The Chronicle

Dear Parents

Today’s message will be a relatively brief one as I have not long returned from the annual Junior 6 visit to France.  Our visit was a tremendous success with all 46 children and 6 staff enjoying the French cuisine (including escargot), weather, history and culture.  I am sure that all the parents and children will be delighted to be reunited with each other this afternoon and there will be many tales to tell from the visit.  Hopefully parents have been able to keep up to date with the activities via Twitter and my thanks to Mr Lamprecht for his regular postings.  I would like to thank all the staff involved in the visit both in terms of preparation and whilst in France for their contribution; without them this visit could not take place.

There was some wonderful news last week for our Nursery when Mrs O’Carroll-Bailey attended an award ceremony, on behalf of Little Crackers, and was presented with a beautifully framed certificate.  This celebrated Little Crackers as being one of 40 pre-school providers in Warwickshire, and the only one in Kenilworth, to be awarded the Kite Mark for providing enhanced provision.  Settings who receive this award have to be either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ and are recognised for the high quality of enhanced provision supporting young children and had to demonstrate excellent “universal” provision.  Congratulations to our Nursery staff on this well-deserved recognition.

Mr Cottrill has been keeping me informed regarding the rest of the school whilst I have been in France and I understand that the Good Shepherd Mass was a joyous event which saw Crackley Hall donate a cheque for £162.30 towards the Father Hudson’s Charity.  Thank you to Mrs Jackson-Mayne and Mrs Simmonds for co-ordinating this collection.  A huge thank you goes to Mr Cottrill for his help whilst I was away with the Junior 6’s – I am most grateful to him, Ms Dyer and all the staff who carried an extra workload over the past week.

Junior 2 enjoyed a lovely day wandering around Kenilworth Castle; luckily the clouds lifted and the sun managed to break through during the afternoon.  I am grateful to Mrs Hardwick and Mrs Malcolm for leading this visit.

Mrs Rochford will be reducing her hours from the start of next term to spend more time with her family and running her own clinic.  However, I am pleased to let you know that you will still be able to see Mrs Rochford in school on a Monday and Friday between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm.

Well done to our stars of the week, our recipients of the RE book of the week and the other awards.  Congratulations to Emily and Jia for singing so well and to Noah on his fine performance on the violin – I heard that they were all fantastic.

The Crackley Hall 2018 School Production will soon be upon us and I have seen some of the rehearsals already; it promises to be an amazing event!  Now that the title of the show has been decided ‘A Musical Journey of Wonders’, a front cover for the programme is needed and I would encourage all children to submit an entry for this competition.  The half term holiday will be an ideal opportunity to work on this and I look forward to helping judge the winning cover.  More details of how to enter can be found later in the Chronicle.

All that remains for me to say is to wish you all the most relaxing bank holiday and half term with your family and I look forward to seeing you all again at the start of the final part of Trinity Term – it will be a busy one.

God bless,

Robert Duigan

Mr James has advised that there are numerous chess club fees outstanding for this term.   

Please can parents of pupils who have not paid already, complete the attached form with payment or payment advice and return the form to the school office as soon as possible.  Thank you for your help in this matter.

Children are invited to design a programme cover for the summer production to be held on Thursday 5 July at the Spa Centre in Leamington. 

The three shows this year are The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid and My Fair Lady. The summer production will be titled 'A Musical Journey of Wonders'.

Let your artistic creativity start flowing - as all entries are to be named and handed into the office, by Wednesday 6th June.

Don't forget, the following information needs to be put on the cover: Crackley Hall School presents; A Musical Journey of Wonders. Thursday 5th July 2018 at Spa Centre, Leamington.

Please make sure your entry is 2D (nothing raised) and does not have any glitter on it, or unfortunately we won't be able to use it.

Good luck all!

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

Reception Trip to Twycross Zoo 11.06.18

J6 Costume letter for Production

R - J5 Costume letter for Production

J3 Kingswood Trip meeting letter 04.06.18

Earlier this week the Princethorpe Foundation issued its response to new data legislation (GDPR), which comes into force today, Friday 25 May 2018.

Over the last year we have been working hard to keep abreast of directives from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and their guidance concerning data processing. We have also sought advice from professional industry bodies, our school solicitors and external consultants.

Having undertaken a thorough review and audit of the data we hold and the way in which we process it, the Princethorpe Foundation believes that all of the data held relating to our community can be lawfully processed under three bases, namely Legal Obligation, Contractual and/or Legitimate Interests. This is due to the nature of the existing relationships we already have with our community which includes prospective, current and former pupils, prospective, current and former parents, prospective, current and former staff and Friends of the Foundation.

Please be assured that we will treat your data with the utmost integrity, respect and confidentiality. Your personal data will be stored and used in accordance with our updated Privacy Notices in line with the new regulation and our communications with you will be conducted in the least intrusive way possible and only in ways that you would reasonably expect. You can opt out of receiving non-legal or non-contractual communications at any time by contacting us by email, telephone or by letter.

To see the full response, view the updated Privacy Notices and how to contact us, click on this link.

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

Junior 6 have enjoyed a spectacular six days away in Normandy this week.  Their packed itinerary has included a range of cultural, historical and more leisurely sights as well as the chance to put into practise their language skills!

A full report will be included in the next Chronicle but for now here are a few photos from their 'Tour De France'.

Last Thursday 17 May Crackley Hall’s Chamber Choir had the honour of performing in front of an audience of headteachers from across the country at the Independent Schools Association annual conference.  The conference was taking place close to the school at the Chesford Grange Hotel, which is situated on the outskirts of Kenilworth.

27 children from the choir, which includes Junior 5 and 6 pupils, participated in an evening service that was held at the end of the first day of the conference.  They performed two pieces -  ‘Angus Dei’ by Bob Chilcott and ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’ by John Rutter.

The children were complimented on their performance by a number of the headteachers at the service, who were clearly delighted to hear such uplifting singing.   Alex Gear, ISA Chair and Head of Oakhyrst Grange School, gathered the children around him at the end to talk to them about their performance and to thank them, he said, “Thank you for coming to sing to us this evening, that was beautifully sung and simply wonderful to listen to.  It really was some of the best singing I have ever heard.”

Director of Music at Crackley Hall, Susan Olden, who accompanied the children and played the music for the service, was delighted and commented, “The children work very hard rehearsing week in week out, so it is really pleasing to come and perform in front of such a prestigious audience and to get such positive feedback.”

Little Crackers Nursery in Kenilworth is one of only 40 pre-schools in Warwickshire to be awarded a WIncKS Kite-Mark.  The Warwickshire Inclusion Kite-Marking Scheme celebrates Little Crackers’ excellent pre-school provision and also recognises the high standard of inclusive care provided by the nursery.

Through the Kite-Mark Scheme the County Council recognises pre-schools that deliver excellent and effective inclusion for children in their early years.  The Kite-Mark scheme celebrates good practice and aims to raise the profile of pre-schools that can offer high-quality support.

Little Crackers Nursery, part of Crackley Hall School, was the only pre-school in Kenilworth to receive the Kite-Mark.  Last Friday 18 May, Early Years Foundation Stage Teacher, Lisa O’Carroll Bailey, attended an award ceremony at The Shire Hall in Warwick where she was presented with a beautifully framed WIncKS certificate.

Lisa commented, “We are all thrilled to be the first setting in Kenilworth to earn this award.  It recognises how inclusive our ethos here at Little Crackers is and our team’s daily commitment to the highest levels of care.”

This year the Independent Schools Association (ISA) U11 Kwik Cricket Tournament coincided with our Junior 6s annual trip to France, so on Monday 21 May it was a team of nine Junior 5s that set out for Moddershall Cricket Club in Staffordshire to represent Crackley Hall in this Year 6 tournament.

Playing were 14 teams from across the Midlands and so for the first round the schools were split into four pools.  Crackley found themselves pitted against Edenhurst Prep School, Highclare School and Tettenhall College. 

Under the watchful eye of their coaches the boys worked hard at their game, listening carefully to instructions and feedback and putting the advice to good use as the matches progressed. 

Playing in the team were Bobby Chapman, Alistair Darnell (Vice-Captain), Wilf Grindal, Sam James, Toby Lucas, Seamus Meakins-Owens, Ben Moore, Seb Owen (Captain) and Charlie Wilcox.

The boys lost their first match, but from there on in they went from strength to strength.  Seamus Meakins-Owens made some precision catches out in the field and Seb Owen took some fantastic wickets with his accurate bowling.  Wilf Grindal’s batting and Alistair Darnell’s decision making also won Crackley important runs and that all helped to drive up the scores and ensured the boys played an improving all round game.  At the end of the group stage Crackley had qualified for the play offs for 5th/6th position.

Keen to make their mark against the older teams the boys then upped their game and claimed good wins against both Grantham Prep School and Birchfield School to finish in a very respectable overall fifth position.

Team Coach, Steve Vaughan, commented, “I was very proud of the boys for maintaining their effort and concentration over the course of a very long hot day. They built on each match, learning lessons well and by the end they were playing as a formidable team of cricketers.”

Prior to setting off on their end of term trip to France our J6s embarked on the creation of land art pieces inspired by artists including Michael Grab and Andy Goldsworthy. Their eventual artwork or habitat was informed by their understanding of both artists' works, namely the balance of stones and the use of natural materials and settings.

Mrs Clark was particularly impressed with the work of Harriet Boyd and Evie Berger who created the picture in a frame, and Ben Rose, who was obviously inspired by the work of Goldsworthy, and also to Finlay Byrne's group who made a palatial residence for their creature!

Junior 2 left no stone unturned as they explored our local medieval fortress, Kenilworth Castle, this week.  They enjoyed a trip to the English Heritage castle on Thursday 24 May to round off their topic in History this term. The children have been busy studying castles in the classroom and have even built and fired their own catapult.

Their trip included a guided tour of the castle buildings including the Keep and the Great Hall, they got the chance to climb the towers and visit Leicester’s Gatehouse. The children clambered up the battlements, explored the ruins and re-enacted a pageant before settling down to enjoy a picnic in the beautiful castle grounds.

They learnt all about life in a castle and about the visit of Queen Elizabeth I. Mrs Hardwick, Junior 2H teacher, said, “We have so enjoyed studying castles and this was such an incredible way to bring it all to life.”

The Princethorpe Foundation is pleased to announce that it has appointed two new trustees.  Elizabeth Kenward and Mike Fletcher have joined the Governing Body and will work with fellow Trustees to oversee the overall management and strategic direction of the Foundation.

Mrs Elizabeth Kenward BA, PGCE, CTC brings a wealth of educational experience having worked in Catholic secondary education for 37 years, including 15 as a Deputy Head. 

Mrs Kenward, commented, “My two children left Princethorpe in 2017 after seven happy years at the college, both progressing to university to study their chosen courses. They benefited greatly from the opportunities the school provided to travel widely and play sport, leaving with many happy memories.”  She continued, “I was honoured to be asked to join the Princethorpe Foundation Trustees, which will enable me to continue my links with the College and my involvement in Catholic education, both of which I value greatly.”

Mr Mike Fletcher BSc (Hons) is an Old Princethorpian, who attended the College from 1977 to 1982.  Mr Fletcher has recently retired from his role as Vice President at a global IT company, where he worked for over 30 years in a number of technical, operational, managerial and business development roles.  Mr Fletcher has two children that currently attend the College.

Mr Fletcher, remarked, “I particularly appreciate the environment that Princethorpe provides, academic challenge is complemented by sound ethical values and the opportunity to experience a wide range of extra-curricular activities that enrich the lives of pupils for years to come.”

Eddie Tolcher, Foundation Bursar and Clerk to the Trustees said, “Both our new Trustees bring valuable experience to the Foundation’s Governing Body.  Their support and advice will be much appreciated and we are delighted to welcome them to the Board of Trustees.

Wednesday 6 June 2018 - 6.00pm to 8.30pm 

The College's Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 6 June from 6.00pm - 8.30pm. This is an informal opportunity for prospective families to look around the school and to meet members of staff and pupils.

There will be activities in each department for children to participate in, and the Headmaster will also address visitors in the Chapel during the evening. Light refreshments are available.

There is no need to book.

For further information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney, on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 June 2018

The Sudden Impulse Theatre Company is returning to Princethorpe College in June for two outdoor performances of William Shakespeare's play, The Comedy of Errors.

Believed to be one of Shakespeare's earlier written plays; The Comedy of Errors is a true farce ahead of its time. The story involves two sets of twins, separated at birth, being thrown together in a tale of mistaken identity.

The performances are open to the public and will take place on the Sixth Form Lawn as follows:

Friday 8 June - 6.30pm to 10.00pm

Saturday 9 June - 3.30pm to 7.00pm

A wonderful opportunity to bring a picnic, settle down in your camping chair and enjoy some perfect summer entertainment.

Tickets are available from www.suddenimpulse.co.uk priced at £12 adults or £10 for concessions. 

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

Thank you to the 12 pupils from Junior 4 and 5 who made Mrs Jackson-Mayne extremely proud this week when they attended the Good Shepherd’s Mass at the Holy Family Church in Coventry.

Pupils walked down the aisle proudly waving our banner, made by parents two years ago and presented a cheque for £162.30 to the Father Hudson’s society.

This money was collected in the Good Shepherd Boxes during Lent, many of the boxes had been filled with children’s own pocket money. We sang and prayed together, joining with several schools in the diocese and the children were excellent ambassadors for the school.

The RE Book of the Week is awarded to:

Lucas, Teddy, Conor, Iman, Aryan and Roshan in Year 4 for leading collective worship this week.

We are pleased to announce that David Lamprecht  has been awarded Gymnast of the Week.

U9/8 Cricket vs Grace Dieu - Won by 1 rounder.

POM Scarlett Hammond

U9 'A' Rounders vs Crescent - Won by half a rounder

POM Jorja Parris

U9 'B' Rounders vs Crescent - 12 ½ - 10 win

POM Amy Farquharson

U10 'A' Rounders vs Bablake - 22-10 ½ loss 

U10 'B' Rounders vs Bablake won 19-17 POTM Martha Harris and India Fergusson

U10 'A' Rounders vs Ratcliffe - 11-8 win POM Annamaria Kordas and Hannah Wildey

U10 'B' Rounders vs Ratcliffe won 24-18 POTM Carys

U10 'C' Rounders vs Ratcliffe - TBC

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.  

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.

Please be advised that at the time of circulation no clubs are cancelled week commencing 4 June 2018.

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

On Wednesday 23 May Little Crackers Stay ‘n’ Players enjoyed a visit from JayKays Dance Company.  Jeren Hogben ran a fun, interactive session that introduced the children to some basic dance steps and movements.

This was Jeren’s first visit to Stay ‘n’ Play and our families really enjoyed the ‘Mummy & Me’ concept which saw the children and their grown-ups dancing together. Some children had a go at an assisted forward roll and whilst others enjoyed floating fun with colourful silk scarfs.

Everyone’s toes were tapping as Jeren guided the children and grown-ups through simple dance steps to music. The children’s attentive faces and proud smiles showed  that everyone was having fun and all whilst learning valuable skills in listening and co-ordination.

The session was just one from a regular programme of visiting activities at our Stay ‘n’ Play toddler group that runs every Wednesday morning from 10.00am to 11.30am at Little Crackers during term-time. On Wednesday 20 June we will be hosting our annual Teddy Bears Picnic and then in September we look forward to welcoming Kiddy Cook for an exciting culinary session.

JayKays Dance Company offer a range of dance classes from babies right through to adults. You can contact Jeren via email on enquiries@jaykaysdancecompany.co.uk.

Happy holidays!  I can hardly believe we are here again, half term for some and a Bank Holiday for everyone! 

Thank you to everyone who sent in sun-cream, unlike most years it has been extremely useful and well used!  Can I just remind everyone to make sure that your child has a named hat and cream in nursery, it’s best to leave them here… and also, even if it seems like a hot day, please make sure your child has a light jacket or cardigan just in case it gets cooler. 

When we all get together again after the break we will be focussing on ‘minibeasts, animals and growing’ so any information, pictures or photographs of what you get up to over half term that could support those topics would be much appreciated, as always we love to see what adventures you have!

Please make sure you read this week's newsletter as it's packed with all the information you'll need.  Please don’t forget Sports Day Thursday 14 June at 9.30am!  See you all back together again on Monday 4th June. 

Mrs Simmonds still has a bit missing (the base) from her cake carrier which she bought in for family fun day.  Please see photos and let her know if you find it.

Lost

Sebastian Owen in J5 has lost his shoes.

Harry Turvey in J3 – named coat, still missing.

Stuart Nedjati in J5 has lost his named blazer, named hat, named cricket jumper

Please could we ask that all parents check uniform and PE kits thoroughly over half term to ascertain that they have all the correct items.