Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter
Early Years transport - a visit from Fruitcake the boat
Nursery and Reception classes had a very special visit linked to their half term topic: ‘Transport: Here, There and Everywhere!’ We were very excited that Mrs. Hawkins brought her sailing boat into the school yard to show us. As well as watching a demonstration about how the sails work on the boat and what safety equipment is needed, children also had a chance to look inside the boat and ask questions. Children then worked together to create a large scale painting of a boat outside in the Early Years garden. We have been inspired to learn more about boats next week. Thank you to Mr and Mrs Hawkin for bringing Fruitcake into school for us all to enjoy!
Y3/4 Rocks
Year 3 and 4 have been learning about rock properties. We set up our investigations and explored a range of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks to test their permeability, durability, and density. Children then recorded their results and discussed their findings.
Y3/4 Logo
This term, LKS2 have been introduced to programming in Logo. Logo is a text-based programming language where pupils type commands that are then drawn on screen. This week, pupils created algorithms (a set of instructions in the correct order) for their initials. They then implemented these algorithms by writing them in Logo commands to draw the letter. They then had to debug their code if they made a mistake by finding and fixing any errors that they spotted. It was great fun and the children made it look effortless!
Table top wargaming club starts
Children at the first Table Top Wargaming club guiding their troops through the mountains, ready for their armies to clash next week!
If you would like your child to join, the club is run every Thursday afternoon by Mr Hutton. Please sign up here
Assembly - Is it fair?
In assembly this week, we read the story 'What Happened to You?' by author James Catchpole. Whilst listening to the story we ask "Is it fair?" The children thought about the questions Joe had been asked and reflected on how they might feel in his position.
KS2 children then also discussed National Holocaust Week and we remembered the legacy and braveness of Anne Frank.
Our Picture News this week discussed Prime drink and considered the question, "How much control do influencers have over our choices?" It was an interesting debate!
Skills builder at home
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.
Holiday Dates for 23-24
Please note the school holiday and term time dates for the academic year 23-23.
There are 13 weeks of school holidays. Please ensure family holidays are taken during this time.
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