Eighteen
years ago I stood in the Hazelwood Chapel for the very first time. I
overlooked the extensive grounds and views and I knew that this is where I wanted
to work, this is a place where pupils can learn and educators can work alongside
children, enabling them to achieve exciting things.
I was delighted, from 2016, to lead the school, and to say that my initial
feelings and vision have proven to be true. I love being part of the community
and I have great ambitions for the pupils and staff.
In
2015 we celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the school and this led me to the
Ruth Bourne Diaries, memoirs written by the wife of the founding Head of
Hazelwood, Mr Baily. Her writing about the school’s early days mirrors my own
feelings about how special Hazelwood is and reaffirmed my deep felt loyalty to
the school and its roots. Mr Baily’s initial vision for the site has developed
over the years but a lot has stayed true to his beliefs. When alumni visit us
they can point out where V1’s exploded on site, camp fires were built over
weekends and secret hiding places were. I feel privileged to have the
opportunity to build on this heritage and to lead the creating of memories for
future Hazelwoodians.
In 2016 we moved into our new build, The Baily
Building, where we continue to ensure that we adopt best practice in
education, with staff working hard to deliver a world class quality
education for each child in our care. Allowing every child to reach their
full potential, whilst enjoying all the aspects that Hazelwood school life has
to offer, is a key factor when giving children the confidence to flourish, and
a key part of my vision for the school.
I am delighted that I will be able to continue to lead the choirs.
Working closely with our pupils, whether through music or other
opportunities will always remain important to me. My love and support for sport
and team work will see me encouraging our pupils from the side line on match
days and this year I will also run the Gifted and Talented sessions for our
Year 5 and 6 pupils.
I will work hard for the pupils of Hazelwood to allow them to develop and grow
into individuals who are confident in who they are, honest about themselves,
focused on what is important and resilient in all situations. They need to be
able to care for and be sensitive to the needs of others and committed to their
path and their community whilst retaining a sense of balance and humility.
In short, I believe that building character is at the heart of a
good Prep School and is the best preparation for life.
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