24th October 2025
Dear Parents
The last week of half term has arrived, and it has been a busy one!
Year 4, Milne class, went on their first school trip in Year 4 to the London Transport Museum - then of course we had the scary makeup and hair event as a starter to the main event of the Halloween disco courtesy of FoHA. Thank you to all the families who donated Halloween costumes - you are still welcome to come and have a rummage to see if there is anything you would like for 31st October. The clothes rail will be by the hall entrance at pick up today. Finally, we had the most glorious Harvest Festival assembly conducted by John Swain of Kings Pantry and Father Patrick Moriarty from St Nicholas Church. Being the daughter of a farmer, this is one of my favourite assemblies and I was so happy to see how our little school contributed to our “city” harvest.
Year 4 London Transport Museum
Year 4 had an exciting day out at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden! The trip was a wonderful opportunity to explore how transport in London has changed over time—from horse-drawn carriages to electric buses and the iconic London Underground. The children enjoyed hands-on activities, explored different vehicles, and even got to climb aboard old trains and buses. It was fantastic to see them so engaged and full of questions. The visit linked perfectly to our Humanities topic - Transport Through Time, helping the children to understand how innovations in transport have shaped the city we live in today. A big thank you to the parent volunteers who helped make the day such a success!
Reception Pop Up Pumpkin Farm
Sadly, due to the weather forecast, The Pop Up Farm was unable to open, and we weren’t able to arrange alternative transport at short notice for the Ladybirds’ first school trip. However, the children have still had a lovely afternoon and a wonderful end to their first half term at HA! They enjoyed a hot chocolate treat — part of our original plan — and learned about the different types of pumpkins. This week, they’ve also discovered how pumpkins grow and explored the incredible work of Yayoi Kusama, whose art inspired them to decorate their own pumpkins in her colourful, creative style.
A Star is Born
It is really important to us all at Harpenden Academy that we are able to celebrate our children's achievements outside of school as well as inside.
Tommy has been boxing since the age of 4 and has rapidly risen to the top of his chosen sport. After years of dedication he is now officially been 'carded', which means he can compete and show his skills.
On Friday, 17th November Tommy achieved his first official win and has now been selected to compete in Sweden during half term, along with a further "King of the Ring" tournament in New York in December, where he will be competing on an international stage.
In February he will be also competing for the England Box Club.
Tommy we are thrilled for you, your family and your boxing club, and want to share our pride at your achievements to date and send our 'best of luck vibes' for you in Sweden next week.
We will be excited to hear your news on our return to school after half term.
FoHA Halloween Disco
A huge thank you to FoHA – especially Gwendoline and her dedicated team of helpers – for organising such a fantastic Halloween disco! The event was truly spooktacular, filled with fun, laughter, and some expressive dance moves! The children had an absolutely wonderful time dressing up in costumes, dancing, and enjoying all the exciting activities. It was evident that a lot of effort and creativity went into making the event so special for everyone.
We also want to extend our gratitude to all the parents who attended and supported the disco. Your presence and enthusiasm helped create a warm and lively atmosphere that everyone enjoyed. Events like these are a wonderful way for our school community to come together, celebrate, and make memories.
Thank you to our local business supprt: Silver Palate in Harpenden for donating coffee cups and to Town & Country for providing us with the photo frame.
We would like to say a huge thankyou to Green Bean who were kind enough to supply us with free jug and cup hire for the disco last night - it was very much appreciated. Please see their advertisement below.
Diwali Celebrations
Thanks go again to the Boodhna family for decorating our Festival Foyer for the celebration of Diwali. The entrance looks fabulous, and the children are so fortunate to be immersed in other cultures and beliefs. The Festival Foyer is part of our commitment to our driver of “Belonging “and I’m excited to see how over the year we can continue to develop this area of the school.
Belonging Day – Wednesday 24th November
We're excited to announce that Wednesday 24th November will be Belonging Day at Harpenden Academy! This special day will celebrate the wonderful diversity within our school and help every child feel a strong sense of belonging.
