The Chronicle

Dear Parents

I would like to start by thanking those of you who were able to join us this morning for the cake sale in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care charity.  The supply of cakes was staggering and I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved including the PTA committee, parents, staff and children.  I have been told that the amount raised is already over £1,000 which is wonderful news.  Please don’t forget to collect your tins and containers from the reception area as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, we received some very sad news this morning that Mrs Marlene Head, former member of staff, was involved in an accident yesterday morning and tragically passed away last night.  This, as you will appreciate, has been incredibly upsetting for staff especially those who worked closely with Mrs Head over the years.  For those of you who are fairly new to Crackley Hall, Mrs Head was the friendly face who, in recent years, would provide cover for staff absence from time to time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.  I have discussed this news with our older students this afternoon so they may also mention it at home.

Despite our sadness we continued with assembly this morning and I enjoyed the uplifting performance by Martha; congratulations, you sang beautifully.  Well done to all of our Stars of the Week and a special mention to Blythe who has been busy raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  It is always so pleasing to hear about the number of children who are involved in raising money for other causes outside of school.  They are an inspiration to us all.

I have been involved in another enjoyable sports event this week where our U10’s boys’ football team attended the ISA Midlands 5 a-side tournament.  This was held at Dixie Grammar School on Monday and I am proud to let you all know that the team played exceptionally well and we returned to school with a new trophy for our cabinet.   Our A group won overall and our B group (we were the only school with a B team, showing our strength in depth) came 9th out of 15 schools.  Well done to both teams!  Whilst on the subject of sports, there are a number of free tickets available for staff, pupils and their families to attend the Wasps v Gloucester match on 6 October.  If you would be interested in obtaining a ticket, please inform the school office as soon as possible.  These are available on a first come, first served basis.

There has also been some other sad news in school this week and I have contacted our J6 parents who have been made aware of Mr Lamprecht’s absence due to a family bereavement.  Thank you to those of you who have expressed your kind thoughts and I hope that you will keep his family in your prayers.   Mr Lamprecht landed in South Africa today to attend his late father’s funeral and our thoughts and prayers remain with him and his family at this terribly sad time.  It is at times such as these that the school community comes together to support one another and provide comfort.

I hope you take time to read the rest of the Chronicle this weekend, in between enjoying a fun-filled Barn Dance at Wetherle manor – do support our great PTA!  I wish you all a restful and enjoyable weekend with your family.

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.  

J3 Compton Verney - 03.10.18

J4 Kingswood Activity Centre - 08.10.18

J2 MAD Museum - 18.10.18

J3/4  Nutcracker Ballet - 11.12.18

J6 Victorian History Day - 13.12.18

J3 LAMDA

J4 LAMDA

Forest School - Reception Class

Forest School - J1

Forest School - J2

Dear Parents

The Flu Immunisation Team are visiting the School on Thursday 11 October, to offer the Nasal Flu Vaccine to all pupils from Reception through to Junior 5.

Your child will have come home with a Consent Form and Flu Information Booklet on Wednesday evening.

Can you please complete this Consent Form and return it to the School Office by Monday 1 October.

Many thanks

Crackley Hall School Office

Flu Vaccine Parent Letter

Consent Form

Following feedback from parents we are pleased to be introducing a new fleece layer into our sports kit.  We think that you will agree that not only will it keep pupils warmer, that it looks very smart too.

The fleece is an item that we would like all pupils to have as part of their sports kit as it will protect them from the colder weather but, we also understand that you may have other current financial commitments and therefore it will not become a compulsory item until September 2019.

Below the link to the order form, so that you can pre order your child’s fleece now ready for delivery to school during week commencing Monday 15 October.  The fleece’s are sized by age from 5-6 to 11-12 and then XS, S, M complimenting the sizes of the tracksuit jacket but, you can pop into main reception from Monday 1 October where there will be a sample set for you to check sizes against.  Mrs Vaughan or a member of her team will also have the fleeces at matches over the coming weeks so that you can have a look at your leisure.

If you have any questions please do contact our Foundation Shop Manager, Miss Nicola Browne on 01926 634272 or via email at nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk

Order Form Link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oGXXY6OqTEihAfp3SMe2N_nxa-gJOHxCkqkQAWhEcqRUQUY5OU9QS0ZMWTZXSVk1M0ZWTzE3RjhTWS4u

Individual and class photographs will now take place in school on Thursday 4 October, not Monday 24 September as printed in the Michaelmas Term Calendar. If you would like your child to have a photograph with their non-school age siblings, please let the office know and ensure that you are able to arrive at school by 9.00am. Photographs will take place in the school hall.

