Issue 2 - 10th September 2021
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
What a fantastic week it has been at Parkfield following the return of all pupils and the reduction in Covid restrictions. Parkfielders have quickly settled back into routines and the positive, vibrant atmosphere has certainly returned - although there have been a few tired faces each morning!
The first whole-school assembly in 17 months earlier this week felt like normality had returned where I talked to the pupils about trying their best, no matter what year group they were in, whilst on the their seven year journey along the 'Parkfield Path'.
It has also been lovely to finally meet our new Reception pupils and parents this week. I have been really impressed with how they have all settled in and look forward to seeing how resilient they are when they are all in full time next week.
At Parkfield, we like to provide our pupils with rich experiences and memorable moments. A theatre visitor earlier this week for Y2 where they learnt about explorers Christopher Columbus and Neil Armstrong certainly provided this. In addition, the first Y4 swimming lesson of the year proved very successful - Mrs Taylor was incredibly proud of her class.
I hope to reduce the amount of Covid information I deliver on these newsletters and as a result will update our Covid-19 information page when necessary. The most recent update is about what the school will do if there is a positive case of Covid within the school.
Have a wonderful weekend and if you're a red (like me), I hope you enjoy the return of Ronaldo!
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
SCHOOL START TIMES
A reminder that children are to be in their class lines on the playground at 8.45am and staff will then collect their class. This ensures a timely and organised start to the day for pupils. Please note that the doors will now be closed at 8.50am. Arrivals after this time will have to enter through the main entrance. Pupils arriving after 9.00am will be recorded as late.
CHICKEN POX, MEASLES, SHINGLES
Please can we ask you to contact school immediately if your child has or is suspected to have chicken pox, measles or shingles. We have a child in the school with a compromised immune system and it would be extremely dangerous if they caught any of these infections.
CLUBS
Extra Curricular clubs start next week for those that have signed up. We have 114 children that have signed up to clubs over the next term. This is fantastic and a welcome move to normality. We look forward to seeing so many pupils attending the various clubs on offer. Please pick your child up from the main entrance at 4pm however Y1/2 fun and fitness on a Thursday can be collected from the Y1/2 door to help those picking up socially distance.
WATER BOTTLES
We apologise that our delivery of water bottles didn't arrive in time for the new school year. We've been told by our suppliers that they will be with us within the next two weeks. In the meantime, please continue to send in a water bottle daily.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS & LEARNING LOGS
We've taken the decision to discontinue learning logs. Following parental and pupil feedback we decided that it would be more beneficial to spend that precious time at home focussing on the weekly homework activities of: Reading, Spellings, Timetables Practice and Mathletics.
ROBINWOOD RESIDENTIAL
Excitement is rising in the Y5 and Y6 classrooms for their upcoming residential to Robinwood. Please keep an eye on your emails for further updates on this wonderful experience.
MEEET THE TEACHER INVITATIONS
Invites for next week's meet the teacher zoom meetings will be email out over the weekend. We hope plenty of you can make it on the various days at 4pm.
Monday - Year 1 and 2
Tuesday - Recepion, Year 3 and Year 4
Wednesday - Year 5 and 6
PARKFIELD CHARACTER - LISTENING
In assembly this week, Mrs Gooding introduced the Parkfield characteristic we'll be focussing on this half term as a whole school. She explained what good listening looks like and how we can use our listening skills in our everyday lives. You're welcome to remind your child about these key skills whilst at home!
Y1 MATHLETICS 'WORKING TOGETHER' WORKSHOP
We're looking forward to welcoming Y1 parents and carers into the school next Tuesday for an introduction to Mathletics - our online homework system. Details have been emailed.
RECEPTION FULL TIME
A reminder that Reception pupils will be joining us full time next week between 8.45am and 3.15pm.
SCHOOL TRIPS
We believe trips play an important part in every Parkfielders education and they provide our pupils with some of the most memorable moments of their primary school lives. Many classes have trips coming up over the next few months and to ensure trips are affordable we do try to spread trips out over the year and provide you with as much notice as possible. Please keep an eye on your emails and on School Gateway for more info and how to pay for the upcoming trips. Y2 to St. Anne's, Y4 to Jorvik and Y1 to Eureka are a few highlights over the next few months.
HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - 1980'S THEME DAY - FRIDAY 24th SEPTEMBER
On 24th September, 40 years after the official opening, we will be celebrating 40 years of the current Parkfield building by having a 1980's themed celebration day. The day is certainly going to be memorable for the children and they'll feel like they've travelled back in time. Children can come dressed in 80's themed costumes as part of the celebrations.
PARENTS/CARERS IN THE PLAYGROUND
Although face masks aren't now required in the school playground - we do recommend that they are used due to the crowded nature of the playground. Also, please remember to socially distance from others including members of staff and pupils.
TUCK SHOP RETURNS AND HEALTHY SNACKS
The KS2 tuck shop will be returning this Monday 13th September for KS2 pupils. Our Parkfielders will be able to purchase a healthy snack for 20p each breaktime.
As an alternative KS2 children are welcome to bring in their own healthy snack (e.g. cereal bar, cheese, fruit...etc). - please avoid crisp and chocolate.
In KS1 (Reception, Y1 and Y2) the children will be provided with a snack as per usual.
REMINDERS from previous Newsletters
PE KITS
From Monday, all Parkfielders will need to come to school dressed in their PE kit on their PE day. For those that don't have a royal blue hoody, a school jumper must be worn. No other hoodies are allowed. Click here for information on uniform and PE kit.
Monday - Year 3/4
Tuesday - Year 5/6
Wednesday - Reception
Thursday - Year 1/2
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. Please note that the school will be closed to pupils for INSET on Friday 22nd October.
SCHOOL MENU
Our exciting, new school menu is now available. https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/dinner-menus.html . Please note that school dinners have increased in price in line with local authority guidelines and will cost £2.40 per day or £12.00 per week.
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 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.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
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.
210326 Tutor do's and don'ts.pdf