Cranmore Prep Chronicle 28 November 2022

While reading an excerpt this week from the autobiography of actor Tom Felton, who is probably best known for playing the part of Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter, I was very proud to read the following quote from the ex Cranmore pupil: ‘If I have any academic abilities basic arithmetic, the idea of reading being something enjoyable they derive entirely from those years at Cranmore.’ It has been a busy period, in the classrooms and through our extra curricular activities, and I would like to think that our pupils have been given an incredible variety of opportunities this term.

At assemblies and Mass this week, we have celebrated Patron Saint of Cranmore, St. Andrew. Pupils listened to interesting facts about his life and how he has been adopted as a Patron Saint of a number of countries such as Scotland, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Barbados. He reminds us that we all have the potential to succeed.

During the musical performances in the Lower Prep music assembly on Wednesday morning, that potential was clearly evident. I know we all enjoyed the instrumental and vocal performances, and all those talents will be harnessed for the end of term productions. This week, an army of Vikings appeared on the playground, and pupils were kept busy with board games, language challenges and demonstrating a battle charge. We also had a fantastic learning opportunity understanding the Chinese symbol of the dragon, making lanterns, researching the Chinese New Year and tasting Chinese food.

Message from the Headmaster

28 NOVEMBER 2022

Mr Everitt

Lower Prep Music Assembly

Well done to Ollie F, Luke H, Basty B and Otis P who performed solos in the Music Assembly on Wednesday. We will be rehearsing for one more week this term on Monday 5th December 8am (Cranmore Singers) and Tuesday 6th December 8am (Lower Prep Chamber Choir).

This Wednesday we had a wonderful Lower Prep Music Assembly. Cranmore Singers serenaded the audience with ‘Harvest Song’ and a few small group soloists performed beautifully. Mrs Thornton and Mrs Carpenter

Music News

It was a pleasure to listen to the piano pupils of Mrs Geddes in an afternoon concert. There was a range of ages and standards on show and I must congratulate all of the boys for their excellent performances. A big thank you to Mrs Geddes for organising and running this event.

Congratulations to the Brass Ensemble (taught by Mr Price), who played in the Upper Prep assembly on Monday and gave a stylish performance of ‘Crazy Calypso’ by R. Ramskill.

Well done to the newly formed Woodwind Group who performed ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ during senior assembly. Christmas has certainly arrived in the Music Department!

Mr Harris, Director of Music

On Wednesday Year 3 enjoyed a Viking workshop. Dressed as Vikings, they learnt about where the Vikings invaded and settled. They also discovered the influence the Vikings had on Britain and learnt about words in our language that have come from the Norse language.

The children had the opportunity to handle real Viking artefacts and play a Viking board game. The most exciting parts of the day were the Viking battle charge and the spear wrestling competition. The day ended with a re enactment of the Viking myth about how the world ended.

Mrs Sinclair and Miss Freeman Viking Day for Year 3

Year 2 learn about Chinese Traditions

On Monday, Year 2 learnt about different traditions from Chinese New Year in the geography fabulous finisher. First, we made dragons. Dragons are a very important symbol during Chinese New Year. Then, we watched and learnt a dragon dance. Next, we wrote wishes and riddles onto lanterns, which is what happens during the Chinese New Year lantern festival. Finally, we came together and tried some delicious Chinese food.

Mrs James, Mrs Carpenter and Mrs Stefano

In Forest School this week Reception learnt about all the different birds we have in our woodlands. We went on a bird hunt and Mrs Ellie helped us to make bird feeders to hang around Forest School. This will help the birds to grow big and strong for the winter. What a fun session we had! Miss Hurl and Mrs Prothero Reception at Forest School This Week’s House Cup Winners Congratulations to Stokes House in the Lower Prep and Tylor House in the Upper Prep for gaining the highest number of merits this week!

Nursery News

At Forest School this week the Nursery children focussed on the importance of feeding the birds during the winter season. They had fun bird spotting and using clipboards to record what they had seen.

The children have continued to focus on their pencil control skills

The Lower Prep School Council are proud to announce that they are having a special Christmas Treats Sale on Thursday 15th December during morning break.

In our meeting this week, they loved talking about what they are going to make and made posters to put up in their classes.

They are proud to be raising money for the Cherry Trees charity .

Mrs Carpenter

Sports Roundup

The Cranmore U11s did superbly at the IAPS Finals, finishing 3rd overall. The boys played four group games back to back, drawing in the first two and winning the last two seeing them top the group and go into the quarter finals. They won the quarter finals 2 0, but unfortunately lost in the semi final 3 1 to the eventual winners. They then played in the 3rd / 4th place playoff, and we are pleased to say won the game 1 0, finishing 3rd in the national tournament. Well done to all the players!

The final match of the football season took place on Monday with our U13s featuring in the Surrey Cup Final. The team came up short against a good Parkside side. However, the boys have had a superb cup run and have represented superbly well.

Rugby has continued with matches against St Paul's, Weatherby, Thomas's and Feltonfleet.

PE lessons have changed this week with pupils now moving onto racquets.

Year 6 Games

Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport

Advent

Thought for the week:

God of Hope

God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells between us.

God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells between us.

God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells between us. God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the centre, the focus of our lives always, and particularly this Advent time. Amen.

REFLECTION

During Advent, we take time to think about two different comings of Jesus into our world. Not only do we contemplate his birth as our Saviour, but we also look forward in hope to his return in glory at the end of time.

Let us Pray: Our Father Hail Mary 1 minute silence

“Even on the busiest days, let’s not neglect prayer.”

Pope Francis

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Message from our Chaplaincy Team

How will you hold on to hope?

Notices https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/cranmorechristmasraffle2022/Campaign/Details

Notices

Join us at our Cherry Trees Christmas Concert in the atmospheric Mairlot Hall at St. Teresa's in Effingham on Sunday 11 December. Doors open at 15.45 with the performance from 16.30. Expect a festive afternoon of fun filled, family entertainment including: Nativity & Carols from pupils at St. Teresa's & Cranmore.

A rousing medley of Film Favourites & Christmas Classics from Fitznells Concert Band. Special performance from Britain's Got Talent winner, Colin Thackery.