The Chronicle

Dear Parents

It has been an exceptionally busy week, even by Crackley Hall standards.  I will not write too much in my letter to you because I know that this week’s events will be described in more detail in other parts of the Chronicle.  I think even the children would find it hard to choose their favourite part of this week; possibly one of the school visits as part of One World Week, one of the activities within school, the Performing Arts evening or maybe the school disco organised by the PTA. 

Thank you so much to Mrs Jackson-Mayne for arranging the visits and activities this week; the children and staff have learned a great deal about other faiths and cultures which, I believe, is incredibly important, if not essential.  Today’s assembly bore testament to this.

I am most grateful, as ever, to Fr Kevin for celebrating Mass at school on Ash Wednesday.  I was pleased that parishioners, past members of staff, parents and grandparents could join us as we marked the beginning of Lent.  The school community has been challenged to reflect, repent and to pray a little more during Lent as we attend a little more closely to our spiritual lives.  Let us all be strong together in our resolve to keep to our Lenten promises.  We need to be more aware of others – clearly borne out in One World Week and covered in many RE lessons, for example, through the parable of the Sheep and the Goats – we need to listen to our moral and social conscience at all times and to consider how we can help the marginalised in our world.  Thank you to Mrs Jackson-Mayne, the J5G class, Mrs Olden and Mrs Simmonds for their preparation for the Mass.

I can confirm that the children’s mid-year reports will be available for you to read towards the end of next week - and this will be via the Parent Portal system.   An email will be sent to inform you when it is available to view and I hope that you will find this a more user friendly method of receiving your child’s report.  Any matters you wish to raise as a result of comments within the report may be addressed during the forthcoming Parent Consultation Evenings on 6 and 8 March.

As many of our Key Stage 2 parents will testify to, the Performing Arts Evening was another resounding success and the children somehow found plenty of energy to entertain the audience at the end of another busy school day.    My thanks to those staff members who work tirelessly in ensuring that the arrangements and performances are as wonderful as you may have witnessed.  Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey, Miss Kefalas, Mr Hardwick, the Office Team, the PTA, and not to mention the children, all deserve to ‘stand on stage’ for a round of applause.

Well done to all our stars of the week and to all our children for their super messages in assembly today.

Although you and your family are about to embark on a week of half term holiday, I would like to remind you that when we return to school on 26 February there will be LAMDA examinations and our Key Stage 1 Performing Arts afternoon to look forward to.

Whatever your plans for half term, I wish you a happy and relaxing time with your family.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

If children arrive at school before 8.25am and need to come into the school building early for music lessons/Choral Group etc, but haven't been registered by Early Birds in the playground – they must sign in at the Office, stating time of arrival and what they are doing in school. This is to ensure we have a record of each child on the school premises.

Similarly if children are late to school in the morning, they must also make sure they sign in at the office, especially if they have missed registration time.

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

J2 Trip to Kenilworth Castle 24.05.18

J6 First Aid Training 23.04.18 - 24.04.18

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Well done to all!

Last Monday four Foundation mini-buses threaded their way through the shire's traffic to alight at the Gurdwara Sahib of Leamington Spa and Warwick. Forty four children filed out, and after they had donned their headscarves entered the temple's shimmering exterior to patiently await an access all areas tour.

As you would guess real understanding comes through respect and listening, Sikh virtues that would stand our students in good stead as they were schooled in a brief history of Sikhism in Warwickshire and the wider Sikh religion. 

Just 50 short years separate Leamington's first temple and the magnificent structure that sits majestically atop Tachbrook Park. The temple funded entirely through donations both reflects and serves its community. Beginning at a top floor prayer room our students offered their respects and listened intently to a brief history of Sikhism. Through instruction Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and social justice. The religion is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. For Sikhs there is only One God and he is the same God for all people of all religions. Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. It teaches the full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.

Enlightened and eager to find out more our pupils asked if they might hear the Sikh Holy Book being read out in the main prayer room on the floor below. Such enterprise will often raise a hunger, so our pupils were happy to be led to the ground floor to an enormous dining room and kitchens, where free food would normally be provided for visitors, for cookies and squash and a vegetarian curried snack for the adults.

