Weekly Blog Friday 17th April 2026
Date: 16th Apr 2026 @ 7:43am
Attendance
Every week in our Celebration Assembly, we celebrate the class who has achieved the highest attendance for that week. This week Mrs Pickersgill's class had the highest attendance with 99.02%. Well done Year 5!
Please see below the attendance figures for this week. The target attendance for all children is currently set at 97%.
Nursery - 85.14%
Reception - 94.28%
Year 1 Mrs Davies - 98.52%
Year 2 Mrs Ward & Mrs Walker - 94.20%
Year 3 Mrs Ronan & Mrs Wood - 96.03%
Year 4 Mrs Parkes - 94.44%
Year 5 Mrs Pickersgill - 99.02%
Year 6 Miss Dunn - 90.34%
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 Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E
Reception - 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 L O W E R M A Y F L O W E
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 L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R
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 M A Y F LO W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M
Year 3 - 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 L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y
Year 4 - 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
Year 5 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A
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 M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F
This week, Year 1 completed MAYFLOWER for the 4th time and will be choosing their reward to enjoy next week. Well done!
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
Jacob has had a brilliant first week in Mayflower Nursery. He has had lots of fun exploring and finding where everything is in the classroom. He has settled in really well and is happy to be a part of our class. Well done Jacob on a great week!
James has been trying really hard this week to follow our school rules, use his listening ears and follow the instructions given to him. He has been really kind and caring towards the other children, particularly a child who is new to our class this week. He has also done his best to help out the adults whenever he can by doing them little jobs.
Reception
Our first star for this week has really impressed us with his amazing knowledge about chicks! He has confidently shared what chicks need to grow and explained why they need to stay warm in an incubator. He has taken his time to carefully observe the eggs, noticing changes and excitedly sharing what he has seen as the chicks begin to hatch. It has been wonderful to hear his ideas and see his curiosity shine. Well done Ralphy 🙂
This week’s next star has shown us just how kind, caring, and thoughtful she is. When we welcomed a new member to our class, she made sure they felt happy, safe, and included. She showed them around, included them in activities and helped them understand our routines all with a big smile and welcoming hugs! She reminds us what brilliant friends look like, well done Harriet 🙂
Year 1
This week we have been thinking about how we use our voice: "Your voice is powerful - use it kindly and take care of it!"
Ada and Conell always use their voices for good. They ask friends if they are ok when they are looking sad, making conversation and including them. They notice when others do something well and offer a compliment to make them feel good. They support others when they cannot find the words to express how they are feeling themselves. Ada and Conell are genuinely lovely children, who use their voices kindly - thank you for making others feel included, valued and special.
Year 2
This week’s Stars of the Week are for two children who have made an amazing start settling back into school after half term. Both Daniel G and Daniel W have returned with a positive attitude and a real eagerness to learn, which has been wonderful to see. They have shown great confidence in sharing their ideas during class discussions, while also being respectful and supportive of others by giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts too.
At playtime, they have continued to show what wonderful friends they are. They have supported one another on the playground, showing care and encouragement. A lovely example of this was when Daniel W reassured Daniel G on the climbing frame, saying, “I’ve got you, don’t worry,” and helped him down safely.
Well done to you both for using your voices in such positive, kind, and supportive ways – you should be very proud of yourselves!
Year 3
Gabriel is always showing what a kind friend he is, both in the classroom and in the playground. He really looks out for his friends and checks that they are OK. He is a patient and caring partner in class, always sharing his ideas with his partner and he does this willingly. Well done Gabe and keep being you!
Rares is a very enthusiastic member of our class. He is a great partner who shares his ideas in class and with his partner. Rares will always help anyone who needs it! Rares is a kind and caring friend who always sticks up for other people. Thank you, Rares for all of your kindness!
Year 4
Ella is a constant advocate for others and she is a role model to peers. She is kind to all and ensures that everyone feels included. She shares ideas effectively but listens to the response of others and acts on this. Ella is able to express her feelings and this can be a real strength as it enables her to empathise with others. She has realised that her voice is a super power! Keep it up.
Joseph has really impressed me this week. He is a good friend to others and empathises with his friends. He has shown real determination this week and has worked hard on his letter formation at all times. I am so impressed with his resilience with this and his positive attitude towards it. Joseph - you are a superstar and I am so proud of you.
