The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I trust that you and your family enjoyed the long bank holiday weekend and the glorious weather that we were fortunate enough to have.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather is just as good for tomorrow’s Family Fun Day.

Although it has been a slightly shorter week at school it has been business as usual with many events taking place.  The week started with Junior 1 visiting Coventry Transport Museum on Tuesday with their staff.  Both classes enjoyed the trip and there has been much chatter about their exciting visit since their return to school.

Unfortunately, I was not able to visit the J3 Passover Meal on Tuesday but I know that the event went very well and I am grateful to Mrs Jackson- Mayne and Mrs Simmonds for organising this important date in the school calendar.  Time is getting nearer for our First Holy Communion day – a real highlight in our school calendar.  We should try to keep our First Communicants, their families and their teachers (including Fr Kevin) in our prayers.

Our Open Evening was a great success and I would like to thank everyone involved, including staff, our PTA, children and their families.  I know it was a very long day for everyone but the atmosphere around school was wonderful and our visitors really enjoyed spending time at Crackley Hall.  Luckily the weather held all day and children were able to participate in sports outside.  There were also fabulous performances from children in the hall and I enjoyed listening to their voices ring out in the Gables end of the school.  I am always very proud to show visitors and prospective parents around Crackley Hall to show them our facilities, the children’s work and introduce them to our wonderful, caring and talented students.

On Thursday, J6 gathered on the lower playground for their last class photograph at Crackley Hall.  I look forward to seeing the results because there was a lot of laughter during the ‘fun’ photograph and I am sure that the photographs will bring back lots of happy memories when children look at these photographs later on in years to come.

Congratulations to our stars of the week and all other recipients of awards – I really am happy to see so many people celebrating their achievements.  It’s super to see the Da Vinci’s coming through and I was very impressed with Aryan’s triumph in the Buckinghamshire Summer Tennis Tournament! Our performers this morning were all excellent!  Very well done to Stephanie, Ajunee and the team of Amisha, Cadie, Hannah, Martha and Jorja.

I hope to see as many of you as possible tomorrow at the Family Fun Day.  As usual, the PTA have worked incredibly hard at organising this event and I am sure that it will be a wonderful day where there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 

God bless,

Robert Duigan

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 

Reception Trip to Twycross Zoo 11.06.18

Whole School Art Exhibition 16.05.18

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

This week our entire J1 cohort boarded a nice shiny white coach to take the short trip to Coventry Transport Museum to find out more about all manner of man made 'propelled vehicles' to inform their cross-curricular studies in Maths, English and Projects.

Our J1s participated in a wonderfully informative seminar on the history of bicycles hosted by Shirley, who looks after the Museum's historic pedal collection. The children were fascinated to hear of Coventry's important role in the design, development and manufacture of cycles, beginning with the Boneshaker of the 1820's, moving on to the Penny Farthing and tricyle of the 1880's and for this seminar at least ending with the safety bicycle of 1888.

Keen to apply their newly found knowledge our 'scientific detectives' clutched their 'Wheelie Wicked' activity sheets as they then hunted down all the different types of wheels listed on their activity sheet. From supercars, buses, bikes and electric vehicles no vehicle was left unexplored.

Well done J1 you 'wheelie' were fantastic.

The da Vinci programme has certainly taken hold within the confines of Crackley as certificates are awarded across the school for excellence in many areas of the curriculum. Firstly our J6 children secured their merits for their History projects on ‘Life in the Trenches in WW1' and for their work within the science curriculum; our J5 pupils bagged their coveted certificates for their English curriculum work; J4's Speed Stinger F1 team secured their badges along with victory in the regional F1 Jaguar Primary Schools Challenge and those children achieving over 93 percent in their recent Drama/LAMDA exams also grabbed da Vinci recognition.

