18 June 2021

I wanted to start today’s newsletter by thanking all parents of senior pupils for continuing to support our covid-secure protocols and completing lateral flow tests on a Sunday and Wednesday evening. As a parent, I know that this is an extra thing to fit into the week and I've been very grateful for your collective support and understanding.

I continue to be amazed by the way our pupils have adapted so positively to the challenges presented by Covid-19, they are truly remarkable young people and I am very proud of each and every one of them. I'm also incredibly grateful to each of you as parents for your continued support for the school.

Departing Staff
It is at this time of year we wish a very fond farewell to a number of departing staff. I am sure you will all join me in sending very best wishes to Mrs Greedy, who retires after an incredible 20 years as a Year 1 and Year 2 teacher. Mrs Greedy has inspired so many pupils during her time with Cranford and will be greatly missed by her friends and colleagues. We are also sad very sad to say goodbye to Mrs Bone who is stepping down from her role as a Year 5 class teacher. However, I am very pleased to say that Mrs Bone will still be part of the Cranford community as a Year 13 parent and we look forward to still seeing her around school next year!

We send our very best wishes to Miss Lear who is heading to Malaysia to take up an exciting new teaching position. I am sure you will all agree that Miss Lear has been a remarkable PE teacher and join me in wishing her every success in her new role! In Senior School, we send our very best wishes to Mrs McCallum who also retires after an amazing 21 years teaching History - good luck Mrs McCallum with your wonderful plans for happy a retirement! In the Art Department, Mrs Fogarty has decided to relocate home to Dorset; she will be greatly missed by everyone in school and we wish her every success in her new role! Mr Cowley has also taken the decision to retire from his teaching role at Cranford but we are delighted he has agreed to stay on as Duke of Edinburgh Award Coordinator. We look forward to still seeing Mr Cowley around school next year leading our intrepid Bronze, Silver and Gold expedition groups!!

Sports Days!
It was so wonderful to be able to enjoy Sports Day this week, and I am sure that the PE Department are thankful it wasn’t today! There was no containing the excitement and good cheer on display from all our pupils and it was heart warming to see them compete with such good grace, supporting each other and cheering on their house teams. Please do take a moment to review the photos, which capture a bit of the magic from this key event!

Higher Education Event

Please don't forget to review our virtual Higher Education event, which has been produced to help students make choices on their future and represents a range of opportunities including entrepreneurships, apprenticeships and how to prepare for university.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

James Raymond
Headmaster