20th October 2023
Dear Parents
Harvest Festival: A Celebration of Community
This morning we had our lovely Harvest Festival assembly which always warms my heart. When we look at the situations happening in our immediate environment such as the cost of living crisis and then more globally at world events, it is very difficult to feel in control and positive. Today's Harvest Festival event showed the positives of what can happen when a community pulls together and the messages it sends to our children are of kindness, compassion and responsibility.
To all our parents who donated food or hygiene items to the Kings Pantry Harvest collection - thank you. It is a small gesture to give some items but it's a huge help - even a lifeline to many of our families. Thank you to Tony and Rev Dennis Stamps for leading this morning's assembly. The food and hygiene products collected will be distributed over the coming weeks and months to families within our direct community. We couldn't do it without your unwavering support – thank you!
Parents' Evening
Thank you to parents for such a high level of turnout for our first complete face-to-face parents' evening. If you would like to review the notes our teachers referenced during the session, you can access them through Edulink documents after half term.
Reception Visit the Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch
On Thursday, our Reception class braved the wind and rain to visit the Pumpkin Pop-Up Farm! They all got the chance to pick their very own pumpkin. They had a wonderful time learning about the different types of pumpkin and squash. Ian, the Farmer, was amazed by our Ladybirds' memories as they were able to recall all the names of the pumpkins he showed us. Ladybirds had a great time searching for their own pumpkins in the field, climbing on tractors and hay bales. A well-deserved hot chocolate or orange juice was the perfect reward after a very muddy time!
Parking
I haven't had to write about parking for a while which is great. However, this week we had an incident where a parent was quite legally parking in the disabled space and was apparently quite aggressively challenged by some parents.
We do have quite a few families who do have disabled badges so can use the spaces outside. That said, if the badges can be clearly displayed when parking that might prevent any confusion. I appreciate that you are supporting the school and you are protecting our children from possible injury, but I would hate for any tempers to get frayed and for a situation to get out of hand. Thank you.
School Sibling and Individual Photo Day, Thursday 2nd November 2023
On Thursday, 2nd November we will have our school photo day. Please send your child in with the correct uniform and a hairbrush if you wish.
We have listened to parents' comments regarding school photos and are in the process of investigating a new company that is reasonable in cost and is compliant with the school's admin system. We aim to have a new company in place for class photos in June 2024.
Flu Vaccinations
This week, we sent out via Edulink the parent letter from the Immunisation Team to request parents to sign up for the flu vaccinations.
Please be advised that the Hertfordshire Immunisation Team will be visiting the school on the morning of Friday 17th November 2023 to offer the flu vaccine to all children, from Reception to Year 6.
You can access a copy of the parent letter by clicking here - the Immunisation Team gives further details on the flu vaccine process and what parents need to do prior to their school visit. Please click on the link in the attached letter to give consent for your child to have the flu vaccine. If you do not wish for your child to have the vaccine, please complete the online form so that the team can record your wishes.
If you have any issues accessing the link, please contact the school office.
Remembrance Day with Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
For families who have been with us for a while, you will know that each year we sell merchandise to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
The School Council will be selling poppies and other goodies after half term. We will send more information out when we return from half term break.
Save the date: Friday, November 10th, 2023.
Join us for a special Remembrance assembly from 10:15am-11:00 am, where the local Mayor and Rev. Dennis will be in attendance. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Harpenden Trust and FoHA
On Monday we had a visit from Harpenden Trust and FoHA who came to give us our Harpenden Trust purple badge. The Harpenden Trust representatives were amazed at the difference their money had made to our school and were very happy to learn of our plans for how the library will be used. Mrs Gilbert talked about how FoHA also contributed to the library by purchasing new books and the library management system.
We will receive a return visit from FoHA and Harpenden Trust soon when Ladybird's garden is redesigned during half term.
We are so very grateful to Harpenden Trust and FoHA for their continued support of the school's desires and for contributing funds that we can turn into realised dreams.
Thursday, 2nd November 2023, Whizz Bang Sparkle Menu
On Thursday, 2nd November 2023 we have a special menu for Bonfire Night.
All parents will need to log on to the Aspens ordering website to order their child's school dinner for Thursday, 2nd November 2023. We will still offer the jacket potato, pasta and school sandwich option.
If your child usually has a packed lunch however would like to order a school dinner then please log on to Aspens with your child's unique school ID. If you are unable to locate this email then please contact the school office who will resend this to you.
Be Bright, Be Shiny, Be Reflective, Be Seen
Road safety is a critical issue that affects all road users. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable when it comes to road accidents, and one of the best ways to reduce the risk of accidents is to be visible to drivers. This is where the slogan "Be Bright, Be Shiny, Be Reflective, Be Seen" comes in.
As we head into winter it is important to be visible as it is getting darker earlier. Being visible means wearing reflective clothing or accessories at night. Reflective materials like tape and vests make you visible even in low-light conditions. These materials reflect light from car headlights and make you stand out in the dark.
Remember, being visible is the first step to staying safe on the road. By being bright, shiny, reflective, and visible, you can reduce the risk of accidents and stay safe while walking, scooting or cycling.
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.
FoHA News
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
Festival on the Field
We are very excited to support the 6th biennial Festival on the Field which will take place next summer 6th July 2024 at Sir John Lawes School.
The festival has gained a reputation as a high-quality family event where children and families can be entertained in a relaxing, fun, and safe environment. The event attracts up to 3,200 locals.
Use this link to buy tickets and HA will receive 40% of ticket sales: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/festivalonthefield1?ref=harpendenacademy
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: Yazhnila, Faith, Lara, Elliana, Anna, Joseph, Harrison, Naomi, Aidan, Erin, Ben, Charlie, Georgia, Lottie and Kalan
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 30th October 2023
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies
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.
