Weekly Blog Friday 3rd October 2025
Date: 2nd Oct 2025 @ 12:17pm
Attendance
Every week in our Celebration Assembly, we celebrate the class who has achieved the highest attendance for that week. This week Mrs Wood & Mrs Ronan's class had the highest attendance with 98.41%. Well done Year 3! That's 3 weeks out of 5 that you have had the highest attendance - keep up the great work!
Please see below for the attendance figures for this week. The target attendance for all children is currently set at 97%.
Nursery - 97.26%
Reception - 93.55%
Year 1 Mrs Davies - 94.67%
Year 2 Mrs Ward & Mrs Walker - 96.96%
Year 3 Mrs Ronan & Mrs Wood - 98.41%
Year 4 Mrs Parkes - 96.56%
Year 5 Mrs Pickersgill - 95.39%
Year 6 Miss Dunn - 94.78%
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
Reception - M A Y F L O W E R M A
Year 1 - M A Y F L O W E
Year 2 - 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
Year 4 - M A Y F L O W E R
Year 5 - M A Y F L O W E
Year 6 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L
This week, Year 2 and Year 4 both completed MAYFLOWER for the first 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 & Reception
In Nursery this week, Roman has had a fantastic week. He is engaging with the group and joining in with lots of activities. He is doing good listening and following instructions. He came on our Autumn walk and was really good at holding hands and walking round the field with the class. So proud of him this week!
Eliza has been chosen as our next Nursery star of the week this week as she has been setting a really good example for the other children. She always listens well and is super at following instructions. She knows the routine and is great at anticipating what will come next and supporting her peers in doing this too. Eliza always tries her best to do what is asked of her. She’s a superstar!
Our Rising Star in Reception this week is for trying so hard with handwriting! This is something he has found a little tricky since starting Reception but is always so proud of his work when he has finished. You have been making a brilliant effort to hold your pencil correctly and take real care with your letter formation. We are so proud of your enthusiasm every day, well done Dexter! 🙂
Our other star of the week in Reception goes to a child who is always striving for success in everything he does. He shows such keenness and excitement for learning, tackling every challenge with a big smile and a fantastic can-do attitude. We are so proud of the effort and determination you put into everything, keep shining brightly, Uzayr 🙂
Year 1
The theme for this week's stars of the week is 'those that strive for the stars'.
Although quiet and reserved, both of these children demonstrate enormous potential. They are striving to show what they are capable of in all aspects of their learning. They are trying so hard and each day it is a pleasure to see them growing in confidence. They are a shining example of the Mayflower Way and are genuine stars in their own right.
Well done Conell and Sinead!
Year 2
Evie always has such a wonderful smile and brings a positive attitude to everything she does. She tackles all her learning with enthusiasm and always strives to achieve her best. Even when tasks are tricky, she never gives up and is always so proud of the work she completes. Her determination and positivity inspire others in our class to reach for the stars. Well done Evie, you truly are a star!
Otis has had a fantastic week and really impressed us all. He has shown incredible determination by staying focused and completing every task, even when they were tricky. Not only has he challenged himself, but he has also helped his friends do their best. His hard work, kindness and positive attitude have made a real difference to our class this week. Well done Otis, keep reaching for the stars!
Year 3
Seren - Seren works hard in every lesson. She takes on advice with a positive attitude and she is determined to make sure everything she does is the very best it can be. Our theme of 'Strive for the Stars' sums up Seren's work ethic and attitude every day in class. Keep this going Seren!
Esme - Whether Esme finds work challenging or interesting, she always puts her all into it. She is always focussed on improving her work and she wants it to be the very best it can be. Esme 'Strives for the Stars' in everything she does and it is wonderful to see this in class each day. Keep this going Esme!
Year 4
Eliana - I have been so impressed with Eliana this week. She has settled into our school incredibly well and it feels like she has always been here! Eliana has embraced new challenges with a smile and has shown confidence in the classroom. She has a warm and friendly nature and shows respect to everyone. Eliana is already doing things the Mayflower way - what a star!
Annie D - I have been very impressed with Annie's positive attitude this week. She is pushing herself to achieve to the best of her ability and is taking on board all feedback and advice. Annie is very self-aware and will ask for help if she needs it. Keep reaching for the stars Annie.
Year 5
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars."
Archie - This week, Archie has worked hard in every lesson and has shown real determination to improve his learning. He has been approaching his learning with a positive attitude and pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Well done Archie, keep up the hard work!
Lily E - Lily is not deterred by setbacks and learns lessons from her mistakes. She has a positive attitude towards her learning and understands that hard work leads to success. She understands that it is ok to make mistakes and sees them as an opportunity rather than a setback. A great start to Year 5, keep reaching for the stars!
