1 December 2023

1 December 2023

Dear Parents

PTA Christmas Fair

Firstly, I wanted to express huge thanks to the PTA for pulling together a magnificent Christmas Fair last Saturday. Their efforts have certainly kicked off Christmas at Cranford in true style. It was great to see so many parents and pupils attend to enjoy the festivities, including face painting, carol singing, mince pies and mulled wine. We even had a visit from Father Christmas himself. The whole school was buzzing with Christmas spirit, and it was heartening to be part of such a well-attended community event. Thank you to all of you who came.

GCSE and A-level Tea Concert

On Wednesday evening, we had a magical GCSE and A level Tea Concert. All our GCSE and A level musicians took part, performing with such skill a variety of musical pieces. Their delivery was incredibly professional and made more atmospheric against the backdrop of the Christmas tree, which added a wonderfully atmospheric dynamic. Congratulations to all who took part.

Junior Spelling Bee
Yesterday, our four houses competed in our first ever Junior Spelling Bee event. Six contestants from each House took part from Years 1 – 6, working in key stages but also as a whole team. House spirit was in abundance and the children had a brilliant time, demonstrating buckets of team spirit and audience participation, which raised the roof of the Sports Hall! Even the teachers were put to the test, looking through the window of the sports hall from above to guess the words that the children had to spell out using their bodies! Right up until the last minute, the competition was fierce, before it went to the conundrum to decide the overall winners, St Nicholas. We look forward to the next Spelling Bee competition!

Year 12 and 13 Parents Evening
It was lovely to welcome our Year 12 and 13 Parents into Sixth Form on Thursday evening. We are delighted with the positive start Year 12 have made to their A level studies and it was also lovely to be able to discuss university offers and life beyond Cranford with our Year 13 Parents. We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form cohort and it is always a privilege for teaching staff to meet with parents to discuss progress and next steps.

Cranford's Christmas Teddy Bear Fundraiser
We still have some beautiful Cranford Bears available so don’t forget to order and support our chosen charity Mary's Meals. Each Cranford Bear is £15 with the cost added to your next school bill. Each family may order up to 3 bears. Cranford bears can be collected at the school office from the 11 December. We hope they all find a forever home this Christmas! Parents, please click here to order your Cranford Teddy Bear.

Have a wonderful weekend.

With best wishes,

Dr James Raymond