Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear parents and carers, 

A key priority for me since becoming Headteacher in September has been to increase the visibility of the school in the local community and more widely. The main pillars of this have been engagement in social media, which is why I have started the Facebook and Instagram pages to share updates and photos of events in school. Our following is growing on each platform so please get involved with liking and sharing our posts when we do them. Links to the pages are below the diary dates in this newsletter.

To spread the Hillside Avenue name we are also increasingly involved in sporting events such as boys and girls football, basketball and one-off events as well - experiencing a good level of success. In music we sang at the Cathedral, performed 13 further times to the community before Christmas (in and out of school) and will be participating in two events this term too. 

The next stage will be the branding of the school through use of the circle logo on letters and school documents as well as some new signs that are on the way. They will hopefully help everyone who passes by the school to know who we are, where we are and to the Hillside Avenue logo when they see it. All of this will hopefully raise our profile, attract families to be part of the school community and make sure that Hillside Avenue is the school of choice on this side of Norwich. 

Thank you for your support in helping every child to flourish at Hillside Avenue.

Mr Hutchinson

From the school log:

Between 24th and 28th February 1941, the school was closed for ‘Alerts’ eight times over the five days. These were due to bombing raids during the second world war. On at least two of these days, the whole day was ‘disregarded’ due to the alert not being lifted in time. 

This is a sobering entry to read at a time when children in other parts of the world are experiencing such things today. We are lucky to be able to attend school every day in safety. 

Parking on local roads - 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. 

Red Nose Day  - Friday 21st March is Red Nose Day. Children are invited to wear red on this day (red noses can be worn) to celebrate 40 years of Comic Relief.  Donations are to be made via the usual Red noses donation page donationcomic relief

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Cello Lessons - We have a new cello teacher - Mrs Bunn.  She has spaces available from the summer term (after Easter holiday).  Please click here for details Cello lessons at HAP school

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

British Sign Language -  a local company who run BSL classes for children 8-11 on a Tuesday evening in Thorpe St Andrew.  Please click on the link for further details BSL Classes

'Inspiring Imaginations' are running some fun events over the next few weeks and they have weekly themes for their regular weekly sessions too.  Currently they run 10-11.30am, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings and Friday afternoon, 12.30-2pm. They will be starting Wednesday afternoon sessions too, 1-2.30pm. All cost £8 for 1 adult and 1 child, with a discount of 20% for parents and carers with children at our school, just contact Isabel on 07760604440 or email: inspiringimaginations@outlook.com to let her know and she can arrange your discounted price.

The sessions and events are relaxed and friendly and include activities and play set ups for families with babies, toddlers and children up to 8 years old.  Isabel changes the theme weekly and builds on the interests of the children attending to ensure everyone has the best time.  Discounted flexi- block bookings are available plus PAYG individual sessions and everything is on the booking site:

https:bookwhen.com/inspiringimaginations.

If you are interested in more information, take a look at their facebook and instagram pages or contact Isabel. 

Local charity LEGO event - Open Academy displaying LEGO builds and running LEGO activities to raise money for a couple of charities in May this year.  

Details

Location: Open Academy, Norwich

Date: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May 2025

Ticket Prices: £5 (Under 3s free)

Book tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/norwichbrickshow

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

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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.

Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear parents and carers, 

I would like to focus on the importance of pride and the importance of being proud of yourself and the school in this newsletter. 

On Tuesday, I was fortunate to accompany the Year 6 Sports Leaders to their training day at the University of East Anglia. (I am also the only person who is old enough and qualified to drive the minibus too! - We are training more people though.) Throughout the day I was continually impressed by the way that the children conducted themselves. This was demonstrated in the way that they communicated with each other, children from other schools and the adults who were running the sessions too. They were excellent ambassadors for the school and we should be very proud of them.

Since September there has been a relentless drive in school to raise expectations and celebrate where things are going well. Thank you to the staff who have come with me on this journey and continue to work hard in this area. And thank you to the children who have also put in a tremendous amount of effort into their learning and are seeing that they are capable of more than they previously thought. This is leading to improved outcomes that they are rightly proud of, as are their teachers and TAs too. 

