When I arrived at Heathfield there were a lot of very nice girls who helped me get organised and know where everything is.
Sara, 10, Italy
Everyone here is nice and friendly – they made me forget my homesickness and made me feel welcomed. I love being here!
Winona, 12, China
Your First Day at Heathfield
Dear Students,
My name is Marlene and I have been coming to Heathfield for many years, first of all as a young teenage student. When I was 18, I became a Student Assistant at Heathfield and started a university degree in English and American Studies. I have now been a member of staff for several years. One of my main jobs is to meet new girls on Saturdays and make sure you all feel welcome. I know girls worry about what will happen when they arrive but I hope this letter will make you feel more confident. Here is a photo of some of the young staff in the welcome team and below there are some photos we took of Reception and arrivals day activities.
Arriving
The very friendly Heathfield drivers and staff will bring you from the airport or you will arrive with your family. You will come into Reception where we will all make you welcome. We give you your student ID and an information pack and make sure your suitcase is taken to your bedroom.
Registration
Then you will meet the Registrar and she will take your pocket money to put in the bank and take your passport or ID card and tickets to be kept safely until you return. You will also have your photo taken for security reasons so staff have a photo of every girl.
Looking Round
One of us will take you (and your family if they come too) to see your bedroom and we will show you the nearest bathrooms also. Then you will have a tour round the main part of the school and if you need to ring home you can have a free call from the office when we go there.
Activities
Every Saturday has a full activity programme which you join in as soon as you can. On the very first Saturday staff will do art, crafts and sports during the day and drama games we call ‘Getting to Know You’ games in the evening. On later Saturdays you will join other new students and the students already in school with the day’s activity which might be a Drama Festival or International Show. There are lots of people all around the school to help you to join in so keep busy and have fun. Please always ask someone if you need help, have a question or just feel a little homesick.
Sunday Orientation
On Sunday morning the Directors welcome new girls and we all help them to explain the rules and other important information by putting on some little shows – they are good fun! Summer School students do an assessment to find the right level of English class for each of you; the teachers will give you some written work and also talk to you – don’t worry, they are very nice! Afterwards we show you what to do if the fire alarm rings which is very important. Finally, we give everyone a detailed tour of the school and show you where everything is and how things work at Heathfield.
