“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'” – Robin Williams
There is something truly magical about the arrival of spring. I love the way that nature slowly awakens from its long sleep, the emergence of bright colours and fragrances and the promise of sunnier days ahead.
For me, spring’s arrival brings with it a sense of renewal and optimism as everything around us emerges from months of hibernation, transforming into a world bursting with life and vitality. Whether it’s the blossoming trees, the appearance of daffodils, the melodic bird song in the mornings or the longer hours of daylight, there’s a tangible energy and sense of ‘anything is possible’ permeating the air.
Symbolically, spring is often associated with personal growth and change, reflecting the rejuvenation and renewal seen in nature during this season. Not unlike the way that plants sprout new leaves and come into flower, the arrival of spring is a chance for us to shake off old habits, embrace new possibilities and start afresh. As the cold, dark winter transitions into a warmer, more vibrant season, it encourages us to embrace changes, overcome obstacles and seize the opportunity for growth.
Staffing updates
At the beginning of term we were delighted to welcome Miss Anita Baiji from Edge Hill University for her 8 week teaching placement. She immediately got stuck in and has become a valued member of the team. Last week I was pleased to be able to divulge the staffing structure for the next academic year and announce the appointment of Mrs Francesca Martin as the Form 1 teacher whilst Mrs Hannah Barker is on maternity leave. I would also like to share with you the promotion of Mrs Hayley Parsons to the position of Deputy Nursery Manager and the employment of Mrs Lindsay Allmark as our Finance Administrator. Interviews are currently under way for our Head of English and I look forward to announcing this exciting new appointment in due course. Last week also heralded the arrival of gorgeous twin girls, Evie and Poppy, to our after school supervisor, Miss Megan Machin and her partner, Joe. Congratulations! Staff and pupils really cannot wait to meet them.
This half-term’s highlights…
As you know, we love nothing more than welcoming guests into school. Royal Stoke University Hospital took a very lively and very loud whole school assembly, students from Keele University held an intriguing careers event for Prep 5 and Prep 6 and Mr Adam Atkinson, Head of Digital Development for Bellevue, captivated our pupils with several hands-on programming sessions. He also held a workshop for staff looking at the uses and benefits of AI within the education sector.
The Friday Lunch club, where family members are invited to come and dine with their children, is a very popular event, so please do watch out for the next invitation. Last week the catering team treated us to homemade pizza and chocolate crispy cakes – what a combination!
Whereas many schools start winding down as the end of term approaches, that definitely isn’t the Edenhurst way and this past week has been full of activity! For weeks now, the corridors have been resonating with the sound of music and singing and on Tuesday it was wonderful to welcome families and friends to The Potteries Museum for our annual Spring Concert. The whole school from Reception to Prep 6 confidently took to the stage and entertained us with a variety of high quality songs and instrumental offerings. What an emotional rollercoaster it was as we experienced the upbeat tempo of Barbecue Blues, the sombre tones of Coldplay and haunting melody of Hallelujah.
Friday, the final day of term, started off with our EPTA coffee morning, coupled with a bake sale to raise money for the Dougie Mac SkyDive fundraiser (there’s still time to sponsor Mrs Wardle and Mrs Carroll who have bravely volunteered to hurl themselves from a plane) and culminated with a fabulous Spring Bonnet Parade.
At Edenhurst, pupil voice is at the heart of every decision. So, when our two Community Champions decided that we really needed to launch a Tuck Shop in order to raise funds for Dougie Mac and Caudwell Children (two of the local charities that we support), I was absolutely thrilled! Open for business every Friday, with a strict £1 spend limit, it draws people from every part of the school who eagerly queue up to get their hands on a variety of delicacies such as wiggly worms, foam strawberries and Monster Munch!
The last 5 weeks have bestowed a wealth of new opportunities and possibilities upon the Edenhurst community. Our pupils have been exposed to and involved in a variety of trips and experiences this term. They have visited the farm at Abbotsholme and fed newborn lambs, had adventures in Trentham Gardens and devoured freshly made ice cream from the farm on the way back. They have hit the ski slopes in both Stoke and Italy, participated in the National Gallery’s Take One Picture programme and challenged themselves during our International Day of Languages. They have battled it out on the sports field, applied their tactical thinking at the Bellevue Northern Chess Tournament and encountered wild beasts Peak Wildlife Park. Whatever next?
Coming up next term…
Well, I can give you a little sneak preview…..Stand by for ‘Edenhurst’s Got Talent’ which is being coordinated by our Creative Arts Champion (I have heard on the grape vine that someone is getting sawn in half…), Open Week, Camp Edenhurst, Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies and Speech Day and Prize Giving.
However, if you absolutely cannot wait until the start of Trinity Term on Tuesday 9th April, Edventures, Edenhurst’s very own holiday club, will be up running over the next 2 weeks and the activities promise to be a lot of fun!
Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive parents and enthusiastic pupils for making this Hilary term a memorable one. Your commitment and passion truly make our school community thrive.
Wishing everyone a joyful and rejuvenating break.
Mrs Emma Mousley
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