13 December 2024
Dear Parents
We have enjoyed a wonderful week of Christmas themed fun across the school starting with a truly joyful Pre-School Christmas Sing-along in the Orangery, during which our youngest pupils treated us to some simply delightful singing and dancing, joyfully accompanied by the parents and families! Thank you to everyone who came along to join us.
Carol Services
The Christmas festivities continued as the school enjoyed two exceptional Carol Services at Dorchester Abbey on Monday and Tuesday evening. As a school we are incredibly proud of the strong choral tradition in our Senior School and this year certainly did not disappoint. I continue to be inspired and awed by the musical talent of our Choir and Chamber choir who performed with emotion and musicality and also by the joyful rhythmic performance of the brass band as they whisked us through an enjoyable repertoire of Christmas favourites before the service began!
The Advent responses during the opening of the service heralded the start of a magical hour, as pupils, families and staff gathered to celebrate Christmas. The hush across the congregation as the soloists’ voices echoed around Dorchester Abbey against a backdrop of candlelight was truly magical. I was particularly impressed by the warmth and self-assurance of our students as they delivered readings during the service with notable maturity – I am sure everyone present would join me in thanking and celebrating the readers, soloists, musicians and singers who made this such a special occasion.
On Tuesday, and not to be outdone, it was our Juniors who held the stage. They delivered a simply exceptional service and a choral repertoire full of festive fun, mixing modern and traditional carols. I was incredibly impressed again by the exceptional quality of the musical performances, and the composure, musicality and confidence of our soloists and readers. Many congratulations to everyone involved. I was particularly struck this year by the sheer sense of fun from the choir – their enthusiasm really did radiate throughout the congregation.
Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for these events. We hope they left you feeling as festive as we did! Thank you also to Mrs Powell, for her momentous efforts – these services marked the 18th year she has organised the Carol Concert and each one seems to get better and better! Please see pictures of the Senior Carol Service and Junior Carol Service.
Spreading Christmas Joy!
Junior School spent Wednesday enjoying their various year group Christmas parties, including traditional games and activities. Year 5 loved the memory tray game, through to the crazy fun of ‘corners’ and miming Christmas songs for team mates to guess. I have it on good authority that the floor shook as they danced and sang though a fabulously fun afternoon. Year 4 attempted their own version of Chef Paul’s Rocky Road, which was a huge success I hear, though I’m rather sorry there is none left for me to put to the taste test. Pre-School and Reception also had a wonderful party, decorating gingerbread and making tree decorations and reindeer food. They were very excited playing lots of party games and even had a visit from the main man himself!
Cinderella at the Hexagon
The annual Junior school pilgrimage to the Hexagon in Reading for the Christmas Panto was eagerly anticipated this year and certainly did not disappoint. Pupils were treated to a musical extravaganza courtesy of Mr Tumble and his fellow cast members. It was a truly joy filled occasion and wonderful to see the pupils laugh, scream, cheer and sing along with such gusto! The ice-cream at the interval and Chef Paul’s carefully prepared welcome back lunch also went down especially well!
Sixth Form
Meanwhile, Sixth Form decided to spread some of the Christmas joy, visiting the elderly at the neighbouring ‘Old Vicarage’ in Moulsford. They delivered cards to the residents and took time to have a chat with some of them, including being the first to wish resident Margaret a happy 99th birthday today.
Cranford Champions!
In other news, I just thought it would be worth drawing your attention to the fact that not only have our U16 Girls’ Hockey Team made it to the Nationals (after winning the South Central Regionals round), but the U14 Boys’ Football Team have made it to the final 16 in the National Schools’ Cup. These are both hugely significant achievements that deserve rich celebration. We look forward to updating you on their next steps in the Spring Term and wish all the members of these teams best of luck in the next round.
Congratulations also to Emily, Emily (Year 8) and Crystal (Year 9) who joined over 1800 contestants at the Birmingham NEC last weekend for the British Rowing Indoor National Championships. In an electric weekend of competition, the girls’ efforts paid off with 2 PBs for Crystal and 1 for Emily. Well done!
Happy Christmas to all our families!
We have just this afternoon concluded the end of term with a wonderful Whole School Assembly. These occasions are always a highlight, as all various year groups showcase their Christmas songs and we come together to celebrate the uniqueness of our very special Cranford community. Please do take a moment to see these festive pictures of the last week of the year!
With that, I would like to wish all our families the very best wishes for the Christmas period, and a very happy 2025!
With best wishes
Dr James Raymond
Head