8th December 2023
Dear Parents
The highlight of this week was, without doubt, the Key Stage 1 & EYFS nativity performances. The children danced, sang and jived their way through the nativity story based on the Strictly Come Dancing format called “Lights, Camel Action”.
Thank you to the staff & parents for supporting the children so wonderfully through all of the practices and the performances. The dedication and hard work put in by both the staff and parents is truly appreciated. However, let us not forget the stars of the show - the children themselves. So, a big round of applause to all the children involved, for their hard work and dedication.
Staff changes for January 2024
We have a few staff changes happening at the end of this term:
Year 2
Mrs Foster will be leaving at the end of this year. She has found returning to work with two small children under the age of 5 quite demanding – something I am sure resonates with many of us.
Therefore, I have taken this opportunity to relocate Mrs Moss to a new role in school, and have appointed a new full-time teacher for Moomin class.
Ms Conroy, came to school last week and spent the day with Mrs Moss, Mrs Welch and the children. She will be returning to school next week to meet with the children again. I am confident that she will be a great asset to the school and the class.
Mrs Cherry
Mrs Cherry will also be leaving the school at the end of this term. She currently works for Harpenden Academy for 3 days per week and for 'Virtual Schools' for 2 days per week. Mrs Cherry has decided to take the full time position with 'Virtual Schools' as an Education Adviser for Looked After Children, and we could not be more thrilled for her.
Mrs Moss will therefore be taking over as SENCo as of January. She has been working closely with Mrs Cherry for a little under a year so far and is familiar with her processes. Mrs Moss is already undertaking a Certificate in Education relating to Autism. She is starting her SEND certification course in January 2024 in order to support all our children.
I would like to thank both Mrs Foster and Mrs Cherry for their many years of service to our school. You have helped so many children at our school and you will both be missed, by children and staff alike. Thank you.
Parent Governor Election
It is not too late to vote!
The Parent Governor Election opened on Wednesday this week at 2.00pm.
You will have received an email from Choice Voting. To place your vote please click the link on the email and follow the simple instructions.
38% of parents have voted to date and the deadline to receive your votes is next Wednesday, 13th December 2023 at 5.00pm
Candidates: Hannah Allsop, Helen Camfield, Emma Hopkinson, Joanne Pink, Joseph Turner and Eranda Wickramasinghe
Sustainability Week
On Wednesday, the SJL's Climate Action Group visited Harpenden Academy to lead assemblies to KS2. It was lovely to see some of our ex pupils showing they haven't lost their leadership skills.
The assemblies focused on how we can make small changes at a local level to have a big impact on a global scale. Thanks to Ms Brazier from SJL and the climate action leaders for all their work to promote more sustainable lives.
Christmas Jumper Day, 8th December 2023
Rotary Christmas Carol Concert
The choir from Year 5 & 6 took part in the Rotary Christmas Carol Concert on Wednesday night at the Methodist Church. This is a lovely service with children from all primary schools in Harpenden represented. All the children sang beautifully and it was a lovely uplifting evening for everyone who attended.
St Nicholas Church Christmas Fair
St Nicholas' Christmas Festival is on Saturday 9th December at 10.00am. Our choir will be singing here too and I hope that many of you will be able to attend. Sadly, I will miss this event this year, but there will be other teachers in attendance supporting the children and Mrs Moss.
Christingle
The Christingle service will take place next week on Wednesday, 13th December at 6.30pm in St Nicholas' church. This is a beautiful event, always candle lit, attended by KS2 children. This does not mean that KS1 children are not welcome – quite the opposite! We delight in this being a family event, and do hope to see as many of you there as possible.
Christmas Activities
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 8th December 2023 | Christmas Jumper Day | |
| Saturday 9th December 2023 | St Nicholas Festive Fayre - Choir Singing | 10.00am |
| Tuesday,12th December 2023 | Christingle Rehearsal | 10.00am |
| Tuesday, 12th December 2023 | Mayor's Carol Concert - Choir | 6.00pm (5.30pm meeting Mrs Moss) |
| Wednesday, 13th December 2023 | Christingle Service KS2 Children - St Nicholas Church | 6.30pm |
| Monday, 18th December 2023 | Christmas School Lunch | |
| Tuesday, 19th December 2023 | Whole School Trip to Odyssey Cinema (Children can wear Christmas Jumpers) |
9.15am |
| Wednesday, 20th December 2023 | Break for Christmas holiday | 12 noon |
New Technology Driver at Harpenden Academy
Following on from a parent coffee morning given by Mrs Curnow and Miss Harvey on the use of technology within school, we would like to invite you, if you are inspired to, to be part of a development group that will work specifically on this area of the curriculum.
There will be a meeting on Wednesday 13th December at 2.40pm. Please confirm via the questionnaire if you wish to attend.
Click here to access the questionnaire
Sustainability Driver at Harpenden Academy
Following on from a parent coffee morning given by Mrs Curnow on sustainability with school, we would like to invite you, if you are inspired to, to be part of a development group that will work specifically on this area.
There will be an initial meeting on Friday 15th December 2023 at 2.40pm. The meeting will set out the aims for the group and the plans moving forward.
Click here to access the questionnaire
End of School
I have been asked to confirm the time we finish on the last day of this term. We finish on Wednesday, 20th December at 12 noon . We return to school on Monday, 8th January 2024.
Parent Coffee Mornings
A reminder below is the timetable for this half term's coffee mornings.
The presentations from the sessions can be downloaded from the parent coffee page of our website
| 15th December 2023 | Humanities - Geography and History |
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)!
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
Happy birthday this week to: Ivy and William
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies
The Mayor of Harpenden's Charity Carol Concert
We are delighted to have been asked to perform in this charity concert once again. Our Choir will be singing at the event and tickets are available via the website. Many thanks to parents who have replied to the Operoo request.
The children will need to arrive at St Nicholas' church for 5.30pm to meet Mrs Moss. They need to be dressed in smart school uniform and hair tied back.
