Weekly Blog Friday 8th May 2026
Date: 7th May 2026 @ 7:32am
Attendance
Every week in our Celebration Assembly, we celebrate the class who has achieved the highest attendance for that week. This week Mrs Parkes' class had the highest attendance with 99.11%. Well done Year 4!
Please see below the attendance figures for this week. The target attendance for all children is currently set at 97%.
Nursery - 85%
Reception - 92.64%
Year 1 Mrs Davies - 97.62%
Year 2 Mrs Ward & Mrs Walker - 86.96%
Year 3 Mrs Ronan & Mrs Wood - 94.90%
Year 4 Mrs Parkes - 99.11%
Year 5 Mrs Pickersgill - 96.22%
Year 6 Miss Dunn - 96.89%
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 R M A Y F
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 R
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 M A Y F L O W
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 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 F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A
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 A Y F L O W E R M A Y F
Year 5 - 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 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 L O W E R
This week, Year 6 completed MAYFLOWER for the 6th 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
This week Lacey and Rux have been chosen as our stars of the week.
This week, our Stars of the Week have really helped to make a difference, just like people who care for our planet. Inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s birthday, we have been thinking about how small actions can help the world around us.
Our stars have been amazing at tidying up and taking care of our classroom. They always make sure toys are put away, help their friends clean up, and show kindness by looking after our shared space. By doing this, they are helping to keep our environment safe, happy, and ready for everyone to enjoy.
Well done for being such thoughtful helpers and for showing us how even little actions can make a big difference!
Reception
Our first star this week has made a wonderful difference to himself this term! We are so proud of how hard he has worked and the positive attitude he brings to everything he does. He has a go at all our learning activities with a cheeky grin. His focus and concentration have improved so much and it is really helping him shine. We have seen fantastic progress in his writing and phonics, especially how hard he has worked to improve his handwriting, keep it up! You are growing in confidence every day, and it’s a joy to see. Well done, Alexander 🙂
Our second star always makes such a wonderful difference to our classroom! His kindness, enthusiasm and positive attitude help make our class a happy and exciting place to learn. Miss Limb has noticed what a superstar he has been in phonics, showing brilliant focus and growing confidence every day. We love how he keeps us entertained with his amazing musical talents, playing the 'guitar' with the blocks and turning anything he can find into a drum! His creativity brings so much joy to our classroom. He is a fantastic helper always tidying up, taking pride in our classroom and lending a hand to the adults when needed. He is such a kind friend to others too making sure everyone feels included and cared for. Well done Ralph 🙂
Year 1
This week we have been celebrating people who make a difference.
Patrick - sometimes, when you make a positive change to yourself, you make a huge difference to everyone around you. Patrick is trying really hard in class to show the right learning behaviours. This has resulted in some fantastic improvements in his own work - and he has been able to support others too! Keep it up, Paddy!
Sinead - some people encourage change by quietly and consistently doing the right thing and showing others what to do, Sinead is a shining example of one of those people. She doesn't seek recognition or praise, she simply does what she knows is right and her actions encourage others to do the same. Keep being the shining star you are!
Year 2
Elijah has made a wonderful difference to our class this week. He has been a positive role model to everyone through his kindness, helpfulness and fantastic attitude to learning. He has consistently set an excellent example for those around him. Thank you for making such a positive difference to our class, Elijah!
Louie W has made a fantastic difference to our school this week through his caring and responsible actions. He always helps to tidy our classroom, puts the equipment away after break and lunchtime, and returns other children's belongings when they have forgotten them. He has also shown the same care when helping Mrs Wooldridge to look after our allotment. Thank you for making such a positive difference, Louie!
Year 3
Henry is someone who always makes a difference in class by being an excellent role model to his peers. He always tries his hardest and supports the people around him when they need help. Even outside the classroom he is always kind to everyone and is an amazing friend. Thank you and well done, Henry.
Lais is someone who always has a positive attitude both inside and outside the classroom and is always willing to help and support her peers when necessary. Her work is always completed to the best of her ability, and her kindness especially this week when teaching another pupil songs on the piano is something to be very proud of. Keep it up, Lais.
Year 4
Ottavia makes a positive difference to our classroom every day. She has shown that a positive attitude towards learning can enable you to succeed in all areas of the curriculum. She has been a supportive friend this week, ensuring that everyone has someone to play with. This has not gone unnoticed Ottavia - you are a star.
Laroti has been determined to make progress in his independent writing. He has really pushed himself in skills lessons, listening intently to instructions and taking on board all feedback from adults. He has showcased his ability as a writer this week in his independent write and has blown me away with his creativity and ideas.
Year 5
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi
Mae consistently makes a positive impact in class by setting a wonderful example for others. She puts great effort into everything she does and is always willing to help and encourage her classmates. Beyond the classroom, Mae shows kindness to everyone and is a thoughtful and supportive friend. Well done Mae!
Lily E inspires positive change through her quiet actions and by always choosing to do the right thing. She leads by example, showing kindness and integrity in everything she does. Without looking for recognition or praise, Lily simply follows her values, encouraging others to do the same. Keep shining, Lily — your example truly makes a difference!
Year 6
The focus across school this week, has been on those children who really 'make a difference'. Adults have been paying particular attention to those who go above and beyond, making a difference to others and having a positive impact on their immediate or wider school community.
Amelie makes a difference in our classroom every single day: she embodies all it means to do things The Mayflower Way. She is appreciative of everyone and everything and always shows this through her actions and her words; she always has a kind word or comment and she really does brighten up our classroom, making it a warmer, nicer place to be. You give so much to others, Amelie, and always make them feel appreciated and I hope you know how much we appreciate you in return.
Oliver S-C really does make a difference and have a positive impact in our classroom: he is often the first one to volunteer things, such as encouragement, help, a kind word or a positive comment, without ever being asked. He is an excellent role model to others across school and his generosity and complete selflessness is truly inspiring. We really appreciate all that you do, Oliver and the difference that you make and all your generous and kind acts do not go unnoticed.
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. What a wonderful day celebrating the special birthday of Sir David Attenborough today. The children, this week, have explored how he has spent a lifetime bringing the natural world closer to us all and helping us understand the importance of making a difference to protect it. My Superstar Award this week was a really tough choice as lots of our children make a difference to our school in every lesson every day! But I have chosen someone who is making a difference by helping the sustainability of our school in our allotment and loves and cares for nature just as much as Attenborough himself. He also has recognised recently how he can forge a different path for himself in every choice he makes. Well done Archie – we are all very proud of you!
My ‘shout-outs’ for giving 100% to the MAYFLOWER WAY this week go to James in Nursery for wearing his special glasses and Cole (Y2) for excellent behaviour and being a role model in class. 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.
PTA Disco Wednesday 13th May
The PTA Summer disco is next Wednesday 13th May. As a reminder, the timings for this have changed very slightly as below:
Nursery/Reception/Year 1/Year 2 - 3.10pm to 4pm (Nursery and Reception parents/carers to stay with their child please)
Years 3 to 6 - 4.10pm to 5pm
The deadline for reply slips and payment has now passed.
There will be a tuck shop selling sweets, drinks and glow sticks. Please ensure your child brings any money in an envelope/purse/wallet with their name on.
Non-uniform day Wednesday 13th May
To coincide with the disco, next Wednesday will also be a non-uniform day. This makes it easier for our younger children, so they don't have to get changed before going to the disco.
Our Year 6 children will need to come to school in their school uniform next Wednesday please and bring some clothes to change into once they have completed the SATs tests for that day.
PTA grant application
We are delighted to share that our PTA's application to the Tesco Grants Programme has been successful and their project will be put forward to a customer vote in Tesco stores. Voting will take place in store from Tuesday 28th April 2026 until the end of July 2026.
This project will help support children that have lost loved ones by providing a safe and comfortable area for reflection in an outdoor classroom.
The project with the highest number of votes across our region will receive £1,500 (or the amount that was requested up to this value), the second placed project £1,000 (or the amount that was requested up to this value), and the third placed project £500.
We ask all parents and carers that can, to pop into the Bessacarr Tesco store and vote using a blue token.
Can you help us?
The children have been busy weeding, digging and planting in our allotment. We can already see garlic and tomato plants growing! We do desperately want to finish the last few planters but we need more compost. If anyone has any spare at home or would like to donate some to our Mayflower garden, please drop it in to the school office.
Healthy teeth for life
This week, we had a visit from Dentaid the dental charity. Tom from Dentaid worked with our Nursery and Reception children first, talking about which foods were good for our teeth and how to brush our teeth correctly to keep them clean. Tom then held an assembly with the whole school to highlight this important message to all the children. Each child in school will be given a pack containing a toothbrush and toothpaste - if your child hasn't brought theirs home yet, they will do so next week.
Happy 100th birthday!
Today, we celebrated Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday. Some of our children worked together to chalk a piece of artwork on our playground to commemorate this very special birthday for a National treasure who has brought the natural world to life in so many different ways throughout his life and career. Happy 100th Birthday Sir David!
Saturday Forest School
Doncaster Art Market
Doncaster Art Market returns to the Corn Exchange on Saturday 16th May to exhibit and celebrate outstanding local talent. There will be everything from original paintings and limited edition prints to ceramics, jewellery, stained glass ornaments and much, much more.
Visitors can meet the artists behind the work. Mrs Davies' daughter Jenna, herself an extremely talented artist, will be at the event so please pop along and say hi if you get chance. Jenna is the incredible talent behind the artwork in our main entrance, corridors and library area.
Bawtry Festival 2026
We hope everyone is looking forward to this year's Bawtry Festival which takes place from Monday 15th June to Sunday 28th June. The full programme of events is now available. Please click on the link at the bottom of this page to view the programme. We will have this as a weekly item on our blog until the festival has finished, so that you can always see which events you would like to attend. We will also share any individual flyers for events as the organisers send them to us.
Lunch Menu for week commencing 11th May 2026
Please see the menu below for next week. 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.
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 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 4pm (Nursery & Reception parents to stay at the disco with their children). Years 3 to 6 4.10pm to 5pm (slight change to timings shown previously)
Monday 18th May - Year 1 visit to Austerfield Study Centre
Monday 18th May - Year 4 pedestrian training
Tuesday 19th May - Year 3 parents meeting for Austerfield residential
Tuesday 19th May - Year 4 pedestrian training
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
Tuesday 2nd June - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked ***change of date***
Wednesday 3rd June - class photos
Monday 8th June to Friday 12th June - Key Stage 1 Phonics screening week
Monday 8th June - visit to Nourish Group - parents/carers of those involved will be notified
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 10.45am - parents/carers invited. Please ensure you arrive at school ready for the assembly to start at 10.45am please. ***CHANGE OF TIME***
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 10.45am - parents/carers invited. Please ensure you arrive at school ready for the assembly to start at 10.45am please. ***CHANGE OF TIME***
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
2026
Tuesday 1st September - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Wednesday 30th September - individual/sibling photos
2027
Wednesday 2nd June 2027 - class photos
Monday 7th June - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Monday 19th July - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Tuesday 20th July - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Wednesday 21st July - Training Day - school closed to pupils
