It would be impossible to begin this half-term reflection without acknowledging that it has been a time of change for our Edenhurst community.
At the beginning of March, the school and its Governors shared the difficult news that we have begun a consultation proposing to close Edenhurst Preparatory School at the end of the Summer Term. It was hard news for everyone to hear and has understandably brought a mixture of emotions and plenty of questions. What it has also shown very clearly is just how much this school means to people. The messages, conversations and support from across both the school and wider community have been a powerful reminder of the special place Edenhurst holds in so many hearts.
What I want to say, quite simply, is that we are still here and we will carry on. If the last few weeks are anything to go by, the Edenhurst spirit is still very much intact.
I have found myself thinking a lot recently about taking chances. I clearly remember an old Nike advert from the 1980s with the line “Just Do It.” Simple advice, but not a bad mantra to keep in mind. It also seems rather fitting at the moment, particularly as Mel C’s What Could Possibly Go Wrong? constantly pops up on the radio during my daily commute.
These two strap lines remind me of my own childhood. My parents were very much of the view that you should give things a go. If it all went ‘pear shaped’, as my dad would say, you came home, brushed yourself off and started again. Far better, they would say, to regret the things you have done than the things you never tried. Their approach led to the three emboldened Childs siblings taking off and embarking on a number of solo adventures – driving off to France in a Mini Metro on the strength of a newspaper voucher, touring South Africa in an ancient VW camper van, and rather randomly, digging and sleeping in snow holes. All of this happened well before mobile phones meant parents could keep tabs on their children. Looking back now, it was quite bold parenting!
‘Giving it a go’ is an attitude I still think has value. Sometimes the best thing we can do is just take a step forward and see what happens. Whether it is starting something new like Couch to 5K, tackling the first day of term after a break, or trying something that feels slightly outside your comfort zone, there is something to be said for simply getting on with it.
It is also important that we allow our children to do the same, trying not to pass on our own anxieties but instead giving them the chance to discover things for themselves. A good example of this was the recent visit from Wings and Things. Watching the range of reactions to birds of prey and creepy-crawlies (from immediate enthusiasm to slightly more cautious curiosity) was great to see. In the end, interest and bravery usually won.
We ended the final day of the last half term in typical Edenhurst fashion – in a flurry of activity. The Celebration Assembly gave us the chance to recognise pupils’ achievements and share a few proud moments together. Our Headteacher for the Day stepped into the role with enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose, and the Pancake Race rounded things off with the usual mix of determination, laughter and the occasional pancake heading, in an unexpected direction.
And the first day back after the break certainly didn’t ease us in gently! We launched straight into our International Day of Languages, which brought a busy and enjoyable start to the week. Pupils and staff took part in world drumming, Indian dancing and a sari workshop, and one of our parents gave their time to teach a Mandarin session. The day also included Chinese New Year celebrations and some absolutely delicious food. It was a lively reminder of how much there is to learn from different cultures and traditions.
Our Rights Respecting School Steering Group has been busy. We are already proud to hold the Bronze Award and are now working towards Silver as part of the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools programme. It has been encouraging to hear pupils discussing ideas around fairness, responsibility and respect with real thought and maturity.
There have also been plenty of opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. The visit from Wings and Things certainly captured pupils’ attention, and trips to Peak Wildlife Park and Amerton Farm provided plenty to see, do and talk about afterwards.
World Book Day was another highlight and a wonderful celebration of reading across the school and nursery. Pupils created an impressive Alice in Wonderland display in the Prep corridor, which has provided a colourful and imaginative focal point. Staff embraced the theme enthusiastically and Edenhurst briefly resembled something close to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! We were delighted to welcome local author Mrs Appaji, who spoke to the Prep pupils about the process behind writing a book and the journey to publication, sharing excerpts from her novel Bond Keeper: The Watcher’s Gift. Meanwhile, our Pre-Prep children enjoyed a visit to Newcastle-under-Lyme Library, where they took part in story time and a workshop.
Sport continues to be a busy part of school life. Pupils have represented the school in hockey and netball fixtures, including the ISA netball competition and the Forest Cup Mixed U11 Netball Tournament. The effort, teamwork and sportsmanship shown throughout have been commendable.
This year, instead of the spring bonnet parade, we introduced an Egg Scene Competition. Pupils were invited to create a scene using an egg based on something they enjoy – a favourite book, film, television programme, sport or hobby. The results were very imaginative and, remarkably, the eggs made it into school without incident.
Looking back over the past four weeks, it has been a busy and productive time. Edenhurst has continued to do what it does best: keep children engaged, active and involved in a wide range of experiences. Even with uncertainty in the background, the school day remains full of energy, conversation and the usual sense of purpose.
Thank you to our staff for their continued commitment, to our parents for their support, and to our pupils for bringing our school to life every day.
I look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 14th April for the start of the Trinity Term. In the meantime, I hope the break brings a chance to rest, reset and perhaps try something new.
After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Emma Mousley
Headteacher
Categories: School Blogs
