Issue 21 - Friday 11th February 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week our Technology Team lead an assembly on e-safety for the whole school. They were brilliant and spoke clearly and confidently to the rest of the school about how to keep safe online. If you would like any more information as a parent in how to keep your child safe online there is a wealth of information on our website here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/e-safety.html
Today's virtual Y4 class assembly was a wonderful success with Y4 sharing their learning from this term's Science topic. Thanks to those families that were able to join us online and apologies for the technical problems we had - we hope you enjoyed the show and we're hopeful that in future you'll be able to join us in school. The video of the assembly can be seen here.
Following the challenges presented earlier this term with covid, I'm please to report that the number of children testing positive for covid has considerably reduced and we've had a few days this week where we didn't have one case of covid in the school. I truly hope that we've passed the peak as a school but do request that you remain vigilant if your child does show any signs of the three main symptoms of covid.
And finally, I'd also like to remind you that school is closed next Friday 18th February due to staff training.
Thanks for your continued support, stay safe and enjoy your weekend.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
VALENTINES DISCO
Last minute tickets for the disco / film night are still available. We hope that as many children can attend as possible. Thanks to the school council for coming up with a great suggestion for being able to include everyone.
KS2: Monday 3.15 - 4.15pm
KS1: Tuesday 3.15 - 4.15pm
Due to the increase in numbers, please can you pick up your child at the usual entrance/exit and NOT the school hall.
NON-UNIFORM DAY
Due to the disco taking place, there will be a KS2 non-uniform day for all pupils on Monday and KS1 on Tuesday.
SCHOOL CLOSED - NEXT FRIDAY 18TH FEBRUARY
School will be closed to all pupils on Friday 18th February due to staff training.
PARENTS EVENING
Thank you to those that were able to meet with class teachers during Wednesday's Parent's Evening. We had 80% of parents across the school able to meet with teachers - which is great considering the complications that dealing with technology can bring. We do hope to return to face-face parents evenings in the future and want to thank you for your patience.
NO CLUBS MONDAY OR TUESDAY
Unfortunately, there will be no extra curricular clubs on Monday or Tuesday due to the disco. This means that podcasting, reading club, multi-sports and football will be cancelled but will return after half term.
HALF TERM CLUB OFFER FOR THOSE PUPILS ON FREE SCHOOL MEALS
We have been asked by YourTrust (formerly Link4life) to see if any of our families that are entitled to free school meals would be interested in half term activies for their children. These activities wil include: swimming lessons, multi-sports, gymnastics, glosports, arts and crafts and a packed lunch will be provided for each child who attends the session. The dates are below:
Tuesday 22d of February | 8:30am-12:30pm or 1pm-5pm – Middleton Arena (swimming kit required on morning session)
Thursday 24th of February | 8:30am-12:30pm or 1pm-5pm – Middleton Arena (swimming kit required on morning session)
If interested, please contact the school office and we can contact YourTrustwith your details.
GOOD LUCK FOOTBALLERS
The football team take part in a 5-a-side tournament next week - good luck to all involved.
PUPILS TESTING POSITIVE - REMINDER
In line with the new government rules, children may now return to school on day 6 following a positive test result as long as they have tested negative on two LFD tests and have no symptoms on days 5 and 6 (24 hours apart). Please note that day 1 is counted as the day after symptoms or the day after the test was taken. Please contact school if your child does test negative and will be returning on day 6. For those that don't complete the lateral flow test, children have to remain off school for the full 10 days. Please note that in some circumstances, we may ask pupils to remain off school for the full 10 days but this will depend on the risk to individuals in each class. The diagram below may help you understand the current rules a little better.
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.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Dogs are not permitted in the school playground.
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.
