CAM02116

17 March 2023

Dear Parents

Go for Gold – Year 3 and 4 Show
‘Go for Gold’ is exactly what our Year 3 and 4 pupils did over three spectacular performances of their play! The delight on the faces of every audience member was more than apparent, as our talented pupils retold the story of the greatest sporting event on earth, the Olympic games. There were so many standout moments, as the cast delivered complex lines with eloquence and brilliant comedy timing. Collectively, the cast brought energy and enthusiasm in abundance. Their storytelling and musicality was simply outstanding. The feedback from parents has been wonderful to share with the pupils and we know that Year 3 and 4 spread a great deal of joy over the course of this week. I think the aspect I am most proud of though is the way they have supported each other throughout the rehearsals and performances – they are a wonderful group of friends who have produced a joyful production together. Well done to every one of you!

Year 11 hit Westfield!
Last Sunday, the Year 11 pupils went to Westfield Shopping Centre as a welcome break from GCSEs and a chance to indulge in some retail therapy. They had a wonderful time shopping, eating and laughing, which was just what they needed. Even Sephora opened their first UK store just in time for their visit!

Agora is a hit!
Agora on Tuesday lunchtime saw exceptional musical performances from two pupils. The audience were treated to the soothing, yet emotionally powerful, vocal tones of Year 12 student Blossom, as well as some delicate and graceful performances from Year 11 Madeleine on the flute. A wonderful lunchtime of catharsis for many! How wonderful to have such talented musicians around us. We look forward to Agora returning after the Easter holiday.

Sporting Success
It has been a busy week of fixtures with lots of brilliant shows of sportsmanship from all our competing pupils.
Our U12 Netballers triumphed in the Headington Inclusion Tournament with 6 out of 7 wins. The team performed brilliantly, working extremely hard together demonstrating excellent teamwork and skill. Congratulations also to the U12 A Boys’ Football team, who triumphed against Shiplake winning 9-1. The U12 and U13 Boys played some terrific Hockey, in our local derby against Moulsford. With performances full of effort, Cranford won two games, drew two and lost one. A huge well done to all our pupils who took part in matches this week and we look forward to the last few matches of the term finishing on a high!

Year 5 and 6 Parents’ Coffee Morning and Open Classroom
Thank you to all the parents who were able to join us on Tuesday morning for the Year 5 and 6 Parents’ Coffee Morning and Open Classroom. The children were delighted to be able to share with you the incredible work they have been doing over the course of this term and we hope you enjoyed celebrating their achievements too! We look forward to seeing Junior Parents next Tuesday for Parents’ Evening.

Year 5 trip to Ufton Court
Year 5 had a fabulous trip to Ufton Court on Monday, where they learnt about the reformation and the persecution of Catholics during the Tudor era. They were even able to re-enact a Tudor Court and enjoyed looking at the gruesomeness of the punishment for crimes of the times! It was a fantastic day, really bringing to life what the children have been learning about in the classroom.

Fee increase
The next Governors’ Finance Meeting will take place on 24 May and a fee increase will be agreed to take effect from September 2023. However, as ever, the Governors will endeavour to keep this as low as possible. The exact increase will be confirmed as soon as possible after the Governors’ meeting.

With best wishes

Dr James Raymond
Headmaster