Recent letters shared with parents and carers.
Dear Parents/Carers
On Friday 26th January 2024 we have arranged to take Year 4 Coral and Opal Class on a trip to St Albans Abbey to experience the Roman Festival. I apologise for the short notice after Christmas, unfortunately we have been waiting for confirmation from St Albans Cathedral. We have taken the previous year 4 and felt it was a really valuable visit to help the children understand life as a Roman in Britain. This is the only school trip of the year as both others have been/will be workshops within school. This trip includes 3 different workshops at the Cathedral, Alban and the Romans: learning about everyday life in the Roman town of Verulamium, including the life of St Alban, Roman Food: creating and sampling some wonderful delicacies using ancient Roman recipes, and Artefact Blanket Dig: going back in time from the present, via the Saxons to the Roman period, and having the opportunity to explore and handle various artefacts on the way.
All children should be dressed in school uniform. The coach will be leaving the school at 9.15am and aims to return at approx. 3.00pm.
The children will need a packed lunch from home or we can supply a school lunch providing this has been ordered in advance. NO glass bottles, cans, fizzy drinks, chocolate or sweets please.
The cost of this trip will be £14.00 per child, which covers the transport and entrance fees.
Please log into your child’s Arbor account to give parent consent and make payment by Friday 26th January 2024. If you would like to order a school packed lunch, please ensure you email the office to request this. School packed lunch MUST be ordered in advance, cannot be ordered on the day.
Please can we make you aware that when trips are arranged, the cost is based on the total number of children in that particular year/class group. Depending on venue, we usually have to pay in advance. If for any reason your child is not in school on the day of the trip, unfortunately, we will not be able to refund you as payment to the venue and transport will have already been paid for. Thank you for your support in this matter. Unfortunately, if insufficient funds are received, the trip will have to be cancelled. If you have any queries or difficulties paying this, please contact the office.
We will require parent volunteers to help out on this school trip, if you are available on this day and would like to help, please email the office or speak to the class teacher. We will confirm with you nearer the time is your help is required.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Higgs / Mrs Birtchnell Mrs Ewer / Mrs Larner
Opal Class Teachers Coral Class Teachers
Dear Parents/Carers
We have arranged to take the Year 1 children on a trip to Southend. This will take place on Wednesday 26th June 2024. Our topic in the Summer term is the Seaside in Georgraphy and Holidays in History. Children will be learning about what Seaside’s were like in the past and now in the present, and also the physical features of the seaside. As part of this topic we would like children to experience the day at the seaside.
The cost of this trip will be £22 per child which includes the coach travel, entrance to the Sealife Centre, talks about the animals, and a treat of ice cream. The rest of the day will be spent at the beach before returning to school.
We hope to have a warm sunny day therefore all children must be dressed in a blue PE Top and a school sweatshirt/cardigan or fleece; children can wear shorts, leggings or trousers and please ensure comfortable footwear is worn. Children will need a sun hat and cream applied before school. We also advise that you keep track of the weather report so that appropriate clothing is worn.
The coach will be leaving the school at 9.15am and aims to return at approx. 17.00pm. We will be returning later than normal to give us more time at the seaside and allow for busy traffic on the journey home.
The children will need a packed lunch on the day. However, they can bring their lunches in a rucksack as this will be easier to carry around all day. NO GLASS BOTTLES, CANS OR SWEETS PLEASE. If you would like to order a school packed lunch then this must be pre-ordered in advance. You can pre-order one by emailing the office at admin@galleyhill.herts.sch.uk.
This trip can be paid online on Arbor along with giving parental consent. Due to the cost we are giving you 6 months in order to make payment. This can also be paid in instalments but full payment does need to be made by Friday 7th June 2024.
Please can we make you aware that when trips are arranged, the cost is based on the total number of children in that particular year/class group. Depending on venue, we usually have to pay in advance. If for any reason your child is not in school on the day of the trip, unfortunately, we will not be able to refund you as payment to the venue and transport will have already been paid for.
Thank you for your support in this matter. Unfortunately, if insufficient funds are received, the trip will have to be cancelled. If you have any queries or difficulties paying this, please contact the office.
We may require some parent helpers for the trip. They will be asked to lead a small group of children. If you feel you are able to do this, please let the class teachers, or the office know.
Yours sincerely
Miss Penning Miss Rolph
Year 1
Dear Parents/Carers
As your child is now approaching the end of their time at primary school, we would like to organise a treat for them. On Wednesday 19 July, we would like to take all of Year 6 children to LEGOLAND.
The cost of the trip will be £19.90 and this includes entry to the park and transport there and back. Payment for the trip can be made via Arbor or by cash to the office and must be paid in full by Monday 4th July.
Merlin Passes: If you have a Merlin pass for your child, you will be able to use this this year and just pay for the coach cost, which is £11.40. Please let us know if you will be using a Merlin pass by May 20th as we will have to amend the number of children on our booking. If you are using a Merlin pass you have to book your own child’s ticket for this day and send a copy of the confirmation email to the office no later than the 12th July. They must also bring their Merlin passes on the day to show on entry with the rest of the year group. The children are responsible for these during the day.
The children may take a maximum of £10 spending money on the day. Children should bring their spending money in a named envelope or secure purse/wallet. The children will need to be responsible for this money for the duration of the trip. This money should not be used to purchase their lunch – please see below for details regarding packed lunches.
All children can wear non-school uniform/leaver’s hoodies along with comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket. They may bring a poncho for the water rides if they have one. If the weather is kind to us, please ensure that children have a hat and suncream. We do also like to go to the splash park if the weather is nice. Children are welcome to bring swimwear and a towel (changing facilities are available).
The coach will be leaving the school at 9.00am and aims to return at approx. 6.00pm. We will keep you fully informed regarding the return journey. Please ensure your child knows whether to walk home or wait to be picked up.
The children will need a packed lunch on the day. However, they can bring their lunches in a rucksack as this will be easier to carry around all day. NO GLASS BOTTLES, CANS OR SWEETS PLEASE.
Those children who receive Free School Meals can be provided with a pre-ordered packed lunch on the day. Please request this in advance by email.
As the children will be representing the school, we will have high expectations of behaviour. As you will be aware we are running a recognition point system.
We want all children to finish their time at Galley Hill positively. It has been decided that to attend the Lego Land trip, children will need to accumulate 28 recognition points. These points can be collected from Monday 15th May up until Friday 14th July.
These are earned one per day where the children follow school expectations.
Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Your Best.
Children will start each day fresh and be able to earn a point. We are aware that sometimes children will have a difficult day so we have allowed for this in the number we expect them to accumulate. We will let both children and parents know if their child is at risk of not reaching the number of points required to attend and work together to support your child so they have the best chance of being able to go.
As this is not an educational trip, ALL children will be required to pay the full amount by Monday 4th July at the very latest (this include coach only payments if using a Merlin Pass). If no payment has been received, your child will not be able to attend the trip. If your child does not wish to go, they must still come into school as normal on that day.
Yours sincerely
Miss Hosein Mrs Spooner
Year 6
Dear Parents/Carers
We have arranged to take the Year 1 children on a trip to the Tower of London. This will take place on Thursday 16th June 2022. This trip will help develop the children’s knowledge of the Great Fire of London and we will be having a special presentation all about the Great Fire and learning about Samuel Pepys.
All children must be dressed in school uniform. The coach will be leaving the school at 9.15am and aims to return at approx. 3.30pm. We will keep you fully informed regarding the return journey.
The children will need a packed lunch on the day, however, they can bring their lunches in a rucksack as this will be easier to carry around all day. NO GLASS BOTTLES, CANS OR SWEETS PLEASE.
You can pre-order a school packed lunch via the comments section on the School Gateway app. School packed lunches must be ordered in advance.
The cost of this trip will be £20.00 per child (this can be paid in 2 instalments), which will cover the cost of entrance, workshop and the coach. This can be paid online via the School Gateway payment system along with giving parental consent. Cash can also be accepted at the office. Full balance must be paid by Friday 25th May 2022.
Please can we make you aware that when trips are arranged, the cost is based on the total number of children in that particular year/class group. Depending on venue, we usually have to pay in advance. If for any reason your child is not in school on the day of the trip, unfortunately, we will not be able to refund you as payment to the venue and transport will have already been paid for.
Thank you for your support in this matter.
Unfortunately, if insufficient funds are received, the trip will have to be cancelled. If you have any queries or difficulties paying this, please contact the office.
We may need some extra adult helpers on the day, if you would be able to help, please state on School Gateway or let your child’s class teacher know.
Yours sincerely
Miss Penning Miss Walmsley
Year 1
Dear Parents/Carers
We have arranged to take the Year 3 children on a trip to The British Museum in London. This will take place on Thursday 24th March 2022. We are going to visit the British Museum as it links to our history Topic - Ancient Egyptians. We have been learning about the role of historians, the importance of artefacts in learning about this period in history, mummification and about daily life in Ancient Egypt.
All children must be dressed in school uniform. The coach will be leaving the school at 9.15am and aims to return at approx. 3.15pm. We will keep you fully informed regarding the return journey.
The children will need a packed lunch on the day. However, they can bring their lunches in a rucksack as this will be easier to carry around all day. NO GLASS BOTTLES, CANS OR SWEETS PLEASE.
Those children who receive Free School Meals, can pre-order one via the School Gateway app.
The cost of this trip will be £10.50 per child, this covers the cost of the coach. Payment must be received by Friday 11th March 2022.
This can be paid online via the School Gateway payment system along with giving parental consent. If you require assistance downloading the app, please see below or pop into the office.
Cash can also be accepted.
Please can we make you aware that when trips are arranged, the cost is based on the total number of children in that particular year/class group. Depending on venue, we usually have to pay in advance. If for any reason your child is not in school on the day of the trip, unfortunately, we will not be able to refund you as payment to the venue and transport will have already been paid for.
Thank you for your support in this matter.
Unfortunately, if insufficient funds are received, the trip will have to be cancelled. If you have any queries or difficulties paying this, please contact the office.
We may require some parent/carer helpers for the trip. They will be asked to lead a small group of around 6 to 7 children. If you feel you are able to do this, please indicate when giving permission on school gateway.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Birtchnell & Mrs Higgs Miss Keal
Year 3
10th February 2022
Dear Parents/Carers
The Year 1 children have been invited to a Sports Fayre at Everyone Active in Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday 8th March 2022. As it stands, we are hoping that with the latest Covid guidance that we will be able to go.
We will be leaving school at 12pm and returning at the end of the school day. Children will be having an early lunch so please ensure that they bring a packed lunch on this day. If you would like to order a school packed lunch then please advise on the slip below or on School Gateway. This must be ordered in advance. Please make sure that your child brings in their PE kits (including trainers), and a water bottle.
Please complete the slip below and return to the class teacher by Monday 28th February, or alternatively you can give consent via School Gateway.
If you are able to help out the trip please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Yours sincerely
Miss Penning
PE Leader
Dear Parents/Carers
Galley Hill School has been offered a cycle training programme where qualified cycle instructors will come into school and teach level 2 cycle training course. This course is open to Year 5 children only and will take place from Monday 28th March – Friday 1st April 2022.
We have been offered this course at a fantastic price of £25.00 per child (normally £47 per child). This is a great opportunity and an excellent life skill to have.
Level 1 & 2 – Skills & Basic Road
The pupils will learn a series of skills exercises on the playground with integrated theory based on Tales of the Road and highway code for young users including sessions at local road junctions.
Successful participants will receive a level 2 skills certificate and badge.
Bikes need to be in a good road worthy condition prior to the start of the course and safety helmets are compulsory. Your child should be able to ride a bike before completing this course.
