Dear Hilldrop Families,
I'm writing this with a heavy heart but also a heart full of gratitude.
As our Play Project comes to an end this week, I want to thank you all for the most incredible 7 years. It has been an absolute privilege to watch your children grow into the brilliant human beings that they are. From their first days in After School Club to the 8am full-on energy and fun of the Holiday Play Scheme, every moment has been a treasure.
I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing team. Over the years, we became more than colleagues, we became a family. Our goal was simple but so important: to provide a safe space for your children to play and grow. We worked hard to teach them emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and how to be kind humans.
As a manager, my goal was to create a safe, nurturing space, not just for the children, but for families too. Whether it was helping you to understand your child's needs or navigate the system, to know what you are entitled to, being there for you in a crisis, or simply having a chat at the door on how to manage new behaviours. My team and I were happy to help. I believe that is what a community centre is about. I am so proud of what we built together.
I have so many fond memories, but one that always makes me smile is the look on parents' faces at pick-up after a junk modelling session, when they realised, they had to find space for another 15 masterpieces!
Messages from the team:
Mick:
"Dear parents, I have been working at the After School Club for 22 years and during that time I have seen lots of things happen, the good, the bad, and everything in between. But when I look back, my overall feeling is one of fun and happiness. It has been an absolute privilege to have looked after all of your children, and I thank you all for choosing Hilldrop. Caring for the children and helping them learn and play has been a fantastic part of my life, and I will miss them more than I can say in words. I am very sad that we can no longer offer you the After School service, but I would like to wish all your children good fortune and success in their futures. Thank you for being a part of my life. Good luck, Mick"
Amy:
"It's been a privilege working with your children for the last 10 years and watching them grow. I'm going to miss them all so much! Hilldrop Play Project has been such a big part of my life, and I am very sad that it's closing. I wish all the best for all the Hilldrop children and families. Hopefully I'll see you again in the future. All my love, Amy"
Stacy:
“Dear parents, I would like to say that the past 3 and half years at Hilldrop, looking after your children has been an absolute joy. I have loved getting to know you all and watching our children grow. They have brought me so much happiness and laughter and have made my job incredibly easy! I am so proud of every single child we have looked after, and I am going to miss you all so much. I hope to see you all from time to time in the Tufnell park playground and hear how you are all getting on. Sending all my love Stacy”
Sharon:
"Hi everyone! It was a pleasure teaching and watching your children grow into independent people. I am fortunate to be able to continue that journey with some of the children as I will be joining Tufnell Park wraparound, and I look forward to seeing some of you there. Love, Sharon"

Thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and for letting us be part of your family's journey.
To the children, thank you for the joy, the laughter, and for teaching us as much as we taught you. Keep being the brilliant humans you are and remember. 
Use your masterminds for greatness!
Remember that everyone can have a bad day, so be kind!
All emotions are ok it's what we do with them that matters. Talk to someone!
And courage does not always roar. Sometimes it's the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
Love,
 Iola
We will miss you all dearly.
With love and thanks,
Iola and the Play Project Team