The Courier

Please click on the link below to view the weekly calendar.  This details all the co-curricular clubs running and lists any changes.  It also contains fixtures and additional information.

Weekly Calendar - 140518.pdf

Crescent School

On 15 and 16 February, a number of children in Classes III - VI took their LAMDA exams. Once again we had another set of outstanding results for Crescent School, with 40 of the 75 students receiving distinctions.  The results can be viewed in the link below.

LAMDA Results Spring 2018

LAMDA test the children on their memory recall skills, communication, confidence and performing skills. Depending on the grade of the exam (Class III - Introductory Stage 1, Class IV - Introductory Stage 2, Class V - Verse and Prose Entry, Class VI - Verse and Prose Grade 1) children have to learn and deliver either one or two poems and have a conversation with the examiner.

All children performed to their best ability and we hope these examination results continue to flourish in the future.

On Friday 4 May the Crescent School held its second annual talent show.  Back by popular demand the contest, 'Show Us Your Talent', proved once again that the Crescent School is a little school with big ambitions.

After lunch the school community gathered expectantly in the school hall.  Rumours abounded of celebrity guest judges and the children chattered excitedly and peered through the main doors waiting to see who they might be.  They were not to be disappointed either when on the stroke of 2.00 p.m. Claudia and Tess (aka Mrs Corbin and Ms Forth) walked into the hall and to shrieks of laughter and surprise they asked the children and staff to welcome this year's special guest judges Darcey, Shirley and Craig (aka Mrs Akbik, Mrs Wells and Mrs Rodriguez-Hernandez) who had taken time out from judging Strictly Come Dancing to visit the Crescent School to judge our own budding stars.  Sadly, Bruno was unable to join our 'Strictly' team but the school was delighted that their very own Bruno (played by Rory King from Class II in the Christmas Play 'Lights Camel Action') was on hand to stand in.  Bruno (Rory) took his place at the judges’ table to rapturous applause.

This year's contest was again packed full of plenty of “can’t stop the feeling … let’s dance dance dance” with a wide range of dance genres represented.  From ballet to Bollywood, contemporary, modern, street and even everyone's favourite pop song 'Gangnam style', the audience were treated to a stunning repertoire.

There were plenty of other acts too, including a mesmerising a cappella performance by Robyn Shaw of the Gershwin classic 'Summertime'.   The audience were charmed by comedians, amazed at the acrobatics of the gymnasts and enjoyed music recitals on instruments that included the piano, recorder, clarinet and trumpet.

Act after act was greeted with rapturous applause and maximum scores of 10 from the judges.

Congratulations go to all the pupils who performed and to everyone who had  auditioned so keenly; we were sadly only able to have three acts from each class.

Our special thanks go to the Friends of Crescent for organising the show and to Ms Forth and Mrs Corbin who compered, and of course to Mrs Akbik, Mrs Wells, Mrs Rodriguez-Hernandez and Rory who played the judges and Mrs Sarkies, Mrs Causer, Mrs Mistry, Mrs King and Mrs Crowfoot for all their help.

The cast of performers included: Cara Ridd, Maya Patel, Kai Panchal, Damilola Oredope, Amy Robinson, Faris Akbik, Issy Thompson, Robyn Shaw, Archie Monteith, Freddie Spicer, Ella Knight, Belle Clements, Olivia Sarkies, Clara Woolf, Michael Mercer, Grace Crowfoot, Vignesh Sadasivan, Eve Ferguson, Milly Knott, Maryn Yates, Sienna Moran, Olivia Monk, Lucy Hardy, Rania Akbik, Percy Lloyd and Chris Gibson.

Some images from the show can be viewed in the gallery.

Further images have been uploaded to the Crescent School's Flickr account, a link to these photos will be emailed to parents.

Congratulations again to Crescent pupils Ella Knight, Olivia Sarkies, Alex Reynolds and Vignesh Sadasivan who were presented with their Ruper Brooke Literary Prizes at Rugby School last Thursday 3 May. 

Their success is reported in this week's Rugby Advertiser where it is noted that it was a clean sweep for the Crescent School.

Established in 1987 to commemorate the birth of poet Rupert Brooke, the award is an annual creative writing competition organised by Rugby School and open to school pupils local to the Rugby area.

Ms Sarah Lowe, Senior Teacher, commented, “Back in November Classes V and VI enjoyed crafting creative stories for the Rupert Brooke Literary Award. They put a lot of time and effort in, to showcase their best English skills, and it is lovely to see that their hard work has been recognised.”

