Welcome to The Courier, Crescent School's electronic newsletter.

We had wonderful dress rehearsal of the two Pre-Prep Nativites this week.  Both Nativity productions are being filmed on Monday and parents will be in for a treat when the link is sent out to watch.

Our Advent Service was postponed today due to the weather, it will now be held on Tuesday 8 December.

Do read on to find out what has been happening this week.

Please click here to email The Courier.

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Headmaster's Message

Headmaster's Message

Dear Parents

It is certainly feeling more and more like Christmas in the last few days here. As I walked around the school on Thursday afternoon the sounds of Carol Service recordings and Nativity rehearsals seemed to be coming out of every doorway. We have the recordings of the plays taking place next week before they are sent out to parents before the end of term. The Carol Service will need some editing and continuity work and should be with children and parents by the final week of term. I do hope you enjoy these productions when they come out to you, the children have had great fun putting them together.

On a similar theme, I hope you get a chance to view the open corridors Vimeo that will be coming out to you this weekend. This is a lovely way to mark the children’s work and a great representation of the all the fun of the Christmas Art Day (glitter free this year). We have had to postpone today’s Advent Service on the playground with the forecast of sleet and snow, but the hope is we can get this in on Tuesday of next week.

This week we have all heard the encouraging news regarding the Covid vaccine and we can start to imagine better days ahead in the not too distant future. When we do get the green light, one of the things we would love to do is get parents in for concerts and performances. I know full well just how much these mean to parents. For now, we are very conscious of the need to keep our guard up for a while longer yet, particularly over the Christmas holiday period and the potentially risky period following that when we return to work in the new year. My own daughter is about to return from her first term at university and is hoping to get a test a few days before she travels. Fingers are crossed that she can and that it is negative and we can spend the holiday together as a family.

Have a great weekend.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

 

Weekly Information

Weekly Calendar

The weekly calendar can be viewed by clicking on the link below.  It details all the clubs, events, fixtures and additional information for the week. 

Weekly Calendar - 7 December 2020 

Please note co-curricular clubs finish this week.  There are no clubs on the last two days of term,  Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 December 2020.

All the co-curricular clubs can be viewed on SOCS, where you can find details of all the dates the clubs are running.  

SOCS Co-Curricular

Crescent School

News

Mid Year Reports

Please be aware that Mid-Year Reports will be published on My School Portal next Friday 11 December around 4pm.

These are for all children in years Reception to Year 6, but not class 5F. 5F receive their Mid-Year report at February half term as we move towards the secondary school application process.

Your child(ren)'s teachers have spent much time preparing these for you to enjoy, showing attainment, pastoral aspects, and future targets. 

Ms Forth
Deputy Head

Poppy Appeal Update

Thank you all for your generous contribution to this year's Poppy Appeal, despite Covid restrictions Crescent School raised an amazing £418.16! 

As you can see from the attached letter the Royal British Legion really appreciated the extra effort we put in supporting this year's appeal.

Crescent School

 

Events

Advent Celebration

Tuesday 8 December 2020

Unfortunately due to the weather forecast today we have postponed our celebration until Tuesday 8 December.

We will be holding a socially distanced celebration, where we can light the lights on the Christmas tree with some carols and cookies.

Please can all children have their coats in school on this day.

Crescent School

Flu Vaccination Date

Thursday 10 December 2020 - 9.00am - 12.00pm

Flu vaccinations will take place in school, for all years, on Thursday 10 December 2020.  

Crescent School

 

Virtual Christmas Carol Service

We are determined not to miss the joy of our Carol Service this year, which is usually held in the final days of term, so we have planned a virtual experience that will involve each class (this is an extra treat as it is usually only just the upper school).

We will be sharing it with you on Monday 14 December so you can enjoy the experience as a family over the Christmas holidays.  More details will follow nearer the time.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

 

Christmas Jumper Day

Tuesday 15 December 2020

Our Christmas Jumper Day this year will be on Tuesday 15 December 2020. On that day, children should wear normal school uniform, but instead of their green pullover/cardigan, they can wear a Christmas jumper.

Please bring in a £1 donation for our charity of the term, Hope4. This can be placed in the container on each teacher's desk.

Mrs Monteith

 

Year 6 Parents 11+ Results Consultation On Teams

Wednesday 16 December and Thursday 17 December 2020 (times to be confirmed)

As you are aware Grammar School scores are scheduled to be released mid-December.  However, School may have finished for the term by then.

Mr Thackway and I will be available at some point on the days of Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December to talk to parents about the results that they have received.

We will make bookings times available nearer the time.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Awards

Junior da Vinci Awards

This week we are awarding a JdVs  to :

  • Amy in English
  • Aria in English
  • Asha in English
  • Isabella in English
  • Stephanie for Science
  • Bella D for RE

Well done to you all.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

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Pre-Prep Reading Certificates

Pre-Prep reading certificates have, this week, been presented to:

  • Evelyn
  • Herbie
  • Nora
  • Thomas

Well done to you all.

Mr Webb
Head of Pre-Prep

 

Playground Conduct Awards

This week Playground Conduct Awards are presented to:

  • Ellie for being kind and friendly to her friends in the Playground 

  • Isaac for being a team player at lunchtime, always smiling and being polite

Lunchtime Supervisors

 
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Times Table Rockstars

Pupils who have reached Level 420 on automatic training mode in the Garage and Gigs are awarded a JdV for Maths Practice:

  • Alex G - 3Y
  • Stephanie  - 5F

Weekly battle 20 - 26 November:

  • Boys scored 50,201 points
  • Girls scored   9,280 points

Well done, Boys' Team, again! That is correct - did you know that there are a few more girls than boys in school, so come on, girls!

Most Valuable players contributing the most points to their teams are:

  1st 2nd 3rd
Boys Bryson - 4M Shiv - 3Y Hany - 6W
Girls Liana - 5F Stephanie - 5F Rosina - 5F
 
Improve your levels rehearsing in the Garage at least three times a week, before you play your next 'Gig'. The computer will give you bespoke questions depending on your answers and speed.
 
Go to Arena and play against classmates only - all have to be logged on at the same time at the same Arena.

Each class can have the speediest TT Rock Star and that gets you up the status board on the poster. To get on this board you must tackle the single player game in the 'Studio', multi-player does not count for these. These also earn more coins than the multiplayer games too. 

Plenty of action so last week's most improved speedsters in each class are:

Class  Name  Title
3Y Edward G-H Wannabe
3Y Maisie  Support Act
3Y Alex G Rockstar
3Y Alex T Rockstar
3Y Shiv  Rock Legend
3Y Shayla Support Act
3Y Alice Gigger
3Y Edward F Garage Rocker
3Y Sam B Support Act
3Y Sam O Wannabe
5F Aryan Rock Legend
6W Isaac Rockstar
6W Hany Rock Hero
6W George C Rock Star
 
I have also set up a 'Battle' from Friday 4 - 10 December, 'Girls Vs Boys' for the whole school. 

Battles add up any points at all as you play! I will let you know who wins in the next Courier.

Please note only the children should play on their account or it influences the level appropriate to them.

Stay Calm and Keep Rocking!

Art Frizzmeister 
Deputy Head

Around The Classes

Reception Roundup

Please click on the link below to read all about what the Reception Classes have been learning this week.  Please scroll through the gallery of photos attached to this article.

Reception Round Up -7 December 2020

Mrs Pullen and Mrs Emery
Reception Class Teachers
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Class 1S Christingles

Class 1S learnt all about Christingles this week in RE and also the symbolism of each part. The orange represents the world in which we live and the red ribbon is for the blood when Jesus died. The candle shows that Jesus is the light of the world and the 4 cocktail sticks represent the four seasons, or some people think the four compass directions - north, south, east and west. 

We had fun decorating our Christingles with sweets, chocolate raisins and marshmallows to celebrate all the good things that God has given us. Look out for online Christingle services in our area if you too, want to join in!

A couple of local options...

St Mark's Church, Rugby 11 December 2020

St Andrew's Church, Rugby: 24 December 2020  https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/13017/service-and-events/events/470772/

Mrs Stapleton
Class 1S Form Teacher
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Classes 1S and 2W Nativity

Excitement grew significantly this week as children rehearsed in their costumes for the first time in advance of next week's filming.  The was clearer speaking, louder singing and fabulous movements. 

We can't wait for you all to see it.

Mr Webb
Head of Pre-Prep
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Class 2W Christmas Tree Design Competition

During this week's art lesson, Class 2W designed their own dream Christmas tree. Samuel won our competition with a very colourful tree with presents actually on the tree and a fantastic rainbow star!  He won a small chocolate selection pack to celebrate, well done, Samuel!

Mrs Stapleton
Class 2W Art Teacher

Class 5F French Penpals

After Class 4M receiving their letters from France last week, Class 5F penpal letters have finally arrived and we opened them yesterday.

We are so excited!

Madame Tatton
MFL Teacher

 

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Class 6W English

Comprehension comes in all different forms. We are studying the narrative poem The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes. After listening to it the children then had a selection of sentences from the poem which they had to put in the correct order to tell the story. 

It wasn't an easy task but they did very well.

Mrs Webb
Class 6W Form Teacher

 

 

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Co-Curricular 2W Board Games

Class 2W children enjoyed an exciting board games co-currricular club on Monday.  There was Guess Who, Racing Snails, Draughts, Monopoly and many more.

Lots of fun was had by all.

Crescent School

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Co-Curricular 3Y Craft Club

Craft Club worked hard and had lots of fun creating these colourful penguin pictures for our corridor display board.

The children enjoyed deciding whether their penguins needed hats, ear muffs or Minecraft consoles!!

Merry Christmas from 3Y's Craft Club.

Mrs Dowling
Teaching Assistant
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School Promise

School Promise Rule Of The Week

For a two or three week period this year we will be focusing on one of the sayings in the new School Promise. We will talk about this in assembly and in form period. It would be great if you could discuss this with your children at home and support the messages we are emphasising in school.

This week we consider the category of Good Learners. The idea behind this week’s promise is resilience and perseverance. This is such a key element of being a good learner. The desire and determination to master new skills can take children such a long way in education.

'We never give up and always try again'

Mr Webb
Assistant Head

Digital Citizenship

Blue Peter’s Gaming Competition

Blue Peter are currently running an amazing gaming competition with a truly fantastic prize up for grabs, a real once in a life time opportunity!

All you have to do is:

  • Make a short video talking about yourself, your favourite things, hobbies, talents, school etc.
  • Design a new character skin for the new game Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, complete with picture and written description.
     

It’s a great chance to show off your creativity and practice your ICT skills, so if it sounds like your sort of thing, please have a go!

The deadline for entries is Wednesday 30 December, so you’ve got most of the Christmas holidays to complete you entry. All other details can be found on the website link:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/bp-competition

Good luck, and if you need any help or tips, just ask!

Mr Adkins
Head of Digital Learning

Sport

Year 4 House Football

Despite the damp and extremely muddy conditions, the 2nd round of the Year 4 house football was played with a real sense of determination and desire. The competition kicked off with the Red team taking on the current champions the Blues. The game was end to end from the first second, played at real pace. The Blues were the first to strike, Sam finishing coolly from distance.

Despite some fantastic goal-keeping from Tegan ‘The Mud-Devil’ for the Reds, the Blues added two more to their lead before half-term, Grace finishing a great 1 on 1, then Sam turning in a deflection from close range. Following a very impassioned team talk from the Red’s skipper Charlie at the interval, they came out a much the stronger team, both Ellie and Bryson coming very close to pulling a goal back.

The Blues were to have the final say however with an absolute wonder goal from Grace C, picking up the ball on the halfway line, then dribbling through the entire Red team before slotting past the keeper, leaving the final score 4-0 Blues.

They then continued their strong form into the second game, once again quickly taking control against a Yellow side who were caught napping. Finn bagged a quick brace and Sam completing a hat-trick to leave the score 5-0 at the half. Once again the Yellows did not let their heads drop and came out after the break the stronger team, with some excellent midfield battling from Libby and Zara. Unfortunately they couldn’t find the back of the net and a late finish from Sam left the game at 6-0 to the Blues. This cemented the Blues as champions once more and left the final game as a straight shoot out for 2nd place… and what a thriller it turned out to be!

After a very cagey start, Alex was able to use his pace to break free of the Red defence and powerfully slot the ball home to take the lead. More midfield battling ensued, before the whistle blew for the half, the Yellows leading by a goal to nil. Once again buoyed by their captain, the Reds were straight out of the blocks in the second half, Bryson finishing a well worked team goal. The game then continued end to end, with plenty of chances for both teams, Tegan once again having a stormer for the Reds in goal. Following some sharp passing, the Yellows took the lead again with Lara hammering the ball into the back of the net. The Reds were not going down without a fight however, and with seconds left on the clock Ellie worked her way through the defence and beat the keeper to tie things up. The game finished 2-2, Reds pipping the Yellows to the 2nd spot on goal difference. Special mentions go to Grace C for some very silky footwork and Tegan, for being more muddy than I thought possible during an afternoon of football!

