Weekly Blog Friday 20th December 2024
Date: 19th Dec 2024 @ 2:13pm
Message from Mrs Powell
To all our families,
How quickly this term has gone! It has been so busy in the last few weeks with termly assessments and squeezing in the odd little bit of festive fun in too. The children however have been amazing, and they have shown lots of commitment to their learning every single day. Last Thursday, the final published data for the 2024 Key Stage 2 SATs was released by the DfE. We are delighted to share that our results in Summer place us in the Top 5 performing schools in Doncaster, but also in the Top 7% of schools in the country. I believe that these results are testimony to our dedicated staff team and the amazing efforts of the children in Year 6 last year. It proves how important we feel, and how much we know, what can be achieved together as a result of the strong relationships that exist here amongst staff, parents and our children.
Attendance for the school has finished at 89.2% which as you can see on the graph is due to the large amount of illness we have seen in the last few weeks. Attendance monitoring and meetings will begin in the Spring term as we have a long way to go towards achieving our 97% target for the school, but we will keep you updated when we do.
We are pleased to announce though that last year we have just received an award for being in the Top 25% of FFT schools in England which means for the academic year we know that the children are here accessing as much learning as they can. A huge well done to the 48 children who received the 100% certificates in assembly today too.
As always, the staff at this school have gone above and beyond to not only ensure the children are safe and happy here at Mayflower, but also to create so many opportunities for our families to see, and be involved in celebrating, the wonderful achievements our children take part in. In the last few weeks alone, we have had the magical visit of Santa and our snow globe, our family craft mornings, a beautiful EYFS concert and KS1 Nativities, Carols around the Tree, choir visit to Bawtry Hall and Christmas service at St Nicholas’s, Rocksteady concert, a wonderful Christmas Service at church, Christmas lunch and jumper day and a whole school panto day here in school for all the children. This only being possibly due to the hard work and commitment of so many wonderful people here.
A huge thank you to our PTA who have once again raised much needed funds for school, a staggering £2963.30 profit so far this year already and their generous enterprise challenge saw a total raised of over £700 by the children too. Well done to our winners – Year 4 who raised a staggering £175.27 at our first ever Christmas market. They have also helped Santa get all his books ready for you to open on Christmas Eve and share a story together as a family. So, I know you will join me in wishing them all a well-earned, Christmas and New Year holiday.
We had lots of fun drawing our unbelievably HUGE chocolate raffle this morning and many prizes are coming home tonight. A special thank you to you all for your donations and ticket buying which means across the raffle and Christmas jumper day we have raised a whopping £535.98 towards our festive celebrations this year! Lots of photographs of this and all the other events are on our Twitter page. Follow this link to take a look at them all!
On Tuesday, our Digital Leaders, Kaylan, Noah, Ottavia and Connor, chose the winners of our #bekindonline competition and our winning designs will go on our school website and in classrooms. If tech is being purchased over Christmas, the @wakeupwednesday online safety website from the National College is an excellent resource for you to share and learn top tips about staying safe, and being kind, online.
Finally, Rev. Becky spoke at church about Mary and how brave and bold she must have been after she was told she was having God’s son. It reminded me of all the times the children, during the year, may have felt worried, anxious or reluctant to do something but how they, just like Mary, stood bold and brave so the Mayflower 2025 promise is to #bemorelikemary.
Therefore, as I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year full of blessings, I will definitely, for the next few weeks, be enjoying some real luxuries in life: time, a quiet mind, calm and boring days, meaningful conversations, home-cooked meals with people I love and who love me back. My wish is that you get to do some of the same.
See you all back at school on Monday 6th January!
Mrs Powell (a very proud Headteacher).
Attendance
Every week in our Celebration Assembly, we celebrate the class who has achieved the highest attendance for that week. This week Mrs Birkinshaw & Mrs Ward's class had the highest attendance with 98.33% - well done Year 1!
Please see below for the attendance figures for this week. The target attendance for all children is currently set at 97%.