We're inviting parents and carers to come in and share part of their family's culture, heritage or traditions with the children. This could include cooking or tasting food, teaching a few words in another language, leading a craft, or talking about your family's traditions and why they're important to you. You can visit your child's classes, or even share with the whole school - whatever works best for you!
We understand it may not be possible to represent every culture or heritage through specific activities on the day. However, throughout the event all children will take part in activities that help them explore what make them unique, celebrate who they are, and appreciate the diverse community we are so proud of at Harpenden Academy.
This celebration includes everyone - whether your family has roots in other parts of the world or a long history here in Britain. We'd love to see families share anything that reflects their background and traditions, from local customs and recipes to stories or special family routines.
If you'd like to get involved, please let us know via the school office by Wednesday 12th November. Let's make this a memorable day for our children!
Staff Changes to Mrs Cunow’s Maternity Leave
On Friday, 7th November Mrs Curnow will begin her maternity leave. We wish her and her family the very best as they await the arrival of their new family member.
Her departure will mean some changes in the short term:
- Mrs Lloyd will take over her 2 day teaching commitment on Thursday and Friday.
- Mrs Curnow’s out of class leadership time will be shared between Mrs Withers and Mrs Moss.
- Mrs Withers will reduce her teaching commitment to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and
- Mrs Haines will increase hers to Thursday and Friday ensuring continuity for the children in Ladybird class.
- Mrs Moss will reduce her teaching commitment to Thursday and Friday. Mrs Wong will increase hers to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Again, ensuring continuity for the children.
I will continue to spend 2 days working for the Trust which will be Monday and Tuesday. If parents need to speak to any member of leadership on the days I am not in school please contact either Mrs Withers, Mrs Moss or Mrs Watson via the school office. Mrs Watson’s hours remain unchanged working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in school.
Remembrance Assembly, 7th November, 10.15am
We will be holding our Remembrance Assembly on Friday, 7th November at 10.15am- 11.05am.
If parents can come along and share this with us, you will be most welcome. We don’t do birthdays during this assembly. If your child was scheduled for a birthday card on 7th November, we will be doing these the following week on 14th November.
Reception Tours for September 2026 Intake
These tours start weekly on our return from half term. If you have a sibling and you would like them to come to Harpenden Academy in September 2026, please remember that you MUST apply for the place. You don’t have to attend the tour if you have an older child in school, but you must apply for the place. No place is automatically given despite the older sibling being at school. You should have received information from Herts County council informing you of what to do so just follow the instructions or call if you are not sure.
Year 6 – Secondary School Applications
Year 6 parents, your choices for secondary school need to have been made by Friday, 31st October. Again, if you want your child to take up their space at Sir John Lawes, you must still apply for it via Herts County Council.
Key Date for Diary
Please remember, Monday 24th November is an occasional day off and the school will be closed. Please make sure this is in your diary as no one will be in school that day.
October Half Term Camps at Harpenden Academy
"Harry Potter" themed October Half Term Workshop
Almost sold out on the Tuesday and Thursday, so book your place now to be part of the magic!
Fireworks Night - Sunday 2nd November
Harpenden Rugby Football Club’s spectacular Fireworks Night is back – bigger and better than ever! Expect dazzling fireworks, a fun fairground, delicious food & drinks, plus a shuttle service from town.
Early Bird discount available until midday 31st October, buy your tickets through our unique link https://buytickets.at/hrfc/1843837/r/academy & 25% of every ticket goes straight back to FoHA.
Mayor's Christmas Card Design Competition
Please find a flyer for this year's Mayor's Christmas Card Design Competition.
The closing date is Friday 7 November 2025.
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,
Historically we have done really well in this competition so I encourage you all to have a go - it would be lovely to see Harpenden Academy well represented again.
Our Christmas Tree Sale Is Back!
Order Your Premium Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree & Support Our School!
We’re offering freshly cut, locally grown Nordmann Fir Christmas trees in 3 sizes - all top quality and long-lasting. Even better, for every tree sold, £20 will be raised for FOHA!
