Weekly Newsletter

Headteacher - Mr J Parkinson

Associate Assistant Headteacher - Miss L Whale

Associate Assistant Headteacher - Mr K Reynolds

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been another busy and successful week at Larks Hill, with pupils representing our school wonderfully both in and out of the classroom.

On Tuesday evening, Mr Reynolds met with Year 6 parents and carers to share important information about the upcoming SATs. A huge thank you to everyone who was able to attend. Our Year 6 pupils are working incredibly hard and making excellent progress as they prepare for this important milestone, and we are very grateful for the continued support from families in helping them feel confident and ready.

On Wednesday morning, selected pupils from Years 1 and 2 took part in the Inclusive Festival at A1 Football Factory. It was a fantastic event, and our pupils represented Larks Hill superbly, as always. Event leaders were particularly impressed with the respect and sportsmanship shown by our children — something we are extremely proud of.

The first of our two Parents’ Evenings took place on Wednesday evening. It was wonderful to meet with parents and carers face-to-face to talk about pupils’ achievements, progress and next steps in learning. Thank you to everyone who attended and to those already signed up for next Wednesday. If you have not yet booked an appointment, please contact the school office who will be happy to make an appointment for you. If you are unable to attend, please contact your child’s class teacher via ClassDojo so that alternative arrangements can be made.

This evening, many children from Larks Hill — accompanied by Mr McIntyre, Mrs Law, Miss Jones, and Mr and Mrs Smith — will be joining thousands of pupils from across the country to perform at Young Voices 2026. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with live musicians, professional singers and special guest artists. We know our pupils will represent Larks Hill brilliantly and have an absolutely fantastic time.

This week, we look at screen time. We know screens are a normal part of children’s lives, and many families find it tricky to strike the right balance. The BBC Bitesize Parents’ Toolkit (below) offers practical advice from other parents on setting healthy screen time routines, using parental controls, and talking to children about staying safe and respectful online.

You can find the link here: How much screen time is too much for my child? - BBC Bitesize

Jack - Reception

Charles - Year 1

Lucas - Year 2

Aria - Year 3

Oliver S - Year 5

Louis - Year 6

Jenson BR (Y2) for the respectful behaviour he showed towards others, including pupils from other schools and the staff running the event, during the Year 1/2 Inclusive Festival on Tuesday morning. A fantastic example of the value we have been focusing on this week.

Spencer, Jaxon, Sonny and Jack (Y4) for producing some excellent writing on the subject of Fair Trade.

Great work from these TT Rockstars this week:

Harry - Year 3

Charlie - Year 4

William - Year 5

Monroe - Year 4

Wednesday 4th February - Parents Evening 2 - 3.30pm - 6pm

Monday 9th February - EYFS Stay & Play 8.30am - 9am

Tuesday 10th February - Year 1&2 Reading Morning 8.30am-9am

Tuesday 10th February - Safer Internet Day

Wednesday 11th February - Year 3&4 Reading Morning 8.30am - 9am

Thursday 12th February - Year 5&6 Reading Morning 8.30am-9pm

Friday 13th February - INSET DAY

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

Monday 23rd February - School Back open to pupils

Children have been busy this week choosing a name for our CATS Mascot! Everyone has completed a slip with their choice, and these are being shortlisted by our Junior Leadership Team with the final decision being made and announced next week.

This week's CATS Spotlight goes to Lucy in Year 2! Lucy danced in the 412 School of Dance, Cheer & Gymnastics Winter Showcase held on Sunday 24th January. She had her own solo moment for the first time and relished the opportunity - Well done Lucy!

As always, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another positive and productive week ahead at Larks Hill.

Yours sincerely,
Mr Reynolds

The menu for next week is Week 3

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.