24th May 2024

Dear Parents

Half term is already upon us and I hope it is time for us all to pause from a busy schedule and have some family time together.  I am sure that some of you will be going to Radio 1’s ‘Big Weekend’ starting today.  If so, enjoy yourselves and be safe.

St Albans Heads' Campaign for Smartphone Free - for under 14s 

As many of you will be aware from some national & local newspaper reports, the St Albans' Primary Head Consortium has launched a campaign to prohibit the use of smartphones for U14 year olds.  I have received calls from our parents enquiring where we stand on this.

This issue was raised already at our last Harpenden Primary Heads' meeting as we do have a close affiliation with the St Albans' Heads, and we are aware of their desire to go public.  The Harpenden Secondary Schools are keen to be part of this conversation so it is being raised again at our joint (Primary and Secondary) meeting in June, as a united collective front is required.

Last week in the newsletter, and then a second subsequent letter just to Year 5 and Year 6 parents on Monday is indicative of where we stand as a school on this matter.  I am confident that once we have the joint Primary and Secondary Heads' Consortium meeting in June a collective notification to parents will be published. 

Woodhall Estate

KS2 thoroughly enjoyed their day at the Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. Our children thrived in all the wonderful activities the staff had set up including identifying different types of leaves, finding and learning about insects we tend to have in our back garden and creating their own recycled pots from newspaper. One of the highlights of this trip was learning about all the types of grains we grow in the UK that are the key ingredients to most of our staple foods. The children were quite mesmerised by the massive tractor they were able to admire but unfortunately, we weren’t able to ride it (even after much persuasion from our HA kids)! 

Year 5 Play

This week, the Year 5 students amazed their parents with a wonderful performance of "We’ll Meet Again." The Year 5 play is a key part of our ‘Hearts & Mind Project,’ and each year the expectation for quality rises.

This play is a significant milestone for Year 5 students, marking their first steps toward becoming Year 6 leaders and ultimately preparing for secondary school. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. King for taking on this task with the support of Miss Rymill and Mr Leung. It is a tremendous undertaking, and we are very grateful for your enthusiastic approach.

A special thanks to Mrs Venner, who provided musical accompaniment on the piano and led song practices over the past six weeks. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

LEO Gallagher

We have a star in our midst.  Leo Gallagher under took part in some very vigorous selection trials during SATs week for the U12 boys team for selection to the National Basketball League Squad, 'Oaklands Wolves, St Albans'. It was a very rigorous process involving 4 trial nights but it was all worth it.  Leo has been selected for the National Team ‘A Squad’ which is a huge achievement.  Well done Leo, we are so very proud of you and your achievements.

Retirement of Rev Den

As previously mentioned Reverend Den will be retiring in June. St Nicholas' Church has asked us to pass on the flyer below inviting parents and children to his final service and his farewell tea party in the afternoon.  I do hope to see some of you there.

Eco-Council

Non-Uniform/Animal Dress Up Day, 28th June 2024, World Wide Fund for Nature | WWF

The Eco-Council are passionate about taking care of our planet and its wildlife so they have been considering how we as a school can contribute to the world wide efforts. As a result they have decided to host a Non-Uniform/Animal Dress Up Day on Friday, 28th June. Children have the option of dressing up as an animal/wearing animal print or just wearing non uniform and a donation of £1 made which can be paid via Parentpay and will be a donation to the charity, World Wide Fund for Nature | WWF

Earth hour

In addition we are also going to honour a one hour time slot (2.00-3.00pm) on the same day , Friday 28th June, where all lights and technology are turned off and time is instead spent on activities reflecting on wildlife/wild spaces. We are hoping it will have a positive impact not only on the schools electricity bill but also an appreciation of nature.

Date for Diary - Reminder - Class Photos - Monday, 3rd June 2024

We will have our class photos taken on Monday, June 3rd, the first day back after the May half-term. Please ensure the children come to school looking smart, wearing either their jumper or cardigan for the class photo.

Year 6 students will also have individual headshots taken for their leaver autograph books.

We will send out the access codes for the photos once we receive them from the photographers.

Happy Birthday this week to: M Kadeckova (Yr6), E Venner (Yr1), A Sweeney (Yr4)

Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies

Deputy IT Director – IT Support Manager

Scholars’ Education Trust

• Grade: M4
• Hours: Full Time, 37 hrs per week
• Contract: Full Year, Permanent
• Salary: £52,204 - £55,396 per annum, including Fringe (inflationary pay rise pending)

Due to expansion of the Trust, an exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint a Deputy IT Director – IT Support Manager to work alongside our experienced IT Director and his team.

May Half Term fun at the Museum

This May Half Term we have a jam-packed week for family fun and excitement. We're kicking the week off with a FREE family fun day on Saturday 25 May and with a different craft activity on Monday - Friday, we have something for everyone!