Sizes & Prices:
- 5ft+ – £48
- 6ft+ – £55
- 7ft+ – £66
The deadline for placing your order is Monday 1st December 2025 at 12 noon
Collection (Free):
- Harpenden Academy, Vaughan Road
- Friday 5th or Saturday 6th December 2025 (9:30–10:30am)
Delivery (Charges Apply):
- Within 7 miles of Harpenden Academy £5 (AL5)
- Beyond AL5 (max 7 miles) £8
- Please note - Friday delivery only for addresses beyond AL5
To order and find out more please visit Christmas Trees — Friends of Harpenden Academy
Traffic Lights Workshop
Christmas Holiday Entertainment!
Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December Christmas Crafty Party Workshop Days.
Two days of festive Arts & Crafts projects plus Christmas Party Games & Activities. A fun-filled start to the Christmas holidays! Age: 5-11 years (Half days available for 4 year olds). Harpenden Academy, 8.45am-5pm. £37 per day. Booking open!
A "K-Pop Demon Hunters” themed Workshop Special!
Saturday 3rd January - 'It’s Gonna Be Golden!’ We’re teaming up with Tiger Cheer to present a one-day Workshop Special inspired by the movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters!” Get ready to ‘Takedown’ the morning learning a Dance & Pom routine to music from the movie soundtrack and create some of your own Choreography too! The ‘Huntr/x’ fun will continue into the afternoon with K-Pop themed T-shirt Design & Printing and creating matching accessories. At the end of the day, you’ll get to take home your Golden Glitter Poms along with the T-shirt & Accessories you’ve made, so you can continue being a K-Pop Star! Age: 5-11 years. Harpenden Academy, 9.30am-3.30pm. £30 for the day. Booking open!
For all enquires and bookings please email admin@trafficlightarts.co.uk
Wreath Making at Harpenden Academy
We are excited to share the details of two separate wreath making workshops — a family-friendly Sunday afternoon on 30th November (including a drop the kids off option!) and a festive Friday evening just for adults on 5th December.
Family Wreath Making – Sunday 30th November, 3–5pm - with Traffic Light Arts
Adults can make a beautiful foliage wreath while Traffic Light Arts take the children off to make a crafty Christmas wreath in a supervised session. Come along as a family or drop the kids off and enjoy a couple of hours to yourself.
Adults £30 | Children £12.50
Adults-Only Wreath Making – Friday 5th December, 7–9.30pm
Enjoy a relaxed evening of creativity, complete with a glass of fizz and festive nibbles, while making your own bespoke Christmas wreath.
£35 per ticket
Both workshops take place at Harpenden Academy. Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
For more information and tickets, please visit: www.foha.co.uk/fohashop/events
Traffic Light Art Christmas Holiday Entertainment
Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December - Christmas Crafty Party Workshop Days. Two days of festive Arts & Crafts projects for Little Elves plus Christmas Party Games & Activities. A fun-filled start to the Christmas holidays! Age: 4-11 years. Harpenden Academy, 8.45am-5pm. £37 per day. Booking open!
Volunteering
A huge thank you to everyone who’s offered their time and support with our Uniform Shop and Christmas Tree preparations.
We’d also like to thank those who’ve reached out to help with tree deliveries — we’ll pop the sign-up sheet up after the half-term break.
Can you help with the FOHA website...
We’re looking for someone with a bit of website know-how to help us develop and improve the Friends of Harpenden Academy (FoHA) webpage.
If you have experience with websites (even just a little!) and could spare some time to support us, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Gwendoline on 07929240131.
FOHA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Please see the calendar below for a reminder of upcoming events this term.
- Quiz & Chips 7 Feb 2026
- Harpenden Easter Egg Hunt 3 April 2026
Happy Birthday to: Ryan D (Yr1), Joey C (Yr4), Reggie C (Yr5), Yousaff A (Yr6), Winston B (Yr6), Byron G (Yr6), April S (Yr6).
Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies
Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies
