Weekly Newsletter

Friday 19th January 2024

Headteacher - Mrs K Adams

Assistant Headteacher - Miss H Howard

Associate Assistant Headteacher - Miss L Whale

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week, we were extremely proud to receive a letter from Damian Hinds, The Minister for Schools, in recognition of our success last summer in Year 1 phonics. 100% of our pupils met the national expected standards. This is a fantastic achievement and tantamount to the hard work, dedication and skill of all staff involved in the teaching of phonics and early reading. It was very special to receive the acknowledgement from the Department of Education offices and I thank all parents and carers for your continued support at home.

This Week

Year 3 & Year 4 York Chocolate Story Trip

On Tuesday 16th January, Year 3 and 4 visited The York Chocolate Story where the children learned all about the history of chocolate. They even became chocolatiers for the day making their own chocolate lolly! Children accessed a workshop called ‘Meet the Maya’, where they learned about the importance of the cocoa bean to the Mayan society.

In addition, the children had the opportunity to walk around the beautiful York Minister. Visiting a historical landmark and becoming a chocolatier has ticked off two of their 50 experiences on their personal achievement passports.

Y3/4 Active Curriculum Festival

On Wednesday 17th January, children from our Y3/Y4 classes took part in an Active Maths Curriculum Festival at Carleton High School. Pupils had fun working out Maths and English challenges whilst being active.

We came joint 1st place with Orchard Head Primary School and also won Spirit of the games award which acknowledges that the children of Larks Hill demonstrated team spirit and kindness to all who took part. All pupils received a certificate and a medal. Well done children!

Next Week

Police Visit for Year 6

On Monday 22nd January, the year 6 class will be receiving an educational visit from West Yorkshire Police on the topic of Knife Awareness. The session will inform them of the national and local statistics; help them to understand the risks and give them guidance on how to stay safe.

Visit from Jono Lancaster

On Tuesday 23rd January, we have a very special visitor in school called Jono Lancaster. Some of you may know of Jono as he lives locally in the Pontefract area. Jono has Treacher Collins Syndrome. As part of our inclusion and difference curriculum, Jono will spend the day in school. He will hold an assembly and then go into classes to speak with the children about his life story. We cannot wait to meet him.

Year 5 and Year 6 walk to Pontefract Town Centre

On Wednesday 24th January, our Year 5 and Year 6 children will walk into Pontefract to research the town. Upon return, the children will complete an information piece all about Pontefract. If you have any knowledge of the town’s history and feel you can contribute to the content of the written work, please contact us.

Panathlon challenge

Panathlon is a charity which provides competitive sporting opportunities to children with disabilities and special educational needs. On Friday 26th January, a small group of our children will visit Xscape at Castleford where they will have access to the ten pin bowling alley supported by this charity.

Spring Term Diary Dates

Attendance

Overall 97.8%

Reception 97.3%

Year 1 99.3%

Year 2 95.7%

Year 3 99%

Year 4 98%

Year 5 98%

Year 6 97.3%

Dinner Menu

The first week back we will be on week 3 for dinners.

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

SEND workshops for parents available from WASP

Thank you for all your continued support. Please wrap up warm and have a lovely weekend,

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs Adams