Haltwhistle Academy Newsletter

This term in R.E. Year 2 have been learning about weddings and baptisms. This week we took a trip to church to see Vicar Steve so he could tell us more about baptisms and weddings. We saw the font where babies get baptised and Vicar Steve even got out the baptism registry to see if we could see any of our own names! A huge thank you to Vicar Steve and Holy Cross church for letting us come to visit.

On Friday, we were delighted to welcome Vicar Steve Wright from Holy Cross Church to our school. He shared a wonderful assembly about Advent, explaining how Christians prepare for Christmas during this special time. Through stories and reflections, Vicar Steve helped us understand the importance of hope, love, and giving as we look forward to the festive season. It was an inspiring and thoughtful way to begin our Advent celebrations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the late-night shopping event in Haltwhistle to support our choir! It was wonderful to see so many friendly faces enjoying an evening full of festive cheer. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you had a fantastic time soaking up the holiday spirit while listening to our talented singers. Events like this wouldn’t be possible without your enthusiasm—thank you for making it so special!

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.

12 Social Media Online Tips - For Childen With New Devices

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.