The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I trust that this abridged version of The Chronicle will still reach all households and I should like to thank the staff members involved in compiling and editing it over the past couple of days.  I missed not being able to celebrate the pupils’ successes and achievements at assembly this morning and will look to include whatever was missed, this week, during next Friday’s Celebration Assembly.  Thank you all for your understanding and support with regards to today’s school closure.  It was felt that an earlier announcement would greatly assist families with logistical arrangements.  It seems as though conditions varied greatly in the different towns and areas.

I’d like to welcome Mrs Gurinder Kaur as part of the Junior 2 teaching assistant team.  She will initially work for two days a week, job sharing with Miss Pearce.  We also welcome Poppy (J5) and Henry (J3), and their family, to Crackley Hall and hope that they will be very happy as part of the school community.

World Book Day was celebrated in style yesterday with pupils and staff dressed as a variety of literary characters.  We all enjoyed a super assembly with readings by Mrs Jackson-Mayne and Mr Cottrill (both dressed in onesies)!  Thank you very much to Mrs Horan for arranging this.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable assembly; and day.

Thank you to Mrs Glen-Roots for arranging our Monday assembly speaker from CAFOD.  During Lent we look even more closely at how we can help those less fortunate than ourselves.  We reflect on what more we could do to help others and we examine our conscience in an attempt to live how God would have us.  A few year groups had their Lenten assemblies this week as well and I remain grateful to Mrs Jackson-Mayne for all that she does to help lead the spiritual life of Crackley Hall.  We also have an upcoming Mothers’ Day Mass next Friday (11:00am) and warmly invite parents, family members and parishioners to this Mass.

Sadly, the snow has prevented us from having the PTA family bingo tomorrow but we hope to reschedule this very popular event.  Please look out for the new date which should be available from next week.

Please also look out for this term’s edition of the Pinnacle and Minnacle which should have made its way home with your child this week.  There is some super work from our Crackley Hall pupils and I’d like to congratulate those pupils who have had their work included.

Our parent-teacher consultations take place next week and we are looking forward to discussing your child’s progress with you.  In general, I am happy with the progress of our pupils but know that there are often areas in which everyone can improve.  My big push will always be that each child is working to their full potential and always trying their best.  Please do call the office if you were unable to book an appointment and we will arrange an alternative appointment date and time.

I hope that you are able to enjoy a lot of good sport viewing over the weekend (or a movie)!  It seems as though it won’t be an ‘outdoor weekend’.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

Parent Consultation Evenings will be held on Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 March and car parking will be available on the school field. 

However, access to the field will be closed at 17:45pm so please ensure you park elsewhere if you anticipate staying later at school than this. 

Free after care, for the duration of your child’s appointment, will be provided in the Hall but you must sign your child in at the School Office.

If you require the standard after care facility from 16:00pm, please book this in the usual way.

We have a number of trips and events 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

J1 LAMDA letter

J2 LAMDA letter

Our Stars of the Week this week so far are:

The stars for J1W and J2H will be confirmed next week and we will be sure to include a photo of all of this week's winners in the next edition of The Chronicle.

Well done to all!

Crackley Hall’s KS1 Performing Arts Concert on Wednesday 28 February had The Gables Hall bursting at the seams as parents, families and friends gathered excitedly to enjoy a celebration of the talent of some of our youngest pupils.  The afternoon’s concert featured music, poetry, song and dance, testament to the range and talents of these young performers.

Parents were welcomed by Deputy Head Duncan Cottrill, Music Captain Chen Chen Pan and Performing Arts Captain Emily Hennegan.

J1’s Violin Ensemble opened the proceedings with a small selection of their repertoire.  The audience then enjoyed a sparky rendition of ‘The Hokey Cokey’ by the J2 Violins, a scary portrayal of ’A Lion’ by Junior 2’s Rhomun Jaswal, a cheerful performance of ‘Happiness’ by Mrs Pavett’s singing group and a finger perfect piano solo ‘Keel Row’ by Nikhil Modi, also from Junior 2.   Performances that were all delightful, and raised smiles and applause in equal measure.

