26 April 2024

26 April 2024

Dear Parents

The second week of the Summer Term has passed in a blur of activity, as we welcomed lots of prospective parents into Cranford for Open Week. We were so pleased with the feedback from parents, who commented on the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the school, but also noted how happy our pupils are. As I am fond of repeating, children learn when they are happy and that is something that as a school, we strive to achieve.

Excitement in Early Years!
On the theme of happiness, Reception pupils have been thoroughly immersed in their current topic of 'Let's Explore', where they are delving into the realm of emotions by discussing three things that bring them happiness. In addition, pupils have been busy exploring the nuances of homes across the world, comparing and contrasting their homes and the different types of homes families in other countries live in. Their mathematical skills are being put to the test with exciting experiments in number patterns. Amidst all this, there is huge anticipation for the forthcoming Reception Tea Party later this half-term, as the children are preparing personalised invitations. They cannot wait to send them out so watch out Reception Parents for your very special invite!

Meanwhile, Pre-School have been equally busy, celebrating ‘Earth Day’. They did a tour of the school site to litter pick, and then talked about how they may recycle some of the materials they collected. They have also created seed bombs for planting, in between working very hard in the Pre-School classroom, excavating in the sand pit, digging through rubble on the transport table and exploring literature in the reading corner!

Lunch with Year 3
A highlight for me this week has been my lunches with Year 3. They have been very excited to share their ideas and suggestions on what they would like to see in the school, one of which is a Year 3 pupils v teachers water fight. I am wholeheartedly recommending this Mr King and Miss Carpenter and am happy to be the umpire! Watch this space to see some Year 3 driven improvements coming to Cranford soon.

Junior School

Yesterday, Year 6 captivated the juniors with an assembly about St. George. The summer term positions of responsibility were also handed out to the Year 6s. We’re really looking forward to hearing their ideas and seeing the challenges and competitions they set for the Junior School.

Junior School Tea Concerts

The summer term has so many highlights for me, one of which being the Junior School Tea Concert series. Our Year Sixes got the concert season off to an extraordinary start with some exceptional solo and group performances. I was astonished by the musicanship, the musicality and the confidence and bravery the children demonstrated in their performances. I very much look forward to joining Year Five next Tuesday for the concert.

Senior School Assembly

In Senior School assembly this morning 10R led an inspiring Olympic themed assembly, encouraging the school to remember the school values and challenge themselves and each other to make the term ahead a great success! We also enjoyed celebrating and introducing our new Heads of School team and the wider group of pupils who are taking on positions of responsibility, I have no doubt they are going to be a huge success!

Summer Sport kicks off!
Finally, it is cricket season (although in my house as many of the staff and pupils know, it is a year-round passion!). We have had a fantastic start to summer term fixtures, including some epic results! Year 5 and 6 played exceptionally in their cricket matches against Sherfield School, winning all 4 games. Our U13s mixed cricket teams were victorious against Pangbourne whilst the U15 boys secured a well-deserved triumph against D’Overbroecks. Our U14s enjoyed a rain affected draw. We are hoping the summer weather is on the horizon for next week! Elsewhere in school Year 3 and 4 are engaged in highly competitive cricket matches against St Joseph’s as a write! I’m sure you’ll all join me in congratulating all the pupils who represented school this week.

Have a lovely weekend!

With best wishes
Dr James Raymond
Head