7 December 2018

Christmas has well and truly arrived at Cranford House!

As I write this week’s newsletter I have just returned from the second of two truly joyful Reception Crib Services which reminded us of the importance of family and of the meaning of this very special time of year. The children’s confidence and pride in performing in front of their loved ones was wonderful to see. Many congratulations to them all for making this such a special occasion.

Elsewhere in Junior School, our Key Stage 1 Christmas Show offered an elaborate and spectacular musical celebration of the Christmas story, taking us all around the world from Japan and Spain to Scotland! The range of acting and singing talent on display was truly fantastic and I hope those of you who joined us in school for the production enjoyed it as much as I did. Our Christmas festivities give us the chance to reflect on the underlying Christian ethos associated with our school values and the importance of generosity of spirit around school as we look forward to Christmas as a community.

I greatly enjoyed both joining parents for the GCSE Drama performance this week and welcoming back our 2018 Alumni to celebrate their GCSE achievements with certificates, carols and mince pies. It was also good to meet with Year 10 families at their Parents’ Evening on Wednesday and a lovely opportunity to look ahead to Sixth Form and discuss potential pathways as pupils and families reflect on our recent A-level taster afternoon.

Further celebration came as we cheered home over 30 valiant runners who battled very muddy conditions to complete our Christmas 5K run. The sense of camaraderie, as well as the athleticism and determination on display, was fantastic to see. Very well done to everyone who took part. Later today I’m looking forward to meeting our new Director of Sport, Mr McKay, who is in school preparing for the Spring Term with the PE department.

I look forward to further festive celebrations next week and to seeing many of you at Dorchester Abbey for our Junior and Senior Carol Services. Finally, a reminder that our Year 10 World Challenge expedition members will be raising money for their trip by holding a mini Christmas Market in Willow Court next Thursday at 3.30pm and in Henley Market Square between 10.00am-3.00pm on Saturday 15 December. Please do support them if you are able to.

With best wishes

Dr James Raymond