The concert continued with a toe-tapping, accomplished performance of ‘Mary had a little lamb’ by the Mini Brass group, followed by P Buzz with the ‘Hot Cross Stomp’ on instruments that were clearly as much fun to play as they were a surprise to hear! Elle Weir, Junior 2, gave an enthusiastic performance of ‘This Tooth’ and Mollie Lucas, Junior 1, was quite outstanding with her violin solo, ‘Long, Long, Ago’. Then it was time for Junior 2s, Yiyang Pan and George Moreton, to get the audience bopping along to their rendition of ‘The Bare Necessities’ and for Junior 1, Isabella Olden to play her piano solo ‘Shortnin’ Bread Boogie’ with considerable maturity.

Junior 1 continued the concert with a stirring rendition of the poem ‘Mary and Sarah’, then Yiyang Pan played a piano solo ‘Asian Tiger’.  Junior 1 recorders delighted with ‘At The Ballet’, Junior 2, Elsie Roots recited ‘On The Beach’ and then Junior 2 Oliver Moore took to the stage for a skilled demonstration of Irish Dancing.  Mrs Goode’s singing group cheekily brought the afternoon to a happy close with a fun delivery of ‘The Perfect Nanny’.

Our enormous thanks and congratulations go to all our accomplished performers who took to the stage in front of their proud parents, and of course to their teachers who have helped them achieve so much.

A flurry of book characters skipped their way to school on Thursday morning to celebrate World Book Day. Now an annual literary homage, all pupils and staff were invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.

Characters from Harry Potter, Where's Wally, the Broccoli Boy and even Chewbacca filled the classrooms and corridors.  The teachers were resplendent in their own costumes, with a tiger and troll garb topping the bill, and your Chronicle editor types this report whilst sporting an outfit made famous by 'Toad' from 'The Wind In The Willows'. 

Certainly, the joys of reading and the pleasue from sharing a book are not lost on our Crackley cohort. As Mrs Horan said in her most captivating World Book Day assembly, just ten minutes a day spent in the company of a book can foster sharing, friendships and a joyful imagination.  

Our heartfelt thanks are extended to Mrs Horan for arranging such spectacular and special day.  The wait until next year's event is almost unbearable!

On Monday 26 February, Mr. Young, who is an expert in the management of rail networks and father to Freddie, was kind enough to present an informative seminar on how he uses science to keep the country on track. Resplendent in high visibility safety gear Mr. Young's experience and enthusiasm brought the tricky subject of forces, friction and magnetism to life. 

A thorough instruction on all things rail followed, including; how trains work, how tracks are laid and all the various jobs people do to maintain the railway. Then our budding rail engineers were faced with their own sticky problem of slippery rail tracks caused by falling leaves, an event which makes the train's wheels spin too fast. Happily, with Mr. Young's guidance the problem was solved by using sand to create more friction on the tracks.

Having the benefit of Mr. Young's experience, his science demonstrations and real life solutions was both educational and entertaining. The seminar was great fun and now Junior 3 understand how our science learning is applied in everyday situations.

This week the good folk of Warwick University's UNICEF Department called into Junior 6 to raise awareness of issues relating to gender across the world. This thought-provoking presentation and workshop sought to make our pupils reflect on the life experiences of others around the world.

Firstly, the children were asked to write down the type of work they would like to do when they are older and record this on a piece of pink or blue coloured paper. Secondly, they were asked to consider the job they had written down and the colour of the paper they had chosen - did this reveal anything about the choices that they were free to make? For example, boys using pink paper and girls wanting to be a firefighter might have no meaning here, but in many parts of the world stereotyping and prejudice persists often to the detriment of all. 

Mrs Horan summed up the empathetic feeling that spread across both classes, "This was a most interesting and informative presentation that made you realise how hugely important gender equality is and that we should all be free to follow our dreams and encourage others to pursue theirs." 

Now Crackley loves a challenge, so we know your preparations for two World Book Day competitions are no doubt well advanced. Key Stage 1 have to draw a garden that the tiger from 'There's a Tiger in the Garden' would live in and Key Stage 2 have to draw a new front cover for their favourite book complete with a new blurb or review on the reverse side of the paper.

Remember if you haven't started your entry there's still time this weekend to work your magic and hopefully scoop one of the prizes. Entries for both competitions should be handed in to Mrs Horan, Mrs Blythe or Kaena, Sylvie, Megan or Pippa of Junior 6 by the end of next Monday.

Good luck one and all!

