I’d love to recommend a book that has really stayed with me: The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Many of us have noticed how different childhood feels today compared with even a decade ago, and Haidt explores this shift with clarity, compassion and solid research. 

The book looks at the rise of smartphones, social media, and the increasing pressure on children to stay safe at all times—and how these changes may be affecting young people’s confidence, wellbeing and ability to navigate the world. Instead of the active, playful, social childhoods many of us remember, today’s children are growing up in a digital-first environment that can quietly shape how they think, feel and relate to others. 

What I appreciated most is that Haidt doesn’t lecture or blame parents. Instead, he gives practical, realistic ideas for helping children thrive—both online and offline. He encourages us to reflect on the role of technology, consider steps like limiting smartphones in school, and think creatively about how we can give children more freedom, play, and real-world connection. 

I want to be clear: this isn’t about telling anyone how to parent. But as someone raising teenagers myself, I found the book eye-opening. I honestly wish I had discovered it when my children were younger. If you’ve ever wondered why so many young people seem more anxious these days—or if you’re simply looking for guidance in a tech-heavy world—this book is well worth your time. 

I hope some of you will find it as thought-provoking and reassuring as I did. 

On Tuesday 11th November, year 5 and 6 welcomed Emma, an 'expert by experience', who gave an assembly on her experiences of going through primary and secondary school with autism, scoliosis, learning disabilities and social anxiety. She spoke to the children about what makes her different and the pros and cons of this. She spoke about her positive and negative experiences at school and how her role now is to help other children with special educational needs and disabilities to have a more positive schooling experience. The children listened really respectfully and asked some interesting questions at the end. A massive thank you to Emma for coming in and speaking to our pupils and teaching us lots of new information as well as reminding us that it's okay to be different.  

Miss Porter 

Thank you to our families who have already begun supporting our 'Reverse Advent Calendar' project which is being led by year 5. Just as a reminder, for the rest of this month we are accepting donations which we will pass on to Foodshed who are a local food bank that support people in need in our community. If you are able, please send your child into school with donations such as: dried goods (pasta, rice, instant noodles etc.), tinned goods (vegetables, fruit, beans, custard, rice pudding etc.), hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, nappies etc.), sweet treats for the festive period (chocolate, biscuits, mince pies) or small presents (colouring pencils, books, card games). Please ensure all food donations have a long enough shelf life to last until the end of December. Thank you so much for supporting this fantastic cause. 

Miss Porter  

Looking for a dance club that’s full of energy, fun and fantastic moves? There are still spaces - so book now for this term! Dance with Dani is taught by none other than Dani, Miss Simmons’ daughter, who lives and breathes dance! With Dance A-Levels, experience teaching Year 7 dancers and the creator behind the amazing Year 6 graduation video performances each year, Dani brings passion, skill and tons of enthusiasm to every session. 
🌟 Morning Club: Gym & Dance (Year 3– Year 6)  Tuesdays - 8:00–8:45am 
Start the day with a burst of energy!  In this upbeat, high-fun class, children will learn exciting ‘Gym and Dance’ routines to lively music. Perfect for all abilities, this club blends fitness, creativity, and pure enjoyment. Boys and girls welcome! 
💫 After-School Club: Advanced Dance (Year 5 – Year 6) Tuesdays - 3:15–4:15pm 
Designed for children who love to dance and want to explore new styles! From jazz and lyrical to street and modern, dancers will learn a range of genres and build confidence with every session. You don’t have to be an expert — just enthusiastic and ready to move! Boys and girls welcome! 

Dates for this term: 
Tuesday November 25th
Thursdsay 4th December
Tuesday December 9th 

What some of our children have said about the clubs: 

'I like dancing with Dani because she teaches us a certain routine step by step and makes it really fun and exciting.' 

'Dani's dance club is a lot of fun and I really enjoy it. She makes the dances fun and easy and tries to add moves kids like.' 

'Dani's dance club is my favourite club of the week (and I do a lot of clubs!) I love the creative dances she creates. We are even doing a showcase!' 

'It is really fun! You get to have fun with your friends but also learn some cool dance moves. Dani is really fun and kind, I would recommend it!' 

'I really like Dance with Dani because it is advanced so it looks really cool. Also it is really fun and Dani has an energetic way of showing the moves!' 

Each class is only £5 and payable half termly through the 'class manager' website. 

Link: https://my.classmanager.com/dance-with-dani  

We’re excited to be welcoming a top GB athlete to the school soon with Great Athletes! All pupils will take part in a sponsored fitness circuit led by the athlete, and come home with some important and inspiring lessons learned during a motivational assembly and Q&A session. Not only will the visit connect the pupils with an extraordinary athlete role model but will also help to raise money for new sports equipment that will improve levels of physical activity in our school! You can sponsor your child by visiting: https://sportal.greatathletes.org/events/landing. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code to go directly to the online sponsorship page.    

