The week lots more news. It has certainly been a busy one - I realise that I say this every week, but I think this is just life in a primary school; and it’s why I love it!
This week, we welcomed another school as they observed and enjoyed the work that we do in reading at Birkwood. It is always great to share practise that has been signposted because of its developing excellence. I am extremely proud that we are seen as a school to help others, and it will not surprise you to hear the children were magnificent. A huge thank you and well done to Mrs. Wilkie for her leadership of reading and of course to the children for showcasing their engagement in their learning journey. Thank you as ever to our staff who opened the doors in a supportive and collegiate way.
The children have had some very enjoyable activities this week. Hats off again to everybody who enabled the Summer Disco to take place. Thank you for supporting this by way of buying tickets. As always, funds raised will be used towards subsidising the cost of the visits and experiences on offer at Birkwood. Fantastic work as always from Miss Taylor & Mrs. Whitfield and the staff who supported them in the event. Plenty of photos below for you to check out.
One such example of our visits program was when our FS2/ Reception children enjoyed their trip to Williams Den. A fabulous place was definitely enjoyed by all. Thank you again for the care and support shown by our staff in making this happen. Please see the photos below.
It was a week for the performing arts at Birkwood. Our Year Four musicians represented school at the Barnsley Music Service event at the Metrodome. They were absolutely awesome. I was unable to attend the event due to a hectic diary but was tuned in remotely and as always, I was extremely proud of the children's efforts. Thank you to the Year 4 Staff Team – just brilliant!
We participated in the Barnsley Schools’ Drama Festival at the Academy Theatre, Birdwell. This was a superb afternoon. The hilarious version of Cinderella was performed with no little skill, happiness and success. The script managed to incorporate several traditional elements of a pantomime, including some wonderful audience participation. Everybody who was able to attend appeared to love it. I know that I did. The children worked on the performance at after school club with Miss Hayward, Mrs. Porter & Mrs Rennison. Huge thanks to them, this was an occasion to remember. Performing at a professional venue like this is a joy and again, I was terrifically proud of the stars of the stage.
Next week again looks busy. I have written to you separately regarding transition day on Tuesday (Wednesday for Year Three children due to swimming.) You will notice from the classes, that some members of staff are moving to pastures new. I will write to you at a later date to inform you of their plans but take this opportunity to thank Mrs Marrow, Miss Keen and Miss Fudge. They have brought a wide range of talents, skills and abilities to Birkwood and I wish them the very best in their future endeavours. Their work will always be remembered fondly here.
Next week also includes our SEND summer event on Tuesday after school. Again, I am sure that this will be a fabulous afternoon.
Our Year 2 trip to Scarborough is on the horizon; I have everything crossed for fabulous weather.
It is also Summer Bingo time. If you are able to support, please attend; eyes down from 6:00 PM.
The following weeks non-uniform days are:
- Week 3 4th July – Bottles
- Week 4 11th July – Buns and Cakes
As always, I wish you a terrific weekend. Please enjoy the sun and take care.
- Headteachers Superstar KS1/EYFS - GW Y1 Potter
- Headteachers Superstar KS2 - DB Y5 Kane
- Music Maestro - Y4 Brass
- Music Maestro - LR Y5 Kane
- Music Maestro - HW Y6 Shelley
- Class Times Table Rockstars - Y3 Hepworth
- PE Star - AO Y3/4 Hepwoth
Half Term House Scores
- This weeks leaders - Fire
- Overall leaders - Water
- School attendance Target for the Year - 97.0%
- School attendance this week - 93.3%
- School attendance this year so far - 95.2%
- FS2 Donaldson - 96.7%
- FS2 Montessori -92.6%
- Y1 Potter - 95.6%
- Y1 Windsor - 94.7%
- Y2 Goodall - 96.0%
- Y2 Kahlo - 89.4%
- Y3 Hepworth - 93.0%
- Y3/4 Armstrong - 96.1%
- Y4 Burrow - 91.2%
- Y5 Kane - 91.4%
- Y 5/6 Sinfield - 99.0%
- Y6 Shelley - 95.2%
Well done to class Sinfield who have an excellent 99.0% attendance. Fantastic!!!
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. NO JEWELLERY.
Next Year's Term Dates Below
For current Year 6 children, the SATs tests are complete!
For current Year 5 children, their tests will be Monday 11th to Thursday 14th May 2026.
For current Year 4 children, their tests will be Monday 10th to Thursday 13th May 2027.
Summer Half Term 2 - After School Clubs
Important Website Links
Credits:
Created with images by takasu - "ニュースのロゴ" • stenkovlad - "planet in space" • ilolab - "Traditional Thai food papaya salad prepared with fine slices of papaya, tomatoes, green beans and peanuts." • dizain - "Community word cloud, heart concept"