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News > School News > Val Hitchen leaves FHS after 53 years

Val Hitchen leaves FHS after 53 years

Francis Holland School's ballet teacher leaves after 53 years of teaching
27 Sep 2019
School News
Val Hitchen taught ballet at FHS for 53 years
Val Hitchen taught ballet at FHS for 53 years
Dear all
It is with great sadness that I must share with you that Mrs Hitchen has decided to leave Francis Holland after an astonishing 53 years at the school. To say that Mrs Hitchen is responsible for the thriving ballet provision which we enjoy today does not do justice to the extraordinary commitment, vision and expertise which she brought to Francis Holland. She has passed on her passion for ballet to countless children, many of whom she has shaped into truly beautiful dancers.
 Happily for us, the ballet department which she built from her first 37 pupils is now an unstoppable force, and young ballerinas will continue to flourish under expert guidance. We cannot thank Mrs Hitchen enough for this wonderful legacy she leaves behind her. She goes with our heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes, and will be much missed.  
I attach a personal farewell from Mrs Hitchen herself.
Best wishes,
Lucy Elphinstone
Headmistress

To read the letter from Val Hitchen, please click on the link below

Val Hitchen

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