Parents of children starting in September 2022 were invited to our Open Evening on Thursday 7th October 2021. Our visitors were able to tour around the classes, and see examples of different learning across the school, as well as looking in detail at the Nursery and Reception classrooms.

The general introductory talk about the school introduced them to the ethos of the school, what we offer in the curriculum, arts, music, sport and other opportunities; and new parents were able to meet some of the school staff, including the Nursery and Reception teachers, and ask questions. It was an enjoyable and successful evening, with the school also looking quite magical in the early evening light!

 

A huge thank you to the staff, parents and children who have created our wonderful well-being garden. Their imagination, creativity and hard work have resulted in a complete transformation of what was an overgrown section of the quad into a delightful and peaceful space. In the new garden, children can spend time enjoying some quiet amongst natural plants, sculptures, fairy houses and soft sounds of the wind chimes. The garden also helps us remember Miss Chick, a late member of staff who always cared deeply about the children's well-being and nurture. 'It's a fitting tribute, as well as a wonderful space to use and enjoy' commented school staff. Thank you everyone for the donations and hard work that have gone into the garden so far.

Well done to all our fabulous Year 6 children for their superb Leavers' Assemblies. Although we could not hold these with an in-person audience this year, we were able to host the assemblies live via video link, which meant parents and carers were able to 'be there' on our big screen!

It was wonderful to listen to all the achievements from over the years, and hear their passionate singing; everyone had a brave face - not just that they have been brave through this very different year at school this year, but also brave to face the future for which they are so well prepared. Thank you for all you have done at our school over the years and in Year 6!

You can listen to the leavers' singing here in our gallery. https://www.hillsideavenue.org/year-6-leavers-2021/

A huge thank you to all the staff for making this such an enjoyable and worthwhile week. 

Our Y6 children had a fantastic week of outdoor challenges on their residential visit at Caythorpe. Along with the wide range of amazing activities, there was glorious weather for most of the week. 

 

You can read the school visit diary and see lots more photos in the Gallery section of our website here: https://www.hillsideavenue.org/year-6-residential-2021/

Congratulations to Elika who won a set of eco-themed books for our school library. Elika, in Year 1,  wrote this message for a competition held by the National Centre for Writing: “I would love to have eco books at my school because I love my world and I want my friends to love it as well because I want it to be safe and I want to stop climate change.”

Elika’s entry touched the hearts of the staff at the National Centre for Writing and they sent the book bundle pictured here! 

School is open today. Although the cold weather continues, we have arranged staffing to be able to open to children of critical worker families who need to come due to parents being unable to work from home. Conditions remain difficult on untreated roads and pavements, so please take extra care walking or travelling to school. Children are advised to wrap up warmly as classrooms will still need to be well ventilated throughout the day. Remote learning continues as the basis for learning for all pupils, whether in school or at home.

Due to continuing treacherous wintry weather, school is closed on-site again. 

This is due to the weather conditions local to where staff live, meaning that travelling to school is dangerous and we cannot staff school sufficiently to safely open with covid measures and bubbles in place. Remote learning continues today for all pupils, and we hope to open school on-site tomorrow.

Due to the continuing treacherous wintry weather conditions, making travel unsafe for staff and parents, school on-site provision remain closed today, Tuesday 9th February 2021

The forecast is for further snow and sub-zero temperatures throughout today, meaning it is likely that conditions will not improve sufficiently for safe road travel.

Our remote learning continues for all pupils, with Tapestry and Google Classroom having further snow-themed learning activities today.

Keep safe everyone!

Due to the treacherous wintry weather conditions, making travel unsafe for staff and parents, school on-site provision is closed today., Monday 8th February 2021

The forecast is for heavy snow throughout today and into the evening, meaning it is likely that conditions will worsen in the coming hours.

Our remote learning will still be available today, on Tapestry and Google Classroom, with a focus on the snow and enjoying this usual weather.

Keep safe everyone!

We had a brilliant Mental Health week, with a focus on different ways to keep our minds active and positive. Art, music, movement, learning and self-expression all featured in the week, and great to have everyone taking part, whether at home or at school.

Here are some photos of the 'Dress to Express' challenge on Friday. Our focus on Mental Health continues with weekly 'well-being Wednesdays' and our new mental health support team within the school staff. This is a vital area and a priority for us all.