2nd February 2024
Dear Parents
A Walk Through Medieval London: Year 1 Students and Parents Join the Fun
This past week, our school had a delightful surprise when Year 1 students and some of their parents arrived dressed like they were walking the streets of Medieval London. It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.
The class had a memorable visit from 'Living History', who transported our children back in time. They spent the day learning about London in 1666, as well as the order of events during The Fire of London and what followed. The children thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and gained valuable historical knowledge. It was wonderful to witness our school at its best, providing hands-on learning experiences.
We have more exciting events in store, so stay tuned for further updates!
Harpenden Trust
The Harpenden Trust recently visited our school to witness the positive changes that their generous donation has made. We are grateful to have received their financial support, which, in conjunction with the FoHA donation, has significantly improved our youngest children's outdoor opportunities.
Reminder
We have our next Inset day on Friday, 16th February which will creep up on us in no time at all. Please make sure this date is in your diary. There will be no children in school on this Friday before our half term break. We finish on Thursday, 15th February at the normal time of 3.20pm.
Parents' Evening
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the parents who attended Parents' Evening this week. The teachers' comment sheets will be accessible through Edulink shortly.
Sustainability Working Party, Meeting Wednesday 14th February at 2.45pm
In the Autumn Term we held a parent session with the hope of setting up a working party to focus on our school driver of sustainability. Unfortunately the take up for this was extremely low. Therefore I am proposing a slight change to the original plan to focus on our school travel plan as the first step in our sustainability action plan. The initial aim of this working party will look at how we can encourage people to get to school in a more sustainable way, how we can ensure careful car use around school to ensure the safety of everyone, and then how we can weave the importance of clean air and sustainable travel into our wider curriculum. The meeting will be held on Wednesday 14th February at 2:45pm.
Art Gallery - Sports and Digital Leaders
Sports and Digital Leaders are hosting an art gallery. We would like you to get involved by creating a piece of art work during the half term. This event will take place on Friday, 1st March 2024. The theme is 'Spring and Wildlife' and you can use any art material. We would like your submission by Thursday, 29th February 2024. Please hand your piece of art work to the school office.
Measles
Following the recent rise of Measles cases in London and West Midlands, the Director of Public Health asked schools to send a letter to parents on Wednesday of this week. If you have any queries regarding this information, please contact HertsHPT.SPOC@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
A copy of the letters an be found on our school website.
Safer Internet Day
It is Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 6th February 2024, and we will be working with the children specifically on that day to reinforce safety when being online.
While online issues have been mercifully scarce at Harpenden Academy, we have had a few incidents which have reared their heads. All have been dealt with successfully but it still causes upset and distress for all concerned.
While we are on the matter of online safety, we have had a few issues recently of children watching programmes or cartoons which have inappropriate storylines. Some of these are either Maga or Anime cartoons. These are deceptive as parents might just think these are cartoons, therefore relatively safe. The storylines can include drugs, sexual abuse and violence. The worst offenders are: 'One Piece' rated 15 years, 'Demon Slayer' rated 15 & 18 years and 'Akira' rated 18 years,
Please make time to listen to the storylines of these programmes so you can be comfortable with the content.
Apple Internet Online Safety Workshop
At Apple, our goal is to create technology that empowers people and enriches their lives — while helping them to stay safe.
Join us for a session with Will Gardner, CEO of Childnet International, where he will discuss the importance of online safety and demonstrate how Apple’s built-in controls can help parents and children manage their relationship with technology.
Thursday, 8 February 2024
3:30 pm–4:30 pm GMT
Online Event
Happy birthday this week to: Alexander, Harry, Alison and Benjamin
LOVE 2 LAUGH STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT & DISCO
Back once again this year, is our Stand-up Comedy Night & Disco. By far the BEST social night at Harpenden Academy for staff, parents, carers, family & friends!
Expect to laugh, enjoy some light nibbles, grab a drink (or more) from our bar & dance the night away! This year we welcome comedic headliners: Ian Stone & Ninia Benjamin, DJ services provided by Craig of Perfect Personalised Parties, a bar operated by our very own Platform Wines & raffle featuring prizes donated from HA business owners & within the local community (class reps will share more about the raffle). So...grab your partner and/or a group of friends & get ready for this epic night at HA! Tickets: https://www.foha.co.uk/fohashop/p/comedy
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Wrap Around Care Assistant, Term Time Only - Casual Contract, Breakfast and After School Club, Start Date April 2024
Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies
