11th July 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a very exciting penultimate week at school, especially for our Year 6 children. They received their SATs results in their school reports, enjoyed their leavers' meal with their families, and held their leaving assembly this morning. More of that later in the newsletter.

We also had 'Move Up' day on Thursday with all classes going to their new classrooms and new teachers - apart from the new Moomin class who will have theirs on Monday. The Year 6 children visited their secondary schools too which is always a mix of excitement and nervousness for parents and children alike.

Year 3 also managed to squeeze in a trip to the National History Museum which Mrs Curnow will elaborate about more fully later. So, all in all, a busy week.

School Reports

School reports will be available from today. You will receive an email that these are on your MCAS account ready for you to access them.

It is with a fair degree of trepidation that we send out the school reports electronically this year as it is the first time that we have used the management platform Bromcom to write them and send them to parents. I believe we are the first primary school in the Trust to send out their reports too so no-one is quite sure how the reports will appear and the problems that might ensue.

Mrs Jackson and the staff and been working for what feels like weeks in trying to run reports and isolate any glitches in formatting and blank pages appearing from nowhere but fingers crossed, we have cracked it. We really hope that there are no issues and it all goes smoothly however, if there are problems with the formatting of the reports or graphs not working in the way they should, or random blank pages appearing please contact the office. We will not be able to address any problems until Monday but if you want to email in over the weekend then please do. 

If anything goes wrong, we are asking for your patience and understanding while we fix the problems from Monday onwards.

Year 6 Leavers' Evening

The Year 6 leavers' event is always a magical and emotional occasion, marking the end of both the children's and some families' journeys at Harpenden Academy. As usual, we are always so impressed with the three-course meals the children prepare, pouring their heart and soul into them. What is even more wonderful to see is the coming together of the families, simply enjoying an intimate moment here in the heart of our school. We are immensely proud of our children and the effort they put into their performances at the assembly.

Team Shakespeare 2025 - I will miss…. A Poem by Mrs Watson

Aidan

I will miss your amazing talent for sport, especially cricket and your effortless running stride

Your love of Lego and the sound of you playing the horn in your band with such pride.

Autumn

I will miss your love of writing, pages and pages in your journal - a treasure to see,

How music is your happy place – from Billie Eilish, to guitar playing – making you feel free

Benji

I will miss your love of running and football, always first on the sports arena on a Thursday

Your love of geography, your knowledge of flags and your sound technician mini raves

Bonnie

I will miss your love of buddy time and your powerful dance and drama performances, always a joy to behold

The way you have created a positivity and mindfulness book – championing kindness, growth mindset and being bold

Chloe

I will miss your jaw-dropping author's voice, your poem the winner from all schools in Harpenden

Your blooming inner confidence and the way you are always a gentle, loyal and kind friend

Ella

I will miss your obsession with reading the Warriors series, a magical world that inspired you to write your own chapters

Your strength and perseverance in sports events, always getting stuck in as a playtime footballer

Elliot

I will miss your non-stop reading of Skulduggery books and your chess genius - sharp and keen

Your skills in drumming and football, not to mention your running ability - a real speed machine

Erin

I will miss your passion for horse riding, reading and your wonderful creativity in writing and art

Your love and loyalty to friends and your strong feminist voice – reflective of your gentle but fierce heart

Ethan

I will miss your passion for football and rugby, even your somewhat competitive streak 

Your love of Arsenal and your emotional intelligence, always an insightful comment to make in PSHE

Haaniyah

I will miss your love of swimming, your obsession with Percy Jackson’ s mythical quests

Your determination in all you do, from running to rounders to being a wonderfully kind and caring friend

Jacob

I will miss your love of drawing and Lego and the wonderful fun you have with your close group of friends

Your love of sport, especially your energy and enthusiasm at cross country, your endurance never ends

James

I will miss your talent for kickboxing and your impressive running power

Your love of music and travel and your special friendship group – always having each other’s’ backs and never any drama

Jay

I will miss your love of sport, especially golf, and your amazing knowledge of humanities and F1 too,

Your Tuesday cross country runs - a competitive yet team playing spirit in all that you do.