I am so proud of what we have achieved so far, let’s keep working to help every child to flourish at Hillside Avenue.

Mr Hutchinson

From the school log:

January 1995:  Legendary former teacher Mr Colin Roy listed all of the sporting achievements that the children of Hillside Avenue had enjoyed over the previous 10 years.  These included many championships at county regional and even national level in cricket as well as tennis and table tennis too. Hillside won the Norfolk softball cricket championships 14 times in 28 years. Amazing!  

Whilst I can’t promise that level of success, I can confirm that I will be starting a cricket club this year and we will try to start rebuilding Hillside Avenue’s sporting reputation. Thank you Colin Roy, we have something to aim for. 

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

                                                       #itshappeningathillside 

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

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Just One Norfolk - Carers Matter supports children with any additional needs, they are running some information sessions.  Please click the links below for further information. 

SENDIASS                 Kooth                   Just One Norfolk                                Fiona Springall

Help Our Charity Reach Future Foster Carers - Foster with Break

Do you have space in your home and heart to foster a child? 

As a not-for profit, we reinvest in our foster carers, providing full training, a dedicated social worker, monthly funding and all the support you need so you're never alone on this incredible journey

Find out more at: break-charity.org/foster 

Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus Concert - on Saturday 22nd March in Norwich.  More information can be found in this link Children's Concert

Broadland District Council Tots2Teens February half term sessions - see link for further details Tots2Teens

Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear parents and carers,
I am sure many of you will have questions and concerns about the letter from our
CEO Owen Jenkins yesterday regarding the tough decisions that we need to take
regarding staffing this year. I hope that his letter was easy to understand and
conveyed the tough financial landscape that all schools are facing at the moment.
I can assure you that any decision that I make during this time, will have the
interests of all children in mind, and particularly those who are most vulnerable. It
is a difficult time for everyone and I am working hard to make sure that we can do
the best that we can for every child with the capacity that is available to us in
school.
Next week is Parents’ Evening week. I hope that you have been able to secure an
appointment to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss their attainment and
progress so far. Their books will also be available for you to look at too. If you
have had any problems with the booking process or finding a suitable time, please
contact the school office and we will see what we can do to make it work for you.
When it comes to the meeting itself, I have always been a fan of the child being in
the room so that they can hear what is being said and therefore be part of the
conversation. If this is not your preferred approach, it will be important that they
are able to sit patiently outside of the room. Mrs Smith has said that there will be a
prize for any child spotted reading whilst they are waiting (rather than being on an
electrical device!) This is a lovely idea as reading is so important. Good readers
become good writers, and as writing is a priority for the school this year, it is
something to promote whenever we can.
I look forward to seeing lots of children reading whilst waiting on Tuesday and
Thursday next week.
Mr Hutchinson

From the School Log
On 7th November 1978 the entry reads:
‘School re-opened [after half-term holiday] and the number of children on roll = 587.’ In the
current times of smaller class sizes, I can’t believe that there would be space for that many children!

News
Cross Country - On Tuesday 5th November, 21 children went to the qualifying event for the
Norfolk School Games Cross Country Final. These children, from years 3, 4, 5 and 6, ran at the
UEA Sportspark track, competing against children from 11 other Norwich schools.
Not only did they all race brilliantly, their support towards each other and those from different
schools was outstanding - a true credit to Hillside! We are enormously proud of all of them.
A particular well done to Maddie, Syvlia, Alfie, Thomas, Tomas, Betsy, Sienna, Ellie, Alex and Noah
who have all qualified to go through to the finals in a few weeks time!
These are the result placings from the races:
Y3 Girls Y3 Boys
Maddie (1), Sylvia (5), Grace (14)

Y3 Boys

Alfie (2), Thomas (5), Tomas (7)

Y4 Girls 
Bethany (14), Evie (20)

Y4 Boys

George C (18), George H (28), Tom(30)

Y5 Girls 
Betsy (5), Sienna (9), Ellie (10)

Y5 Boys

Jesse (20), Jenson (30)

Y6 Girls 
Lilah (16), Florence (20)

Y6 Boys

Alex (1), Noah (4), Jet (14)

Music Achievements - Joshua in Yr4 passed his grade 4 ABRSM exam over half term. This is
such a fantastic achievement in someone so young, Well done!

