I hope that everyone has enjoyed the wonderful weather this week and managed to stay cool enough when necessary! Our outdoor facilities have been busy around school and thank you for ensuring children were protected against the sunshine.
I write this week from a training course on Oracy where again, our school focus of talk and encouraging children to share their thoughts and feelings has been shown to be precisely the correct way forward for us. I have seen some beautiful contributions and reflections in lessons and at play times and the collaborative ingredient within ‘The Birkwood Way’ is developing in a hugely pleasing way. The hard work of our staff has enabled children to improve their speaking, thoughts and understanding of others and I thank them warmly for their dedication. The children are just a joy with which to work!
As ever, we are very excited to meet our new families during this term. I have been asked to share the video below around how to help very young children. Some excellent tips!
I circulated some final information for families of Y6 children around SATs. Mrs. Wilkie articulated this at an information meeting. My key message however is that of thanks to our community for their support of the children. The children have worked hard and as long as our value of 100% Effort shines through, then that will do for me!
This week, all staff members and some families had the opportunity to experience an Autism empathy session. It was emotional, thought provoking and humbling. I am fiercely proud of our commitment to Inclusion and thank the PINS project and Mr. Froggatt for providing this experience. Getting better at meeting the needs of all children is something close to my heart. Our dedication to improving our inclusive offer is non-negotiable as is growing our skills around interactions that are crucial to all!
It has been brilliant to meet Mr. Summerfield’s new arrivals! Two stunning girls who are keeping him busy! He’s back in school next week and I am sure that we will look after him!
This afternoon we hosted 3 of the local schools to play in a girls Y3-4 football tournament. As always they were a credit to us. Please see the photos below.
On Monday 12th May, Compass Be are hosting an online 'Get to Know Us' workshop. Compass Be are the Barnsley Mental Health Support Team who offer invaluable support. The workshop is free, but places need to be reserved using the below link.
Bank Holiday Weekend has arrived. As always, please enjoy the family time. Thank you for everything that you do! Next week is VE Day – an occasion that will help us to remember that we have a lot for which to be thankful.
- Headteachers Superstar KS1/EYFS - N-LS FS2 Montessori
- Headteachers Superstar KS2 - SA Y5 Kane
- Class Times Table Rockstars - Y5 Kane
- Music Maestro - GH Y4 Burrow
- PE Star - OB Y3 Hepworth
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 - 95.4%
- School attendance this year so far - 95.3%
- FS2 Donaldson - 94.0%
- FS2 Montessori -91.0%
- Y1 Potter - 98.9%
- Y1 Windsor - 97.0%
- Y2 Goodall - 96.3%
- Y2 Kahlo - 97.4%
- Y3 Hepworth - 92.1%
- Y3/4 Armstrong - 98.6%
- Y4 Burrow - 97.6%
- Y5 Kane - 96.9%
- Y 5/6 Sinfield - 96.7%
- Y6 Shelley - 92.1%
Well done to class Potter who have a great 98.9% 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" • Amonthep - "Sports team, teenage girl soccer and kick ball on field in a tournament,Fit adolescents compete to win match at school championship" • ilolab - "Traditional Thai food papaya salad prepared with fine slices of papaya, tomatoes, green beans and peanuts." • dizain - "Community word cloud, heart concept"