Over the years we have been delighted to welcome a number of Spanish children to Hordle Walhampton. They have all come to improve their English and to experience for themselves something of the English lifestyle. Some have joined us for a term, some for a complete year and some, who intended to stay briefly, have remained with us until it was finally time to move on to a senior school.
To thank all our Spanish parents and families for their support and for entrusting their children to Hordle Walhampton, the school organised a private Reception in Madrid to which we invited past, current and potential pupils and their families. It proved a resounding success.
Over 50 people attended the event which we held in the Library Suite of The Wellington Hotel in the heart of Madrid. Amid lively conversation (with many exclamations to past pupils of “haven’t you grown!”) we were able to greet current parents, renew friendships and to meet those who are expressly interested in sending their children to us.
The on-screen presentation, with its overview of life at Hordle Walhampton, was much enjoyed, bringing back memories to many and illustrating to others the facilities and activities the school has to offer. Mr Phillips’ short, but nevertheless sincere, speech of welcome acknowledged the strengths and value the Spanish children bring to Hordle Walhampton: their strong work ethic, their rich culture and their unbounding enthusiasm for life.
Often the easy option is to remain in our ‘small corner’ and wait for the world to come to us but by occasionally stepping outside of school and travelling to our parents we return the compliment and build even stronger bridges.