Bikes will need to come in on the Monday morning and can be kept here for the week. Bikes will be brought into the school and stored safely each evening. Bikes can be taken home each afternoon but you will need to ensure that it comes back every morning. Unfortunately, the school cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damages should they occur.
There must be a minimum of 10 pupils to participate in this course. Unfortunately, if the numbers are less we will not be able to go ahead with the course.
To book your child’s place on this course, please fill in the permission slip below and return it to school by Friday 11th February 2022 with a £10 deposit to secure your child’s place. Full balance must be paid by Friday 18th March 2022. If we have not received full payment then your child may not be able to take part.
Yours sincerely
Ms S Handel
24 November 2021
Dear Parents/Carers
Unfortunately, due to the current Covid outbreak situation, we are unable to take the children to Celtic Harmony for their trip on The Stone Age. However, we have arranged for the Year 3 children to receive a remote learning experience on The Stone Age instead.
This will take place on Tuesday 30 November 2021. We feel that this experience will enrich their learning about this topic and really bring it to life. Please look at the web link below to see what can be expected; there is information, pictures and videos to watch https://www.celticharmony.org/prehistory-trips/remote-learning-stone-age/
Due to the experience taking place in school, all necessary Covid precautions will be in place.
As we will be doing various activities indoors and out, please can you send your child in wearing clothes that can get mucky and/or muddy. They will also need a change of footwear for when they come back inside, please send in an additional pair of shoes, wellies preferably.
The cost of this experience will be just £2.00 per child.
This can be paid online via the School Gateway payment system along with giving parental consent.
If you have already paid, you will receive a refund for the difference, you will be notified when this has been processed.
Please can we make you aware that when trips are arranged, the cost is based on the total number of children in that particular year/class group.
Thank you for your support in this matter.
Unfortunately, if insufficient funds are received, the virtual trip will have to be cancelled. If you have any queries, please speak to your child’s teacher. If you have any difficulties in paying this, please contact the office.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Birtchnell Mrs Higgs Miss Keal
Year 3
25th November 2021
Dear Parent or Carer
As you know, we are currently in an outbreak situation in 3 Ruby and have put measures in place to try and keep them as socially distant from the remainder of the school as we can. Currently, we now have 5 confirmed cases within the class.
As you know, children are more likely to be asymptomatic, and also seem to have slightly differing symptoms to adults. Some have presented with sickness as a first symptom that has turned out to be Covid so we all need to be extra vigilant with any signs of illness at this time. What we would like to recommend, if you are able to, is book your child in for a PCR test over this weekend. The sooner that we can establish any cases that we have in the class, then the sooner that we are able to return to normal measures within the setting.
Information on how to book a PCR test can be found here:
How to book a test online when you have been identified as a close contact but do not have symptoms yourself
If your child is currently showing no symptoms they do not need to isolate while waiting for results. We thank you for your understanding with this and your help in keeping everyone safe.
Kind Regards
Mrs E Birch
Headteacher
23rd November
Dear Parents/Carers
On Friday 10th December in the afternoon children will be taking part in a sponsored ‘Elf Run’. We will be raising money for the Peace Hospice. Children will be running or walking whilst wearing elf hats! These hats will be provided by the hospice. You may remember we previously took part in the Elf Run and the Bunny Hop before which were a great success!
Class teachers will talk to the children about the Peace Hospice Charity and how their sponsorship can make a difference.
Please ensure on this day that children have warm clothing they can change into for the run, spare shoes and a water bottle.
Please find attached a sponsorship form and please can this be returned by the 21st December if you choose your child to be sponsored. We will also be setting up a ‘Just Giving fundraising page if this is more convenient.
We are hoping for the run to take place in Key Stages however this will be reviewed nearer the time depending on the stage of our Covid Outbreak.
We are looking forward to hosting this event and seeing all the children getting in the festive spirit!
Yours sincerely
Miss Penning
PE Leader