Crescent School congratulates them all, well done we are delighted with your literary success.

Dear Class V Parents

As from this week, it is now possible for you to register online for your child to sit the 11+ exam for the local authority selective grammar schools. The deadline for these applications is 4pm on 29 June 2018 so you have plenty of time, although the best advice is always to get it done as soon as you are sure that you will be applying. You can find full details on the link below, where you will need to set up a user account in order to apply to sit the test:

https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/admissions

Please also note that the next significant date in the school calendar regarding this process is Monday 18 June and the transition meetings for Class 5. This will be a meeting with Ms Forth and Ms Lowe, where they will discuss with you the different options for secondary transfer and which schools would be a good match for your son or daughter.

After the glorious sunshine we had for the bank holiday weekend, Year 4 continued to enjoy the beautiful spring weather as we returned to lessons on Tuesday. We are studying stories with humour in English and having read David Walliams Mr Stink, we have now moved on to Billionaire Boy.

The story raises many issues for the children to think about including what their ideal school would be and what subjects they would learn there. There have been many suggestions including Harry Potter school, circus school, cookery school, farming school and football school. It’s always interesting to hear the children’s thoughts on such topics.

As our photos show, books can be enjoyed anywhere. Where will your next reading spot be?

As part of the 'What's In Season' initiative, Olive Catering made a 'green' smoothie containing spinach, ginger and coconut water for the children to try on Thursday lunchtime.

Next week the children will have the chance to enjoy Blueberry and Spinach muffins.

This week we can celebrate the Junior da Vinci student success of

• Christopher Gibson in Music
• George Bell in Science 
• Grace Mercer in Art and Design 
• Mehul Patel in Science

Brilliant achievements all round.

'The World in 2050' is a competition which asks students to respond to the question:

Will the world be a better place in 2050?

It is always good to have an opinion, so why not have a think, write up your answer and enter the competition.  All details can be found on the link below and on the Crescent's competitions board. The competition is open from 9.00am on 1 May 2018 to 9.00am on 25 May 2018.

World In 2050 Competition

Please do let me know that you have entered either in person or send me an email.

On Thursday 3 May the sun shone beautifully, providing the perfect weather for the first rounder’s fixture of the year. The whole of Year 3 and 4 travelled to Bilton Grange for a friendly game to allow coaching and development within a competitive environment.

The U9 'A' team gelled quickly and with a number of amendments to fielding positions look like they will be a force to be reckoned with as their season progresses.

The U9 'B' team learnt some valuable lessons in batting and the need to communicate with your team. However, they were also quick to get in to a rhythm, showing some strong batting skills allowing a number of full rounders to be scored.

The U8 team made great progress, building their knowledge of the rules and tactics of the game as well as confidence.

• Players player U9 A Team – Sienna Moran
• Players player U9 B Team – Maryn Yates
• Players Player U8 Team -  Asha Mistry

Fantastic effort by all of the girls who showed attitudes in keeping with the School Promise.

Last week showed us all what talented children we have at Crescent School. We had 18 children take part in our talent show who danced, sang, joked, played instruments and performed gymnastics in front of the school.

Thank you to all the children who took part and to the children we didn't get through the auditions for supporting your classmates so well. All children received a medal and sweets.

A big thank you also to the parents and grandparents who helped out, especially my wonderful judges including Rory King, and to Ms Forth for helping me to co-ordinate it all.  Some great memories were made on this afternoon.

Thank you to everyone for supporting the Year 1 market day.  In total we raised £149.71 for Year 1 to use to buy games, toys and stationery.

Friday 18 May 2018 

Reception, Class I and Class II disco will be held from 3.45pm - 4.45pm 
Classes III - VI will be held from 5.00pm - 6.00pm

Only £5 per child which will include a drink and snack.  Please put your child's name down on the sheet on the FoC board and either pay on the night or put an envelope into the FoC green post box marked 'School Disco' with your child's name on it.

To encourage some of the older children to participate in the disco we have a 'Disco Request' box on the FoC table where the children are being asked to write down their favourite songs and pop their request in the box.  We can't promise to play them all but we will make sure the disco contains music that the children want to hear.

Friday 25 May 2018 3.45pm - 4.45pm

Please come along and purchase cakes and sweets in aid of Reception.

Monday 11 June 2018 - 3.45pm

The next meeting will be held on Monday 11 June at 3.45pm in the Art Room.  

Please come along and join us to discuss next term's activities. Children are able to be put into after school for free for this time.

