8th March 2024

Dear Parents

This week’s highlight has been World Book Day. We had so many children take part in our ‘book swap’ and ‘Drop Everything and Read Sessions.’ The costumes the children came in were fabulous. Thank you parents for making this possible.

World Book Day

Design a Skateboard, Playpark Action Rothamsted Committee

Congratulations to Genevieve in Year 4 for her outstanding achievement in winning the Age 7 and under 'Design a Skateboard' competition organised by the ‘Playpark Action Rothamsted Committee’. Genevieve's creativity and talent were showcased in the window of Thompson's gallery. On Friday, 1st March, she was awarded with her design beautifully displayed on a skateboard. The presentation was a special moment, made memorable by gallery owner and judge Megan Thompson, alongside Harpenden Town Council Mayor Fiona Gaskell.

As the community celebrates Genevieve's success, efforts are underway to raise funds for the new Harpenden skate park. An informative video highlighting the plans for the skatepark and the positive impact it will have is now available. The video also provides details on how individuals can contribute to the fundraising campaign, whether it be through online donations, text contributions, or by purchasing a brick to support the cause. Together, the community can come together to support this exciting initiative and create a space that will benefit many for years to come.

The Return of Mark from Hands on Science

Next week is National Science Week. The children will be taking part in a wide variety of science related activities throughout the week so please keep your eye on Class Dojo.

The following week sees the return of 'lovely Mark the science man.' Mark will be working with all the classes on Friday, 22nd March 2024. Again, certain classes may need some support from helpful parents so please, if you have a DBS step forward.

Mark also will be returning in May to run a parents' workshop again just so parents don't feel left out.

The sessions are: see posters below

Easter Service, Thursday 28th March 2024

It is crazy to think we have only 3 weeks until we break for Easter. We will be celebrating the end of the Spring term with an Easter service at St Nicholas' church.

We did this for the first time last year and it was such a lovely event we thought we would do it again. 

The Easter service will be during school time, 10.30am-11.30am and parents are really welcome to attend. Any parents who attend will be able to take their children directly from the church at 11.30am. Parents who are unable to attend will be able to collect their children from school at 12 noon as normal. 

Reminder: school finishes at 12 noon on Thursday, 28th March 2024. 

Teacher and Contractor Clubs

On Monday we will be publishing our list of contractor and teacher led clubs for the Summer Term 2024. We will send parents an email wih further details via Edulink. 

All clubs will start on the second week we return to school after Christmas, on w/c Monday 22nd April 2024 and finish on 8th July 2024. Parents will be able to book their child on to teacher-led clubs via Edulink from Friday, 15th March 2024 from 5.00pm. The club logo will not show up on your Edulink wheel until this time. 

Red Nose Day, Friday 15th March, Red-to-toe

Red Nose Day is back! On Friday 15^th March we are embracing the theme of 'Red-to-toe' and children are welcome to come to school wearing something red - a hair band, socks, tshirt - or in comfy clothes. Please make your donation of £1 via Parentpay from Monday, 11th March 2024. There will also be activities for children to enjoy during the day. Let's join together and raise money for this good cause.

Parent Spring Term Survey

Our spring term parent survey is now available to parents via the forms section on Edulink. Please can all parents complete this survey by the deadline of Friday, 12th March at 8.00pm. Many thanks for your support. 

SET Music Concert - Tuesday 12 March

This year’s trust concert will be taking place on Tuesday, 12 March. The event is being hosted by Priory this year and will take place at The Grove Theatre, Dunstable. Tickets are available from the venue directly – Purchase Tickets Here

Harpenden Academy's choir and instrumentals will be performing again this year. There are still some tickets available if parents wish to see the wealth of talent that exists across all schools in the Trust.It is always a great night for children and adults - although the children are a little sleepy the day afterwards.

All participants should have received a letter via Operoo with further information. 

We look forward to seeing you at The Grove on Tuesday 12 March!

Happy birthday this week to: Jersey (Yr 3) and Annabel (Yr 4)

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! 

2024 Harpenden Easter Egg Hunt

Join us on Good Friday for the renowned Harpenden Easter Egg Hunt - hosted by the Friends of Harpenden Academy. The hunt is suitable for children of all ages with tickets at £5 per child including an Easter egg prize, free kids activities provided by Fizzbug & Little City St Albans and of course, an appearance from the Easter Bunny! Also on the day: face painting, glitter tattoos, food, bar operated by Platform Wines and much more!

Buy tickets here: https://www.foha.co.uk/fohashop/p/easter-egg-hunt

Do you have a company that sells baked goods or do you know someone that does? Would you/they be available to be a stallholder at the Easter Egg Hunt? We are looking for one or more businesses to come and sell some delicious treats between 11am-4pm (for a small stall fee of £25). If you are interested, or would like to find out more, please pass on your details to us via the class reps or email us on friendsofharpendenacademy@gmail.com

Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies

TEACHING ASSISTANT, Fixed Term Contract, Up to 30 hrs per week, Term Time only, Salary- H3 £16,300 per annum (dependant on basic weekly hours)

Key Stage 1/ Lower Key Stage 2 Primary Teacher, Start date: September 2024

Wrap Around Care Assistant, Term Time Only – Casual Contract, Breakfast Club: Monday - Friday, 7.00-8.30, After School Club: Monday – Thursday, 15.00-18.30 & Friday 15.00 – 17.15, Hourly Rate: £7.49 to £11.13 + Holiday Pay

Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies