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

Another sunny week with the children returning after their half term break.

There are lots of articles to read in our Around The Classes section to find out what the children have been up to.

Our Cover photo is the Year 3 cricketers in their cricket whites ready for their first match at Crackley Hall.

Have a lovely weekend.

Click here to email the Courier.

Preview

Headmaster's Message

Headmaster's Message

Dear Parents

We have enjoyed a wonderful week of sunny weather following the half term break, with the children settling in quickly to their school routines. All of the exciting lessons and sports events have all gone ahead and have been much enjoyed by all of the children.

I particularly enjoyed an afternoon over at Crackley Hall watching the girls and boys play cricket and rounders, showing true Crescent sportsmanship and a simple love of competing.

Building work on the new Horton Centre is now well underway and the progress has been really impressive so far. The children have all been interested to see the new and exciting contraptions coming onto the site and it is particularly interesting to see the techniques that the builders use to establish the foundations for the brickwork. I will talk quite a bit about this project at the Welcome Evening later in the term but for now progress is very promising.

In assembly earlier in the week I talked about the importance of staying safe in sun with a reminder for the children of the old slogan ‘Slip, Slap, Slop’. Thanks to Mr Egg for his special appearance. Please do send your children in with the right protection, both in the form of sun hats and sun cream.

Next week this will be particularly important on Tuesday, when we have the Upper School Sports Day over at Princethorpe College. Lots of planning has gone into this and I am sure it will be an enjoyable event, despite the absence of parents this year. We will do everything we can to provide as many action shots to keep you informed of everything that happens.

In the meantime, I wish you a happy and peaceful weekend.

Best wishes

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

 

Wildflower Competition

I started the week in my assembly, talking about all of the wonderful wildflowers that can be seen in the countryside at this time of year. I went on a marvellous walk up to Bredon Hill in Worcestershire with my family during half term and as we went we took photos of all of the wildflowers that we saw.

I have recently downloaded a brilliant little app that enables you to identify the different species with a quick photo. I am sure there are other apps out there but the one I’ve been using is called ‘Picture This’. If your children are interested, you might want to have a look.

To follow up from the assembly I have been running a wildflower competition and the children have been identifying different local wildflowers from photos on a display in the corridors of Pre-Prep and Upper School.

Lots of children have taken part and stickers have gone out to all of the entrants, of whom there are too many to mention.

Well done and thank you for everyone who had a go.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

Event Planning For The Remainder Of Term Reminder

As we look towards the final weeks of this school year, there are number of important events coming into view where we would normally welcome parental attendance.

When planning these events, we need to work alongside the other schools of the Foundation and I think there is a common feeling that, having got this far, we don't want to jeopardise any of the gains we have made in the final weeks of the year. That is not to say we are putting a blanket ban on parental attendance, but we are adopting a cautious approach that I do hope you will understand.

We should know more later in June as the government announces details of the final stage of the road map out of lockdown, with 21 June a potentially significant date. It is important to note that although restrictions may (or may not) be relaxed, or completely removed, it is most unlikely that the test and trace system will go.

We are mindful that families are about to go on summer holidays and that a call to isolate following close contact at a school event would be most unwelcome at the end of the term or the beginning of the break.

The first such event is Sports Day at Princethorpe College on the 15 June. This falls before the 21 June date and we are not intending to invite parents to this event, in line with a Foundation-wide agreement on sporting fixtures. In particular, this event would create problems around access to toilets and parking, on what is a normal school day at the College.

In terms of other events that occur later in the term, and after the key date of 21 June, we are hoping for some level of parental attendance in a managed and safe way but can’t make any firm commitments at this stage. There are quite a number of events that this will affect, including Pre-Prep Sports Day, Welcome Evening, Open Book Afternoon and Leavers’ Celebration Assembly. We will share the full details of our final plans with you as early as we can next half term to allow you to make your plans.

Best wishes

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 - 14 June 2021

You can log into SOCS here to view your child(ren)'s activities:

SOCS

After School provision can be booked through My School Portal.

MySchoolPortal 

Crescent School

News

Work Progresses On Horton Centre

Great progress has been made on the Horton Centre this week as you can see from the photos in the gallery. As Mr Thackway mentioned we had some big machines on site.

We plan to keep you abreast of progress by sharing photos in the Courier each week.

Crescent School

View Gallery

Year 5 Reports And Transition Meetings

Parents of 5F pupils will be receiving their end of year report today. It will be available on My School Portal from approximately 4pm. Enjoy reading about the achievements of your children, staff have ensured that these reports are a thorough and an accurate reflection of the second part of the year, including some of the lockdown and home learning period. Please note that the House Point total is for the whole of Lent term as Trinity has not been collated yet.

