Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear Parents and Carers,

Well, Christmas is almost here. At the end of a long term, it is nice to look back to September and reflect on all that has been achieved. Whilst much of what we have been working on will be unseen by those outside of the school, the impact of our work can be seen in the outcomes that the children are producing, their confidence and experience of school as a whole. All things that can be seen around the breakfast table in the morning and as they skip out of school at the end of the day. 

We have had a focus on some key behaviours for learning this term. That means the sorts of things that we would want all children to be doing so that they can make the most of their time in school. Whilst this doesn’t sound fun or exciting, making sure that each child is able and willing to focus their attention on the learning in the classroom is the best way to help them to achieve their best by the end of their time in the school. This is the whole point of school and therefore something that is important to us. 

We have also spent a lot of time recently looking at the curriculum and the quality of the work in the children’s books. Recent ‘book looks’ have shown that children are taking pride in the work and are achieving at a higher standard than before. Again, this is a key function of a school and therefore I am pleased to see these changes taking place. Definitely something for us to build on in 2026.

Thank you all for your continued support in our school development journey. I look forward to working with you to help every Hillside Avenue child flourish in 2026.

Mr Hutchinson

 

From the ‘Yule’ Log:

23rd December 1938: Throughout the week heavy snowfall and intense cold have caused low attendance and this morning the registration has been disregarded under para 15(1) Memo 51 as being less than 60%.  School closed at noon for Xmas holidays. 

I think that the chance of a white Christmas this year is pretty low, probably more likely to be mild and wet. Either way I am pleased to see that our school attendance has recovered after all of the illness a couple of weeks ago and that everyone will be fit and healthy for the festive period. Merry Christmas everyone!

 

 

Friends of Hillside 

As we wrap up another busy and brilliant year, I want to thank every parent, carer, and volunteer who supported our events, donated their time, and helped raise funds for the school. Whether you baked a cake, ran a stall, bought a raffle ticket, or simply turned up with a smile and spent a few quid — it all made a difference

Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, the Friends have been able to donate over £27k to the school this year — funding everything from shiny new Nursery playground equipment, a Sensory room, reception playground gear, and a library refresh (complete with audiobooks and headphones). On top of that, we’ve continued to support school trips, basketball club, science week, and most recently Once Upon a Tune (we’ve supported much more, but the list would go on and on).

Our most recent Hillside Winterfest raised over £2.6k, which is frankly astonishing — and the Friends wish to thank all the children, parents, carers, teachers, the school office, the school kitchen staff, volunteers, and last but not least, the legendary Mr. Wegg, without whom our events wouldn’t run half as smoothly or be nearly as great.

With the festive break upon us — whether it’s mince pies, mulled wine, or a well-earned nap, we send you our very best wishes. May the season bring you rest, joy, and a chance to recharge. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026, ready for more memorable moments, more events, and the kind of community spirit that makes Hillside such a special place.

Best wishes Rob Elvin (Chair)

On behalf of the excellent Friends of Hillside PTA

 

 

Notifications/ Reminders:

New lunch menu from January - click here to see via our website

 

Hillside Band will start again next year on Wednesday January 14th 3:30 - 4:30pm. If you play an instrument in or out of school you are very welcome to sign up and come along. Rehearsals will be on Jan 14, 21, 28 Feb 4, 25, Mar 4, 11 & 18. We will be working towards the Spring Concert which will be taking place on Wednesday March 25th at 6:00pm where we will once again showcase the fantastic instrumental work that goes on at Hillside. Please sign up through the Arbor ‘club’ section.

 

Playing a musical instrument at Hillside

Please remember that if you are playing a musical instrument already and want to stop, you'll need to put that into writing to the office this term. If you would like to start playing a musical instrument your name needs to go on the waiting list. There are lists for violin, cello, guitar, trumpet, piano, drums, flute or clarinet. Please message the office about any of these and you will be put on the waiting list until a place is available. 

 

 

Published Admission Number (PAN) Consultation

We wanted to make parents aware that the Trust is currently carrying out a routine admissions consultation for the published admissions number for September 2027. This is a standard process that all schools are required to complete from time to time. There is no impact on current pupils, and day-to-day school life continues as normal. The consultation information is available on the school and Trust website. PAN Consultation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday:

KS2 Hillside Litter Picking Club 3:15-3:40 starting 12th January (spaces available)

 

 

Tuesday:

Art Club Yr1-3 only (cost) starting on 13th January book via: 

norwichsummerartclub@gmail.com

 

Minimoons Drama Club (cost) starting 6th January click here to book via Minimoons website

 

 

Wednesday:

Hillside Basketball Club (Yrs 4,5,6) 3:15-4:30 Starting on 21st January (waiting list for new members)

 

KS2 Hillside Band 3:30-4:30 Starting on 14th January - please sign up via Arbor

 

 

Thursday:

PAV Yr5/6 Football 3:15-4:15 starting 8th January 

 

 

Friday:

Minimoons Fitness Stars (cost) starting 9th January click here to book via minmoons website

 

 

 

 

NCC Big Norfolk Holiday Fun - Eska Karate have sessions, please click here for poster with further details

 

Whitlingham Adventure - Big Norfolk Holiday Fun please click here for further details

 

Learn to swim with Norwich Penguins - please click here for further information

 

 

                   Please follow us on Facebook and on Instagram too.

       

                                                       #itshappeningathillside 

 

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

 

 

 

Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear Parents and Carers,

Christmas Season is finally here! It was delightful to see the Reception kick things off for us on Tuesday and Wednesday with their performance of Humph the Camel. We give our youngest children the opportunity to get in stage, speak in front of adults and put on a show as it builds their confidence to be able to take on bigger parts in future performances, bigger challenges in life and to build the confidence that all children need as they move through their primary years and onto secondary school. Although this always feels a long way off when your child is 4, as a parent of an 11 and a 14 year old, I can tell you that it comes around quicker than you think! 

We have lots of events coming up over the next couple of weeks and we will do our best to make each one as magical as the ones this week. It was a real shame that we had to cancel our involvement in the Thorpe Carol Service at Norwich Cathedral. It is usually such a lovely event. Sadly we are experiencing a high level of absence (children and staff) at the moment and it was not possible for us to staff the practices that were required. We will hope to get involved again next year. 

I am sure that I will see many of you at many of these events. Thank you for your support of the school and everything that we are trying to do to help every child to flourish at Hillside Avenue.

Mr Hutchinson

 

Notifications/ Reminders:

 

Parent Survey Autumn 2025 - there is still time if you wish to respond and give feedback click here to complete the survey

 

Published Admission Number (PAN) Consultation

We wanted to make parents aware that the Trust is currently carrying out a routine admissions consultation for the published admissions number for September 2027. This is a standard process that all schools are required to complete from time to time. There is no impact on current pupils, and day-to-day school life continues as normal. The consultation information is available on the school and Trust website. PAN Consultation

 

Flu immunisations - the nurses will be back in school on Friday 5th December to administer the flu vaccine to any children who were absent from school on the first occasion or who have since decided they would like their child to have it. 

 

Please register your child for the vaccine via this E-consent link;

https://eastanglia.schoolvaccination.uk/flu/2024/Norfolk

 

Christmas Lunch and Christmas Jumper Day -On Weds 10th (xmas lunch day) children are welcome to come to school in something Christmassy. It can be reindeer ears, an xmas jumper, tinsel as a hair scrunchie,  that sort of thing. No pressure to go and buy a jumper. It is NOT a non-uniform day. All of these things are alongside normal uniform. 

 

Please remember that if you have not ordered a Christmas lunch you will need to provide a packed lunch from home.  There will be no other meal option available.

 

 

Friends of Hillside - Hillside Winter Fest is on Saturday 6th December from 11am to 2pm

Members of Friends will be collecting soft toy donations on Monday 17th, Wednesday 19th, and Friday 21st November at drop-off and pick-up

 

Dates for the Diary