Welcome back to all! I hope you enjoyed a good break. The children have returned looking refreshed and excited for the new half term.
Thank you to everyone for the incredibly generous donations for the Upper Prep Action Day performances. It was a wonderful way to mark the end of the half term and a great opportunity to raise funds for two worthy causes: Macmillan Cancer Support and Mary’s Meals.
Reception started the week with a Chemistry Champions workshop and in the Library preparations have been made to launch our new Reading Challenge – details to follow.
We have enjoyed some fantastic sporting results with the Under 11 progression in the Surrey Cup being a particular highlight. This weekend sees the annual Henkes Shield competition and we will look to retain the trophy that we secured last year. Looking ahead to next week, our rugby season is around the corner so please remember those mouthguards.
We finished the week by thinking about Remembrance Sunday and we will mark Remembrance Day on Tuesday. We reflect on those sacrifices made, the lives lost and hope for peace in our future.
Mr Heaver
Action Day
Pupils in Years 4 to 6 showcased their many talents during this year's Action Day. A wide variety of skills was showcased, from instrumental performances and skits to poetry, presentations, and even an act on a pogo stick!
Pupils are collecting donations from friends and family sponsoring them for this event. This year, donations will be divided between the Mary's Meals and Macmillan Cancer Support charities. These funds will make a real difference to those in need. Well done to all involved!
Mrs Evans
Year 1 News
Year 1 really enjoyed having the Year 9 boys in as their reading buddies. We loved showing them what we could read and getting to know them. Thank you to Year 9 for coming. We cannot wait for your next visit!
Shoebox Appeal
Thank you so much to everyone who has kindly donated a shoebox for this year’s appeal. If you have not already donated one, these are being collected until Tuesday 11th November.
The Children in Distress charity has been sending shoeboxes as gifts to the marginalised and needy in Romania for the past 30 years. This programme has provided hope to thousands of Romanian families and we have been glad that as a school community we have been able to support this endeavour.
This leaflet contains the information regarding how the shoeboxes should be packed. Please pay particular attention to the section entitled ‘How to pack your Christmas Gift SHOEBOX’.
Mrs Parker
Announcing The Effingham Reading Challenge
We are delighted to announce this year’s Reading Challenge books. Upper Prep pupils are invited to read as many of the books as they can by the end of May 2026. These books have been selected from all those published over the last year. Some of the novels are debuts, and others are from long established authors. Pupils will receive five merits per book read and will receive certificates as follows:
Three books read: Bronze certificate
Four books read: Silver certificate
Five books read: Gold certificate
Those pupils who have read all five books will be asked to vote for their favourite book. We look forward to finding out which the winning book will be! A celebration will take place towards the end of the summer term for all participants. This challenge will be announced in next week’s library lessons and the books will be available to borrow from the library.
Mrs
Watkinson, School Librarian
Reception News
This week, Susie from Little Steamers came to visit us for a Chemistry Champions workshop. Together, we made amazing potions and watched if the ingredients would make a reaction. We then made lemonade with a partner and learnt how adding different ingredients changed the original flavour of the lemon juice.
Great work, Reception!
Mrs Prothero
Music News
One of our pupils, Basty in Year 6, had the opportunity to play the bassoon at London’s Guildhall School of Music over half term.
“On Sunday I went to a Double Reed Workshop at the Guildhall School of Music in London. Double reed instruments are oboes, bassoons, cor anglais and contra-bassoons. The workshop was in two parts over two weekends.
We prepared and performed a number of pieces including Jupiter by Holst, and the theme from Jurassic Park. There were roughly 50 musicians. As the only bassoonist at Cranmore, it was amazing to play with more than 20 bassoonists. The Guildhall concert hall was really impressive – it’s so big, and has hosted some really famous performers.”
U11 Football Team wins and progresses onto the Surrey Cup Semi-Final
On Tuesday, 4th November, the Cranmore U11A team played Hoe Bridge in the quarter-final of the Surrey Cup, in what turned out to be the most dramatic football match of the season. After regular play, the score was 4-4 following a last-minute equaliser from Hoe Bridge. The game progressed into 10 minutes of extra time, with Hoe Bridge scoring early on to take a 5-4 lead. However, the Cranmore spirit shone through, and the match was level again just three minutes later.
The dreaded penalties loomed, and after the first five taken, the score was 3-3, taking the shootout to sudden death. Cranmore slotted the first ball home, meaning Hoe Bridge had to score to stay in the match. As the sun began to set, Jordan S stood tall in goal, saving the penalty and sending Cranmore through to the semi-final! It was a fantastic performance from all eight boys, who showed determination to never give up, while displaying great sportsmanship by consoling the understandably disappointed Hoe Bridge players at the end of the match.
Mr Cox, Head of Football
Year 5 & 6 Racquets Extravaganza
On Tuesday, 4th November, 15 members of Years 5 and 6 took part in a multi-sports extravaganza against RGS. All the boys had a fantastic time playing squash and badminton, showcasing great technique and sportsmanship throughout the afternoon. It was wonderful to see everyone supporting one another and demonstrating determination, teamwork, and enthusiasm in every match. The pupils represented the school brilliantly and should be very proud of their efforts!
Mr O'Neill, Head of Rugby and Rackets
Best of luck to the pupils representing Cranmore in the Henkes Shield this Saturday. The Henkes Shield is an annual football competition between Cranmore and Rokeby schools, featuring teams from age groups U9 to U13. Established in 1983, this year marks the 40th edition of the event, with two years having been cancelled due to poor weather and the Covid pandemic. Cranmore has claimed victory 21 times, while Rokeby has won the Shield on 18 occasions.
Mouthguards
Home Fit Cranmore Mouthguard - please use this link to order Cranmore’s bespoke mouth guard (discount code cranmore10 to receive 10% off).
Professional Fit Mouthguard (at local dentists) - Topguards. To book: https:// form.jotform.com/241132543497355
For more information: enquiries@topguards.co.uk
Mr Hodgson, Director of Sport
A Message from our Chaplaincy Team
This Week
A reading from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection
On 1st November, the Church celebrated All Saints’ Day and this was followed by All Souls’ Day on 2nd November. These are two major feasts of the church and they invite us to be inspired by the saints and all those who have gone before us leading good and holy lives. In looking at the saints, we too should be inspired by their example. They remind us of who we are called to be. They show us the beauty of goodness, the beauty of God.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the example of the saints. I desire to join in their company, worshipping you forever in Heaven.
Please help me follow their footsteps, and in yours.
Please help me to conform myself to Your image, seeking Your will in all things, as the saints did.
Amen
“God speaks to us through His saints.” Antonio Bacci
Week 2 Monday
Soup
Main Smokey Chorizo Macaroni
Cheese with Crispy Onions
Vegetarian
Sides
Traditional Baked Macaroni
Cheese
Steamed New Potatoes
Braised Beef
Cottage Pie with Cheddar Mash
Mushroom Stroganoff
Roast Chicken with Yorkshire
Pudding, with Stuffing & Gravy
Autumn
Vegetable Filo
Parcels with a Grainy Cous Cous
Locally Sourced Pork Sausages with Onion Gravy
Freshly
Battered Fish or Fish Cake with Ketchup and Tartare
Sauce
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy
Cheese and Vegetable Empanadas
Additional
Dessert
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Green Beans
Broccoli Steamed Rice
Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Roasted Root
Vegetables
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Mashed Potatoes
Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Skinny Fries
Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Peach Crumble and Custard
Chocolate Brownie
Victoria Sponge Cake
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
