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

We had a wonderful Harvest Service this week, as you can see from the cover photo we had lots of generous items for Rugby Food Bank (more items placed around the Hall).  Mrs Stapleton delivered the donations to Rugby Food Bank this morning and we will update in next terms Courier.

It was a non uniform day at school today and the children were asked to wear something bright to acknowledge this term's charity Shine-A Light.  You can read about this in this edition.

We hope you have a wonderful half term break.  School returns on Monday 4 November 2018.

Click here to email The Courier.

Preview

Headmaster's Message

Headmaster's Message

Dear Parents

Welcome to the final edition of the Courier for this half term. We have enjoyed a productive last week of the half term and it was great to see so many of you here for the Harvest Service yesterday morning. The children performed beautifully and it was such a pleasure to see the choir and orchestra sharing the music they have been hard at work preparing over the last few weeks. Perhaps the stars of the show were the Pre-Prep children who sang so clearly and really enjoyed the experience despite some understandable nerves beforehand. Thanks go in particular to Mrs Stapleton and Mrs Barnes for all of their hard work and expertise in bringing it all together for our enjoyment on the day.

I know I wrote about the new style parents’ consultation evenings last week, but I will mention them briefly again as I felt they went particularly well this week. We tried a new format this time round with a view to making the evenings more parent friendly and accessible. The feedback has been positive, and we will continue to look at ways of improving the experience for parents on the various occasions during the year when you have the opportunity to come in to the school.

As we have wound down towards the half term break the children have had the opportunity to see and take part in a visiting theatre company’s production of Pinocchio as well as today’s non-uniform fund raising day. I know the children have loved getting involved in both of these and it is particularly pleasing when we raise money for good causes. This term the focus is on the ‘Shine a Light’ charity based in Coventry. This is a small, local charity who provide support for families where a child is suffering from cancer and one we are proud to support. Thank you to you all for your generous donations. Following yesterday’s service we also delivered all of your kind donations to the Rugby Foodbank who I know will be bowled over with both the quantity and quality of the goods they received.

I am planning a couple of days in the Brecon Beacons with the family over the break, hopefully with the mountain bikes if the weather allows it. Whatever you have planned, I hope you all get to enjoy some rest and relaxation with your families.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

Weekly Information

Weekly Calendar

Please click on the link below to view the weekly calendar of clubs, events, fixtures and additional information for the week. 

Weekly Calendar - 4 November 2019 

Some of the clubs have changed over Half Term.  

  • Pre-Prep Craft Club will run for children in the second group
  • Afterschool Rugby and Netball has changed to Hockey for Years 5 and 6 and will take place at Rugby College Astro
  • Pre-Prep Ball Skills and Outdoor Learning has finished
  • Hotshots finishes at 1635

Please note the following clubs are not running this week:

  • Tuesday - After School Hockey for Years 5 and 6  

All the co-curricular clubs can be viewed on SOCS Co-curricular and detail the dates the clubs are running.  

SOCS Co-Curricular

Crescent School

News

Crescent School Plans Additional Year Four Class In Response To Demand

In response to high demand for primary school places in the local area, the Crescent School on Bawnmore Road, Bilton is planning to add a second Year 4 Class for September 2020. The move echoes one made two years ago when the then Year 4 class was split into two smaller classes, a move that has proven very successful.

Comments, Headmaster, Joe Thackway, “We are seeing an enormous amount of new house building in Bilton and the surrounding area and hope that this extra provision will be well received.

“The two smaller classes of up to 20 pupils each will benefit from reduced class size and tailored input from our experienced class teachers and subject specialists at a key point in their journey towards the 11+ exams and independent school entrance exams. We have seen the educational benefits of this before and plan to replicate it in 2020.”

Prospective parents who would be interested in a Year 4 place for their child in September 2020 are urged to contact Mrs Helen Morley, the Registrar, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk to register their interest.

Part of the Princethorpe Foundation, the Crescent is a co-educational independent day school for around 160 children aged 4 to 11 years. Traditionally one form entry, class sizes range from up to 20 pupils for Reception to Year 2 to up to 24 for Years 3 to 6.

 

Crescent Wear Something Bright For Shine-A-Light

Today we have had a non-uniform day where we wore 'Something bright for Shine-a-Light.'  Everybody wore items of bright or neon clothing, and it was wonderful to see everybody together in assembly in a colourful display.

There was also a 'Guess the Number of Fairy Lights in the Jar' competition, and 'Guess the Superhero.' 

The winners will be announced after half term and there are prizes to be won.

We will let you all know our grand total in the next edition of the Courier and thank you, as always, for all your support. Anything that we can raise for this amazing charity will be greatly received. 

Mrs Monteith & Mrs Stapleton
Class 4M and 3S Form Teachers
View Gallery

Participatory Theatre Is Always A Hit At Crescent School

Image Musical Theatre visited the Crescent School on Tuesday 15 October to stage a production of Pinocchio to the whole school.  As always, the children got to join in with the super story-telling session and clearly all enjoyed the show.

Image Musical Theatre is a company that perform participatory theatre to primary school audiences.  They believe that bringing a story to life engages children and helps encourage them to read.

The actors, Bethan, Roger and Tonia, began by selecting ten children to take part in the show.  They then worked with the audience teaching them a series of songs, hand actions and responses to accompany the tale.

After a short break to allow the players to get into their costumes the production started.  It was an excellent performance full of comedy and wit and the children sat focused and fully engaged.  The theatre company cleverly brought the classic tale to life and the children really enjoyed singing all the songs.  Well done to Crescent’s budding actors who took to the stage eagerly and delivered their lines with aplomb.

It was another great morning of engaging learning and fantastic fun.

View Gallery

Year 6 Holiday Work

As Year 6 enter the final phase of preparation for Entrance Exams, we are sending home a wallet of work to provide continued support through the holidays.

All instructions and expectations are on a letter in their folder, that they were given on Wednesday. It is parental choice whether you would like your child to use the work provided. However the book, Clockwork by Phillip Pullman, does need to be read over the half-term.

We do also believe the children should have a rest over the half-term, as they have been working so hard.

Mrs Webb, Mrs Yates and Ms Forth
Class 6 Teachers

Individual And Siblings Photographs - Deadline Wednesday 13 November 2019

Photo proof packs have been sent home today. In order to attain a speedy delivery of the photographs Mr Lloyd (the Photographer) has asked if you can do the following:

  • Complete the information on the envelope with the proof cards.
  • If paying by cheque, please write your child's proof card photo security number and photograph type on the back of the cheque.
  • Place the correct amount of money in the envelopes along with the proof card(s) if you are paying by cash.

The deadline for return of proof cards to school is Wednesday 13 November, in order to receive free delivery.

Please do contact Mr Lloyd if you have any queries, his email address is on the proof.

Crescent School

School Promise Rule Of The Week

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’

Mr Webb
Assistant Head

Winter Uniform To Be Worn After Half Term Reminder

Winter uniform is to be worn after the half term break.

The School shop, based at Princethorpe College, will be closed during the half term and will reopen on Monday 4 November.

An email was sent to parents on Tuesday 1 October with links for ordering winter uniform.  Any orders submitted before 4.00pm on Friday 11 October will be delivered to Crescent School before the end of term next Friday.

Nicola Browne
School Uniform Shop Manager

  

 

Events

Quiz With Your Child Week 

Monday 4 November to Friday 8 November - 8.15am to 8.40am

During the week commencing Monday 4 November parents are invited to come in to school from 8.15am to 8.40am to watch and support their child in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 while they quiz on their reading books.

The quiz platform is not available at home so it is a super opportunity for parents to share the experience.

Half-term is a great time for your child to finish reading a book and that will give you an extra excuse to see your child at work.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Flu Vaccination Forms Reminder

Wednesday 13 November 2019 - 9.00am - 12.00pm

Flu vaccinations will take place in school, for all years, on Wednesday 13 November.

The link below provides further information:

Flu Vaccinations

If you haven't returned the Blue Form that was sent home, please send it in on the first day of term.

Thank you.

Crescent School

 

Music Exams

Monday 2 December 2019 - 9.30am - 4.40pm

Music Exams will be held on Monday 2 December 2019 between 9.30am and 4.40pm.  A timetable will be published and sent to parents nearer the date.


Mrs Barnes
Director of Music

Awards

School Promise Certificates Michaelmas Term

In our Good News Assembly this morning we awarded School Promise certificates to recognise the children’s excellent behaviour as good friends, good learners or good citizens. 

Congratulations go to:

  • Alex T
  • Archie
  • Bella
  • Caitlyn
  • Charlie
  • Ewan
  • Harry S
  • Issy
  • James
  • Lara
  • Nimeeta
  • Sahana
  • Seren
  • Sophia
Joe Thackway
Headmaster

Lunchtime Supervisors Top Table

Thank you to Herbie, Lilah, Evie, Alex T, Fifi, Freya, Jay and Jasper for their good conduct, good manners and respect for others during lunchtimes.

