30 September 2022
Harvest Festival
The weather feels truly Autumnal now, with a noticeable change in the environment as the leaves begin to fall, mornings are more crisp and the ground is abundant with conkers and acorns. The meaning of harvest is different in every culture, but the common theme across all cultures is that of giving thanks, reflecting on how lucky we are in our community to have more than enough, whilst also thinking about families across the world who are less fortunate.
This theme we explored in both our Junior and Senior Harvest assemblies, thinking of others and spending time rejoicing and being thankful. Thank you to all parents who contributed so generously to our collection for Wallingford Food Bank. We were able to gift a lot of food, for which I know they are very grateful.
Cranford’s Mini Marathon!
Today saw both the Junior and Senior School take on the mini-London Marathon. From Reception to Year 13 and our staff, everyone took on the 2.6-mile distance with a smile on their face. A few of the more serious runners in the Senior School took on the first mini–Ultra Backfield Challenge, committing themselves to run as many laps as they could in the time allowed.
Coming together as community to take on the challenge of 9 backfield laps, gave us the opportunity to see our pupils showing all the Cranford Values - challenge, motivation, confidence and happiness as they ran and walked with their friends. Our final value, generosity of spirit was evident as the pupils gave their time and energy to support each other. We would like to extend our thanks for the sponsors of the children - at the latest count £2400 has been raised for the PSP Association and we know that the charity will be over the moon with such a wonderful donation!
Big Buddy, Little Buddy
Generosity of spirit was in abundant display on Thursday, as our Senior pupils enjoyed their next ‘Big Buddy, Little Buddy’. We are delighted with the response to this new initiative in school, which is designed to bring together our older and younger pupils every other week during Form Time, encouraging them to support each other, make new friends and providing leadership and development opportunities. The pupils are really embracing the chance to reach out and get to know each other, collaborating on various activities in each session and really enhancing our whole school community.
Parent Events this week and next!
Thank you to the Year 1 and 2 Parents who attended the Coffee Mornings earlier in the week and to all the parents who came to the Sports Tour Meeting on Monday – we know there is great excitement ahead of the trip to Amsterdam, which really does sound amazing! It was also lovely to welcome the many new and existing Year 7 parents on Thursday at our Year 7 Parent Tutor Meeting. The pupils have settled exceptionally well into Senior School life and we are delighted with their progress.
Looking ahead to next week, please don’t forget that all pupils and families are welcome to attend our Sixth Form Options Evening on Tuesday from 6:00pm. Whether you are a new Year 7 pupil keen to find out more, or a Year 9 pupil considering GCSE options and how this feeds into A level study, all are welcome at this fun, informal event. We can’t wait to see you there.
Finally, I am thrilled to be able to announce the safe arrival of Mrs Carter’s second child, Eddie, on Wednesday evening. I am sure you will all joining me in wishing Mr and Mrs Carter congratulations and we look forward to meeting Eddie in the near future!
Have a good weekend!
Dr James Raymond
Headmaster