21st November 2025

Dear Parents 

On Wednesday, the children had their individual and sibling photographs taken. Information on how to view these photos has already been sent to parents, and you should have received a hard copy QR code card from your child's class teacher. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the school office. The photographs will be available on the Kittle secure online portal within approximately five days.

This week, the stage was set up in the hall—an exciting sign that our EYFS, Year 1, and Year 2 children are preparing for their nativity play. This is always such a lively and joyful event. For the children in Ladybird Class, it also marks the end of their first term with us. Details regarding how to book tickets will be sent out next week. 

Please note that the school will be closed on Monday, 24th November, for an occasional day. No one will be in school that day. We hope you enjoy a lovely day, and we look forward to seeing you back on Tuesday, 25th November, at 8:30 am.

Plan for Snow

This week we had our first flurry and excitement of snow!  Thankfully the snow disappeared but it did remind me to send out the school process for dealing with snow. Firstly, because of our location we do try to stay open on days which are snowy.  This however all depends on the number of staff able to get into school, plus whether our catering staff can get in.

If due to lack of staff on site and we are not able to stay open here is how parents will be informed:-

In the unlikely event of closure we will always try to give parents as much notice as possible.  The most reliable source of information is the school website.

A decision will be made in the morning by 7.00am on:

• Whether to open
• Time to open
• Arrangements for drop off/pick up

This decision will be posted on the website by 7.15am.  All parents will also receive a MCAS email notification. 

Mayor's Christmas Card Competition

On Monday of this week, our school winners of the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition attended an awards ceremony at the Town Hall. Once again congratulations to Harriet Goldsmith who received 'Highly Commended' and to Phoebe Hambridge and Sidney Horne who both received 'Commended' awards.

Exciting News

On Friday 14^th November Mrs Keeley in the office became a 'Nana' for the first time. Her grandson, Oscar (known as Ozzy)  is doing very well, and Mrs Keeley can’t stop smiling. Congratulations to Penny on her new role as Nana.

Mrs Withers' Maternity Cover

As parents are already aware, Mrs. Withers is expecting and will be commencing her maternity leave after the Christmas holidays. I am pleased to share that we have appointed a new teacher to cover her maternity leave. Her name is Mrs Lang, an experienced teacher who is new to the area. 

We are hopeful that Mrs Lang will be able to visit the school before the Christmas holidays to meet the children and staff. However, due to her recent relocation to the area, this may not be possible. Nevertheless, I can confirm that she will be attending the Christmas nativity to meet with Reception parents specifically.

Clubs

All clubs will start on the second week we return to school after Christmas, on w/c Monday 12th January 2026 and finish on w/c 16th March 2026 (unless otherwise stated by club). 

Contractor Clubs

Please contact the club provider to book your place, it will be on a first come first served basis.  The Club Provider is responsible for all communication and confirmation of external clubs. Please see flyers below for further details. You can contact the club contractors to book your child on to their clubs with immediate effect.

Teacher Clubs

All parents will be able to book their child on to teacher led clubs from Thursday, 27th November 2025 from 5.00pm. You will be able to login to your child's MCAS profile and select the club option from the menu. At 5.00pm you will be able to enrol your child onto their chosen club. If the club is full the system will add your child to the waiting list and the office will inform you if there are any cancellations. We will always do our best to try and accommodate your child’s choices.

Please do not rely on these school clubs as childcare, it is dependent on teacher commitments and we may need to cancel them at short notice. 

KEY NOTES:

• Chess has moved to lunchtime on Tuesday with Mrs Wong (no longer after school)
• All children will need to enrol on clubs to give everyone a fair chance - including choir this term.
• Netball club will restart in the Summer term for Year 5 and Year 6 girls. 

Belonging Day – Wednesday, 26th November 2025

We are so excited for Belonging Day on Wednesday 26th November! Mrs Withers, alongside Mrs Wong and the Diversity parent group (namely Jake and Lillia's mum!) have planned a wonderful programme of events that will help us explore what makes each of us feel a sense of belonging. Throughout the day, children will take part in vibrant international dances, learn about the cultures and celebrations represented in our classrooms, and enjoy activities supported by our amazing parent volunteers. It’s sure to be a joyful day of learning, sharing, and celebrating what makes our school community so special. Look out for what we get up to on our school Instagram page! 

Christmas is coming!!!

Date	Event	Time
Wednesday, 3rd December 2025	Christmas Carol Rotary Club Concert Year 5 & Year 6 Choir	1.15pm & 7.00pm
Thursday, 4th December 2025	Christingle Service KS2 Children - High St Methodist (KS1 welcome)	6.30pm
Wednesday, 10th December 2025	Reception & KS1 Nativity (adults only)	6.00pm
Thursday, 11th December 2025	Reception & KS1 Nativity	9.30am
Friday, 12th December 2025	Christmas Jumper Day
Wednesday, 17th December 2025	Whole School Trip to Odyssey Cinema (Children can wear Christmas Jumpers)	9.15am
Thursday, 18th December 2025	Christmas Lunch
Friday, 19th December 2025	Break for Christmas	12 noon

 

Rotary Christmas Carol Event, Wednesday 3rd December 2025

This is only for the children in Year 5 and Year 6 who are in the choir. All the primary schools in Harpenden are in attendance, so tickets and numbers are limited. Mrs Moss will have been in contact with parents of children attending to confirm time and ticket details. 