Year 6
Wednesday 1st October this week marked the start of Black History Month. Mrs Powell's assembly this week was centred around this, with a focus on those individuals who show the drive and determination to strive for the stars. This week's Stars of the Week in Year 6 have been chosen with this in mind:
Darcy and Oliwia are fantastic ambassadors for Year 6 and everything that this represents: they give every single lesson across the curriculum 100% focus and attention and embrace all challenges with enthusiasm and confidence, working hard until they have been successful. These girls are not deterred by setbacks and they always act upon all feedback given, making necessary improvements in order to make their work even better. They have been challenged with difficult maths investigations this week and have shown dedication, resilience and a methodical, systematic approach in order to be successful.
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 trophy.
This week’s theme was ‘Respect’ linked to our introduction to our work in exploring Black History Month. This amazing superstar has done this every day since he started Mayflower. Oscar M (Year 4). You are considerate, honest and always respectful to all adults. Keep being YOU!!
My ‘shout-outs’ for giving 100% to the MAYFLOWER WAY this week go to Maddie D and Ottavia. 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. Please click on the link below to see the sign for the coming week.
https://makaton.org/TMC/News_Stories/SOTW/SOTW_Teacher.aspx
Children arriving after 8.40am
If you arrive with your child after 8.40am, please ensure they are brought to the office first before being sent to class. We can then contact the class teacher to let them know that the child is on their way. There have been a couple of occasions this week where children in Year 3 have been sent up to their class by parents but haven't been able to access the building because the door is already closed. We were only made aware of this by other parents letting us know that the children were still outside the building.
Individual/sibling photos
The individual and sibling photos went really well this week. The team at Carmel Jane are now processing and checking the photos before they are made available for parents/carers to view and purchase should they wish to. If you have pre-registered with Carmel Jane, you should receive a message from them when the photos are ready. If you haven't pre-registered, we will be notified by Carmel Jane when the photos are ready and will then send a message to all parents/carers.
Wraparound Survey
Just a quick reminder that if you haven't yet completed the wraparound survey that was sent out recently, First Steps Active Care our wraparound care provider would appreciate your feedback.
They can only look at their provision going forward based on the responses they receive, so if you use the wraparound care or are planning to in the future, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Please click on the link below to complete the survey.
Bawtry Mayflower Wraparound Care Survey
Parents Evening Wednesday 22nd October
Our first parents evening of this school year will take place on Wednesday 22nd October in our lower hall. The appointments will be available to book on School Spider from 6pm this coming Monday, 6th October. Places do fill up fast, so please ensure you book as early as possible to secure your preferred appointment time.
'Hello Yellow' non-uniform day Friday 10th October
We would like the children to come to school in something yellow next Friday, in support of World Mental Health Day. Please don't worry if your child doesn't have anything yellow, they can just come to school in non-uniform next Friday.
We are now on Instagram!
We are pleased to advise that our Instagram is now active. Please follow us at @bawtrymayflower to see regular updates. This will be our main platform for Social Media this year. All other communication will be sent via School Spider.
Autism Workshops coming to Mayflower
If you would like to book a place on any of these workshops, please either email in to the school office or speak with Mrs Walker, our Deputy Head and SENCo.
News from our PTA
Can you help us with some projects? Second session this Saturday, 4th October.
Our PTA needs your help! Parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbours – can you lend a hand? Even if it's just half an hour of your time.
Over the holidays, the PTA have been busy making improvements around school, and now we need your help to get them finished so the children can enjoy them.
Jobs include:
- Painting the new wooden ships
- Lifting & shifting
- Laying a patio
Every pair of hands will make a difference, and any time you can spare would be hugely appreciated.
We will be starting at 10am, and meet at Reception.
Questions? Message Jenni Dolby on 07903 264707.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Parent/Carer voice
Doncaster Council are seeking parents/carers to share their views and experiences of parenting courses in Doncaster. They would appreciate it if our families could complete a short survey on this topic by clicking on the link below. They would like to capture the views of parents with children of all ages.
https://forms.office.com/e/dSG2QvjsxR
Free Doncaster Knights tickets for under-16s
Doncaster Knights vs Cambridge Rugby
📅 Saturday 11th October
⏰ Doors and Bars Open at 12:00pm
⏰ Kick-off: 2:30pm
📍 Castle Park, DN2 5QB
📍 Community Day
The first game of the new Champ rugby league season is here with a tremendous level of excitement, after a fantastic end to last season for The Knights. We would love to see as many families as possible joining us for our first home league fixture against Cambridge.
The team are currently on a 12-win streak in the league and cup and following an unbeaten pre-season, 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!
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, 7th October.
