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You may have heard that the air ambulance landed on our field on Monday, causing a buzz of excitement at school. It was fascinating to see the helicopter descend and the paramedics stride out with such purpose. While this was thrilling to witness, we want to reassure parents that the air ambulance wasn’t called by the school. There had been a serious local incident, and our field is an official landing site thanks to its size. Our thoughts are with those affected. We’re proud to assist emergency services when needed.

Huge congratulations to Ryley Dixon in Year 9, who has earned his Cadet Leadership Level 1 certificate with St John Ambulance. This certification enables him to lead and train cadets within the group.

It’s always wonderful to hear about our students’ achievements outside the classroom. Ryley’s passion for first aid is evident in his dedication to ensuring as many students as possible have this vital skill.

He also promoted the Air Ambulance to the Student Council, which played a key role in it becoming our school charity this year. Ryley’s outstanding work in and beyond school truly deserves a Headteacher Commendation.

This morning, we celebrated the incredible contributions of our Teaching Assistants with a special breakfast in my office. Prospero Teaching organised a TA Recognition Day so our SENCo, Mrs Law, invited staff to nominate TAs who have gone above and beyond in their roles. We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Lyn Stafford has been awarded a gift voucher for her exceptional dedication—a truly well-deserved recognition! Teaching Assistants are the unsung heroes of our school, tirelessly supporting teachers to deliver high-quality, inclusive education, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. We are immensely grateful for all they do, as I’m sure parents are too.

I wish you all a restful weekend,
Mrs Dawn German

Assembly - House
Ho, Ho, House News
With the ghost of Halloween fading away and Christmas fast approaching (oh yes it is!), our House assemblies this week were full of frightening, festive fun. Kestrels moved closer to the new Competition Cup thanks to strong showings in both the Halloween Costume and Christmas Card competitions. 

Year 7 Kestrels Lloyd and Leo took 1st and 2nd place respectively in the costume comp, with Lloyd's costume giving the unnerving impression that his severed torso was being carried in a cardboard box by a giant bunny! Hawk house's Olivia took 3rd place with a great Harley Quinn outfit. In the Year 8 competition, Buzzard Lexi took 1st place, earning 500 House Points, and Hawks George and Maddison came in 2nd and 3rd. 

The Christmas card comp was won by a brilliant pencil drawn effort from Kestrel Farrah. Her design will be made into the official Harrow Way Christmas card this year. Well done, Farrah!

Meet the Tutor

There will be a "Meet The Tutor" event for parents, carers and students in all year groups on Thursday 12th December 2024 from 1.00pm - 6.00pm. You will have the opportunity to meet with your son or daughter’s tutor(s) to discuss their progress this term as well as any issues or concerns. This is an important event, which helps reinforce the home/school relationship that is so crucial to a child’s successful education, so we would strongly request that you attend. Appointments will be ten minutes long and are bookable online from 4pm today (29th November). We would ask that your child/children accompany you on this occasion. A letter with information about this event including how to book an appointment was sent this week. You can see a copy of it here.

Please don’t forget that to facilitate this event, school will close to students at 12.30pm. 

MCAS - the Parent App to keep you informed
We have mentioned before that we have moved our MIS to Bromcom this term. One of the many benefits offered by Bromcom is a parents' app called My Child at School (MCAS). This is a gateway to enable parents and carers to view their child’s academic performance, attendance, timetable, behaviour and rewards in real time.  As the year goes on we will look to utilise this app as fully as possible and as a means to send notifications to parents and carers.

Access to MCAS is via a downloadable app for your mobile phone or through a desktop version. In the next week, parents will receive an email with information on how to access MCAS for your child. We will also run workshops at our Meet the Tutor event.

Cash Free Christmas Fair
The Harrow Way Christmas Fair will be taking place on Friday 6th December, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. There will be student run games, competitions, prizes, a BBQ, Santa’s Grotto, a tombola, an assault course and so much more. Rather than using cash, students can buy 'Jingles' to spend at our fair via Scopay. There will also be a limited amount of Jingles available to buy on the day of the fair, using cash or cards. For more information, please view the letter we sent out on Thursday.

 

Dress Down Day - Wednesday 4th December
Don't forget we have a Dress Down Day on Wednesday 4th December. In return, we are asking each year group to bring in a donation worth roughly £1 as follows:

Christmas Lunch for Years 7 & 8 

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK - DEADLINE IS TUESDAY 3RD DECEMBER

Please follow the links below if you would like to sign your child up to either the Year 7 or Year 8 Christmas Lunch in December.

Year 7
Year 8

PTA Christmas Raffle
With Christmas rapidly approaching, the PTA are holding a Christmas raffle - grab a chance to win one of the amazing prizes donated by some wonderful local businesses as well as generous members of the school community! 

Just scan the QR code or visit the PTA website at harrowwaypta.charityhive.co.uk to enter. Good Luck!

Ways Forward - our weekly newsletter for Careers, Apprenticeship, College, Work and Work Experience.

For families with students in Year 11, please read our important message on page 1 about college/sixth form application deadlines; many are coming up very soon. It's really important to apply before any deadlines so that your chosen college or school will be able to consider applications. If students need any help making applications, please contact Mrs Manning (careers adviser) and she'll be happy to help you.

Next week is National T Levels week and we include lots of information about this post-16 qualification pathway. You can also find out more about becoming an audiologist, solicitor apprenticeships and accounting careers. Those considering a career working for the Government/Civil Service might like to explore Springpod's virtual work experience opportunities. We also include a link to the latest Choices magazine edition that also includes lots of useful careers information for parents and carers.

We have taken delivery of some fabulous new physical books this week - from Manga to non fiction to quick reads and dyslexia friendly print. Hampshire County Council School Library Service regularly adds to the digital collection of books, comics, audio books and magazines they manage on the online platform SORA. There's always something new to find!

The UK Parliament Week vote on lowering the voting age to 16 years old from 18 years old saw 657 student votes cast with 58% voting to lower the age to 16. 

On 16th,17th,18th December the Student Library Team and NatterReads group will be running a pre-read book sale with books at 10p, 20p and 50p. Could be Xmas presents! One of our year 8 girls has crocheted 40 bookmarks which will be on sale at £1.00. Cash only. Proceeds to the nominated school charity.

On the back of the recent blockbuster films Gladiator 2 and Wicked, we are promoting books about Rome, the Romans, gladiators, witches, wizards and more!

Year 7 Football v Wellington
Write up by Lucas Turner (Year 11 and coach of the Year 7 team).

The final score of the inaugural Year 7 football match was 5-2 in favour of Wellington. Despite the loss, our team demonstrated great spirit and determination throughout the game. We experienced some challenges, particularly in the first half, but a tactical shift allowed us to gain a foothold in the match after the break. On another day, with a bit more precision, the outcome could have been quite different. 

Due to an injury, we were without a dedicated goalkeeper, which significantly influenced the result. However, despite this structural setback, every player put in a tremendous amount of effort and gave their best throughout the match. This collective determination was evident on the field. Overall, while there were challenges, there are plenty of positives to take forward, and we remain optimistic about our progress and potential for future matches.

Year 8 Football - Harrow Way 12-1 Rookwood
Although half the year group were living it up at Cadbury World on Tuesday, the rest of the Year 8 football team were involved in a one sided affair that gave Harrow Way their third win out of three. Even though we were missing a few regulars, the boys continued to implement Mr Bearpark’s free flowing and exciting style of play. The boys flew out the blocks and for most of the first half, the ball didn’t get into our defensive half. Eight goals were scored in the first 30 minutes, with Louis Kerr, Jack England, Josh Noyes, Arthur Faye and Sam Bond all getting on the scoresheet at least once. In the second half, changes were made to give opportunities for some players to try out some different positions and the game became a bit more even. Four more goals were added, with Louis Kerr and Arthur Faye both completing their hattrick’s, but also Jonas Colebrook and Romayne King both managing to get in on the act. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to keep hold of our clean sheet, after a nice strike from the opposition striker nestled into the top corner. A great performance and result, with the boys leading the way in their league with 9 points.

Year 8 Rugby Harrow Way 30 - 5 Winton
The Year 8 rugby team hosted Winton and our beloved Mr North! Despite a messy defensive line and too many solo runs we did manage to avoid being scored against and run in a few tries.  Harry Thomas scored twice, and Logan Addison and Callum Rutherford also got on the scoresheet. 

Winton started strong in the second half getting an early try however we tightened our defensive line and managed to string together a few passes allowing Arthur Faye to score a lovely try in the corner. Lucas Owen finished off the scoring to bring the final score to 30-5 before the light gave way.

Huge thanks to Mr North for bringing the team over.  Player of the match went to Abel Colliss who had a fantastic game on his debut and well done to Kane Hickman who also had a great game on his debut. 

Year 10 Netball - Harrow Way A 31- 5 John Hanson B
On Wednesday 27th November Harrow Way A v John Hason B played their final match of the season. It was a great game and the girls started the match off with confidence, scoring 6 goals to JH's 2 goals. The girls continued with shot after shot scoring another 16 goals by the end of the 3rd quarter. Great play was demonstrated by all the girls, in particular Aimee, who made some great passes into the circle and Ella who moved brilliantly around the court. The match finished 31-6 to Harrow Way. Player of the match went to Adrianna and Coaches player went to Sophie, who made fantastic passes and was a great defensive player throughout.

Year 11 Netball
Harrow Way 15 - 18 Wellington Academy

On Wednesday, the Year 11 team travelled to Wellington to play their second match of the season. Recognising a few strong players from last year, the focus was to slow the opposition down and deny them passing opportunities when they were in attack.

The work rate was exceptional and the execution of the plan relatively successful, however, in our attacking end we were struggling to create enough scoring opportunities to keep the score line ticking along. From a narrow 5-3 down in the first quarter, Wellington’s lead gradually stretched out to 16-10 by the end of the third quarter. However, the girls remained confident and motivated, using feedback given to improve performance. Eve, Caitlin and Lily’s  centre court presence was unfaltering and Maya and Charlotte’s movement in the circle improved, providing them with far more scoring opportunities in the final quarter, winning it 5-2.

Despite the narrow loss, the girls should be proud of their performance. Player of the match - Charlotte. Coach’s player - Patricia for her fantastic work rate and numerous interceptions against an extremely strong opponent.

Year 10 B v Rookwood A Netball
It has been a good week for the netball teams this week, despite the very cold conditions. 
The Year 10 team continued the winning ways with a 16-10 victory against Rookwood.

It was a  game played with great sportsmanship and there was not much difference between the two teams in terms of ability. Olivia S marshalled our defence well and limited the shooting opportunities of the Rookwood team helped by the work of Lily J in front of her who pulled off some great interceptions and slowed the game down with some intelligent passing. Freya M had a good game in attack and had her eye with her shots but it was the work that she did to get the ball into the circle that allowed us to pull away in the second half. 
Players Players: Freya  Mand Izzy M. Coaches player: Lily J.

Year 9 B v Rookwood A
Another game played with great sportsmanship. This was a close game  and finished 12-9 to Harrow Way.

Due to a few absences and illness Harrow Way were able to promote a couple of Year 8 students to play and they never looked out of place and slotted in seamlessly. Well done Lexie and Ivy.  Isla W had her usual consistent game in the centre court and dictated the pace of the play, always available to slow down the Rookwood attack  but equally able to increase the pace of the play when in attack. Ella Maya and Erin F are now working together well in defence and stopped the attacks from Rookwood on several occasions. Sophie and Lucy put together some nicely timed moves in our shooting circle but just need to work on the consistency of their shooting.
Players players: Lucy O and Ivy J. Coaches player: Lexie G.

Lateness 
If your child is late to school, please write a note in their planner or call the school with the reason for lateness, to prevent unnecessary sanctions being set. The sanction will be a same-day lunchtime detention for all Years.  Failure to attend this detention will result in an after-school detention and further sanction will be applied for persistent lateness. Thank you for your support with this, it is very much appreciated.

Website Medical Page
We have an updated Medical Page for parents on our website.  Parents can access forms to keep us updated on all things medical for their child, such as:

Prescription Medication

Returning to school on crutches or with an injury

School inhaler

School Autoinjector

Updating medical information  

Students Feeling Unwell in School
Please remind your child not to contact home in the first instance if they feel unwell. They should go to the school nurse, who will then contact home if necessary. If you send your child into school knowing that they are under the weather, we feel you have made the decision that they are well enough for school and we will stand by that decision unless their condition deteriorates.

School Nursing Team
The school nursing visited recently, they highlighted how parents can support their child's well-being through the teenage years, here are some useful websites and services that they shared with us:

Hampshire Healthier Families

Sleep Charity

Back to Basics - Hampshire CAMHS

Young Minds - Parents' A-Z Mental Health Guide

Community
If you are looking for a new venue for your club/organisation Harrow Way Community School offers fantastic facilities at competitive prices. To view what we can offer please visit our lettings website. We now have a Facebook page. You can find it here or by searching for Harrowwaycommunity

Aluminium Recycling
We have teamed up with Magpie Community Recycling on East Portway Industrial Estate. This local service supports people with learning and physical disabilities and has provided us with a bin so we can collect foil, drink cans and aluminium food trays. There is a collection bin in our Main Reception for the aluminium to be deposited. Please send in any aluminium products you have - this will be collected by Magpie Community Recycling every 2 weeks. Thank you for all your support.

Check out the latest news, fundraising initiatives and upcoming events from the PTA here - harrowwaypta.charityhive.co.uk

This will be the home of PTA news, raffle and event details so please sign up, check out what we are up to and if you have any thoughts, feedback or if you are interested in helping out in any way please get in touch!

The HWCS Parent Teacher Association continues to look at future fund-raising and enrichment opportunities to benefit students and would love to hear from you if you have ideas or experience to share. You can email us here for information or to express an interest. In order to continue, we do need volunteers so hope to hear from you. 

Andover Athletic Club - November Newsletter

Andover RFC U13’s - We are looking to recruit enthusiastic players to our U13 team (School Year 8). Training is held on Wednesdays and Sundays at the Goodship Ground.

On the 25th of January 2025, Your Space Therapies are offering a practical and down-to-earth ‘Anxiety Toolbox’ webinar for parents and carers to support their children with anxiety and mental health.

All the details and a QR code for ease of booking are on the flyer which can be found HERE.

We look forward to offering parents and carers in your school community kindness and empowerment to support their children.

Being a parent has never been easy. There are no manuals for it, and previous generations may not be able to provide the insight you're looking for. The family unit is more dispersed than ever, with some families existing hundreds of miles from what may be called a 'core unit'. The rapid pace of societal change in the UK rapidly outstrips the knowledge of the immediate past. The result is that many parents may find themselves lost in a maelstrom of contradictory advice. For adults, time has never been more compacted. Family Lives has produced a series of online parenting courses, to make this challenge a little easier. If interested please follow this link.

Family Lives offers a confidential and free* helpline service for families in England and Wales (previously known as Parentline). They can be contacted on 0808 800 2222 for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Their website is also a rich source of useful support and advice.

Hampshire County Council - Have your say - Barriers to Walking and Cycling
As part of Hampshire County Council’s commitment to improve accessibility and enable more people to walk and cycle for short journeys, we would welcome your support with this consultation and mapping exercise.  Below is the link to take part

www.hants.gov.uk/barriers-walking-cycling

Pop Up Ensemble
PLACES STILL AVAILABLE! Back by Popular Demand - FREE Andover Pop Up Orchestra from Hampshire Music Service. 15th December 2024.

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Harrow Way Community School,
Harrow Way,
Andover,
Hampshire.
SP10 3RH