Jeremy

I will miss your insightful contributions in RE and your increasing confidence to share your insightful thoughts

The way you smile when you sing and how you grinned non-stop on school journey, loving all the water sports 

JoJo

I will miss your passion for gaming and the wonderful handbook you have written to explain each level and power

Your impressive long and triple jump triumphs, not forgetting your passion for maths (Times Tables Rock Hero – which you play for hours)

Joshi

I will miss your sporting nature – your love of tennis, badminton and of course football

Your dedication to Liverpool FC and your courage paddle boarding and kayaking at Norfolk Lakes – giving it your all

Kora

I will miss your flair for art and DT - your attention to detail is a sight to behold

Your super sporting prowess, from swimming to rounders, not to mention your melodic cello

Layla

I will miss your talent for gymnastics and Irish dancing, always producing a beautiful display

Your feminist spirit and your love of animals, your ability to light up anyone’s dark day

Margo

I will miss your incredible range of sporting achievements – from aerial gymnastics to netball to hurling javelin spears

Your skills in chess, your confidence in public speaking and your multilingual talents – learning English in less than a year!

Max

I will miss your passion for nature and the environment, treasures you’ve found brought in each day to share

Your love of swimming and rugby and how you always take the time to talk to people and show them your interest and care

Millie

I will miss your happy smiles and giggles, whenever playing with your bestie – Tilly – making memories and fun

Your painting passion and the care you’ve taken with your writing journal project and your bond with your brothers - second to none

Misora

I will miss your amazing sketching skills and your beautiful voice in the choir – both so fine

The amazing growth mindset you’ve shown this year from maths challenges to kayaking at Norfolk Lakes to rounders at which you now shine

Nathan

I will miss your obsession with the Karate Kid and your sophisticated love of modern jazz tunes

Your independence, sense of humour, kind heart and your love of baking food

Nicholas

I will miss your excitement for paintball and rugby, not to mention huge whacks in rounders in Rothamsted Park

Your dedication to your learning, especially reading, this year and your beautiful beaming smile when feeling proud

Olly L

I will miss your amazing determination, your football devotion, for Manchester City so keen

Being a kind and caring friend, always there for others, a true team machine.

Oli W

I will miss your sports mad spirit, your love of Liverpool FC and your bubbling energy

The way you’ve challenged Elliot in chess this year and fit into Team Shakespeare so seamlessly

Pati

I will miss your incredible dance and Acro skills – hearing about your many national dance champion quests

Your fabulous friendships and the fantastic progress you’ve made this year by always trying your best

Phyllis

I will miss your super skills in netball and swimming, your stunning musical talents on violin and piano

The way you patiently support your teammates and your love for maths, always loving a challenge in groups or solo

Sakina

I will miss your wonderful love of books, watching you so happy during library time with your friends in your own reading world

Your love of TV shows like Ghosts and Doctor Who, your passion for equality, especially the rights of women and girls

Sophie

I will miss your boundless energy, your expert chatting and the way your smiley face greets me with a warm ‘Hello Mrs Watson’ each morning

Your love of sport, especially tennis, badminton and rounders, and the gratitude you show for your trips and learning

Tilly

I will miss your amazing sporting prowess - watching your run so fast and so effortlessly

Your love of rounders, boxing and gymnastics, and your transformed attitude to reading – book after book read fluently

Vuksa

I will miss your love of water sports, from water polo to paddle boarding to snorkelling deep

Your kind and gentle nature and the way that you always include everyone and listen to friends carefully

Natural History Museum

On Tuesday, Year 3 had a fantastic day at the Natural History Museum to celebrate the end of their Mountains, Volcanoes and Earthquakes unit. There were so many amazing artefacts, fossils and hidden gems, and we could have spent days there looking around! We participated in the 'Emergency! Earthquakes and Volcanoes' show which recapped a lot of our classroom learning but also gave us lots of extra detail on how earthquakes and volcanoes happen, and how geologists aim to predict and prevent catastrophic disasters from occurring. We also went into an earthquake simulator to get a feel of what it would be like to be caught in an earthquake - we do not recommend! The children were excellent on public transport and we really appreciated the time given up by our parent volunteers to accompany us.

