The Nutshell w/e 26th May

Dear Parents,

We have enjoyed such beautiful weather this week. I absolutely loved watching the children make use of the school grounds. The outside BOX has been a real hit over the last few weeks, with den building, various versions of chasing games, arts and crafts, quiet reading in the domes, and speeding down the slide, all happening during lunch breaks across Year 3-8.

On Monday, we celebrated some super maths results from the Junior Maths Challenge, and we were all moved by beautiful singing from Year 3. They made their voices heard about our planet, and despite having been on their residential the previous week, the children did not hold back. They sang with energy and confidence, giving the rest of the School much to think about!

Tom Lloyd, after 12 years of exceptional service at Hazelwood, has taken the decision to leave education at the end of the Autumn Term to focus on a different career path. During his time, he has had a hugely positive impact on both the children and staff of Hazelwood. His role has encompassed many areas over the years, and he has enjoyed working with children from Robins through to Year 8. More recently, we have enjoyed his brilliant organisational skills as a member of the SMT. We are not saying goodbye yet and are looking forward to working with Tom until December 2023.

At the end of this term, we will be saying goodbye to Beth Kavanagh. During Beth’s 5 years at Hazelwood, she has inspired so many of our children across many age groups through class teaching and food tech. We wish Beth the very best in her next adventure.

Also, after 17 years at Hazelwood, Kelly Kidson will be leaving her role as Oak reception TA to spend more time with her family. Kelly has supported countless children in navigating their first School years and will be greatly missed by the Hazelwood community.

We are delighted that Lynsey Layton has agreed to return to a class-based teacher role to take on the Year 2 maternity cover position in September until Steph Menham joins us again in November. Mrs. Layton is familiar to the Chestnut children as she taught Year 2 here at Hazelwood recently. After this, Mrs. Layton will join the SEN department as an Eng SEN specialist. Kieran Towner will be joining the Games department in a full-time capacity from September, a role he is excited to fulfil. Our newly appointed Head of Languages is Lucinda Banton, who currently teaches Modern Foreign Languages and is Head of House at Woldingham School. We are looking forward to welcoming Lucinda to both the academic and pastoral team of the Upper School in September.

It was wonderful to welcome our Year 5 families for tea on the Head’s Lawn last Friday; there was a positive atmosphere, with cakes and cookies going down a treat. We always enjoy having time to catch up with our parents and there are several more opportunities to welcome all parents to School. I list a few highlights for you, but please do check the calendar for the many other opportunities to join us on site:

• HPA Royal Colour Run, 10th June 3pm - 5pm
• School in Action for Year 3-6 parents, 19th June
• Sports Day Y3-8 at K2 Crawley, 10-3:30pm, 28th June
• Summer Picnic Concert (Year 3-8), 30th June 6pm
• Year 1 to 7 leavers' chapel and canapes, 4th July 6:30pm
• Prize Giving and Reception - Y2 Sports Day, 6th July

Many of us will end our week with a Hazelwood Summer term highlight - the annual Talent Show tonight, which promises to start the audience's weekend on a high. It should be very entertaining!

Best wishes,

Lindie

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