The Nutshell w/e 20th June

Dear Parents,

On Friday 13th June, Year 3 celebrated Hazelwood’s history, and I led an assembly with Years 7 and 8 on the same theme. Today, I’m sharing part of that assembly with you:

Let me introduce you to Ruth Bourne. Though her husband, Edward Baily, is credited as Hazelwood’s founder, Ruth’s influence was just as vital. She was thoughtful, funny, bold—and she wrote everything down. Her diaries are a remarkable insight into the late 1800s, when Hazelwood was still an idea.

She wrote about everyday frustrations and triumphs: annoying governesses, schoolwork, tennis matches, and dreams for the future. At 17, she reflected:

“Now I am at an age when I get caught up in this world’s pleasures and vanities… I must not waste a minute in not improving myself in some way.”

She was starting to ask the questions many of you are asking now:

• Who do I want to be?
• How do I deal with pressure?
• Where do I belong?

Ruth helped choose Hazelwood’s site, oversaw its opening, and paid attention to every detail. After a long day preparing the school, she wrote:

“There were 1000 details to consider but all the servants worked well and carried out all my plans faultlessly… Edward and I felt more than fully rewarded for all our trouble and work.”

She loved the humour and chaos too. After a dramatic school play, she noted:

“Clive acted the best and made a very decided and commanding Queen… Furiana… is better but not furious enough.”

And the pupils? Just as lively as today’s:

“The boys were riotous during preparation… Edward stopped their half day and dancing.”

Still, Ruth was proud of what Hazelwood could become. She believed in it—even when there were doubts:

“Poor Edward very down in the mouth… it seems to be on his mind that the new house will be a failure.”

But they persevered. Because they believed what they were building mattered. And they were right.

Hazelwood has always been more than bricks—it’s people. People who care, show up, work hard, and lift others. Now, you are part of that story.

Every time you help a friend, lead with kindness, or show quiet strength, you shape this school.

One of my favourite lines of Ruth’s comes at the end of a

term:

“Our home at Hazelwood is a palace of contentment and cheerfulness… Our aim and object is to try and make all those in our keeping good and happy.”

What a beautiful legacy.

Best wishes

Lindie

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