Also, a reminder that Transition Meetings are on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 June, at the times you have all signed up for. As these are online, you will be emailed the relevant data for your child on the day of your meeting. Please keep a look out for your emails and have the data available to you as we will refer to it.

Ms Forth
Deputy Head

Stephanie's Musical Assembly Performance

Our musical treat in Assembly today was provided by Stephanie who played a lovely, calming piece on the flute called Cinq Sets.

Thank you Stephanie. 

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

Huevos Rancheros Lunchtime Treat

What a treat we had this lunchtime when Mr Moore asked us to taste test a new dish he was cooking.  We can both say it was absolutely delicious!

How lucky are the children at school having Mr Moore as their chef manager!

Mrs Tucker and Mrs Robinson

View Gallery

Uniform Standards - Wearing Of Blazers

Blazers should be worn to and from school.  Children normally remove them once they are in the playground in the morning.

On the days children wear PE kit to school they should have their Crescent tracksuit top on.  Children are able to wear the blazer with their cricket whites if they wish to.

Thank you.

Crescent School
 

National Book Token Competition

National Book Tokens are inviting children to submit competion entries:

"This summer term, we're asking children to send us their own dazzling National Book Token designs. Whether it's your school crest doodled in ink, a pencil drawing of the entire class, or something completely different, we want to see it all!

Six weekly winners throughout May and June will get their artwork made into up to 35 gift cards, each loaded with £10/€10 to spend on brilliant books – that's one for you, and one for everyone else in your class!"

The closing date for entries is Sunday 13 June 2021. 

Please follow this link to enter:

Book Token Competition

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Events

Class Photographs

Monday 14 June 2021 - 0900 - 1200

Class photos will be taken on Monday 14 June 2021. 

Please ensure children are wearing their summer uniform with blazers.

Crescent School

Years 3 - 6 Sports Day

Tuesday 15 June 2021 - 10.00am - 11.45am

We are all very much looking forward to our Sports Day for Years 3-6 on Tuesday 15 June. This is being held within the school day so normal drop off and collection times from school apply.

Please note that all pupils are to wear PE kit to school, blazers are not required but tracksuit tops or hoodies are to be worn. Please ensure that your child(ren) comes to school with the following:

  • suncream, applied before school
  • a school sunhat (these can be purchased from the school office)
  • a refillable drinks bottle of water (please do not send in a snack with your child as these will be provided by school)

Sports days are always very much anticipated by the children and really enjoyable for all involved.

Please note, following Mr Thackway's announcement before half-term, we will not be able to invite parents to this year's event.

Mrs McCollin
Head of PE and Games

Music Exams

Thursday 17 June 2021 - 9.00am to 4.45pm 
Friday 18 June 2021 - 9.00am  - 12.45pm

Music Exams will be held on Thursday 17 June and Friday 18 June 2021. The timetable has been circulated to the parents of children involved.

Mrs Barnes
Director of Music

Reception Butterfly Day

Friday 18 June 2021

Reception ‘Butterfly Day’ takes place on Friday 18 June. The children are invited to come to school in butterfly costumes ready to enjoy a fun filled day.

Mrs Pullen and Mrs Emery
Reception Class Teachers

Pre-Prep Sports Day

Friday 25 June 2021 - 10.15am - 11.45am

We are all very much looking forward to our Sports Day for Pre-Prep on Friday 25 June. This is being held within the school day so normal drop off and collection times from school apply.

Please note that all pupils are to wear PE kit to school, blazers are not required but tracksuit tops or hoodies are to be worn. Please ensure that your child(ren) comes to school with the following:

  • sun cream, applied before school
  • a school sunhat (these can be purchased from the school office)
  • a refillable drinks bottle of water (snacks will be provided)

Sports days are always very much anticipated by the children and really enjoyable for all involved.

More details on parental attendance will be provided in due course.

Mrs McCollin
Head of PE and Games

Year 6 Community Week

Monday 28 June 2021 - Friday 2 July 2021

Class 6W will soon be leaving us and we know it is important for the children to make memories and learn about the community we live in.

During the week starting Monday 28 June, we will be visiting Draycote Water where we will litter pick and appreciate the nature around us; learn to work as a team and some bushcraft from Mr Stapleton, have webinar with Parliament and even gain vital skills about First Aid online.

It will be a great week.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Year 6 Film Premiere

Class 6W will soon receive invitations to see the Premiere of their own film Talk About A Murder written and directed by our own drama impresario Miss Thompson on Tuesday 29 June. They will all enjoy the opportunity to walk along the red carpet in their glad rags.

We are hoping to involve parents, we will send out further details when we know.

