Cranmore Senior Chronicle 28 November 2022

Message from the Headmaster

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, Saint 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.

On Thursday, we had a visit from Karl Nova, a hip hop artist, performance poet and award winning author, who works as an educator performing in schools all over the UK and abroad. He introduced his collection of poetry and short stories, Rhythm and Poetry, which won the 2018 CLiPPA Poetry Award as well as his second book, The Curious Case of Karl Nova, which talks about his background and how he developed his interest in poetry. His performances and books were a huge hit with the pupils and we are very grateful to Karl for coming to Cranmore. His humorous storytelling and reflections truly inspired the students.

28 NOVEMBER 2022

Mr Everitt

Bebras Challenge

Between the 7th and 18th of November, 117 senior students took part in the Bebras Challenge 2022/23. The Bebras Computing Challenge introduces computational thinking to students. It is organized in over 50 countries and designed to get students all over the world excited about computing. The students performed very well, six students have achieved in the top 10% in the country, therefore they have successfully progressed to the next Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC) First Round (for invited students): 16th - 20th January 2023.”. We were pleased to award them their certificates during assembly.

Mr Ahmed Afana Head of Computing

Library News—The Effingham Reading Challenge

We are pleased to announce the Effingham Reading Challenge 2022 23 which is running across Cranmore and St Teresa’s for pupils in Year 4 upwards. We have selected five fantastic books all of which have been released over the last year. Pupils can read three of the books for a Bronze certificate, four for a Silver certificate and five for a Gold certificate. Pupils who would like to take part should go and see Mrs Watkinson in the Cranmore library or Mrs Clarke in the St Teresa’s library. We look forward to finding out which book will be the overall winner!

Mrs Watkinson, School Librarian (Cranmore) and Mrs Clarke, School Librarian (St Teresa’s)

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

Music News

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

This Week’s House Cup Winners Congratulations : the senior merit cup winner this week is: Stokes

Our Year 7 and 8 pupils were enthralled by two inspiring sessions with Karl Nova, poet and hip hop artist, on Thursday. He started by sharing the background to his life as a performance poet and writer. Pupils were interested to learn that Rap stands for ‘Rhythm and Poetry’, the title of his first, award winning, book and that his interest in poetry developed as a result of discovering Rap.

We were so impressed by his performances of his poetry. By popular demand, he composed a free style poem using ten words provided by the Year 8 pupils, which was very impressive. Pupils also enjoyed asking him questions and joining him in a musical performance to round off each highly enjoyable session.

Ms Newton (Head of English) and Mrs Watkinson (School Librarian) Poet Karl Nova visit on 1st December

DRAMA COMPETITION

CPA

Sports Roundup

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

The U11s Cranmore 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 1/4 finals. They won the 1/4 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!

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

Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport U11s IAPS Finals U11s IAPS Finals U13 Surrey Cup Final

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

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. Bring friends and family to this wonderful afternoon of Christmas magic with all proceeds supporting Cherry Trees and the children and families that rely on our support. Get your tickets here: https://www.cherrytrees.org.uk/Event/christmas concert