The lunchtime supervisors decided that you are this half term's recipients of Top Table invitations.

Well done to all of you.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

 

Accelerated Reading Achievements

This week we can say congratulations to Rohan Somerset for reading 500,000 words and Jay Patil for reading a million words this academic year, excellent work boys.

Mrs Webb
Senior Techer
View Gallery

Playground Conduct Awards

Well done to Amy and Jack who received Playground Conduct Awards, chosen by the Lunchtime Supervisors, in assembly this morning. 

Lunchtime Supervisors

 

Playleader Award

Well done to Albert who received Playleader of the Week certificates in Assembly this morning. These awards are chosen by the Year 6 Play Leaders.

Year 6 Play Leaders
Crescent School

Times Table Challenge Award

Congratulations to Isaac who achieved his Diamond Challenge for 36 tables in 2:00 minutes.  Well done Isaac!

The times table challenge is a drop in session in the Library with myself on a Wednesday morning for Years 2-6.

Ms Forth
Head of Maths

 

View Gallery

Around The Classes

Reception Roundup

Please click on the link below to read all about what the Reception Class have been learning this week.

Reception Round Up - 181019 

Mrs Pullen
Reception Class Teacher
View Gallery

Class 1E - Celebration Of Diwali

Class 1E have been learning about the Hindu and Sikh celebration of Diwali, meaning ‘Festival of Light’. We have listened to the famous story of Rama and Sita and discovered traditional Diwali celebrations, comparing the similarities with the Christian celebrations of Christmas. We have decorated our own Rangoli patterns, discussed and written about our favourite parts of the Rama and Sita story and made and decorated our own diyas out of clay. 

Happy Diwali.

Mrs Emery
Class 1E Teacher 
View Gallery

Class 2W Create Silhouettes

Class 2W have been creating silhouette paintings. They started with a colour wash last week and added their black silhouettes of trees, fences and birds this week, to make stunning pictures. 

Mrs Byrne
Art Teacher
View Gallery

Class 2W - Hats Off To Leela!

As next half term approaches, Class 2W are getting very excited about their next history topic of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. 

On Thursday, Leela brought in a hat she had made, just like the Gunpowder Plotters might have worn in 1605.

Well done, Leela.

Mrs Monteith
Class 2W History Teacher

Class 3S Draw and Paint Still Life

Class 3S have been working hard on their still life drawing and painting for the last two weeks.

Mrs Byrne
Art Teacher
View Gallery

Class 4M - PSHE - Enjoying a New Book

Earlier this week, Mrs Monteith was given a wonderful present to share with Class 4M - a book called 'Judge Brenda and the Supreme Court.' It will fit in beautifully with our PSHE work on decisions, the Children's Charter, taking responsibility and what happens in Parliament as part of our 'Being Me in My World' topic. It is full of colourful illustrations and talks about how judges decide what is fair and equal and why it is important to have laws which protect everyone.

Mrs Monteith
Class 4M Form Tutor

Year 5 and 6 Philosophy Club

Philosophy Club involves thinking. It may be about questions, it may be puzzles, it may even be about ourselves.

The children learn they are not always correct, they learn they are allowed their own opinion - if they can support it well.

This week I set them challenges, they needed to work together but also think differently about a problem to create a solution. There was frustration, a lot of thinking faces and bewilderment at how easy the answer was in the end.

Mrs Webb
Class 6W Form Tutor
View Gallery

Year 6 Pop Art

Class 6Y and 6W have been looking into Pop Art. They have researched, drawn and applied what they learnt to create their own Pop Art cube. 

Mrs Byrne
Art Teacher
View Gallery

Year 6 Show Their Understanding Of Empathy

Year 6 enjoyed getting together for PSHE last week to explore empathy through role-play. The children created mini dramas with empathy and without empathy. This helped them concrete the knowledge that as a class we strive to make good choices, put ourselves in the position of others and show empathy towards the feelings of all.

This was an important lesson to learn as they start receiving their exam results - the way to react to them and to support each other.

Mrs Webb Mrs Yates
Year 6 Teachers

DT Club Paper Folding

Members of DT club were making paper swans last week to practise their paper folding and artwork. 

