13th October 2023
Dear Parents
The weather has certainly reminded us that we are now in Autumn with the grey skies and soggy leaves on the ground.
It was a joy to come back to school today after being at a Headteacher's conference for two days this week. As much as I enjoy conference time it is nice to come back to 213 smiles on a Friday morning assembly.
London Transport Museum, Year 4 visit
On Tuesday, our Year 4 class embarked on a fantastic adventure to the London Transport Museum, travelling by both train and underground. This excursion proved to be an excellent opportunity for the children to learn how to navigate the UK railways. Once at the museum, we were able to explore the various exhibits to gain insight into how transport has evolved over the years. We saw buses, trains, trams and plenty of interesting artefacts that gave us a glimpse into the past.
As the day drew to a close, we participated in a workshop to learn about the experiences of people who moved from the Caribbean to the UK. This was a valuable lesson where we learned about their emotions and the jobs they undertook upon arriving in the country. Since returning to school, we have been inspired to write story settings and poems to describe the Windrush generation's journey and experience.
Overall, this trip was an enriching experience that allowed us to learn about history in a fun and engaging way.
Rubix Cubes
As parents I don't need to tell you the magic and mayhem that Rubix cubes can cause. Therefore in an attempt to 'quell' the 'mayhem' we have decided to start a Rubix cube club on Tuesday lunchtimes, starting after half term.
The children bring in the Rubix cubes on Tuesdays ONLY and then they can join Mrs Foster in Moomin class to twist and twizzle to their heart's content.
The details of the club will be posted on Edulink for after half term and we will send details to parents regarding how to book your child on to the club.
Website and Window Transfer Photos
We are excited to announce that photographers will be coming in after half term to take photographs of the children. These photos will be featured on our school website and are a great way to showcase our happy school. Additionally, the photos may be used on our external windows as a transfer. We will follow the photo permissions that have been previously granted by parents, but as the photo usage will be more prominent advertising of the school and open to the public, we kindly ask that parents notify the office if they do not want their child's photo to be used in this way. If you have already requested 'no use of photos for advertising purposes,' you do not need to contact the school office.
Reminder deadline: Please provide your response by Friday, 13th October 2023. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that it is okay to use your child's photo for this purpose.
Parents' Evening Appts - Booking an Appointment with Your Child's Teacher
Tuesday, 17th October 2023 and Thursday, 19th October 2023
If you haven't had the chance to schedule an appointment with your child's teacher yet and would like to, simply reach out to the school office. They will provide you with information on availability and assist you in booking an appointment.
Mark Your Calendars: Harvest Festival on Friday, 20th October 2023!
On Friday, 20th October we will be holding our Harvest Festival in assembly time. Harvest Festival is always a great event at school and we are very fortunate to work with the charity, the Kings' Pantry. We have worked with this charity for many years now and the children know their contributions are always valued.
As many parents will understand, with ever rising costs of food, foodbanks are a vital lifeline to many families in our school community.
Below is a list of all the items which King's Pantry need to supply the demand and level of need. If you can help - I appreciate it is a difficult time for us all - your contributions will be received most warmly. Thank you.
We would be grateful if you could provide any of the following on the day:
| Jars of Pasta or other Sauces | Rice, both Microwave and Larger bags |
| Tinned or packet soups | Crisps and snacks |
| Tins of Potatoes or Instant Mash | Tins of Meat / Pies |
| Tins Peas, Carrots and other Veg | Pasta |
| UHT Milk | Instant Coffee |
| Tea Bags | Hot Chocolate |
| Couscous | Noodles (pot noodles, dried noodles) |
| Biscuits | Spreads - Jam, Peanut butter, Chocolate |
| Squash / Juice | Desserts & Custard |
| Tins of Rice Pudding | Tins Fruit |
| Sauces - Tomato etc | Tinned Tomatoes |
| Tins Kidney Beans, Chick Peas etc | Tins Spaghetti |
| Baked Beans |
Visit from M&M Theatre Company, Monday, 30th October 2023
We will be having a theatre company coming into school in the morning. The theatre company will be performing 'Robin Hood.' There is no cost to parents for this event.
Parent Reception Tour
We will be starting tours for new Reception children starting in September 2024. Please encourage friends and families with children coming up to school age to book a ticket on Eventbrite
These events are selling out quickly so if a place is needed please book a ticket as soon as possible.