Crackley Hall School Office

Monday 22 October - Friday 2 November 2018

The Crackley Hall Holiday Club will this year take place during both weeks of the October half term holiday. It will commence on Monday 22 October and run until Friday 2 November. There will be exciting crafts, games and activities taking place on weekdays at school between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm.

Please follow the link to book a place https://princethorpecollege.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/

Please find the menus for the Michaelmas term attached below:

Michaelmas Term Week 1

Michaelmas Term Week 2

Michaelmas Term Week 3

Thank you

Crackley Hall School Office

Parents and guardians are advised that After Care is available during the Michaelmas Term.  Further details and booking forms are available using this link. 

Aftercare queries and bookings can also be sent to the new aftercare email: aftercare@crackleyhall.co.uk

Thank you.

Crackley Hall School Office

The School Shop, located on the Princethorpe College site, is open for all your new uniform needs during term time between 3.30pm and 4.30pm and by appointment only during half term.

Appointments can be requested by contacting the School Shop Manager by email nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk or by calling 01926 634272. Should you prefer a preloved item, of which there is a good selection, then please see our PTA 'pop up' shop within the school hall prior to assembly on any Friday.

It is with great sadness that I would like to dedicate a piece in this week’s Chronicle to Marlene Head.

Marlene was a very dear friend of St Joseph's Convent and Crackley Hall School for over 30 years.  Whilst having taught for 10 years elsewhere in the County, Marlene then moved to Crackley Hall where she was a passionate and dedicated educator.  Even in her retirement, Marlene continued her contact with Crackley Hall by providing support for lessons and attending events whenever her commitments permitted. 

I have been informed that Marlene was involved in a serious road traffic accident on Thursday morning and tragically passed away last night from the injuries she sustained.  Our thoughts and prayers are now with her family; her husband Tom, daughter Sarah, son Murray and his family.  We will arrange a suitable occasion to pay our respects, remember Marlene and all that she meant to Crackley Hall at some point in the future.  She was a much-loved colleague, friend and teacher.  May her dear soul rest in the loving peace of God.

Robert Duigan
Headmaster

Our Stars of the Week this week are:

This morning the PTA organised Crackley’s fourth Macmillan Coffee fundraiser.  At morning drop off many parents took advantage of the drive through tea and coffee service or took the opportunity to enjoy coffee and cake with friends in the sunshine on the patio and the entertainment provided by the children. Later at break the children had their chance to buy lots of tasty biscuits and cakes.  Special thanks also go to Ian Sansum and Holroyd Howe Catering for the pastries. 

We are still counting but so far this year’s Macmillan Coffee Morning has raised well over a £1000! (which will all go to Macmillan Cancer research).

It’s still not too late to donate if you haven’t already - just text our unique code MUG HHQ1 to 70550 to donate £5.

Huge thanks to our caffeine-motivated Crackley Hall PTA team, chaired by Lucy Lamb, to Reception for their help and to all the cake and pastry bakers across the school.

This week Mrs Jackson-Mayne with the help of Crackley's SVP Mini-Vinnies and the Student Council launched 2018 Operation Christmas Child.

But why is this needed you might ask? Sadly, the simple fact is that not all children around the world are fortunate enough to receive a Christmas present from their loved ones.  The charity Samaritan's Purse asks other more fortunate children to collect presents and gifts for boys and girls and to pack them in shoe boxes.  They then send them off to distant lands including Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia on their behalf.

So there you have it, a simple act of kindness and generosity that can transform the lives of children far less fortunate than ourselves. Further details about what might be suitable to go within the box will be with your child by the time you read this, but as a 'rule of thumb', new tooth brushes and small toys are especially welcome. That said, please refrain from including toys that have a military or conflict context as many of the shoe boxes will be sent to areas that have recently experienced war. 

Junior 1 pupil Blythe has entered into his first ever fundraising event to help the Birmingham Children’s Hospital KIDS/NTS team.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital KIDS/NTS team supported Blythe and you’ll see from the links below that they do amazing work. There are many stories like Blythe’s but without this amazing team he may have never had the chance to live life to the fullest. This is his way of saying thank you and he would love it if you can help to get people to donate to his cause. 

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blythe-camilleri-willis

https://kids.bwc.nhs.uk/

Many thanks.

Leanne Jones of Drama Tots led Stay ‘n’ Players on a journey of make-believe when she visited the baby and toddler group on Wednesday 26 September.