Teddy Bears Picnic

On Thursday afternoon, we were delighted to host our annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic to welcome the new Ladybird families who will be joining us in September. It was a joyful and heartwarming afternoon, made even more special by the wonderful turnout — we’re thrilled to have a full class of 30 children this year!

The picnic was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of play, as the children began forming new friendships and exploring together. It was also a lovely opportunity for parents to connect and get to know one another in a relaxed and friendly setting. Events like this are a great way to ease those first-day jitters and build a strong sense of community right from the start.

We’re so excited to begin this new chapter with our Ladybird class of 2025!

SJL Wind in the Willows:

This Tuesday, Team Dahl was lucky enough to be invited to SJL to see the premier of their fabulous production of Wind in the Willows complete with a live band. It was magical and funny and we were so grateful to be included!

The return of Chris and Fit Kidz

One of the events from earlier in the year that the children absolutely loved and enjoyed was Chris form Fit Kidz who came in to school to do circuit training in the hall. We were really fortunate in that we managed to secure his return on Friday for Year 3-6 children. The children had a wonderful time and again asked if Fit Kidz could become a more regular feature of school life. This is something that we are in discussions with for next year.

The return of Mrs Newcombe

On Monday we see the return of Mrs Newcombe form her maternity leave and she will be welcomed with open arms by all of us in the school as this will release some of the pressures, we have faced this year without her. I’m sure that parents you too have missed her smiley face and sunny disposition. Welcome back Mrs Newcombe!

Transition Year Parent Meeting

Thank you for those parents who attended the transition to Year 1 and Year 3 parent meeting. We hope that you found them helpful and informative.

The teachers PowerPoints will be on the website shortly

The Final Week

Please see below the following events that will be happening in school.

Monday 14^th July:

• Lauren Newcombe returns
• FoHA Cinema night for EYFS and KS1 children only

Tuesday 15^th July:

• Eco-Leaders and the School Council fundraising for Save the Children charity
• Irock concert

Wednesday 16^th July

• FoHA Cinema night for KS2 children only

Thursday 17^th July

• Year 2 trip to Woodhall Estate

Friday 18^th July:

• Pre loved uniform sale in the playground 11.30am
• School Closes 12 noon

School Council

On Tuesday 15^th July, our eco leaders and school council will be joining forces to host a fundraising day. The eco leaders have chosen to raise money for the charity Save the Children who have fought for a fairer world for children for over 100 years. One of the areas they support with is the impact of environmental changes on the everyday lives of children. During the day the children will take part in an activity in their classrooms, and we ask for a suggested donation of £1 per child to come to school wearing non-school uniform. 

At the end of the school day, the school leaders will be running a teddy tombola and a bottle tombola to raise money for new outdoor resources for break times. We ask that all children bring a bottle donation on the day (or before!) as part of the fundraising. If any family has teddies that they would like to rehome, please drop them to the office before 15^th July.  

Traffiic Light Creative and Performance Arts

NEW AUTUMN TERM OF CREATIVE ARTS CLUB

SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Summer Holiday Workshops are here! Places are filling up so book now to secure your space. Please book directly with Traffic Light Arts. admin@trafficlightarts.co.uk

 

REMINDER OF FOHA - Summer Movie Night

We’re also still looking for volunteers to help make these events a success. If you’re able to lend a hand, please sign up to volunteer here: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44ADA92EA5F4C25-57420544-foha 

Thank you for your support, we can’t wait to see you there!!

Grab Your Popcorn - It’s FoHA Summer Movie Night!

Join us for a fun-filled evening with a family-friendly movie, snacks, and great company.

• Monday 14th July - Reception and KS1
• Wednesday 16th July - KS2

Time: 3.30-5.30pm on both evenings

Venue: School hall, Harpenden Academy

£3.50 per child including a drink and snack

Don’t miss this chance to relax, have fun, and enjoy a night at the movies - FoHA-style!

Happy Birthday to:- Athena M (Yr5), Lily M (Yr1)

Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies

Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies