Well, what a whirlwind of a half-term we’ve had here at Edenhurst! The past six weeks have been bursting at the seams with activity, creativity, and achievements. As the days grow longer and the school grounds come to life with the colours of spring, there’s a real sense of excitement in the air – both for what we’ve accomplished and for what’s still to come.
We started the new term with our International Day of Languages, a fantastic celebration of the many languages and cultures that make up our school community. Parents joined us to lead lessons, sharing their traditions and experiences, and we all enjoyed an Italian-style lunch, complete with gelato, of course. Shortly after, we threw ourselves into World Book Day, bringing our favourite characters to life with costumes, classroom displays, and a Willy Wonka inspired Golden Ticket competition. A visit from the Book Bus added to the magic, reinforcing our love of stories and reading.
Trips have taken our pupils far and wide this half-term, from Chester Zoo to the National Space Centre, Trentham Gardens to Amerton Farm, each providing hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences. Our House pancake races brought out some fierce competition (the staff were just as determined as the pupils!), and we were treated to outstanding performances during our Spring Concert at the Forum. We also had the privilege of performing at the Bellevue Northern Schools concert at the prestigious Stoller Hall in Manchester, taking to the stage alongside our sister schools, Brabyns, Forest Park, and Forest Prep – a truly special event.
Creativity has been in full flow, with our participation in the National Gallery’s Take One Picture event, which this year was inspired by Canaletto’s Regatta on the Grand Canal. From glass workshops to Venetian masks, boat designs to material collages, our pupils explored the painting through a variety of mediums, producing some incredible pieces of work.
Open Week was another highlight, as we welcomed current and prospective parents to experience the Edenhurst Edge firsthand. Whether sitting in on lessons or engaging in activities, it was wonderful to see families gaining a real sense of what makes our school so special. Our pupils have also represented Edenhurst brilliantly in the Bellevue Chess Tournament, numerous sporting events including tag rugby, netball, and a dance workshop at Port Vale FC. A number of our pupils took part in both LAMDA and ABRSM examinations. I am delighted to share that every single one of our LAMDA pupils achieved Distinction – a truly outstanding accomplishment. I am equally thrilled to announce that our ABRSM pupils also performed exceptionally well, achieving excellent results across the board.
We have also made time for plenty of special moments, from our ever-popular Spring Bonnet Parade to celebrating Eid, and an unforgettable French Experience Trip to Château du Broutel in Rue. A visit from Emma Palin from Belong in Newcastle-under-Lyme gave us a meaningful insight into local dementia services, and Mrs Averill’s adorable puppies stole the show as she taught the children about their care, providing plenty of cuddles along the way.
One of the things that makes Edenhurst so strong is the ongoing partnership between school and home. We truly value parent feedback, regarding both the things we do well and the areas where we can improve. It was fantastic to see so many families take the time to participate in our most recent parent survey, and we have been delighted by the positive feedback. Many parents highlighted the warm and nurturing environment we provide, the strong communication from staff, and the breadth of opportunities available to the children. At the same time, we are always striving to grow, and your insights are key to that.
As part of our ongoing development, we are making great advancements in three key areas outlined in our School Development Plan. From enhancing our curriculum to further strengthening pupil wellbeing and enriching our extracurricular provision, we are committed to ensuring Edenhurst continues to be the very best place for our pupils to learn and thrive.
It is time for us to start looking ahead to the future as we prepare to celebrate the achievements of our Prep 6 pupils. The staff are incredibly proud of every single one of them and the wonderful journeys they are about to embark on. You can find out more about the senior schools they will be joining in September on our Leavers’ Destinations page. We will be celebrating their success in more detail at our Prize Giving and Speech Day in July, where we will acknowledge their hard work and the bright futures ahead of them.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see just how much Team Edenhurst have packed into this half-term. The energy, enthusiasm, and our sense of community shine through in everything we do, and I couldn’t be prouder of our school community for their dedication, creativity, and kindness.
As we approach the final stretch of the year, there’s still so much to look forward to during the Trinity term. I don’t want to give too much away BUT a brief scan of the calendar reveals ICT workshops, Edenhurst’s Got Talent, a trip to Condover Hall and several cricket matches…
But for now, take a step back, pause for a moment and reflect on all that has been accomplished. Enjoy your well-deserved Easter break – stay safe, be happy and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday, April 29th to hear all about your adventures.
Mrs Emma Mousley
Headteacher
Categories: School Blogs
