The Courier

Staff and pupils at Crescent School have said a fond farewell to two very much-loved members of staff this week. Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, and Dinner Lady, Mrs Lesley Shallcross are both retiring after together accruing over 50 years of dedicated service here at Crescent School.

Mrs Morley joined the Crescent back in 1998 and over the years has worked for four headteachers, first as school secretary, then PA to the Head, Bursar and finally as Registrar. She has been a terrific servant to the school for such a long time, supporting the senior leadership with her invaluable school knowledge, common sense and good advice, dealing with plenty of challenges and demands along the way, always with good humour.

As a member of the support staff, her contributions to the success of the school will have often gone unnoticed and yet behind the scenes, she has been the backbone to the school. Her work has supported all our pupils and parents as they pass through the school. Known for her incredible style, daily walks and love of a good roast dinner, she will be much missed by all.

Former Headmaster, Huw Marshall, comments, “As a Head one needs colleagues around you who you can trust completely to do a good job with common sense, honesty, integrity and loyalty. I couldn’t have asked for a better colleague that Helen Morley. It was a great pleasure to work with her and I wish her every happiness for her well-deserved retirement.”

Headmaster, Joe Thackway adds, “Helen’s positivity and hard work will be greatly missed. She has shown great commitment to the school, which together with her versatility and well organised approach has made her a much-valued member of the Crescent team. Her contributions have made a lasting impact, and her presence will be much missed.”

Then after serving up thousands of school dinners, Mrs Lesley Shallcross is also moving on. Another dedicated school servant, she has worked at Crescent in different capacities over the last 30 years, most recently in the kitchen. Known as a kind and wise soul, the care and attention she has generously lavished on all has made her much loved by children and staff.

Joe Thackway, continued, “Mrs Shallcross has been a wonderful member of our school community supporting generations of children who have passed through the school. She has always had such a calm and well-rounded disposition; she loves the children, and they all love her. We thank her for all her hard work and wish her every happiness in her retirement.”

Chair of Trustees, Liz Griffin, presented Mrs Morley and Mrs Shallcross with flowers, cards and gifts from us all here at Crescent School earlier this week at the Spring Concert. They leave with the very best wishes of the whole Crescent community and heartfelt thanks for everything they have done during their time here at Crescent School.

Year 2 delivered a swashbuckling performance on Wednesday morning for their Lent Term production, Pirates Versus Mermaids.

A lot of hard work had gone into the rehearsals, learning the songs, memorising lines, sorting out costumes, scenery and planning the production, and what a wonderful adventure it proved to be.

It told the story of trainee pirate, Captain Scarypants, and his crew, and the small problem that none of them can swim. Of course, the answer lies with the mermaids, but the pirates do not like the mermaids and the mermaids do not like the pirates. What unfolded provided lots of laughter as they all learnt to get along.

The production was fabulous and showcasing the talents, confidence and stage presence of Crescent School's young pupils. We hope you all enjoyed the show!

Crescent School's Spring Concert took place this afternoon, with the school hall packed with parents eager to be entertained by an afternoon of fine music and song. They were not disappointed!

The orchestra opened the concert, performing two pieces confidently, Yesterday and In The Mood, the impact of their recent orchestra workshop clear to see. They were followed by a mix of instrumental solos and music group performances, all showcasing their talent, hard work and dedication.

Brass Group belted out two well known pieces, Can You Feel The Love and Bare Necessities. Wacky Music then had great fun performing Wimoweh. While Flute Group performed a piece written specially for them, Spanish Vista.

Performing solos in the concert, many of them exam pieces, were Zac J on piano, Edward M on baritone, Thomas B on trumpet and Charlotte W on vocals.

The concert concluded with a powerful performance by the Choir. Pupils from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 sang four pieces enthusiastically, London’s Burning, River Song, Love In My Heart and There’s A Power In The Music.

Our enormous thanks and congratulations go to all Crescent School's accomplished performers who took to the stage in front of their proud parents, and of course to all their teachers and Director of Music, Julie Barnes who have helped them achieve so much.

I know many of you are looking for reading books for your children. This link from Rugby library leads you to a great site which recommends books for different ages. I cannot guarantee that they are on Accelerated Reading but if you wish to check please use AR Bookfinder to check.  

Happy Reading.