No pressure (as they say!), but as the new Headteacher I feel a responsibility to continue the informative blogging tradition established by Mr Mills. It is a great way to stay connected with our school community and share some of the many exciting things happening at Whitehill. So, here goes…
I would like to extend a very warm welcome back to all our returning pupils and families, as well as a special welcome to those who are joining us for the first time. Whitehill is such a welcoming school that I am sure everyone already feels part of “Team Whitehill”.
The first few days of term have certainly been busy for me as I begin to get to know the school, its pupils, staff, parents and wider community. Alongside learning names and faces, I have also been getting to grips with the many systems and processes that keep the school running smoothly… and, of course, adjusting to Hitchin traffic!
One thing that has really struck me so far is the enthusiasm with which both pupils and staff have returned after the summer break. It is clear that Whitehill is a place where people genuinely enjoy learning and working. It has been lovely to see such positivity and to hear about the many adventures our children enjoyed over the summer holidays.
At the very top of my to-do list is getting to know everyone. Learning hundreds of names and getting to know each person is no small challenge, but it is one that I am looking forward to immensely. Pupils and staff have already learned a little about me too, including my footballing allegiances (sadly!) and some of the things I enjoy doing outside school.
The school diary is relatively calm for now as we begin our soft start to the year. This valuable time allows pupils and teachers to get to know one another and settle into new routines. One of the best parts of being a Headteacher is visiting classrooms and seeing learning in action. This week, I have been greeted by enthusiastic children who have been keen to share their work and tell me about their learning.
In Year 3, pupils have been labelling aerial photographs of the school site, combining geographical knowledge with beautifully presented work.
In Year 4, pupils have been designing their own board games, many of which cleverly incorporate mathematical challenges. They have also been getting to know one another through illustrated “All About Me” projects.
In Year 5, creativity has been flowing. Pupils have produced stunning illustrated proverbs, carefully drafting and refining their work before creating final versions inspired by Charlie Mackesy’s wonderful book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – a book I can highly recommend. They have also created impressive self-portraits in the style of Tim Burton.
In Year 6, pupils have been writing limericks and producing some absolute classics. Their creativity and humour have shone through, particularly as they wrestled with the challenge of creating the perfect rhyming final line.
Over the summer, we received some particularly exciting news. Whitehill has been nominated for a School Excellence in Space Inspirations Award. The judging panel is currently shortlisting, and we are eagerly awaiting the outcome. Whatever happens, we are immensely proud to have received this recognition and would like to congratulate Mr Lord and everyone who has contributed to this achievement.
Next week, Year 3 will be heading to Wymondley Woods, and I have happily agreed to accompany them. It will be a fantastic opportunity to spend time with our youngest juniors and, hopefully, make good use of my wellies! We also have Year 6 visiting the Henry Moore Foundation, and I look forward to seeing the creative inspiration they bring back with them.
Everyone has settled wonderfully into the new school year and I look forward to sharing regular updates, celebrations and occasional musings as the term progresses.
To finish this week’s update, I thought it was only fitting to pay homage to Year 6’s work with a limerick of my own:
At Whitehill in Hitchin, they say,
Young minds grow a little each day.
They read, write and play,
In a bright, caring way,
And head home with new skills on display.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mr Wathen
Headteacher
