IMPORTANT DATE Reminder - Parents' Evening Tuesday 12th March 2024
We wish you a very warm welcome to the Birkwood Primary School Newsletter.
23rd February 2024
Another incredibly busy week in school. New topics, new learning and lots to look forward to.
It has been fabulous to welcome the children back after half term and I have been excited to see some of the wonderful work that has been ongoing throughout school.
Speaking of throughout school, the extension is literally flying up before our eyes and marks a very, very exciting period in the history of Birkwood. Since 1957, the school has changed remarkably on at least three or four occasions and this is one of the major changes in its history. To eventually reach 420 children plus Nursery is something that we thought we would never see! See the photo's below.
Speaking of Nursery, our toilet issues were resolved thanks to John from O&P! Thank you for your understanding of the need to close on Thursday. This is far from ideal although school for our very little ones is impossible without toilet facilities.
My apologies for any confusion over the fundraising medium evening. This is something that has happened before a few years ago. After some reflection, I felt strongly that the school setting was not appropriate for this activity. I respect that this kind of activity is not for everyone and Birkwood certainly is for everyone. The fundraising team do a sensational job and I am always indebted to their efforts. I take sole ownership of this decision; in my role it’s a must sometimes. What I will stress, is that I look forward to further successful fundraising activities that are sure to be supported tremendously by our #IncredibleCommunity.
Auditions for Birkwood’s Got Talent went incredibly well. Mrs. Porter will be in touch with children as we begin to finalise plans for what is always a sensational evening. I can't wait!
We were visited by three professionals from another school this week who came to look at some of the work we are carrying out in maths at Birkwood. I was delighted with their feedback and send my congratulations to Mr. Markham for all of his hard work in leading us in maths. We are blessed with a wonderful staff team and this was another proud day for me as Headteacher.
The word proud doesn’t cover my thoughts towards one of our children who set up a meeting with ‘Feeding Families Barnsley.’ This coincided with inviting Father Darren in to school and will launch a partnership between Church and the charity. This is something of which to be so proud. We shall support this work in the coming months.
This Wednesday, 21st February, we held our House Winners Event. The winners last half term were 'Fire', who had a fabulous afternoon watching a film and eating pizza.
On Thursday, 22nd February, the Y5-6 boys football team had their first league match of the season, against Milefield. This was the first time they played together as a team and played extremely well, with one of our boys collecting the man of the match award, as chosen by the opposing team. They were incredible, with the final result 3-1 to Milefield. Well done, boys, and a huge thank you to Mr Walton for all his hard work.
On Tuesday 27th February Y3/4 Holmes & Y4 Pankhurst will be visiting Magna. The children will be taking part in workshops connected to Air, Earth, Fire and Water. The children will be setting off at 9.30am and return for hometime.
Easter disco tickets are going on sale Monday 26th Feb. Tickets cost £2.50 which includes a drink and bag of crisps. If your child wishes to attend please put the money in a sealed envelope, with their name on the front, and hand it to their class teacher. Tickets may be purchased until 3.30pm on Monday 18th March.
On 15th March we will be taking part in Comic Relief. For a donation children may attend school in Comic Relief themed clothing. There is an official Red Nose Day Just Giving account where donations may be paid via the following link-
Our annual Easter Bingo is planned for 14th March. Everyone welcome for a fantastic evening.
I wish everyone a lovely weekend as ever and thank our families for your support. It means the world to everyone at Birkwood.
ParentPay & After School Clubs
Our latest Safeguarding information has been included in the link above.
- Headteachers Superstar EYFS/KS1 - LL Y2 Parks
- Headteachers Superstar KS2 - RP Y6 Kings
- Class Times Table Rockstars - Y3/4 Holmes
- Music Maestro - AD Y4 Pankhurst
House Winners
- This weeks winners - Earth
- Current Half Term Leaders - Earth
- Overall Leaders - Earth
- School Attendance Target for the Year - 96.50%
- School attendance this year so far - 94.4%
- School attendance this week - 94.3%
- EYFS2 Anning - 97.8%
- EYFS2 Sharman - 92.5%
- Year 1 Einstein -97.1%
- Year 1 Nightingale -93.3%
- Year 2 Parks - 98.6%
- Year 2 Seacole - 92.7%
- Year 3 Earhart - 92.2%
- Year 3/4 Holmes - 95.2%
- Year 4 Pankhurst - 93.4%
- Year 5 Attenborough - 91.9%
- Year 5/6 Wollstonecraft - 93.8%
- Year 6 Kings - 97.4%
Well done to Class Parks who are this week's winners with 98.6%. Congratulations.
Our suite of X (formerly Twitter) Handles is here for you. Below is a link for 'all things Birkwood.'
PE & Sport
Please ensure children in KS2, Years 3-6 come to school IN PE KIT on their allocated PE Days. 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. This will be until building work is complete as we have no access to discrete changing areas.
This Year's Term Dates
Next Year's Term Dates Below
Wednesday 4th September 2024 – Children return to school
Friday 25th October 2024 – School closes for Half Term
Monday 4th November 2024 – Children return to school
Friday 20th December 2024 – School Closes for Christmas Break
Monday 6th January 2025 - Children return to school
Friday 14th February 2025 - School Closes for Half Term
Monday 24th February 2025 - Children return to school
Friday 4th April 2025 – School Closes for Easter Break
Tuesday 22nd April 2025 - Children return to school
Monday 5th May 2025 – School Closed May Day Bank Holiday
Friday 23 May 2025 – School Closes for Half Term
Monday 2 June 2025 – INSET Day
Tuesday 3 June 2025 – Children return to school
Friday 18 July 2025 - School Closes for Summer
For current Year 6 children, their tests shall be Monday 13th May to Thursday 16th May 2024.
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.