I must again start with the trip to London. After hearing lots of exciting stories, I am delighted that everybody returned safely and had such a fantastic time. The staff explained to me very clearly that the children were superb ambassadors for our school during the trip. I must also thank all of the staff who kindly volunteered their time allowing us to continue making such powerful and superb lifelong memories.
As ever, this week in school has been extremely busy. In Year One we have had our Phonics Check this week. I commend and salute the children for their extreme hard work and dedication to one of life's most important skills. They have been fantastic. Again, I thank all of our staff who teach reading to our younger children, led by the superb Miss Sabin, for their determination in ensuring our children get a fast start in their reading journey.
This week also saw one of the much-loved dates in the school calendar! It was Sports Day. Organised by Mr Walton, all of the children from Reception to Year 6 made the short journey to the superb Dorothy Hyman Stadium. Thank you to everybody who was able to support them by attending. The levels of effort were absolutely magnificent, and the children did us proud as always. Really well done and thank goodness the weather just about played its part. It was not too hot, which for such an energetic occasion is a good thing. The worry of sunburn was cancelled out thanks to the cloud and cool temperatures.
Our Raffle Winner was Ticket 3904 – in the name of Ellen.
We have secured a date for Sports Day 2025. It shall take place on Thursday May 22, 2025. Please save the date.
Remaining with a sporting theme we attended the local area sports awards at the Barnsley Metrodome. A superb evening with an excellent Birkwood supporting cast. Congratulations to the trophy winners, and an even bigger thank you to Mr Walton for his leadership in our local competitions. The children love the opportunities, and many have the chance to access sport and physical activity. Representing the school is an honour and they do it terrifically. I look forward to a further raft of sporting events next academic year.
It is the Girls Football Competition this afternoon. Last week’s heroics were awesome so we’re hoping for something similar!
Speaking of next academic year, our Year 6 children hosted a visitor from Outwood Shafton as part of their transition journey to secondary school. They made a superb impression upon her and were a huge credit to their families and themselves. It sounds like there are many magical opportunities for them to embrace when the time comes. Sadly, for us this is feels VERY soon.
This morning, I have attended the funeral of Malcolm Wainwright. Mr. Wainwright was the Headteacher of our neighbouring school Churchfield for period of over 20 years. This is a magnificent achievement in itself. More importantly, Mr Wainwright was a lovely, kind person who many of you shall know. On several occasions, he has been of great support to our community at Birkwood and was always available to Mrs. Shaw and I when we needed his experience and help. Mr. Wainwright had a terrific career, and his passing is extremely sad news. I know that he shall be remembered in Cudworth forever, and here at Birkwood he shall always be regarded in extremely high esteem. A special person.
Our House Winners enjoyed their treat afternoon. Well done to everybody from team Air. I look forward to seeing who is going to earn the most points to win the House of the year. We have an extra special afternoon planned for them.
Y5 Enterprise Day was absolutely brilliant. Well done to all of the entrepreneurs and thank you to Mr. Robson for again coming to Birkwood and developing some highly creative and enjoyable skills! A wonderful afternoon saw the children present a range of entrepreneurial ideas; next stop Alan Sugar & The Apprentice!
On Tuesday 18th June Y 3 are visiting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Let’s hope the weather keeps dry for them. I’m sure they will have a fantastic time. Miss Keen wrote to the parents, the letter is also on Twitter.
We are now only 4 weeks away from our annual Summer Fair, which means that our weekly non uniform days begin.
For those who are new to Birkwood this is how it works; each Friday (for the next 4 weeks) we hold non uniform days and instead of children paying for the chance not to wear uniform we ask that selected items are sent. Each week is a different theme. These items are then used as prizes at the Summer Fair.
- 21st June - Sweets
- 28th June - Smellies
- 5th July - Bottles
- 12th July - Buns & Cakes
Finally, I wish you a super weekend. Many will be glued to a television somewhere. With this in mind - all that remains to say is Come on England! 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🦁🦁🦁
- Headteachers Superstar EYFS/KS1 - LM FS2 Sharman
- Headteachers Superstar KS2 - ENJ Y4 Pankhurst
Half Term House Winners
- This week's winners - Air
- Current Half Term Leaders - Air
- Overall Leaders - Earth
- School Attendance Target for the Year - 96.50%
- School attendance this year so far - 94.8%
- School attendance this week - 93.3%
- EYFS2 Anning - 99.3%
- EYFS2 Sharman - 96.0%
- Year 1 Einstein -90.7%
- Year 1 Nightingale -93.0%
- Year 2 Parks - 98.5%
- Year 2 Seacole - 85.8%
- Year 3 Earhart - 91.0%
- Year 3/4 Holmes - 95.0%
- Year 4 Pankhurst - 92.5%
- Year 5 Attenborough - 93.9%
- Year 5/6 Wollstonecraft - 91.4%
- Year 6 Kings - 95.6%
Well done to Class Anning who are this week's winners with an outstanding 99.3% attendance. Congratulations.
75 days were lost this week, due to holidays taken in term time.
Our suite of X (formerly Twitter) Handles is here for you. Below is a link for 'all things Birkwood.'
PE & Sport
Appropriate trainers must be worn. No crop tops – Sports t-shirts please and shorts. A tracksuit may be worn – please make a judgment on temperature.
Afterschool clubs - Summer Term 2
This Year's Term Dates
Next Year's Term Dates Below
Friday 18 July 2025 - School Closes for Summer
For current Year 5 children, their tests will be Monday 12th to Thursday 15th May 2025.
For current Year 4 children, their tests will be Monday 11th to Thursday 14th May 2026.