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

 

 

 

 

Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear Parents and Carers,

A phrase that I use often in school is that ‘Feedback is a gift…’ This statement is true, even if the message that you are given makes you feel a little uncomfortable or speaks some truth that you might not be ready to hear. This is as true on a personal level as it is for us in school. The thing about feedback though, is that receiving it is a great way to help you to improve. So in that vein, we have shared a parent survey this week. Please respond to it honestly and with kindness so that we know what we need to do to improve the school further. Schools are learning institutions so we all need to learn and develop, not just the children. Thank you in advance for your contributions.

On another note, there will be many opportunities to come into school, attend performances and generally support the wider school community over the rest of this term. Thank you in advance for your support for each thing that you get involved in. I know that it means a lot to the children and is a special time of year in school. 

Mr Hutchinson

 

 

From the school log:

 

19th November 1979 - 2 children admitted; N.O.R. 462.  

Whilst the number of children on roll in the school is no longer quite so high, we are still on the larger side compared to all schools in Norfolk. We know that this is changing as fewer children are starting school across the county each year. We have had our open days but will happily provide individual tours for any families wanting to see the school. Please spread the word to encourage as many families as possible to choose Hillside Avenue for their children. #itshappeningathillside.

 

 

Notifications/ Reminders:

 

 

Parking outside school - We know that parking close to schools at the beginning and the end of the school day is a problem at most primary schools. Hillside Avenue and School Avenue are fairly narrow roads with lots of houses on, and therefore there are lots of driveways too. 

When parking in the local area, could all parents please consider the access needs of local residents as having your driveway blocked - if only for a moment - can be a cause of frustration and upset. 

Thank you for your support with an almost unsolvable problem. 

 

Children In Need 

Thank you to everyone who donated via the JustGiving page, so far we have raised £213.50 for Children in Need.  The donation page is still live, if you wish to make a donation  click here

 

 

Christmas Lunch 10th December

The deadline for ordering Christmas lunch is Friday 28th November, no orders can be made after this date.  Please be reminded this will be the only meal available on this day.  If your child does not have a Christmas lunch ordered you will need to provide a packed lunch from home. 

 

 

 

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

 

On Friday 28th its non uniform day in exchange for tombola donations for the Winter Fest.  Suggested donations are beer, wine, spirits, chocolates/sweets, confectionery gifts or other festive gift items. 

Please ensure items are all new/sealed and that edible items are well within date. Friends will have tables / be about in playgrounds for parents to drop off items

 

 

NEEDED:  A large YOUNG VOICES CHOIR BANNER

I have a sewing request!! 

When the Young Voices Choir goes to sing at the 02 on Monday January 19th we need to create a school banner that the Hillside choir can hold up to show where our school is sitting to help parents spot them from a long distance! 

 

Sewing is certainly NOT my strength and we are looking for anyone who thinks this might be their skill who could start to create this banner for the new year. 

 

If you think you could help could you possibly tell the school office ASAP and we'll have a plan on exactly what it should say.

 

Thanks in anticipation of finding some budding creative people out there to help. 

Thank, Mrs Robinson

 

 

 

 

Advertisements 

Norwich Mum2Mum Market

Our last Mum2Mum Sale of the year is Saturday 29 November!

Whether you’re hunting for Christmas bargains, stocking fillers or baby essentials, you’ll find everything under one roof - and all at a fraction of the high street price.

Queens Hill Primary School, Costessey

Saturday 29 November | 10am–12pm

£2 entry | Kids go free!

 

 

Broadland District Council - Broadland and South Norfolk's Christmas Toy Donation Appeal which aims to bring festive joy to children in need across the districts!

Whether it’s a cuddly toy, craft kit or a board game, your donation could make a family's Christmas morning.

Find out how you help spread the Christmas magic Christmas Toy Donation Appeal | Broadland and South Norfolk

 

Tots2Teens Winter Holiday Brochure - please click here for more information

JIngle Bell Jog Sir George Morse Park -  click here for details

 

Thorpe St Andrew School & Sixth Form - Christmas Fayre Saturday 22nd November 11am-3pm

 

 

                          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,

Now that we are beyond the October half-term, we are already thinking about Christmas in school. The dates are in the diary for all of the performances that the children will be engaging in and rehearsals are very much under way. Thank you to the school staff for giving their time to make all of this possible and to the parents who drop their children off early and pick them up late for the practice sessions. This sort of thing really is a team effort and is something that sets Hillside apart from other primary schools. We really prioritise music and performance. 

