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27th September 2024

Dear Parents

It is only week 3 of the Autumn Term and Harpenden Academy children are off on school trips following our driver of first hand experiences.

Fellowship Afloat, Year 5 Dahl Residential Trip

Welcome back to Fellowship Afloat Year 5 children and staff. Thanks to Mr King, Miss Harvey, Miss Rymill and Mrs Curnow who have spent time away from their own families this week to enjoy the wonderful world of Fellowship Afloat.

The children have learnt how to sail, kayak, climb, shoot an arrow, tie knots and eat huge amounts of cake. Happy memories especially for the two children who celebrated their 10th birthday on a boat.

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Group

Fellowship

Year 6 visit to the Dickens and Foundling Museum

Shakespeare class have also been on an adventure this week with their joint trip to the Charles Dickens and Thomas Coram Museum.

This trip relates to the class work on 'Rich and Poor' through specific periods of history mainly Victorians. Mrs Watson said the children were a credit to the school and we are thrilled that everyone had a fabulous day.

Dickens

Uniform

I have noticed there is a bit of slippage with school uniform since the start of term.

I have attached a link below to the photos showing what each Key Stage uniform looks like. The main issue is with white polo shirts. Our school uniform is a white shirt or a white blouse. It is not a white polo shirt. Secondly, I have noticed dresses creeping into school which look like a white polo shirt and a grey skirt. Again, this is not school uniform so shouldn't be worn in school.

When parents decide to come to Harpenden Academy you are accepting of our school rules and ethos which includes the standard of school uniform. Please be respectful of this. If you have any issue with the uniform please contact with Mrs Curnow or myself to discuss.

Uniform guidelines

Lost Property

Last week I personally walked around the school collecting up lonely left behind pieces of uniform and abandoned lunch boxes. I managed to return all items to the correct place because they were named.

The reason for this reminder is because by now, the biro names have been written in and faded in the wash. Please re-name with a permanent pen so we can continue to bring uniform and owners together again.

We will be holding another uniform rummage on Monday 30^th September outside of the school for all of the lost property so far. Any uniform unnamed will be left for parents to take free of charge (3.00pm - 3.30pm).

Compulsory Child Protection Training

Once every 3 years all members of staff must have compulsory child protection training delivered by Herts County Council. Our training has been scheduled for Monday 11^th November 3.30pm-5.30pm. This means that the after school club will be closed on this date as Laura’s staff need the training too. Please make alternative provision for your children on this day. Breakfast club will remain unaffected and will still operate.

Parents' Evening Appts

Monday, 7th October 2024, APDR, 8.30am-15.30pm

Tuesday, 15th October 2024, 3.30pm-7.30pm

Thursday, 17th October 2024, 3.30pm-7.30pm

The booking window is now open to book your parent evening appt with your child's class teacher. Please book your appointment by Friday, 4th October 2024 by 8.00pm. The system will be closed to parents beyond this point. If you have any issues booking your appt please contact the school office.

In addition to the parent evening dates above - parents, with children on the SEN register, are able to book an appt on Monday, 7^th October 2024. This will be an opportunity for parents to attend their child’s Assessed Plan Do Review (APDR) meeting where we will discuss your child’s new targets for the Autumn Term. There will also be the opportunity to discuss how your child has settled in to their new class. The meeting will be with Mrs Moss the SENCo and your child’s class teacher.

Should I keep my child off school?

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After School Club

As you know we have a thriving after school club which operates on two tiers. Tier A – children can stay from 3.30pm-5.15pm and not stay for dinner. Tier B – children can stay from 3.30pm-6.15pm and have a hot cooked meal.

We have had a increasing number of incidents since we came back of Tier A children being collected later than 5.15pm, and parents expecting the children to have been fed. This is not possible as Laura orders the food/ingredients based on number of children staying for food, so we can’t always ‘stretch out’ the food to accommodate additional meals. Please can parents be respectful of the timings when collecting children.

We have all been late at some time or another – it happens - but we can’t provide the children with a hot meal unless its been booked.

Half Term Holiday Camps

We are so fortunate that we have two holiday camps starting this half term at Harpenden Academy.

Firstly, Mrs Marchment's holiday club called 'Traffic Light Creative & Performing Arts Holiday Club' is starting which has a focus on creative performing arts - see flyer below.

In addition, we have a STEM science club starting too - see flyer below.

This is aimed at children Year 1 - Year 8 and will be from 9.00am-16.00pm daily. Please contact the telephone number on the flyer to book your place.

Revised flyer

Brochure Newcomer 2024

Mayor's Christmas Card Design Compeition

Please find below a flyer for this year's Mayor's Christmas Card Design Competition.

The closing date is Friday 8 November.

As well as the chance for the winner to switch on the Christmas Lights at this year's Christmas Carnival and for their design to be used as the Mayor's Christmas Card, the winner will also receive 4 tickets to see this year's Christmas Panto 'Sleeping Beauty' at the EMC!

Historically we have done really well in this competition so I encourage you all to have a go - it would be lovely to se Harpenden Academy well represented again.

Christmas Card competition 2024 FINALV2