16 OCTOBER 2023 3 JULY 2023 Message from the Head of Prep
It is hard to believe that our first half term has already been and gone. There has been so much to celebrate since the children returned in September and this past week has been no exception. Year 6 enjoyed their time touring the new Science & Technology centre on Monday and there was real buzz of excitement about our Senior School experience. I was delighted to be able to spend some time on Tuesday morning with our newly elected Upper Prep School Council and I cannot wait to hear more of their ideas. Our catering team spoilt us this week with a selection of dishes inspired by Black History Month. I know the South African apple cake proved to be very popular and the Jamaican style chutney certainly packed a punch! Well done to everyone involved with House Football this week and to our U8 team for being Plate runners-up at the Danes Hill tournament. It was also impressive to see a number of our pupils being selected for the Prep Schools’ Lions squad. After Year 1 enjoyed their trip to Legoland last week, it was lovely to hear such good things about the Year 2 trip to Windsor Castle on Thursday. Today we have enjoyed some truly remarkable performances by the Upper Prep for Action Day. Thank you to everyone for the hard work that went into preparing for this and for your generous donations via our Just Giving page. There is still time to donate here. I wish everyone a restful half-term break.
Mr Heaver
Year 6 Visit to the New Science and Technology Centre Year 6 were delighted to enjoy some time in the new Science and Technology Centre, on Monday morning. Starting with a tour by the Headmaster, they were then able to visit the labs along with the IT and DT suites. Mr Minikin, Mr Afana and Mr McGhee spoke to the Year 6 classes about what they have to look forward to in Year 7 and beyond. Mr Heaver
Black History Workshop and Themed Lunches On Friday afternoon, Years 4 and 6 watched a talk by children’s author, Atinuke. They all learnt something new during the talk, including: •
The first people to settle in Britain were black.
•
Some of the Roman soldiers who invaded and ruled Britain were black.
•
Over 3 million British people have a black Georgian ancestor.
•
Queen Victoria had 2 black British godchildren.
Atinuke took them on a journey through the ages, demonstrating the important role black people have had in contributing to Britain’s success as a nation, whether during the creation of the British Empire or during and after the World Wars. It was a thought-provoking insight into Black British History. A copy of Atinuke’s book, Brilliant Black History, is in the library for pupils to look at.
The whole school has enjoyed a special ‘Black History Month’ menu this week with dishes such as Jamaicanstyle curried chicken, Jerk-style chicken, Caribbean-style creamy vegetable curry and curried chickpeas with potatoes.
Remembrance Poems Here are two more of the excellent poems written by our budding Year 5 and 6 poets for the Remembrance poetry workshop with poet Laura Mucha. Mrs Watkinson, School Librarian
We Must Never Forget by Oscar H (Year 6) I feel weary and scared, gunshots and bombs exploding by my side. The green grass soon red, from all those who are dead. The trees splattered with blood, as people fall with a thud. And I don’t know my fate, my helmet pressing like a weight. The air around is filled with grief, and I see a falling leaf. Mourning—mourning. Grieving—grieving. Red poppies grew which help us remember, So never forget the 11th November.
Remembrance Poems
Oh, Dear Sweet Gum by Conor F (Year 6) Oh, dear sweet gum, where is my son? Bombs falling, craters forming, bullets reverberating around.
Oh, dear sweet gum, when will he come? Troops falling, sergeants calling, families mourning.
Oh, dear sweet gum, was it a gun? Gunmen bleeding, army tanks gleaming, nations grieving.
“When is he back?” I asked the sweet gum, Dawn is creeping, graveyards increasing, the dead, resting.
After years more, the gum tree answered, Guns stop firing, others admiring, people desiring for loved ones to come back.
Harvest Mass It was wonderful to welcome so many parents to our Harvest Mass last Friday, celebrated by Fr Stephen Dingley.
Thank you for all the Harvest Donations that were brought in on Friday. Myfanwy Tothill, Chair of the Board of LeatherHEAD START, said, “Please thank everyone at school—teachers, parents and pupils—for such an amazing donation which will be a tremendous help to us in the coming year. Like everyone our supermarket bill has risen greatly so these gifts will be invaluable to us.”
Mr Jakubowski
Year 2 Trip to Windsor Castle Year 2 had a wonderful trip to Windsor Castle on Thursday this week. They particularly enjoyed participating in the knighting ceremony and dressing up in the various historical costumes.
House Meeting News On Thursday this week in their House meetings, Upper Prep pupils took part in a building challenge using marshmallows and spaghetti. The groups thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. Mr O’Neill
School Council News
This week, the newly elected School Council representatives in Upper Prep had their first meeting. They were very excited to start sharing their ideas about how we can work together to improve our school. They also enjoyed their pastries and fruit juice! Mrs Spooner
4CC
Basty B and Louis W
4FH
Matthew B and Tom B
5AV
Nico van J and James B
5DC
Dylan R and Rory F-C
5NC
Cameron H-A and Arlo W
6CP
Hugo B and Ryan H
6EF
George R and Tommy P
6WL
Theo G and Nikita O
Year 1 Trip to Legoland Last Friday, Year 1 pupils went to Legoland as they are studying Oceans in class. They particularly loved the submarine ride during which they were able to see sharks and stingrays.
Year 2 News Year 2 enjoyed learning about the Jewish faith, what Shabbat is as well as when and how it is celebrated. They then created a replica of a loaf of challah bread out of salt dough.
Nursery News At Forest School this week the children helped Ellie gather the various vegetables that have been growing in the polytunnel and made their own potions using pipettes, coloured water and a cauldron! In their RE lesson, Mrs O’Neill talked to the children about their favourite animals. They listened to the story of ‘St Francis of Assisi,’ the Patron Saint of Animals,’ and they said their very own prayer to St Francis to look after all our animals. The topic this week has been ‘Night and Day,’ and the children have produced some lovely pictures using a selection of mixed media to depict the dark and light. Ms Luke, Head of Nursery
Reception News Reception had a visitor this week. Snuffles the hedgehog came to visit both classrooms. He left a magic trail and a letter for the children. The letter said that he needed help to build a nest for the winter. The Reception children were straight on the task and went out to the field and made wonderful nests for the hedgehog. The children said goodbye and hoped that they may see Snuffles again in the spring. After this, the children worked superbly hard in Literacy and labelled the nests they had created using their sounds. Well done Reception! Miss Hurl and Mrs Prothero
Music News Congratulations to this excellent young violinist, Nino L (6WL), who played a Grade 5 piece, Gavotte by Hotteterre, brilliantly during our Upper Prep assembly. Bravo, Nino!
Congratulations to the following pupils for their music exam results:
Name
Year
Instrument
Grade
Mark
Max C
5
Piano
2
Pass
Adam di P
5
Piano
2
Merit
Toby F
6
Piano
3
Pass
Luka B
6
Electric Guitar
1
Merit
Rafferty C-D
5
Theory of Music
1
Distinction
Henry T
6
Theory of Music
2
Merit
Jasper H
6
Theory of Music
2
Distinction
This Week’s House Cup Winners Congratulations to Borelli House in the Lower Prep and Morton House in the Upper Prep for gaining the highest number of merits this week!
Sport Update House Football We have had a superb week of House Football. From Year 3 upwards, matches have been taking place in Games lessons. The ever popular competition allows the pupils to play alongside their housemates forming teams that are of mixed ability. Throughout the week there were some fantastic matches with plenty of goals scored. The sports teachers were very impressed with the spirit in which the matches were played and the sportsmanship shown between players. Well done to all involved for taking part in a truly great House event.
Well done to our U8s football team for being Plate runners-up at the Danes Hill football tournament last Friday.
Sport Update Representative Football Many congratulations to the Cranmore pupils who have been selected for the representative district team, Lions Prep. We are very proud of all the Cranmore pupils who attended the trial, in which there were over 250 players. Lions 'A' Squad: Jax A-T and Riyan B Development Squad: Joshua F, Henry T, Daniel C and Joshua Fr
English Schools Cross-Country Our Junior and Intermediate Cross Country teams, which consisted of Years 7, 8, 9 and 10, competed in the first round of the English Schools Cross Country Cup last week. Both teams did a tremendous job, despite the rain and muddy course. We had six top ten finishers which meant Cranmore came first overall in both team events. The boys have now qualified for the regional finals which will take place at the beginning of November. Well done to Daniel B, Oliver W, Freddie R, Henry C, Ben S, Sam S, Theo L, Aidan H and Oliver W. October half-term Camps Please see links below and flyers regarding Sports Camps taking place at Cranmore this October half-term:
- Goalkeeping link - Football Camp link Cricket Coaching at Cranmore The ECDC will be coaching cricket at Cranmore from after half-term. Please see the flyer in the Notices section for more information. Mouthguards Please see link for more information regarding OPRO Cranmore mouthguards.
Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
Your Kingdom Come "Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." St Francis of Assisi Chaplaincy News Thank you very much for all the Harvest Donations that were received on Friday. It was wonderful to welcome so many parents to our Harvest Mass, celebrated by Fr Stephen Dingley. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those in the Middle East who are suffering at this time. Over half-term you are invited to create a Shoebox for our Christmas Appeal.
Reflection This week we focused on the invitation to enter God's Kingdom. Jesus' Kingdom is a Kingdom where all are welcome, where we all find our place and our peace. Let us work hard to bring Jesus' Kingdom into our world. Jesus, remind me of your presence and let me know what you want me to do. Prayer God of all creation, bring justice and peace to our world. Teach us to be peacemakers. Guide us in our pursuit of the common good. Inspire us to welcome all, forgive all, and love all. Direct us as we walk in the shadow of Jesus. Inspire us to perceive the world through your eyes, that we might find hope and joy each day, supportive of each other, for the sake of Your Kingdom.
Notices
Adoration Every Wednesday
8am to 8.25am
This is an invitation to come to the chapel to be in Jesus’ presence on Wednesday morning from 8am to 8.25am Parents are asked to meet us in Reception at 7.55am
Stay for as long or as little as you need This is a time of silent prayer
When we face the sun we get a tan… but when we stand before Jesus in the Eucharist we become saints. Blessed Carlo Acutis
Notices
Notices
Notices
Notices
Menu
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Soup
Soup of the day – Tomato & basil
Soup of the day – Carrot & coriander
Soup of the day – Roasted butternut squash & sweet potato
Soup of the day – Leek & potato
Soup of the day – Roasted red pepper & tomato
Main
Chicken & vegetable tikka masala with rice & poppadums
Meatballs in a fresh tomato & herb sauce with rice
Roasted chicken breast with Yorkshire pudding
Traditional beef lasagne with Italian style salad
Traditional battered fish fillet or jumbo fish fingers
Jacket potato & beans
Plain pasta & tomato sauce
Jacket potato & beans
Plain pasta & tomato sauce
Jacket potato & beans
Fresh vegetable & chick pea curry with rice & poppadums
Roasted butternut squash & red pepper risotto
Layered roasted vegetables & mozzarella bake
Root vegetable & lentil cottage pie
Stuffed peppers filled with wholemeal rice topped with tomato sauce
Roasted Mediterranean vegetables/ baton carrots
Chips/peas/ baked beans
Vegetarian
Sides
Rice/ carrots
Sweetcorn/ courgettes
Roast potatoes/ broccoli
Additional
Salad bar
Salad bar
Salad bar
Salad bar
Salad bar
Dessert
Raspberry cheesecake
Chocolate sponge cake & chocolate sauce
Millionaire shortbread
Apple crumble & custard
Mango & passion fruit smoothie
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher