Weekly Blog Friday 23rd January 2026

Date: 21st Jan 2026 @ 7:50am

Attendance

Every week in our Celebration Assembly, we celebrate the class who has achieved the highest attendance for that week. This week Mrs Fuller's class had the highest attendance with 98.57%. Well done Reception!

Please see below the attendance figures for this week. The target attendance for all children is currently set at 97%.

Nursery - 84.29%

Reception - 98.57%

Year 1 Mrs Davies - 98.52%

Year 2 Mrs Ward & Mrs Walker - 95.65%

Year 3 Mrs Ronan & Mrs Wood - 97.22%

Year 4 Mrs Parkes - 94.10%

Year 5 Mrs Pickersgill - 88.57%

Year 6 Miss Dunn - 95.17%

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year 5 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M

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

This week, Reception and Year 1 have both completed MAYFLOWER for the 3rd time and will be choosing their rewards 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

Franklin has showed some inspirational learning this week in his maths work. Franklin was really good at spotting the different representations of 3. He was really good at writing the number 3. I showed Franklin how to represent 3 himself by drawing three circles on his white board. Franklin used this inspiration to continue his own learning by drawing three people, three balloons, three balls and three lines. I was very impressed with him!

Bella has shown Mrs Fuller some inspired learning in Read, Write, Inc. lessons this week. She shows enthusiasm to learn new sounds every day and tries to motivate the other children to do their best. Mrs Fuller is really proud of Bella.

Reception

Our two stars this week have shone so brightly with their inspiring ‘let’s investigate’ attitude! They created their very own science experiment, completely independently, using our classroom thermometer. They learnt how to read it carefully, counted in 2s with support, to understand the numbers and talked about what the temperature meant and how it helped us find things out. They then explored Foundation Stage, taking temperatures in different areas and comparing them. Their curiosity, enthusiasm and brilliant scientific thinking inspired everyone around them. Well done, Charlie and Teddy 🙂

Year 1

This week we have been thinking about people who inspire us and what makes a person inspirational.

Isabel inspires other children in the class with her love of reading. She loves to share a book and read with others - sharing her enthusiasm. Isabel's inspirational reading has even inspired the other children and adults in the class to pick up a book to read for enjoyment. Thank you for inspiring us all, Isabel!

Jackson loves spiders and he loves to share his love of these beautiful creatures with others. He inspires other members of the class to understand and care for all living things, including those who are often misunderstood. Thank you for inspiring us to understand and care for every creature, Jackson!

Year 2

Darcy has shown a wonderful sense of determination and creativity this week! She’s been brilliant in maths, persevering and trying her best even when it was tricky. She has shared brilliant ideas for games and role-play at breaktimes, helping others to have fun and feel included. On top of this, she has been trying hard to be a kind and thoughtful friend, using caring words and actions with those around her. Well done, Darcy - you have truly inspired us all this week!

Fox has shown a positive and enthusiastic attitude this week! Even when things felt tricky, he didn’t give up and worked really hard to finish his work. He’s been very polite, listened carefully, and has started sharing more thoughtfully with his friends. What’s especially inspiring is how he's turned things around and showed us that even when something is hard, you can still choose to do your best. Well done, Fox – you’ve really impressed us this week!

Year 3

George has explained to us in detail how he is inspired by David Attenborough's knowledge of animals. George's desire to learn about and care for animals is clear but he is also so kind and caring to other people in class. He inspires others to follow his lead, to be kind to all living things. Thank you, George!

Sam has been an inspiration to all others in class this week with his determination and dedication in his maths lessons. He has been focussed on his maths learning, worked incredibly hard to complete all of the maths work and checked his work to make sure it was accurate. Sam's focus has been exceptional and a real inspiration to other children. Well done, Sam!

Year 4

Libby is an inspirational member of the class. Her hard work and determination are truly paying off. She has grown in confidence and regularly shares her ideas in class discussions, articulating her answers carefully and showing a secure understanding of the topic being discussed. Libby has made fantastic progress. She is self aware as a learner and knows how best to support herself in the classroom. Libby - you have inspired me with your work ethic and dedication. Keep it up!

Isaac has been a true inspiration this week! His determination to succeed and high levels of resilience enabled him to produce the best piece of writing he has done. He dedicated time and patience to make sure it was the best that it could possibly be. Keep trying Isaac - I am so proud of you.

Year 5

"Successes in life are not just about what you accomplish, it's about what you inspire others to do."

