Spring 1 Newsletter
13th February 2026
What a busy half term it has been! We have thoroughly enjoyed visiting classrooms and witnessing the wonderful work our children have been doing. I was particularly impressed by the writing in Fire Class on my recent visit; and also watching the children in Air Class plan their bug hotels with Leigh from Drax.
During Children’s Mental Health Week, we focused on ‘This is My Place’, exploring themes of belonging and identity. It’s lovely to see how our school family embraces each unique individual. For links to resources to support children with their wellbeing, please see below:
Cowick C of E Primary School - Well-Being
East Riding | Togetherness - Togetherness
It was lovely to take part in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The whole school took part in praying for different local churches and we received a thank you message from John Weetman, Vicar of Selby, thanking us for our prayers:
To Cowick Primary School,
Thank you for praying for us at Selby Abbey. It is good to know that you are thinking of us and some of the different churches in the area in your school. Jesus often prayed that people should work together and help each other like one big family, and that his followers should show everyone a good example of doing that, but sadly we do not always get it right. We do need your prayers. If you ever get chance to visit us at Selby Abbey you would be very welcome and if you see me, you can let me know that you are from Cowick Primary School. It would be lovely to meet you.
John Weetman (vicar of Selby Abbey)
Wishing everyone a restful half term, and we look forward to welcoming you back on Monday, 23rd February.
Kind regards
Mrs Rawes and Mrs Bagguley
Attendance
Our Attendance to date is: 95.88%
Authorised Absences: 574 sessions
Unauthorised Absences: 207 sessions
Earth Class
Earth class have been learning all about space, exploring planets, astronauts, and imaginative missions. Along the way, they’ve shown great courage—sharing ideas, trying new challenges, and working confidently together. Just like astronauts, they’ve learned to be brave and give things a go.
Water Class
Water Class have demonstrated courage this half term through their work within Jigsaw sessions, discussing their dreams and goals. They were courageous in setting goals for 2026 which stretched themselves and helped them work towards their aspirations for further into the future. They considered their ‘long term’ goals and how these ‘smaller’ goals would help them to achieve these. Children had such a diverse range of dreams and goals including learning to speak more of their second language, learning to play a new instrument, improve their skill within a sport and read more books!
Air Class
Air Class has had a busy half term exploring our topic, Changes. With curiosity and courage, the children learned about Emily Davison, created fruit salads and smoothies in Design and Technology, and welcomed a visit from Drax. They also enjoyed learning while discovering how to design and build a bug hotel.
Fire Class
This half term, Fire Class has enjoyed a rich range of learning experiences. We welcomed Lisa and John from the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service who delivered an engaging fire safety talk. Using their science and maths skills, pupils designed and built rockets ready for launch. They also produced impressive artwork inspired by artists from around the world. Our class enjoyed the opportunities to support Air Class through shared reading. Finally, everyone enjoyed practising French while taking part in our lively class French Cafe. The children have enjoyed these experiences and it has strengthened confidence, creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm for learning across the curriculum.
Sports News
We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their fantastic efforts in recent sporting competitions. Our Year 3/4 dodgeball team showed great determination, teamwork and enthusiasm throughout their competition, representing the school brilliantly and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship from start to finish.
Our Year 5/6 dodgeball team also enjoyed great success, playing with confidence, resilience and impressive teamwork. Their positive attitude and commitment helped them achieve a wonderful result, and they were a credit to the school both on and off the court.
We were also delighted with the efforts of our Year 3/4 football team, who represented the school superbly in their recent competition. The children showed fantastic teamwork, determination and resilience, supporting one another throughout the matches and demonstrating great sporting behaviour. They should be very proud of their performance and the way they represented the school.
Mrs Willden from The Snaith School came into school this week to give some of our Year 5/6 pupils the opportunity to play pickleball. They developed new skills, showed great focus and supported one another throughout the afternoon. It was fantastic to see their willingness to try something new and their growing confidence in this fast-paced sport.
