Dear Parkfield Families,
It has been another fantastic week at Parkfield, with our pupils enjoying a range of memorable experiences both in and out of the classroom.
Our Year 6 Aspirational Careers Day was a huge success. A sincere thank you to everyone who gave up their time to speak to the children about their careers and the journeys that led them there. We hope you have inspired the next generation of Parkfielders!
Last week's Year 6 residential to Blackpool created memories that I'm sure will stay with the children for many years to come. I was incredibly proud of the way they conducted themselves throughout the 3 days, demonstrating the positive attitudes and behaviour that make Parkfield such a special place. Photos from the residential are now available on our school website.
This week, Year 2 enjoyed their visit to St. Anne's Beach, while Year 5 had a fantastic day exploring Quarry Bank Mill. These visits are such an important part of bringing learning to life and giving our children experiences they will remember.
A reminder that our Summer Fair takes place next Friday 10th July from 3:15pm. We hope to see as many families there as possible as we raise valuable funds to provide even more opportunities for our Parkfielders. Thank you to everyone who donated bottles today. Next week, we'd be very grateful for donations of chocolate to use as prizes at the fair in exchange for non-uniform.
Finally, have a wonderful weekend, and good luck to England in their game in the early hours of Monday morning! A few pupils, parents (and staff members!) have requested a later start on Monday, but I have decided that Parkfield will open as normal. As the match kicks off in the middle of the night, rather than later in the evening, I expect that most of our pupils will (hopefully!) be fast asleep. For those wanting to catch up on the action, staff will be able to share the match highlights with children on Monday morning. Hopefully England will give us all something to celebrate!
Mr Kemp
MONDAY 6TH JULY @ 4PM - NEW INTAKE FAMILY MEETING - Parents and Carers of our new arrivals for this September are welcome to join us in the school hall to find out about transition day and also arrangements for September.
TUESDAY 7TH JULY - TRANSITION DAY - All Parkfielders will be spending a day in their new classes with their new teachers in preparation for September. Year 6 will be spending the day at their new high schools. Please come to school through the usual doors.
THURSDAY 9TH JULY @ 9AM - YEAR 1 CLASS ASSEMBLY - Families of Year 1 pupils are welcome to join the school in the hall as Year 1 present their class assembly. We hope you can make it.
FRIDAY 10TH JULY @ 3.15PM - SUMMER FAIR - KS2 PLAYGROUND & FIELD All welcome!!!!!! Please bring cash to spend at the many different stalls and help Parkfield raise as much money as possible! Non-uniform day in exchange for 'chocolate' or '£1 shop toys' donations please.
MONDAY 13TH JULY - 6-8PM - YEAR 6 LEAVERS DISCO @ PARKFIELD Year 6 pupils are welcome to dress up in their party clothes and dance away the evening as they enjoy a final farewell celebration in the school hall!
TUESDAY 14TH JULY - RECEPTION CLASS ASSEMBLY @ 9AM - Families of our Reception pupils are welcome to come into the school hall to watch our youngest Parkfielders share their learning from the past term in their first ever class assembly. We hope you can make it.
WEDNESDAY 15TH JULY - Y6 LEAVERS ASSEMBLY & PERFORMANCE @ 9.15AM Families are invited to join us in the final assembly of the year where we celebrate Y6's time with us at Parkfield. Our oldest Parkfielders will be performing 'The Wizard of Oz' as part of the celebrations.
THURSDAY 16TH JULY - FINAL DAY OF SCHOOL School closes for the summer at 3.15pm. Busy Bees will run until the usual 5.30pm.
SUMMER FAIR - WE NEED YOUR HELP!
If you are able to help setting up stalls next Friday 10th July from 1.30pm we would love an extra pair of hands! Please contact the office if you are able to help out - thank you in advance.
SUMMER FAIR - CAKE BAKE SALE
Do you have a passion for baking cakes? If you would like to bake a cake
MATHLETICS SUBSCRIPTION
Please note that we will no longer be subscribing to Mathletics, so your child's existing login will no longer work.
Over the past five years, Mathletics has been a valuable resource for our pupils and has supported their mathematical learning well. However, after trialling an exciting new online learning platform called Century, we have decided to move to this new system.
Century offers a much broader learning experience, covering a range of curriculum subjects rather than mathematics alone. It also uses artificial intelligence to personalise learning for every child. This means it can identify areas where a pupil may need additional practice and provide targeted support, while also increasing the level of challenge when they are ready to move on. As a result, every child receives learning that is tailored specifically to their individual needs.
Once your child begins using Century, we are confident you will see the positive impact it has on their confidence, engagement and progress. We look forward to sharing more information, including login details and guidance on how you can support your child at home, in the coming weeks.
OFFICE STAFFING CHANGES
Mrs Cummings, our School Business Manager for the past three years, is leaving Parkfield at the end of this term. She has successfully been appointed at a school in Manchester and she will be missed by all at Parkfield. We have successfully recruited a new business manager, Miss Speedy, who will be completing a handover over the coming weeks.
Also in the office, Miss Pritchard will be going on maternity leave mid September and as a result we have a new member of staff, Miss Holden, also completing a handover and supporting in the front office. Welcome to both of the new Parkfield team members.
BROADBENTS
This year, Broadbents school uniform shop have decided to extend their opening hours to offer those families who prefer a quieter environment a calming free fitting service. This will be by appointment only, with each family getting a 15 minute time slot where no other customer will be in the shop. The dates they have scheduled in are 9th and 23rd July from 5.30pm. Please call the shop directly to book an appointment if you want to use this service (0161 643 5193 / 07572 601886).
ALL CLUBS HAVE NOW FINISHED FOR THIS TERM!!
WE ONLY HAVE THE YEAR 3/4 ROCHDALE AFC CLUB ON THURSDAY 1OTH JULY - IF YOUR CHILD HAS PLACE IN THIS THEN YOU WILL HAVE RECIVED AN EMAIL.
CLASS TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF FOR SEPTEMBER
We are in a position to announce the staff working in each class for next academic year.
Reception: Mrs Taylor, Miss Dippnall, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Shepherdson
Year 1: Mrs Gibson, Mrs Rowarth, Mrs Buckley
Year 2: Miss McCall, Mrs Mullane, Miss Hall
Year 3: Mrs Hartley, Mrs Gully, Mrs Heyes
Year 4: Mrs Gooding, Mrs McKenna, Miss Howarth, Miss Balfe
Year 5: Mrs Acil, Mr Shearman, Mr Campion, Mrs Cocking
Year 6: Mr Robinson, Mrs Naughton, Miss Hamilton
Cherry Tree Room: Miss Bundock, Miss Olettket, Mrs Randell
The staff will be getting to know the children they will be working with over the next few weeks to make the transition as smooth as possible.
SCHOOL SPORTS PLATINUM AWARD
Congratulations to Mrs Banks who has worked tirelessly over the past few years to earn Parkfield the School Games 'Platinum Award'. This award is presented to schools that have demonstrated a high level of dedication towards PE and sport over the past five years. Our Parkfielders get a range of opportunities to take part in these activities, such as: two hours of high quality PE each week, after school sports clubs and inter-school competitions. Well done Mrs Banks and thanks for everything you do at Parkfield!
FREE BREAKFAST CLUB QUESTIONNAIRE
Many thanks to those families that were able to respond to the recent 'breakfast club' questionnaire. Those responses have given us an insight into the level of demand there would be if a free breakfast club was to be offered and meant we can plan accordingly. At the moment, there is going to be no change to the current set up but we will let you know when we are in a position to offer this opportunity.
YEAR 5 BREAKFAST BOOSTER
In preparation for next academic year, our Year 5 Parkfielders are now invited to come into Breakfast Booster club from 8.15am every morning to take part in a range of online activities that will support them with their maths and English. The club is FREE (from 8.15am) and all year 5's are welcome to attend. Breakfast is also provided.
Year 6 are welcome to continue to attend until the end fo the year as it is great preparation for high school!
SCHOOL UNIFORM - CHANGES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
As we move into the warmer summer months, we are pleased to let you know that pupils may wear their Parkfield PE kits to school for the remainder of the summer term if they wish.
For the rest of this school year, wearing the standard school uniform will not be a requirement and families can choose whether their child attends in their usual uniform or their Parkfield PE kit each day.
We believe this flexibility will bring a number of positive benefits during the final term, including:
• Increasing participation in physical activity
• Improving comfort and focus in class
• Supporting inclusion for girls and pupils with SEND
As a reminder, the Parkfield PE kit consists of:
• Royal blue hoody (with or without zip, with or without the school logo)
• Plain royal blue or white T-shirt (with or without the school logo)
• Navy or black shorts/tracksuit pants/leggings
• Trainers
We hope this added flexibility will help pupils stay comfortable during the warmer weather while still taking pride in being part of the Parkfield community.
ATTENDANCE - HOLIDAYS
We would like to remind all families about the importance of regular school attendance. So far this academic year, over 230 days of learning have been lost due to Parkfielders being taken out of school for holidays during term time.
We completely understand that families may have different reasons for taking holidays during the school term. However, even a short period away from school can have a significant impact on children’s learning, routines, friendships and overall progress — particularly when extended holidays are taken.
We would also like to remind parents that holidays of 5 or more school days are likely to result in a Penalty Notice (fine) being issued, in line with Local Authority and Government guidance.
PARKFIELD CURRICULUM
If you would like to know what your child is being taught, our curriculum pages have all the information you will be looking for. They can be found here: https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/home
HEALTHY SNACKS AND DRINKS
A reminder to send in healthy drinks and snacks. Sweets and fizzy drinks are not allowed in school although some children have tried to bring them in recently.
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN EASILY RAISE MONEY FOR PARKFIELD?
Everytime you spend money online a small amount will be donated to school if you sign up to EasyFundraising. It costs you nothing!
To get started and support our school, please click here: Easyfundraising for Parkfield . Every donation makes a difference to our pupils.
Miss Holden will be joining us in September, covering for Miss Pritchard whilst she enjoys maternity leave awaiting the arrival of her baby boy. Miss Holden will be the first face you see as you come through the main entrance!
At home, Miss Holden has a lively two-year old daughter who keeps her very busy! In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family and loves travelling - especially to warm, sunny destinations- as she's not a fan of the cold!
Miss Holden is looking forward to meeting all of our 'Parkfielders' and their families, and is excited to become part of the Parkfield community.
Reception: 91.7%
Year 1: 95.8%
Year 2: 83.8%
Year 3: 80.4%
Year 4: 85.3%
Year 5: 92.5%
Year 6: 96.6%
Whole School: 89.1%
Number of lates this week: 3
A reminder that classes that achieve at least 96% attendance (no more than 6 days of absence across a class) get a reward on their attendance ladder!
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 and will certainly lead to them doing less well than their peers.
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 shortly after.
Arrivals after 9am are marked as late and anyone arriving after 9.30am are classed as an unauthorised absence for the morning session.
ATTENDANCE - MEDICINES
Our overall school attendance is steadily increasing and one reason is due to many of our families taking up the school offer of bringing a bottle of Calpol in for their child if they are feeling slightly under the weather. The medicine can then be administered by school staff if your child needs it throughout the day. We do find that many of our Parkfielders show that true resilience when they arrive in school and get through their day with very little support. However, if your child is too poorly to stay in school, we will contact home so that they can be collected.
Mrs Smith is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by Mr Kemp, Mrs Clawson and Mrs Edyvean. 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
STAY SAFE REMINDERS
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
Latest Class Updates