Even when faced with challenges, Natalie arrives each day with a bright smile that lights up the room. This week, in every lesson, she has really tried her best; approaching her work with determination and a positive attitude. Her perseverance and optimism are truly inspirational to those around her. Well done Natalie, keep up the hard work!

Rose is an inspirational individual whose attitude and actions have a positive impact on everyone around her. In class, her dedication and high standard of work encourages others to push themselves and aim higher. Through her example, she inspires others to believe in themselves and strive to achieve more. Well done Rose, keep being you!

Year 6

This week's assembly theme has been about Dr Jane Goodall and how she is an inspiration to others; children were asked to think about their actions, this week and beyond, and the consequences of these. This has been our focus across school this week and the Year 6 Stars of the Week are based on those children who are either inspired by others, or are an inspiration to others.

Katie is an inspiration and excellent role model in Year 6. She is not afraid to admit the things that she finds difficult and has proven to me this week that she will not be held back by things that she finds tricky, using the initiative and autonomy to plan ways to overcome obstacles to ensure that she is successful. One example of this is using self-taught, independent strategies to support with spelling, and I have seen a huge difference in her work as a direct result of this. You are an inspiration, Katie - your determination and drive, coupled with self-led strategies to ensure improvement, will always lead to success.

Darcy is an inspiration and excellent role model in Year 6. She leads by example all of the time and stands up for what she believes in, whether this be related to her rights or the rights of others in our class. She demonstrates such a drive and determination to learn more and seeks continual improvement, testing out her own strategies to ensure that each piece of work is checked meticulously so that it is the very best that it can be. Darcy applies this to the learning of others, doing what she can to support them in their learning as she genuinely wants others to be successful. This is such an inspirational trait.

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. This week’s theme was ‘be inspirational’ and in assembly today I told the children that I admire a lot of people, but I am always looking for others to inspire my future actions and choices I make in life. My award this week goes to Natalie (Yr5) for her super attitude towards all that she does in school. Even when days have been / or are tough she has a smile and hug to brighten my day. She inspires me to remember the joy of each and every day however that looks. Well done ‘our kind koala’, our school is always a happier place with you in it!!

My ‘shout-out’ for giving 100% to the MAYFLOWER WAY this week goes to Martha from Year 4. 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.

https://makaton.org/TMC/News_Stories/SOTW/SOTW_To_Learn.aspx

Reporting absences

Please remember that if your child will be absent from school on a particular day, this needs to be reported to the school office by 8.30am. Absences can be reported on the absence line or on School Spider, whichever is easier for you. Thank you for your continued co-operation with this.

Get Caught Reading!

Can you take up the challenge and get caught reading? We want you to send us your best photos of you being ‘caught’ reading in the most unusual ways.

You might be caught reading in an unusual place, or even in the middle of an activity.

Send your photos to admin@bawtrymayflower.doncaster.sch.uk

We look forward to seeing where you enjoy picking up a book!

School dinners/packed lunches

Please remember that if your child would like to move from school dinners to packed lunches or vice versa, we do need one weeks notice for this to help Mrs Stanfield, our cook, with food orders.

For those children in Year 3 and above who have school dinners, please remember that payment should be made on ParentPay for the meals in advance of them being taken. We are finding that we are having to send more reminders each week for outstanding dinner money, so would appreciate it if parents/carers could top up as soon as their child's balance is running low please.

Pharmacy First

Plastic Tub Collection - last week next week

As advised before Christmas, we are working with our local churches on the appeal below. If you have any plastic tubs listed below, please bring them to the school office between now and the end of January. This is a really worthwhile cause and we would like to collect as many tubs as possible to help MacMillan Cancer Care with their vital work.

Next week is our last week for collecting the tubs, as a member of the church will be coming to collect them to take to the collection point for us.

Step into the NHS

Do you, or someone you know, play a valuable role in the NHS?

During the week of 9th -13th March, we are joining a national campaign called ‘Step into the NHS’ which showcases the amazing work done by so many to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of NHS professionals. This is part of a developing career’s programme in school. We would love the children to hear directly from anyone who could share stories (or even share interesting pictures, items or equipment) about what your role involves and how / why you decided to do the job that you/they do. These would be short interactive sessions with a class / or mini presentations to a group etc. If you would like further information or can offer dates / times for that week please contact the school office by Friday 13^th February. We can’t wait to see who we get to hear from!

