A lot can happen in a year.
Head of School Autumn Newsletter 2018
Dear Parents and Carers,
A huge welcome back to you all! I truly hope you've had a wonderful holiday and I trust you've created some special memories this Summer?!
Holidays - The holidays, in one sense, already seem like an age away, however, I am also still full of vivid memories created during our 'Crawford's Got Talent' competition on the last day of the school term. It was a wonderful event and I was absolutely blown away by the confidence shown by the children who performed. We had children from reception class all the way up to Year 6 performing dancing acts, acrobatics, singing, and the odd comedy act too! Well done everyone and keep practicing for next year!
Summer Visits - The break has been kind to the school and it has received many visitors during the August month. I am immensely thankful to all the helpers over the summer and it was a savoring thought to experience such incredible support from local members of the community to staff and even family. I'd like to personally thank a few members who have been instrumental in applying some much-needed TLC to the beautiful Crawford's building: Alannah Stephenson for doing a sterling job by painting the school porch area; Ricky Roberts for sharing his DIY skills by making a new staffroom breakfast bench area; Mark Heynes for showing me what a real leaf-blower can do, Grandad Francksen for attending to the much-needed dining room guttering and outside doors; Mrs Francksen for her green-fingers; Pip Jackson for salvaging and revitalising our veg beds; Mary & Roger Shave for their amazing support with the EYFS and gardening area, in particular our newly painted fence and outside doors (and not to mention the tireless cleaning they did), and last but certainly not least Rhiannon Shave for being an inspiration by visiting nearly every other day to either tend to the outside area, clean the windows, paint the outside benches, clean store cupboards and amongst many other things, leaving little gifts of smellies for the toilets, milk for the fridge and plants for the outdoor pots! What a trooper! It has to be said that without the help of her daughter Elsie and son Henry none of this would have been possible. Both the children helped and played beautifully; I even inherited a new nickname by young Henry as I soon became known as Francks!
Teacher Preparation - I am also pleased to announce that, due to a busy Summer of support, a redecoration program has been initiated and already Class 1, 3 and 4 have had a lick of paint. Although, if you ask Mr Hurkett he tends to prefer a bucket as opposed to a lick. I would also like to state that teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure their learning environments are clean, engaging and inspiring. In particular, Mr. Cook, Miss Perry (and Mother Perry) and Mr. Hurkett have done the school proud by giving up significant amounts of time to go that extra mile to create a great eco-system for learning!
The Long-awaited Return - With such an extended break I anticipated a somewhat gradual return to life at Crawford's, however, it has been anything but! We've certainly hit the ground running and I am glad to say that it has been the smoothest and happiest return (to a school year) I can remember; everyone already seems to be trailblazing their way towards their goals. I would like to take this opportunity to formally and warmly welcome Mr. Cook and Miss Perry to the team and community of Crawford's. Already, it seems like they have been with us for years and I am very much looking forward to working with two very experienced, committed, dedicated and passionate individuals. Both have a 'Can-do' attitude and I am excited for the children in what, I am sure, will be a fantastic year with them at the helm of Class 1 and Class 3.
I would also like to welcome our most important young arrivals: our new reception class. What a week they've had! Every child has adapted tremendously well and they have already settled into what, I know, can be a difficult time. Going on a bear hunt with Miss Perry and Mr. Hurkett has most certainly helped and it is immensely encouraging to see a new crop of happy, smiley and thirsty young learners.
'A lot can happen in a year.' At Crawford's, it most certainly has! I am proud to have seen the school fight to keep what's great but I am also encouraged to see that it has also taken shape in order to set it sails on a brighter future! The present, however, is what we shall continue to be thankful for. For as a wise man once said: 'The future depends on what we do in the present!'
Yours Sincerely,
Mr Francksen
The Super-trooper Rhiannon!
Mr Roberts does his thing!
New, clean and chip-wood side alley!
Roger & Mary Shave attend to the windows!
Pip Jackson breeds life into the veg beds!
The little ones get the kitchen ready!
The Shaves even make time for stories!
Miss Perry and the much-needed sort out!
And the Class 1 reading corner is ready!
Green Tree School 'Gold Award'
If a child cannot learn in the way we teach, we must teach in a way the child can learn!
Curriculum Provision
The Guitar Chose Me!
The Premier League Chose Us!
This Term's Clubs
School Choir with Marion Singleton on a Monday after-school
Kids with Bricks with Miss Grist on a Tuesday after-school
Minecraft with Mr Hurkett on a Friday after-school
Gymnastics with Mr Hurkett on a Tuesday after-school
Basketball with Mr Hurkett on a Wednesday after-school
Dodgeball with Mr Hurkett on a Thursday after-school
New FREE gardening club starting on Wednesday 26th September. Watch this space!
Notices
- Data Collection 2018 - we have recently sent out data collection forms to be completed via google forms. Please inform the school office if you have had any issues with accessing this link because we urgently need all the correct details to safeguard your child(ren).
- Academisation - I am glad to inform you that we have now converted to an academy and we are now part of the Tilian Multi Academy Trust.
- Gate for school clubs - please be aware, from 3.20pm, the back gate is closed therefore access to the school, for after-school club pick-ups, will be via the front gate.
- Uniform - please can I remind everyone that school uniform is to be worn consistently, especially school shoes, and it is important that children are encouraged to look after their belongings. The school does not adopt a lost-property system, therefore belongings are to be checked daily.
- Bikes and scooters - we have now moved the bike and scooter rack to the front garden for easier access. Please, can I ask all parents, carers, family, and children that no biking or scootering takes place within the school grounds?!
- Drop-off and pick-up arrangements - we are still using the back gate for drop-off and pick-up arrangements; please can I just remind you that staff has to close the gate at 8.45 sharp (as they are required in school immediately) therefore the front of the school will need to be used after this time. If any of your pick-up details have changed please inform the school office immediately.
Charity Fundraising
PTFA Meeting
Friday, Sep 21, 2018, 08:45 AM
Haughley Crawford's Primary School, Haughley, Stowmarket, UK
Safeguarding Guidance/ Updates
Diary Dates
Monday 17th September - Year 6 PGL Information Evening
Friday 21st September - PTFA meeting - all invited
Monday 01st October - Friday 5th October - Year 6 Bawdsey Manor Residential Trip
Monday 01st October - Church Assembly
Friday 5th October - Flu Immunizations
Monday 8th October - Grandparents Assembly
Friday 19th October - Last Day of Term