14th June 2024
Dear Parents
Scholars' Education Trust Sustainability Conference
Last Friday, our eco leaders went to the Scholar's Education Trust Sustainability Conference. They had a great day learning how to ensure they are responsible citizens who look after our planet. The day was packed full of interesting sessions. They learnt the importance of insects as pollinators and how to help protect them, and the importance of green spaces and made bird feeders which we have put up at school. The day ended with a talk from Dr Phil Porter who is a glacier scientist. Phil has led and participated in scientific expeditions to some of the last true wilderness areas on our planet, locations ranging from the frozen wastes of the High-Arctic to the high peaks of the Himalaya. He researches the response of glaciers to our rapidly changing climate and, in particular, the impacts of warming on meltwater production. Everyone was amazed by his photographs of him abseiling into a 70foot glacier tunnel!
On 20th June we will be marking Clean Air Day. The initiative is run by Hertfordshire County Council and aims to raise awareness of the importance of clean air in our environment. During the week, children will participate in class assembly sessions to learn more about how to help 'clear the air'.
On this day we will also be carrying out our annual travel survey - we would remind parents that we have our park and stride initiative set up from Bowers Way car park. Our eco council carried out a car check this week during drop off and were thrilled that there were only a handful of cars coming up onto the street outside school.
Year 6 Residential to Norfolk Lakes
What a week for Team Shakespeare on their school journey in Norfolk Lakes. Memories made that will last a lifetime despite the cold and rain! From axe-throwing to caving to kayaking to Giant Stand Up Paddleboarding, the children have thrown themselves into each and every activity with enthusiasm, courage, resilience and humour. What a blast!
I am always deeply grateful to the teachers and TAs who take the children on residential trips in Year 6, as it is a significant undertaking. We are very fortunate to have parents who are willing to let their children go, as well as staff who sacrifice their family time to accompany the children. Our reward is seeing happy, smiling children who create the best memories.
Below are some fabulous pictures of the trip.
Cricket Tournament, Year 5
On Wednesday, Miss Harvey took nine Year 5 children to a cricket tournament at the Harpenden Cricket club.
The standard across the schools was incredible. Our children were so resilient and determined all day. The children are growing in confidence and scored lots of runs and got many boundaries too. The children were a credit to Harpenden Academy.
Sports Day, Wednesday 19th June 2024, 13.45-15.00
We have sent an email to all parents this week. Our Sports Day will be held once again in the sports fields at Sir John Lawes secondary school in Harpenden. Our After School Club and Awesome Engineers club will remain open for the children and those children booked in will be escorted back to school by staff. Dance club is not running on this date. Parents are invited but please can we ask you to be quiet as you walk past SJL's sports hall as there are exams on and please arrive no earlier than 13.45pm. You will not be allowed on to the school premises early. You will need to access the field via the tennis courts. Parents can sit on the grassy bank to watch the Sports Day. The children will have lunch before they go and they will need a water bottle and a hat - no need to bring in a school bag. Please apply suncream in the morning. Please speak to your class rep or teacher if you are DBS checked and can help walk the children to SJL.
Please complete the Edulink form on your Edulink app to let the school know pick up arrangements. This form needs to be completed by Monday, 17th June 2024.
Year 6, Personalised Tile in the School Foyer
As the end of summer term approaches, and with it the impending departure of our children off to pastures new, we would like to invite you to leave your personal mark on the school by purchasing a personalised tile.
The tiles will be added to the colourful display in the School office foyer and visible to all who enter the school. For £100, you can purchase a tile and be part of the permanent fabric of the school for years to come. The monies raised will go to FoHA and be used to support the school for the benefit of all current and future children.
This is a lovely way for your child's Harpenden Academy journey to be remembered and to leave a lasting legacy.
In order to purchase a tile, please visit the FOHA Fundraising page https://www.foha.co.uk/fohashop/events
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.
Piano Lessons
Learn to play piano with one to one weekly lessons, available for Year 1 - 6 at any level during the school day. Lessons cover different styles of playing, learning to read and understand music, theory, exams, and most importantly, are fun!
Please email Simon at si.gargrave@gmail.com for more info.
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Teaching Assistant