Free Doncaster Knights tickets for under-16s

Doncaster Knights vs Cornish Pirates

📅 Saturday 31st January

⏰ Doors and Bars Open at 12:00pm

⏰ Kick-off: 2:30pm

📍 Castle Park, DN2 5QB

With the Champ reaching the halfway point of the current season, the Knights are looking to build momentum on an impressive end to last season and show the same form. After an excellent run at the end of last season that saw the Knights win an impressive twelve games in a row in league and cup, and some very good results and performances in the first half of this campaign, including victories over Coventry and Worcester Warriors, the players would really appreciate your support to keep momentum going and experience the electric match day atmosphere at the Castle - completely free of charge!

With a top 6 finish this season's goal, and the introduction of the playoffs this season, the coaches and players have this firmly in their sights and are working hard to achieve this. The match also is a cricket-themed day at Castle Park - join us for a celebration of local cricket clubs and plenty of cricket references throughout the day!

New for this season we have the Ballards Family Stand where students will be situated. This will be a hub of activity on a match day with player visits, Q&A and photo opportunities. Gates on Saturday open at 12:00pm.

If you would like any under-16s tickets for this game, please email admin@bawtrymayflower.doncaster.sch.uk by next Tuesday, 27th January.

Free sports sessions

Football sessions

Bawtry Festival Fundraiser

Lunch Menu for week commencing 26th January 2026

Please see the menu below for next week. 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.

Week 2 Autumn 2025.jpg

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

Tuesday 27th January - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked

Wednesday 28th January - Year 5 puberty session with school nurse

Monday 2nd February to Friday 6th February - Storytelling Week

Thursday 5th February - Simon Murray, children's author and illustrator in school

Friday 6th February - Fairytale Friday - dress up as your favourite fairytale character

Monday 9th February to Sunday 15th February - Children's Mental Health Week - the theme this year is belonging

Monday 9th February - Year 6 parents meeting for London residential 3.10pm in the Year 6 classroom. Please wait on the upper playground for a member of staff to let you in to our upper building

Tuesday 10th February - Choir perform at Young Voices concert at Sheffield Utilita Arena

Wednesday 11th February - non-uniform day - no donations requested

Wednesday 11th February - 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

Friday 13th February - Nursery & Reception 'share a book' sessions for parents/carers in our lower library area - Nursery 11.20am, Reception 2.50pm

Friday 13th February - last day at school before half term

Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February - half term

Monday 23rd February - first day back after half term

Monday 23rd February - if anyone would like to donate any chocolate for our Easter chocolate raffle, donations can be brought in from today please

Tuesday 24th February - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked

Monday 2nd March - tickets for Easter Chocolate Raffle on sale from today, priced at £1 per strip of 5 tickets

Monday 2nd March - Workshops - Dance Today - Pinocchio

Tuesday 3rd March - Spelling Bee at Hill House - parents of children who will be taking part will be contacted

Tuesday 3rd March & Wednesday 4th March - Breakfast with a book - places to be booked in advance - further details to follow

Friday 6th March - World Book Day - pyjama day

Wednesday 11th March - Reception visit to Boston Park Farm - parents to drop off and collect from Boston Park Farm

Friday 13th March - PTA Gifts for a loved one shop during the school day

Tuesday 17th March - Easter church service at St Nichola's church - Years 1 to 6 setting off from school straight after morning registration. If you would like to walk to and from church with us and enjoy the service, please let your child's teacher know

Wednesday 18th March - Rocksteady concert 2pm - for those taking part in Rocksteady sessions

Monday 23rd March - Year 6 visit to Crucial Crew

Tuesday 24th March - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked

Wednesday 25th March - PTA Easter Egg Hunt during the school day

Thursday 26th March - Nursery/Reception Easter Crafts session - from morning drop off until 10am in the Foundation classroom

Friday 27th March - 'YouTube in a Day' biosphere project - Yr6 / Phil Sheppard

Friday 27th March - Easter raffle to be drawn this morning during celebration assembly

Friday 27th March - last day at school before Easter holidays

Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April - Easter holidays

Monday 13th April - first day back after Easter holidays

Wednesday 15th April to Friday 17th April - Year 5 residential to Dearne Valley PGL

Thursday 16th April - Year 6 SATs meeting 3.10pm in Year 6 classroom. Please wait on the upper playground for a member of staff to let you in to our upper building

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 26th 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

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 - 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

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