The Chronicle

Dear Parents

This week has been very much a sports-orientated week at Crackley Hall which happens to coincide well with the start of the Football World Cup in Russia.  On Monday, Mrs Vaughan, Miss Jones, Miss Kefalas, Mr Vaughan and a number of parent helpers enjoyed a long day at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham where the children competed at the ISA Midlands Athletics Meeting.  I would like to congratulate all of those children who participated and Mrs Vaughan who expertly co-ordinated the involvement of many schools for this event.

Mrs Glen-Roots and Mrs Verma took the Reception class to Twycross Zoo on Monday which was a huge success and hopefully will become an annual event for the Reception children.  The weather was fine, our youngest pupils behaved perfectly and the day was enjoyed by all.  Thank you to Mrs Glen-Roots for arranging this outing and to those parents who also helped make the day a memorable one.

LAMDA and Music examinations have been taking place in school this week and I look forward to hearing the results from all involved.  Whatever the result, as long as everyone tried their very best, that is all that can be asked.  Thank you to Mrs Wildey and Mrs Olden for co-ordinating the respective days.

On Wednesday Crackley Hall hosted the ISA Midlands Cricket Tournament which I take a very keen interest in.  As per tradition, the weather was fine and those that attended were particularly complimentary about our organisation, facilities and hospitality.  Thank you to Mrs Townsend and Mrs Barnard for ensuring the arrangements for this event ran smoothly, to Mr Hardwick and our grounds team for their efforts on the day and Mr Sansum and our catering department for keeping us well-nourished throughout.  Congratulations to Tettenhall College who claimed first place this year.  Our cricketers certainly learnt so much over the course of the day and I was impressed with their improvement in each game.

The ISA Triathlon took place the same day as the cricket tournament which was unfortunate timing and hopefully something that can be avoided next year.  Our athletes performed extremely well and I have enjoyed receiving the positive feedback.  Thank you to Mrs Vaughan and Miss Jones for coaching and accompanying the team.

On Thursday we heard the speeches from those children who would like to be considered for the role of Head Boy and Head Girl.  The children spoke well and were passionate about why they should be chosen for this important role.  Voting has now taken place and I look forward to announcing the new Head Boy and Head Girl at the Junior 5 and Junior 6 Prize Giving on 29 June.  Oting for House Captains will take place during the course of next week.  We will also be asking J5 pupils to list any other positions for which they would like to be considered as captain.

Congratulations to all of our award winners this week, especially our U9 rounders team who finished second at the tournament held at The Croft.  They beat Warwick Prep on the way to the final where they lost narrowly to Bablake.   I was very proud of our musicians, Isabella and Isabelle as they performed in front of the school this morning – they did very well indeed.  Special mention must go to Sylvie and Bobbie on their beautiful and poignant singing duet which encapsulated the whole assembly.

I hope you enjoy reading more about this week’s events later in this issue and viewing the photographs which are always a lovely memento of the activities that take place across all year groups, including Nursery.   The weeks leading up to the end of term are going to be particularly busy and I hope that I will see most of you at some point whether it is at an assembly, sports day, prize giving, the school production or mass.  Crackley Hall prides itself on being the next best thing to home and I hope that, despite the numerous events in the calendar, you and your children continue to feel included in everything we do.

I feel that South Africa were a little fortunate to win the rugby against England last week and, although I enjoyed it (mainly because it prevented me being subjected to a verbal barrage) I think that England will win tomorrow.  I have to admit that I was surprised to see that Scotland beat England at cricket – well done to the Scots!  England did bounce back against Australia, beating them during the week.  Enjoy this weekend’s sport!

I hope you have a restful weekend.

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.

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

J6 Costume letter for Production

R - J5 Costume letter for Production

Production tickets letter

Michaelmas Term 2018 - Lunches letter

Michaelmas Term 2018 Week 1 Menu

Michaelmas Term 2018 Week 2 Menu

Michaelmas Term 2018 Week 3 Menu

Key Stage 1 Sports Day letter

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

On Monday 11 June Crackley’s Reception class enjoyed a day of animal antics at Twycross Zoo.  This term the children have been discovering all about animals so what better way to bring their learning to life than by immersing themselves in the animal world at the award-winning centre for conservation.

