10th February 2018

Dear Parents,

It is a pleasure to write to you in this, my first Hazeldene newsletter as Houseparent. The weather may have been chilly when I first visited Hazeldene in my new role just before Christmas, but the welcome I have received from everyone in the House was far from cold. I would like to thank all those who have welcomed me into Hazeldene life over the past five weeks – it is an honour to lead the House, and to have joined such a vibrant and close-knit community.



Hazeldene House in the snow, December 2017


The first House event of 2018 was the Hazeldene Ball, a very enjoyable evening of good food, dancing, and charitable fundraising. Thanks to the hard work of the Parents’ Association to organise the event, and the very generous donations by guests on the evening, the ball raised £1300. This will be divided between Hazeldene’s two charities this year: UNICEF and St Basil’s, a charity that supports young people affected by homelessness in the local area.




The girls – alongside parents and friends – had a wonderful evening, and many took advantage of the professional photographer who snapped a few group shots for the House noticeboards.




The Lower VI




The Upper VI

Despite being such a short half term, the last five weeks have been full of hard work by the Hazeldene girls. Fifth Form and IB2 mocks dominated the first week for many, while other year groups have poured effort into their lessons and prep. In total, the girls have received one hundred and fifty-three commendations – an outstanding achievement and a worthy testament to their hard work.

A special mention must certainly go to Sadie Gardner (UIV), who has received the most commendations in the House this half term: six in only five weeks. Maddie Cooper (V) and Polly Dakin (LIV) have each received four commendations this term. Well done to these three, and to all those students who have received commendations for their hard work in the last five weeks.

The focus for much of House life has, of course, been on inter-House competitions. During the last five weeks, forty-one girls have represented Hazeldene in sports, music and drama competitions. Their willingness to volunteer and proudly represent the House has been exemplary.

At the start of the term, the first sports event for our teams was Senior House Table Tennis. Hazeldene was represented by Tilly Giles and Catrin Carter (both V) who, despite not winning, represented the House with enthusiasm and good humour.

Table tennis was quickly followed by Senior House Badminton, in which Tilly Giles once again competed, this time accompanied by Elizabeth Hambling (V), Grace Grenfell (LVI) and Mollie Trow (LVI). The two pairs faced tough competition but were eventually named Runners Up – well done, and thank you girls for your effort!




Tilly Giles and Elizabeth Hambling, competing against Mary Windsor House


After these paired events, it was then wonderful to see large teams represent the House for both Junior and Senior House Cross Country. Twenty-one girls ran in all, with the eleven girls in the Junior team doing particularly well. The Hazeldene runners – Gemma Calthorpe, Daisy-Mai Clements, Grace Dieppe, Emily Gittoes, Isabella Howdle, Katie Rolph, Eloise Robbins, Hannah Sahota, Lena Siller, Nell Stone and Imogen Vaughan-Hawkins – were the first team to finish the race. Five of the top six placed runners were Hazeldene girls, and Lena Siller (UIV) won the girls’ race with an incredibly impressive run.

The ten senior girls who ran – Lauren Court, Sophie Ford, Tilly Giles, Jade Jenkins, Megan Longden, Talia Mitchell, Violette Pretorius, Lina Schlinkheider, Alexandra Scott and Daisy Scott – also did Hazeldene proud with their House spirit and willingness to take part.

Congratulations to both cross country teams for two very well-run races!




The Junior Girls’ Cross Country team, before the racing begins




Lena Siller, pushing for the finish line to win the Junior Girls’ Cross Country





Hazeldene girls race for the finish 





Members of the Junior Girls’ Cross Country team celebrate with their trophy

Turning from the sports’ fields to the drama studio, and Hazeldene girls also achieved outstanding success this half term. The inaugural Junior House Drama competition took place on 23rd January, with Polly Dakin (LIV), Ciara Hughes (UIV), Hafsah Suleman (UIV) and Aggie Warner (LIV) presenting an adapted scene from Stags and Hens, directed by Hannah Jones (LVI). The competition was of an incredibly high standard, but the Hazeldene girls were awarded First Prize on the night, with Ciara Hughes also named Runner Up for Best Actor. Congratulations to all the girls involved for their excellent effort and winning performance on the night!




Junior House drama winners Ciara, Aggie, Hafsah and Polly




The girls celebrate with their trophy


Following Hazeldene’s consistently excellent performances in the annual House Song competition over recent years, expectations were high from the girls for the House Music competition this half term. The Hazeldene ensemble group was the largest to participate, reflecting a wealth of musical talent on a staggering range of instruments. The ensemble of Maddie Bache, Isabella Breithaupt, Heidi Collie, Lauren Court, Olivia Dalby, Lucia Evans, Lily-Rose Faulkner-Schuett, Millie Gore, Hannah Jones, Alice Liversidge, Tabatha Nichols, Violette Pretorius, Jessica Rai, Lina Schlinkheider, Daisy Scott and Lucy Trig, played an arrangement of Rhianna’s Stay, and were awarded the Runners Up prize. Congratulations to all the girls for their efforts.



Hazeldene House music ensemble, with their Runners Up certificate


Heidi Collie (LVI) also represented Hazeldene in the evening, participating in the soloist category of the competition. Heidi played the first movement of Haydn’s Allegro moderatoi beautifully and, although she narrowly missed out on a prize, certainly did the House proud.



Heidi Collie performs a solo piece on the violin


The Hazeldene Parents’ Association also met this half term, and has started to plan events including the incredibly popular House Easter Egg Hunt, and summer party.

Mr Gareth Spurgin has now stepped down as Chairman of the PA after years of dedication to the House. Although I have only worked with Mr Spurgin for a short time, I know what a hugely positive impact he has had on House life for girls, their families, and House staff. On behalf of all associated with Hazeldene, I thank him sincerely for his wonderful contribution.

The role of Chairperson is therefore currently vacant, as is the role of Treasurer – if you would be interested in assuming either of these roles, please do notify me.

We would also welcome anyone interested in joining the PA after the holiday. The PA is an integral part of Hazeldene life, and provides a crucial link between the parents and school. In once-termly meetings, they organise a range of events, charity fundraising, and additions and alterations to the House. It is a wonderful way of being able to connect with and support Hazeldene. It would be a pleasure to welcome new members to the PA – please do contact me if you would be interested in joining.

As such a short, but incredibly busy half term draws to a close, I would like to wish all Hazeldene girls and their families a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

Kind regards,


Dr R E Whitbread
Houseparent, Hazeldene House