World Book Day is always a special day at Hazelwood as children and staff seem to go the extra mile to dress up as their favourite book characters. We had plenty of wallies, wizards and witches as well as lots of animals, superheroes and princesses. Huge thank you to the parents for supporting this lovely day - I know that it can be a challenge!
The day included special assemblies, 'drop everything and read' and a special visit from the author of ‘The Spectaculars’ by Jodie Garnish for our KS2 children! We had a very successful book fair to end the day, and we made a whopping £1200, giving us loads of money to spend on new books to restock our library. Thank you all for your support, we are ever so grateful.

February 6^th 2024 was Safer Internet Day which is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety.  At Hazelwood Schools we participated in these celebrations and learning based on the theme of ‘Inspiring change’ by looking at different areas of internet safety.  To kickstart the day, Years 1 & 2, 3 & 4 and 5 & 6 participated in an assembly which introduced the purpose and themes of the day.  The children were very enthusiastic when sharing what they do online.  There were also more than a few sniggers/confused looks when looking at how much technology has changed and teachers talking about using record players to listen to music and using telephones that you had to turn the dial for each number to make a telephone call.

In the classroom, the children participated in a range of activities to support their understanding of how to remain safe online.  Nursery and Reception classes looked at things that might change while online.  They focused on if anything changes while they are online and it makes them sad, worried or scared, what they can do and who they can talk to to keep themselves safe.  Years 1 and 2 read stories about Mo and Jaz who like to play games and watch videos online.  In each story, something changed such as a funny video turning into a scary video or a person promising to give more ‘tokens’ from a game if Mo and Jaz shared what they already had.  Each story lead to great discussion about how things can change online and what children can do to keep themselves safe.  The honesty, understanding and maturity seen from our Year 1s and 2s regarding keeping safe online was astounding.  Years 3 and 4 looked at how much technology has changed over the years, it was quite funny to see the look of horror on some children’s faces to realised there was a life without the internet or computer technology as it is today.  The children spent time discussing and designing what the technology of the future might be and how it could be made safe for the people who use it.  Our value of creativity was shining brightly across Years 3 and 4 this afternoon with amazing inventions being designed.  Finally, Years 5 and 6 looked at the power of influencers and how they can impact our daily lives.  Once again, the understanding, honesty and maturity of our students when talking about online safety leaves me speechless.  The children spent time discussing how they felt influencers had influenced them and then they designed their own influencers who would use their powers for good.

Hansel and Gretel - the Nut Free Panto!
Our amazing HPSA Daisies performed their amazing pantomime not once, not twice, not three times, but four times on Thursday to a packed out hall of children and then adults! Lots of singing, dancing, acting, fairies, trees and even some Barbies appeared throughout the show to entertain the watching audience. Huge thank you must go to all of the amazing cast and crew for their time, dedication, energy and amazing acting skills! We can't wait for next year already!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The Christmas Fare was an absolute hit on Friday 1st December! We had the cold weather so wrapped up as warm as possible to enjoy the huge array of exciting things on offer. Food and drink, games, bouncy castles, HPSA merch, tombolas, hampers, exciting stalls and, of course, a visit to Santa's Grotto ensured that everyone had a fabulous time last Friday.
Huge thank you to Anna Morris and her amazing HPSA team. The money raised will be going towards an interactive outside games board, as requested by the school council on behalf of all of the children. 

On Thursday, as is Hazelwood tradition, the choir entertained the crowd gathered around the Christmas tree at the Palmers Green triangle as we officially welcomed in the start of the Christmas period.
The children sang lots of songs, with plenty of actions, for families to listen to and sing along with. It was a wonderful festive atmosphere which finished with the turning on of the Christmas lights.

It was amazing to see so many children take part in the Class Act auditions for a chance to make the grand final at the Milfield Theatre in January. 

Congratulations to everyone who took part!