Issue 14 - Friday 10th December 2021

Headteacher's Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers,

The whole school enjoyed today's pantomime at Middleton Arena and it felt great to be able to join the children at the performance and enjoy something that we have taken for granted over the years. Seeing a live performance is one of those memorable moments that many of our pupils love year after year.

The panto has certainly ensured all Parkfiedlers are in the Christmas spirit particularly as we enter the final week of term - and a busy Christmas week it is going to be. Please read the range of information below to ensure you're not missing out!

During Christmas week, we look forward to welcoming many of you at the nativity performances and the Christmas Carol concert. Please can I remind you of the following measures that are in place to keep everyone as safe as possible.

  • Tickets are required to attend. We have limited numbers to two tickets per child for one performance. This will ensure social distancing can take place.

  • Repeated performances are to reduce the number present.

  • Face masks are to be worn by all (unless exempt)

  • Hands sanitised on entry please

  • Do not attend a performance if you're feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms

  • AWe are requesting all adults attending to take a LFT before the event (school do not need to know if it's a negative test result)

  • There will be a one way system in and out of the hall

  • We will keep the hall well ventilated (doors open before the performance!)

  • There may be a limited number of children also watching each performance along with the adults

Please note that if infection rates across the school and within the community do become high there is the possibility that the performances to parents will have to be cancelled.

If you do have any questions about theese safety measures, please feel free to contact the school.

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for your continued support.

Mr Kemp

LATEST NEWS

Y5 AND Y6 CLASS ASSEMBLIES

It was wonderful to have family and frinds join us this week for the two class assemblies. Both assemblies were successful and the children did marvellous considering they hadn't stood up infront of so many people in almost two years. Well done and thanks also to the Y5 and Y6 staff teams that worked really hard to make sure the events were a success.

NATIVITIES

Tickets have been sent to those requesting them for the various performances taking place next week. We look forward to seeing you there. A reminder that tickets are limited - due to coronavirus restrictions - and you must have a ticket to attend. See the calendar below for the show times.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE - LAST CHANCE TO BUY TICKETS IS MONDAY MORNING!

Thanks to those that have already sent in money for raffle tickets. All monies raised will go towards subsidising the whole school visiting the pantomime and also pay for playground equipment and resources to enhance the children's experience during break and dinner times.

The draw takes place live on Zoom at 11.30am on Monday - a link has been sent out via email to all.

Y1/2 PE KITS ON WEDNESDAY

Due to the nativities taking place, Year 1 and 2 will need to wear their PE kit on Wednesday next week not Thursday. Reception are welcome to wear their PE kits on Wednesday also as this may speed up getting dressed for the two nativities that day!

THURSDAY - CHRISTMAS DINNER

Next Thursday is also Christmas Dinner day. It's that time of the year that many of our children (and staff) look forward too more than any other! If your child is on packed lunched and you would like them to have a Christmas Dinner on Thursday, please let the school office know. Christmas dinner will cost £2.40.

THURSDAY - CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT - INVITE - Y6 AND CHOIR FAMILIES ONLY

The whole school will be going to All Saints and Martyr's Church next Thursday for the annual Christmas Carol concert. After missing out last year, we really are looking forward to the event. Unfortunately, we have to limit the number of adults attending and as a result are only inviting Y6 parents and those parents that have a child performing in the choir. A ticket, which admits two people only, will be coming home today with those pupils.

THURSDAY - CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY - WEAR YOUR WOOLIES - DONATE £1 FOR SPRINGHILL HOSPICE

Next Thursday, we're inviting all pupils to come to school dressed in their woolies. Your child is welcome to wear their Christmas Jumper and all we are asking is for a £1 donation which will go towards Springhill Hospice.

FRIDAY - CHRISTMAS PARTIES - PARTY CLOTHES FOR ALL

All children are welcome to come to school on Friday dressed in their party clothes as it is Christmas Party Day for all!

NO CLUBS REMINDER

There will be no after school clubs in the final week of this term. Busy Bees will continue as per usual.

Newsletter Slides

REMINDERS from previous Newsletters

TERM TIME HOLIDAYS

A reminder that any holiday during term time is likely to result in a fine being issued as detailed in our attendance policy (found here). All term time holidays are classed as an unauthorised absence unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you feel there are exceptional circumstances for the holiday, please let us know in writing as soon as possible. Fines are issued by the local authority when 5 consecutive days (10 sessions) have been missed. Currently, a £60 fine is issued to each parent/carer with parental responsiblity for each child. For example, 2 siblings and both parents going on holiday could result in a fine totalling £240 .

CAR PARKING AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE DAY - KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE

We have been made aware of a number of incidents where children have nearly been hit by a car in and around the main school gates and along Harold street at the beginning and end of the school day. Please help keep everyone safe by parking away from the school gates and walking up to the playground. The safety of our children is paramount and only with your support on this matter can we keep our pupils as safe as possible.

DATES FOR THE DIARY 2021-22

An updated list of events and holiday dates can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/calendar-inc-holiday-lists.html . This is updated regularly and gives upto date information about what's happening at the school.

PARKFIELD SCHOOL LOTTERY

If you'd like the opportunity to win £25,000 each week and support the school you can do so by joining the school lottery. There is a winner from our school each week that wins a smaller prize but there is always the chance of winning the national prize of £25,000. More details and how to join can be found here: https://www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/parkfield-primary-school

SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION

Mrs Whalen is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by Mr Kemp and Miss Steele (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.


ATTENDANCE and PUNCTUALITY

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%. We are currently below this target and we need your continued support to ensure that we meet this mark.

Persistent Absence

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.

Punctuality

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 8.50am.

If you arrive after 8.50am you will have to come through the school office.

Thank you for your support.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

  • Don't forget coats! It's getting very cold.

  • If driving, park further away from the school and walk to reduce congestion and the possiblity 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.

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