Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter

Crazy Hair Day in aid of Alopecia UK

We are excited and delighted to be fundraising for Alopecia UK on Friday 27th October when we will be inviting children and staff to come to school with totally crazy hair!  In honour of our lovely Phoebe in Y2, we'll be learning a little about alopecia and significant people who have achieved amazing things and live with alopecia during our special day.  We'll also be running a raffle with some fantastic prizes which will be drawn after the holidays.  Donations can be made via parentpay, please support this really worthy cause.  

Testing shadows in Y5

 Y5/6 Mathematicians

Year 5 & 6 have been working collaboratively to solve problems in Maths, they've been using their understanding of rounding, addition and subtraction to support them. There were lots of great mathematical conversations happening as the children discussed their work and findings. The children showed lots of perseverance and resilience in this lesson and were really engaged and eager to find the solution! 

Enjoying our library

Key Stage One have been really enjoying their weekly library slot. Reading for pleasure is so vital so it has been wonderful to see the children so excited to go into the library to pick their new book. The children love sharing their books with their friends and finding cosy spots in the library to read, look and talk about them together.  

Following instructions

As out introduction to instructional writing, Year 2 had to carefully follow the instructions to make Fairy Bread!  Everyone followed the instructions in order and we were very impressed with their spreading and sprinkling skills.

Social media reminder

From time to time we receive requests to support with children's social media use at home.  Please note the following age restrictions for social media use.  We recommend parents are included in any chat groups that include children so that you are able to supervise and monitor the content of your child's communication with their friends.  We recommend parents check Common Sense Media before installing a new app for their child.  This website allows parents to enter the age of their child and filter to find appropriate material.  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Their Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls explains the measures you can take as a parent to keep your child safe online.  

Skillsbuilder - building our skills for life

Skills builder at home

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.

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, Bethan Allsop, Vicki Ridley, Robyn Brockman, Shirley Phillips