Dates for the Diary
November
Tuesday 12th 3:30-5pm - parent consultations within school
Thursday 14th 3:30- 6:30pm - parent consultations within school
Friday 15th - Children in Need Day, children are welcome to come into school wearing something
spotty or yellow. As we are a cashless school, any donations to the charity can be made online via
https://donate.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/
Wednesday 20th - flu vaccinations (please consent online before 18th
November)
Wednesday 20th - Friday 22nd - year 5 Hautbois trip
Wednesday 20th - Wednesday 27th - Scholastic book fair (see separate email
for details)
Friday 22nd November - The Mental Health Support Team will be holding a workshop on
‘Understanding your Child’s Emotions & Behaviours’. Please could you let the office know if you are
interested in attending. (see attached flyer with further info)
Saturday 30th - Holly Jolly Hillfest (11am-2pm) within school

December
Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th - Yr1,2,3 Nativity (1:45-3:15pm)
Friday 6th - Yr1,2,3 Nativity (6-7pm)
Tuesday 10th - Nursery Christmas Play (9:30-10:30am)
Reception Christmas Play (9:30-10:30am) & Wednesday 11th (2:30-3:30pm)
Wednesday 11th - Christmas Lunch Day (children are welcome to wear something festive)
Monday 16th - KS2 Performance (1:30-3pm)
Tuesday 17th - KS2 Performance (6:30-7:30pm)
Wednesday 18th - Carols in the Quad (3:30-4:30pm)

After School Clubs
Mondays - Minimoons have a new club ‘Creative Writing’ - please click on the link for further details and to book online. https://minimoonsco.com/collections/after-school-clubs

Please follow us on Facebook. (and now on Instagram too! )
I have kept my posts fairly simple so far. Mostly celebrating sporting achievements and in-school
events, such as the Harvest Festival. I hope that they are helpful and are communicating the positive
things that are happening in school. I have started to use the hash-tag #itshappening@hillside to
highlight the positive things happening in school.
I am working on linking to two accounts so that you don’t have to look twice. If you have any
suggestions or tips in this area, I’d love to talk to you about it. We really want to get everyone talking about what is happening at Hillside Avenue.
#itshappening@hillside

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

Additional Advertisements
● FOTSAS Friends of Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form - Christmas Fayre Saturday 9th November

● Family Voice Norfolk October 2024 Newsletter -
http://account.epromailer.com/t/r-l-tdkdhjg-nhytiidhlh-t/

Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear parents and carers,

As we are approaching the end of the first half-term of the year, I find myself in a reflective mood. I am proud to say that a lot has happened in the first 7 weeks of the year and that they are all things to be positive about for Hillside Avenue now, and into the future. One of the traditional strengths is also something that I am focused on improving even further, this is the wider offer of the school.

At Hillside Avenue there is a lot of opportunity to learn beyond the classroom through participation in music, sport and off site visits. Our band practices with Mrs Robinson on a Wednesday and will be performing with The Hillside Singers to the school before half-term. Over 100 children learn an instrument, which represents over a quarter of the school. That is incredible and provides a form of learning for those children which reaches parts of the brain and the body that the classroom cannot. Our sports teams are going from strength to strength. The girls won their cup match and will meet the same school again on Friday after school in the league. The school team has won two out of three matches and are flying high. We have a cross-country event coming up and Mr Idrissi is lining up some basketball fixtures too. So far this term Year 1 has enjoyed a walking tour of the local area and Year 4 explored the Thorpe Marshes on one of the wettest days of the year. Well done for persevering Year 4. The Year 5 residential is fast approaching and then we will be into the Christmas season. Please check the school website and editions of the newsletter for key dates of all of the performances and events. Thank you for your support in making all of this possible and for helping all children to flourish at Hillside Avenue.

Mr Hutchinson

From the School Log

Between 12th and 16th October in 1939, it seems that there were regular problems with flooding on the playground due to heavy rain. The bad weather continued into late October and even led to poor attendance at school! Luckily most children have wellies and umbrellas now, so this should no longer be a problem.

Dates for the Diary

Our Parents Evenings this term will be held within school on Tuesday 12th November 3:30 - 5pm and Thursday 14th November 3:30- 6:30pm. You will need to log into Arbor to book a time slot, booking schedule will go live from Monday 4th November at 6pm.

Individual and siblings photographs will be on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th November. Please ensure your child/ren come to school in school uniform and not PE kit for those days.

After School Clubs

Minimoons are introducing an additional club ‘Creative Writing’ on a Monday starting after half term. For more information and how to book please click on the link below; 

https://minimoonsco.com/collections/after-school-clubs

FRIENDS of Hillside

Non-Uniform Day - Thursday 24th October

We'd like to invite the children to come to school in non-uniform next week on Thursday 24th October (final day of this half term) and in exchange we'd like you to please bring in donations for the Holly Jolly Hillfest adult Tombola.

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.

We will be in the KS2 playground in the morning next Thursday to collect your kind donations.

Preloved Soft Toys

Having a half term clear out? We will be collecting soft toys for the Teddy Tombola at Holly Jolly Hillfest on the following dates: Monday 4th November (at PM pick up) Wednesday 6th November (at AM drop off) Friday 8th November (at AM drop off) Please ensure all toys are clean and in good condition.

Volunteering at Holly Jolly Hillfest

If you are able to volunteer any time at Holly Jolly Hillfest on Saturday 30th November please speak to any committee member or email Carrie:

https://volunteers@hillsidefriends.com

The Friends

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

I am slowly improving my Facebook skills, so please be patient. For now I will just share key dates and events. Please follow us and encourage your friends and neighbours to do the same. 

Additional Advertisements

● 15th Norwich Air Scouts - Fireworks Night - see attached flyer

● T2T - see attached flyer for further info ● Thorpe St Andrew School Christmas Fayre 

● Norwich City CSF - Parents can claim £5 off one of our October half-term Soccer Schools by using code ‘partnerschool£5’. 

Greetings of the season! Wonderful performance from our children in Y4, Y5 and Y6 as they presented the story of Scrooge in this lively adaptation by Out of the Ark. 

The ‘Bah Humbug’ production was nothing short of spectacular. With incredible acting and beautiful singing, the story was beautifully told, full of emotion and promise. A huge thank you specifically to Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Robinson for putting the production together and all their work on the singing and stage performances. As well as the wonderful actors, narrators and singers, thank you also to the children who did the ‘behind the scenes’ tasks - controlling the spotlights, special effects and mixing desk, and adding musical percussion, and those Y6 children who helped create the scenery. It all came together so well. 

Well done everyone, and Happy Christmas!

See a video with highlights from the show and more pictures here in the gallery:

https://www.hillsideavenue.org/christmas-production-2023-bah-humbug-a-christmas-c/

This week the Woodland Phases classes (Y1, Y2 and Y3) performed their Christmas production of 'It's a miracle'. Beautiful singing, great acting, coordinated dancing, musicians and readers - and all with smiling faces as the children have really genuinely enjoyed sharing the story with their audiences over three days of performances!

Great to have new basketball equipment in school, thanks to the Friends of Hillside. In use already for lunchtime basketball club, the children love the teamwork and skills they are learning.

Y3 had an amazing Stone Age day. With real 'stone age' people visiting school, it was an immersive day of experiences and hands-on learning. Our 'stone age' visitors stayed in character all day, and it was great fun at lunchtime as the children had to show them how to use knives and forks! 

Y3 thoroughly enjoyed their day and plenty of learning has followed on.