Weekly Newsletter

Headteacher - Mr J Parkinson

Associate Assistant Headteacher - Miss L Whale

Associate Assistant Headteacher - Mr K Reynolds

Dear Parents & Carers,

This has been a slightly shorter week at Larks Hill, yet pupils have continued to make the most of every opportunity, with a range of valuable learning experiences taking place ahead of the half-term break.

For parents and carers of children with Android devices, Google Family Link is a useful tool for setting screen time limits, managing content and monitoring app use. Internet Matters has recently released a short video explaining how to set up and use Google Family Link effectively to support children’s online safety at home:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&si=kiblr44z83tCoOYa&v=BYRQvANa7OE&feature=youtu.be

We encourage parents and carers to take a few minutes to explore this resource.

LKS2 Trip to Harlow Carr

On Monday, pupils in Years 3 and 4 enjoyed a visit to Harlow Carr, linking closely with their science learning on plants. During the visit, the children explored a wide range of plant life and learned about different plant life cycles. They were highly engaged throughout the day, asked some really thoughtful questions and made excellent links to their classroom learning.

Safter Internet Day

On Tuesday, we marked Safer Internet Day 2026. All classes joined the BBC live lesson linked to this year’s theme, ‘Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.’ The session encouraged pupils to think carefully about how digital technology and artificial intelligence are used, both positively and safely. This learning was followed up through additional PSHE activities in class.

Childrens Mental Health Week

Wednesday saw us take part in Children’s Mental Health Week, with pupils joining a live lesson from Picture News. This year’s theme, ‘This Is My Place,’ focused on the importance of belonging and feeling accepted within families, friendships, schools and communities. Pupils reflected thoughtfully during follow-up PSHE work, sharing ideas about how we can help everyone feel valued and included.

Reading Mornings

Across the week, from Tuesday through to today, classes have also held Reading Mornings. It has been lovely to welcome so many parents and carers into school to share books and celebrate reading together. Thank you for your continued support with these sessions.

UKS2 Rackets Festival

Today, selected pupils from Years 5 and 6 took part in a Rackets Festival at Pontefract Squash Club, playing alongside pupils from other UKS2 classes across the Trust. The children showed great enthusiasm, teamwork and resilience, and represented Larks Hill extremely well.

Join us for a delightful Afternoon Tea at Larks Hill on Wednesday 25th March or Thursday 26th March from 2pm!

Enjoy a fun afternoon filled with delicious treats, tea and spending time with your child(ren).

Places at the events can be booked on MCAS now!

Price List

Afternoon Tea for Two – (one adult and one child) ~ £10

Additional Adults ~ £6 each

Additional Children ~ £4 each

(Additional Adults and Children are welcome without paying and share the Tea for Two)

We hope to see you there!

Remi - EYFS

Sarah - Year 1

Georgie - Year 2

Martha - Year 3

Jaxon - Year 4

Riley - Year 5

Harry - Year 6

Ivan - EYFS - For confidently teaching everyone in EYFS how to say Good Morning in another language. Well done Ivan

Please see the Spring 2 PE Timetable below

Friday 13th February - INSET DAY

Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February - HALF TERM HOLIDAY

Monday 23rd February - School Back open to pupils

Wednesday, 25th February - Year 1 Phonics Screening Meeting to Parents - 3.30pm - 4pm

Wednesday, 4th March - EYFS Trip to Cannon Hall Farm

Thursday, 5th March - World Book Day

On Wednesday lunchtime, children were given the chance to vote for their favorite CATS mascot name.

As you can see, we had a very clear winner!

This weeks CATS Spotlight goes to Harry - Year 5.

Harry is a very talented and passionate young chef, who regularly cooks for his family and friends. We have also had the pleasure of tasting his fantastic cakes and bakes at recent bun sales! Last week, Harry had the opportunity to cook in school, and he chose to make his signature burgers. We can safely say they were thoroughly enjoyed! Well done Harry!

As we reach the end of this half-term, we would like to thank you all for your continued support. We wish all our families a relaxing and enjoyable half-term break and look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday 23rd February.

Yours sincerely,
Mr Reynolds

The menu for next week is Week 3

This February Half-Term, join us at The Piece Hall for a Tractor Trail!

Enjoy a stunning display of tractors and farm vehicles on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February.

We will also have a farmyard themed trail from Wednesday 18th to Sunday 22nd February.

Wakefield Council are offering free wellness checks for adults at St Mary's Community Centre.

Pontefract Clothing Bank

Are you having a New Year clear out? Have the children grown AGAIN?

We are pleased to be running a clothing collection to support The Clothing Bank and our local community in Pontefract.

We would be grateful for donations of clean, good-quality women’s, men’s and children’s clothing that you no longer need. All items should be bagged and can be brought to the school office or taken directly into your child’s classroom.

Donations will be accepted throughout this half term and next half term. Your generosity will help support families within our local area, and we thank you in advance for your continued support

Please follow this link if you would like to find out more about The Clothing Bank. https://theclothingbank.org.uk/mission/

Please see below our Spring Diary Dates. Please note that some dates may be subject to change and more events or activities may be added. We will endeavor to keep you informed of any changes or additions throughout the term.

Weekly Newsletter