Badges only were also awarded to the children who had already achieved Junior da Vinci (JdV) status and had certificates but had not yet received their badges. These latter achievements were for Maths, Music, RE and English for pupils in J3, J4, J5 and J6

There are a number of pupils who have now achieved complete JdV awards (creativity, practice and mastery in one subject) more than once, so competition for the new Crackley School shields, awarded to the boy and girl in the school who have achieved the most number of complete awards, is really hotting up! Mrs Spillane told the Chronicle, "It looks like there will be plenty of hard work going over the remaining weeks of the school year as pupils vie to claim those shields, so watch this space".

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery opened their doors for the final Open Event of the year as they warmly welcomed visitors to their Open Evening on Tuesday 8 May.

It was a great chance for prospective families to look around the school and nursery and to chat to our friendly staff, pupils and PTA members. There were some fantastic music performances and sporting activities on display plus the chance for visitors to see some of the great work our pupils have been doing this term in the various classrooms.

A big thank you as ever goes to our wonderful pupils for their help – they are excellent ambassadors for our school! – and a special thank you also goes to members of our PTA who gave up their evening to help with refreshments.

Parents are reminded that the deadline for final registrations for entry in September 2018 is Friday 25 May 2018 – interest is high for Nursery and Reception, with limited places available in other years. Our nursery is open 51 weeks a year and is carefully structured for two-year olds, three-year olds and pre-school. We have an additional Year 4 class planned for September 2018.

For more information about availability and the admissions process, please email Mrs Jenny Vaughan, Admissions and Marketing Secretary at jennyvaughan@crackleyhall.co.uk or call her on 01926 514410.

1st: Jupiter (149 points)

2nd: Venus (133 points)

3rd: Saturn (120 points)

4th: Mars (116 points)

Wednesday 16 May 2018 - 3.30pm to 6.30pm

A reminder to parents and grandparents of our up-coming Art Exhibition, which will be held in the main school hall on Wednesday 16 May from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

Featuring work inspired by art styles and techniques from around the world, the exhibition promises to be a true celebration of the creative talents of all our pupils.

There will also be the opportunity to buy the framed original and order prints of your child’s work. Please see the letter of invitation for more details on how to pre-order.

PTA refreshments will be served at this event. We look forward to seeing you there.

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

RE Book of the Week is awarded to Theodora Baldasseri of J2M.  Mrs Jackson-Mayne (RE Coordinator and J5J Class Teacher) informed the Chronicle that the children had looked at the words of the Our Father. 

Impressively, Theodora was able to tell the class about forgiveness through the use of an illustration; namely of God being at the top and how we can feel guilty if we move away from him through sin, yet through reconciliation and penance, we can move back to God again.

Thank you to all the pupils who helped to celebrate Mass yesterday afternoon. During the Mass pupils reflected on the wonder of the Ascension and had the opportunity to think about the ways we can see God all around us, in the people we meet and the things we see.

Next Mass will be the Holy Communion Mass which will be celebrated at St Francis on Friday 8 June, all are welcome.

Junior 3 participated in a Passover Meal during their RE lesson on Tuesday 8 May.  Sharing the meal helped pupils to understand the origins of the Holy Eucharist that we now share at Mass.

Pupils took on the roles of a Jewish family celebrating the feast of Passover and enjoyed sharing a meal together. Father Kevin helped to explain the significance of using the matzah bread and the seder plate. The pupils were extremely knowledgeable and asked lots of question.  It was super to see that they had remembered so much from their work on Judaism back in the school's One World Week.

During the afternoon pupils were also able to try the bitter herbs and the sweet paste to remind them of the story of Moses freeing the Israelites from slavery.

All the Holy Communicants took part in the afternoon to help them prepare for the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Our thanks go to Mrs Simmonds for kindly preparing the food.