Cultural Experiences Questionnaire
Thank you so much for the 104 responses from parents. the answers will definitely influence the opportunities we provide as a school in order to boost our children's cultural capital.
FoHA Annual General Meeting Update
Last evening, FoHA held its Annual General Meeting - thanks to all who attended, especially Mrs Curnow for sticking around until its adjournment! Annually during the meeting, both the Chair(s) & Treasurer give a report of the previous year and new officers are (re)elected. Please click here to read the 2022-23 Chair & Treasurer Report
Congratulations to the newly elected Core Committee:
Chair: Felicity Gregg
Secretary: Jackie Clode-Dickens
Treasurer: Aubrey Caulfield
Sub Secretary: Eleanor Lee-Wright
Sub Treasurer: Ben Dickens
In addition to the above positions, the below will take the lead on our main fundraising events:
Christmas Trees: Shavalyea Gilbert
Easter Egg Hunt: Sarah Elderton, Nicola McGeown
Mrs Curnow will also be our staff liaison & take over Comedy Night from Mrs Haines.
SAVE THE DATE:
Comedy Night - Saturday 10th February 2024
Easter Egg Hunt - Good Friday, 29th March 2024
Please be on the lookout for ways that you can support and volunteer for these events (& more)!
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALES
The holiday season is upon us - get in the spirit & support the school at the same time... buy your Christmas Tree from FoHA. PREMIUM NORDMANN FIR CHRISTMAS TREES ON SALE starting at £48 (5ft tree); can be delivered or collected from the school - Click here to buy a tree
Did you know that you can raise money for our school when you shop online via the below sites:
Easyfundraising (commission varies by retailer):
Choose Harpenden Academy as your charity and we will be rewarded!
www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/harpendenacademy/
Use the below codes when purchasing your labeling option of choice:
Stikins (10% commission)
Code: 35586
Stamptastic (30% commission)
Code: AL54EN
HRFC Fireworks Tickets
We're proud to once again support the Harpenden Rugby Club's Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday 5th November! This is always a great event for the entire family - with fireworks, funfair, great food & bar! Historically, this event has sold out so buy your tickets in advance!
Harpenden Academy will receive 50% of each ticket bought using this link>> Click Here to Buy Your Tickets
Happy birthday this week to: Hannah, Genevieve, Oliver, Nellie, Phoebe and Ethan
Wrap Around Care Club Assistant Manager, 22 hours & 45 minutes Term Time only
Core hours - Monday to Friday 7.15am to 8.45am, Monday to Thursday 3.00 to 6.30, Friday 3.00 -5.15
Closing Date: 9.00am Monday 16th October 2023
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies
Squash Stars
Squash Stars – a fun, new sports programme to introduce kids to the exciting game of squash - returns in February. This six-week programme created by England Squash, enables kids aged 5-9 the chance to pick up a racket and begin a lifelong love of the game. Sports clubs in the area are delivering the programme and you can book your child onto the February intake now.
Your child will be taught the skills to play squash, develop hand-eye coordination, be fit and healthy and make friends. All sessions include match play through action-packed fun games and drills and delivered by specially trained leaders.
Sessions are taking place right on your doorstep and you can book a place at www.squashstars.co.uk.
Mayor's Christmas Card Competition
It's always exciting to see young talents being recognised and appreciated. Last year, Adam Cheng from Year 5 won the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition, and this year the anticipation is building up for another potential winner. As per the guidance on the poster, all participants are wished good luck, and it's hoped that everyone will take this opportunity to showcase their creativity and imagination.
The competition is open to all, and the deadline for submitting entries is Friday, 3rd November 2023. It's an excellent chance for the children to display their artistic skills and create something unique and beautiful.
So, if you're interested, take a look at the poster for further instructions and start working on the Christmas card design. Who knows, maybe we will have another Harpenden Academy winner of the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition!
The Harpenden Christmas Carnival Procession
The Harpenden Christmas Carnival Procession is a wonderful tradition for our Town and we are looking for new groups to join us this year. Schools, musicians, dancers, gymnasts, clubs, and other organisations are all welcome! It’s a great opportunity to have fun and promote your group.
If you are interested in taking part in the Carnival which takes place on 26th November 2023, please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
