25th October 2024
Dear Parents
Half term is finally here and I am sure we could all do with the break! Both children and staff have been fighting off bugs and illnesses for the last few weeks – a few duvet days are required I think.
We ended our half term with our annual Harvest Festival assembly. Thank you for the abundance of goodies brought in for the Harpenden Academy Harvest Festival, it is very generous and kind of you.
All of the produce has been donated to ‘Kings Pantry’ and will be distributed over the forthcoming weeks to local families who need a helping hand.
I am really proud of our long standing connection with Kings Pantry and how together we are able to support our local community.
Diwali Get Together at Harpenden Academy, Sunday 10th November 2024, 12.00PM-3.00PM
Holiday Requests
I am still receiving holiday requests for term time holidays. Parents were recently made aware of the recent changes to the rules implemented by the Department of Education, which have changed significantly - the new rules are much more rigorous than before. I am attaching again a summary of the changes from the Department of Education so parents are 100% clear of the consequences of term time holidays.
Secondary Admissions
The applications for secondary/upper school places to start in September 2025 opened on Friday 1 September 2024 for children in Year 6. On-time applications close on 31 October 2024 although Herts County Council encourage families to apply before this closing date as the application portal will be busy on the deadline date.
All the information you need is available on the website www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions
Remembrance Assembly, Save the Date, Friday 8th November 2024
Our school leaders will be selling items for the poppy appeal at lunchtimes on Tuesday 5th, Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th of November. Children can bring in an appropriate donation for the items they wish to purchase. Our Remembrance assembly will be held on Friday 8th November 2024. We will send out a reminder to parents over half term.
There are still places! - New club after half term - starting w/c 4th November 2024
Mrs Marchment is starting up her own Creative Arts Club on a Friday after school from 3.20pm-4.30pm starting Friday, 8th November 2024. If you are interested then please see flyer below for further details. We have opened up the club now to Year 5 and Year 6 too to cover both key stages.
HRFC Fireworks Tickets
We're proud to once again support the Harpenden Rugby Club's Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday 3rd November! This is always a great event for the entire family - with fireworks, funfair, great food & bar! Historically, this event has sold out so get your tickets now. Early bird ticket offer is available until 20th October.
Harpenden Academy will receive 50% of each ticket bought using this link - Click Here to Buy Your Tickets
Traffic Lights Holiday Club
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.
Happy Birthday this week to: Samuel J (R), Harrison M-O (Yr 2), Kalan N (Yr 2), Cora M-R(Yr 3),Charlotte A (Yr 3), Joseph Doe (Yr 4), Naomi P (Yr 5), Benjamin A (Yr 5), Erin A-S (Yr 6), Aidan S (Yr 6)
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
