The Courier

Dear Parents

Welcome back to the Courier following our half term break. I hope you found the time to get together as a family and enjoy each other’s company. I managed a few days in the Yorkshire Dales cycling and hill walking with my family where we were treated to blue skies and freezing temperatures. It was great to get to know a part of the country I have never really visited seriously in the past and to get a taste of a different pace of life.  

The two week mid-term break is still a relatively new innovation and we as teaching staff see the clear benefit to the children in terms of levels of engagement and energy over the course of the term. This is the longest term of the year and it gives everyone a chance to recharge their batteries and prepare for the run up to Christmas.

Many thanks to all of you who completed the parental survey. This has given us lots of useful feedback that we can look at in the coming weeks and enables us to gauge your feelings in relation to all aspects of the school’s provision. I was delighted to see that so many of you are very happy with what we do and of course there are always areas we can work on to improve. It was particularly pleasing to read that 98% of parents would recommend us as a school to other parents; positive feedback that is much appreciated.  I intend to give some fuller feedback to you before the start of next term when we have had a chance to look in detail at the report and consider how we can address some of the issues raised.

Today in school we shared a quietly observed remembrance service, with readings, prayers and a moving playing of the last post. I know that a number of children will be involved in parades and services over the weekend as well as we mark the 100th anniversary of the ending of the Great War. When working with young children whose understanding of the world is still emerging it is important to get the level of the message right and of course children of different ages will have varying levels of understanding. At the same time it is important for us all to remember and reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of the men and women of the armed forces, on all sides.  Many thanks as well to everyone who has contributed to our poppy appeal and collection through the week. The collection pots are close to overflowing!

Enjoy your weekend everybody. 

Joe Thackway

Over the course of the school year we will, in turn, focus on one of the elements of the School Promise. We will talk about it in assembly and in form period. It would be great if you could discuss it with your children at home and support the messages we are emphasising in school.

This week we continue with the category of Good Citizens.

‘We try to keep safe and be responsible’

Please click on the link below to view the weekly calendar.  This details all the co-curricular clubs running, fixtures and additional information.

Timestable Challenge has moved to a Wednesday morning from 0815 - 0845.  This is a drop in session for children in Classes II - VI and will take place in the Library.

Weekly Calendar 12 November

Crescent School

Michaelmas term is a busy term for Class VI with exam preparation and actual exams. Many of the children have done the 11+ and entrance exams for a variety of independent schools in the area. The preparation for this point stretches back through the school with extra focus in Year 5 into Year 6.  The children feel prepared and supported both academically and emotionally to face these moments and the references, that many staff contribute to, have been detailed in supporting them for their school of choice.

This Saturday is the entrance exam for Princethorpe College, so I am sure you will join me in wishing those children taking this exam good luck and to encourage them to use all that they have been taught, I know I will be sending them positive thoughts during the day.  

Ms Lowe
Senior Teacher

We shared an assembly earlier this week on the theme of Diwali across the world. A number of our Crescent pupils told the rest of the school about how they celebrate at home and brought us in some of their diva lamps and decorations to show us. We finished the assembly hearing the story of Rama and Sita.

Happy Diwali to all of our families who celebrated the festival this week.

Along with many schools and workplaces across the country today we marked the 1918 armistice anniversary with a short service of remembrance.

All the staff and children gathered in the hall just before 11.00am to hear poems read by children in Classes II and VI. This was followed by a beautifully played rendition of the Last Post and two well observed minutes silence.

Some of the younger children also brought with them painted poppies that they have been working on in class during the week.

Well done to all of the children in the school who observed the silence so respectfully and special thanks to those who contributed to the service.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

Evie, Faris, Charlotte and Rosina join Katherine and Liana in being awarded the prestigious Pen Licence and brand new handwriting pens. All the children in Class III are working hard to improve their presentation and handwriting technique in weekly practices and some have shown great commitment to completing tasks at home.  Once their handwriting becomes consistent in a cursive style, they too will be eligible to write in ink.

The following children received Certificates of Excellence from the Playground Supervisors in Assembly this morning:

• James for always being an excellent playground role model
• Damilola for working and playing well with others outside

Well done to you.

Class VI pupil Fin Calder has been selected for the Warwickshire Hockey Academy Centre which provides Fin with the opportunity to train and play for his County at U13 level.  

What a fantastic achievement, we wish Fin all the very best of luck.

Crescent School

In assembly on Tuesday, we were able to announce the winners of the competition which took place on non-uniform day before half term.  All children had the chance to guess the name of the special teddy in each class, and the winners were:

• Reception – Otti
• Class I – Ollie
• Class II – Zara
• Class III – Liana
• Class IV – Amelia
• Class V – Chloe
• Class VI – Olivia

Well done to the winners, and we hope the teddies are settling well into their new homes. All proceeds of the competition went to our charity for this term, the Warwickshire Air Ambulance.

Mrs Monteith

Tuesday 20 November 2018 - 7.00pm to 8.00pm

The Crescent School is holding a dedicated Reception Open Evening on Tuesday 20 November from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.

The evening is aimed at giving parents an insight into the Early Years at Crescent and the firm foundation the school gives children for their future learning. The Crescent's partner on site day nursery, Pathfinders, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, will also be open on the evening should you wish to visit. 

There is no need to book and light refreshments will be available. All are welcome, so please do help spread the word.

If you can't make the Open Evening but would like to visit the school, please call our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, on 01788 523851 and come to see the school on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk.

Tuesday 27 November 2018 - 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Dear Parents

Our children live in the Internet Age. They love to use technology and play the latest games. However, it is not always easy for parents and carers to understand what they are doing and how we can help to do the right things to keep them out of danger.

On Tuesday 27 November, the school will be having a Special Internet Safety Day where the children will learn about going online and how to keep safe. It is important that parents are also involved so they are able to help their children when they are at home.

We would like to invite you to a special talk by Paul Hay who is a specialist in Internet Safety. He will tell you:

• How young people use the Internet
• Show how children use programs such as Moshi Monsters, Minecraft, Roblox, Instagram and
  SnapChat
• Describe how information young people post can be misused by people who are not their friends
• Explain what you, as parents, can do to help keep them safe

Above all it will give you as parents and carers the confidence to help your child get the most benefit and enjoyment from the internet while keeping safe.

Topics will be discussed in language we as parents understand, no technical or computer knowledge is required or expected.

If you would like to book a space on this session please click on the consent button in the Evolve message which was sent out on Friday 12 October.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

• Alex Grove
• Alex Mulhall
• Bella Davies
• Darius Ionescu
• Maisie Tucker
• Oliver Wright
• Sam Oldham
• Timi Ladele

It was lovely to see how many children have been quizzing this week and great to welcome parents in to quiz with their child.  I hope you all found it enlightening.

We have our first reading millionaire, Daniel Ovens Gibbs who has already read one million words this term.  What a brilliant achievement.

Alyssa Barnett also deserves congratulations for reading 500,000 words.

I am sure the list will only continue to grow.

Here are the details for a fantastic poetry competition. You can write your own poem or continue the one provided (click here).

The competition is open from Tuesday 9 October 2018 until Friday 21 December 2018.

There are two age categories:

• One for pupils in Key Stage 1 and one for those in Key Stage 2
• Two language categories in English and Welsh

Individual or group entries are allowed for Key Stage 1, only individual entries for Key Stage 2.

Poems should be no more than 20 lines or 150 words and be on the theme of diversity. Pupils can continue the Beautifully different, Wonderfully the same by Joseph Coelho or start a new poem. Poems can be of any structure and don’t have to rhyme.

Judging criteria

The judges will be looking for the following:

• Vocabulary that is relevant to the theme of diversity
• An appropriate tone
• Poetry – figurative speech and devices to build a picture in the reader’s mind in a creative and effective way. For example, alliteration, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification, symbolism.
• Elements of poetry – words chosen for effect, a sense of structure, clever use of rhythm, purposeful use of rhyme, (although not all poems have to rhyme).
• Effect – does the poem celebrate diversity? Do you understand what is important about diversity having read this?
• Originality – does this entry stand out from the rest? Is it original and unique?
• Appeal – will it appeal to other primary-age pupils?