Year 5
This week, Year 5 went on their residential to Dearne Valley PGL. They are all stars this week, as they have been team players, have tried their hardest and have taken part in the activities with enthusiasm and determination. They have used their voices to express how they are feeling and to cheer their friends on when they found things difficult. They have all been supportive to each other, particularly to those who found being away from home difficult and are all superstars. We are proud of you all.
Year 6
The focus this week has been on those children who realise the power of their voice and use it for kindness. The adults across school have been looking out for those children who do this day in and day out. The Stars of the Week in Year 6 have been chosen with this in mind.
Oliwia is an exceptionally caring and considerate member of Year 6 who always uses her voice for kindness. She advocates for others when they may not be able to do this for themselves and always has a kind, encouraging word for everyone. Our school is, without a doubt, a warmer, nicer place to be because of her and we really appreciate all that she does and the difference that she makes.
Elizabeth is an extremely caring, considerate and generous member of Year 6 who goes above and beyond for others day in and day out. She always uses her voice for kindness, is full of compliments and words of encouragement for others, and her jokes and funny stories brighten our day. Elizabeth literally lights up our school and makes it a warmer, more fun place to be and it simply would not be the same without her in it.
Headteacher Award & Shout Outs
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. In recognition of World Voice Day, our Stars of the Week are celebrated for discovering the power of their own voices. My Superstar award winner this week has shown confidence, courage, and kindness through the way they speak, share ideas, and express themselves. Well done Katie (Yr6). Your voice is powerful—it can inspire others, stand up for what is right, and make a difference in the world around you. Keep using it with pride, respect, and positivity, because what you say truly matters!
My ‘shout-outs’ for giving 100% to the MAYFLOWER WAY this week go to Patrick (Y1) and Oliwia (Y6). Well done!
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.
Free School Meals and additional funding for children
We thought it would be useful to share information each term regarding Free School Meals with parents/carers. Some parents/carers may not realise that they are eligible, for example if their circumstances have recently changed. Parents/Carers with children in Years 2 and below may also not have applied for Free School Meals as their child already receives a free meal which is funded by the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals initiative.
Children who are eligible for means-tested Free School Meals are also entitled to receive additional funding called Pupil Premium. This is a grant provided by the Government which school will receive for 6 years to enable us to support the children and enhance their education. For further information regarding Free School Meals, please click on the link below.
https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/free-school-meals
If you live in a different Local Authority to Doncaster, please visit your own Local Authority's website for further information on Free School Meals.
If you think you are eligible and would like us to make the application on your behalf, we are more than happy to do this if you contact the school office.
New Mayflower family members!
This week, we have welcomed some new Mayflower family members! On Monday, 10 eggs were delivered to school and from Tuesday to Wednesday, 9 of the eggs hatched! We have 4 boys and 5 girls and the children (and staff!) have fallen in love with them. They were moved from their incubator to their brooding box yesterday and have settled in well in there. Mrs Powell will be taking the chicks home for the weekend, before bringing them back to school on Monday for their final week with us. Next Friday, we will say goodbye to the chicks as they head on back to the farm.
Congratulations!
Aaron from Reception completed his Taekwondo grading just before the Easter holidays and achieved his yellow belt. Aaron had been practising so hard for his grading and did some wonderful high kicks and completed the necessary sequences to a really high standard.
Well done Aaron! All your hard work and determination has clearly paid off - what a fantastic achievement!
Hugo, also from Reception, successfully completed Stage 3 of his swimming lessons just before the Easter holidays. Hugo's family let us know that he has been working extremely hard and shown great dedication to reach this milestone and they are very proud of his progress. Congratulations Hugo - we are really proud of you too!
Grange Lane Food Hub
Grange Lane local hub, based at Grange Lane Infant Academy in Rossington, are running a discounted food service for all families, whereby £35 worth of food is available at a reduced cost of £8.50. It is a membership scheme, but is free to join and there is no commitment or criteria to join the service. We have had fantastic feedback regarding this service from our families who have registered so far and they would highly recommend it.Please see below for further details.
'Understanding your child' course starting at Mayflower
Doncaster Family Hubs Timetable
City of Doncaster Council has asked us to share their latest Family Hubs timetable with our families. Please click on the link at the bottom of this page to view the timetable.
Growing Well Study
The University of Leeds is running a 'Growing Well Study' and, through Doncaster Council, has asked us to share the following information about the study with our families.
Do you have a little one aged 6 months to 4 years? If so, you’re invited to take part in the Growing Well Study at the University of Leeds.
The Growing Well Study is looking at young children’s lifestyle, food, growth (size), and dental health, and we’re inviting families living in Leeds, Doncaster, and East London to take part. We'll be in your area in the next couple of weeks - view our schedule.
