CRANMORE
MANOR HOUSE
ST TERESA’S
SIXTH FORM
CRANMORE
Prep Chronicle YOUR THE WEEK WEEK COMMENCING COMMENCING142 SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER2026 2026 YOUR ESSENTIAL ESSENTIAL ROUND-UP ROUND-UP FOR FOR THE Message from the Head of Prep Welcome back! Let me start by saying well done to all the pupils who participated in our recent Action Day. It was wonderful to see the way the children supported one another throughout the performances. They will now be seeking donations from family and friends, so good luck to them all as they collect their sponsorship money. One of our nominated charities for Action Day was CAFOD, so it was wonderful to welcome a representative to the school to thank the children personally for their fundraising efforts. They also shared a range of projects that are benefiting communities around the world, helping pupils to see the impact of their support. In the same spirit of giving, the Chaplaincy Team has launched our Christmas Shoebox Appeal in support of Children in Distress. We would be most grateful for any donations and thank families in advance for their generosity. Years 1 to 3 enjoyed engaging STEM workshops, taking part in a range of practical activities designed to encourage curiosity, problem-solving and creativity. Meanwhile, the Prep School Council met on Thursday morning to discuss a number of pupil-led initiatives and ideas for the term ahead. It is always encouraging to see our children taking an active role in shaping school life. Thank you to Mrs Watkinson, who has just launched our Prep Library Reading Challenge. We hope this will inspire pupils to discover new authors, broaden their reading choices and develop a lifelong love of reading. Year 4 had a memorable day at Ufton Court as part of their History work on Ancient Egypt. The visit brought their classroom studies vividly to life and provided valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. Finally, I hope to see many of you at the CPA Fireworks Evening on Saturday. Mr Heaver
Year 4 Trip to Ufton Court
Year 4 enjoyed an exciting trip to Ufton Court this week, where they brought their study of the Ancient Egyptians to life. Through hands-on activities and role-play, the children explored Ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and learned about the customs and laws that governed life in this fascinating civilisation. It was a memorable experience that enriched their classroom learning and inspired great enthusiasm for the topic. Mrs Spooner
Action Day Years 4-6 showcased their many talents during this year's Action Day. A wide variety of skills were showcased, from stunning instrumental performances and skits to poetry, science demonstrations, sport presentations, and even times tables on a pogo stick! Boys are collecting donations from friends and family sponsoring them for this event. This year, donations will be divided between CAFOD and Cherry Trees charities. These funds will make a real difference to those in need. Well done to all involved! Mrs Evans
CAFOD Workshops for Years 4 to 6 On Wednesday 4th November, Vivienne O'Brien visited the school to deliver a series of CAFOD workshops for Years 4 to 6. The sessions were engaging, thought-provoking, and empowered pupils to see themselves as project leaders capable of making a real difference in the world. Through a range of interactive activities, pupils deepened their understanding that God loves the world and cares deeply for every person. They learned that each of us has unique gifts to offer and that everyone can play a part in helping others and bringing about positive change. Pupils left the workshops inspired, informed, and ready to take action. They also discovered one other important lesson along the way: chickens are truly amazing! Mr Jakubowski, Chaplain
STEM Workshop - Inventors and Makers Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 thoroughly enjoyed their STEM workshops on Thursday morning. In Year 1, our topic is Oceans, and the workshop linked perfectly to their learning. The children explored floating and sinking, making predictions before testing them out. They ended the session by designing and building their own boats in pairs using tin foil, lolly sticks, straws, tape and paper. The children were incredibly creative with their ideas and loved watching their friends test their creations. In Year 2, the children delved into the fascinating world of castles, learning about their purpose and exploring some of their key features. Working collaboratively in groups, they then designed and built their own castles, complete with working drawbridges. Their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills were on full display, and the finished designs were truly impressive! In Year 3, the children explored what engineers do and learned about the role of engineers during the Stone Age, linking perfectly with their current topic. They investigated simple machines, including levers and fulcrums, wheels and axles, before creating their own trilithons from clay. We were delighted to welcome Inventors and Makers to Cranmore and are incredibly grateful for such an engaging and inspiring morning. We look forward to welcoming them back again in the future! Mrs Prothero
Prep Reading Challenge 2026 to 27 This year's Prep Reading Challenge launched this week! Open to pupils in Years 4 to 6, the challenge encourages participants to read the selected books by Monday 7 June 2027. Rewards Pupils will earn certificates according to the number of books they read: Bronze Certificate – 3 books read Silver Certificate – 4 books read Gold Certificate – All 6 books read Bonus Opportunity Read the bonus book to gain an additional entry into a special prize draw. Prize Draw Every book completed earns one entry into the prize draw, with prizes including: Shopping vouchers Skip-the-Lunch-Queue passes Vote for the Winner Pupils who read all six books will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite title. The winning book will be announced at a special ceremony towards the end of the Summer Term. Happy reading, and good luck! Mrs Watkinson, School Librarian
Bonus!
Diwali Themed Lunch
Our incredible catering team once again treated the whole school to an extraordinary feast on Thursday, this time celebrating the festival of Diwali. Pupils and staff enjoyed a delicious selection of traditional curries, including Chicken Korma, Lamb Rogan Josh and Paneer Makhani, served with a range of authentic accompaniments. The salad bar was as vibrant and colourful as ever, featuring an array of dishes based on beans, pulses and fresh ingredients, perfectly complementing the themed lunch.
Sports News
Biathlon Before half term Cranmore pupils took part in the National Schools Biathlon qualifying event, we have received the results from this event. Well done to all pupils that took part, medals were awarded, in Year 8, Jack T with a bronze medal, in Year 4, Simon H a silver medal and, in Year 7, Fabian H winning the gold medal – Well done! Once all the qualifiers have taken place in the coming months results will be compiled and finalists announced for the National Finals in March. Mrs Calpin
Message from the Chaplain
ALL SAINTS This week we reflect on All Saints' Day, a feast that reminds us that holiness is not reserved for a few extraordinary people. The saints were ordinary men, women and children who trusted God, loved others, and tried to follow Jesus in their daily lives. The saints show us that every one of us is called to be a saint. Holiness is found in small acts of kindness, forgiveness, courage, prayer and service. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in Heaven." (Matthew 5:12)
"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." ~ St. Catherine of Siena
Notices
Menu
Thursday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Soup
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Main
Beef Chilli Con Carne Served with Taco, Shredded Lettuce & Sauces
Pork Sausages Served with Onion Gravy
Pizza Bar Pepperoni Ham & Mushroom
Freshly Battered Fish or Fish Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Macaroni Cheese With Crispy Onions Served with Crunchy Green Salad
Vegetarian
Sides
Additional
Dessert
Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Top
Friday
Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters
Veggie Sausages Tray Bake with Root Vegetables
Margherita Pizza
Buttered Parsley New Potatoes Roasted Carrots
Creamy Chive Mash Broccoli & Cauliflower
Potato Wedges Caesar Salad Rainbow Slaw
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Chocolate Bread & Butter Pudding & Custard
Chocolate Cornflake Cake
Rice Pudding with a Selection Of Sauces
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Old School Cake
Enchiladas
Steamed Rice Mixed Peppers & Sweetcorn
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
Skinny Chips Garden Peas