Key Stage 2 Christingle Service (Reception & KS1 siblings welcome)

This year we are holding the Christingle event a little earlier and at a different venue. We will be using the High Street Methodist Church on Thursday 4^th December 2025 at 6.30pm. Please RSVP by Friday, 28th November for your KS2 child/ren only via this google form so we know if your child is attending and expected numbers in the church. We would appreciate if parents could complete the form even if you are unable to attend just so the office are aware of who to chase. Any Reception and KS1 siblings are welcome however they are the responsibility of their parents during this event. 

EYFS and KS1 Christmas Performance

The performance this year is called 'Magical Christmas Journey' and the children will be performing it on the evening of Wednesday 10^th December at 6.00pm and Thursday 11^th December at 9.30am.

Next week, the office will be sending out details regarding tickets for these 2 performances to parents so please keep your eyes peeled.

FoHA will be providing mulled wine and festive treats from 5.30pm at the evening performance.

School Jumper Day, Friday 12^th December 2025

We will be taking part in 'Christmas Jumper Day' again this year.  If any parents have spare, outgrown Christmas jumpers, which you can donate to the school, we would really appreciate it.

We keep these for the children who might not otherwise be able to join in with the day.  If you can help us in this area, please can you drop off your jumpers to the school office and parents will be able to help themselves at pick up.  

Odyssey Cinema Trip, Wednesday 17th December 2025

We will be taking the whole school to the Odyssey cinema for their Christmas film on Wednesday, 17th December 2025. The information for this trip has been sent to parents and the deadline for signing up via MCAS and making payment is Friday, 28^th November 2025.  We are still looking for parent volunteers for this trip in some classes. If you are able to volunteer for the trip and have a current DBS certificate and completed volunteer reference form, please contact the school office.

Volunteers still needed:

• Reception: 1 more
• Year 1: 1 more
• Year 3: 1 more
• Year 4: 2 more

Christmas lunch day for the children is Thursday 18^th December.

On this day we like to encourage as many children as possible to take part in our Christmas lunch even if they typically have packed lunch. This is the only option of food on that day. SwiftKitchen has now added the Christmas dinner option on SwiftKitchen.  Please place your orders by Friday, 5th December 2025. 

If the children don't want to join in with Christmas lunch then please send them in with a packed lunch for the day.

If you need access to your login details for Swiftkitchen to book your school lunch then please contact the school office. 

 

Christmas Tree Fundraiser Volunteers Needed

We are still looking for more parent volunteers and would really appreciate it if any other parents could step forward to offer their time to help raise some serious money for our school!

The Christmas tree fundraiser is one of our biggest, delivering beautiful trees all over and beyond Harpenden. We deliver to school families as well as members of the wider community, raising lots of money for our school, as well as money for other local schools and nurseries.

There are several slots to choose from over the mornings of Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December, and you can commit to as little as one hour, (but it would be fantastic if you could sign up for more than one slot!)

It is a genuinely feel good, community spirited and fun few days, a perfect way to kick off the festive season and spread cheer around the community (think excited kids pressed up against windows awaiting delivery of their magical tree) and, most importantly of all, a great way to contribute to our children’s school experience. Santa hats are optional but encouraged. 

All details are on the sign up sheet - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044DA4A72CA2FACE9-60274748-harpenden

If you have any questions please contact the Trees Team at hachristmastrees@gmail.com

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: 4-11 years.  Harpenden Academy, 8.45am-5pm. £37 per day. Booking open! 

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

Over 50% of tickets sold, please book your tickets by Friday 28th November if you're planning to attend.

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, 7.00pm–9.30pm

We've done really well with ticket sales - only a few left!

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

 

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 

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

Santa Comes to Studham

Get ready for a magical festive experience in the heart of the woods! Join us for a cosy Christmas adventure the whole family will love.

Early bird offer: £10 off all tickets booked before 30 November 2025.

Event Highlights:

• Gather round the firepit with a warming hot chocolate
• Enjoy a marshmallow toasting experience under twinkling lights
• Follow the fairy-lit trail to discover Father Christmas in his woodland grotto
• Every child receives a special gift of their choice

Event Slots:
Choose your preferred time:
3–4pm | 4–5pm | 5–6pm | 6–7pm | 7–8pm
(Limited availability – early booking recommended!)

For more information & to book tickets, please visit https://www.foha.co.uk/fohashop/p/santa-comes-to-studham

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.

KS2 Xmas Movie Night

https://www.foha.co.uk/fohashop/p/xmas-movie-night-ks2

Grab Your Popcorn - It’s KS2 Xmas Movie Night!

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

Monday 8th December (Key Stage 2)

Time: 3.20-5.15pm

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!

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: Esme C (Reception),Sophie L (Reception), Anna N (Yr1), Noah W (Yr1), Eleanor B (Yr2), Evie Mae D (Yr6)

Please click here to view our Harpenden Academy vacancies

Please click here to view our Scholars' Education Trust vacancies

Join the Wheathampstead Wanderers Year 5 Girls Football Team!

Love football or just want to give it a go? Come and be part of a fun, friendly, and supportive team where every girl gets to play, learn, and shine! Whether you’re a future Lioness or just starting out, we’d love to have you.

Train, make friends, and build confidence while having loads of fun on the pitch!

Open to all Year 5 girls — no experience needed!

We train at KWS on Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 

email Karen at kstanden.wwfc@outlook.com