The diary is pretty full between now and Christmas, with lots of tours for prospective new starters, parent’s evenings, Children in Need, and when we get to the start of December we start the festive performances and Hillfest (6th December). Thank you in advance for your support with the costumes, evenings sat on folding chairs and in cold churches, it really is a special time for the children as they get to take part in some of the traditional aspects of primary school life. 

I hope that you all have a restful weekend.

Mr Hutchinson

 

Notifications/ Reminders:

 

Royal British Legion - Poppy Appeal 

We have a few merchandise to sell on behalf of the Royal British Legion for Poppy Day. Year 6 pupils will be going around classes on Monday and Tuesday to sell if you would like your child to bring in some money for the collection boxes.  (Suggested donations range from 50p to £3)

 

Christmas Lunch 10th December

The deadline for ordering Christmas lunch is Friday 28th November, no orders can be made after this date.  Please be reminded this will be the only meal available on this day.  If your child does not have a Christmas lunch ordered you will need to provide a packed lunch from home. 

 

 

School Photographs

A reminder on Tuesday 11th November children will have their individual and sibling photographs.  Please can all children wear full uniform - NO PE kits to be worn on this day - Thank you

 

Parent Consultations Autumn Term

A reminder - you still have time to book your parent consultations which are happening next week in school on Tuesday 11th November between 3:30pm and 5pm and Thursday 13th November  between 3:30pm and 7pm. 

To book your 10 minute slot with your child's teacher you will need to log into your Arbor Portal/ APP - bookings go live from Monday 20th October  @ 6pm and close on Monday 10th November @ 8am

 

 

Flu immunisations 

A reminder - Flu immunisations are taking place in school for Yrs Rec - Yr6 on Wednesday 19th November.  If you do not want your child to have it, you will need to OPT OUT via this link https://eastanglia.schoolvaccination.uk/flu/2024/Norfolk

 

Children In Need

We are taking part in Children In Need again this year and we invite children to come into school on Friday 14th November in something yellow, spotty or you could even wear some Pudsey ears!  In return we ask if you could make a donation to Children In Need via our JustGiving page. 

Link to JustGiving page

 

Scholastic Bookfair

We are having the bookfair again this year 26th November - 3rd December.  Please keep an eye out for a separate email with details.

 

 

Attendance and Punctuality

Please ensure your child arrives on time for school each day and is ready to learn.  Arriving after registration is recorded as an unauthorised absence.  Pupils must be in school by 8:55am after this time you will need to bring your child to the office doors to be registered as a late arrival.   

 

Absent from school - please report any absence to the office by leaving a voice message on 01603 433453  or email office@hap-edu.uk . Please state the child's name/ class/ reason for absence and expected length of absence.  

Please refer to our Attendance Policy for further guidance https://www.hillsideavenue.org/attendance/

 

NHS Mental Health Support Team 

 

Norfolk NHS Mental Health Support Team are running some parent/carer webinars during November & December.  These are free for parents and carers to access online.  Please click on the links below for further information and to book.

 

Parent & Carer Webinars

 

SLEEP: supporting healthy sleep patterns

 

BIG EMOTIONS: Supporting positive behaviours

 

ANXIETY: Helping your child with fears & worries

 

 

Norfolk County Council Public Information Road Closure 

We have been notified that part of Thunder Lane will be closed from 17th November for approx 14 weeks.  Please bear this in mind for pick up and drop for school.  Further details our in this letter from Norfolk County Council Click here for letter of road closure

 

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Behaviour has been a big focus for us in school over the last couple of weeks. This has been on two levels; attention in class and behaviour on the playground. Two of our school rules are Be Ready and Be Safe - this is why this is important to us. 

In class, the focus has been on making sure that all children are giving 100% of their attention to the person talking. This is important, because we can only learn what we give our attention to, and therefore if we are fiddling with a ruler, looking out of the window or doodling, then there is a reduced chance that the child will understand what is being taught. The drive this week has been on every child having empty hands when the teacher is talking, this is a simple way of making sure that there are no distractions. (Children who use fidgets to help them concentrate will still be able to use these.) 