Our sincere thanks are extended to the temple and to our Junior 6 pupils for their immaculate behaviour and respectful, thought provoking questioning.

As part of One World Week 52 students from Junior 5 ably assisted by class teachers Mrs Geran, Mrs Roberts and Mrs Vaughan made the short journey to Birminghan Central Mosque. There to greet them was the affable 'Mr. T', a most welcoming gentlemen ready to school our eager learners in the Islamic religion and culture.

Without delay, it was shoes off and into the main prayer hall for a demonstration of the call to prayer and the act of prayer in itself. Performed five times a day this singular act of whorship is an important and integral part of the Islamic religion. From there our young charges were taken on a tour of the study and social areas of the Mosque and instructed in the architectual significance of the building's elements. Holding close to three thousand worshipers the Mosque is a significant religious structure and noteworthy addition to the city's skyline. That said, Mr. T informed our children that the Great Mosque of Mecca can welcome over five million people at one time, and even then an extension is planned to accommodate more.

Time spent amongst friends will always pass too quickly, so it was with no suprise that the penaltimate Q & A session had to be curtailed prior to some refreshments and goodbyes. Trip leader Mrs Geran summed up the uplifted feeling of all that participated, "Respect and friendship will always flow from greater understanding. We are very grateful for such a wonderful welcome and insightful instruction on the religion of Islam".  

Appreciating other faiths and understanding how other cultures live out their faith is the key message of Crackley Hall’s 'One World Week'. Each year group has explored a different faith and the Junior 4 children have been learning about Buddhism.

On Tuesday 13 February, accompanied by RE Coordinator and J4J Teacher Mrs Jackson-Mayne and J4H Teacher Ms Holmes, the two classes visited the Buddhist Peace Pagoda in Birmingham.  Completed in 1997 the Dhamma Talaka Peace Pagoda in Ladywood, Birmingham, is the only purpose built Myanmar style pagoda in the UK. It is a miniature replica of Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, one of the most important pagodas in that country.

Buddhists believe you should make time to reflect and pause, to make the most of what you have. The pagoda symbolises peace, compassion and the other exemplary qualities of the Buddha. As such, Buddhists venerate it.

The children learnt about the principles and beliefs of Buddhism, that what Buddha taught is the foundation of how to comprehend the reality of nature and the world, rather than the questioning of who created it and why. They learnt that Buddhism is a way of life and about tenets of the faith such as the significance of the lotus flower, and how it rises up from mud, signifying goodness from anything.

It was a fascinating visit; everyone came away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of what it means to be a Buddhist.

As part of Crackley Hall’s ‘One World Week’ pupils from Junior 3 have been learning about Judaism. On Thursday 15 February the children had the chance to visit the West Midland's oldest functioning Synagogue, the Singers Hill Synagogue in central Birmingham. The Synagogue has been the main Jewish place of worship for the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands for over 160 years.

Studying Judaism has given Junior 3 the chance to explore a different culture and helped them understand how people from different religions practise their faith. Following on from Mr Oshri's visit last week, where they were given instruction on Jewish culture, customs and religion using powerpoint and artefact, the children were eager to learn more through first hand experience. During their visit to the Synagogue the children learnt about the importance of the Torah Scrolls, the holiest book in Judaism, the main Jewish festivals such as Passover and Yom Kippur and Jewish symbols such as the Star of David.

Class teacher, Mrs Van Zyl remarked, "The Synagogue was magnificent and we were made to feel very welcome. We had a fascinating morning learning about the Jewish place of worship and Jewish traditions.  The vist was an invaluable support to our classroom studies."

Junior 4 and Junior 5 classes partook in two specially designed workshops delivered by UNICEF this week. Their express intention was to make the viewer think and reflect on their lives and the lives of others around the world.  