If you choose to join, you’ll be asked to:
- complete a short questionnaire about your child
- record what your child eats over few days
- attend a child measurement appointment at a local community centre
- repeat these activities 12 months later, along with a quick dental check
As a thank you for your time, families will receive up to £50 in shopping vouchers.
Please click on the link at the bottom of this page for further information which includes a QR code to access the study.
Free Parenting Clinic
Lunch Menu for week commencing 20th April 2026
Please see the menu below for next week. This is the first week of the new menus and, as always, Mrs Stanfield our School Cook will continue to monitor the children's likes and dislikes and there may be changes to these menus in light of these.
As you will see, there is now also the option to choose a jacket potato or sandwich each day should your child not like the main choices on offer for that particular day.
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.
2025-2026 School Year
2026
Monday 20th April - visit to Nourish group in Bawtry - parents of those involved have been notified
Monday 27th April - Year 5 class assembly 10.15am - parents/carers invited. Please ensure you arrive at school ready for the assembly to start at 10.15am please
Tuesday 28th April - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Monday 4th May - bank holiday - school closed
Monday 11th May to Thursday 14th May - Year 6 SATs
Wednesday 13th May - non-uniform day - no donations requested
Wednesday 13th May - PTA discos - Nursery, Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 3.10pm to 3.50pm (Nursery & Reception parents to stay at the disco with their children). Years 3 to 6 4pm to 4.45pm
Monday 18th May - Year 1 visit to Austerfield Study Centre
Tuesday 19th May - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Tuesday 19th May - Year 3 parents meeting for Austerfield residential
Wednesday 20th May to Friday 22nd May - Year 6 London residential
Friday 22nd May - last day at school before half term
Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May - half term
Monday 1st June - Training Day - school closed
Tuesday 2nd June - first day back after half term
Tuesday 2nd June to Friday 12th June - Year 4 multiplication checks
Wednesday 3rd June - class photos
Monday 8th June to Friday 12th June - Key Stage 1 Phonics screening week
Tuesday 9th June to Wednesday 10th June - Year 3 residential to Austerfield Study Centre
Friday 12th June - Reception visit to Boston Park Farm - parents to drop off and collect from Boston Park Farm
Monday 15th June to Sunday 28th June - Bawtry Festival
Tuesday 16th June - Rail safety workshops with Volker Rail
Wednesday 17th June - choir taking part in Sing Out concert
Thursday 18th June - Sports Day - times to be confirmed
Friday 19th June - PTA Gifts for a loved one shop during the school day
Monday 22nd June - Year 3 class assembly 10.15am - parents/carers invited. Please ensure you arrive at school ready for the assembly to start at 10.15am please
Tuesday 23rd June - Year 2 visit to Cleethorpes
Wednesday 24th June - Rocksteady & Guitar/Woodwind/Brass concert 2pm - for those taking part in Rocksteady sessions and/or music lessons with Doncaster Music Service
Wednesday 24th June - performing arts on the school playground as part of the Bawtry Festival 3.10pm - further details to follow
Wednesday 24th June - PTA Summer Fair
Monday 29th June to Wednesday 1st July - Year 4 Hollowford residential
Tuesday 30th June - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Monday 6th July - Year 6 transition evening at The Hayfield School for parents and children
Tuesday 7th July to Wednesday 8th July - The Hayfield School transition days
Tuesday 7th July to Wednesday 8th July - Queen Elizabeth's High School Gainsborough transition days
Tuesday 7th July to Thursday 9th July - XP Secondary School transition days
Wednesday 8th July - New Parents Evening at Queen Elizabeth's High School Gainsborough
Wednesday 8th July - move up day - children move to their new classes for the day to spend the day with their new teacher
Monday 13th July - Year 4 class assembly 10.15am - parents/carers invited. Please ensure you arrive at school ready for the assembly to start at 10.15am please
Tuesday 14th July - Big Talk Education in school - further details to follow
Wednesday 15th July - PTA Colour Run
Friday 17th July - Year 6 leavers assembly AM - breakfast and then assembly
Friday 17th July - last day at school before Summer holidays
Monday 20th July - Training Day - school closed to pupils
2026-2027 School Year
The training days for the 2026-2027 school year have not yet been finalised. These will be sent to parents/carers and added to the diary dates on the blog and the school website calendar as soon as the dates have been agreed.
2026
Wednesday 30th September - individual/sibling photos
2027
Wednesday 2nd June 2027 - class photos