You should have received a copy of The Pinnacle this week which showcases some of the exceptional work across the Foundation.

In the middle there is a pullout (The Minnacle) which focuses on some of the fantastic work from Crackley Hall School and Crescent School.

Enjoy a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy browsing through the excellent work our children do.

Saturday 10 March - 10.30am to 12.30pm

Crackley Hall and Little Crackers 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.

Tuesday 20 March 2018, 10.30am to 12.30pm 

Princethorpe College is pleased to announce a new Open Event date for your diaries. On Tuesday 20 March, the College will be open to visitors from 10.30am to 12.30pm. A perfect opportunity to view the school on a normal working day, with pupils from Years 7 and 8 acting as tour guides (so you may see a familiar face or two!).

All are welcome and there is no need to book. For further information, please contact the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney on 01926 634201 or at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.  

The College’s next Open Event after the March Open Morning will be the Open Evening on Wednesday 6 June 2018 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm.

Join us for our special Stay 'n'  Play Easter Crafts activity session on Wednesday 21 March from 10.00am to 11.30am.

Running in the school hall, this will be an 'eggcellent' morning of decorating eggs, lambs, rabbits and chicks. For those a little peckish there'll be some icing of Easter biccies too! 

Our Stay 'n' Play sessions run every Wednesday during term-time for families with 0-4 year olds. All are welcome and sessions are just £2 per family, including refreshments, so why not bring a friend! 

We look forward to seeing you.

Thursday 3 May 2018

The whole of Junior 5 are warmly invited to a taste of senior school life at Princethorpe College on Thursday 3 May 2018.  The taster day will begin at 9.30am when the children will be transported to the College by mini-bus from Crackley Hall. Pupils will experience a variety of classroom sessions, a tour of the school and a question and answers session with our current pupils. Break and lunch will be provided and there is no charge for this day.

At the end of the afternoon, you are invited to a Parents’ Information Session on entry to the College in September 2019. The session will commence at 4.30pm, finish at approximately 6.00pm and light refreshments will be served.  Ed Hester, the Headmaster along with other key members of staff will be available to talk to you about the College and to outline the admissions process.  Children will also have the opportunity to trial the online CEM test, one of the exams that prospective pupils complete during the Entrance Examinations day, which will take place on Saturday 10 November 2018 from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Please click here to access the online booking form for the Year 5 Taster Day. Please complete and submit the form by 5.00pm on Friday 20 April to secure a place for your child.

For those parents who are unable to attend the Parents’ Information Session, your child will be transported back to Crackley Hall for 3.30pm.

We hope you can join us and look forward to welcoming you to Princethorpe College.

With kind regards from the Admissions Team at Princethorpe College

Registrar - Mrs Vanessa Rooney
01926 634201
vanessarooney@princethorpe.co.uk
Working hours: 08.30-17.00

Assistant Registrar - Miss Helen Morgan
01926 634262
helenmorgan@princethorpe.co.uk
Working hours: 08.30-13.30

Admissions Administrator - Mrs Catherine Rogers
01926 634262
catherinerogers@princethorpe.co.uk
Working hours: 13.00-17.30

Please click on View Gallery to scroll through a few photos from this week's events. 

RE Book of the Week has been awarded to Amisha Modi in Junior 5 for her excellent work on John the Baptist. Amisha used literacy and ICT skills to produce a super diary account showing John the Baptist’s life.

Monday's Whole School Assembly was given over to Mrs Lynn from the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development or CAFOD for a presentation on their important work and the difference our school donations have made to their mission.

During this Lenten period we are encouraged to give of ourselves and to reflect. Such enterprise fits neatly with CAFOD's mission given their purpose is, as described by Mrs Lynn, to give developing countries a helping hand and most importantly the tools by which they might help themselves. For instance, the Philippines experienced devasting typhoons in 2013 and 2014, events that destroyed many of the islands buildings and roads. CAFOD saw the devastation and helped the island's inhabitants rebuild their homes and businesses with gifts of bricks, mortar and roofing materials. Mrs Lynn explained that even the gift of one pig to a family with nothing can transform their lives, as they might eat and support others through the little piglets that will inevitably come along.

Thank you for calling by Mrs. Lynn, your thought provoking presentation has provoked our pupils into renewed reflection for the Lenten period - we also know the children very much enjoyed the thank you stickers!

