Issue 24 - Friday 11th March 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
Edventure Days for Y1 and Y3 have been just two of the highlights over the past week at Parkfield. Our Edventure days, planned and delivered by Mr Haughton, are something unique to the Parkfield curriculum that allow our pupils to learn about a range of topics and demonstrate a variety of skills that may not be found in other areas of the curriculum. This week's topics of dinosaurs and Africa were enjoyed by all and photos from the days can be found on our photo albums page.
Thanks to the Y2 parents that were able to join us earlier this week on zoom to see a presentation on Y2 SATS. Moving forward, and with restrictions easing in regards to covid, I do expect that we'll be able to return to face-face meetings where our families are able to come into school. A few events planned over the next few weeks include Reception and Y3 class assemblies and a school 'Bingo' event. Please keep an eye on the calendar and your emails for further information.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
RED NOSE DAY - ITEMS FOR SALE AND NON-UNIFORM DAY - NEXT FRIDAY 18th MARCH
To raise funds for this wonderful charity, the school council will be selling red noses next week. The noses cost £1.50 each.
In addition, all pupils are able to come to school in non-uniform on Friday 18th for a suggested donation of £1. For those that are feeling more adventurous, pupils are more than welcome to wear red on the day or even spray their hair red!
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT
Thanks to all of those that sent in their photographs of cakes. You can view a slideshow of all their creations on Twitter and the lucky winner of the Chester Zoo tickets was picked out randomly in assembly this morning!
PARENT/CARER QUESTIONNAIRE - REMINDER
Please let us know how we're doing by completing this term's questionnaire. Your feedback is valuable and helps us recognise the things we are doing well and identify any areas that we need to work on. https://forms.gle/PpLRwWa7A5jdJQFE7
COVID UPDATES
We have currently had no cases of covid since our return after half term. Currently, if a child does test positive we will be asking them to remain at home for a minimum of 5 days. However, the covid rules are likely to change over the coming months and we will update you with any new rules as they are introduced.
SCHOOL COUNCIL BINGO NIGHT - HELP NEEDED
The school council will be hosting a bingo event at school on Friday 1st April to help raise some much needed funds. It will be the first time in 3 years that we're able to host the event and we are looking forward to it. However, we need some help setting up on the Friday afternoon and at the two separate events which will take place between 3.30 and 5.50pm and then 6.30 and 8.30pm. If you are able to help, please contact the school office. For those interested in attending the event, keep an eye on your emails as tickets will be going on sale soon!
YEAR 6 BREAKFAST BOOSTER
A reminder that in the run up to SATs we're still offering our free breakfast club to all Y6 pupils. The club runs every morning at 8.15am and is completely free.
KS2 TUCK SHOP
A reminder that our tuck shop in KS2 sells healthy snacks for 20p per item. Children are also able to bring a healthy snack from home each day.
UKRAINIAN HUB IN ROCHDALE - SLEEPING BAGS NEEDED.
We are working with Father Phillip at church to provide supplies to a Ukrainian hub in Rochdale. It has become apparent that new or near new (clean) sleeping bags are top priority. Please if you can help with this can you bring these into school next Wednesday 16th March only and drop off at the school office.
ED START
Great news! We are furthering our partnership with EdStart Rochdale. Over the Easter holidays they will be using our school to run one of their increasingly popular holiday camps. All bookings need to be made through their website edstart.org.uk
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.
