Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear Parents and Carers,

In the weeks before the end of the Autumn term, I invited all parents to complete a feedback survey. Thank you for all of the responses. It has been great to see recognition of the areas of development that we have been working on and I have taken on board the suggestions for further improvement going forward. Many parents recognise that we are in a period of intentional development, with a stronger focus on consistency, structure and clear outcomes, and we appreciate the understanding shown around the challenges of maintaining high standards in the current educational and financial climate.

Clear routines and high expectations are intended to support all children to feel secure, confident and ready to learn, while our inclusive, child-centred values remain at the heart of school life. We are aiming to combine all of these approaches to meet children’s individual needs so that they are able to achieve their best each day and really flourish during their time in the school. Our intention is to communicate about learning and progress in ways that promote wellbeing, motivation and enjoyment, ensuring children feel supported and proud of their efforts.

As we continue this work, we will keep listening to parent feedback and reflecting on our approach to ensure we strike the right balance between ambition and feelings of nurture and joy. Our core values of inclusion, strong relationships and a positive learning culture remain at the heart of everything we do.

I truly believe that feedback is a gift, so once again, thank you for your generosity and kindness in this survey. I will provide a more detailed analysis with responses as soon as I can. 

Mr Hutchinson

 

From the School Log:

25th January 1963- Heating inadequate. Electric heater put in J4B room; also oil heater. This increased temp. to 52℉ by mid-day.  It’s interesting how 63 years later, we are experiencing similar challenges in school, albeit for different reasons. In 1963 the weather was very cold in January and clearly the heating system wasn’t up to the job. 52℉ is equivalent to a chilly 11℃. We are not allowed to go below 16℃, but I guess that the rules were different then. In 2026 it was one of the original pipes (from 1937) that was leaking causing our little challenge on Monday. Fortunately quick decisions at the end of last week and our flexibility on Monday meant that we were fully back to normal on Tuesday. Thank you to the Estates team at BHET and the staff in school for making that possible. 

 

 

2 Week October half-term consultation

The Broad Horizons Education Trust are exploring plans for all schools in the trust to have a 2 week half-term in October. Whilst plans are not yet finalised, I would be interested to gather your thoughts on this idea. I will send out a google form survey by the end of the week with more information included. Please let me know what you think. 

 

Notifications/ Reminders:

 

Start-Rite - Reminder, there is still time to sign up to take part in their ‘wear trials’ Please consent via Arbor Parent Portal/ APP under clubs section. 

 

Norfolk County Council Free Workshops - NCC are offering free workshops to parents, there are 4 workshops for KS1 “English through Story Sacks” and 4 workshops for KS2 “I wasn’t taught like that - Maths”.  Please click on the links below for the flyer and more information.  This will be for parents/carers only but your child will join you for the last 30 minutes of each session.  You can still consent to take part via your child’s Arbor Parent Portal/APP.  

 

click here for information on Ks1 workshops

 

click here for information on Ks2 workshops