Prizes

There will be a top national prize and 10 regional prizes for each category (Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2). There will also be prizes for the best entries in Welsh at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Prizes for national winners:

• A Premier League Trophy visit to your school
• A visit to your school by a children’s author or poet to lead a poetry workshop
• Winning poems read aloud by one of our star judges

Prizes for regional winners and national winners:

• Poems published in an official Premier League Writing Stars book with bespoke illustrations
• An invitation to a national celebration event and the chance to meet other poets and special guests
• A framed version of the winning poems
• Poetry book bags for all winners’ schools

There will also be some brilliant bags full to the brim with poetry books up for grabs for the first 1000 schools who submit entries!

Please can all entries be emailed or given to Ms Lowe by 15 December 2018. All details can be found by the pupil entrance.

Class I have been learning about Remembrance Day and the significance of the poppy. We talked about how brave the soldiers were and thought about our own lives and the things that we are thankful for.

‘I am thankful for the soldiers because they protected us.’ – Edward

‘I am thankful for my brother because he makes me happy.’ – Shayla

‘I am thankful for my friends and teachers because they help me learn.’ – Sam.O

For such a difficult subject for the children to understand, they showed such compassion and empathy.

Pupils from Classes I and II enjoyed their co-curricular activity of Yoga which started this week.  Natalie, from Kidz Love Yoga, said, "My Kidz Love Yoga sessions combine children’s yoga, movement, mindfulness and meditation, breathing techniques and relaxation into magical adventures and yoga based activities. 

She contniued, "There are a host of benefits to doing children’s yoga. It improves concentration, coordination and balance, supports and strengthens the immune system, encourages self-expression and captures the imagination and creativity through stories.  It also builds strength and maintains flexibility, improves the digestive system and encourages healthy sleep patterns as it calms and relaxes the body and mind".

As you can see much fun was had.

Crescent School Office

During our RE lesson this week the children found creative ways in reflecting on the importance of Remembrance Day and some wrote prayers, some wrote poems and some just wanted time to be creative and reflect on the theme of remembrance. They have produced some very thought provoking work.

Over the half term holidays, Class III have been researching all about tigers in preparation for our narrative work on the Indian Folktale, 'The Tiger Child' by Joanna Troughton. Their fact finding, collages, drawing and even cakes, have helped them understand the characters better and their display of their creativity is amazing!  This week we have been producing story boards and learning to write a synopsis (of only 100 words!) of the story.

Class IV are designing and making kites in DT.  Today they were making and testing various newspaper prototypes in the hall to see which symmetrical shapes work the best.

Class 6 were investigating Greek vases and trying to determine what the art work on them showed about life in Ancient Greece. The children then went on to come up with their own explanations for a vase (see photo).  

Suggestions included, slaves preparing a King's meal, Doctors performing surgery and blacksmiths at work. Some of the pupils correctly identified the shoemakers shop where the shoemaker is cutting around the customers foot to create the leather sole for a shoe.  

Class IV have been super spies this week in history. They have worked in teams to spy on Viking ships to find out what makes them so successful at invading Britain. During their spy mission, Sven the Viking boat builder was captured and after compiling questions for him, Class IV will be interrogating Sven next week!

Following last year's success we are again organising personalised Christmas cards and gifts using pictures the children have produced themselves.  Your child's Christmas design has been sent home this week. This design can be printed onto Christmas cards, mugs, self adhesive gift tags and coasters.

If you would like to order cards, etc. please complete and return an order form. All order forms need to be returned with full payment in cash or cheque payable to Friends of Crescent by Wednesday 14 November to guarantee delivery in early December.  Orders received after this date are unable to be processed.

Filming of the Schools Nativity productions

The FoC will again be filming both the Nursery and Reception Nativity and Classes I and II Nativity dress rehearsals.

You will have an option to purchase a professional DVD of the Nativity performances for £13 per DVD. The form to pre-order your copy will be sent out next week and will need to be returned by Wednesday 5 December with payment either by cash or cheque (cheques should be made payable to Friends of Crescent). Please place in the green FoC Post Box.

Monday 12 November 2018 - 3.45pm

Please come and join us to discuss the last remaining events of the term including the Christmas Bazaar.  If you would like to attend your child can attend after school free of charge so please put them down on the after school sheet on Monday.

Friday 16 November - 5.00pm to 6.30pm

The movie for this event will now be Captain Underpants as Hotel Transylvania 3 will not be released until December.

The movie will cost £5 per child (£3 for all Reception children as they have to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver) and this will include the movie plus a drink and snack.

