Dear Parkfield Families,
Some Might Say it’s been one of the busiest weeks of the year here at Parkfield, and we couldn’t agree more!
We kicked things off with brilliant class assemblies from both Reception and Year 2, where our young Parkfielders confidently showcased their hard work and learning. Thank you to all the families who were able to attend – it means a lot to the children and staff.
Today’s Summer Fair was certainly a Live Forever moment – filled with sunshine, smiles and community spirit. A huge thank you for your support, not just today, but for all the forfeit day contributions and cake donations that helped make it such a success. We’ll let you know next week just how much we’ve raised and whatever the total, it will go a long way in helping us continue to provide special experiences for our children. A special thanks also to those that were able to give their time and help at the fair to ensure it was a success.
On Wednesday, Year 5 rocked the school hall with their P-Bone performance in a special music assembly. Their Champagne Supernova of talent and confidence impressed everyone and showed how far they’ve come with their instrumental skills this past term. Well done, Year 5!
Meanwhile, the 3v3 football tournament has been running throughout the week and has been a massive hit – our very own ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Stars’ showing off their skills! A huge thank you to Mrs Banks for organising such a fun and competitive event because it’s been a great opportunity for our children to show off their skills and sportsmanship.
Photos from all of this week’s events – assemblies, football, music and the fair – can be found on our usual Photo Album page.
A quick reminder that next week is only a four-day week, as we break up for the summer holidays on Thursday 17th July.
Have a lovely weekend – and if you’re off to see Oasis at Heaton Park… Don’t Look Back in Anger, just enjoy the moment! And if not, open your windows and enjoy the tunes from home.
Mr Kemp
MONDAY 14TH JULY - 6PM - 8.30PM - Y6 LEAVERS PARTY @ PARKFIELD
THURSDAY 17TH JULY - 9AM - Y6 LEAVERS ASSEMBLY Familes are welcome to join us to celebrate the last day of our Year 6 pupils
THURSDAY 17TH JULY - SCHOOL CLOSES FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS
GOOD LUCK MRS SLATFORD
Today we said a fond farewell to Mrs Slatford, who has been the warm and welcoming face of Parkfield for the past five years. Whether answering the phone, greeting families at the front desk, or helping children and staff throughout the day, her kindness and friendly presence have made a lasting impression on everyone. She will be greatly missed by the whole Parkfield community, and we wish her all the very best as she starts her new adventure at her next school.
PIRAMIDD SPELLING BEE
On Tuesday, two of our brilliant Y5 pupils competed against other Middleton Schools at St. Anne's Academy in the annual PiraMidd Spelling Bee. They both represented the school brilliantly and proved what amazing spellers they are. PiraMidd is a group of schools that are 'Partners in Raising Acheviement in Middleton'.
REPORTS
Please note that we will are expecting to send out end of year reports on Tuesday to all pupils.
YEAR 6 SHIRT SIGNING - THURSDAY 17th
Year 6 children can bring in a spare shirt on this day to be signed by their class friends and staff.
SCHOOL GATEWAY MOVING OVER TO ARBOR
As previously mentioned we are moving over to a system called Arbor rather than School Gateway. However, we've been able to continue using Gateway until September so payments can continue as normal. We will communicate further changes in the new school year.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUB FOR SEPTEMBER
Please note that this will be able to be booked from 1st September on our new Arbor system. There is no need to panic as there will be spaces for all children to attend. More information will be sent near the end of the summer holidays.
ALL AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS HAVE NOW FINISHED FOR THIS TERM.
STAFFING FOR SEPTEMBER 2025
Following our recent recruitment we are now in a position to name the staff that will be in each class from September.
Reception: Mrs Taylor, Miss Dippnall, Miss Aspin, Miss Eatock
Year 1: Mrs Hartley, Mrs Mullane, Mrs Randell and Miss Rigby
Year 2: Miss Leary, Mrs Rowarth, Mrs Balfe and Miss Charlotte
Year 3: Mrs Gooding, Mrs Gully, Miss Bradshaw and Miss Howarth
Year 4: Miss McCall, Mr Shearman, Miss Hamilton and Mrs Heyes
Year 5: Mrs Acil, Mrs Bardsley and Miss Hall
Year 6: Mr Robinson, Mrs Naughton and Mrs Langan
Cherry Tree Room: Mrs Shepherdson, Mrs Edyvean and an additional teaching assistant (currently recruiting)
Work will be taking place over the coming weeks to ensure there is smooth transition from one class to another for all pupils.
NEW MEMBERS OF STAFF
You may recognise a few new names on our staffing list. We welcome to the Parkfield staff Mrs Edyvean, our new Assistant Headteacher and SENDCO. Mrs Edyvean joins us from an outstanding local primary school where she has taught children across the primary age range and had a positive impact on pupils with SEND.
Welcome also to Miss Leary who is going to be our Y2 teacher for the next 12 months whilst Miss Gibson is on maternity leave. Miss Leary is returning to Parkfield after she completed her teacher training with us a few years ago.
