What a fantastic way to begin the new school year for our Hazlegrove boarders! With glorious sunshine and blue skies throughout the weekend, there could hardly have been a better start to the term.

Sunday began at a wonderfully leisurely pace, with the children enjoying a relaxed morning in the house before heading down for a full English breakfast. With everyone well fed and ready for the day ahead, we gathered for Chapel, where Mr Jonathan Shaw led us in a thoughtful and engaging talk about the importance of prayer and why it is something we all need in our lives.

We then turned our attention to one of the more traditional but important parts of the first weekend; letter writing! The children spent time writing their first letters of the term to family and friends at home, giving them plenty to share about their exciting start to the new school year.

Then the fun really began. There was a fantastic range of activities on offer, ensuring that there was something for everyone. The children could choose from swimming, wall climbing, go-karting, football, hockey, Bike Mania, baking delicious banana and chocolate-chip muffins, and arts and crafts. There was plenty of laughter, enthusiasm and a healthy dose of competition as the children threw themselves into their chosen activities.

For some of the boarders, the highlight was a trip to pick fruit, with plums and apples proving particularly popular. Freshly picked fruit was soon being enjoyed by everyone, making for a delicious and very seasonal treat.

By lunchtime, everyone had worked up a healthy appetite and tucked into a classic favourite of ham, egg and chips. Afterwards, the whole boarding community gathered together for our annual boarding photograph. This is a lovely opportunity to capture everyone together at the very beginning of what promises to be another memorable year.

The afternoon was spent making the most of the glorious sunshine, with the children heading out onto the field for plenty of games and activities. There was great excitement as everyone took part in some fiercely contested wacky races! The competition was temporarily interrupted, however, by the arrival of the ice cream van. 

As the day drew to a close, the boarders enjoyed a delicious roast lamb supper before settling down for a film and an early night. After such a busy and action-packed day, everyone was certainly ready for some well-earned rest.

It was a terrific first weekend for the Hazlegrove boarders — full of sunshine, friendship, laughter, delicious food and plenty of activities. Most importantly, it was a wonderful opportunity for the children to spend time together, make new memories and settle happily into boarding life.

What a brilliant way to start the year!