U9 'A' Cricket v Crescent - Crescent Win

Crackley Hall 235/1

Crescemt 250/0

Player of the Match: Oliver Camargo-Jones

U9 'B' Cricket v Crescent - Crescent Win

Crackley Hall 246/3

Crescent 258/1

Player of the Match: Lucas Summers

U10 'A' Cricket v Warwick 

Warwick - 77/5 in 18 overs

Crackley Hall - 67/7 in 18 overs

Warwick win by 10 runs

Player of the Match: Sam James

U11 'A' Rounders v Crescent 12 - 8 (loss)

Match Report to follow.

U11 'B' Rounders v Crescent 8 - 4 (win)

Match Report by Francesca Kelly: We made a good start by playing to our strengths. The girls played really, really well. Well done girls!

Player of the Match: Hannah Wildey

U11 'A' Cricket v Warwick

Crackley loss by 13 runs

Match Report to Follow.

U11 'B' Cricket v Warwick

Crackley Hall 255/0

Warwick 230/0

Crackley win by 25 runs

Crackley demonstrated a good teamwork all-round, which proved the big difference. This was supported by excellent bowling by Isaac Leng and Calan Bryne, super batting by Calan and Sam Verity and some awesome fielding by Fynn Walker (who was captain and my player of the match).

The England Cricket Board have launched a new initiative to try and get more children into cricket at an early age called All Stars. 

Kenilworth's All Stars session is on a Sunday morning at the bright and early time of 9.30am-10.15am.  There is a free taster session at Kenilworth Cricket Club on Sunday 6 May 9.30am-10.15am and then the All Stars official 8 week cricket coaching course runs from Sunday 13 May. 

It is aimed at Reception to Year 3.  Sign up is online and the children receive a little kit pack once they are signed up.  Access to the All Stars website can be found by clicking here.

Kenilworth Tennis Club are running Half Term and Summer Holiday Tennis Camps.  For more information please see the attached flyer.

Please be advised that at the time of circulation no clubs are cancelled next week.

Please find detailed below forms for externally provided clubs:

Karate Club

Irish Dancing

Chess Club

Guitar Ensemble

Ballet Dancing

Complete Cricket

Bayleaf Cookery Club

RugbyTots

Flute Ensemble

P Buzz

After the fabulous weather for the Bank Holiday weekend it was wonderful to still have a bit of sun this week. We have made the most of our time outside, collecting, creating, building and planting; and the children have been really pleased to see their seedlings beginning to appear on the window ledge in nursery.   

We used our new water butt to great effect, watering all our new plants and then adding some much needed moisture to the mud kitchen! Our healthy week has been a great success, from Miss Gail’s fabulous fruit salad, to taking part in, and then thinking about exercise and the effect it has on our bodies. We hope to see you all at the Family Fun Day on Saturday, it looks like it will be a lot of fun!

Please make sure you read this week's newsletter as it's packed with all the information you'll need.

Saturday 12 May 1pm - 4.30pm 

Entrance with pre-purchased ticket only.

Thank you to everyone who has offered support for tomorrow’s event:  running a stall, setting up and clearing down, donating goods for sale and coming along to be part of the fun! We’ve ordered sun for the event and have lots of great stall and activities planned.

Wednesday 16 May 3.30pm - 6.30pm

The PTA will be supporting this lovely school event by selling prosecco, soft drinks and light refreshments. So please do come along, as it will be a fabulous opportunity to see your child’s work on display within our new 'pop up' gallery and enjoy a drink at the same time.

Please note that the Second Hand Uniform shop is still open, on Friday mornings from 8:00am to 8:40am, prior to Celebration Assembly.  We have a good selection of most items.  

Due to the high level of administrative work involved in processing items for the Second Hand Uniform shop, the decision has been taken to stop reimbursement to parents for any uniform items.  

Previously the proceeds of uniform sales were split 50/50, parent/PTA, but from now on, all proceeds will go to the PTA.  

Should you have any items of clothing currently for sale through the Second Hand Uniform Shop, that you wish to sell privately, then please collect them before the end of this Term.