Accompanied by Mrs Glen-Roots and Mrs Verma, along with three parent helpers, the children spent the whole day exploring and encountering a host of  fascinating creatures.

Assistant Head, Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, Mrs Glen-Roots said, “We explored the habitats of a range of different animals and learnt how zoos look after them, especially those which are endangered. The children saw pets, wild animals, sea creatures, wetland animals, butterflies and tropical birds. They got up close to the animals by walking with the lemurs, standing amongst the lorikeets, creeping through the Explorer Zone and stroking the goats.”

On what was a very hot and sunny day the children also had the chance to let off steam at the play area and enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of a big tree.

Mrs Glen-Roots continued, “We had an absolutely amazing time, the children were so excited, but also impeccably behaved. We have come back to school with our minds full of facts and there is an incredible buzz around the classroom.”

31 Junior 5 and Junior 6 girls enjoyed a specialist netball coaching session this week with Wasps’ U19 Netball Coach, Lesley Blair.

Back in March the Crackley girls visited the Ricoh Arena to watch Wasps defeat Northumbria and were lucky enough to go court-side to meet the players.   Mrs Vaughan and Miss Jones had organised this follow up training session to capitalise on the girls’ fascination with the professional game.

Lesley began the intensive coaching session with a series of netball drills that tested the girls’ physical skills as well as their ability to think tactically.  The girls enjoyed playing games such as netball ‘noughts and crosses’ and netball ‘end zone’ that demanded quick thinking and quick feet.  She encouraged the girls to keep moving, to look after their team mates and to stay focused and look for quick clear shots.

Lesley has been involved in netball for over 20 years and has played at county, regional and national league level.  She has worked on the performance side of netball for 10 plus years and has coached girls up through the programme and on into the Super League.

After the training session the girls had the chance to ask questions.  They were particularly fascinated to find out that the senior players use the same training drills.

It was a motivating and inspiring session and one of which will encourage Crackley’s young netballers to train hard and aim high.

On Wednesday 13 June, Crackley Hall hosted its annual ISA Midlands U11 Hardball Cricket event, which was, by all accounts, a rousing success.

Mr Duigan, our co-ordinator on the day, rallied the Crackley Hall and visiting Princethorpe College staff early in the morning to set up the playing pitches for what promised to be a glorious day of cricket bathed in partial sunshine. We were delighted to welcome teams from Heathfield Knoll School, Lucton School, Old Vicarage School, Ruckleigh School and Tettenhall College.

The event was a fun-filled day for all. In addition to the main competition, all teams were given the opportunity to participate in a range of fielding, catching, batting and bowling clinics, and competitions, which assisted the players’ general development alongside their matches. 

The quality of play on display was excellent, with clear evidence of each school improving not only their fundamental cricketing skills, but also their tactical awareness in the specialised 6-a-side format contested over 5 overs each way. This made for fast-paced action on the field of play, which kept all the supporters enthralled. 

As the day drew to a close, the final was hotly contested between Lucton School and Tettenhall College, with Tettenhall College eventually lifting the winner’s trophy. Awards were also presented to the best fielder, batter and bowler, as well as the player of the tournament. 

Many congratulations to all the players who took part. There was a real sense of sportsmanship shared by all involved, which bodes well for the future of the game, especially within our broader ISA community. 

Special thanks to all the Crackley Hall and Princethorpe staff for their valuable input on the day. 

This week representatives from AECOM called into school to present the ecological work that they are undertaking in preparation for the construction of HS2, the new high speed rail line to link Birmingham to London.  

This ecologial undertaking is called 'enabling' works, where AECOM ensures that no harm comes to the many varied species that currently live in the build area. So, for example new homes are being built for those badgers found along the route, as well as the many great crested newts which have also been identified and being translocated. AECOM are also recreating the meanders in the River Tame at Park Hall, which is hoped will help otters, water voles and other creatures thrive beyond their original habitat.

Such knowledge has to be acquired, so the children were captivated by the skills and technology including cameras and trackers that are used. Many different kinds of wildlife were found and translocated to new habitats including; water voles, otters, a variety of bats, slow worms and badgers.

Mrs Lammas observed, "It was an extremely interesting presentation and the children were captivated by the scope of the project they have had to undertake." Testament to this is the time and dedication devoted to the rehousing of newts up to two years prior to the start of construction.

Crackley Hall School will be holding a Charity Fundraising Day on Friday 22 June in which the children, led by our Student Council, are being given the opportunity to raise funds for our chosen charity; Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Thank you to those who have supported their children in creating a stall for the event. There will also be a non-uniform day and children are asked to bring a donation of £1. They may bring up to £5 (in pound coins) to spend on the various stalls and games that will be running throughout the morning.

The Student Council thanks everyone for their continued support and charitable donations for this event. They are sure that everyone will enjoy a great day, whilst they raise lots of raise money for our nominated charities.

1st: Jupiter (248 points)

2nd: Mars (239 points)

3rd: Venus (201 points)

4th: Saturn (172 points)

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

The RE Book of the Week is awarded to Fintan McGrory (J4H) for his wonderful contribution to a classroom discussion about the Eucharist and God's Mission.

Thursday 28 June - 2.00pm

Including the Blessing of Stones.

As you will know our prayer garden is now open. In order to make this a very special place for the whole school we would like to ensure that all pupils in the school have an opportunity to lay a stone in the garden.

Over the years, new pupils in Reception and new starters have been given the opportunity to decorate a small stone and bring it to school to be blessed by Father Kevin in a little service outside. We would therefore like to invite all the pupils who have not yet done this to bring in a stone, that they have decorated in their own way. Pupils will be given a few ideas on how to decorate their stones during Form Time.

During the St Peter and Paul Vigil Mass on Thursday 28 June at 2.00pm, the stones will be blessed by Father Kevin and then added to the garden.

U9 Rounders Tournament at The Croft School

Match Report by Mrs Roberts:

On the afternoon of Thursday 14 June we headed over to The Croft School for the U9 Rounders Tournament. 

Featuring seven teams from across the region, we were up against Warwick in our first game. Facing stiff competition, the girls batted fantastically, securing a win against Warwick and then went on to beat Bablake 'B' and the Croft comfortably. All of the girls played with increased confidence and the team dug deep, both batting and fielding well throughout all of their hard fought games.

All of the girls scored either a rounder or a half-rounder and there were some great catches by both Amy and Annabel. Kiran fielded superbly and got lots of girls out at posts and made some great tactical decisions. This was the first time that Annabel had bowled in a game and she handled the pressure so well considering that two 'no balls' now award half a rounder to the opposition side. She performed fantastically considering the pressure on her throughout the tournament.

Miss Fisher and I were so proud of the girls for getting to the final. Here we faced Bablake 'A'. Unfortunately, we only had a five minute innings each as the tournament was running late. We played well and with extra time, we may have pipped them to the post, as we were the stronger team. However, Bablake 'A' finished triumphant with a score four Rounders to two. Well done to Bablake A!

We are all feeling optimistic now as we go off to the ISA Rounders tournament next Thursday and you can guess, our fingers are crossed. Well done, girls! From your proud coaches, Mrs Roberts, Mrs Malcolm and Miss Fisher. Thanks for the amazing parent support too!

The U9 Rounders side are: 

Year 4:

Amy Farquharson

Martha Summers

Annabel Leigh

Constanza Alvarez Lujan

Lilly Carroll

Rosie Moreton

Jorja Parris

Isabella Ward

U8 'A' v Warwick School 'A' 60 runs - 81 runs (loss)

Player of the Match - Freddie Young

U8 'A' v Warwick School 'B' 64 runs - 65 runs (loss)

Player of the Match - Freddie Young

U8 'B' v Warwick School 'B' 60 runs - 65 runs (loss)

Player of the Match - Henry Wright

U8 'B' v Warwick School 'A' 54 runs - 54 runs (draw)

Player of the Match - Henry Wright

We are pleased to announce that Kyra Khanna in J2 has been awarded Gymnast of the Week.

Congratulations Kyra! 

J5/6 Athletics Club after School on Monday is cancelled as staff will be attending fixtures.

