Good afternoon Crawford's...'Good afternoon Mr Francksen'... I will certainly miss hearing this mantra and seeing all the glowing faces on a day-to-day basis!
The sun is out and we find ourselves rattling toward another successful year at Crawford's.
Whilst we have a whole host of exciting and purposeful learning to continue, it is also the time when we begin to consider our plans for September.
As you are now all aware, this will be my last year at the school - I would first like to take this opportunity to offer my own thoughts and feelings regarding my departure:
Leading Crawford's Primary School has been the greatest privilege of my life! The journey has, at times, felt arduous and I still liken it to a rollercoaster ride at Alton Towers (every day for 6 years). That said, "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” and I would like to believe that the experience of being the headteacher in Haughley has given me so many experiences that have made me the person I am today. I have invested my blood, sweat and tears (there's been a few) and my soul into this school and it will be a very difficult day when I leave for the last time. It has been my second home, my sanctuary (at times), my inspiration, and my 'calling'. I am so proud to have worked with such an incredible team of human beings and educational heroes (it took some time to find them admittedly) and I have certainly made friends for life! For me, it is a new, exciting venture but also a much-needed opportunity to create the time and space for my wife, two children, Lottie (of course) and my family whom I simply would not have been able to do this job without. So, whilst it's not farewell, it is goodbye for now!
In light of my departure, I would like to welcome Jo Ling to the helm - I've mentioned before, the school means a great deal to me and there's a lot of truth in my leaving at this time because I feel completely at ease and confident in the safe hands in which I'm placing the school! Jo is a brilliant human being who really understands children and places them at the core of everything she does. She will require your patience, respect and belief in her as taking on headship is quite a challenge! She knows this but she is also steadfast in continuing to offer the children and families of Crawford's the very best culture, love and education! I wish her well!
As Mrs Ling will be taking on the acting headship, we will be welcoming a new addition to Crawford's team, Miss Julia Kozirko; Julia will become the new Class 1 and Reception teacher. She is a specialist EYFS teacher that lives and breathes the world of early childhood development.
I would also like to welcome Mrs Natasha Faiers who will shortly take up the role of Office Manager. Natasha has long been an advocate for the school and she brings with her a skillset that we feel will really exude the Crawford's culture.
It is sadly, the time to also say goodbye to Mrs Mason. Max will be leaving us at the end of the year as she embarks on a dream move to Cornwall. I cannot begin to express how wonderful Mrs Mason is and what she has helped us achieve at the school. She is the kindest, most nurturing practitioner and human being I have ever met. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Max and I know I speak for everyone when I say she will be hugely missed! She has become a part of the fabric and although it will be a sad day when she leaves, I am so grateful that she came into our lives! She made a BIG difference that will long have an impact on us all! Go for it, Max!
Both Mrs Ling and I will be communicating in the next few weeks with regard to the classroom/teaching structure; I am pleased to confirm that the changes will be minimal and we will in fact be building the team whether that's more hours for some or more opportunities.
Have a lovely week...and please send the children in with water bottles and ensure they are fully sun-creamed up!
Mr F