This week Junior 3 took part in a Lenten Service led by Mrs Jackson-Mayne. During the service the pupils lit candles and listened to music to help them reflect upon the words in the reading. Children had the opportunity to join in individual or communal prayers for family and friends.

Friday 9 March - 11.00am - 12.15pm

Next Friday 9 March pupils in Key Stage 2 will celebrate Mass together, the Mass will be for Our Lady and Mothers everywhere. All are invited, especially mums, as it is our opportunity to say thank you.

J5/6 Hockey Club on Monday 5 March is cancelled in the evening as staff will be attending fixtures.

J5/6 Netball Club on Wednesday 7 March is cancelled in the evening as staff will be attending fixtures.

What a good week it has been in nursery, despite the snow and the cold temperatures we have still managed to get outside for a while and on Monday we even enjoyed our own personal blizzard! The sun has made us smile though, and as it shines through the glass in the big room we have started to think about Spring being just around the corner.

We are also beginning to think about next year, and for our pre-schoolers especially, change will be in the air. Later in the year we will begin to prepare our older children for their leap into Reception classes. In the past many parents have made the decision to increase the time their child is in nursery, for some it helps with the jump to full time. 

If this is something you are thinking about, please talk to Mrs Bird as she often finds that spaces fill quickly as we get busier towards the summer. Have a good weekend and remember, if you see any signs of Spring please bring a photo in, we hope to change the winter display soon!

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

Saturday 3 March

Due to the adverse weather conditions we have decided to postpone the Family Bingo scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 3 March.

We hope to rearrange to another date, which we will publicise as soon possible. 

The College seeks to appoint an outstanding teacher and inspiring leader to join a highly successful sports department from September 2018. The Head of Girls’ Games will play a leading role across the department, making significant contributions to our existing sporting and academic success.  We pride ourselves on the range and quality of the sports that we offer as much as we celebrate our delivery of A-level, GCSE and BTEC (level 2 and 3). The candidate should therefore be able to coach a major sport to the highest level throughout the academic year as well as offering outstanding academic Physical Education.

Candidates should be able to inspire pupils and colleagues alike to achieve their best and encourage even those of limited sporting ambition to actively enjoy and embrace stretching their own potential. They will show the vision and dynamism required to lead an excellent team, combined with the organisational and managerial prowess that a busy department depends upon. They should be a strong team player with proven excellent coaching and teaching ability, and show rigour, creativity and openness in their professional approach.

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 19 March 2018 at 9.00am.  Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Tuesday 20 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe.

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

The College seeks to appoint an outstanding teacher and inspiring leader to join a highly successful sports department from September 2018. The Head of Girls’ Games will play a leading role across the department, making significant contributions to our existing sporting and academic success.  We pride ourselves on the range and quality of the sports that we offer as much as we celebrate our delivery of A-level, GCSE and BTEC (level 2 and 3). The candidate should therefore be able to coach a major sport to the highest level throughout the academic year as well as offering outstanding academic Physical Education.

Candidates should be able to inspire pupils and colleagues alike to achieve their best and encourage even those of limited sporting ambition to actively enjoy and embrace stretching their own potential. They will show the vision and dynamism required to lead an excellent team, combined with the organisational and managerial prowess that a busy department depends upon. They should be a strong team player with proven excellent coaching and teaching ability, and show rigour, creativity and openness in their professional approach.

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 19 March 2018 at 9.00am.  Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Tuesday 20 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe.

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

The Princethorpe Foundation seeks to appoint a Foundation Assistant Head (Director of Digital Strategy) to lead our schools’ ICT development and to act as a central driving force for ICT provision within teaching and learning.  This post provides an excellent opportunity to make a real impact by further strengthening the educational experience throughout the Foundation.

The successful candidate will lead on the development of the Foundation’s future ICT provision and the implementation and development of ICT projects. ICT is seen as fundamental to teaching and learning, as well as to the smooth running of the Foundation as a whole. The new appointee will ensure that the current systems are both flexible and effective and provide the best possible enhancement to teaching and learning. He or she will appraise and develop the use of ICT to enhance learning, within and beyond the classroom, and ensure that the Foundation is well positioned to implement new developments.

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

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 19 March 2018 at 9.00am.  Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Tuesday 20 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe College.

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

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

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