Infants wish Mr Hartley “buena suerte” at final Willow Lodge assembly

Today marked Mr Hartley’s final assembly in Willow Lodge but, instead of leading it, he found himself as the guest of honour.

Children from Reception to Infant 2 prepared a special Spanish lesson for the Headmaster, who will be leaving at the end of term to take up a new Headship in Madrid. They taught him useful phrases including Hola, ¿Cómo estás? and ¿Cómo te llamas?, and were delighted by his impressive language skills.

Head of Willow House and Junior School, Michelle Dewhurst, also joined the celebration.

“The children really look forward to Mr Hartley’s assemblies and I know that they will miss seeing him in Willow Lodge,” she said.

“Today’s assembly was really joyful and the children presented his leaving card – which featured the name of every child in Willow Lodge – with huge pride.

“In their short speech, the children affectionately referred to Mr Hartley as ‘The King of King’s’, which we all loved, and they were astounded to learn that he has been the Head for longer than they have been alive!”

Mr Hartley is pictured here with the six children who presented his special card.