Free Parenting Clinic
Half Term Activities
Lunch Menu for week commencing 6th October 2025
We have once again been chosen by Doncaster Council Schools Catering team to trial the new menus that will be in place for all their schools from after October half term. They like Mrs Stanfield and our children to trial the menus, as they get very honest feedback on what works and what doesn't.
These new menus will be in place from next week. We are currently awaiting the finalised printed menus from Schools Catering and have been assured that we will receive them on Monday. As soon as we receive them, we will send them out on School Spider. Mrs Stanfield our School Cook will, as always, continue to monitor the children's likes and dislikes and there may be changes to these menus in light of these.
There may also 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.
2025-2026 School Year
2025
Saturday 4th October - PTA projects in school - all helpers welcome from 10am
Friday 10th October - Hello Yellow for World Mental Health Day - wear yellow non-uniform
Monday 13th October - Christmas Art Project artwork and order forms to be sent home with the children this week
Friday 17th October - non-uniform day to collect donations for Harvest
Monday 20th October - deadline for Christmas Art Project art work and order forms to be returned to class teachers by 3pm today - NO LATE ORDERS CAN BE ACCEPTED
Wednesday 22nd October - Harvest church service St Nicholas' church for Year 2 to Year 6 - walking to church straight after morning registration. All welcome to walk to church and back with us.
Wednesday 22nd October - Parents Evening
Friday 24th October - last day at school before half term
Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October - half term
Friday 31st October - closing date for Secondary school applications for September 2026
Friday 31st October - PTA Halloween Disco Bawtry New Hall 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Monday 3rd November - first day back after half term
Wednesday 5th November - Reception visit to Boston Park Farm - parents to drop off and collect from Boston Park Farm
Monday 10th November - Year 1 visit to Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery
Tuesday 11th November - Flu vaccinations for children from Reception to Year 6
Wednesday 12th November - PTA Bingo Night 3.10pm to 4.10pm - £5 per family ticket to include refreshments. Tuck shop also available
Thursday 13th November - Year 5 visit to Lincoln Castle
Thursday 13th November - Nursery and Reception phonics stay and play - straight after the morning register has been taken. Will last about 1 hour
Friday 14th November - non-uniform day - cash donations to go towards families in our community who need support
Tuesday 18th November - An introduction to Autism workshop 8.45 - places to be booked beforehand
Wednesday 19th November - open evening 4pm to 5.30pm for visits for Reception places for September 2026
Tuesday 25th November - Challenging behaviour: strategies to support your Autistic child workshop 8.45 - places to be booked beforehand
Monday 1st December - raffle tickets on sale for Christmas Chocolate Raffle. Raffle tickets will also be on sale at all our Christmas events including the nativities
Tuesday 2nd December - Flu vaccination session for any children absent on the original flu vaccination date
Tuesday 2nd December - Coping with anxiety: strategies to support your Autistic child workshop 8.45 - places to be booked beforehand
Wednesday 3rd December - Rocksteady concert 2pm - for those taking part in Rocksteady sessions
Monday 8th December - Key Stage 1 nativity dress rehearsal 10.30am
Tuesday 9th December - Foundation Stage nativity dress rehearsal 10am
Tuesday 9th December - Key Stage 1 nativity performance 2pm
Wednesday 10th December - Foundation Stage nativity performance 10.30am
Wednesday 10th December - Key Stage 1 nativity performance 2pm
Thursday 11th December - Foundation Stage nativity performance 10.30am
Friday 12th December - PTA Christmas Shop during the school day
Tuesday 16th December - Christmas church service St Nicholas' church for Year 2 to Year 6 - walking to church straight after morning registration. All welcome to walk to church and back with us.
Tuesday 16th December - Christmas Dinner Day
Wednesday 17th December - panto in school
Wednesday 17th December - Carols round the tree and Christmas Market
Thursday 18th December - Christmas Party Day including party food for lunch
Thursday 18th December - last day at school before Christmas holidays
Thursday 18th December - Christmas Chocolate raffle being drawn during the school day
Friday 19th December - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Monday 22nd December to Friday 2nd January - Christmas holidays
2026
Monday 5th January - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Tuesday 6th January - first day back after Christmas holidays
Thursday 15th January - closing date for applications for Reception for September 2026
Tuesday 10th February - Choir perform at Young Voices concert at Sheffield Utilita Arena - further details to follow
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 - 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
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
Wednesday 18th March - Rocksteady concert 2pm - for those taking part in Rocksteady sessions
Monday 23rd March - Year 6 visit to Crucial Crew
Wednesday 25th March - PTA Easter Egg Hunt during the school day
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
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 - 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
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
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
Wednesday 8th July - PTA Colour Run
Wednesday 15th July - alternative date for PTA Colour Run if weather isn't suitable on Wednesday 8th July
Friday 17th July - last day at school before Summer holidays
Monday 20th July - Training Day - school closed to pupils
