What has been happening in school? Have a read 😊

• Shropshire Primary Schools Half Marathon

  Wed 29 Apr 2026 .Palmer

  We had 20 children sign up for the Shropshire Primary Schools Half Marathon this year at the West Mid Showground.  It gives children the chance to complete their very own cumulative Half Marathon in a supportive, non-competitive environment. With a Half Marathon representing 13.1 miles, the challenge sees children complete the first 12 miles at school over the course of a term or half term, 1 mile at a time, before running the final 1.1 miles on event day in front of family and friends. The children are treated to a dedicated “full race” experience including race bibs, a marshalled route, music and a start and finish line gantry, allowing them to enjoy and experience the thrill of a big sporting event and to be cheered on as they complete the final leg of their challenge. 

  

• Gymnastics Competition 🤸‍♀️

  Thu 23 Apr 2026 E Ellis

  So proud of these 4 girls.  They gave it their all in the gymnastics competition and showed perseverance, courage and determination. Finishing 4th is a fantastic achievement and they should be incredibly proud of themselves - I know we are!

  

• World Art Day! 🎨

  Wed 15 Apr 2026 E.Ellis

  What a day! Creativity, colour and time to be free. 
   
  We welcomed four fantastic visiting artists, alongside our very own Mrs Davies, who led inspiring workshops throughout the day. The children threw themselves into every opportunity and had such a brilliant time!

  This half term, our value is creativity, and today was a perfect example of it in action across the whole school.

  A huge thank you to Nichola Ethelston, Pam Flint, Sally Penrose and Kieran Sperring for visiting us today and sharing your expertise with us.

  Small school, big ideas and a day full of imagination. 

  

• Journey Day - Walking Through Holy Week.

  Tue 24 Mar 2026 Ellie

  Yesterday, our whole school, from Nursery to Year 6, took part in a wonderful Journey Day, exploring the key events of Holy Week together. Guided by our school Bible verse:

  “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

  We reflected on the incredible hope and new beginning that Easter brings. This verse reminds us that God’s plan is always filled with restoration, love and life. At Easter, that plan is revealed through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

  Throughout the day, pupils experienced the Easter story in a meaningful and hands-on way, with a consistent visual reminder of the timeline of Holy Week.

  ✨The Last Supper role play and even washing each other’s feet!
  ✨ Cards written from Jesus to the disciples, sharing thanks and key messages.
  ✨Palm Sunday banners to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. Hosanna! Hosanna!
  ✨Thought-provoking lanterns reminding us that Jesus’ light always shines bright, even in the darkest of times. 
  ✨Easter Gardens created in Forest School.
  ✨Words of encouragement on stones for Jesus as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

  We finished the day all together with a joyful Palm Sunday celebration, sharing our learning and celebrating the hope Easter brings.

  A beautiful day of reflection, creativity and faith.

  

• Class 2 Heritage Trip to Ellesmere

  Mon 09 Mar 2026 C Suckley

  Today, Class 2 enjoyed a lovely afternoon in Ellesmere focusing on Heritage and life skills.

  We spent time walking around the town identifying different types of local houses and their key features. The pupils were fantastic at observing their surroundings and sharing their knowledge. It was wonderful to spend time exploring our local area, and the community were incredibly kind and supportive towards the children.

  The class also had the opportunity to visit Coco Coffee, where they practised important life skills by ordering their own drinks and cakes and using change to pay. The pupils showed great confidence and excellent manners.

  A big thank you to Coco Coffee for being so accommodating and helpful. We really appreciate your support in giving the children such a positive real-life learning experience.

  

• World Book Day! 📚

  Thu 05 Mar 2026 Ellie Ellis

  Pyjamas, dressing gowns and slippers were the dress code at Criftins today as we celebrated World Book Day with a Bedtime Stories theme.

   

  Across the day, the children enjoyed live lessons, author Q and As and whole school activities in the hall. In the afternoon, we welcomed families and members of the community into school for some shared reading and hot chocolate. A huge thank you to our wonderful PTA for the delicious drinks. 
   

  One of the loveliest parts of the afternoon was seeing parents and carers reading with children from across the school, not just their own. A lovely reminder that it takes a village to raise a child.

   

  A fantastic turnout and a brilliant day for our children. 

  

• On our way home. Goodbye Min Y Don. It’s been great!

  Fri 27 Feb 2026 Ellie
  

• Min Y Don 2026

  Thu 26 Feb 2026 N Evans

  Last week our Year 5 and 6 children headed to Min Y Don Christian Centre for four days by the sea, and what a fantastic experience it was. The children took part in a wide range of activities including climbing, archery, zip lining, trail biking and abseiling, throwing themselves into every challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

   

  Across the week we saw so much resilience, encouragement and teamwork. Children supported one another, stepped outside their comfort zones and celebrated each other’s successes. There was also time to enjoy free time together- playing games, exploring the site and having fun. 

   

  They represented Criftins brilliantly and were an absolute joy to take away. We are incredibly proud of them all and the memories made will stay with them for a long time. 

  

• Promoting Active Lifestyles

  Wed 04 Feb 2026 S.Palmer

  We welcomed Jayne from TNS along with Ozzy and Ffraid to come into Collective Worship today to promote and engage our children in physical activity.

  The children have also all received complimentary match day tickets for the rest of the JD Cymru Premier Championship Conference season!

• Forest School Nature Walk

  Sat 31 Jan 2026 Nia Evans

  This week, all of our children from Nursery to Year 6 went on a nature walk around the local area.
   

  The children carefully observed their surroundings- feeling tree bark, spotting buds, identifying twigs and trees, touching moss and finding early snowdrops. They climbed, explored, got muddy and talked together as they went.

   

  Exploring our local area is a key part our curriculum and links closely to our heritage work. It helps children build a connection to the place they live, understand how it has been shaped in the past and learn how to care for it now and in the future.