On the playground, we have noticed an increase in overly physical behaviours from some children. Because we want all children to Be Safe in school, we are focusing on consistent responses to behaviour as well as trying to anticipate unsafe behaviours before they take place. We are also buying more resources for the playground to help children to engage in positive play. 

We understand that behaviour is communication and that behaviour is also learned and taught. This means that we seek to understand why things might have gone wrong and then we teach more positive responses. This can take the form of educational and protective consequences for which we will always hope to have your support. Please discuss these points with your child so that every child can feel safe at school and flourish at Hillside Avenue.

Mr Hutchinson

 

Notifications:

Parent Consultations Autumn Term

Autumn term parent consultations will be on Tuesday 11th November between 3:30pm and 5pm and Thursday 13th November between 3:30pm and 7pm. These will be held within school, which gives you the chance to view your child’s work books and class displays.

To book your 10 minute slot with your child's teacher you will need to log into your Arbor Portal/ APP - bookings go live from Monday 20th October  @ 6pm

 

 

School Play Equipment 

A reminder that the play equipment (Trim Trail) on the KS2 playground is for use during school time only. It is not to be used by families before or after school. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

 

Friends of Hillside

 

Following a successful AGM I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the committee of the Friends for the past 3 years.  As we've mentioned previously, a number of members have stepped down after putting in huge amounts of effort over the years . You've all been fabulous! Vicko and I have both stepped down from the positions of Chair and Treasurer . Like much in life one is often replaced by someone younger and smarter. We are thrilled to welcome Rob Elvin and Elena Hewett to the positions of Chair and Treasurer for the charity, and are delighted to have Ariel, Yzelle and Ric join the committee this year.  If you couldn't make it to the AGM but are interested in joining the Committee then please do get in touch with Rob at chair@hillsidefriends.com. 

 

So, it just leaves me to personally say it’s been a complete pleasure and honour to be involved with the Friends.  Being able to walk around the school and see the impact first hand knowing how much it benefits the children.  Thank you so much to all the volunteers, you know who you are!! Without you the big events are not possible.  And a final huge thank you to everyone who supports the Friends events and ensures the charity is able to make such a difference.  See you all at the next one! 

James.

 

Note from Rob Elvin the 25/26 FOHS Chair.

My heartfelt thanks to James for his outstanding leadership over the past three years who alongside the Hillside Friends team, worked so hard in making the charity into the thriving community it is today. I’m committed to following his example and, with the continued support of parents, teachers and the children themselves, carry on the excellent work that makes Hillside so special.

 

 

Could your business sponsor our football kit?

We’re looking to refresh the football kit for our Year 5 & 6 teams, and we’d love to hear from any parents who own, run, or work at a business that might be interested in sponsoring the kit. It’s a great opportunity to support school sports and promote your business within our community. If you’d like to find out more, please contact the school office 01603 433453 or Hillside Friends chair@hillsidefriends.com

 

 

November

Monday 3rd - back to school 

Monday 10th - Yr3 stone age experience

Tuesday 11th - Individual & sibling photos

                         Parents’ evening 3:30-5pm

Thursday 13th -Parents’ evening 3:30-7pm

Friday 14th - Children in Need 

Wednesday 19th - Flu immunisations

 

 

 

Advertisements 

 

East Anglian skating teams Halloween Family Fun Skate!

Where : Framingham Earl sports centre

When :25th October 

Time : 5-6pm

Costume Contest

Spooky Tunes

Tricks & Treats for All

(Own skates required)

All ages welcome!

 

 

 

TOTS 2 TEENS -  click here for their October half term brochure 

 

Norwich Making Space -  click here to see flyer for details of activities in half term

 

15th Norwich Air Scouts - are on the look out for new volunteers.  click here for further details.

                                           -  Firework Night on 8th November.  click here for further details

 

Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear Parents and Carers,

Autumn is definitely here! As I write this, the rain is pouring down my office window and the trees are blowing in the wind. At this time of year, we are definitely into normal routines in school and are settling in for the long term up until Christmas. I know, I have just said it, but time waits for no one and preparations are already under way for the Y4-6 big show and dates are being put in the diary for all of our other seasonal performances. Confirmation of these will come out soon!

As the days get colder and wetter, all children should be appropriately dressed for the season. School adults will always encourage children to wear coats when it is cold and wet, so having a named coat (and hat etc when it’s much colder) in school is really important. The staff will take the children outside onto the playground in most weathers, so being properly dressed is essential to prevent your child from getting too cold or too wet.  