Please also make sure that your children come to school on the event day with their PE Kits! Thank you in anticipation of creating a terrific and memorable event. Please note: we are not able to take cash sponsorship at school so please use the link or QR code above to sponsor your child.  

Please ensure that the sponsorship is completed 1 week after the event has taken place. The QR code will take you to a page where you can set up a fundraising form for your child. When you have set up the parent login, you can use your child’s initials only if you wish on the fundraising form, rather than their full name.  

Year 3 have been working hard on their Christmas musical, and we’re excited to share it with you. This is always a very popular event and space in the hall is limited, so we do have some guidelines on tickets: 

Tickets 

• Each family may book 2 tickets for ONE evening performance and 2 tickets for the afternoon performance.  

• Siblings count as ticket holders and must have their own seat.  

• Please do not book more than 2 tickets across the evening shows. Extra bookings will be removed to ensure fairness.  

• Only book what you will use so other families don’t miss out.  

• Please do not attend without a booked ticket, as we must follow fire and safety regulations.  

• Tickets are free on the Arbor School Shop and will be available until Monday 24th November at 9.30am.  

• If tickets remain after this date, we will reopen bookings for extra tickets (first come, first served). 

Performance Dates 

• Wednesday 3rd December: 6.00–7.00pm 

• Thursday 4th December: 1.30–2.30pm 

• Thursday 4th December: 6.00–7.00pm 

Costumes 

• Teachers will let children know their part and suggest simple costume ideas.  

• No one is expected to buy a costume. Anything simple from home is fine – even a Christmas jumper or school clothes. 

All children are expected to attend every performance, even if their family does not have tickets for that showing.  The musical includes Christian themes. If you prefer your child not to take part, please email the Year 3 team as soon as possible so they are not given a speaking role. Email: year3@almondhill.herts.sch.uk 

For the evening performances, children will need to be dropped back to the year 3 classroom doors at 5.40pm and collected from the classroom doors at the end of the performance. 

Please note, as this is advance notice, the dates and times are subject to change but we will of course only do this if it is unavoidable. 

FOAH Christmas Present Room - Tuesday 2nd December 

Our FOAH present room will open its doors on Tuesday 2nd December. Online orders will close at midnight on Monday 24th November. All gifts cost £2.50 and there is no limit to the number of gifts purchased. A big thank you to FOAH for organising this event.  

Non Uniform Day – Friday 5th December  

In exchange for donations for our Christmas Fayre, FOAH have arranged a non-uniform day on Friday 5th December. More information on donation ideas to follow. 

Christmas Dinner and Class Parties w/c 8th December 

I hope children are looking forward to their Christmas dinner and class party days! This will start w/c 8th December with each year group having their own day! Children can wear Christmas jumpers and/or Christmas accessories on their year group’s day if they would like to. Please don’t feel you need to buy anything for this! If you don’t have anything Christmassy at home (or your child doesn’t want to dress up) non uniform or school clothes is absolutely fine! Please do help our cook to prepare for this very popular event by pre ordering your child’s lunch in advance via SchoolGrid. 

Monday 8th December - Year 3
Tuesday 9th December - Year 4 
Wednesday 10th December - Year 5
Friday 11th December - Year 6

FOAH Christmas Fayre -  Thursday 11th December 

Our FOAH parent volunteers have been busy organising a fun and festive fayre for our school community and we can’t wait! This will be hosted after school (3.15-5.00pm) on Thursday 11th December and there will be lots of stalls in Oak House for you to have a look at. More information on this exciting event to follow... 

Carols in the Quad - Thursday 11th December 

All families are invited to join us for Christmas Carols on the evening of Thursday 11th December starting at 5.00pm straight after the Christmas Fayre. This will take place outside in the quadrant with Mrs Cleaves leading the vocals. As this is outside, there is no need to book a place just turn up, wrap up warm, enjoy a festive treat and sing some carols. A bucket for volunteer donations will be present. Year 4 and 5 will have practised some songs at school. 

Year 6 Carol Service at St Nicholas Church - Tuesday 16th December 

Year 6 children and our school choir will go to St Nicholas’ church on Tuesday 16th December for their carol service which is one of our favourite Almond Hill traditions. It is always a lovely service and a real pleasure to be a part of. If you are attending, please remember, space in the church only allows for two parents per child. Please don’t arrive until 1.30pm to allow children to arrive and get organised first. We would also ask, to ensure all children are kept safe, that you allow children and staff to leave first and return to school and collect them from the school in the usual way. They will need to be signed out but may be collected slightly earlier depending on the finish time. Siblings?? 

Talent Shows - Thursday 18th December 

We end the final week with another Almond Hill tradition – our talent shows will take place during the school day on Thursday 18th December. Teachers will be running auditions for children who want to take part and they will be informed by their class teacher if they have been successful. They may bring special props or chosen outfits for their performance. Children in the upper school will perform in the morning and the lower school in the afternoon.