Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter

Nursery Cook Up a 'Just Right' Porridge Adventure!

This week nursery have learnt how to make porridge like the bears in the traditional tale, Goldilocks and the three bears. We measured out oats, adding three spoons each, then added milk - half a cup each. Then we had to cook it to make it hot and thick. Finally we added some syrup. It was just right!

After-School Clubs

Children in Need

Haltwhistle Academy proudly came together to support Children in Need this week. The children and staff participated in fun activities and fundraising efforts to help make a difference for young people across the UK. From dressing up in spots to creative challenges, the day was filled with excitement and generosity. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed—it’s amazing to see our community united for such a meaningful cause!

Year 5 and 6 - Vindolanda

After a half term of learning about 'Life on the Roman Wall', the children in Years 5 and 6 spent a day exploring the historical site of Vindolanda. They were able to use their newly acquired knowledge  to further investigate the lives of the Commanding Officer and his wife, soldiers, women, children and slaves. After using replicas of artefacts found at Vindolanda in the classroom, the children were amazed to see the real finds in the museum and learn more about how the special anaerobic soil had helped preserve the artefacts. An amazing day made even better by the beautiful autumnal weather!

December Reading Challenge

Complete the challenge throughout to December and return it to your class teacher after the holidays to win a prize!

Attendance - Fire Pit Friday

Pupils who are in school everyday for a week (100% attendance) are entered into a hat and chosen by random. 2 lucky winners from Years 1-6 are come to 'Fire Pit Friday' and enjoy a hot chocolate around the fire. This week's winners had a great time!

Who will it be next week?

School driveway

Please could we remind parents that the school driveway can be used at the following times only:

• To drop off for breakfast club (before 8.20am)

• To collect from after school care (after 3.45pm)

The drive is closed to vehicles from 8.20 - 9am and 3pm - 3.45pm to ensure the safety of the young children walking to and from school.  Only school taxi's and drivers with a blue badge can use the driveway during these times and must observe the 5mph limit.  

Thank you for your support.

Internet Safety Monthly Messages

Check out our parent/carer guides this Month:

Group Chats

Children's Health 

Healthier Together App

Haltwhistle Family Hub

Attendance Matters - important changes coming

Every second in school counts, as missing school, whether by being late or taking unnecessary days off, creates more new learning gaps which need to be addressed.  The best way you can support your child to recover from the lost school time of recent years is to ensure they are in school and ready to learn every day. 

We want every child's attendance to be good or better.  This means 96%+

Please check your child's attendance (see our app) against the class and national data.  School staff are able to offer support if your child's attendance is of concern.    

Please do not take your child out of school during term time as it disrupts your child’s learning and you risk financial penalties.   Any term time leave of absence must be applied for more than 2 weeks before the date of leave and can only be authorised by the Headteacher in the case of EXCEPTIONAL circumstances.  Please could we urge parents to book holidays during the 13 weeks of annual school holidays which are available each year.    In line with our attendance policy, we are required to refer all qualifying absences due to holidays during term time to the Education Welfare Officer at Northumberland County Council.  

If leave has not been authorised and your child is out of school then you may receive a minimum fine of £60 per child, per parent.  If the time out of school makes your child’s attendance drop below 90% then they are known as persistently absent under the governments attendance definitions.  This means that you may face prosecution through the courts. 

Please help us to help your child catch up by ensuring they are in school and ready to learn every day.

Pupil illness - Please note that in line with the new attendance guidance, we need a clear reason for absence for the school register.  If your child is 'poorly' their absence is registered as unauthorised until a reason is provided. Please contact the school office as soon as possible so that the illness reason can be authorised.   

Under the new government policy, if one parent takes their child on an unauthorised term time holiday, both parents with parental responsibility could be subject to a fine issued by Northumberland County Council.  This includes when parents are separated.  

Before and After School club bookings

Calendar of Events - Please scroll to see all dates

If reading this on your phone, please turn your phone sideways to be able to scroll through our planned dates.  You can also add our calendar to your own phone calendar to be sure you don't miss a date.  

Our school designated safeguarding leads are Susie Drake, Alex Wood, Vicki Ridley, Robyn Brockman - Crow and Shirley Phillips

Everyone is responsible for safeguarding children.  Please speak to a member of this team if you are concerned about the safety of a child.