I begin this newsletter with apologising for the inconvenience of our localised power cut. With no telephones and more importantly problems with our electric locks due to the power cut this left us with no alternative other than to close school for the afternoon. Thankfully, we managed to feed all of the children and then had to go into the closure plan. I thank everybody for their understanding in what was a rather unprecedented and tricky scenario. Everybody was safe, everybody was collected - these of course are the most important results from the afternoon.
I sent out our Ofsted Report to you all last week. This has now appeared on the official Ofsted website. I again thank you as families for your wonderful support each and every day and especially in the responses to the Ofsted Parent View; this meant a lot to all of us and was a significant input into the process
Coming up - Non uniform Days
On Friday 7th February, as part of Children’s Mental health Week, children can wear non-uniform to ‘express themselves’ whether it’s their favourite outfit, a splash of colour, a traditional attire that celebrates their culture, or an ensemble that showcases their beloved hobby, we want everyone’s creativity to shine.
On Friday 28th February we will be ‘wearing red’ to support a charity that means a lot to us and our families, The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. There will also be things for sale after school to help raise funds for this amazing cause. It is a charity that has benefitted children from Birkwood and as many charities do, it conducts some sterling work for those affected. A brilliant cause!
For both, a small cash donation would be appreciated
Captains table was held this week. Well done to the House Point Winners – this is a way to congratulate children as individuals as well as in their house teams. Thank you to Mr. Davis for his work in leading the rewarding our children - they richly deserve the positive accolades.
Year 5 visit Castleton next week. This is a fantastic opportunity provided by the YHA and I know they will have a brilliant time. Being away with your friends and school peers is a magical experience, and enjoying the magnificent Peak District countryside will be a memory they will keep for a very long time.
Grassroots after school care has begun and will shortly run until 6:00 PM. Presently it is until 5:00 PM, and I will update you in due course of this development.
Grass Roots are also running a club in February Half Term. Please see the details and book using the link below.
Unfortunately, we are having to increase our charge for school meals. Our provider, Barnsley Schools Catering charge the school £3 per child per day and we shall continue to only cover outgoing costs in this area. I apologise for the convenience but obviously we cannot run at a significant loss. Sarah and the catering team provide a great service to our children, and I hope you are able to continue to support this.
- This change will not affect those who are entitled to free school meals through the Universal Free School Meals programme in Reception and in Years 1 and 2.
- It will also not affect children in Key Stage 2 who have access to free school meals.
To check your Free School Meals eligibility click below.
Tickets for the February disco go on sale from Monday 20th January. The disco will be taking place on Thursday 13th February - 4.30pm to 6pm. Tickets are £3 each and include a bag of crisps and a drink. Please place the money in a sealed envelope, with your child's name on the front, and hand to their class teacher.
I wish everyone a fabulous weekend. Take care and I hope you have not been too inconvenienced by the power difficulties stretching into the weekend.
- Headteachers Superstar KS1 - GP FS2 Donaldson
- Headteachers Superstar KS2 - VM Y3 Hepworth
- Class Times Table Rockstars - Y5 Kane
- Music Maestro - SM Y4 Burrow
- PE Star - NJ Y3 Hepworth
Half Term House Winners
- This week's winners - Earth
- Current Half Term Leaders - Earth
- Overall Leaders - Earth
- School attendance Target for the Year - 97.0%
- School attendance this week - 94.8%
- School attendance this year so far - 94.8%
- FS2 Donaldson - 95.3%
- FS2 Montessori -95.5%
- Y1 Potter - 93.9%
- Y1 Windsor - 95.6%
- Y2 Goodall - 99.7%
- Y2 Kahlo - 96.9%
- Y3 Hepworth - 91.0%
- Y3/4 Armstrong - 93.5%
- Y4 Burrow - 93.0%
- Y5 Kane - 95.8%
- Y 5/6 Sinfield - 96.3%
- Y6 Shelley - 94.5%
Well done to class Goodall who all have a fantastic 99.7% attendance. Congratulations!!
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.
Next Year's Term Dates Below
For current Year 6 children, their tests will be Monday 12th to Thursday 15th May 2025.
For current Year 5 children, their tests will be Monday 11th to Thursday 14th May 2026.
Spring Term 1 2025
Important Website Links
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