17 November 2023
17 November 2023
Dear Parents
As I write I’ve just returned from an exciting and hard-fought afternoon of Junior School Inter-House Hockey! I never cease to be impressed by the sporting prowess of our pupils and I particularly enjoyed the strong house spirit and loud support provided from the sidelines! Congratulations to all of our Hockey players on a wonderful afternoon of competition and a particular well done to St Christopher (Green) on their victory!
Anti-Bullying Week
In Senior School Assembly this morning, 9E talked with huge maturity and warmth about the importance of happiness and generosity of spirit as they reflected on the themes discussed in form time across anti-bullying week:-
“Too often, we are silent when we see bullying take place, silent about the hurt bullying causes, and silent when we hear bullying dismissed as ‘just banter’. It doesn't have to be this way. Of course, we won’t like everyone and we don’t always agree, but we can choose respect and unity Together, we can make a difference and take a stand against bullying.”
They left the school to reflect on how they wish to remember the 11,000 hours they will spend together across their school career and reminded everyone of the values the bind us together as a community at Cranford.
Junior School used their form times this week to discuss the antibullying theme “Make a Noise about Bullying!” They reflected in their assembly on the importance of “sticking up” for their friends and making a “noise” about unkind behaviour.
Children in Need
Many thanks to the whole school community for getting behind our fundraising activities for Children in Need today. This is always one of the most important charity days of the school year and I’ve been very grateful for the enthusiastic support offered by pupils
Senior School Admission
We have had a busy week of interviews and scholarship assessment for entrance into senior school. I’m sure you will all join me in congratulating Year 6 on their impressive performance at interview. It is always a real treat hearing about the diverse range of books they are reading, exploring their favourite subjects and myriad sport, music and artistic talents! As a school we are delighted to be so heavily over-subscribed for entry at senior school with over 3 applicants for every place in Year 7. Many thanks for the continued support for the school from all of our families.
Y10 Parents Evening and Y7 Parent Coffee Morning
Elsewhere in school this week it is was wonderful to welcome so many families for the Y7 coffee morning and Y10 Parents evening. These events are so important and it was lovely to touch base with so many families. I have been particularly impressed by the strong start to life in Senior School made by Y7 and it is always exciting to hear how Year 10 are finding the first term of their GCSEs!
Year 3 – Visiting Zoo
Year Three spent the afternoon on Wednesday learning all about creepy crawlies for their new topic Predators and Prey. The children learnt so many amazing scientific facts about snails, stick insects, tarantulas and even snakes, they even got to handle them! Hopefully they were all packed away safely, and we don’t find any hiding after the weekend!
PTA Christmas Fair
We are all looking forward to the PTA Christmas fair next Saturday! I very much hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a wonderful afternoon in school! Many thanks in advance to the PTA for everything they are doing to bring together this very special whole community event.
The PTA would also like to thank our Cranford community for their generosity in creating the most amazing list of raffle prizes that the Cranford Christmas Fair has ever seen. The online raffle has prizes which this year include hotel stays in Thailand and the Lake District and a weekend away in the Cotswolds, just what you need after Christmas! From Golf to the Gallops, from the theatre to the spa, there is something for everyone, especially the Junior School who each would like a chance to win a super squishmallow! https://go.rallyup.com/cranford-christmas-raffle-2023
In preparation for the Christmas Fair, the maintenance team have a busy weekend ahead, decorating the school and getting us ready to make the most of the school run-up to Christmas!
I hope you are all looking forward to a restful weekend,
With best wishes
Dr James Raymond
Head