9th February 2024
Dear Parents
This week the Reception children visited the fire station – where there was a real emergency! When they returned to school they came to ask me how many fire alarms we had in school and if we have enough alarms? We had to look at the school map and then went to count all the fire alarms throughout the school. First hand experiences bring learning alive!
We met three firefighters who showed us around the station and talked to us about all the things a firefighter does and what to do if we hear a siren in our house.
Home fire safety self-check
Fire safety home visits, school visits and open days | Hertfordshire County Council
Try the Herts Fire Safety self-checker to find out what you need:
Start your home fire safety check
- It takes 15 mins.
- Answer questions about your property and lifestyle.
- You'll get a personalised fire safety action plan at the end.
- It may suggest the fire brigade visit your property to install safety measures.
Lockdown procedure
Every year we have a Lockdown procedure in school. This is similar to a fire practice, but involves locking the school down. Our Lockdown will be this Monday, 12th February in the afternoon and the children will be prepared for this practice. We always inform the parents when this is going to happen so that you can speak to them in advance of the event if you wish too.
Gentle Reminder
We have an inset day on Friday 16th February, when school will be closed for children.
Tag Rugby
A mix of Year 5 and Year 6 children descended upon Harpenden Rugby Football Club on Tuesday with Miss Rymill and myself, to take part in a Tag Rugby Tournament. We were full of hope for the day, but sadly we didn’t manage to bag any silverware, however we did have a lot of fun. The quote of the day came from one of our players who came to the penultimate match and said “Oh I think I am getting the hang of this now!”
It was a pleasure being with them and Miss Rymill is determined that they will be better prepared next year.
Attendance
It has been a particularly difficult few weeks healthwise in school. I say this not only as a Headteacher but also as a parent, which means that absence rates are higher than typical.
I have a meeting when we return to school with one of the Attendance Officers from Herts County Council, which I am sure will result in more letters being sent to parents. I do sympathise with parents when children are genuinely ill, but we are experiencing many broken weeks when children appear to be ill on Mondays or Fridays only which is atypical for illness.
If you are not sure whether your child is well enough to come to school, bring them in and if they are genuinely unwell we will send them home, rather than keeping them off “just in case”.
Year 6 Historians Explore The Oval - the site of a National Children’s Home in the early 20th century, investigating the purpose of all the different buildings and spaces and how they contributed to a self-sufficient lifestyle
Woodwind Lessons
Further to last week's music assembly, I'm pleased to announce Louis Dunham has slots available for flute and clarinet lessons at Harpenden Academy. If your son or daughter is interested please contact Louis and we can arrange a free taster session!
Reminder - 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.
Happy birthday this week to: Jeremy, Soul, Robyn and Ludo
FoHA Chair Position
We are looking for a parent or two parents to chair or co-chair Friends of Harpenden Academy. We are in great need urgently to fill this position. We know that there are many parents who would want to participate and we would love to welcome you into our friendly committee to plan fundraising events for our wonderful school.
Please consider emailing FoHA at friendsofharpendenacademy@gmail.com to talk through the possibility even if you're hesitant!
Comedy Night Raffle Tickets on Sale NOW!
Can’t attend the Comedy Night but still want to support the addition of astroturf to our playground? Buy a raffle ticket - £2/ticket.
We have donations from Balans, Daisy First Aid, Glow Skin Clinic, Hotel Chocolat, Little Gym, Losh Grill, Majestic Wine, Rebecca Jade, Ruby Rose Bakery, Silver Palate, Total Looks, Vue Cinemas and we’re waiting on a few more!
Click here to buy your tickets: https://www.foha.co.uk/fohashop/p/raffle-ticket
Note: you must be present to win baked items.
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
Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies
https://www.handonheartcelebrant.com
Previously award winning headteacher, national public speaker, published author and executive coach with First Class Honours Degree with English and Drama specialism, Debra Massey is now a qualified Civil Celebrant.
'Bringing the heart from Hertfordshire to your milestone ceremonies.'
Email: debramassey@handonheart.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552337792057
Tel: 07903577202
