Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter
Snow fun
Bramble class had a wonderful time playing in the snow on Friday. They worked hard together to build snowmen and had great determination to create snowballs that they could roll to make bigger. We also laid back in the sunshine, watched the clouds, made snow angels and snow mountains. ☺️❄️⛄️
Cookery club - savory parcels
This week in cookery club was a savory week. We practised some new skills of peeling and grating to make vegetable parcels. We used puff pastry and discussed the differences between this and the shortcrust pastry we used in our quiche last week.
Architecture
Lower KS2 are working on their pencil drawing skills whilst studying Ancient Greek architecture. They have been practicing their pencil shading techniques and making careful sketches.
We’ll done Miss McAlister’s class who are art class of the week this week - awarded for their amazing effort and wonderful behaviour for learning.
Drama LLama - Rachel Morrisroe
Years 1 and 2 joined children's author Rachel Morrisroe to hear about the riotous adventures of The Drama Llama! They used the illustrations in the book to create their own llama characters.
Has your child had an eye test?
Vision screening is not currently provided for all children in Northumberland, and due to the pandemic, many who may have accessed a sight test did not due to reduced services. It's recommended that every child has an eye test at age 4 or 5, as 'lazy eye' (Amblyopia ) and other issues can be treated most effectively at this age. Around 1 in 4 children nationally need to wear glasses nationally. If your child hasn't accessed a free eye test, please could we ask families to arrange for a test for their child. The nearest opticians are:
Geoff Steven and Son Haltwhistle and Hexham
Specsavers Hexham and Carlisle
Vision Express Carlisle
Skills builder at home
Attendance Matters
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.
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.
Before and After School club bookings
Please click here to book a place in breakfast club. Please note that bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance to ensure we have adequate staffing available. Please speak to a member of our office team if you need to make a short notice booking 01434 320467.
Please click here to book a place in after school care. Please note that bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance to ensure we have adequate staffing available. Please speak to a member of our office team if you need to make a short notice booking 01434 320467.
Calendar of Events - Please scroll to see all dates
Our Parent Calendar provides LIVE dates several months ahead. This can be accessed on our school website and can be added to your phone calendar to you are always aware of forthcoming events.
School Games Gold
Skills Builder Silver
Reading for Pleasure Award
STEM Ambassador School
Ruth Miskin Award
Our school designated safeguarding leads are Susie Drake, Tony Irvine, Michelle Brewster and Bethan Allsop