thank you it was fantastic, and a whole lot of fun!  Have a wonderful weekend.

For further details of the 'fun and goings-on' with Nursery please click on the attached link.

We now have the Crackley Hall cookbook available for sale at £8.50. It looks lovely and we hope that the children enjoy trying out their friends' recipes. It would also make a great gift for grandparents. We will be selling them at the children’s Christmas productions and before assembly on Fridays. They can also be purchased from the school office in between. Please note that if you indicated how many copies you would like to buy online this was just to give us a guideline on how many books to order. We don’t have details of names so you still need to purchase your copies. You can also purchase a different number to what you originally stated!

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our annual Christmas Fayre last weekend. It was a wonderful way to start the Christmas festivities with such a lovely community feel and despite the weather not being kind to us we made over £2,700 which will be put to good use around the school. Hopefully you all got the opportunity to check out our brand new Santa’s Grotto - a magical gingerbread house - making a visit to Santa a perfect highlight for all the children. 

All the Christmas cards and merchandise with the children’s designs on have arrived and been distributed so please check the bottom of book bags if you haven’t received yours!

Saturday 3 February 2018 7.30pm-1.00am

We are holding a Winter Ball at Woodside Hotel in Kenilworth and we really hope you can join us. If you would like to buy tickets please email

ptachair@crackleyhall.co.uk

Please see the poster for further details. 

Kyra Khana (J2M) has lost her drawstring bag containing her entire PE Kit

Oscar Glover (J5G) has lost his named cap (last seen Tuesday at Rock Band)

Aaron Cooper (J4H) has lost his new football boots – size 1, lime green and black.

Jimmy Loftus (J4H) has lost his Crackley coloured moulded gumshield

Mitchell Redfern (J1G) has lost his named school jumper.

Ashton Jones (J6L)  has lost his named school coat and named school hat.