I would like to start by saying a HUGE thank you to everyone who attended Sport’s Day this week, we really appreciate your support, as do your fabulous children, and it was a brilliant event. Even the brief sprinkling of rain couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and we ‘pushed on through’ to complete all our races. The children, as always, were the stars of the show and competed with energy, enthusiasm and a good deal of style in some cases! I would also like to thank Mr Jim, Miss Lottie, the children from Year 6 who demonstrated the races so well for us and helped with running the event, the catering staff for the cookies and juice (the children REALLY appreciated those!) and all the nursery staff – we had a fabulous time! 

On a much less enthusiastic note, I also need to tell everyone about Miss Maxine who will unfortunately be leaving us at the end of this term. We are extremely sad to be saying goodbye, however if anyone wants to contribute towards a collection for Miss Maxine it is being held in the school office. 

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

The lines were painted, the front lawn awash with hats, bags, cakes, plates, fishing nets and more in preparation for nursery’s much awaited Little Crackers Sports Day.  On Tuesday 20 June the crowds gathered early on creating a buzz of excitement and over 40 Little Crackers nursery pupils headed to the tracks ready for one of their biggest events of the summer.

With the jubilant crowd milling around in eager anticipation, Mr Duigan welcomed guests and the races were soon underway. Our four-year-olds started things off in true British fashion with the Great Cake Relay swiftly followed by our two and three-year-olds in the all-important Hat and Bag Relay race!

With just about time to catch their breath, the four-year-olds were back on the tracks for the Hoop Skill Relay Race and our two and three-year-olds positively buoyant on their heels with the Fisherman’s Net Relay race. The morning’s activities were rounded off with a sprint race for both age groups where we saw some true little firecrackers rocketing down the tracks. Woosh!

Our budding racers were ably supported by some of Crackley Hall’s Junior 6 and Princethorpe College Sixth Formers, providing warm words of encouragement (and at times a helping hand down the track!). A great morning was had by all and a special thank you to our Nursery Team and Miss Jones for putting together this year’s event.

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 after the end of this school year.    

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.

(Maternity cover: full-time and part-time considered)

Required for November 2018, after the Michaelmas half term break, a well-qualified graduate to teach Mathematics to KS3 and KS4 in a flourishing and successful department. Familiarity with Pearson’s IGCSE would be an additional recommendation, but is not essential.

Enthusiasm to become involved with the extra-curricular life of the school is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate success in the classroom and be effective team players. Full and part-time applications will be considered. 

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package.

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 18 June 2018, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 21 June 2018 at Princethorpe.

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

We are looking to recruit an IT Apprentice, at Level 3, to join the busy Foundation IT department, to start by August 2018, although later starts will be considered for the right candidate.  They will report to the Assistant Head (Director of Digital Strategy) and will be based in Princethorpe College with some duties at the Foundation feeder schools, Crackley Hall School in Kenilworth and Crescent School in Rugby. 

The candidate will be a member of the IT Service Desk team providing a front-line service to staff across all three schools and for pupils in the College.

The role would provide the successful candidate with an inside view of the workings and the organisation of a multisite network, implementation procedures of new hardware/software, including expansion and development of existing and new IT services. They will have responsibility for the first point of contact on the ICT helpdesk with all users.

Interested candidates will have good communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work on their own and as part of a team. They will be studying an IT related Apprenticeship at level three or four. Likely courses are IT, Software and Telecoms Professionals, IT Application Specialist or Infrastructure Technician, although this list is not exhaustive.  Training for the Apprenticeship will be on day release at Warwickshire College, who are the training service provider for the Apprenticeship.

An IT Apprenticeship will enable the successful candidate to gain hands on experience; they will be trained to provide support to users on various levels, from toner replacements, stock checks and Audio Visual setups, to supporting end users with any technical and software queries.

Candidates are welcome to discuss the Apprenticeship courses in more detail with Emma Rogers, Worked-based Learning Manager, Warwickshire College Group on 01788 863230.

Single person accommodation on site may be available.

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: Wednesday 27 June at 9.00am, with interviews likely to be held on Tuesday 3 July at Princethorpe College.

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

Lost

Leo Warne (J1G) has lost his named cap, blazer and tie.