Mr Adkins
Teacher of Boys Games

 

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Year 5 House football

The Year 5 House football was played in excellent spirits and with fantastic teamwork and comradery. The tournament kicked off with the Blues taking on previous runners-up the Yellows. Right from the off, Aryan really made his mark on the game, dictating play masterfully from midfield for Yellow house. This quickly led to them taking a 3-0 lead before half-time, Evie opening the scoring, Sachin adding a second and Aryan himself finishing a fine team goal.

The Blues rallied well after the interval, but once again the opposition proved too strong and despite some excellent goal keeping from Ro, Sachin again found the back of the net before Aryan bagged two more, including an excellent, dipping long-range effort. The final score 6-0.

The Blues then found themselves up again the Reds, and showed immediately that the opening loss had not dented their drive or determination. They battled incredibly hard and were incredibly unlucky not to score, Rosina hitting the post and Sophie coming close twice. The Reds responded well however, a good counter-attacking move finished well by Kai to make it 1-0 Reds at the half.

The Reds then came out of their shells in the 2nd half and despite some resilient defending from James, Dorrit and Liana, Kai completed his hat-trick scoring twice more and Charlotte netted to round off a fine attacking team performance, the game finishing 4-0.

So the last game became a winner-takes all final between the Reds and Yellows! With everything to play for, the first half was a very cagey affair, both defences proving too strong, 0-0 at the half.

The Yellows came out stronger after the break, attacking pressure leading to a handball penalty which was then superbly saved by Faris in the Red goal! The celebrations were short lived however, the man of the moment Aryan again showing his class with another deadly accurate long-range attempt that found the back of the net.

The Reds though were not going down without a fight, and with seconds to go, good pressure from Steph and Katherine allowed Kai to equalise from close range, tying things up at 1-1.

Yellows finished overall winners on goal difference, Reds taking the runners-up spot. Player of the tournament goes to Aryan, special mentions to Abigail and Sophia who played their hearts out throughout.

Mr Adkins
Teacher of Boys Games
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FoC Events

FoC Meeting - Monday 11 January 2021

Monday 11 January 2021 - 8pm

This will take place via Zoom, please come along and join us for this meeting where we will be discussing events for the Easter term.

Log-in details will be sent out nearer the time. 

Zara Corbin
FoC Chair

FoC

FoC Active October Hope4 Update

Thank you so much to everyone who took part in this initiative. We have raised an amazing £1,216.50 for the Hope4 charity. This is an incredible total and one I know will make a big difference to this local charity. 

Zara Corbin
FoC Chair

FoC - Contact Information

Below are the details of the FoC Year Group Representatives. These reps will communicate with you on all our events via email, whatsapp or facebook. 

Year Group 1st Rep 2nd Rep
Reception RE Hannah Gowney-Hedges  
Reception RP Zainab Remi-Omosowon  
Year 1 Vicky Morley Lisa Millward
Year 2 Sanda Mocanu Fatima Masood
Year 3 Inez de Koning Karen Williams
Year 4 Emilie Crowfoot Claire Brosnan
Year 5 Semma King Anita Somerset
Year 6 Kal Mistry Amy Sarkies

 

Chairpnerson Zara Corbin chair@friendsofcrescent.co.uk
Treasurer  Nick Brosnan  treasurer@friendsofcrescent.co.uk
Secretary Amy Sarkies secretary@friendsofcrescent.co.uk
Staff Reps
Ms Forth and
Mrs Webb
 
FoC  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofcrescent/
 
Zara Corbin
FoC Chair

Housekeeping

Lunch Menu Week Commencing 7 December 2020

Please click on the link below to view the lunch menu for next week: 

Lunch Menu 7 December 2020 

Children are able to have either of the main options.