Next on the school calendar is the disco (next Friday) and then it will be a couple of weeks to half-term. 

Mr Hutchinson

 

From the school log:

October 3rd 2002: Mr Potts (School Improvement Officer) introduced himself with visit. 

Whilst this may not have happened recently, it does remind us that we are striving to continually improve at Hillside Avenue. Our improvement priorities for this year include KS2 SATs outcomes and building stronger relationships with children, families and staff. Hillside is on the up, thank you for being on the journey with us. #itshappeningathillside 

 

General News:

 

NCC Parent workshops - You can still sign up via Arbor Parent Portal/APP to attend the free parent workshops throughout September and October.

 

Woodwind lessons - is your child interested in learning to play either the saxophone, flute or clarinet?  We have space available on a Friday morning with our woodwind teacher.  She can teach saxophone to years 5 and 6 and clarinet or flute to years 3 and above.  If your child is interested and would like to have a taster session, with the hope of then having lessons please email the office. 

 

Thank you to all the 160 parents/carers who attended our MacMillan coffee afternoon last week.  There is still time to donate if you haven’t already.  Please go to their website - www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee-morning

 

FRIENDS of Hillside - D I S C O !!

The Friends of Hillside Autumn school disco taking place on Friday 10th October! 

 

Tickets are still available to purchase on the Classlist app until Tuesday 7th October at 8pm. Please ensure you buy your ticket before this date as they will not be available to purchase on the day. 

 

The run times for each of the year groups are as follows:

 

Rec, Y1 and Y2 - 15:15 to 16:15 (bring a change of clothes to school on the day)

Y3 and Y4 - 16:45 to 17:45

Y5 and Y6 - 18:00 to 19:00

 

Please fill out the questions after purchasing your ticket. Children must be collected by an adult at the end of the disco. This is a phone free event, mobile phones are not permitted. 

Thank you 

Friends of Hillside 

 

Dates for the Diary

 

October

Monday 6th - Yr6 & Rec NCMP health checks 

Thursday 9th - Olly Day road safety show

Friday 10th - Friends’ Autumn disco 

Tuesday 14th - Open Day 2026  9:30-10:30

Wednesday 15th - Yr 5 Hautbois trip

Thursday 23rd - Open Day 2026 1:30-2:30 & 5-6pm

Friday 24th - finish for half term

 

 

 

 

Please follow us on Facebook and on Instagram too

                                                       #itshappeningathillside 

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

 

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Young Carers Event 

From the Benjamin Foundation: We are very excited to announce details of our free young carers trip for October half term.

 

click here to see the poster with details on how to book. Young carers do not need to be referred into the service to access this event. 

 

Family Voice Norfolk - click here to see September 2025 Newsletter

 

Free Dental Screening - available for Broadland families with children aged 0-11 in october half term.  Please click here  to see flyer with details 

 

British Sign Language Classes - Tuesday term time 4:30-5:30pm Roxley Hall.  Please click here for further details.

 

TOTS 2 TEENS -  click here for their October half term brochure 

 

Thorpe St Andrew FC Wild Cats Girls’ Football -  click here for further details.

 

Kids Parent Carers Norwich Coffee & Connects Autumn Term - please click here   for further information

 

Norwich Wildcats Girls Rugby Activity Day - Please   Activity Day    for further details. 

Recruiting for year 6 girls -please  click here  for further details 

 

Norfolk & Waveney Mind - festive family fundraiser – the Mental Elf Fun Run, taking place on Sunday 14th December 2025 at Whitlingham Country Park, Norwich.

 

Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear Parents and Carers,

In this newsletter, I would like to mention the power of the Hillside Avenue school community and I will try to link together some events and achievements on this topic.

The Friends of Hillside Avenue donated an incredible amount of money to the school last year which paid for lots of the little extra things that make Hillside Avenue special, as well as some rather nice big things too, like the library refurb and the sensory room which will be finished this half term. Thank you to everyone who organised or attended an event or donated some money.

Last week I appealed for consideration when parking on the roads around the school. My observations at the beginning and end of the day suggest that things have improved, so thank you to everyone who has parked a little further away and walked the last few minutes to school.

