Term 1

The Hundred of Hoo Academy

Primary Bumper Bulletin

Message from Mr Etheridge

As we reach the end of module 1 and I reflect on all that has taken place over the previous seven weeks I am truly filled with a sense of pride. The children have settled in so well to their new classes and produced some excellent work. We want to develop children who are thinking learners and who instill all of the 10 Learner Profile Attributes; your children truly are starting to show that this is what they are becoming. 

By looking at the digital floorbooks you will be able to see what your child has been learning across the curriculum this module and engage in some meaningful conversations about their learning. Additionally, you can look at the primary curriculum page on The Hundred of Hoo Academy website.

Over the course of the mid-term break, we encourage you to take some time as a family to recharge your batteries (if possible), make some incredible memories and relax, ready for one of the busiest terms ahead: I won't mention that word just yet...

As always, thank you for your ongoing support of the school and its staff and making The Hundred of Hoo Academy the special place it is.

Harvest Festival

I wanted to share a genuine heart-felt thank you to everyboy who was willing and able to donate towards our "Rainbow Harvest Festival". Your kindness and generosity truly will ensure that those families in our local community who do not have the means to provide food to their families do not go hungry and is a representation of the truly caring nature of our community. 

The children's singing in our harvest assembly was absolutely fantastic and truly was a celebration of what we've achieved.

As mentioned in our letters our donations will be shared between Medway Food Bank and Caring Hands. 

Parental Engagement Events

Our commitment this year is that every module, every parent will have the opportunity to engage in an activity with their child. Whether that is in the classroom, in the hall, off-site at an event or even at our secondary-site there are many different activities and events planned.

This module we have had parents involved in preparing bread, being involved in Autumn activities, making salt-dough fossils, choosing and reading books, crafting clay Greek masks and becoming artists for the hour.

We know that taking time out of your working week can be challenging and we understand that you may not be able to make it to every session that the school puts on for your child, but we also know how much of a positive impact it has when your child sees you engaging with them in their learning so if you are able to make even one or two over the course of the year, it really will make a difference.

Additionally, we encourage parents to attend our 'book look' events each module where you can take the opportunity to see what your child has been learning and the progress that they have made! This module, these are combined with parents evening so if you have booked a virtual meeting, please be aware that 3.15pm - 3.45pm on Tuesday 19th November will be your opportunity to view your child's books in the school hall.

Parking and Road Safety

As many parents have spoken to me recently, I thought I would address the issues around parking, the use of the drop-off zone and road safety in the local area. 

Over the past three years the school has grown considerably: nearly doubling in size in terms of the number of pupils and, therefore, doubling the number of parents accessing the school site on a daily basis. As a community primary school, we serve the local community with the average catchment of pupils being well within a mile radius. When the school was initially built, I am assured by both Medway council and the architects that the parking facilities were calculated with 420 pupils in mind. I am also regularly reminded that were are in the vast minority of primary schools who are able to  provide parking and drop-off facilities to their families.

This module I have sent correspondence on September 30th regarding the safe use of the school car park and would like to thank the majority of parents who have supported in this; however, it is important to remember that it only takes one vehicle or pedestrian not following the expectations that could lead to a very serious incident. 

As an academy, we are also aware of the growing incidents, including road traffic accidents, taking place on Main Road particularly when there is congestion. I have recently met with Mr Hassett and representatives from Leigh Academies Trust, Hoo Parish Council and Kent Police to explore possible sustainable solutions; however, anything leading to a long-term fix will take some time, planning and agreement from many diferent parties.

It is evident to all stakeholders that the way in which the current facilities are being utilised is unsustainable, particularly with the fact that we still have another 90 families to join us in the coming three years.

With this in mind there are different ways in which you can support the academy to reduce the impact on yourselves as parents and for your children:

• Where possible, walk or cycle to school from home

• Park further away from the school and walk a short distance to the academy, avoiding the traffic directly outside the school

• Consider car-sharing with other parents (which could also save you money!)

• Consider utilising the school's breakfast and after-school club provisions

Key Dates

Monday 4th November 2024 - Start of Term 2

Monday 4th November 2024 - Flu Vaccination - Immunisation Team

11th - 15th November 2024 - Anti-Bullying Week

Tuesday 12th November 2024 - Odd-Socks Day

Monday 18th November 2024 - Primary Parents' Evening

Wednesday 20th November 2024 - Primary Parents' Evening

Thursday 21st November 2024 - Children in Need

Thursday 5th December 2024 - UKS2 Carol Concert at Rochester Cathedral

Friday 6th December 2024 - PTA Christmas Fayre

Thursday 12th December 2024 - Christmas Jumper Day

Thursday 12th December 2024 - LKS2 Christmas Performance - 2pm prompt start

Monday 16th December 2024 - Year 2 Christmas Performance - 2.15pm prompt start

Tuesday 17th December 2024 - EYFS Nativity Performance - 9.30am prompt start

Tuesday 17th December 2024 - Year 1 Christmas Performance - 2.15pm prompt start

Wednesday 18th December 2024 - Christmas Dinner

Friday 20th December 2024 - End of Term - 1.30pm finish