15 December 2023

15 December 2023

Dear Parents

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any more Christmassy, pupils and staff across the school have propelled us into the Christmas holidays during this final week of term.

Pre-School Christmas Sing-Along
What a joyful occasion this was as our youngest performers took to the stage to demonstrate their musical talents for parents and grandparents. They delivered some lovely festive songs, complete with actions and accessories, and even displayed their counting skills in ‘Five Mince Pies in a Baker’s Shop’! The show was a treat for all the audience, which also included our Reception children who helped along with some of the singing. First Christmas shows are always incredibly special, and this one was no different, as our Pre-School children spread warmth and Christmas cheer to all!

Junior and Senior Carol Service
A truly magical time for the entire Cranford community, we were thrilled to be able to welcome parents, staff and pupils to Dorchester Abbey on Monday and Tuesday for our annual Carol Services. Despite the fact I openly admit to enjoying a Christmas film in November, the Carol Services truly herald the start of Christmas. There is something magical about them, as they show-case the incredible musical talents of so many of our pupils across the Junior and Senior School and the confidence and eloquence of our pupil speakers. The pupils performed beautifully; I was so proud of everyone’s efforts and the sense of occasion earmarked the official start of the festive season in the Raymond household! Thank you to all the parents who attended – we hope you enjoyed it too.

Junior Pantomime Trip
The Junior School boarded coaches bound for Oxford on Wednesday afternoon, on their traditional annual pantomime trip. There was great excitement and chatter and we arrived at The Oxford Playhouse in good time to take our seats to watch ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. With vibrant characters including Eileen the cow and a rock-guitar wielding baddy as the brother of the giant, there was entertainment and hilarity in abundance. The children behaved impeccably, enjoying the show and participating with eager enthusiasm, exchanging banter and joining in with some of the songs.

Christmas at Cranford
With Juniors enjoying Christmas parties on Thursday, Pre-School, Reception and Year 1 and 2 having a very special visit from Father Christmas also on Thursday and fiercely fought House Panto competition in Senior School, we have all been feeling incredibly festive as the week has progressed. However, the highlight today has been our Whole School Christmas lunch. We all enjoyed a spectacular feast and must thank Chef Paul and his team for their calm demeanour in serving so many people in one sitting. I’m not sure I could make beans on toast for that many people, let alone a full Christmas lunch.

Full and happy, all the staff and pupils gathered in one of my favourite events this afternoon, for a Whole School Assembly. Celebrating lots of musical interludes from the various year group Christmas shows, there was a definite sense of anticipation amongst the staff and pupils, as we look forward to a wonderful Christmas break.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas with your families and best wishes as we look forward to 2024!

With best wishes,

Dr James Raymond

Headmaster