Last week, amidst all the happy Google chats and exciting “show and tell” activities of the children, we were dealt an unexpected blow on Thursday night when Mrs Hauxwell informed us of the news that her departure to the UK would be on Monday 25 May instead of mid-June as planned. We are all very sad to bid farewell to such an integral part of the preschool team, a dedicated Nursery class teacher, a loyal colleague and a kind and considerate friend, but wish her and her family all the best as they embark on this new adventure.

Colleen Hauxwell started teaching at Springfield in January 2015 on returning to South Africa after the tragic death of her husband with whom she had spent 20 years building a home and raising a family in England.

Five years later and with the education of her children in mind, Colleen made the brave and difficult decision to return to England for her son Jack to do an Engineering Degree at Nottingham University and her daughter, Cat, to do her A-levels.

The COVID-19 global pandemic and the resulting worldwide lockdown on travel put paid to the scheduled flight and they had the uncertainty and anxiety of being on a list for a repatriation flight.

With level 4 lockdown in place we were unable to give Colleen the sendoff we would have liked and are devastated to have not been able to say goodbye in person.

We remember fondly all the laughter in the staff room, the dress up days at school and the end of term celebrations that we shared over the years.

The photographs below are of the Nursery and Pre-Reception girls who learned about 3-D shapes and the Reception girls who learned about “People who help us”.

DIANE VILJOEN

Head of Preschool

Dear Springfield Families

We had booked Paddy Upton to speak at Springfield in February this year but this was cancelled at the last minute when he was called to India and we sadly haven't been able to reschedule because of lockdown.

His PA has been sending me his facebook posts during this time, which have been so enjoyable - attached is one that is relevant and helpful for the phase we go into next week.

https://www.facebook.com/Paddyuptonofficial/videos/251753069536533/

And here is one he made especially for the kids - particularly nice for the girls who are sporty and don't want to lose skills in the foreseeable future.

I also strongly recommend reading the article in the link below, in the coming weeks/months in order to prepare yourself and your girls for the great return to school.

It's long but worth it.

💠 https://www.raftpsychology.com/news/gyid0efdmvfmjw4r9xxly04rwrjd0o

I am really looking forward to seeing many of our Grade 7 girls next week and to being back in my office!

Warm regards to you all in this chilly winter weather.

GABBY CLOETE

Junior School Counsellor