Any items left, will be sold with all proceeds going to the PTA. We still welcome donations of second hand uniform, that are clean and in good condition.

Thank you.

We are recruiting two Administrator\Receptionists to work with the other School Office staff to provide the main contact point for all parents and visitors to Crackley Hall and to assist in the successful administration of the school.

The successful candidates will promote the smooth running and efficiency of the school, maintaining the ethos of a caring Christian school family with a Catholic base. They will be required to work closely with all other members of the office team to ensure continuity of service throughout the week.

Working hours:

Role 1: Part time, term time only plus INSET days, working between 9.00am and 5.30pm, Monday to Wednesday from September 2018, with some flexibility to work occasional school holiday dates.  Holiday is accrued on a full-time equivalent of 25 days and 8 days’ bank holiday, pro-rata for the role and is to be taken during school holidays.

Role 2: Part time, all year round, between 1.00pm and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, ideally from June 2018.  Holiday is accrued on a full-time equivalent of 25 days and 8 days’ bank holiday, pro-rata for the role and is to be taken by agreement with the line manager.

Applications from candidates who wish to work term time only plus some school holiday cover will be considered

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 Crackley Hall 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: Friday 24 May 2018, at 3.00pm, although candidates are advised to apply immediately. Interviews are likely to be held week commencing 4 June at Crackley Hall School.

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

(Part-time job share, 15 hours per week)

Ideally starting in July 2018, we are seeking to appoint a Recruitment Co-ordinator to job share with our existing Recruitment Co-ordinator for two days a week all year round, to provide a confidential, accurate and comprehensive HR Administrative support for the Foundation.

The post holder will be the point of contact for HR related queries, in liaison with key staff, ensuring all processes in recruitment are adhered to and provide support to the Head’s PA\Office Manager where appropriate. Interested candidates should ideally have experience in a similar position and will have excellent communication skills, good organisational skills, excellent customer service skills and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines. Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, are essential.

The post holder with also play a key part in assisting with answering general incoming telephone calls, covering Reception staff and undertaking some general administrative duties.

This is a part time, all year round post for 15 hours per week, likely to be working Thursday and Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm (with an hour for lunch). Benefits include a pro rata holiday allowance of 25 days per annum plus bank holidays, which may be taken at any time of the year (subject to the normal request\authorisation process), with the exception of some peak periods such as the end of August\beginning of September.

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 14 May 2018, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 24 May 2018.

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

Job Vacancy - Teaching Assistant – Crescent School

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Teaching Assistant to join our Key Stage 2 team, working for approximately 16 hours a week.

Working closely with the classroom teacher or line manager, you will provide support and assist teachers in the development and education of the children in our school.  Our Teaching Assistants are a key part of the classroom team, who can have an enormous positive impact on the teaching and learning in the school.  You will be a part of the planning as well as delivery of the lessons and will be expected to contribute to the ongoing assessment of pupil progress. Alongside these key tasks, you will also be required to undertake a range of teaching and non-teaching tasks related to classroom activities and provide basic supervision and care skills.

This post might appeal to candidate who is considering or preparing for a career in teaching, as well as those with a long standing professional interest in education.

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 14 May 2018 at 12.00 noon although candidates are advised to apply immediately.  Interviews will be held the week commencing 21 May 2018.

Further details and an application form are available from the school website www.crescentschool.co.uk

Mrs Clark is on the look out for a few items for Forest School:

She is looking for pots, pans and utensils (spoons as well as funnels and measuring jugs etc) that you no longer need for use in the forest school mud kitchen.

She would also like tarpaulins and string/ropes. If anyone has any army surplus kit she would be most grateful.

And finally if anyone has any reusable plastic cups/camping mugs that children can have hot chocolate in, please could you send them in.

Lost

Evie Berger in J6 has lost her named blazer. 

Millie Lammas in J3 has lost her Karate top and yellow belt (from the Gallery before Karate started).  She has also lost her school hat.