4 December 2020

This week, Cranford has fully thrust itself into the Christmas spirit, much to my and the pupils' delight! Staff, pupils and parents were thrilled to see the outside of Moulsford House adorned with festive decoration when they arrived in school on Monday morning. We have had such wonderful feedback on the beautiful decorations which I am certain you will agree, look truly spectacular.

We have also, for the first time since I have been at Cranford, adorned the Willow Tree with lights and the Willow Theatre is proudly home to two 15ft trees, which look stunning! To add a touch more magic (and may be a little mischief!), last night, our Sixth Form students stayed late at school to make decorations and bring a bit more festive joy to Willow Court. It is all looking suitably jolly and setting a tone of cheer, excitement and anticipation, which has been very welcome against the grey, rather drizzly weather!

Throughout the week, the Willow Theatre has been transformed into a film studio in order to capture all the Christmas performances of the different year groups that will be sent home at the end of term. I have been privileged to watch every performance and am once again overwhelmed at the musicality, creativity and confidence of our pupils. This morning, Reception pupils enjoyed creating their unique performance of the story of the nativity at Moulsford Church, which was truly enchanting and something that always makes me feel very festive. I know that all our parents will have missed being able to watch these performances live, but we hope the fact you will be able to watch them multiple times virtually, somehow makes up for it. I can honestly say you are in for a treat!

Today also saw the first of our school Christmas lunches and our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils enjoyed a delicious festive feast! I think it is worth sparing a thought for Chef Paul and his team over the next week. I am sure most people shudder at the prospect of cooking one Christmas lunch, but this year, the kitchen are preparing six lunches on consecutive school days to enable all our pupils to enjoy a traditionally Cranford Christmas lunch in their year group bubbles. Christmas music, crackers and the obligatory bad jokes are all part of the fun and we hope your son or daughter enjoys this occasion.

Despite the excitement of Christmas and all the associated events, pupils are still working hard in lessons. Our Senior School Year 10 biologists have, rather topically, been looking into drug trials and as a result, have had some very thought-provoking discussions about the Covid vaccination. Year 8 have had great fun learning about magnetic fields and making electromagnets, whilst Year 11 have been learning about genetics. Meanwhile, in Junior School, Year 6 have created some wonderful fact files on the digestive system and been learning about the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.

Don't forget that it is Christmas Jumper week all next week, so we look forward to seeing an assault of jumpers brightening up the classrooms and corridors!

Dr James Raymond

Headmaster