This was a repeat visit from Leanne as part of a programme of activities at the weekly group and Stay ‘n’ Play was thrilled to welcome her back.  Involving all ages, Drama Tots blends imaginative play with music and movement to transport children on exciting adventures.  Our Stay ‘n’ Players were transfixed thanks to Leanne’s enthusiasm and warmth.

Little Crackers Stay ‘n’ Play continues weekly in term-time and the next visiting activity will be Twirling Toddlers on Wednesday 10 October 2018.

To find out more about Stay 'n' Play, please click here.

The latest edition of Crackley Hall and Little Cracker's Admissions Update e-newsletter was published last Friday.  The newsletter reminds parents that our Open Day takes place on Tueasday 2 October between 10.00am and 3.00pm and our Reception Open Evening is on Thursday 22 November between 7.00pm and 8.00pm.

This issue is packed with news to give prospective parents and pupils a feel for Crackley life, information on forthcoming events and helpful advice about the admissions process, particularly for those who are looking at entry in September 2019.

Our Admissions Update Newsletters are issued twice a year to coincide with key admissions periods, the next edition will be published in spring 2019.

Please click here to go to the Admissions Update newsletter.

Or if you have any queries relating to admissions please do feel free to email the team at admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or telephone our Admissions Secretary, Jenny Vaughan, on 01926 514410.

With a little over six weeks to go, the countdown to Princethorpe's Entrance Exams for admission in September 2019 is underway. This year the exams for Year 7 to 10 entry will take place on Saturday 10 November from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

The deadline for registrations is Friday 5 October, to enable the seeking of references from junior schools. Junior 6 parents wishing their children to sit the exams do need to complete a registration form and submit it with the accompanying registration fee by this date.

For more information on the admissions process click here or to read the Admissions Update newsletter click here.  A copy of the Registration Form is avaiable here.

If you have any queries relating to admissions please feel free to email the Registrars at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or to call them on 01926 634201.

Click on the attachment below to download the latest ‘In the News’ posters featuring some of the Foundation's recent media coverage.

In the News

In the last few months we have had stories in the local press including the Leamington Courier, Kenilworth News, Rugby Advertiser, Daventry Express, Leamington Observer, Rugby and Lutterworth Observer and the Coventry and Warwickshire Telegraph.  The Foundation has also been featured in Catholic Today and the Independent Schools’ magazine Attain.

Tuesday 2 October - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Please do spread the word that Crackley Hall and Little Crackers Nursery are opening their doors for an Open Day on Tuesday 2 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

This is an opportunity to look around the school and to meet staff and pupils on a normal working day. There is no need to book, all are welcome.

We will have places available in Junior 1, 2 and 4 in September and will be recruiting for places in Reception 2019. Please speak to our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan for availability in other years.

If you can’t make the Open Day but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410 or email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk and come on a day to suit you. We welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk or see our Admissions Newsletter here.

For information please find a pdf of the calendar attached here.

Thank you to all those who have now returned their permission slips and order forms for the Young Voices in Concert at the Genting Arena, Birmingham.

We apologise for the urgency in returning forms. This is because we have to confirm final numbers with the organisers.

Susan Olden
Director of Music

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

Thank you to Isabella for stepping in at the last minute and taking on the role of St Vincent in Monday's assembly to mark the Feast Day of St Vincent de Paul on Thursday 28 September.

It was inspiring to hear about all the excellent work the Mini Vinnies completed last year.

During assembly we looked at ‘Random Acts of Kindness’. Pupils were set the mission to think of ways that they can show the Virtues of Compassion and Loving, by taking the time to think and do things for others.

Mini Vinnies next venture is to collect any foreign coins so that we can pass them on to the St Vincent de Paul Society in the Parish. If you have any foreign coins left after your holiday, please could you bring them into the school office.

Monday 8 October - 9.50am

We are delighted to invite you to Junior 2's Harvest Assembly on Monday 8 October at 9.50am.

The children will be performing a poem they have been learning in Drama during the assembly as well singing and telling us all about Harvest.

We look forward to seeing you. 

Tuesday 9 October - 9.00am

The next Mass will be led by Junior 3 on Tuesday 9 October at 9.00am in the school hall. The theme will be the Harvest and how we can provide for others.

All are welcome to join us.

We are again supporting the Food Bank for people living in the Warwickshire area. I would be grateful if pupils could bring in a small item of food – either a packet or tin please – during the week before half term, beginning Monday 15 October. This will be then passed on to those in our community who are in need of it most.

Thank you.

Mrs Jackson-Mayne

U9A Football vs Crescent 2 – 5 (loss)

Player of the Match – Max Kiely

U9B Football vs Crescent 4 – 0 (win)

Player of the Match – Woody Osborn

Kenilworth Tennis, Squash & Croquet Club are offering a Half Term Tennis Camp.

Please follow the link below for details.

Half Term Tennis Camp

We are pleased to announce that Cadie Hardwick and Lucas Summers have been awarded Gymnasts of the Week.

We kick started our week with a visitor on Monday… she was short, a little scruffy, white with black splodges and had a long ‘waggy’ tail!  Miss Lisa’s puppy, Meg, came to say hello because we have been chatting about our pets this week.  It has been lovely hearing about your dogs, cats and fish, everyone had a story to share, and if the children hadn’t got a pet they told us all about the unicorns and monsters they would like to have at home! 

Have a great weekend everyone, and don’t forget to bring in some bits and bobs if you are out and about.  Conkers are great for counting!

Nursery Newsletter

Thank you so much to everyone who helped support the Macmillan Coffee Morning today. We hope that you enjoyed all the delicious cakes and pastries. Special thanks also go to Ian Sansum and Holroyd Howe Catering for the pastries. The money is still being counted but it looks like we’ve raised a healthy amount, which will all go to Macmillan Cancer Research.

It’s not too late to donate if you haven’t already - just text our unique code MUG HHQ1 to 70550 to donate £5.

Saturday 29 September - 2.00pm - 5.00pm

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the barn dance tomorrow - look out those dancing boots!

Saturday 1 December - 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas yet? Some might say yes but please save the date as we're sure it will come round quickly!

Also, if anybody works for a company that offers matched funding we would love to hear from you. If you work for an organisation that has a match funding policy, any money you raise could be matched by your employer. Companies may match the fundraising total for an event, or for the stall that their employee is working on. Usually, the employee will need to supply them with a letter from the PTA detailing the date and nature of the event, together with the total raised. We would be grateful if you could see if your employer has a match funding scheme, or if they are willing to match fund any of our events or charity contributions. Please email ptachair@crackleyhall.co.uk if you might be able to help.

Parents and carers are advised that all items of your child's property should please be clearly labelled with their name. Should your child lose an item of propery then please mention it to the school office staff. Please note that the item will be listed within the 'Lost Property' section of the Chronicle if it remains lost.  

Crackley Hall School Office

Lost

Thomas Martins (J5SL) has lost his black school shorts. 

Hugo Frazier (J5R) named blazer and named cap.

Merryn Cleary (J3AV) has lost her named blazer.

Mikey Bell (J3AV) has lost his named trousers and named jumper.

Lexi-Jean Ellis (reception) has lost her named school hat.

We seek to appoint an Assistant Head (Academic) as a member of the Senior Management Team to take a major role in determining, implementing and evaluating the agreed aims of the school and all school policies.

The post requires you to promote the smooth running of the School, maintaining the ethos of a caring Christian school family with a Catholic school base.

The successful candidate will work closely with, report to and advise the Headmaster in all areas of school life, with specific responsibility for Academic matters. The Headmaster is assisted by a Deputy Head and three Assistant Heads who, collectively, take full responsibility for the welfare and development of the school and, in his absence, deputise accordingly.

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: Wednesday 10 October 2018, at 12 noon and interviews are likely to be held on Monday 15 October (with the possibility of including Tuesday 16 October as an additional day if necessary).

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

The Foundation is known for its innovative and strategic approach to Marketing and Communications and we seek to appoint, ideally from November 2018, a full-time, year round Foundation Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator to help take this forward.

Key responsibilities will include managing the Foundation’s annual marketing cycle, particularly in support of admissions and pupil recruitment, including a wide range of events, promotional and digital marketing activity.  Part of a busy, friendly and ambitious Marketing, Admissions and Communications Team, this varied role will suit a dynamic individual with relevant experience, excellent written and verbal communications skills, strong organisational and interpersonal skills, creativity and initiative.

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.

Salary:  £25,000 - £32,000 FTE, depending on qualifications and relevant experience.

Members of staff working in the Foundation enjoy a considerable discount on school fees for their own children at Princethorpe College and Crackley Hall School, five weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays, pension contributions, 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.

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

Closing date: Monday 8 October 2018 at 9.00am with interviews likely to be held on Thursday 11 October, at Princethorpe College.

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.

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: for applications is Monday 1 October 2018, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held shortly after, at Princethorpe.

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