September 2021 marked the start of a new term, a new year but also a return to the old ways. Ordinarily, one would be weary of such an admission – a return to the old ways – but for us, at Hazlegrove, it meant that with the COVID restrictions eased, we were able to return … More Family Service not Lip Service

Forrest Gump once said that life is like a box of chocolates. I think that life is like a cream tea. And no one makes a cream tea better than our Hazlegrove boarders. A great cream tea is more than just a scrumptious, fluffy scone – fruit or plain. A delicious cream tea is more … More Boarding is like a Cream Tea…

“It’s so cold and wet!” “And dark – don’t forget the dark mornings, the ice and don’t even get me started on that slushy snow stuff.” As we approach half term, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what has been for many, a challenging time. This winter has felt particularly … More What really happens this side of the Cattle Grid: Blog #16

“We are a community”… words that have been adopted by many schools, to explain how they view not only themselves but more especially, how they look after each other. Another one, boarding schools have frequently adopted, is “Home away from Home”. I would like to explore what these two, often used catchphrases, really mean to … More What really happens this side of the Cattle Grid: Blog #15

“Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?” – the opening line of a hymn, called “Mary did you know?” After listening to this song all weekend long – I have the habit of playing a song over and over…it got me thinking – we really don’t know what … More What really happens this side of the Cattle Grid: Blog #14

Dear Parents, In a homily I once heard years ago, the priest referred to a few lines in the Apostles Creed – in essence, that Jesus was born, suffered, and died. He went on to suggest this rather sobering thought: Life is meant to tough and filled with suffering.      Now this could either fill … More What really happens this side of the Cattle Grid: Blog #13

Dear Parents, Last week, I challenged the children to be poets, artists, sculptures and singers. I also promised that I would write a poem for them, about Hazlegrove – which I shared on Monday morning in These Times. We need to all celebrate our uniqueness and our specialness! No excuses. No negativity. No criticism. (Parents, … More What really happens this side of the Cattle Grid: Blog #12

Dear Parents, Firstly, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your precious families a very happy New Year; and I hope that are all safe and well.  LOCKDOWN 2.0. Last year, when the announcement was made that schools would be closed and that children would have to engage in Remote Learning, we were … More What really happens this side of the Cattle Grid: Blog #11

I thought I’d strike while the iron is hot and continue in the spirit of self-reflection and contemplation. One of the blessings of the “good ‘ol days” was that very little happened on a Sunday. It meant of course, that families had time to slow down, catch their breath and re-charge their batteries. There is … More What really happens this side of the Cattle Grid: Blog #10

Dear Parents, “I’m super fantastic, thank you. How are you?” The standard response from my Headmaster, who I worked for when I started teaching, many moons ago. Ghandi may have been his inspiration: “Your beliefs become your thoughts,Your thoughts become your words,Your words become your actions,Your actions become your habits,Your habits become your values,Your values … More What really happens this side of the Cattle Grid: Blog #9