Crescent School Office

 

Term Dates 2020/21 And 2021/22

Please find below term dates for 2020/21 and 2021/22:

2020/21
Michaelmas Term
Term starts Tuesday 1 September 2020
Half Term Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November 2020
Term ends Tuesday 15 December 2020

Lent Term
Term starts Tuesday 5 January 2021
Half Term Saturday 13 February to Sunday 21 February 2021
Term ends Friday 26 March 2021

Trinity Term
Term starts Monday 19 April 2021
May Bank holiday - Monday 3 May 2021 (no school)
Half Term Saturday 29 May to Sunday 6 June 2021
Term ends Tuesday 6 July 2021

2021/22
Michaelmas Term
Term starts Monday 6 September 2021
Half Term Saturday 16 October to Sunday 31 October 2021
Term ends Tuesday 14 December 2021

Lent Term
Term starts Wednesday 5 January 2022
Half Term Saturday 19 February to Sunday 27 February 2022
Term ends Tuesday 5 April 2022

Trinity Term
Term starts Monday 25 April 2022
May Bank Holiday Monday 2 May 2022 (no school)
Half Term Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June 2022
Term ends Wednesday 6 July 2022

Useful School Contact Information

Please see below for useful school contact information:

Crescent School Office
01788 521595
admin@crescentschool.co.uk
Postal address: Crescent School, Bawnmore Road, Bilton, Rugby CV22 7QH
 
After School Club
Ms Hunte
07467 488440
 
Bills, Fees and Online Payment
01926 634273
georginamalin@princethorpe.co.uk
 
Registrar
01788 523851
admissions@crescentschool.co.uk
 
School Shop and Uniform
01926 634272
uniform@princethorpe.co.uk
 
Princethorpe College General Office
01926 634200
post@princethorpe.co.uk
 
Pathfinders Nursery
01788 813666
info@pathfindersnursery.co.uk
 
twitter:    @CrescentSchRug
facebook: @cres.school

Anti-Fraud

Cyber-crime – please be extra vigilant

Parents are asked to be vigilant when reading emails relating to the payment of school fees and any other items to the Foundation.

We continue to receive reports regarding spam emails.  The latest scam offers a large discount on fees for the coming academic year if paid immediately.

This is probably trying to take advantage of the fact that some independent schools have offered discounts for this term and that parents may therefore be more open to such a suggestion. You can always protect yourselves by only making payments to us in line with our normal, published methods.

As advised, there has been no change to the bank details of either Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall or Crescent and there is no intention to make any changes in the foreseeable future. Any electronic notification that appears to be from any of the Foundation schools changing these details may be fraudulent.  Our bank details are available on the Parent Bills, the Online Payment Portal and in the Information Booklet for each school, and only those details should be used.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleagues in the Bursary if you are have any doubts about the correct details or indeed if anything appears suspicious. 

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar



 

The Princethorpe Foundation Employment Opportunities

The Foundation has the following vacancies:

  • Princethorpe College - Graduate Sports Coach 2021-22
  • Princethorpe College - Database Development Assistant
  • Princethorpe College - Lunchtime Supervisors

Full details and information on how to apply are available on the Foundation website here:

www.princethorpe.co.uk/join-us

Should you know anyone who might be interested in these posts, please do share this information with them.

COVID-19

Face Coverings On School Grounds

In line with other local schools and Warwickshire County Council’s message below, please wear face coverings on school grounds (if you are able) when dropping off and collecting children. 

Please remember there is plenty of space around school to socially distance.

Many thanks for you for your co-operation.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

Letter For Parents About COVID-19 Symptoms

Public Health England have produced a letter for schools to distribute to parents which explains when a person requires a coronavirus test and what the symptoms of coronavirus are. They have asked us to share and circulate this letter amongst parents at the school.

The intention of the letter is to help prevent children being taken out of school unnecessarily and answer some of the questions parents may have around testing.

You can view the letter here.

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Covid Symptoms Guidance And School Process

Children or adults with symptoms must not enter school. Parents must check for symptoms each day before bringing their child into school.

The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

  • a high temperature – please, if you have not already done so, source a thermometer to check temperatures at home
  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Any children or adult who develops symptoms will need to leave the building as soon as possible and be tested for Covid-19.

Details on testing can be obtained at www gov uk/get-coronavirus-test or call the Test and Trace Helpdesk on 119.

Hand held thermometers will be used to check the temperature of any individual feeling unwell. Children who develop symptoms during the school day will be taken to the Meeting Room and their parents called to come and collect the child, as well as any siblings of the child.

Other members of the household should self-isolate for 14 days from when the symptomatic person first had symptoms, or until a negative test result is returned.

In the event of a positive test result the full protocols of test and trace will be followed www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works#

Children returning from restricted areas outside UK must self-isolate as advised by the government guidance before returning to school.