I hope that everybody enjoyed the Bank Holiday Weekend - it's been busy in school, and we’ve had some great things to celebrate.
Mr Summerfield has returned this week. It's probably safe to say that coming back to work has been slightly less stressful than looking after his new arrivals!
Next week we have Year 6 SATs. All I wish, is that the children show the same effort levels and determination that we see every day! Thank you to everybody for their hard work.
I heard a fantastic interview with former Dutch footballing legend Clarence Seedorf this week. He was discussing the fact that social media could harm the career of football's latest young superstar Lamine Yamal. The reason I mention this is because I feel this is a warning for everybody. We are privileged to work with our fantastic children and looking after their safety both in school and crucially online could not be more poignant and important. A very VERY important message and I know you will support all of our children to stay safe. The internet brings great opportunities but also, we must stay aware of its pitfalls. Social Media age guides are there for a very important reason and I implore you all to follow them in order to keep everyone safe.
Our youngest children had their Class Photos taken again this week – thank you for understanding. A sickness bug had impacted upon attendance to such a degree that we had to arrange a retake.
Thank you to our Year One and reading team who held a phonics check parents’ meeting in school this week. I know I continually reinforce the importance of reading and the quality of the early reading provision in school but reading really is key to almost everything. Should you have any questions around the phonics check please do not hesitate to get in touch. The check is completed on a one-to-one basis and the materials are very familiar to the children. They will do terrifically as they are so well prepared.
We celebrated VE Day by enjoying various events and activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe. This included parties, a whole school gathering and activities that taught everyone about the historical significance of VE Day. The children were wonderful, and I thank miss Betts and Mrs. Lavender for orchestrating our day. A crucial message from 1945 was that the horrific losses of life must never happen again. We even had some fantastic creations made at home and brought in to school.
Well done to our Year 3 and 4 football team. They secured a fabulous 1-0 victory over Milefield. Mr. Walton was delighted with their efforts. A brilliant winning goal sealed the afternoon! Fantastic.
This afternoon, it’s Key Stage 1 Athletics at Dorothy Hyman. Our Sports Days are looming so this will be great preparation! Good luck to all involved!
I ask parents politely to look after our local area. At the top of Field Drive, residents have been inconvenienced by parking (double parking) and in the form of litter by way of milk cartons. Any spare milk has been given to children on the understanding that we are not wasting it, but also on condition that any cartons are discarded appropriately. In terms of the parking, I would again ask that you use the Pinfold Car Park and walk the short distance to Birkwood where possible. Parking is tricky around all schools at busy times. Thank you for understanding the concerns that have been communicated to school.
With Mr. Markham’s help, I have written to parents around PE and jewellery. I perhaps could have added the use of false nails. I know that Outwood Shafton do not permit any children to wear jewellery apart from a watch (not internet connected) and they also state that false nails are unsuitable for school. The key message is around children not wearing jewellery on PE days and arriving at school in appropriate school uniform. PE is essential and I thank you for your understanding.
Our after-school provider are running a holiday club for half term. Please see below.
https://grassrootsportsacademy.co.uk/booking/
Afterschool clubs will be released on Monday via our Arbor site. Please ensure that you have activated your child's Arbor account. If you do not complete this step, you will not be able to book any clubs.
Enjoy a lovely weekend. Enjoy the weather and some special family time. Next week’s weather again looks more Spanish than English so please apply sunscreen to children before school every day. Hats/ caps and water bottles would also be great too.
- Headteachers Superstar KS1/EYFS - DC Y2 Goodall
- Headteachers Superstar KS2 - B-RR Y3 Hepworth
- Class Times Table Rockstars - Y4 Burrow
- Music Maestro - JO, TB & SP Y4 Burrow
- PE Star - TB Y2 Goodall
Half Term House Scores
- This weeks leaders- Fire
- Current Half Term Leaders- Fire
- Overall Leaders- Fire
- School attendance Target for the Year - 97.0%
- School attendance this week - 94.5%
- School attendance this year so far - 95.3%
- FS2 Donaldson - 91.1%
- FS2 Montessori -94.5%
- Y1 Potter - 93.3%
- Y1 Windsor - 95.7%
- Y2 Goodall - 93.8%
- Y2 Kahlo - 99.5%
- Y3 Hepworth - 94.5%
- Y3/4 Armstrong - 96.4%
- Y4 Burrow - 96.9%
- Y5 Kane - 96.9%
- Y 5/6 Sinfield - 98.3%
- Y6 Shelley - 92.2%
Well done to class Kahlo who have a fantastic 99.5% attendance. Brilliant!!!
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.
For current Year 4 children, their tests will be Monday 10th to Thursday 13th May 2027.
Important Website Links
Credits:
Created with images by takasu - "ニュースのロゴ" • Peter - "Flag of the United Kingdom VE day 2025" • ilolab - "Traditional Thai food papaya salad prepared with fine slices of papaya, tomatoes, green beans and peanuts." • dizain - "Community word cloud, heart concept"