There is lots of sport to look forward to as the year continues, with more opportunities for participation, teamwork and achievement. Well done to all pupils who have represented the school so far — we can’t wait to see what the next competitions bring!
E Safety
PC Sarah Gladstone recently visited us and held a session on E Safety especially for parents. She also held an assembly in school. We are pleased that she will be joining us again to talk more about how to stay safe online with Fire class and their parents on Friday 3rd July at 2.00pm.
A parent that attended the workshop said
"I came to this morning’s session with what I thought was a good knowledge of online safety however I am gobsmacked by what I have learnt and how clever people online can be. Sarah has given me really useful advice that I can use to make sure my child stays safe online.
I have also learnt ways to keep myself and my data online safe.
I would highly recommend parents and other family members to come to these sessions regardless of understanding."
Wellbeing Warriors
Cowick Primary School have a dedicated group of Well-being Warriors who actively promote safeguarding and mental well-being throughout the school community. They play an important role in raising awareness about staying safe, looking after our mental health, and supporting one another.
The children work together to develop ideas and initiatives that help improve well-being across the school. They encourage their peers to talk openly about their feelings, suggest ways to create a positive and inclusive environment, and share practical strategies for supporting one another. They also help ensure that all pupils understand the measures we have in place to keep them safe, know who they can speak to if they have concerns, and feel confident that their voices are heard and valued.
Thank you!
Today the children are bringing home a sweet treat from the PTA.
A big thank you to them for organising this and a Happy Valentine's Day to all!
Fair Trade
We are excited to let you know that we have once again been awarded the Fair Trade Award of Fair Active School.
This is the second time we have gained this award and we continue to champion it in curriculum areas such as Geography and PSHE.
Our school council have met this week to discuss Fair Trade initiatives and we have our sights set on the Fair Achiever Award.
Bishop Leah
We were delighted to welcome Bishop Leah to both our schools at Cowick and Pollington-Balne. She took part in our worship and led a blessing; answered questions from our worship council including who had inspired her and what do you have to do to be a Bishop. Then she took the time to bless our brand new outdoor classroom. It was a real privilege to meet with her.
We also welcomed Huw Thomas, our Diocesan Director for Education and his puppet friend, Bernard! As you can imagine, Bernard caused quite a riot, but he and Huw left us with a lovely gift of a book about inspirational people and those who show courage; very fitting as our Christian Value this half term was courage.
School Communities & Family Help - Lottie Brocklesby
A big thank you to all the parents and carers who took the time to drop in and see Lottie! She truly enjoyed connecting with you. We are excited to announce that Lottie will be visiting Cowick on Monday, 23rd March at 2:30 pm, and she would love to meet even more of you there.
If you can’t make it to Cowick, don’t worry! Lottie will also be dropping in at Pollington-Balne on Monday, 16th March, again at 2:30 pm. Both of these drop-in sessions coincide with our Book Fairs, so it’s a perfect opportunity to pick up a lovely book for your child while you’re visiting.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Reminders
Bag2school
Thank you to everyone who donated items to Bag2school. We raised a brilliant £41.70.
Our next collection is on 6th March - please leave bags outside the front door by 9.00am.
Book Fair
The Book fair will be in school from the 18th March to 23rd March. More details will follow but you will be able to use your World Book Day vouchers against any purchases made.
Upcoming Events
Spring Term
16/3 - Class photos
18/3 - Scholastic Book Fair in school until 23/3
27/3 - Training Day
Summer Term
13/4 9.00 - Easter Service in Church
17/4 - R/Y6 Weights and Measures Programme
4/5 - May Day - school closed
11/5 - SATs Week Y6
18/5 9.00 - Rogation and Pentecost Service in Church
2/6 to 4/6 - Y6 Residential
5/6 - Y5 trip to Go Ape
17/6 - Sports Day
2/7 2.00 - E Safety for Fire Class/parents
9/7 - R/Y1/Y2 visit to Skylark Centre
17/7 1.30 - Y6 Leavers Service