Our Harvest Festival is coming up. On Wednesday 1st October, Fr. James Stewart (our Chair of Governors and local vicar) will join us for a special assembly where we will remember the importance of the harvest and celebrate donations of dried and tinned food donations for a local foodbank. Thank you in advance for any donations on the day. If your child brings the donation to the classroom, it will and its way to the hall in time for assembly.

And finally, we are at the time of the year when parents of pre-school children are starting to think about which primary school is right for them. We are holding open days in October, so if you know anyone in this position, please tell them about the wonders of the Hillside Avenue school community and encourage them to book a visit. All are welcome!

Mr Hutchinson

 

Watch out for Magnets!!

It has been noticed that some children have started bringing small ball-shaped magnets into school. I believe that they might be marketed as fidget toys. Please do not allow these magnets to be brought into school,they would be incredibly harmful for any child if they accidentally swallowed one and would probably involve a trip to hospital. If you feel that your child would benefit from using a fidget toy in school, please discuss this with their class teacher.

 

From the school log:

17th September 1982 - A junior pupil returned to school after one day’s absence. A note from his father read as follows :- “D____ was absent yesterday, as he had a stomach upset.”

 

This draws me to consider the absences that children have had in the first few weeks of the year and to remind everyone that children are often able to come to school even if they are slightly under the weather. There are a few ailments which automatically equal at least a day off school: vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature (38+), signicant injury or something from the list if infectious conditions list. Most other times, children are more than able to come to school with light cold-like symptoms. This poster is a helpful guide. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/626669cb8fa8f523b7221b98/UKHSA-should-I -keep-my_child_off_school_guidance-A3-poster.pdf And so is this NHS webpage: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

 

General News:

We have made some changes to our lunchtime routines this year and the new system seems to be working well for everyone. The youngest children (Reception, year 1 and year2) are now eating first and all sitting down in the dinner hall together. We are hoping this will encourage more children to eat more of their lunch as there is no pressure to finish and rush out to play! It is also offering more time for chatting and interacting with peers and staff. The older children are eating after this and this seems to be working well for them also. We have received some positive feedback from some parents about this change. Any more feedback would also be welcome.

 

FRIENDS of Hillside- this Friday 19th September there will be a preloved uniform sale on the KS1 playground by the shed from 3 til 3.30pm. Cash and card payment taken. Please contact preloveduniform@hillsidefriends.com prior to the sale for orders if you are not at pick up on that day. Price list is as follows:

● Polo shirts, P.E t shirts, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, trousers, dresses and skirts 50p each.

● Jumpers, cardigans and fleeces £2 each.

● P.E hoodies and reversible fleeces £2.50 each.

● PLEASE NOTE, Sizes of Hillside school branded items are as follows: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13, S, M, L.

 

 

Macmillan fundraising event - Thursday 25th September

We are supporting Macmillan Cancer Support again this year by holding a 'Cookie & Cake’' afternoon on Thursday 25th September, please can we kindly ask for any (shop bought) cakes to be donated on the day, or the same week to your child's classroom.

Parents are welcome to come along to their child’s classroom from 2:30pm to join us for cookies,cakes, squash/juice.

As we are a cashless school, we are asking for any donations to be made directly via the Macmillan website (link below) https://donation.macmillan.org.uk/wbcm/one-off Thank you for your continued support

 

NCC Parent workshops on ‘Protecting Kids Online’ - You can still sign up via Arbor Parent Portal/APP to attend the free parent workshops throughout September and October.

 

Thorpe St Andrew School Open Evening - for Yr6 children moving to high school next year you can attend Thorpe St Andrew School Open Evening on Thursday 25th September. Please click here for further details.

 

Dates for the Diary

September

Thursday 25th - Macmillan ‘Cookies & Cake’ fundraising event from 2:30pm in classrooms

 

October

Monday 6th - Yr6 & Rec NCMP health checks (more details to follow)

Thursday 9th - Olly Day road safety show

Friday 10th - Friends’ Autumn disco

Tuesday 14th - Open Day 2026 9:30-10:30

Wednesday 15th - Yr 5 Hautbois trip

Thursday 23rd - Open Day 2026 1:30-2:30 & 5-6pm

Friday 24th - finish for half term

 

 

 

Please follow us on Facebook and on Instagram too. #itshappeningathillside Link for facebook page Facebook page Link for Instagram page Instagram page

 

Advertisements

Thorpe St Andrew FC Wild Cats Girls’ Football - click here for further details.

 

Kids Parent Carers Norwich Coffee & Connects Autumn Term - please click here for further information

 

Norwich Wildcats Girls Rugby Activity Day - Please Activity Day for further details. Recruiting for year 6 girls -please click here for further details

 

Hilldale Breakfast and Afterschool Club offer childcare in the mornings before school starts and after school. For further information please take a look at their website Hilldale or contact Mrs Linda Hubbard on hilldale15@yahoo.com or 07724680087

 

Norfolk & Waveney Mind - festive family fundraiser – the Mental Elf Fun Run, taking place on Sunday 14th December 2025 at Whitlingham Country Park, Norwich.

Hillside Avenue Highlights

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

At the start of a new year, anything is possible. A perfect example of this can be found in the faces of wonder and excitement of the new children in Reception. As they walk through the gate holding their parent’s hand, with their hair brushed, shiny school shoes and minds open and ready for learning. It really is a wonderful thing to behold. The rst few days of the year have gone smoothly with old relationships being rekindled and new ones being made. Thank you to all of the parents who have passed on their best wishes to me and the staff for the year ahead. It has been lovely to hear about your holidays and your summertime adventures.

In assembly on Wednesday we talked about how we want 2025/26 to be a ‘Golden’ year at Hillside Avenue. With the help of I spoke to the children about not hiding their talents and abilities, the importance of dreaming, working hard and believing that every child can be ‘What they were born to be!’ Whilst K-Pop might not be everyone’s cup-of-tea, I hope that the core message still got through. Coming to school is about being ready to learn, having your mind open to new ideas and working hard to make sure that you understand them and can use them in the future to achieve your dreams. The rst day of the school year is an opportunity for every child to take another step in that journey.

Thank you to every parent and family member for the way that you have and will engage with us at Hillside Avenue to help your and every child to flourish in their primary school years.

Mr Hutchinson

 

From the school log: 9th September 1964: J4B with Mrs Brown (Deputy Head) went to St Andrews’ Secondary Modern School for swimming. (It then describes all of the arrangements for swimming through the year.) Swimming lessons for Years 3 and 6 start at Thorpe St Andrew School next week. As usual, the staff will walk the children across the footbridge to the school and back again and the lessons are led by the Secondary School PE staff. In 1964 they used a coach to get there! Year group teams will be in touch this week to concern which children need to bring their swimming costumes and towels and on which days.

 

A few reminders…

● School starts @ 8:45am and the doors close @ 8:55am after which please bring your child to the office to sign in.

● Back gate - reminder this is closed throughout the school day so access only via the main entrance ● School meals to be ordered via Arbor Parent Portal/APP and the cut off time daily is 8:45am

● Attendance - any absences; illness,medical appointments etc must be reported to the office via phone 01603 433453 or office@hap-edu.uk Please see a separate email about school attendance and legal interventions.

 

Dates for the Diary

September

Wednesday 3rd - Start of Autumn term 3:15

Yr5 parent meeting Thursday 4th - 3:15

Yr3/4 parent meeting Friday 5th - 3:15 Yr6 parent Meeting

Monday 8th - 3:15 Yr2 parent Meeting

Thursday 11th - Yr4 visit Thorpe Marshes (details to follow)

October

Monday 6th - Yr6 & Rec NCMP health checks (more details to follow)

Thursday 9th - Olly Day road safety show

Friday 10th - Friends’ Autumn disco

Tuesday 14th - Open Day 2026 9:30-10:30

Wednesday 15th - Yr 5 Hautbois trip

Thursday 23rd - Open Day 2026 1:30-2:30 & 5-6pm

Friday 24th - finish for half term

 

Childcare before and after school Provision

Hilldale Breakfast and Afterschool Club offer childcare in the mornings before school starts and after school. For further information please take a look at their website Hilldale or contact Mrs Linda Hubbard on hilldale15@yahoo.com or 07724680087

 

Clubs available this half term

Monday:

KS2 Hillside Litter Picking Club 3:15-3:40 Starts 8th September (10 spaces)

 

Tuesday:

KS1 Singers (lunchtime) Starts 9th September

Art Club Yr1-3 only (cost) Starts 9th September

Minimoons Drama Club (cost) Starts 9th September 

 

Wednesday:

Hillside Basketball Club (Yrs 4,5,6) 3:15-4:30 Starts 10th September (only 12 spaces)

KS2 Hillside Band 3:30-4:30 Starts 17th September

 

Thursday:

PAV Yr5/6 Football 3:15-4:15 Starts 11th September

 

Friday:

KS2 Cross Country Club (lunchtime) Starts 12th September

Minimoons Fitness Stars (cost) Starts 12th September

 

** Please note litter picking, basketball, football and cross country have limited spaces and are on a first come first serve basis.