Nursery - 85.71%
Reception -
Year 1 Mrs Birkinshaw & Mrs Ward - 98.33%
Year 2 Mrs Davies - 98.22%
Year 3 Mrs Parkes & Mrs Ronan - 93.87%
Year 4 Mrs Wood & Mrs Walker - 93.53%
Year 5 Mrs Pickersgill - 97.27%
Year 6 Miss Dunn - 94.12%
Celebrating fantastic attendance!
Each week, each class with 100% attendance on a particular day will receive one letter from the word MAYFLOWER to put on their classroom door. Once a class has spelt out the word MAYFLOWER, a member of the class will bring all their letters down to the office to claim their prize from our box of Awesome Attendance Activities!
Please see below where each class stands at the end of today:
Nursery - M A Y F L O W E R M A
Reception - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A
Year 1 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F
Year 2 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R
Year 3 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E
Year 4 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W
Year 5 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W
Year 6 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R
This week, Reception have enjoyed their most recent reward of some Movie and Popcorn time.
Stars of the week
Each week in our Friday Celebration Assembly, we celebrate our stars of the week. Each class teacher chooses 2 children from their class each week who have really impressed them. Here are the children who have been chosen this week.
Nursery & Reception
This week's Star of the Week in Nursery goes to Ralphy. Ralphy has been trying really hard to do good listening, good sitting and following our school rules. He has been proud of himself when he has done something that has earned praise. He has been great at tidying up this week too!
Riley in Reception has developed his independence over the last term in reception. He has demonstrated his understanding of our topics and inquisitive nature through asking so many questions! Riley is making good choices and being a kind friend in the classroom, giving everyone a hug. We have loved watching him grow in confidence and showing us his cheeky personality and sense of humour. Well done Riley 🙂
Kingsley has taken a keen interest in maths and writing over this half term, he has explored different ways of mark making and using new language every day. His love of crafts has shone through especially over the Christmas period showing his imagination. Kingsley has grown in confidence joining in all group activities and developing new friendships. Kingsley is becoming more and more independent especially at lunch time. He makes our day with his lovely smile and inquisitive nature. Well done Kingsley 🙂
Year 1
Travis - Travis has been a little ray of sunshine all term. We are extremely sad to see him leave us for his new school, however we know he will be a superstar in his new school. They are so lucky to have him. We are so impressed with the effort he is putting into many of his tasks and we love hearing all the new words he has to say! We will miss you so much.
Reggie - Reggie has been a superstar all term. He works hard with no expectation of acknowledgement or reward but we want to shout from the rooftops just how amazing he is! Reggie is a great friend and wants the best for everyone. We have loved to see his confidence grow this term and we can't wait to see what other fantastic things he does next year!
Year 2
George - George is polite, kind and helpful. He quietly and efficiently helps others and ensures that the classroom and playground are running like a well-oiled machine! He is a friendly and caring boy who does everything that is asked of him and so much more. Well done, George!
Patrick - Patrick is extremely polite, kind and helpful. He is a friendly and caring boy who does everything that is asked of him. He is a child who can always be relied upon to help someone in need and offer a friendly word of support and a smile. He is a fantastic role model to the rest of the class. Well done, Patrick!
Year 3
Noah J - Noah has had an excellent start to Year 3. He has settled in well and has impressed all staff with his strong work ethic and positive attitude towards learning. Noah is always ready to learn and is a role model to his peers.
Libby - Libby has embraced the transition from Year 2 to Year 3 and has taken all new learning in her stride. She has made big steps in her confidence as a learner and this is clear in the work that she is producing. Libby has worked hard on improving her pace when working so that she can complete all tasks set.
Year 4
Rose - Rose has been a superstar this term. She is supportive of other children and is always willing to help adults in class. Every day she demonstrates her determination to succeed, her kindness and how responsible she is!
Daniel - Daniel has made a fantastic start in Year 4! He has been an outstanding partner for other children and has supported them with their learning. He is kind, hard working and responsible! What a super star!!
Year 5
Tamara - Tamara's confidence has grown so much this term, which is really pleasing to see. She demonstrates increasing confidence in new and unfamiliar situations and is beginning to ask for help and support when she needs it. Furthermore, Tamara always follows the class and school rules and is an excellent role model for her peers. Well done Tamara; you should be very proud of yourself.
Oliver B - Oliver displays growing confidence in new and unfamiliar situations, which is really pleasing to see and he is more willing to put his ideas forward in group discussions. He is beginning to ask for help if he has problems doing his work and always listens to feedback which will take his learning further. Furthermore, Oliver consistently adheres to class and school rules, exemplifying outstanding behaviour and serving as a positive role model for his peers. Well done Oliver; you should be very proud of yourself.
Year 6
Brandon - Brandon has had an absolutely fantastic first term in Year 6. He embodies our school rules at all times: he works hard and always tries his best, even when he finds something difficult, taking feedback on board and acting upon it to make sure that his work is the very best that it can be. Brandon is always kind and respectful to everyone - whether this be his peers, children in other year groups or any adults that he comes into contact with across the week. Well done Brandon!
Bella - Bella has had an absolutely fantastic first term in Year 6. She embodies our school rules at all times: she is always kind to others; she is respectful to children and all adults; and she always puts 100% effort into every single lesson, producing work across the curriculum that she should be extremely proud of.
Headteacher Award
Each week in our Celebration Assembly, Mrs Powell chooses someone who has really impressed her during the week and presents them with her Headteacher Award trophy.
My superstar award for the term goes to Bella (Yr6) and her super attitude towards all that she does in school. She always gives 100% effort and does this with humility and respect to others at all times. Not only is she a superstar worker, she also promotes everything in the Mayflower Way! Well done Bella on singing at church on Wednesday, our school is definitely always a happier place with you in it!!
Makaton Sign Of The Week
The children are continuing to learn Makaton's 'Sign of the week' each week. Each Monday, the children learn the new sign for that week. We thought it would be useful to share the following week's sign with parents/carers on our Friday blog so you can get involved too if you wish.
During the festive period, the Makaton Charity are once again doing their 'Countdown to Christmas' Advent, where they are joined by different schools, families, organisations, community groups, and choirs to help them sign. Please click on the link below to view their festive videos that have been posted so far this month.
https://makaton.org/TMC/TMC/The_Makaton_community/Countdown_to_Christmas.aspx
Christmas Art Project
Thank you to those who purchased products with the children's designs as part of our Christmas Art Project earlier this term. We have now received our commission of £148 which will be added to our school funds and used to provide additional opportunities for our children. We look forward to working with Xmas4Schools again next year.
A Christmas Gift from Year 2
Friday Tidy Volunteers
Over the October half term holiday the outdoor area in Foundation Stage has had a revamp and a thorough clean and tidy. We have also invested in some new sets of equipment that the children are loving using, not to mention our shiny new shed!
We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to give up half an hour of their time to give our outdoor area a ‘Friday Tidy.’ This would involve giving the area a sweep, collecting up any leaves, debris etc., putting away resources for the weekend and ensuring that all the sets of resources are complete. This is a task that needs doing on a weekly basis, but we appreciate not everybody could commit to doing this. Even an offer of once or twice a term would be incredibly helpful and beneficial to the children.
We will provide you with a hot drink to thank you for your trouble. Please could you confirm whether you would be available to help by either speaking to a member of Foundation Stage staff or emailing/phoning the office.
Lunch Menu for week commencing 6th January 2025
Please see the menu below for the first week back after Christmas. There may need to be last minute changes to the menus on occasion, to take into account availability of items or delivery issues.
Diary Dates
Please see below our current diary dates. It may be that there are dates on here that involve your child that you haven't had any information for yet. Please don't worry, information will come out in plenty of time prior to the date concerned. Dates that have been added since the last blog are shown in bold.
Friday 20th December – last day at school before Christmas holidays
Monday 23rd December to Friday 3rd January 2025 – Christmas Holidays
Monday 6th January 2025 – first day back in school after Christmas holidays
Wednesday 15th January 2025 – deadline for Reception applications for September 2025
Tuesday 21st January 2025 - Nursery fine motor skills workshop 9am
Tuesday 21st January 2025 - Year 1 rearranged visit to Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery
Thursday 23rd January 2025 – Year 3 visit to National Coal Mining Museum
Friday 24th January 2025 – Year 2 National Emergency Services Museum Takeover Day in school. Change of date – was originally Wednesday 22nd January 2025.
