Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter
Reading, reading, reading!
Reading aloud is an incredibly important skill to master and we've noticed since returning that quite a few children are rather 'rusty' at reading aloud with expression. We expect all children to read 5 times a week at home, and it would be a great help if children in KS2 could continue to read aloud to you for part of each practice. They might read the first few pages of a new chapter aloud, then read to themselves, or pre-read and rehearse a section before reading it aloud to you. We've also found sharing reading together by taking a page each in turns is a great way of enjoying a story together and encouraging children to read with expression. Reading aloud is a huge confidence giver and an essential skill for life.
We are desperately seeking some support from our families to help us listen to children read in school too. If you, or another family member could help us by offering to listen to a child read on a regular basis over this academic year, we'd be very grateful. Please speak to Mrs Phillips in the school office or your child's class teacher.
A letter from The Queen
At the end of last term, our superstar Cairo read the sound “ea” "cup of tea" as part of his reading lesson with Mrs Hind. He then wondered how the Queen likes her tea so Mrs Hind suggested he wrote in his best handwriting, to Buckingham Palace to ask her.
We were overjoyed to arrive back to school to have received a letter from Her Majesty’s lady in waiting. What a special moment and definitely a letter that Cairo will be treasured.
Leadership
In assembly this week, we learnt about the changes that have taken place recently in our government. We learnt that the government includes
The Monarch - who is now King Charles
Parliament - The House of Lords
Parliament - The House of Commons - and that we now have a new Prime Minister called Liz Truss.
We learnt how Liz Truss will be looking at the members of her party to choose the best people to form her cabinet and we thought about which of our friends we might choose for these important positions.
Mrs Drake also awarded the Reading Leader badges to the children who have achieved "Golden Reader" level in their reading quizzes. Well done to Olly S, Ryan S, Ebony, Noah, Robert B, Callum, Jessie, Max, Jaxon and Lucy for their excellent reading.
Skills builder at home
Y1 What's near to our school?
Year 1 had a wonderful walk around Haltwhislte as an introduction to our school and local area Geography topic. We built on our lesson in school by spotting all of the things in Haltwhislte that are near to school and which things are far from school. All of the children behaved impeccably and it was wonderful to listen to all of their geographical conversations as we walked around. As ever we would like to say thank you to those parent volunteers who gave up their time to come with us.
Please note the change of web address for our school uniform supplier (this is the same supplier, they have reorganised their website). Emblematic have advised us that all orders are processed daily and are dependant on stock availability from their suppliers. Due to some supply issues, some orders may take longer than 28 days to deliver. They advise placing orders as early as possible for the new school year.
Please could we also remind parents that leggings are not part of our school uniform (see below). Leggings may be used as part of the PE uniform, but should not be used for daily wear in the classroom.
We have also had several young children wearing earrings to school. Children should not wear earrings to school as they present a risk of tearing at playtimes as well as PE. Please could parents ensure earrings are removed before school.
Uniform recycling needs
We are short of:
school jumpers and cardigans in all sizes and
PE kit in larger sizes
for our uniform recycling. If you any of these items, and they are suitable for recycling to another child, please could you bring these to the school office.
Uniform recycling requests
If you would like items of uniform from our recycling bank please use this form (follow link) to make a request.
New footpath
We are really pleased with the improvements to the footpath and road markings, which will make our access safer for all. We are waiting for the arrival of new safety railings and expect these will be installed over the next couple of weeks.
Attendance Matters
As we continue to recover from the disruption to children’s education caused by the pandemic, it is now more important than ever that children’s attendance is good or better. 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.
Friends Resillience Programme - Coffee morning and questions Tuesday 4th October from 8.45am
Harvest Festival
Work with us!
Before and After School club bookings
Please click here to book a place in breakfast club
Please click here to book a place in after school care
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 Alsopp