Welcome to our latest Newsletter. There’s only one place to start – and it’s fabulous. Mr. Walton is now a father! Everyone is well and I send love to the new family. Amazing news.
An incredible week all round with ministerial changes, World Cup Football and record temperatures! Thank you for your support during the hot weather. We’re tried our very best to ensure the children have been as comfortable as is possible. It has linked in nicely with our support of the World Cup and children eager to sport their favourite kits. Thank you to everyone for your support in this. Relaxing uniform expectations was essential for children and adults this week. Back to normal on Monday please - I would remind you that shorts (black or grey) are uniform items.
On Monday we hosted a Reading Development Day. I must thank and salute the work of Miss Betts and the staff who guide the children in their very early stages of the reading journey. We invest heavily in early reading in terms of finance, staffing and as a school priority. The fruits of this mission are again coming to bear; I am thrilled with the reading offer we provide and the progress the children are making. Fabulous work from everyone at home and in school – thank you.
An enormous well done to our Nursery stars who held sports events this week at Birkwood. Thank you to the staff for their hard work and to see so many families helping and joining in was a thrill to all of us.
I had the privilege of attending an Arts Award Presentation Evening this week. Our Year 4 children have completed many projects through the arts, and this has been recognised with external qualifications. Enriching our curriculum is essential and I was delighted to see some beautiful work. Our very own Mrs. Rennison has been selected as the education lead for the arts in Barnsley. This is a huge honour for her and for our school.
Thank you as ever to those who supported our Disco. It was slightly different with water breaks and fresh air time due to the temperatures. Miss Taylor and Mrs. Whitfield led the event again so huge appreciation goes to them and their army of helpers.
Year 4 took part in the Barnsley Music Service Key Stage 2 Music Festival at the Metrodome Arena this week. Thank you to our families who turned out in force – and definitely gave the best support. A brilliant event and some fabulous music making. Thank you to Mr. Roberts for his expertise in preparing the children.
We were delighted to welcome our ‘New to Reception’ children for September with a Stay & Play session in school. Thanks again to Miss Sabin & the EYFS Team. We had lots of excited children who seemed to feel at home right away.
The amazing ‘Tech She Can’ visited Year 5 again this week. This fabulous addition to our curriculum has been enjoyed greatly by the children.
We took the decision to defer Bingo for a week due to the temperatures – we weren’t sure that Bingo would entice people away from the weather and cooling techniques! Eyes will be down on Thursday next week though – come and join us!
I wish Year 2 a great day in ‘Scarbados.’ The forecast is hot – BUT 10 degrees (ish) cooler than Cudworth. Scarborough has lots to offer and I’m sure that they’ll have a lovely day. The early photos look great!
Thank you for supporting Non-Uniform and the ‘Smellies’ donations today.
We received confirmation from Outwood. Transition Day for Year 6 children will be July 1st at Outwood Carlton & Shafton.
FA Cup Winners Year 1 Earps are enjoying their reward as I type!
Have a really lovely weekend, enjoy the family time and remember the sun screen again and of course, ‘Come on England!’ 🏴🏴🏴
- Headteachers Superstar EYFS/KS1 - JC & NND (F2)
- Headteachers Superstar KS2 - EE Y6 BW Y3
- Music Maestro - All of Y4, RB Y2
- PE Star - BO JR (Y5/6) DA & MB(Y6)
House Points
We are on the final stretch. Who will be crowned the House winners of 25/26?? For the winners this year there will be a feast of activities and treats at the end of year Garden Party!
Water are currently in the overall lead but with Fire still leading this half term they are on course to win it! It is too close to call!
School attendance Target for the Year - 95.4% (as set by the DfE)
School attendance this week - 93.2%
School attendance this year so far - 95.3%
Fantastic Attendance (FA) Cup
Please see the results of the weeks Fantastic Attendance (FA) Cup. Some brilliant prizes were won today including movie afternoons and extra non-uniform days!
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.
Term Dates Below
For current Year 5 children, SATs tests will be Monday 10th to Thursday 13th May 2027.
For current Year 4 children, SATs tests will be Monday 8th to Thursday 11th May 2028.