Mrs Webb
Class 6W Form Teacher

Summer Concert

Summer concerts are a lovely time for the children to share the work they are doing in their lessons. We are aware of Covid restrictions so once again performances will be recorded and shared with the Crescent School Community. That way everyone feels part of what we do and can see the great work the children have been working towards. These will be shared with you during the week of Monday 5 July 2021. 

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Awards

Junior da Vinci Students

This is our final half-term to recognise our JdV students from the past two years, well done to:

  • Orla for Maths
  • Maya, Akaal and Stephanie for English
  • Alex T for both Science and DT

A great achievement by you all.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

View Gallery

Accelerated Reader Achievements

I am so thrilled with the way so many of the children are engaging with their reading, how fabulous to be able to celebrate them week after week. This week we have the following awards:

5,000,000 words:

  • Drew

3,000,000 words:

  • Chloe B

500,000 words:

  • Leela

Amazing achievements all round.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head
 

Accelerated Reader Top Quizzers And Word Wizards

Top Quizzers this week are:

  • 3Y   Alex G
  • 4M  Bryson
  • 5F   Rohan
  • 6W  Jay

Word Wizards this week are:

  • 3Y  Roisin
  • 4M Charlie
  • 5F  Grace 
  • 6W Isla
Mrs Webb
Assistant Head
 
 
 
                

Times Table Rockstars - Weekly Class Battle 27 May - 10 June 2021

The following children will receive a JdV for Maths practice as they have reached landmark levels:

Landmark Level Pupil Name
L100+

Harry (3Y)

Drew (5F)

L200+

Rosina (5F)

Top Level 420

Chloe (5F)

Winners of the class battle:

Well done Class 4M!

  • 1st place - Class 4M with 3,741 points
  • 2nd place - Class 5F with 2,328 points
  • 3rd place - Class 1S with 2,110 points

The players contributing the most points to their class were:

  • 1st - Bryson (4M)
  • 2nd - Theo (1S)
  • 3rd - Edward F (3Y)
The most improved speedsters in each class are:
 
Class  Name  Title
2W Matthew Rock Legend
5F Katherine Rock legend
 
'Jamming' has now been added to TT Rock Stars. This is where you can choose and practice what you want. It can be the tables, the number of questions and whether you try multiplication or division facts. Have a go - the harder you make it, the more coins you earn.
 
The next battle is Friday 11 - Thursday 17 June 2021. 

Stay Calm and Rock on!
 
Art Frizzmeister 
Deputy Head

Playground Conduct Award

This week's Good Friend Playground Conduct certificate has been awarded to Feranmi.

Well done!

Lunchtime Supervisors

 

Around The Classes

Class 1S World Oceans Day

Across the world, on 8 June 2021, people stopped to consider the importance of the oceans and how central they are to our lives and livelihoods.

Year 1 were full of questions and ideas about how even young people can be proactive in looking after and protecting our oceans. From independent writing, to creating block graphs of our favourite sea creatures, then to ocean themed maths and word searches. In the afternoon we created ocean creatures to use in our Summer Concert at the end of term.

Mrs Stapleton
Class 1S Form Teacher
View Gallery

Class 1S It’s A date!

Thanks to a generous donation from ‘The Works’, Year 1 have been exploring how a calendar works and enjoyed finding the date of their birthday and adding their friends birthdays too. We then added today’s date and the exciting things we have planned for the rest of the term so we could work out how many day we will have to wait. Those confident in using the calendar then went on to add special celebration days such as Christmas, Diwali and Pancake Day! 

Mrs Stapleton
Class 1S Form Teacher
View Gallery

Class 3Y Tasty Tenths

Much fun was had finding tasty tenths in 3Y this week. The children used a range of treats to explore tenths. They were able to identify, order, add and find equivalents of them.

Super maths skills!

Mrs Yates
Class 3Y Maths Teacher
View Gallery

Class 4M Bella's Show Jumping Success

Bella competed at Cherwell Valley in Oxfordshire on 23 May on her pony Harry. She finished 2nd with her team at 40cm and 8th individually in the 50cm show jumping. 

Well done Bella, what a fantastic achievement.

Crescent School

Class 4M Create 'Fabulous Fish'

For our 'Wonders of the World' day, 4M had Oceania as their focus. They took inspiration from The Great Barrier Reef and designed their own fish and sea creatures. Their display is called 'The Great 4M Reef' and I think you'll agree, it's very eye-catching!

Can you spot the seahorses and an octopus? Well done, 4M!

Mrs Monteith
Class 4M Form Tutor
View Gallery

Class 5F Spinner Investigation

Class 5F have been investigating how long a spinner can stay in the air. They designed and carried out their investigations changing one variable at a time. They made sure they carried out fair tests, recorded their results and formed conclusions.

