Hillside Avenue Highlights

 

Dear parents and carers, 

 

In this newsletter I would like to focus on the importance of the school community, with particular focus on parental engagement and the role of The Friends of Hillside. 

 

I have been delighted to see the positive engagement of the parents who have attended the maths sessions that have been taking place on Wednesday afternoons over the last three weeks. We are very aware that many adults will have had a less than ideal experience of learning maths in their school years and therefore it is vitally important that their children have a more positive one. Making sure that you are confident and informed is a great way to help your child to be confident and informed too. If you have a child in Year 2, please sign up for a research trial from the DfE that we are engaging to address this particular topic. 

 

The Friends of Hillside perform a vital role in making Hillside Avenue the school that it is. When I do a tour of the school for prospective parents, I joke that if they see something new and wooden in the school, it has probably been bought by the Friends, and it is mostly true. In these times of reducing school budgets and increased levels of need, the donations that the Friends make to the school are often the ones that make something feel special in school. Since September, such things have included; the climbing frame and markings in Reception, transport to sport and music events and resources for cooking activities too. I know that they have also committed to supporting redevelopment of the school library and we are exploring the installation of a sensory room too. All things that make the school feel a little special. Thank you to the Friends committee and everyone who has helped at an event or supported it with their attendance and/or donations. Please look out for more events through the rest of the year. 

 

I am proud to be part of the Hillside Avenue community and the wonderful things that are happening here. #itshappeningathillside. 

Mr Hutchinson

 

From the school log:

Between 31st January and 1st March 1974, most of the accounts in the school log refer to sickness of children and adults in school. Either nothing else was happening in school or it was a particular problem at the time. 

51 years later in 2025, we are noticing a high number of children and adults being off school due to illness. We are encouraging increased handwashing, we have windows open and the cleaners have increased their efforts on touch points around the school. If your child is showing any signs of sickness or symptoms of a flu like illness, please keep them at home to help prevent the spread in school. 

Whilst school attendance is always important, being healthy and preventing the spread of illness is crucial too. Thank you for your support. 

 

          Please follow us on Facebook. (and now on Instagram too! )

              

                                                       #itshappeningathillside 

 

      Link for facebook page Facebook page       Link for Instagram page  Instagram page

 

SEND

Norfolk County Council would like to hear your views on SEND. Their special educational needs and disability (SEND) survey 2025 is open Monday 13 January - Sunday 23 February 2025. 

The survey is for parents, carers, professionals who work with children and young people with SEND and their families, and young people with SEND who are aged 25 or younger. https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/40969/Norfolk-SEND-survey-2025

Advertisements 

Inspiring Imaginations' are offering parents and carers of children at our school a discount of 20% on any individual 'play and learn together session', block booking or event, up until Easter 2025.

Their sessions are friendly and welcoming and fit well into the school runs!  Suitable for babies, toddlers and older siblings, sessions include free play, themed activities and play set ups, inside and out, and end with bubbles and music or a story, or parachute games.  Take a look at the Saturday events, mum's afternoons and half term specials and they also offer parties!

Isabel can be contacted on 07760604440 or email: inspiringimaginations@outlook.com to claim your 20% discount.

Bookings can always be made at https://bookwhen.com/inspiringimaginations

 

Mini Moons now also opening up for Reception! For more information, please see the link below. https://minimoonsco.com/collections/after-school-clubs

Family Voice Norfolk -  January 2025 newsletter family voice norfolk

FOTSAS flyer - please see the attachment.

 

Scouts Jumble Sale - please see the attachment for details.

 

Broadland Big Norfolk Holiday Fun - FREE activity for parents & carers and their children/young people to take part in during the February half term as a part of the Big Norfolk Holiday Fun.

 

When: Friday 21^st February from 12.30pm

Where: Hellesdon Community Centre (Majorie Lewis room, main hall), Middletons Lane, NR6 5SR

There will be a range of free taster sessions and lunch included for 5-16 year olds to take part in including Mad Science and Karate.

 

Booking is essential as places are limited to 30 children plus 30 adults (all children/young people must be accompanied by an adult).

To book: Email cspartnercommunitybroadland@norfolk.gov.uk and inform us of any allergies.