REMINDERS from previous Newsletters

FREE CHRISTMAS QUIZ

Our annual Christmas Twitter quiz returned this week with a new question being tweeted each day. Children will have brought home an answer sheet for you to take part on. This year it will be free to enter - children can hand in completed answer sheets to their class teacher and we'll pick out two lucky festive prize-winners on Wednesday 16th December.

ATTENDANCE

Although we're in the middle of a global pandemic, our whole school attendance continues to be excellent - proving that Parkfielders want to be in school! We've added an attendance section to the newsletter to keep you informed of the levels of attendance across the school.

SELF ISOLATING PUPILS

Are reminder that self isolating pupils are able to join whole school assemblies on a Monday and Friday using the links below.

Monday Achievement Assembly at 10.10am https://zoom.us/j/93935292371?pwd=UmU3Q1VKZXIyQlFXTTh6MzJOcVVOUT09

Friday Achievement Assembly at 10.10am https://zoom.us/j/98045625355?pwd=SW9vVStTNFc4N1NhRDliNWxMY1Z0dz09

CHRISTMAS PANTO

Unfortunately, due to the local restrictions of being in tier 3, we now know that the theatre that was putting on the Pantomime production for Y1-6 is unable to take place. However, as we believe the children would love the experience and we want them to enjoy the theatre we have rescheduled to attend the performances later on in the year. Dependent on the restrictions at the time, we hope to now attend the panto just before Easter. More information will follow but if you have already paid this will automatically be transferred over. For those that haven't yet paid, there's plenty of time now to pay the £10.

EDGAR WOOD ACADEMY

Our pupils are going to have more choice of local high schools in future. Edgar Wood Academy was approved by the Department for Education to enter its pre-opening phase in summer 2019. The 11-16 state-funded secondary school will be operated by Altus Education Partnership which is also responsible for the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Rochdale Sixth Form College. The new secondary school is proposed to open in temporary accommodation in September 2021 with the permanent school building targeted for September 2022. The permanent site will be located on land at Bowlee, accessed off Heywood Old Road in the Middleton area of Rochdale.

As part of the pre-opening phase, the academy are very keen to receive feedback from local community members, parents and potential pupils, stakeholders, educators, professionals and providers.

For more information about the consultation, please visit https://edgarwood.org/consultation/ and you can submit any feedback through the following link: https://edgarwood.org/consultation-questionnaire/.

Our current Y6 pupils are able to apply for next September even if you have applied to other schools in the local authority. The following link has more information. https://edgarwood.org/apply/

CURRICULUM WEBSITE

Please visit the curriculum section of our website to find out about the learning that will be taking place in your child's class this next half term. https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/long-term-plans

PSHE CURRICULUM

At Parkfield we have always taught Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) but from this September 2020 the relationships and health aspect of the subject is compulsory for all schools to deliver. We have produced a 5 minute video (see below or on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDsmjgr9LzU ) to explain the changes to the curriculum and welcome any comments or questions by completing the following online form: https://forms.gle/74cPzL3VmG2EAvbF9

HOME LEARNING FOR SELF ISOLATING PUPILS

If your child is at home self isolating work is being set via our online system 'Showbie' so that they can complete work in line with what their peers will be learning in the classroom. Teachers are able to comment and feedback on work that is submitted. For more information please visit the home learning section of the website - https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/home-learning

PUPIL MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

We've been asked to share the following link with families that are worried about their child's mental health and wellbeing due to the coronavirus. The website found here gives some great advice on how you can support your child at this difficult time: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/coronavirus/support-for-parents-families-and-young-people/frequently-asked-questions/

SCHOOL OFFICE ACCESS

To keep staff safe in the current climate it is vital that parents and carers only come to the school office if it is essential. Money and letters can be placed in school bags which will then be collected by class teachers and messages can be taken via the phone or email. If you do have to enter the premises a facemask must be worn.

A reminder that school starts at 8.45 promptly and classroom doors are open until 9am each morning. Late arrivals after this time must enter via the main entrance.

BIRTHDAY TREATS REMINDER

Unfortunately, children are not be able to bring in any sweets/cake to share with their classmates for their birthday. As an alternative, we would be extremely grateful if they want to donate a book to their class library. Thanks to the many that have already donated something this year.

PROSPECTIVE PARENTS - VIRTUAL OPEN DAY

If you are or know of any prospective parents for September 2021 please share the following link with them: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/admissions.html

PE LESSONS

Please ensure your child comes to school dressed in their full outdoor PE kit.

• • • Monday: Year 3 and 4

    • Tuesday: Year 5 and 6

    • Thursday: Year 1 and 2

Please note: Reception do not require an outdoor PE kit. More information can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/uniform.html

SCHOOL PLACES AVAILABLE

For anyone who might be interested: Our school is almost full but we have a few spare places in Y4. Contact the school office for more details. There is a process with Rochdale LA to follow, but we can help.