 

Please follow us on Facebook and on Instagram too. #itshappeningathillside Link for facebook page Facebook page Link for Instagram page Instagram page

 

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Minimoons after school club - are now offering week by week booking service- perfect for flexibility as well as a single session booking option All booking links are available here: https://minimoonsco.com/collections/after-school-clubs

 

Dynamos for Girls –Indoor Cricket -Norwich Bystanders Cricket Club are calling all 8–11 year old girls! We’re offering 6 FREE indoor cricket sessions – the perfect chance to have fun, make friends, and give cricket a go. Venue: Sprowston High School – Indoor 10.30am - 11.30am No experience needed – just come along and join the fun! Parents – this is the perfect Saturday morning activity for your daughters to stay active, build confidence, and try something new! contact: norwich.bystanders.cc@outlook.com Steve Andrews – 07388 875563

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Well… we’ve almost made it. We are fast approaching the end of the school year, the first one with me as the Headteacher and one that has seen a significant amount of change. Although the journey to making Hillside Avenue one of the best schools in Norfolk will not be smooth, I feel like we have achieved a great deal together and am excited about where we are heading next. Our priorities for next year will certainly include a continuation of our commitment to building positive relationships with all stakeholders as well as ongoing development of our inclusive teaching practices too. Thank you for your feedback so far and I can’t wait to continue the journey in September. We have one week to go. During this time we will be saying goodbye to our wonderful Year 6s as well as starting to welcome the new children who will be starting in Nursery and Reception (and a couple of other year groups) after the holidays too. It certainly is an exciting time with Y6 performances and special assemblies planned, as well as transition events too. The ‘meet the teacher’ events are planned for the first week back so that all parents can feel fully informed at the start of the school year. Thank you all for your support this year. I feel incredibly lucky to be the Headteacher of such a wonderful school and I hope that you all have a relaxing Summer holiday. See you on Wednesday 3rd September.

Mr Hutchinson 

 

Time to move on.

At this time of year, it is common for school staff to move on to pastures new. At the end of this term we will be saying goodbye to some much loved members of staff.

 

Mrs Furbur has been a much-loved teacher at Hillside Avenue for 5 years. During this time she has skillfully guided many children to achieve their best in the lessons that she taught whilst nurturing them through their formative years too. I know that many parents will want to extend their heart-felt thanks to Mrs Furbur for her dedication to their children’s learning and to wish her well for the future.

 

Mrs Pittaccio Has worked in the Nursery since 2022 . As we all know, a child’s time Nursery is fundamental in their development and is indicative of their success in later life too. Mrs Pittaccio has been instrumental in the learning and development of hundreds of children in the Hillside Avenue Nursery over the last 3 years and will be sorely missed. We all wish her the best for the adventures that she has planned for the future.

 

Mrs Thompson has decided that it is time to pass on the baton in the office to someone else. Over the years, Mrs Thompson has helped parents and children alike with everything from ordering school dinners to arranging music lessons and ice packs for head bumps too. We all wish her well for her next adventure.

 

Mrs Custance has been an MSA on the playground at lunchtimes and in the canteen for 3 years. Over this time she has helped hundreds of children to cut up their fish fingers on Fishy Friday and plastered many an injured knee on the playground too. We will miss her greatly and wish her well for the future. I know that she will be on the touchline during girl’s football matches for another year, so we’ll still see her around.

 

News from Friends - Preloved Uniform Sale On Wednesday 16th July , there will be a preloved uniform sale on the KS1 playground by the shed from 3 till 3.30pm, weather permitting. Cash and card payment taken. You contact Alex on preloveduniform@hillsidefriends.com prior to the sale for orders if you are not at pick up on that day. Price list is as follows: Polo shirts, P.E t shirts, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, trousers, dresses and skirts 50p each.

● Jumpers, cardigans and fleeces £2 each.

● P.E hoodies and reversible fleeces £2.50 each.

Sizes of Hillside school branded items are as follows: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13, S, M, L.

In the meantime you can donate your unwanted uniforms.

