Weekly Newsletter

Headteacher - Mrs K Adams

Assistant Headteacher - Miss H Howard

Associate Assistant Headteacher - Miss L Whale

Dear Parents and Carers,

This time of the year is always joyous, yet super busy, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all of my staff for the hard work and commitment given to the many projects and events we have had in our calendar recently. For the past few weeks, we have had something ‘Christmassy’ on in school most days (with some events happening at weekends or after school) and people have given up precious time to attend. This is a phenomenal testament to the dedication shown to Larks Hill School and our pupils and I cannot thank everyone enough.

Following the very successful Winter Wonderland and Christmas Fair, you have helped us to raise just over £1,000. Previous fund raising helped us to buy our new stage and these recent funds raised will go towards our stage lighting and buying additional books for the library which support our curriculum.

Thank you once again.

On Wednesday, KS2 made Mince Pies with the wonderful Classroom Kitchen. The whole school smelled wonderful!

On Wednesday afternoon, the pupils in KS1 and EYFS enjoyed their very own Christmas Party. Pupils played games and ate lots of festive treats. There was some very smooth dance moves witnessed!

On Thursday afternoon, Year 6 had a Christmas Biscuit Bake Off. The children brought many festive creations in to school and we were delighted with their achievements. The competition was judged by Mrs Shariff, Head at Carleton High School, Heather Copley, Managing Director at Farmer Copley’s Farm Shop, her Marketing Director Ted Newton and Mrs Taylor, our Larks Hill DT Lead. Thank you to all the children who took the time to bake for us and well done to the three worthy winners!

Today we bid a fond farewell to Miss Parkhurst, our Year 2 teacher who is leaving us to take up a post in another school. We wish her all the best in her new role.

In addition to this, we are also saying goodbye to a pupil in Year 3 who is relocating to Australia with her family. We send our best wishes to the pupil and her family and hope that they settle well. I know the class will miss her greatly.

The PAT Games are a sporting extravaganza, showcasing a diverse range of athletic talents, emphasising inclusivity, participation, and the joy of competition.

The PAT Games welcomes athletes of all skill levels, promoting an environment where everyone can actively engage and contribute to their team’s success. The Cross Country event, a testament to endurance and perseverance, saw participants traverse the challenging terrain at The Kings School, with Larks Hill being crowned the overall champions.

Football, which has been a cornerstone of the PAT Games this term, has epitomized the fusion of enjoyment and competition. We have ran both competitions and festivals in order that the emphasis was not solely on winning but on the thrill of the game, encouraging players to revel in the joy of taking part and encouraging the ‘Spirit of the Games’ characteristics. We have seen competition victories for Halfpenny Lane Girls and Larks Hill Boys who were pushed to the whistle in a thriller of a final with The Rookeries. De Lacy’s participation in football festivals has consistently embodied the 'Spirit of the Games,' with a strong emphasis on determination, respect, honesty, and self-belief. These characteristics not only contribute to success on the field but also play a crucial role in shaping the positive sporting culture within the school community.

The Year 3/4 PAT Games Racket Festival at Pontefract Squash Club was a fantastic opportunity to build community links, encourage regular sports participation and promote the acquisition of new skills. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and learning, the festival contributed to the broader goal of creating a healthier and more active community, with sport playing a pivotal role in the lives of local residents, particularly the younger generation.

This is also the first year of our PAT Games Championships. This is where schools can accumulate points for participation, showing the ‘Spirit of the Games’ characteristics and, when taking part in a competition, the position they finish. This is in order that pupils understand the importance of inclusivity and participation is just as important as playing to win. Our Term 1 results are:-

1st – De Lacy- 137 points

2nd- Carleton Park- 124 points

3rd- The Rookeries- 123 points

Well done to De Lacy! We are looking forward to some more fantastic PAT Games events taking place in Term 2 and seeing more of our incredible pupils getting involved.

Overall 92.1%

Reception 93.3%

Year 1 95.0%

Year 2 98.8%

Year 3 87.1%

Year 4 87.1%

Year 5 91.7%

Year 6 92.0%

Also, just a little reminder that we now offer a dinner option 3 which is pasta and sauce.

Wakefield Council's Happy Healthy Holidays – Wakefield Families Together is now open to book for activities between 2nd and 5th January 2024. There are lots of activities on offer including dance, arts and crafts, day trips, sports activities, cooking, food and nutrition activities and much more! If you think you may be eligible for free school meals benefits (this is different from the universal meals given to Reception up to Year 2) please contact the office.

Here is some information about keeping devices safe at Christmas and beyond.

Keep Children Safe Online: Information, Advice, Support - Internet Matters

What is the metaverse? - What parents need to know | Internet Matters

Top tips for staying safe online at Christmas - UK Safer Internet Centre

Social Media Checklists | SWGfL

On a final note, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for the New Year. Thank you as always for your continued support for school and I look forward to seeing you when we return on Monday 8th January 2024!

Your Sincerely

Mrs Adams