27th March 2026
This spring term may have been short but it's been busy! First of all, I'd like to say thank you for all the lovely messages I've been sent since I announced my retirement. I've tried to reply to them all, but there may be some I missed. I've really appreciated your kind words.
Mrs Grayson would like to also thank you for all the warm congratulations she has received since she was appointed as the new Headteacher. She's really looking forward to leading Cranbourne!
The spring term is traditionally known as the "working term" as there are fewer distractions than in the autumn and summer terms, but we've packed lots in. The year 2 and year 3 shows seemed to be in some sort of unoffical competition about which could be the most colourful, with bees and flowers in year 2 and rock pool creatures in year 3. I think it was a tie! Both shows were wonderful, and the excitement of the children performing to audiences who rightly love every minute is very special.
The Learner Voice Council is an important part of life at Cranbourne. This term they hosted the equivalent councils from the five other Danes Educational Trust primary schools. It was great for the children to all mix together and share their ideas and experiences.
We've had lots of sporting teams at tournaments this term. This week saw the football team earning a runners up trophy, with only a golden goal denying them in the final. Our upper school netball A and B teams both came 5th in their tournaments. Earlier this term our A football team came back with a winner's trophy, with the B team placing fourth.
Year 4 have been out, and reception stayed in! Year 4 had a fantastic day at the STEM Discovery Centre. They were full of chat about space and Mars landing rovers when they returned. Reception, on the other hand, had the High Street come to them when Little City visited and gave them the opportunity to try out lots of jobs they may find around them.
Congratulations to the three year 6 girls whose essays were chosen to represent Cranbourne at the annual Rotary Club competition. An extra congratulations to Emmy who was the Cranbourne winner.
World Book Day was such fun. Well done to everyone who played a part in the costumes! Most importantly, our Mr Men and Little Misses theme saw the children enjoy their reading and develop their writing. This is the National Year of Reading, and if the day inspired even a few children to read more then it's worth it!
Thank you to everyone who took part in the FoCS sponsored read as part of the day's celebrations. To raise £2750 in one event is fantastic!
This hasn't been a great term for attendance. We've had some really nasty bugs go around, especially in poor 2SS. Hopefully that's behind us now (I think I said the same at Christmas!).
We're delighted that we are over-subscribed for reception in September 2026. This is not the case for all the local schools as the birth rate is very low. I know there is a lot of 'word of mouth' out there, with families sharing their positive views of the school: thank you for that. We do many tours for prospective parents in the autumn term, and your children sell the school with their enthusiasm, behaviour and attitudes: thank you to them!
As we head towards the summer term, there's lots to look forward to (some dates are below). Before that, I hope you all have a great Easter break, with whatever blend of rest and fun you all want.
Rachel Semark
Headteacher, on behalf of the Cranbourne team