Please note that we do not take socks, tights, shoes or non Hillside branded cardigans or sweaters. Please ensure your donated items are clean, with no holes and with plenty of life left in them. And if you ever can help for an hour here and there with the sales then please contact me.

 

 

Hillfest update

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved with Hillfest 2025. The committee this year despite some headwinds (literally), pulled out a super event. We were supported by many fantastic volunteers, who played a pivotal part in Hillfest’s overall success. We are also so thankful to the staff from the school giving up their weekend time to help supervise the chaos.

 

Thanks to all your support, together we have managed to raise just over £6,500 which has resulted in a record profit contribution from Hillfest of just over £4,300.

 

This event completes the year for the Friends which by close of term will result in almost £30,000 of funds donated to the school. One specific item from this year we were proud to support is the library refresh. The new library is now up and running and provides a new positive space for all pupils of the school. We’ve heard some fantastic feedback already, with particular excitement around new book stocks and the introduction of audiobook technology.

 

How splendid we hear the cry, how can I help…. :)

 

We are currently seeking additional committee members to join our dedicated charity committee, an essential part of our fundraising efforts in support of the school. The level of involvement is entirely flexible, and all contributions—whether occasional or regular—are greatly valued. We are anticipating a few long serving committee members stepping down at the next AGM and would love for some new volunteers to join.

 

The committee organizes a variety of events beyond Hillfest including: quiz nights; bingo evenings; and the festive Holly Jolly Hillfest. We always welcome fresh ideas and suggestions for new fundraising opportunities.

 

If you are interested, and want to know more about what being on the Committee might involve - please contact us to have a chat.

 

Your involvement will help build a stronger, more connected school community—one where every child feels supported and inspired. By joining us, you’ll directly contribute to creating a vibrant, nurturing environment where young minds can thrive and reach their full potential.

 

Uniform Orders

We have received a large number of uniform orders which will take a little bit of time to process. If you have made an order you will receive an email when it is ready to be collected from the school office. Some items have sold out and we anticipate more stock arriving in the first week of September. The last uniform orders will be accepted on the 18th July and orders will reopen on 1st September.

 

Dates for the diary

September

• Wednesday 3rd - start of autumn term

                               3:00 Yr1 parent meeting

                               3:15 Yr5 parent meeting

• Thursday 4th - 3:15 Yr3/4 parent meeting
• Friday 5th - 3:15 Yr6 parent meeting

 

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

In this newsletter I would like to reflect on some recent highlights in the life of the school as well as the natural bumps in the road that we will experience on this journey together. This week we have enjoyed watching the children in Key Stage 1 and 2 competing in their respective sports days with lots of successes and achievements being experienced by many children. Parental feedback shows me that these events were incredibly successful and enjoyed by children and parents alike. Well done to the winning teams and to every child who followed my advice in assembly to try their best, aim to beat their previous achievements and to contribute to the performance of the team. They should all be very proud of themselves. This week the Year 3 children enjoyed a trip to the Royal Norfolk Show and the cricket team played against St. William’s Way Primary too. Both successful events. Throughout this first year together - as a new Headteacher, an evolving school community, a re-structured sta team - we have experienced many wins and should feel very proud of the positive changes that we have made to the way that the school is run each day. This process of change is leading to improved outcomes for children and we will see the KS2 SATs results soon too. Our focus on meeting individual needs is leading to a more bespoke approach to the provision that the children experience each day, which in turn is leading to improved behaviours and outcomes too. As we move through this period of change, mistakes will happen. This won’t be deliberate, it will be because we are trying very hard to meet everyone’s needs, improve outcomes and do new things that the school hasn’t done before. In this space, we are stretching ourselves to reach new heights and occasionally someone will drop a ball. I believe that it is good to aim high and to act with positive intent and to understand that everyone is trying their best with the outcomes of the children in mind. If you feel that we have missed something, please let us know and understand that we will do our best to get it right next time. Thank you for being on the journey with us, your contributions are always welcome.

Mr Hutchinson

 

General News

We have quite a build up of Lost Property. Please encourage your child to have a look in the Lost Property if they are missing an item. If there are unclaimed items by the end of the school year, these will be donated to the school's pre-loved stock. Thank you to everyone who donated to the recent food bank collection. Our total weight in food donation came to 83kg, this was enough to provide at least 9 food parcels.