Friends of Birdsedge 2023

Penistone Road, Birdsedge, Huddersfield HD8 8XR Tel 01484 605441 www.birdsedgefirst.org birdsedgeoffice@themast.co.uk Head Teacher: Mrs D Waddington

Wednesday 4th October 2023 Dear Families I wanted to write to you, from the heart, about something so special and so important to Birdsedge First and something I definitely do not shout from the rooftops about enough. That is, the wonderful group ‘Friends of Birdsedge’.

Friends of Birdsedge is a parent group, already established when I joined the school three years ago and I have seen it grow and flourish throughout this time. The group, however, is far more than a ‘parent group’, it’s an army of people who have been such a significant contributor to this very positive journey school has been on over the last few years. I’m sure you don’t need to work or be involved in a school to know just how challenging resources and funding can be in education. A national challenge faced by all settings I’m sure but particularly so for small schools. The funds school have received over the past few years from Friends of Birdsedge has been integral to the enrichments and opportunities we have been able to offer children that we just simply would not be able to do without. Inside this booklet is a summary of just some of the things.

This letter is a thank you and to highlight the wonderful work that has gone on in the background but it is also an ask…this amazing group can only carry on making the difference for your children with your support – to their events and also to the future of the group. I can assure you, the group are such a warm, welcoming and friendly group and are always open to new members who might want to be involved. This might be as a regular role on the group or as a volunteer at events. If you are interested, want to know more or can offer anything no matter how big or small in terms of support please do not hesitate to use the contacts on the back page.

Thank you, for taking your time to read and celebrate this and for your continued support.

Kindest Regards

Mrs D Waddington

Friends of Birdsedge

Mast Academy Trust, Company Number:10357163 c/o Scissett Middle School, Wakefield Rd, Scissett, Huddersfield, HD8 9JX

Annual Trip to the Pantomime Every year during our ‘Let’s Celebrate’ week we take the whole school to experience a live pantomime at the Theatre. Great experience and important memory making for wellbeing at the end of the first term. This is heavily subsidised by Friends of Birdsedge to make it accessible to all.

Whole School Coastal Trip Every year during our ‘Seaside Week’ we go on a coastal trip to the seaside. Valuable as part of our Geography curriculum and comparing a contrasting location but also another wellbeing day at the end of the year before our Year 5 children move on.

Treats and Gifts Throughout the school year key events are marked with a celebration and gifts or treats provided for all children in school. This includes a visit and gift from Father Christmas, Easter Treats and other Special days like the Coronation.

Fun events outside of school Friends of Birdsedge plan and deliver a range of social events for children over the school year such as Discos, Fayres and Sleepovers! The adults don’t get left out though either with community cafés and pamper nights. With many more to come.

Contribution to Specialist Teachers An annual, very generous donation to school supports us to remain committed to providing a range of skilled and specialist teachers to expose children to a wide range of lessons and experiences we don’t have the capacity to do in such a small teaching team. This includes French, Art and Yoga with more planned ahead.

Chickens!

We love our rural roots here at Birdsedge and enjoy having our own chickens on site that the children nurture and look after themselves.

Friends of Birdsedge help us very generously with the up keep of the chickens and ensure they are happy with food, bedding and toys!

Nick is the Chair of the group, well supported by other key members on board too!

If you have any enquiries, would like to support or speak to any members of the group, just contact the school office who will put you in touch with Nick or one of the other members.