Mrs Byrne
DT Teacher
View Gallery

FoC Events

FoC - Movie Night

Friday 15 November 2019 - 5.00pm to 6.30pm

The movie for this event is going to be the newly released Toy Story 4, this is a U film and is therefore appropriate for all children.  

It will cost £5 per child (£3 per Reception child as they need to be accompanied by an adult) and includes the movie plus snacks and drinks.  

If you child would like to come along please put their name down on the sign up sheet on the FoC table. Children need to be dropped off at the front door at 5.00pm and be collected from the side entrance at 6.30pm. If you would like your child to go into after school prior to the movie starting and have tea please put their name down on the after school sheet in the week prior to this.

Zara Corbin
FoC Chair
View Gallery

FoC - Christmas Bazaar

Friday 6 December 2019 - 3.45pm to 6.00pm

Our annual Christmas Bazaar will include games, crafts and a special visit from Father Christmas.

Reception and Year 1 will be able to attend from 3.20pm as it does get busy in the hall and surrounding classrooms, to give the younger children the opportunity to come and have a go on the games and stalls before the rest of the school arrive. 

More details on this will follow later in the term.

Zara Corbin
FoC Chair
View Gallery

FoC - Year 4 Market Day

Friday 13 December 2019 - 3.45pm to 4.45pm

Please come along and support the FoC 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 stationery for privilege time for Year 4.

You can also purchase pre-loved uniform.

Zara Corbin
FoC Chair

FoC

AGM Meeting Update

Last Monday 7 October the FoC held its first AGM meeting - thank you to everyone who attended.

In this meeting we agreed the ethos of our committee, elected new officers and adopted our constitution.  For those who were unable to attend this meeting a copy of our constitution together with a copy of our FoC descriptors document can be found below. 

Friends of Crescent Constitution v1.0

Friends of Crescent FOC Descriptor

The FoC descriptors document details what the FoC is about, our ethos, events, the role of our members as well as how we spend the money we raise. I hope everyone finds this useful as we continue to formalise our committee. 

Zara Corbin
FoC Chair

Year 5 Bake Sale and Quiz Night Update

Thank you to everyone who supported these events last week. The bake sale raised £144 for Year 5 and the Quiz night raised £380 profit for the FoC.

A massive thank you to Ms Forth for pulling all the Quiz night questions together - it was a fantastic night.

The Year 1 team took the trophy for the second year running, after the Year 5 team had 10 points deducted for an extra team member - so a close run affair!

We will be holding another one of these in March, so look out for more information after Christmas. 

Zara Corbin
Foc Chair

FoC Christmas Cards

This year we again have organised personalised Christmas cards and gifts using pictures the children have produced themselves.  Your child's Christmas design has been sent home today. 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 6 November to guarantee delivery in early December.  Orders received after this date are unable to be processed.

Please place your envelope into the FoC box.   
 
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 Vicky Morley Lisa Millward
Year 1 Sanda Mocanu Fatima Masood
Year 2 Inez de Koning Karen Williams
Year 3 Emilie Crowfoot Claire Brosnan
Year 4 Semma King Anita Somerset
Year 5 Kal Mistry Amy Sarkies
Year 6 Emma Wells Victoria Akbik

 

Chairperson Zara Corbin
Treasurer Nick Brosnan
Secretary Amy Sarkies
Pre-Loved Uniform Louise Symons
Staff Reps Ms Forth and Mrs Webb
FoC email address: zaracorbin9@gmail.com
FoC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofcrescent/
 
Zara Corbin
FoC Chair

 

 

   

 

 

Housekeeping

Lunch Menu Week Commencing 4 November 2019

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

Crescent Menu - 4 November 2019 

Crescent School Office

 

 

The Princethorpe Foundation Employment Opportunities

Please find a link below to the current vacancy available across the Foundation:

  • Foundation Data Manager

Full details of the roles and how to apply are available via the following link https://www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

School Uniform Items Stocked At School

The following items are stocked in the School Office and can be added to your account:

  • Winter hats
  • Scarfs
  • Gloves
  • Ties
  • Swimming hats
  • Sports socks
  • Hair bands
  • Hair scrunchies
  • Hair clips
  • Sun hats
  • Music group badges - Choir, Orchestra, String, Brass and Wind

Please do pop in if you need any of the above items.

