Latest News

For latest news, please check our Newsletter page. We also share regular updates through our main Facebook page and class Facebook pages. Please follow us on Facebook and request to join the private Facebook Page for your class to stay up to date.

On this page you will find our archived newsletters from previous years.

• Weekly Newsletter w/c 08/11/2021

  Fri 05 Nov 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

  We have had an exciting first week back exploring many new topics and reconnecting with friends. Please see below for some important notices about school life: 

   

  Poppy Appeal
  Next week (Monday-Wednesday) children will have the opportunity to donate and receive an item from the poppy appeal.

  Products available and suggested donations are listed below:

  Zip Pull – 50p
  Poppy Reflector – 50p
  Silicon Wristband- £1
  Snap Band- £1.50

   

  Video Resource Centre

  To support parent/carers in guiding children with their learning at home teachers have created narrated seminars, which you can access by clicking here. These easy to follow videos explain key English and Mathematic concepts.

   

  PE Kits
  As the weather has now turned colder it is important that the children have appropriate clothing for outdoor PE. This should include a plain navy sweatshirt or hoodie, plain navy jogging bottoms, trainers or plimsolls and bag to store the PE kit (e.g. drawstring bag). For more information, please click here.

   

  Hertfordshire's School Admissions Consultation 2023/24

  Hertfordshire County Council is running a consultation on the proposed admissions arrangements for the school year 2023/24 and is seeking responses from parent/carers, schools and community groups.

   

  The proposed changes are:

   

  1.       To amend the definition and explanation for home address, where two applications are received for the same child

   

  2.       To amend the oversubscription criteria for Pirton Primary School

   

  3.       To reduce the published admission number (PAN) at five community primary schools 

   

  The consultation period runs until 12 December 2021. Please click here for more information and to respond online.

   

  Just Talk

  Just Talk is Hertfordshire’s mental health and wellbeing campaign, involving over 35 local organisations and co-produced with young people.  

   

  This year’s Just Talk Week is coming 15-21 November! This year, Just Talk is focusing on the importance of kindness – how we can all benefit from being a little kinder to ourselves, and each other. Young people, as well as their parents and carers are invited to get involved and promote positive mental health in Herts. 

   

  Following the success of 2020’s event, this year’s campaign week will also be taking place online. You and/or your children will be able to access a range of FREE informational webinars throughout the week, on important topics including:- 

  • How to look after your own wellbeing 
  • Coping with stress and anxiety 
  • Managing conflict within the family 
  • Supporting mental health in young people with neurodiversity 
  • Healthy eating  
  • The benefits of physical activity  
  • Daily mindfulness sessions  

   

  There will also be a host of great content on the Just Talk social media across campaign week, from the many partners that work together on the Just Talk campaign, and the inspirational Mental Health Ambassador and Speaker Antonio Ferreira, who has lived experience of mental health issues and how to get through them.

   

  See the full webinar schedule, as well as a range of FREE resources, videos and information here.

  
  Upcoming In School Events

   

  11/11/21- Make a Poppy Day
  To commemorate Remembrance Day, all children will be making a poppy-themed item.  Last year the children made face coverings - what will they create this year?

   

  Regards 

  The School Office 

   

   

• Weekly Newsletter w/c 01/11/2021

  Fri 22 Oct 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

  Thank you for an amazing first half term we wish you a fantastic break. Please see below for some important notices about school life: 

   

  Breakfast Club & Wraparound Care

  A reminder to parent/carers that you may make bookings for Breakfast Club and Wraparound Care via the School Gateway app. 

   

  From Monday to Friday, our breakfast club starts at 7:45am.  All children must arrive by 8:15am to receive a breakfast and 8.20am at the latest. After this time, the children go out to play and there is no one from Breakfast Club to greet them from the entrance area.

   

  The children who attend Breakfast Club are offered a nutritious breakfast (e.g. porridge, toast, fruit etc.) before taking part in games and activities ahead of the school day which begins at 8:40am.

   

  Children in Wraparound care are to be collected from Greenfield Nursery until 5:45pm after that collections are to be made from the school office. All children must be collected by 6pm the latest.

   

  If your child no longer needs to attend Breakfast Club/Wraparound Care, please cancel the booking via the app. If you are unable to do this please contact the school admin team who will be happy to help.

   

  You may click here to read more information about before- and after-school care.

   

  Change of Date

  The Reception Christmas Concert will now take place on Thursday 16thy December at the same time of 9:15-10:15am.

   

  After School Clubs

  For safeguarding reasons, parent/carers are not permitted to watch their children at after school clubs. Please collect your child/ren from their afterschool club at the specified time.

   

  Home Packed Lunch

  If you are providing your child with a home packed lunch, please click here to familiarise yourselves with what can and what cannot be included.  As a reminder, we are a nut free school and therefore products that contain nuts should not be included in a packed lunch.

   

  Allergies
  If you child has any dietary requirements please fill out the form linked here.

   

  Daisy’s Community Hub
  Corina is the founder of the charity Daisy’s 21 Wishes. She launched the charity based on the life of her daughter Daisy who has Down Syndrome. 

  The aim of the charity is to turn the negative experiences families into a positive. The charities aim is to support families within our borough that have a family member with SEN. With the support of Broxbourne council and HCC a support group is launching. The group will run every other Friday 10-12 from Cheshunt Park golf club. Opening on Friday 22nd October.  Services will also be invited in to talk with parents starting with Andy Laurance from the 0-25 team who will be attending on the 5th November.

   

  Morrisons- SANDY packages
  Period poverty is a real issue, as those who are struggling cannot afford the sanitary products they need. To help, some Morrisons stores have launched an initiative to discreetly give out free products to those in need. If you are in need or struggling for sanitary products, go to the Customer Service Kiosk and ask for a package SANDY has left for you. You will be given a FREE discreet envelope with what you need. No questions asked.

   

  Hertfordshire Constabulary- Halloween Competition
  Young people can make this Halloween one to remember by entering our online quiz where they can win a magical prize for the whole family.  We have teamed up again this year with Warner Bros to give youngsters the chance to win a fantastic family ticket to The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden.

   

  Over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, Hertfordshire Constabulary is inviting young people between the ages of 5 and 16 across the county to take part in the online quiz, which aims to help them enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely.

   

  The quiz is part of a campaign run during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, with local councils and the Fire and Rescue Service, to deter anti-social behaviour and make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. 

  To enter the competition, visit www.herts.police.uk/halloween and answer the questions before midnight on Monday 8 November.

   

  If children (and parents) are planning to go trick or treating we ask that you consider the following advice to help you stay safe and not cause distress to others:

  ·Never go trick or treating alone and always take an adult with you.

  ·Don’t knock on the doors of strangers

  ·Only visit houses where there are signs that trick or treaters are welcome, such as Halloween decorations and pumpkins outside.

  ·Keep your Halloween ‘tricks’ safe - damage to property or hurting someone is a crime. Threatening and abusive behaviour can amount to an offence too.

  ·Remember road safety rules, particularly after dark.

  ·Wear something bright so that drivers can see you.

  ·If you are planning on hosting your own firework party make sure you tell all your neighbours, especially those with pets who may be affected by the noise.

   

   

  Upcoming In School Events

   

  01/11/21- First day back at school
  To celebrate the first day of school all children will participate in firework biscuit decorating.

   

  01/11/21- Nasal Flu Immunisation

  The Flu Immunisation Programme will take place in school by Vaccination UK.

   

  11/11/21- Make a Poppy Day
  To commemorate Remembrance Day, all children will be making a poppy-themed item.  Last year the children made face coverings - what will they create this year?

   

  Upcoming School Trips

  04/11/21- Year 4 – Mountfitchet Castle

   

  Regards 

   

  The School Office 

• Weekly Newsletter w/c 18/10/2021

  Fri 15 Oct 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

   

  We have had an excellent first half term. Thank you to parent/carers for your ongoing support. Please see below for some important notices about school life: 

   

  Covid 19 Update

  We would like to reassure parents that we do not currently have a high number of confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in the school, but this will continue to be closely monitored by the senior leadership team.

   

  If your child has any of the symptoms of Covid-19, you must keep them off school and get a PCR test. Please can we remind you of the importance of getting a test done as soon as possible and informing the school so that we can keep a close eye on numbers of current cases. It is much quicker to go to a walk in or drive through test centre for your PCR test rather than sending off for it in the post. If you are able to do this, please can we encourage you to do so to enable the school to be informed of any positive cases as soon as possible.

   

   The symptoms of Covid-19 are:

   

  ·a high temperature;

  ·a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot more than an hour, or 3 or more severe coughing episodes in 24 hours;

  ·a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

   

  For any positive cases, it is now the responsibility of NHS Test and Trace to get in touch with any close contacts. If your child is positive with Covid-19 please do work together with the Test and Trace service to identify anyone who might need to get a test. 

   

   

  Parents and Carers Consultation Evening – Years 1 to 6

  If you have not already done so, please book your 10-minute appointment for Thursday 21st October. You will have received an email invitation with details of how to book. The booking system will close on Tuesday 19th October 2021 at 6pm. Please allow a ten-minute gap between appoints for siblings.

  Please speak to the School Office if you are experiencing any difficulty with booking your appointment.

   

  Reception Parent /Carer Meeting – Tuesday 19th October 09:00 – 09:30

  We are holding a meeting for all parents and carers of children in this year’s Reception cohort. The meeting will be to explain what the children will be learning and experiencing this year and how you can support their learning at home. We will also be able to answer any questions you have. Please come to the school office after dropping off your child/ren and you will be shown into the hall.

   

  Schoolcomms App

  A few parent/carers have reported that they are not receiving texts from the school; these messages are later found in the Schoolcomms app.

  To resolve this issue please follow the guidance below.

  To receive messages on text parent/carers will need to logout of the app after use. Alternatively, parent/carers can use the web version of School Gateway to make bookings/payments.

  To log out of a School Gateaway account via the Schoolcomms app:

  · Click on Dashboard
  · Click on Linked People
  · Search for the name of the parent or child
  · Click on the parent’s name
  · Under the School Gateway Actions heading on the right-hand side, click on 'Log out'

  To receive notifications via the app please ensure notifications are turned on.

   

  Learning with Parents – Mathematics Homework

  A few parent/carers have reported they are unable to access learning with parents. Please check your junk for the sign up email.

   

  Halloween

  As we approach Halloween we still want everyone to feel safe in their homes. If you feel you don't want people knocking on your door this year there are certain things you can do. This includes not putting out decorations.

  We have attached two posters to our emailed newsletter from the local police that you can place in your window; one inviting trick or treaters to knock, and another politely requesting they leave you in peace.

   

  Upcoming School Events

  22/10/21 - Halloween Dress-up Day
  To let the children (and parents/carers) showcase their creativity, we are inviting children to dress-up in Halloween-themed costume. We encourage you please to make do with what you have at home already rather than spending money on a new outfit and/or make props out of paper or card. You can see an example here of how to make a witches hat. There will be prizes for the most creative outfits! 

   

  25-29/10/21- Half Term      
  School is closed from Monday 25 October 2021 to Friday 29 October 2021.  School reopens on Monday 1 November 2021.

   

  01/11/21-  Nasal Flu Immunisation

  The Flu Immunisation Programme will take place in school by Vaccination UK.

   

  Upcoming School Trips

  04/11/21- Year 4 – Mountfitchet Castle

  You will receive a letter from your child/s class teacher containing detailed information

   

  Kind Regards

  School Office

• Weekly Newsletter w/c 11/10/2021

  Fri 08 Oct 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

  Please see below for some important notices about school life:

   

  Parent and Carers' Consultation Evening for Years 1-6
  We will be holding our Parent and Carer Consultation Evening on Thursday 21st October 2021, 3:45-9:00pm. 

   

  If you have a child in Years 1-6, you will be able to make a 10-minute appointment to meet with your child's teacher to discuss your child's behaviour and learning.  If you have a child in Reception, you will not be making an appointment as you meet with your child's teacher at different points in the year. 

   

  On Monday 11th October 2021 at 6pm, you will receive an email invitation to book a 10-minute appointment with your child's class teacher. The booking system will close on Tuesday 19th October 2021 at 6pm. Please note in some circumstances we may need to rearrange meetings, if so we will be in contact. 

   

  Please also allow a ten-minute gap between appointments for siblings. For example if your first child has an appointment at 3:55 – 4.05pm, the earliest appointment you should book for their sibling would be 4:15pm.

   

  Learning with Parents – Mathematics Homework

  Moving forward, we are going to be setting maths homework through a website called Learning with Parents.  

   

  This website has 2-minute videos that aim to teach adults and children before suggesting fun games or tasks to complete using resources you would have in the home. You can then leave feedback to let the teacher know how the children got on.

   

  Please read the slides that were attached to the emailed newsletter and sign up on the Learning with Parents website this week using the information provided on Monday by your child’s class teacher.

        

  Your child/ren's homework will begin to be set on there from next week, starting Friday 15th October 2021.

   

  Thank you for your support.

   

  Mrs Ryan-Roberts (Subject Leader for Mathematics)

   

  Remote Learning

  If your child is isolating at home awaiting a PCR test, or has received a positive result for COVID-19, your child’s class teacher will be in contact to discuss remote learning. For more information about remote learning, please click here.

   

  Parent and Carer Parking

  You will have seen today that the local police are supporting us in our efforts to ensure the road outside of school is safe for all at drop off and pick up times. They have had to issue some parking fines today and will be continuing to support us in this way going forwards. Thank you again to the majority of our parents for parking considerately and safely.

   

  Mrs Bye would also like to say a big thank you to those parent/carers who have supported her by collecting the cones before and after school.  These small acts of kindness are very much appreciated.

   

  Breakfast Club & Wraparound Care

  A reminder to parent/carers that you may make bookings for Breakfast Club and Wraparound Care via the School Gateway app. 

   

  Please note: All bookings for Breakfast Club must be made, at the latest, the evening before you wish your child to attend. If your child no longer needs to attend Breakfast Club/Wraparound Care, please cancel the booking via the app. If you are unable to do this please contact the school admin team who will be happy to help.

   

  From Monday to Friday, our breakfast club starts at 7:45am.  All children must arrive by 8:15am to receive a breakfast and 8.20am at the latest. After this time, the children go out to play and there is no one from Breakfast Club to greet them from the entrance area.

   

  The children who attend Breakfast Club are offered a nutritious breakfast (e.g. porridge, toast, fruit etc.) before taking part in games and activities ahead of the school day which begins at 8:40am.

   

  You may click here to read more information about before- and after-school care.

   

  Food Banks

  Local agencies are striving to support families in the area. If you are struggling to provide food for your family please contact a local foodbank by clicking here or phoning 07943 986 261 .

   

  Upcoming School Events

  22/10/21 - Halloween Dress-up Day
  To let the children (and parents/carers) showcase their creativity, we are inviting children to dress-up in Halloween-themed costume. We encourage you please to make do with what you have at home already rather than spending money on a new outfit and/or make props out of paper or card. You can see an example here of how to make a witches hat. There will be prizes for the most creative outfits! 

   

  Kind Regards

  School office

• Weekly Newsletter w/c 04/10/2021

  Fri 01 Oct 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

   

  Please see below for some important notices about school life: 

   

  Changes to After School Clubs

  Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to make changes to the days that the following clubs take place to avoid having to cancel them altogether. We do apologise for any inconvenience caused but are pleased to say that we have been able to move things around to ensure both clubs can still take place:

   

  KS1 Taekwondo Club

  As of Monday 4th October 2021 KS1 taekwondo club will now take place on Mondays.

  Years 1-3 Steelpans Club

  As of Monday 1st November, steelpans club will take place on a Thursday.

   

  Parent Netball Sessions

  England Netball Team are looking to offer parent/carers a free four week beginner netball program no experience necessary. Sessions will begin at 9am and will last for around 40 minutes. If you would like more information about this, please contact or approach Mrs Bye in the playground, at coffee morning or by telephoning the school office.

   

  Maths Support

  Mrs Ryan-Roberts (Pear Class Teacher and Subject Leader for Maths) would like to offer maths support sessions to parent/carers. These sessions will develop mathematical understanding, which can be used to support children at home.  If you would like more information about this, please contact or approach Mrs Bye in the playground, at coffee morning or by telephoning the school office.

   

  Friends of Hurst Drive

  We are currently looking for parent/carers to join Friends of Hurst Drive. If you would like more information about this or would like to become a member, please contact or approach Mrs Bye in the playground, at coffee morning or by telephoning the school office.

   

  Toy Swap

  This Christmas Mrs Bye will be organising a toy swap enabling parent/carers to provide their child/ren with presents this year. If you would like more information about this, please contact or approach Mrs Bye in the playground, at coffee morning or by telephoning the school office.

   

  Schools Meals

  If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they will continue to have the option of a Universal Free School Meal.  Similarly, if your child is in Years 3-6 and is eligible for Free School Meals, they will have the option of a school-funded lunch.  If your child is in Years 3-6 and not eligible for Free School Meals, please make sure you use the School Gateway app to pay for their school meals in advance to avoid incurring a debt.  

  Please note all school meals need to be pre-ordered you can do this via the School Gateway app. Discussing the options available with your child/ren will ensure they are provided a meal they will eat and enjoy.

   

  Parent/Carer Parking update

  A big thank you to all parent/carers who are continuing to support us in creating a safer street for Hurst Drive.

  As a reminder, parents should not double-park. Double parking means parking a vehicle on the roadway side of a vehicle already stopped. This blocks the road for other users and increases the risk of accident to pedestrians. 

  Yellow zigzag lines outside the school gates also indicates the length of road where stopping or waiting is strictly prohibited. The Highway Code states that you should keep these areas clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children.

   

  We will continue to have staff positioned outside the school gates to monitor parking and to keep everyone safe. If a member of staff asks you to move on from the area in which you have parked your vehicle, we ask you to kindly follow their instructions. Sadly, a very small minority of parents/carers have refused to move their vehicles and have been verbally abusive to staff members. Whilst we appreciate that some parents/carers feel frustrated by these measures, any verbal abuse of our staff is not acceptable. We also want to remind you that monitoring parking in this way is necessary for the safety of our children and the local community.

  As most of our families live locally, we strongly advise that families walk to school if you are able. If you do need to drive to school, we recommend giving yourself enough time to park safely in one of the surrounding roads (e.g. Raglan Avenue) before walking to school. 

  Doing this will make it safer for parents/carers and children to cross the road outside the school. Thank you to those parents who always behave respectfully whether it be on foot, or in their car.

   

  Upcoming In School Events

   08/10/21 -Wear Blue for Herts Vision Loss 
  To coincide with World Sight Day, all children should come to school dressed in blue to support Hawk House's local charity, Herts Vision Loss.  We are seeking a voluntary contribution of £1 (or whatever you may spare) per child. 

   

  Upcoming School Trips

  7/10/21 & 8/10/21- Year 6 – Ben Kinsella Trust – Anti Knife Crime Education

  You will receive a letter from your child/s class teacher containing detailed information

   

  Regards

  The School Office

• Weekly Newsletter w/c 27/09/2021

  Fri 24 Sep 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

   

  Please see below for some important notices about school life: 

   

  Parent/Carer Parking

   

  A big thank you to all parent/carers who are supporting us in creating a safer street for Hurst Drive. Parking at drop off and pick up times has already improved this week and we have had many parents/carers and local residents thanking the School for the improvement.

  We will continue to have staff positioned outside the school gates to monitor parking and to keep everyone safe. If a member of staff asks you to move on from the area in which you have parked your vehicle, we ask you to kindly follow their instructions. Sadly, a very small minority of parents/carers have refused to move their vehicles and have been verbally abusive to staff members. Whilst we appreciate that some parents/carers feel frustrated by these measures, any verbal abuse of our staff is not acceptable. We also want to remind you that monitoring parking in this way is necessary for the safety of our children and the local community.

  As most of our families live locally, we strongly advise that families walk to school if you are able. If you do need to drive to school, we recommend giving yourself enough time to park safely in one of the surrounding roads (e.g. Raglan Avenue) before walking to school.  Doing this will make it safer for parents/carers and children to cross the road outside the school.

  Thank you to those parents who always behave respectfully whether it be on foot, or in their car.

   

  Bikes and scooters

   

  We are so pleased to see so many children walking and riding to school. However, some children are staying on their bikes/scooters when they come through the gate, which could cause a nasty accident. Please remind your child to get off their bike or scooter as soon as they get to the school gates and walk in. The same goes for the end of the day. Thank you for your support in this.

   

  KS1 Bike and Scooter Club

   

  If your child attends the KS1 bike and scooter club, please be aware they need to bring their own bike/scooter to school each week along with a well-fitting helmet.

  Please click here to find out how to fit your child’s helmet.

   

   

  Breakfast Club & Wraparound Care

   

  A reminder to parent/carers that you may make bookings for Breakfast Club and Wraparound Care via the School Gateway app. 

   

  From Monday to Friday, our breakfast club starts at 7:45am.  All children must arrive by 8:15am to receive a breakfast and 8.20am at the latest. After this time, the children go out to play and there is no one from Breakfast Club to greet them from the entrance area.

   

  The children who attend Breakfast Club are offered a nutritious breakfast (e.g. porridge, toast, fruit etc.) before taking part in games and activities ahead of the school day which begins at 8:40am.

   

  If your child no longer needs to attend Breakfast Club/Wraparound Care, please cancel the booking via the app. If you are unable to do this please contact the school admin team who will be happy to help.

   

  You may click here to read more information about before- and after-school care.

   

  School and Personal Property

   

  One of our schools rules at Hurst Drive is ‘We look after school and personal property’.

  It is important to encourage your children to take responsibility for their personal property and therefore please ensure your child arrives at school each day with all the items they will require for the school day e.g. water bottle, PE kit, reading books etc.

   

  Haileybury Turnford School

   

  Haileybury Turnford School would like to invite prospective parent/carers and students in Year 5&6 to join an online virtual Q&A session with the Principal, Mr Newman, Vice Principal, Mrs Goodes and Year Achievement Coordinator – Year 7, Miss Allingham

   

  This session will take place Monday 27th September at 5.00pm.  It is a chance to chat and ask any questions your may have about the school or the application process before the deadline at the end of October.

   

  Microsoft Teams meeting

  Join on your computer or mobile app

  Click here to join the meeting

   

  Haileybury Turnford will also holding parent/carers school tours from Monday 27th September to half term between 9.00am and 11.00am.

   

  If you would like to book at tour please call 01992 308333 or email enquiries@haileyburyturnford.com. 

   

  You can also view a virtual tour via the school website- www.haileyburyturnford.com.

   

  Coronavirus (Covid-19) Reminder

   

  Just to remind all parents/carers that if your child has symptoms of COVID-19 that they should stay at home and get a PCR test. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:

  ·A high temperature

  ·A new, continuous cough

  ·A loss or change to sense of smell or taste

   

  Please do be reassured however that children are at a very low risk and rate of severe illness from current variants – the benefits of them being in an education setting continues to significantly outweigh the COVID-19 health risks.

   

  Upcoming In School Events

   

  08/10/21 -Wear Blue for Herts Vision Loss 
  To coincide with World Sight Day, all children should come to school dressed in blue to support Hawk House's local charity, Herts Vision Loss.  We are seeking a voluntary contribution of £1 (or whatever you may spare) per child. 

   

  Yours sincerely,

   

  The Administration Team

   

  admin@hurstdrive.herts.sch.uk

   

  01992 624099

• Hurst Drive Newsletter w/c 20/9/21

  Thu 16 Sep 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

   

  Please see below for some important notices about school life:

   

   

  School Day

   

  The main school gates will be open just before 8.40am each day and classrooms doors open at 8.40am and close at 8.55am. The school day ends 3.30pm. At the end of the school day, all children are collected from their external classroom door, unless a parent/carer has given permission in writing for them to walk home alone or for them to walk themselves down to the front playground to meet their parent/carer. If you have not given this permission but would like to, please e-mail admin@hurstdrive.herts.sch.uk with your child/ren's full name/s and stating you give permission for them to exit the classroom alone.

   

  Attendance & Term Dates

   

  We have started the term with 98% attendance, which is excellent. We ask all of our parents/carers to support us in aiming for no less than 98% attendance for all children this year. Excellent attendance is so important in helping your child to achieve their best at school as well as ensuring they do not miss any of the fantastic trips and workshops that we have planned for the term ahead.

   

  Please go online to view our updated term dates for 2021 2022 https://www.hurstdrive.herts.sch.uk/term-dates/ and check the dates carefully before booking any holidays or trips. It is also important to do everything possible please to book any medical appointments outside of school hours.

   

  Please also note the timing of the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday in the summer term. This is taking place in the summer half term so schools have been asked to choose another day when this can be taken for the children. It has been decided that Hurst Drive will take Friday 1st July 2022 as our Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday, school will therefore be closed that day.

   

   

  Coronavirus (Covid-19) Reminder

   

  Just to remind all parents/carers that if your child has symptoms of COVID-19 that they should stay at home and get a PCR test. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:

  · A high temperature

  · A new, continuous cough

  · A loss or change to sense of smell or taste

   

  Please do be reassured however that children are at a very low risk and rate of severe illness from current variants – the benefits of them being in an education setting continues to significantly outweigh the COVID-19 health risks.

   

   

   

  Nasal Flu Immunisation - Monday 1st November 2021

   

  It is very important that the children have this vaccine to protect them against flu, which can lead to serious problems like bronchitis or pneumonia.

   

  We will be e-mailing out forms for parents/carers and we will be giving paper copies to your children to take home later on this month along with the collection date.

   

  Please note, if you hand in the form, but your child happens to be absent on Monday 1st November 2021, your child will have the vaccine on Wednesday 1st December 2021 - you do not need to complete the form again. If you are unsure whether you handed in the completed form, you may e-mail admin@hurstdrive.herts.sch.uk, giving your child's full name and an Office Administrator will investigate and get back to you.

   

   

  Parent/carers STEPS Training

   

  Mrs Bye and Mrs James-Souch will be holding training to support parent/carers in managing behaviour at home. This will take place in school on Wednesday 29th September at 9-10.30am. If you would like to attend, please contact Mrs Bye or Mrs James-Souch in the playground at drop off/pick up times, at the coffee morning or by telephoning the School Office.

   

   

  Upcoming In School Events

  24/09/21 -European Day of Languages

   

  To celebrate European Day of Languages, each class will learn words and phrases from a European language. Your child should come to school dressed in non-school uniform in the colours of the flag of the European country their class has been learning about (e.g. France = blue, white and red clothing). More information to follow.

   

  24/09/21- National Day of Cooking

   

  To celebrate National Day of Cooking, and to complement children learning words and phrases from a European language, each class will be preparing a dish from the European country they have been studying. More information to follow.

   

  Upcoming School Trips

   

  16.09.21 & 17.9.21 – Year 6 Lea Valley White Water Centre

  20.09.21 & 21.09.21- Year 2 Woburn Safari Park

   

  You will receive a letter from your child/s class teacher containing detailed information.

• Weekly Newsletter w/c 13/09/2021

  Fri 10 Sep 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

   

  It has been a great first week back at Hurst Drive, it is wonderful to see all of the children settling back into school so well and getting to know their new teachers. We hope they’ve enjoyed getting started as much as we have. Please see below for some important notices about school life:  

   

  School Day

  The main school gates will be open just before 8.40am each day and classrooms doors open at 8.40am and close at 8.55am. The school day ends 3.30pm. At the end of the school day, all children are collected from their external classroom door, unless a parent/carer has given permission in writing for them to walk home alone or for them to walk themselves down to the front playground to meet their parent/carer.  If you have not given this permission but would like to, please e-mail admin@hurstdrive.herts.sch.uk with your child/ren's full name/s and stating you give permission for them to exit the classroom alone.

        

  Walnut Class

  If you have a child in Walnut Class moving forward, please use the alternative door to the left of the classroom when dropping off and collecting your child.

   

  Bikes and scooters

  We are so pleased to see so many children walking and riding to school. However, some children are staying on their bikes/scooters when they come through the gate, which could cause a nasty accident. Please remind your child to get off their bike or scooter as soon as they get to the school gates and walk in. The same goes for the end of the day. Thank you for your support in this.

   

  Parent Observations of Teaching

  We would like to offer parent/carers the opportunity to observe a short section of a lesson taught during the school day. If you would like the chance to observe a lesson or would like more information please contact or approach Mrs Bye in the playground, at coffee morning or by telephoning the school office.

   

  Schools Meals

  If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they will continue to have the option of a Universal Free School Meal.  Similarly, if your child is in Years 3-6 and is eligible for Free School Meals, they will have the option of a school-funded lunch.  If your child is in Years 3-6 and not eligible for Free School Meals, please make sure you use the School Gateway app to pay for their school meals in advance to avoid incurring a debt.  A school meal costs £2.60. Otherwise, if you are providing your child with a home packed lunch, please click here to familiarise yourselves with what can and what cannot be included.  

   

  Household Goods

  Mrs Bye our Family Support Worker has received funding to provide some of our families with household goods. These goods will be delivered and fitted. If you would like more information about this, please contact or approach Mrs Bye in the playground, at coffee morning or by telephoning the school office.

   

  Parent/Carer Parking

  Most of our families live locally and should walk to school. If you do need to drive to school, we recommend giving yourself enough time to park safely in one of the surrounding roads (e.g. Raglan Avenue) before walking to school.  Doing this will make it safer for parents/carers and children to cross the road outside the school, and it will stop arguments occurring between parents and carers, as well as between parents/carers and local residents.

  We strive to ensure a safer street for Hurst Drive and therefore we will now have staff positioned outside the school gates monitoring parent/carer parking. We would like parents/carers to help us facilitate this. If you are interested in supporting us, please contact or approach Mrs Bye in the playground, at coffee morning or by telephoning the school office.

   

  Reading at home

  As we have started a new term any banded reading books that children may have at home need to be returned to school by Monday 13th September 2021. 

  One of the most important things you can do to help your child to learn and do well at school is to read with them at home. As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher, you have a very important role to play in helping them to become readers.  

  Why is reading so important? 

  Reading: 

  • Helps children to learn new vocabulary 

  • Helps children to develop their speaking and listening skills 
  • Gives children the opportunity to talk about stories and ideas 
  • Gives children the skills they need to understand other areas of the school curriculum such as maths and science 
  • Develops children’s understanding of the world around them and other people 

  Reading at home 

  • Reception - A child in Reception will take home three books each week: a sharing book for an adult to read to them, a Read Write Inc. Phonics book they can read to an adult, and a colour-banded book they can also read to an adult so they are being introduced to high-quality storybooks and information books.
  • Years 1 & 2 - A child in Year 1 or Year 2 will take home two books each week: a Read Write Inc. Phonics book they can read to an adult, along with a colour-banded book they can also read to an adult 
  • Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 - A child in Years 3-6 will take home one colour-banded book each week.  Often the children in Key Stage 2 read chapter books and so may keep the same book for a few weeks and this is perfectly acceptable.

  Your child has been given a new reading record, banded book, and a reading record help sheet. It is important that you spend time reading through these to support your children with their reading at home. 

  The school has invested heavily in a range of literature and resources to support our English curriculum so please ensure that your child's reading record and reading book are taken care of and returned to school in good condition. You may be asked to contribute to the cost of any lost resources. 

   

  Moving on Leaflets

  Attached to the emailed version of the newsletter is a leaflet for parents with children who will be transferring to a new school in September 2022. Additional information is available at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions. All parents are encouraged to apply on time and online wherever possible.  

   

  St Mary’s Transition

  St Mary’s are delighted to advise that they are able to schedule a face to face Transition evening this year, where they invite parents and their year 5 children to the school to see what they can offer when considering the move on to secondary education.

  Attached to the emailed version of the newsletter there is a letter from St Mary’s where you can find all the necessary information including dates of the school tours.

   

  Upcoming In School Events

  24/09/21 -European Day of Languages

  To celebrate European Day of Languages, each class will learn words and phrases from a European language.  Your child should come to school dressed in non-school uniform in the colours of the flag of the European country their class has been learning about (e.g. France = blue, white and red clothing). More information to follow.

  24/09/21- National Day of Cooking

  To celebrate National Day of Cooking, and to complement children learning words and phrases from a European language, each class will be preparing a dish from the European country they have been studying. More information to follow.

   

  Upcoming School Trips

  13.09.21 & 14.09.21 & 17.9.21 – Year 2 Woburn Safari Park

  16.09.21 & 17.9.21 – Year 6 Lea Valley White Water Centre

  20.09.21 & 21.09.21- Year 2 Woburn Safari Park

  You will receive a letter from your child/s class teacher containing detailed information.

   

   

   

• Weekly Newsletter w/c 06/09/2021

  Mon 06 Sep 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

   

  We are looking forward to welcoming the children and their parents/carers back to school from Monday 6th September 2021.  

   

  Please see below for some important reminders, and, if you are in contact with other parents/carers, please remind them to read this e-mail as well:  

   

  School reopens on Monday 6th September 2021 for all children in Years 1-6 at 8.40am.  If you have a child starting Reception, we look forward to visiting you this week and next for your home visit. If you are unsure when we will be visiting your child at home, please telephone or e-mail the school, giving your child's full name so the Office Administrators may find out the information for you. Please note that school for all Reception children will start on Tuesday 14th September.  

  In the rare circumstance that your child is showing COVID-19 symptoms or has received a positive COVID-19 test result, please do not bring them to school and telephone the school office to report the reason for their absence. The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

  • a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

  On the first day, children in Year 1 may be taken to their external classroom door by their parent/carer at the start of the day but moving forward they must walk themselves to their classroom from the front playground. Children in Year 2-6 must walk themselves to their classrooms from the front playground with parents remaining on the playground. There are school staff on duty who supervise their quick entry into school.

  The school day will now end at 3.30pm. At the end of the school day, all children are collected from their external classroom door, unless a parent/carer has given permission in writing for them to walk home alone or for them to walk themselves down to the front playground to meet their parent/carer.  If you have not given this permission but would like to, please e-mail admin@hurstdrive.herts.sch.uk with your child/ren's full name/s and stating you give permission for them to exit the classroom alone.      

  All children should be in full school uniform, including bringing their PE kit to school and a waterproof coat.  Please click here to remind yourself of what school uniform is required.

  If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they will continue to have the option of a Universal Free School Meal.  Similarly, if your child is in Years 3-6 and is eligible for Free School Meals, they will have the option of a school-funded lunch.  If your child is in Years 3-6 and not eligible for Free School Meals, please make sure you use the SchoolGateway app to pay for their school meals in advance to avoid incurring a debt.  A school meal costs £2.60. Otherwise, if you are providing your child with a home packed lunch, please click here to familiarise yourselves with what can and what cannot be included.  

   

  Breakfast Club and Wraparound Care will start in the week commencing Monday 6th September 2021.

  After school clubs will start in the week commencing Monday 13th September 2021. You will need to have the SchoolGateway app on your phone (or access the website via a laptop or computer) to make bookings for clubs. 

  We look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 6th September 2021 and we thank you in advance for your support in following the reminders in this e-mail.
   

  Yours sincerely,

   

  Mrs M Forrest

  Headteacher

   

• Newsletter - w/c 19/07/21

  Thu 15 Jul 2021

  Dear Parent/Carer,

   

  Please see below for some important notices about school life:

   

  Last Day of Term - Wednesday 21 July 2021

   

  The school year will finish on Wednesday 21 July 2021 at 1:45pm.  On this day, we will be holding our prize draw for those children who have maintained 100% attendance, and the winning child will win a brand-new Amazon Fire tablet along with a selection of brand-new age-appropriate reading books.  So long as the child has permission to have his/her photograph on-line, we will reveal the winner via our Facebook page.  

   

  Please note, we will be holding class parties on this day, so children are welcome to come to school in non-school uniform, and parents/carers are welcome to donate some juice or nut-free snacks for the children to enjoy. 

   

  Move Up Day - Tuesday 20 July 2021

   

  On Tuesday, every child will spend the afternoon in their new classroom with their new class teacher to help prepare them for the change in September 2021.  They will be returned to class for the end of the day so you may collect your child as normal from their current classroom.  

   

  Free School Meals - Summer Holiday - Supermarket Voucher

   

  If you have a child eligible for free school meals, you will receive an e-mail from noreply@edenred.com on Monday 19 July 2021 with a code for you to exchange for a £50 supermarket voucher to help you buy food for your children.  If you haven't received your e-mail by Tuesday, please contact the School Office.  Make sure you check your clutter/junk e-mail before contacting the School Office.   

   

  Breakfast Club & Wraparound Care - Autumn 2021

   

  Tomorrow - Friday 16 July 2021 - at noon, the system will go live for parents/carers to make bookings for Breakfast Club and Wraparound Care for the autumn term.  You may click here to read more information about this before- and after-school care.

   

  Parent and Carer Survey 2021

   

  Thank you to every parent/carer who took the time to complete the survey - you may click here to read the results.  We will take your feedback to ensure we keep improving the school further to best serve the children and the community.      

   

  Reporting Concerns about a Child

   

  During the Summer Holidays, parents/carers may see or hear something about a child that worries them.  If you are concerned about a child's safety, please telephone the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.  Of course, if you are worried a child is at immediate risk of harm, telephone the police on 999.  

   

   

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  Yours sincerely,

   

   

   

  The Administration Team

   

  admin@hurstdrive.herts.sch.uk

   

  01992 624099