Wednesday 5th February 2025 - Prostrike sponsored event - further details to follow
Thursday 13th February 2025 - PTA Discos - Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 3.10pm to 3.50pm (Nursery and Reception parents/carers to stay with their child), Years 3 to 6 4pm to 4.45pm. Entry £1 - there will also be a tuck shop at this event
Thursday 13th February 2025 – Young Voices concert at Sheffield Utilita Arena
Friday 14th February 2025 – last day in school before February half term
Monday 17th February 2025 to Friday 21st February 2025 – February half term
Monday 24th February 2025 – first day back at school after February half term
Thursday 27th February 2025 - PTA Bag2School Clothing Collection - further details to follow
Tuesday 18th March 2025 – Year 2 visit to Austerfield Study Centre
Wednesday 19th March 2025 - Rocksteady Concert 10am - for those children taking part in the Rocksteady music sessions
Wednesday 26th March 2025 - Nursery & Reception Easter craft workshop 9am to 10am
Thursday 27th March 2025 - PTA Gifts for a loved one shop. Gifts from 50p to £3
Friday 28th March 2025 – last day in school before Easter holidays
Monday 31st March 2025 to Friday 11th April 2025 – Easter holidays
Monday 14th April 2025 – first day back at school after Easter holidays
Wednesday 16th April 2025 - PTA Easter Egg Hunt
Wednesday 16th April 2025 – Year 6 visit to Crucial Crew. Year 6 will do their Easter Egg Hunt on a different day this week.
Thursday 17th April 2025 - Nursery maths workshop 9am
Friday 18th April 2025 – Good Friday – school closed
Monday 21st April 2025 – Easter Monday – school closed
Wednesday 23rd April 2025 to Friday 25th April 2025 - Year 5 residential to PGL Caythorpe Court
Monday 5th May 2025 – Bank Holiday – school closed
Thursday 8th May 2025 to Friday 9th May 2025 - Year 3 residential to Austerfield Study Centre
Thursday 15th May 2025 – Y4 parents meeting for Hollowford residential in Year 4 classroom 3.10pm
Wednesday 21st May 2025 - Nursery phonics workshop 9am
Thursday 22nd May 2025 - class photos
Friday 23rd May 2025 – last day in school before May half term
Monday 26th May 2025 to Friday 30th May 2025 – May half term
Monday 2nd June 2025 – Training Day – school closed to pupils
Tuesday 3rd June 2025 – Training Day – school closed to pupils
Wednesday 4th June 2025 – first day back in school after May half term
Thursday 5th June 2025 - PTA Discos - Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 3.10pm to 3.50pm (Nursery and Reception parents/carers to stay with their child), Years 3 to 6 4pm to 4.45pm. Entry £1 - there will also be a tuck shop at this event. Change of date - was originally 26th June 2025. Portakabin on top playground open for refreshments if parents/carers have children in both discos.
Friday 6th June 2025 - PTA Bag2School Clothing Collection - further details to follow
Thursday 12th June 2025 - PTA Gifts for a loved one shop. Gifts from 50p to £3
Monday 16th June 2025 - Big Talk in school - further details to follow
Wednesday 18th June 2025 – Sports Day – Foundation AM, rest of school PM – timings to follow
Thursday 19th June 2025 - PTA Summer Fair
Wednesday 25th June 2025 to Friday 27th June 2025 – Year 4 Hollowford Residential
Tuesday 1st July 2025 – Year 2 visit to Cleethorpes
Wednesday 2nd July 2025 - Nursery & Reception sewing morning 9am to 10am
Wednesday 2nd July 2025 - Music Hub (guitars, woodwind and brass) Concert 9am - for those children taking part in guitar/woodwind/brass lessons in school. Change of date - was previously 9th July
Wednesday 2nd July 2025 - Rocksteady Concert 10am - for those children taking part in the Rocksteady music sessions. Change of date - was previous 9th July
Thursday 17th July 2025 - PTA Colour Run. Change of date - was previously 10th July
Friday 18th July 2025 – last day at school before Summer Holidays
2025-2026 School Year
Wednesday 1st October 2025 - individual/sibling photos