Ms Byrne
Head of Science and DT
View Gallery

Year 6 Computing – 3D Design

This week Class 6W started a brand new computing unit on 3D design! They discussed the multitude of ways that 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) is used in the modern world, and also how the invention of 3D printing is set to really take this to the next level. The tech-savvy class then used a design program called Tinkercad to design their dream houses.

Mr Adkins
Head of Digital Learning
View Gallery

Year 6 Pupils Open Cricket Batting

Lovely to see Crescent children taking part in sport together outside of school. Joshua and Amy enjoyed opening the batting for Oakfield and Rowland CC U11 team this week with an excellent 19 run partnership.

Keep up the good work.

We love to hear about children's achievements outside of school, please send in any photos.

Crescent School

Wonders of the World

On the Friday before half-term the school travelled across the continents of the world, experiencing the delights of what the world has got to offer without even leaving the school.  Games were played, food was shared, art was created, dances were performed, poems were written, masks were worn and the children learnt about our world and the vast array of cultures in a fun way.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head
View Gallery

French Wonders Of The World Culture Day

For our Wonders of the World day, Madame Tatton took the children on a journey to her native country of France.

Reception and Year 1 children played the very traditional games of Boules, a game that involves skills, tactics, and a good deal of fluke!

Year 1 and 4 also sampled some delicious French food: baguette, croissant,  camembert and mousse au chocolat. Stinky camembert proved to be the least popular, but all the children enjoyed talking about the smells, textures and tastes of all the food they were presented with.

Years 3 and 4 learnt about 'la course de garçons de café', an unusual race that takes place in over 50 countries, where waiters and waitresses compete to demonstrate how skilled they are at carrying trays loaded with bottles and glasses whilst running! The children had great fun running in their own relay races.

Do look through the photos to see the fun we had!

Madame Tatton
MFL Teacher
View Gallery

Co-Curricular 3Y Craft Club

This week craft club were making the most of the lovely weather and went outside. We searched for different plants and materials and took our inspiration from them.

The children could choose what they wanted to make, working together or separately and the varied artworks included a collage, a stick man, a necklace and a wand.

I was very impressed with them all - well done.

Mrs Dowling
Teaching Assistant
View Gallery

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 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.

From now until the end of term we will be looking at a very important idea from the Good Citizens section of the Promise:

"We keep our school tidy and take pride in our clothes and our uniform."

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

Sport

Years 3 And 4 Enjoy Cricket And Rounders At Crackley Hall

Year 3 and Year 4 had an exciting afternoon of rounders and cricket yesterday when they took part in mixed matches at Crackley Hall School. For many this was their first opportunity to play a fixture, so there was plenty of coaching and support and the children were all encouraged to have a go. We had a lovely afternoon and everyone had lots of fun.

More details and the results to follow but do have a look at the photos in the gallery.

Well done everyone!

View Gallery

FoC Events

Bag2school Collection

We have arranged for Bag2school (www.bag2school.com) to do a school collection on Tuesday 22 June 2021. 

Bag2school is a fundraising scheme which collects unwanted textiles and sells them to importers and textile manufacturers in many countries of Eastern and Western Europe, Africa and Asia - all of benefit to the circular economy. 

This is an excellent way to get rid of all the unwanted clothing etc you have been collecting during lockdowns!  After collecting the items they will weigh them and present FoC with a cheque.

A list of the items they will collect can be found here.

Weather permitting, the playground will be open to drive your vehicle in and unload any clothing bags from 3pm - 5pm on Monday 21 June, the day before the collection.

Friends of Crescent

FoC

FoC Year Group Reps

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 Nicole Kemp
Year 2 Sanda Mocanu Sally Husbands
Year 3 Inez de Koning Karen Williams
Year 4 Emilie Crowfoot Laynie Osborn
Year 5 Semma King Anita Somerset
Year 6 Kal Mistry Elizabeth Coulson
 
Nick Brosnan
FoC Chair

Housekeeping

Lunch Menu Week Commencing 7 June 2021

Please click below to view the lunch menu: 

Lunch Menu - 14 June 2021

Please note children are able to choose either of the two main lunch options.  

Olive Catering

 

Term Dates 2020/21 And 2021/22

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

2020/21
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

The Princethorpe Foundation Employment Opportunities

The Foundation has the following vacancies:

  • Lunchtime Supervisor - Crescent School
  • IT Infrastructure Engineer - Princethorpe College
  • Teaching Assistant - Princethorpe College
  • Teaching Assistant - KS2 maternity cover - Crackley Hall
  • Teaching Assistant - Crackley Hall - EYFS - Reception - Crackley Hall
  • Early Years Assistant - Little Crackers

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

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 10 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.