5th July 2024
Dear Parents
Staffing Changes to Next Academic Year
There are some staffing changes for next year which parents will be keen to know about.
Mrs Davies
I will be taking a small step backwards from headship this year as I am being seconded to work with the Trust in a school improvement capacity working with the new primary schools who have recently joined. I will be in school 3 days per week Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and will continue to be the head of the school but in a co-head capacity.
Mrs Curnow
Mrs Curnow will take on the role of co-head 2 days of the week, when I am not in school. Mrs Curnow is a more than capable leader – having been a co-head at her previous school – I am leaving the school in very safe hands indeed. Mrs Curnow will continue in her teaching capacity but will be sharing the class with Miss Harvey.
Miss Harvey
Miss Harvey will be reducing her teaching commitment next year down to 3 days per week. She will be working 2 days per week with Mrs Curnow.
Mrs Haines and Mrs Wong
Mrs Haines and Mrs Wong are both reducing their teaching commitments to 1 day per week, as they are both starting their own educational business ventures.
Mrs Moss
Mrs Moss is returning to 5 days having completed her 'Postgraduate Certificate in Inclusion and Autism Children'. She will remain in the SENCo role 2 days per week, and will be teaching 3 days per week.
New Staff
We are excited to welcome Miss Keir, who will be joining Year 3 as their Teaching Assistant. She who will be in school doing some volunteer work next week before she officially starts in September.
Additionally, we are pleased to introduce two new teachers to Harpenden Academy: Miss Patterson, who will be teaching Year 1 Elmer class, and Miss Cally Fairweather, who will be teaching Year 4 Milne class. Both new teachers and Miss Keir will be at the school on 11th July for Move Up Day, where they will have the opportunity to meet their new students.
Below is a table which shows where the teachers are, and which TA will be in each class.
|
CLASS |
TEACHER |
TEACHING |
|
Reception/Ladybird |
Mrs Withers Mrs Haines |
Mrs Welch Miss Booth |
|
Year 1 Elmer |
Miss Patterson Mrs Wong |
Mrs Dobbin Miss Rymill |
|
Year 2 Moomin |
Mrs Stanger Mrs Moss |
Mrs Bowyer |
|
Year 3 Potter |
Mrs Curnow Miss Harvey |
Miss Keir |
|
Year 4 Milne |
Mrs Fairweather Miss Harvey |
Mr Leung |
|
Year 5 Dahl |
Mr King Mrs Moss |
Miss Vaidean |
|
Year 6 Shakespeare |
Mrs Watson Miss Alshamari |
Mrs Duncan Mrs Ross |
SEND Parent Meeting
On Monday Ladan Shirazi, Director of SEND for the Trust, Mrs Moss and the Chair of Governors, Mrs Boodhna, came to the school to hold a SEND parents' meeting. Sadly this was really poorly attended which surprises me. SEND support is an area which generally raises a good number of questions from parents who are keen to know more and do more. I have asked Mrs Moss to summarise the notes from the meeting which will be circulated to SEND parents. I am happy to arrange another meeting in the Autumn term if parents feel this would be helpful.
Move Up Day
On Thursday 11th July we will be holding 'Move Up' day for the children, which is the day the children spend with their new teacher in their new classroom. It is always an exciting day! The Year 6 children will all be going to their secondary school on the day, and we wish them well. There will also be some new children joining us on that day too. Please try and make sure that your child is in school as it is a key one in their transition to their next year.
FoHA End of Term Bash
On Wednesday 17th July, FoHA will be providing the children with a lovely end of year celebration party, in the school hall. We are all excited about all of the activities and the children will love it. If any parents are free to help support the children in the afternoon of 17th July we would be very grateful. Please contact the school office to let us know if you can help. FoHA are kindly providing the children with ice pops - if you would like to offer an alternative snack due to allergies then please let the office know.
Final Year 6 Assembly on Friday, 12th July
On Friday, 12th July it will be the Year 6 leavers' assembly which will be for only Year 6 parents to attend. The birthdays for that day will be done at another time and parents of those children will be informed.
Co-Curricular Clubs
The club booking window will open the first week after we return in September on Thursday, 5th September at 5.00pm. We are still confirming clubs however please see the clubs we propose to run in the Autumn term 2024. You can contact the club contractors to book your child on to their clubs with immediate effect.
Sports Leaders - Aramco Golf Event, Centurion Golf Club
On Thursday, our Sports Leaders enjoyed an trip to the Centurion Golf Club to witness the Aramco Golf event. The day was filled with exciting activities, learning opportunities, and memorable experiences. Here is an overview of our trip:
The children had the unique opportunity to watch professional golfers in action. They were thrilled to see top-tier athletes perform and gained a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication required in the sport. In addition to spectating, the children also had the chance to try their hand at golf. This hands-on experience was both fun and educational, allowing them to better understand the game. An insightful part of the trip was learning how golf courses are increasingly focusing on sustainability. The children discovered various initiatives and practices aimed at making golf more environmentally friendly. We learnt that the course has over 20,000 trees. Each child received a free hat as a memento of the trip.
The children’s respectful behaviour and eagerness to learn made the experience even more special. We are incredibly proud of our Sports Leaders and grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful event.
Thank you to everyone who helped organise this trip and to our parent volunteers.
Polite Reminder
All KS2 sports kit needs to be returned to the school office by Monday, 8th July please.
Kew Gardens, Year 1
On Wednesday, Year 1 went on a school trip to Kew Gardens. This was linked to our Science unit in which we have been learning about Plants. We had a wonderful time investigating the gardens - especially in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Palm House. Elmer Class were also very brave and went on the 'tree top walkway'. On this walkway they were able to experience what it is like to be at the same height as the trees. We saw lots of the seeds growing and some children even tried to spot whether the trees were deciduous or evergreen. We were so proud of Elmer Class for their wonderful behaviour on this trip - they really did Harpenden Academy proud!
Year 6 artists have created some stunning mixed media collages linked to our Black and British history learning
Happy Birthday this week to: Taylor G (Reception), Nathan M (Yr 2), Isabella F (Yr 3).
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Finance Business Partner
Scholars’ Education Trust based at Samuel Ryder Academy
- Grade: M1 (FTE £40,221 - £44,428 + Outer Fringe) - inflationary pay rise pending
- Hours: 37 hrs per week
- Contract: Permanent – Term Time + 5 days INSET + 2 weeks
- Actual annual salary: £36,797 - progressing to £40,581 per annum including Fringe
We are seeking a FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNER to join our dedicated central finance team.
To apply or to find out more about this exciting opportunity visit our website
Invitation to Our Family Fun Circus Day - Hosted by Showtime Circus Herts!
We are excited to announce a special event that we believe your students and their families will love - our Family Fun Circus Day, hosted by Showtime Circus Herts!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, July 20th
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Roundwood Park School
This fun-filled event is designed to bring families together for a day of joy, excitement, and creativity. Attendees will have the opportunity to try out various circus equipment, including juggling, trapeze, silks, and more.
About Showtime Circus Herts:
Showtime Circus Herts is dedicated to providing a unique and engaging experience through the art of circus performance. Our mission is to inspire and nurture creativity, confidence, and physical fitness in children and adults alike. We offer a variety of programs and workshops tailored to different skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of the circus.
Easy sign up:
https://showtimecircus.classforkids.io/camp/199
For more information about the event or our programs, please visit our website:
https://www.showtimecircus.co.uk/
or contact us by email:
hertfordshire@showtimecircus.co.uk
