14th February 2025
Dear Parents
We have reached the end of a terrific first half term. The school has had a positive learning atmosphere with plenty of 1st hand experiences to enhance their learning and general enjoyment.
This lovely atmosphere was added to over the weekend with the FoHA Quiz Night. I have heard nothing but positive comments about the evening. The staff team came in at a respectable 4th place with their team "Where is Mrs Davies?”…In answer to that, Mrs Davies was at the rugby and having an equally thrilling and fun time!
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to the incredible team who worked hard to organise such a successful event—it was just what we needed after a week of inspection. I truly appreciate the effort that goes into planning, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to FoHA.
We really hope that you all have a restful half term and enjoy the week break. The evenings are getting lighter and Spring will be here before we know it so fingers crossed that the sun makes an appearance while we are away.
Year 6 Trip to the Oval
Year 6 Historians exploring the Oval as part of their local history project, with an added extra of a tag rugby PE lesson.
Hands on Science
Lovely Mark, the Science Man, returned to school on Monday to work with all the classes.
Ladybirds, Year 1, and Year 2 explored the five senses through hands-on activities, using feely bags and discovering how our eyes can trick us—making static pictures appear as if they’re moving.
Year 3 focused on biological diversity and how animals and vegetation in a habitat are connected through food webs.
Year 4 investigated electricity and circuits, learning about the flow of electricity and how we use it in our homes.
Year 5 were filled with awe and wonder as they explored stars and space, while Year 6 took on the challenge of heart dissections.
Mark, the lovely Science Man, will be returning in May for a family event—watch this space for more details!
Gladiator Steel Inspires at Harpenden Academy
The cherry on the cake however had to go to the visit from 'Steel' from Gladiators.
This was a really exciting day for the children and staff. We are so thankful that FoHA managed to arrange this event for us.
The children were thrilled to meet him and hear his inspiring story. He was incredibly kind to our children and took his time to listen and answer their questions. The school was buzzing with his visit long after he had left the building with the little Ladybirds still chattering about him as they were putting their coats on to go home.
Steel, whose real name is Zack George, is a CrossFit champion and a familiar face on Saturday night television. However, he shared his personal journey of overcoming childhood struggles with weight and low confidence, revealing that he once ate sweets and chocolate every day. Now a top athlete, Steel is passionate about promoting a healthy mindset amongst young people. During his visit, he encouraged the children to make healthier choices and build self-esteem, proving that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible!
Safer Internet Day, 11th February 2025
On Tuesday 11th, we kicked off our Safer Internet Day learning with a visit from members of the charity 'Computer Friendly'. They spoke to KS1 and KS2 on how to keep yourself safe when using the internet, specifically in relation to identifying scams. Our KS2 classes then joined in with a 'live lesson' run by the BBC. There were hundreds of schools connected across the country and they learnt top tips on keeping safe.
As part of Safer Internet Day, we explored a variety of dangers online and discussed how to respond to them. The children had some excellent ideas and good knowledge of the safety features of various apps. They created posters to teach younger children about what they had learnt.
https://www.computerfriendlystalbans.org.uk/computer-friendly/
Parents' Evening
This term, as you know, we have changed the timing of parents' evening to accommodate parents’ requests for earlier time slots as well as helping the teacher’s wellbeing. Both events really did feel very busy in the earlier part of the evening with less appointments in the later parts of the evening. After half term we will consult parents and staff to see if this arrangement should be permanent.
AFTER SCHOOL CREATIVE ARTS CLUB
Friday Club is back after half term. The last term was fully booked and taking a waiting list, so if you’d like to join from 28th February, please book your place as soon as possible!
HOLIDAY CLUBS
There are still some spaces available if you would like to join the "Lion King" themed holiday workshop week during half term! Bookings are also now open for a “Wicked” inspired holiday workshop week taking place here during the Easter holidays! For all enquires please contact Traffic Light Arts directly.
Save the Date
- Friday 18th April 2025 - Easter Egg Hunt
Quiz and Chips Night
FoHA would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended our first Quiz and Chips Night on Saturday or who otherwise supported the event. It was a really fun evening with lots of laughs, good spirits and, of course, a little bit of healthy competitiveness. It was also great to see a team of lovely HA teachers and staff there, whose presence cemented the sense of a fantastic school community occasion.
And best of all we raised a fantastic amount of money, which all goes straight to funding amazing experiences and resources for our children. See you all next time!
Easter Egg Hunt
Our inaugural Easter Egg Hunt will be taking place as usual on Good Friday (Friday 18th April) on Harpenden Common. If you would like to be part of the team that delivers this fantastic event, by getting involved with the planning team, volunteering on the day, or perhaps you have a business or idea that could support us - please get in touch at friendsofharpendenacademy@gmail.com. Your support is what makes these events possible.
Tickets will be going on sale shortly after the half term break.
Family Engagement Survey
We have reopened and slightly amended our engagement survey, which is your opportunity to provide feedback or make suggestions to FoHA. We are very grateful for your responses as FoHA is much more than our small committee, it is the whole school community and it is important that everyone's views are heard.
Happy birthday this week and over Feb half term to: Ruby-Jayne (R), Harry (Yr 1), Phyllis (Yr 6), Yo-Yo (Yr 1), Duru (Yr 3), Ella (Yr 3), Sophie (Yr 6), Remi (R), Rylee (R), Hana (Yr 5)
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies
