9 December 2022
I didn’t think Cranford could get any more Christmassy after the lovely Reception Crib Service and Key Stage 1 show last week, but this week there have been so many other wonderful events, heralding the start of the festive season. We were even treated to a flying visit by Father Christmas in a helicopter on Tuesday, courtesy of RAF Benson. Clearly, he had decided to give the reindeer a rest ahead of Christmas Eve duties and was cheerily welcomed to Cranford by all the pupils who enjoyed waving at him from around the site!
Nursery Sing-along
On Monday morning, our Nursery parents were given a wonderful show in the Willow Theatre, for the Nursery Christmas Sing-along. The children showcased all that they had learnt in their lessons with Miss Culver and in the sessions with Mrs Maxwell, as well as the songs they have learned in class! They were amazing and such a joy to watch.
Carol Services
Also on Monday, our Junior pupils took to the stage for the first of our two Carol Services at Dorchester Abbey. The carols, music and readers were brilliant. I was so impressed by the eloquence and confidence of all the pupils. There were some stand-out readers and incredible solos, supported by the energy of the whole Junior School and delivering a service that can only be described as outstanding. The splendour of the Abbey served as a fitting venue, and I am grateful to all the parents who joined us for such a special occasion.
On Tuesday evening, it was the turn of the Senior pupils, who led us in an impressive celebration of the traditional Christmas story. Again, there were some exceptional performances from soloists, the Choir and the Chamber Choir, as Mrs Powell and the Music Department combined traditional and modern carols to the delight of the audience. The readers spoke with such clarity and a true sense of occasion, that really did leave the audience spellbound. As the Curate said, there were many occasions where I wanted to applaud.
A huge congratulations to all our pupils who were involved in both concerts. You were all incredible and responsible for spreading a huge amount of Christmas cheer to all who attended!
Junior School Pantomime!
On Wednesday morning, we enjoyed taking the whole Junior School to the Oxford Playhouse, to watch
‘Cinderella’! Charged with the usual slap-stick jokes and feel-good festivity, our Junior pupils engaged brilliantly with the performance, singing along, laughing at the (at times questionable!) jokes and booing at the villain. However, the star of the show was without doubt our very own Mr King. Spotted early in the performance by the Ugly Sisters, Belly and Smelly, Mr King soon found himself the subject of a song or two. This alone enthralled our pupils, but the real glee came in the second half, where Mr King gained true hero-status, as he was pulled on stage as a stand-in Prince, about to marry the evil Dandina. Fortunately, the plot was foiled, and Mr King is now safely home with Mrs King and Year 3!
Christmas Parties, Christmas lunch and Christmas Assembly!
To round off the week, Juniors enjoyed Christmas Parties on Thursday, full of fun and games and lots of dancing. Today, Senior pupils re-wrote a Cranford-themed ‘12 Days of Christmas’ in a fiercely contested house competition with St Francis scooping the glory! Meanwhile, seemingly without breaking a sweat, Chef Paul and his team cooked Christmas lunch, enjoyed by the whole school, before we wrapped up the end of the first term coming together as a whole school in a truly festive assembly, celebrating everything Cranford!
May I take this opportunity to wish all our families a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you all in the new year!
With best wishes,
Dr James Raymond
Headmaster