This year we will be producing a beautifully decorated picture frame hand-decorated by your child, in a gift bag complete with a bar of chocolate. Frames will be decorated in school and then brought home on Thursday 14 June.

If you would like your child to be involved in this please complete the form which has been sent home today, or click here to download, and return by Friday 25 May together with payment of £5 per frame.

Please mark envelopes "Father's Day" and post in the FoC green box by the pupil entrance. Cheques to be made payable to Friends of Crescent. 

Friday 22 June 3.20pm - 5.00pm

Our final event of the year is the Summer Fete. This year we will be having inflatables; donkeys; games including some new ones & some old classics; tombola stall; adopt a teddy; candyfloss; face painting; nail painting and tattoos; cakes and refreshments and the school raffle.  Raffle tickets will be coming home on Friday 25 May.

Fingers crossed we'll have some nice weather too.

Please click on the link below to view the upcoming lunch menu: 

Lunch Menu - 14 May 2018

Crescent School Office

Please see attachements below for details of holiday clubs that are running over the Easter break.

Kits Academy

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Teaching Assistant to join our Key Stage 2 team, working for approximately 16 hours a week.

Working closely with the classroom teacher or line manager, you will provide support and assist teachers in the development and education of the children in our school. Our Teaching Assistants are a key part of the classroom team, who can have an enormous positive impact on the teaching and learning in the school. You will be a part of the planning as well as delivery of the lessons and will be expected to contribute to the ongoing assessment of pupil progress. Alongside these key tasks, you will also be required to undertake a range of teaching and non-teaching tasks related to classroom activities and provide basic supervision and care skills.

This post might appeal to candidate who is considering or preparing for a career in teaching, as well as those with a long standing professional interest in education.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

The closing date for applications is Monday 14 May 2018 at 12.00 noon although candidates are advised to apply immediately. Interviews will be held the week commencing 21 May 2018.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 14 May 2018 at 12.00 noon although candidates are advised to apply immediately. Interviews will be held the week commencing 21 May 2018.

Further details and an application form are available from the school website

www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities.

Ideally starting in July 2018, we are seeking to appoint a Recruitment Co-ordinator to job share with our existing Recruitment Co-ordinator for two days a week all year round, to provide a confidential, accurate and comprehensive HR Administrative support for the Foundation.

The post holder will be the point of contact for HR related queries, in liaison with key staff, ensuring all processes in recruitment are adhered to and provide support to the Head’s PA\Office Manager where appropriate. Interested candidates should ideally have experience in a similar position and will have excellent communication skills, good organisational skills, excellent customer service skills and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines. Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, are essential.

The post holder with also play a key part in assisting with answering general incoming telephone calls, covering Reception staff and undertaking some general administrative duties.

This is a part time, all year round post for 15 hours per week, likely to be working Thursday and Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm (with an hour for lunch). Benefits include a pro rata holiday allowance of 25 days per annum plus bank holidays, which may be taken at any time of the year (subject to the normal request\authorisation process), with the exception of some peak periods such as the end of August\beginning of September.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 14 May 2018, at 9.00am. Interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 24 May 2018.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

We are recruiting two Administrator\Receptionists to work with the other School Office staff to provide the main contact point for all parents and visitors to Crackley Hall and to assist in the successful administration of the school.

The successful candidates will promote the smooth running and efficiency of the school, maintaining the ethos of a caring Christian school family with a Catholic base.  They will be required to work closely with all other members of the office team to ensure continuity of service throughout the week.

Working hours:

Role 1: Part time, term time only plus INSET days, working between 9.00am and 5.30pm, Monday to Wednesday from September 2018, with some flexibility to work occasional school holiday dates.  Holiday is accrued on a full-time equivalent of 25 days and 8 days bank holiday, pro-rata for the role and is to be taken during school holidays.

Role 2: Part time, all year round, between 1.00pm and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, ideally from June 2018.  Holiday is accrued on a full-time equivalent of 25 days and 8 days bank holiday, pro-rata for the role and is to be taken by agreement with the line manager.

Applications from candidates who wish to work term time only plus some school holiday cover will be considered

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Crackley Hall application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Friday 24 May 2018, at 3.00pm, although candidates are advised to apply immediately. Interviews are likely to be held week commencing 4 June at Crackley Hall School.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.crackleyhall.co.uk/employment-opportunities

Please click on the link below to read all about what the Reception Class have been learning over the last fortnight.

Reception Round Up