Building on their 'One World' topic of Buddhism in India Junior 4 were guided by Warwick University UNICEF representatives on the difficulties of obtaining clean water and adequate sanitation in India. Dirty water, they since found out, doesn't just look nasty and taste awful it contains water borne diseases that can lead to life limiting illnesses.

Similarly, Junior 5 also welcomed empathetic instruction from UNICEF, as they were invited to roleplay what they would take with them should they become a refugee. Such instruction made the children reflect critically on what was important and how lucky they are to live in a safe country.

Junior 1G and J1NW have made their own pneumatic machines. Using the Spanish artist, Joan Miro, as their inspiration, they created a figure that has two body parts and a moving head all powered by pneumatics (in this case pressurised air pushed through a syringe).

Junior 1 class teacher Mrs George was very impressed with the finished results, she commented, “The children have developed their technical, practical and creative skills through our pneumatics construction based project.  They have shown skills well beyond their age whilst exploring materials and demonstrating creativity.  I am really proud of their work.  We have had a lot of fun with this Design Technology project."

One evening, 33 acts and over one hundred performers showcased the musical and dramatic work across Crackley Hall School. For many this was their first venture in front of the lights and didn’t they do well? A range of instruments was represented from the classical guitar to the bass horn, from the monologue to Chorus singing.  

Some pieces were well known such as the rousing Orchestral opener 'Rock Around The Clock', others were new and gloriously delivered like the Choral Speaking Ensemble 'Neighbours'. Solo work on the trumpet, horn and guitar followed with the ever popular Recorder Group triumphant in their rendition of a march from 'A Little Suite'.

As ever, many high quality Musical Theatre performances were staged. Alice Minshull's confident rendition of 'The Girl I Want To Be' and Harriet Boyd's sublime 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly' were greatly enjoyed.

Throughout the concerts pupils recited LAMDA examination pieces ranging from the humorous; Connor Horan's 'Chicken Poxed', to the moving; Isabella Ward's 'Once The Wind'.

The concert ended as it began with the stage packed with Crackley’s resounding Choral Group performing 'The Call', 'Be The Change' and 'Rhythm Of Life'.

Mrs Olden, Mrs Wildey and Ms Rod have shown us once again what talent, energy and zest for the performing arts there is at Crackley Hall. We at the Chronicle can't wait for their response to the upcoming Easter performances.

Today a rainbow of colours made their way through our school corridors as Crackley's uniform was swapped for the latest fashions to celebrate the end of term and to raise valuable cash for school and good causes. 

As you might now be aware, Crackley likes to work and play hard; so the fun didn't stop there as our ever resourceful and hard working PTA provided each year group with a disco to strut their funky stuff by way of a thank you. Shapes were made and fun was definitely had by all.

One things for sure, with over £180 raised it definitely was smiles all round.  

Crackley's U11 Boys ISA Midlands Hockey finalists have waited a while to make their debut on the 'Smurf Turf' of the Lee Valley Olympic pitches; so it was with an expectant air that this well drilled team took up their Group B pool matches in the National Tournament.

Pitted against two previous finalists our boys took on the cream of school hockey from the London South, London North and North regions. Pool games at this level don't get harder, so a very near miss in their first game (0-1) and two further games decided by just three goals in all determined that our Crackley 'A's would participate in the prestigious Plate Competition.

The determined team refocused and reapplied their talents, leading to a very credible draw and once again two narrow losses. Mrs Vaughan (Head of Sport) summed up the feeling of pride at their achievement in adversity, 'Our boys played out of their skins, sadly luck was against us today as the ball, despite consistent Crackley pressure, would not roll into the back of the oppositions net. The team performance was outstanding making it difficult to pick a player of the tournament. This in itself is testament to the hard work and talent our boys showcased today, each and every one of you should be very, very proud.'

Nevertheless, team Crackley took comfort in the knowledge that they were never outplayed and that on another day the outcome could have been so much different.

Mr Duigan was delighted to announce the various year group 'One World' competition winners in today's Celebration Assembly. The entries were numerous, varied and of exceptional quality, so our winners are most deserving of the prize and plaudits they receive.