STAFF LEAVING
Our interim Deputy Head and SENDCO, Mr Russell, is going to be leaving us this summer as he has been successfully appointed as the SENDCO at an Oldham high school. Mr Russell has been a great addition to the team over the past two terms whilst he has covered Mrs Clawson's maternity leave. He will be missed and we wish him all the best in his new role.
Mr Barnett will also be leaving us at the end of this academic year. Mr Barnett has been at the school for 12 months and has supported our Year 6s brilliantly whilst also being of great support for the sport taking place across the school.
EASY FUNDRAISING - PLEASE SIGN UP, SPEND MONEY AND RAISE FUNDS FOR SCHOOL!
We want to let you know about a way you can support the school using an online platform called easyfundraising. It helps schools, causes and charities in the UK raise donations for FREE by simply shopping online.
They have partnered with over 7,000 brands including John Lewis & Partners, Argos, Iceland, Amazon, eBay and M&S who will give you and the school a donation every time you shop with them at no extra cost.
The brand pays easyfundraising a percentage of what the shopper spends and easyfundraising turn that into the donation that goes to the school
Over 190,000 causes and charities are using this at the moment and £56 million has been raised so far, so it really does work!
To sign up and help Parkfield raise money, please click here: Easyfundraising for Parkfield
FREE SCHOOL MEALS, FREE HOLIDAY CLUBS AND FOOD VOUCHERS
Did you know that if you are entitled to free school meals you also get access to free holiday clubs and food vouchers during the holidays? To apply or if you're not sure if you are eligible, please read the information and apply using the link here. School receives additional funding for those pupils that are entitled for free school meals and this much needed funding helps better support all Parkfielders. Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 or they're on packed lunch - please still apply. In addition, if there has been a change in your family circumstances (i.e. recently become unemployed) you may also be entitled to apply for Free School Meals.
Latest Class Updates
Mr Kemp is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by Mrs Clawson and Mrs Smith (Deputy DSL). If you have any concerns about the needs or welfare of a pupil, please don't hesitate to contact the school. We all share a responsibility to our pupils safety and wellbeing.
As a school our promise is: We will listen, we will support and we will take action.
More information can be found on the school website here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/safeguarding-and-child-protection.html
As you are all aware, school attendance and punctuality is one of Parkfields priorities and I have been thrilled with the support that parents have been giving with regards to improving their children’s attendance.
Our school target is 96% this year and we need your continued support to ensure that we meet this mark.
Please note that, in line with the school policy, fines will be issued to families that go on a term time holiday where children miss 5 consecutive full days. Currently the fine is £160 per child per parent which equates to a £640 fine for a two parent family with two children. This is reduced to £320 if paid within 21days. If you are going on holiday due to exceptional circumstances, please speak to the headteacher as a fine may not have to be issued. More information an be found on our attendance policy found here.
Persistent absence is defined by the Government as attendance below 90%. This equates to 19 days or more of absence a year or 100+ lessons missed. If a child’s attendance drops below 90% this could lead to them becoming a safeguarding concern. This could also result in the authority taking legal action against parents, resulting in a fine or court appearance. Over the next few weeks I will be making contact by letter with the families of children whose attendance is below 90% to invite you into school for a discussion about how we can support you to improve your child’s attendance.
Thank you so much to all the families who have been working hard to ensure children’s attendance and punctuality is high. Establishing early good habits really will make a positive difference to their lives. The link between attendance and achievement cannot be over stated. Your child will achieve better if they are in school every day. Only in very exceptional circumstances should a child be absent from school. Please ring the school office no later than 8.30am to report an absence.
Please get your child to school on time. Poor punctuality can lead to your child…
Feeling embarrassed in front of their friends
Missing the beginning of vital lessons making them fall behind
Missing important instructions for the rest of the school day
At Parkfield children are to line up before school and doors open at 8.45am. They close at shortly after.
If you arrive after the doors are closed you will have to come through the school office.
Arrivals after 9.30am are classed as an unauthorised absence for the morning session.
STAY SAFE EARLY BIRDS - REMINDER
If your child is attending Early Birds, please walk down the path and through the KS1 yard - it may take a few more seconds but it's much safer than walking through the busy car park. If the hall door is ever closed, simply ring the bell for assistance.
Dogs are not permitted in the school playground.
If driving, park further away from the school and walk to reduce congestion and the possibility of any serious accidents.
Unfortunately, Parents and Carers are not allowed to drop off and pick up from the school car park at any time.
Children are not allowed on the play equipment before and after school. Please keep them off.
5 WAYS TO WELLBEING
At Parkfield we promote the 5 ways to Wellbeing which can help children and adults to achieve a more positive lifestyle.
#THRIVE offer a local service for children and young people aged up to 19 years who are experiencing health and wellbeing issues such as feeling stressed, worried or not enjoying things. #Thrive can also provide advice and support to parents, carers and anyone that works with a child or young person. You can find out more information about the service by clicking here: https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/thrive