Professor Jonathan Van Tam Returns to Hawthorn Tree

On the 1st October we were so pleased to be able to welcome Professor Jonathan Van Tam back to our school. Being an ex-Hawthorn Tree pupil this was a trip down memory lane and wonderful for our pupils to say hello.

He began the morning by opening the brand new outdoor area which has been completed by Newby Leisure, for the Reception children at the school. Local businesses including Cropleys Suzuki, James Dyson, Gleeson Homes and Skinners Ice Cream kindly made donations towards the cost and were invited to attend the opening.

Professor Van Tam visited the classrooms to talk to the children about his experiences as a child at the school, telling the Year 2 children some stories about Larry the cat who lives at Downing Street with the prime minister.

He also kindly held a class assembly for our Year 4 & 5 children with an interesting Q&A session and at the end of this presented Mrs. Orrey her 20 year service award!

Michelle Palmer said: "It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to have Professor Jonathan Van Tam visit our school. He has really helped our children to see the importance of having aspirations and following their dreams."