If you would like your child to attend this please put their name down in the book on the FoC table and include your phone number, child's name and year.

The movie will start at 5.00pm so please drop your child off at the front entrance then. The movie will finish at approximatley 6.30pm and we will dismiss all the children from the side pupil entrance.

Please either pay (cash or cheque) on the evening or place the money inside an envelope clearly marked with your child's name and 'movie night'.  Cheques to be made payable to 'Friends of Crescent'.

If you would like your child to go into after school before the movie please place their name down on the usual after school sheet. if you would like them to eat before the movie, please tick the tea option and we will ensure that they eat prior to the film starting.

Friday 7 December 2018 - 3.45pm to 6.00pm

Our annual Christmas Bazaar will include games, crafts and a special visit from Father Christmas. More details on this will follow next week.

Raffle tickets for the Christmas Bazaar have been sent home to you this week. Please could the stubs be returned with either cash or cheque (cheques should be made payable to Friends of Crescent) by Wednesday 5 December.  Please put them in the FoC green box. 

Friday 14 December 2018 - 3.45pm to 4.45pm

Please come along and support us by buying cakes and sweets, all priced at 50p each. All the money raised at these market day events goes towards buying toys, crafts and stationary for privilege time for the Class.

Friday 14 December - 7.30pm

We have booked the private loft function room at the Distillery from 7.30pm. More details on this will follow later in the term.

Ms Forth is collecting Walkers Crisps packets for Christmas Art Day on 30 November.  Please can you send into school empty, rinsed packets and if possible the multipack bag.  Any flavour will do.

Many thanks

Crescent School

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

Lunch menu - 12 November

Crescent School Office

Ideally starting in late November 2018, we are recruiting Estates Assistants to work as part of the Estates team, providing support services to all of the Foundation schools - Princethorpe College, Crescent School in Rugby and Crackley Hall School in Kenilworth.

The duties will primarily involve maintenance work internally and externally, security, traffic management, porterage and some cleaning. Applicants with some carpentry, plumbing or decorating skills would be most welcome. This is a ‘hands-on’ role facilitating the proper functioning of the schools to ensure a safe and satisfactory working, learning and recreational environment.

The successful applicant will need to be able to provide a high quality service to staff, pupils and visitors and be enthusiastic as well as honest, trustworthy and reliable, able to lift and to work on his/her own as well as part of a team.

Working hours: We have a variety of shifts available, from as little as two hours and up to eight hours, in the afternoons and evenings or on Saturday and Sundays.  We would be happy to consider applications for working evenings and weekends only or with other shifts on a rota basis.

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.

To discuss the post in more detail please contact Michael Small, Foundation Estates Manager - 01926 634267 or Pete Wilkes, Estates Manager – 01926 634200.

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 12 November 2018 at 9.00am and interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 15 November 2018, at Princethorpe.

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

Reporting to the Foundation Estates Manager, we are seeking to appoint an Electrician to maintain and service all electrical engineering plant and equipment on Princethorpe College, Crackley Hall and Crescent School sites. They will carry out technical duties in the college theatre and assist in the supervision of electrical contractors. A flexible and pro-active attitude to duties and additional working hours will be required.

The successful candidate should have an appreciation of the priorities of a school environment and have the ability to appropriately interact with pupils of all ages, especially when providing technical support in the Theatre.

This role is working 40 hours a week, on a 7 days’ contract. The working pattern will include evenings and occasional weekends on a flexible basis, according to the needs of the school, with core hours Monday to Friday.

The salary for this role is £25,000 to £32,000 (full-time equivalent) – depending on experience.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing foundation that values their 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 suitability for the role.  Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 26 November 2018 at 9am, and interviews are likely to be held on Friday 30 November 2018.

Further details are available from the School website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment opportunities

Please see below for useful school contact information:

Please find below term dates for this academic year and next:

2018/19

Michaelmas Term
Term starts Monday 03 September 2018
Half Term Saturday 20 October to Sunday 04 November 2018
Term ends Tuesday 18 December 2018

Lent Term
Term starts Monday 7 January 2019
Half Term Saturday 16 February to Sunday 24 February 2019
Term ends Wednesday 10 April 2019

Trinity Term
Term starts Monday 29 April 2019
Half Term Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June 2019
Term ends Wednesday 3 July 2019

2019/20