Poster: Junior 5 and 6

Annika Saravanan (J6L), Sofia Mehta (J6L) and Honor-Mae Minshull (J6L).

Poetry: Junior 6

Calan Byrne (J6L) and Wahab Khan (J6L)

Poster combined with a poem: Junior 3 and 4

Isabella Ward (J4H) and Matilda Hobson (J4J)

Poster combined with a poem: Reception – Junior 2

Ralph Richardson (J1G) 

Saturday 10 March - 10.30am to 12.30pm

Crackley Hall and Little Crackers, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for a Spring Open Morning on Saturday 10 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm. 

This is a great chance to look around the school and nursery at the weekend and to chat to staff and pupils. Junior 5 and 6 pupils will act as tour guides and there will be music and sport activities on display. Light refreshments will be available.

Registrations are now being taken for Nursery, Reception and Year 3 for September 2018 admissions, limited places are available in other Years. The nursery is open 51 weeks a year and is carefully structured for two-year olds, three-year olds and pre-school.

All are welcome to look round the school, and to meet staff and pupils. No need to book.

Please email Mrs Jenny Vaughan, Admissions and Marketing Secretary at jennyvaughan@crackleyhall.co.uk or call her on 01926 514410 for more information on the Open Morning and admissions process.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk.

Please click the image to scroll through a few of the images from this week's events. 

Thank you to Father Kevin and Junior 5G for a wonderful and spiritual Ash Wednesday Mass. Choral group sang beautifully and helped all the pupils focus and recognise, that as we move into Lent we should ensure that we make sacrifices for others and find the strength to give up something or make a commitment to something and realise how lucky we are.

U9 'A' Hockey vs Bilton Grange 1 - 1 (draw)

Player of the Match - Fintan McGrory 

U9 'A' Hockey vs Crescent 2 - 0 (loss)

Player of the Match - Fintan McGrory

U9 'B' Hockey vs Bilton Grange 2 - 0 (loss)

Player of the Match - Harry Gallagher

U9 'B' Hockey vs Crescent 1 - 0 (loss) 

Player of the Match - Harry Gallagher

Parents are advised that children who are members of the School Orchestra will require their instruments in school for the first Tuesday back after half term (27.2.18).

The rehearsal will take place at 12:45 pm in the school hall.

This has to have been the busiest week in nursery for some time – can you believe the calendar? In ‘One World Week’ we have been able to look at the Christian celebrations of St Valentine’s Day, the importance of Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, and then on Thursday we talked about Chinese New Year. 

We talked about all the people that we love before making them cards, then we had a fabulous time on Tuesday making, and eating, lots of lovely pancakes. After all the singing, sticking, cutting, dancing, counting, sharing, playing, making, building and laughing this week many of you will be ready for the half term break! 

We wish all a happy holiday, and look forward to seeing you back next Monday! But, if you plan to play with us all year round, then you have a lovely week in Nursery to look forward to. Either way – Nursery look forward to hearing all your news when we get back together again on Monday 26 February.

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

Our wonderful Crackley Hall PTA are proud to present the details of this year's Family Bingo. Tickets are £5 per adult and £2.50 per child, with the fun starting at 1pm on Saturday 3 March. There's no need to book, just turn up at the School Hall and play! Further details are available within the event poster.  

Lunch Menus for the Trinity Term have been sent home with your child this week.  Please return them by Friday 2 March 2018.

Menu Letter

Week 1 Menu

Week 2 Menu

Week 3 Menu

Another exciting week for our pupils and their house point competition! This week's standings are as follows:

1st: Venus 198 House Points

2nd: Jupiter 159 House Points

3rd: Mars 144 House Points

4th: Saturn 112 House Points

Lost

Charlotte Clark J5V has lost her coat with her locker key in the pocket

Benedek Kordas J6L has lost his named winter coat, size 32

Leo Warne – 1G, has lost his named fleece hat

Arun Bilkhu - J4h has lost his named blazer and jumper.

Please can all children check, over the half term holidays, that they have all their uniform, PE kit and bags, as we have a lot of missing items in the lost property bins.