10th November 2023

Dear Parents

This morning we had our annual Remembrance Assembly which was lovely. Rev Dennis came to say the eulogy and Rosie from SJL came to play the Last Post while the children laid their wreaths and held a one minute silence.

This has become a feature of our school of which I am very proud.

Trip to the Theatre for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

On Thursday, EYFS and KS1 went to the Eric Morecambe theatre to watch "There’s a Monster in your Show,” written by author Tom Fletcher. The story featured characters from his picture book series "Who's in your book" yet they had escaped the books! Through amazing puppetry, we met a cheeky monster, a dragon who we taught how to fly, a magical unicorn and an alien who could also DJ! It was wonderful to see the children smiling and giggling throughout and to be able to continue to foster a love of reading through a special first-hand experience. Thank you to the parent volunteers who joined us from each class helping on this trip too! 

Hearts and Minds Project Nature Amble Walk

Next week the children will be taking part in the H&M project nature ramble. Please check the day that your child's class is going as all children will not be on the same day. An operoo email has gone out today with further details and to seek parental consent. Thank you to those parents for volunteering their time to come with us. 

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Thousands of kids and adults across the UK are going to be wearing odd socks on Monday 13 November and there's a really good reason why!

It's the start of Anti-Bullying Week.

Odd Socks Day is a national event all about celebrating what makes someone unique.

It's organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which is a group of organisations, charities and individuals who work together to try and stop bullying.

Please come to school on Monday wearing odd socks! It will be usual uniform with a jazzy addition. These can go over tights as it's cold!

Parent Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Meeting, 29th November 2023

Last year we set up a committee of parents to support with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues in school. We are keen to continue you this year and it is not too late to join in.  We will be having a meeting on Wednesday 29th November at 2:30pm. At this meeting, Mrs Withers will give an overview of what we have already actioned and what will be taking place this year, including the work we are doing with Herts for Learning around Race Equity in school.

Please confirm with the school office if you will be attending on this day.

Parent Coffee Mornings

Mrs Curnow and Miss Harvey held the first of our parent coffee mornings today. To the parents who couldn't attend, the powerpoint will be uploaded to the website. Thank you to parents who did attend and we hope you found it informative. 

A reminder below is the timetable for this half term's coffee mornings.

Big Harpenden Christmas Jumper swap

Our school is pleased to be collecting in pre-loved Christmas jumpers and outfits to support the Big Harpenden Christmas Jumper swap (details of the event below). Please drop off clean, good quality children or adults Christmas outfits and Christmas jumpers at the office between Monday 13th and Thursday 16th November. They will then be collected by volunteers from Sustainable St Albans. 

Everyone is welcome to go along to the Harpenden Sustainability Market on Sunday 19th November to select free pre-loved Christmas jumpers for you and your family (while stocks last).

Harpenden Sustainability Market (Harpenden Common)

Sunday 19th November, 10-3pm

Donate good quality Christmas jumpers and outfits

Select pre-loved jumpers for your family (while stocks last)

FREE You do not have to donate to receive. 

More information at : https://sustainablestalbans.org/2023/10/30/new-for-2023-christmas-jumper-swap/

Children in Need is on Friday 17^th November and this year's theme is 'Be Spotacular'. The School Leader's group has taken feedback from their peers and decided on the following fundraising and activities to mark the day. All children are invited to wear non- school uniform including something spotty for a £1 donation. In addition, all children will have the opportunity to bring in a book from home that they no longer need/want and we will hold a book swap for a £1 donation. Please check the books that your children wish to bring in to ensure they are of a suitable quality and age-appropriate. During the day, the children will have the opportunity to compete in a 'design-a-Pudsey-costume' competition, spotty sports and a Pudsey hunt around the school. The school leader's group will be helping to organise the day over the next couple of weeks.

Flu Vaccinations

Once again a reminder that the Hertfordshire Immunisation Team will be visiting the school on Friday 17th November 2023 to offer the flu vaccine to all children from Reception to Year 6. 

We kindly ask that all parents complete the online form to inform the vaccination team whether you wish to opt-in or opt-out of the vaccination. Please note that each child requires a completed online form, even if you choose to opt-out. If you do not complete the consent form, the vaccination team will contact you on the day of the visit to chase a response. There were some issues with the website earlier this week however these have now been rectified - you can access the form to opt in or out by clicking here

We have been notified that there are still over a quarter of our parents who need to respond via the online form. 

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)!

Beauty & the Beast Panto

Friends of Harpenden Academy have a group reservation for the Beauty & the Beast panto at the Eric Morecambe Centre on Thursday 14th December, 4.30pm, £15/ticket. Friends and family welcome! Please order and pay for your tickets by 11pm on Sunday 26th November.

Click here to buy your tickets

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)

www.stikins.co.uk

Code: 35586

Stamptastic (30% commission)

www.stamptastic.co.uk

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

Happy birthday this week to:Oscar, Jack, Eleanor and Rhoshen

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 13th November 2023

Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies

Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies

National Help Sleepline

At any given time up to 40% of adults and 50% of children (this rises to 80% with a SEND diagnosis) have difficulties with their sleep. Yet in a recent survey, almost 60% of adults felt there was a lack of support for sleep issues. Sleep problems can leave people feeling isolated and lonely.

Our free helpline is run by trained sleep advisors, many of whom are specialists in working with SEND. We can talk to young people directly, or parents (we can also talk to adults, including older people, about their sleep issues).

The helpline is open 5 times a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7-9pm, and Monday, Wednesday mornings 9-11am. The number is 03303 530 541.

You can read more here: https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/

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 26^th November 2023, please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

St Albans Musical Voices - Find Your Musical Voice!

This is an exciting opportunity for children in Years 2 - 5 to find their musical voice.

We specialise in offering a safe space where children can come and sing whatever their ability. We create a friendly nurturing environment where each child can develop their own unique voice. The children will learn all aspects of singing, whilst singing enjoyable music, and having lots of fun. No previous experience necessary.  Workshops with visiting specialists, performance opportunities and progression routes all part of the fun.  Please note this activity takes place outside school, at St Albans Music School – Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30pm.

For more information and to sign up, please visit https://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/st-albans-music-school, and scroll to ‘Something for Everyone’.