13th September 2024
Dear Parents
Our Value of the month
The value of the month is compassion, and the children in Year 3 have written acrostic poems to celebrate this. The three poems below were shared in assembly this morning and were so lovely we thought we would share them with you all.
Fencing Vaughan Road
You may have noticed that we have heras fencing outside the gate at the top end of the school. Thank you to the parent who noticed the part of the roof that was falling out. We are hoping that the builders can sort it over the weekend.
If this is not possible we will allow the children into school in the morning and out at the end of the day through the bin storage area.
It will be really clear on Monday morning if its been sorted as the fencing will have gone. However look out for an email over the weekend or Monday morning.
Request for holidays in term time
Despite the school letters that have been sent out, I am still receiving requests for holidays in term time. As previously stated the changes in DfE rulings will affect parents moving forward. The only exception to the rule are children who are not yet 5 years old. I do appreciate the price difference in taking holidays in term time – as a parent myself I would love to go away in term time due to the cost difference, but sadly that can’t happen.
Moving forward medical appointments and external exams are still authorised so please do not worry about those, it is just holidays in term time that the legislation is aimed at reducing.
Meet the Teachers
On Tuesday we held a ‘meet the teacher’ event in the hall. Although not greatly attended those that did had a good time and learnt a few secrets about our staff.
Thank you for those that did attend and moving forward this is an area where we may well do further work.
Term Dates - INSET days
Please click here to access term dates and to put them in your diary.
INSET Day 1: 2nd Sept 2024
INSET Day 2: 3rd Sept 2024
Occasional Day: 25th Nov 2024
INSET Day 3: 6th Jan 2025
INSET Day 4: 7th March 2025
INSET Day 5: 22nd April 2025
Trust Training Day: 24th June 2025 (school closed to children)
Reception Phonics and Reading Parent Workshop, Thursday 26th September, 9.00am
A really important meeting for Reception parents to go through how we teach phonics and how to support your child with their reading journey.
Exciting New Holiday Club – Traffic Light Creative & Performing Arts!
I’m delighted to share that Mrs Marchment, along with some of our amazing teaching assistants, is launching an exciting new Creative and Performing Arts Holiday Club this October half-term at Harpenden Academy! This club is designed to inspire and engage children with a passion for creativity and performance, and it promises to be a fantastic experience.
With her extensive background in performing arts, theatre administration, and running her own children’s theatre company, Mrs Marchment brings a wealth of experience to this new venture. From organising theatre performances to creating costumes, she has a deep love for both the creative arts and working with children.
The Traffic Light Creative & Performing Arts Holiday Club will be an amazing opportunity for our children to explore their artistic side through a variety of engaging and fun activities. Priority enrolment will be given to Harpenden Academy children, so don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something special!
If the club is successful, we hope to make it a regular feature during school holidays. Please support Mrs Marchment in this wonderful new initiative — I’m certain it will be a brilliant success!
Book Fair
Parentkind - The charity that supports school PTAs - have teamed up with Asda, which is donating money to primary schools across the UK through their 'Cashpot for Schools' initiative.
Even if you do not shop at Asda, they will donate £1 to the school just by you opting in via the free Asda Rewards app. If you do then shop at Asda online or in store, they will donate 0.5% from your shopping total. Asda will also donate £50 to the school to get us started!
All you need to do is download the Asda Rewards app and select Harpenden Academy.
This offer comes to an end on 30.11.24.
More information can be found on the Asda website here.
Happy Birthday this week to: Atkia (Yr1), Jenson (Yr2), Mila B (Yr3), Jamie M (Yr3), Alfie C (Yr4), Byron G (Yr5), Sakina R (Y6)
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Breakfast Club: Monday - Friday, 7.00-8.30
After School Club: Monday – Thursday, 15.00-18.30 & Friday 15.00 – 17.15
Hourly Rate: £8.60 to £11.44+ Holiday Pay
Rugby @ Old Albanian
The rugby season is upon us so I am advertising a flyer for Old Albamans Rugby Club.
U12 rugby is open to Year 5 and Year 6 girls, while U14 rugby is open to Year 7 and Year 8 girls at secondary school.
Please share this flyer with friends who have children of this age. Secondary schools are teaching rugby this term and if they do enjoy it, there is somewhere they can go.
Popular children's drama and dance school Perform is offering a Free Trial Session and a special introductory discount of £40 for members of Harpenden Academy if they sign up by Saturday 25th January. Parents should quote HPFS2025 when they book their free session by going to perform.org.uk/try or calling 020 7255 9120.