Crescent School Office

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
01788 523850
 
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

Term Dates For 2019-20 And 2020-21

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

2019/20

Michaelmas Term 
Term starts Monday 2 September 2019
Half Term Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November 2019
End of Term Wednesday 18 December 2019
 
Lent Term 
Term starts Monday 6 January 2020
Half Term Saturday 15 February to Sunday 23 February 2020
End of Term Friday 27 March 2020
 
Trinity Term 
Term starts Monday 20 April 2020
May Bank Holiday Friday 8 May 2020 (no school)
Half Term Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May 2020
End of Term Wednesday 1 July 2020
 
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

Outside School

Introducing Crescent's Courier Kids

Welcome to our very first edition of Crescent School’s Courier Kids. Our team of reporters have been meeting every Tuesday morning to produce articles that we hope the children at Crescent will find interesting and fun to read.

We wish you all a wonderful half term holiday and look forward to hearing what you think about our section of the Courier when we return to school.

Courier Kids Team

What To Do Over The Holidays!

Here are the top 10 things…

  • See your family
  • Play a game with your family
  • Teach your Mum or Dad how to play a video game
  • Watch a movie with your family
  • Go on a day out or a walk
  • Find a new recipe and help cook it
  • Do a good deed
  • Go to someone’s house
  • Ask someone to recommend a book for you and read it
  • Have fun!

 Courier Kids Team

Super Member of Staff

The children at Crescent School have been nominating members of staff who they feel have stood out as being especially super this half term.

This half term’s super member of staff is….

  • Miss Wrzesniacka aka Miss V

Miss V was nominated because…

“She makes everyone laugh. She always works her hardest all day long and she always smiles and is happy.”
 
Well done Miss V!
 
Courier Kids Team

My Book Review

What is it about?

Queenie is an amazing book. It’s about a young girl called Elsie, whose nanny had a disease called T.B.. Shortly after, she caught a different sort of T.B, but was still hoping to go to the Queen’s Coronation.

This book brings a smile to my face. I rate this 5 star and it was written by the bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson.

Tumi
Courier Kids Team

Macmillan Coffee Morning

On Friday 25 September 2019 Crescent School hosted our first ever Macmillan Coffee Morning. There was tons of cake scattered all around the hall and all you had to pay was 50p a cake.

Everyone donated cakes and we made £575. Parents and friends of Crescent came into school during the morning and bought cakes too.

All of the children had cakes for break instead of their snack!! 

There were a lot of spare cakes so we sold them at pickup time and in the evening to Bilton Silver Band.

Macmillan Coffee Mornings raise money to provide helpers and support for people affected by cancer.

Thank you to everyone at Crescent for raising so much money to help support this great charity!    

Mrs Webb said, “I have never seen so many cakes outside of a supermarket. The support from FOC, parents, grandparents and children was brilliant - all for a fantastic charity . THANK YOU ALL.”  

Charlotte and Dorrit
Courier Kids Team                                                                          

Jokes

Why did the cow cross the road?
To get to the udder side
 
What do you call a dinosaur that is sleeping?
A dino-snore!

What does a cloud wear under his raincoat?
Thunderwear

What do kids play when they can’t play with a phone?
Bored game

What did the policeman say to his tummy?
Freeze. You’re under a vest.

Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
Because she was stuffed

Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7, 8, 9
 
When will the little snake arrive?
I don’t know, but he won’t be long
 
Why didn’t the dental hygienist like her award?
It was a plaque  
 
Courier Kids Team

Comic Greek

Please see my comic of Greek Life below:

Comic Greek

Keshav
Courier Kids Team

An Interview With Mr Thackway

1.   What were you like in school?
      I did get in trouble sometimes and loved football. I was good at English.
 
2.   What was your favourite subject in school?
      My favourite subjects were Games, Geography and English.
 
3.   Biggest fear you have faced?
      The biggest fear I have faced was climbing a mountain and not letting a fear of                  heights stop me.
 
4.   What inspired you to be a teacher?
      It’s fun working with children and my mum was a teacher.
 
5.   What was your biggest challenge?
      My biggest challenge is making Crescent a great school.
 
6.   What do you like least about your work?
      When parents complain and when I have to work late.
 
7.   What was your first job?
      My first job was a paper boy and I also worked in a delicatessen shop with my Dad.
 
8.   Do you have any pets?                    
      I have a cat called Mallory who we all love.
 
9.   What is your favourite food?
      My favourite food is curry.
 
10. If you were a celebrity who would it be?
      I used to want to be Zico but now I would be Jack Grealish (they are both footballers)!
 
By Eve and Tumi