As ever, a busy week at Birkwood! Is it really March already? The time is flying. It is said this is when you’re having fun and this is one word I would use around our lovely school. It is always a joy to be at Birkwood.
I have been away from school at the end of the week due to Leadership training. I have missed the children and though it feels strange to be away from Birkwood, the one thing I have great confidence in is the fact that those holding the fort will do a magnificent job. Our staff team are wonderful, and I again thank them for their incredibly hard work all centred around our lovely children.
There have been some exciting activities again. Classes Pankhurst and Holmes had a wonderful day at Magna, discovering the world through a scientific lens. They loved the play facilities too!
Year 1 Einstein, Year 1 Nightingale and Year 2 Parks have also had a fantastic time studying the many aspects Cudworth has to offer. They especially enjoyed the library and the park!
One of our lovely families also arranged for an Ambulance Visit this week for our Reception children as they continue to study people who may help us. An amazing hands on experience that went down extremely well! Thank you to Matt for arranging this and supporting the learning at Birkwood.
We hosted visitors from Outwood Academy Trust this week as they looked at how we help children with Individual Needs at Birkwood. ‘Birkwood is for Everyone’ and the work we do is fully inclusive. Thank you to Mr. Froggatt and the team for their care, support and knowledge in supporting everyone in school. Our guests left some excellent feedback.
It has been disappointing to have to close Nursery this week. I can only apologise, though thank everyone for their understanding. Elder children are able to cope with disruption to routine. Nursery children are still developing crucial independence and of course the link to Health & Safety - no toilets means no school. Please be assured that we are striving to solve this issue frantically!
Sporting fixtures are coming thick and fast. On Thursday the girls football team played brilliantly, and just like the boys this was their first game playing together. They all showed 100% effort for each other, which resulted in a final score of Birkwood 7-1 Milefield. You have made Mr Walton very proud!
We currently have a position available for a Parent Governor. Our Parent School Governors play a vital role in shaping the future of our school by contributing their valuable insights, expertise, and perspectives. This collaborative effort ensures that our school continues to provide an enriching and supportive environment for all students.
If you are interested in becoming a Parent Governor, application forms are available from the school office. If you would like further information on what the role entails, please email Paul Sabin, Chair of Governors at p.sabin@birkwood.org.uk
At Birkwood, we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that nurtures not only academic excellence but also the artistic and creative potential in every child, with research showing that exposure to music education enhances cognitive abilities, boosts academic performance, and promotes social skills in children.
Working with Barnsley Music Service, we offer a comprehensive range of music lessons for students of all skill levels and types of instruments. If you wish your child to receive music lessons please collect a form from the school Reception. Pupils eligible for free school meals are offered tuition at a reduced rate.
Family Hubs and Start for Life have recently opened their new Grimethorpe Family Centre, situated on Milefield Lane, which offers a range of services for families. These services include: 0-19 public health nursing, mental health services and much more.
They are now looking for volunteers. If you are interested in sparing an hour or two to support the family hub, a recruitment event is taking place on Friday 8th March. Please see the below leaflet.
Don't forget that World Book day is next week, on Thursday 7th March. Children may wear pyjamas, a onesie or any outfits you have already arranged. Children are invited to bring a favourite book of their choice from home or from school!
We are currently taking part in Tesco's 'Stronger Starts' campaign. Don’t forget to pick up your token and cast your vote @ Tesco Stairfoot. You can vote until 31st March
Easter egg raffle tickets are now on sale, at a cost of £1 per strip. Please see Mrs Rowbotham, who can be found outside the year 6 classroom after school each day, or you can send money in a sealed envelope (child's name on the front) with your child to their class.
Easter tickets are also on sale, at a cost of £2.50 per child. Please send money in a sealed envelope, with your child's name on the front, and hand it to your child's teacher.
I wish everyone a terrific weekend. Thank you for your support as always; it means a lot to everyone at Birkwood.
- Headteachers Superstar EYFS/KS1 - AN FS2 Anning
- Headteachers Superstar KS2 - ET Y3 Earhart
- Class Times Table Rockstars - Y3/4 Holmes
- Music Maestro - EG 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 - 94.5%
- School attendance this week - 96.4%
- EYFS2 Anning - 96.6%
- EYFS2 Sharman - 98.6%
- Year 1 Einstein -95.5%
- Year 1 Nightingale -97.8%
- Year 2 Parks - 96.3%
- Year 2 Seacole - 96.2%
- Year 3 Earhart - 88.9%
- Year 3/4 Holmes - 98.9%
- Year 4 Pankhurst - 96.9%
- Year 5 Attenborough - 99.5%
- Year 5/6 Wollstonecraft - 94.8%
- Year 6 Kings - 97.7%
Well done to Class Attenborough who are this week's winners with 99.5%. 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.