Issue 26 - Friday 25th March 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach the final few weeks of the term it seems that things are not slowing down at Parkfield with school trips, class assemblies, whole school fundraising events and preparations for our Easter service. Even today, I'm down in London attending the BETT education show with Mr Haughton and three of our Y6 Technology Team members. I look forward to sharing the experience with you in next week's newsletter.
I want our curriculum to be full of out of school memorable moments for our pupils and we had a few this week with Year 4 taking a short trip to St. Anne's Academy to watch a fantastic production of Aladdin. In addition, Y3 visited the National Coal Mining museum in Yorkshire today - a trip that our Parkfielders have loved over the years. As usual, there are a number of photos on our Twitter feed showcasing these brilliant experiences.
Finally, thanks to those families that were able to attend the Reception class assembly yesterday. It was wonderful having people back in the building and being able to see some of the wonderful work our pupils are producing.
Thanks for your continued support and have a wonderful weekend.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
BINGO EVENT - FRIDAY 1ST APRIL - TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
Tickets are still available at the office for both events. You can choose to attend between 3.30 and 5.30pm or 6.30 and 8.30pm on Friday 1st April. Tickets cost £3.00 each and all monies raised will be spent on the new playground equipment that our school councillors have chosen.
NON-UNIFORM DAY - FRIDAY 1ST APRIL
Next Friday, all pupils are invited to come in non-uniform, in exchange for an Easter Egg or chocolate. Everything donated will then be used as prizes at our Bingo event that evening and for prizes before we break up for Easter. Thanks in advance for your support.
Y3 CLASS ASSEMBLY
We're inviting you to join us on Wednesday 6th April to the Y3 class assembly at 9.00am in the school hall. We're sorry that we have had to alter the date due to staff absence. However, it will be lovely to have families join us that morning so that Y3 can demonstrate what they've been learning about this past half term in class. We look forward to seeing you.
DECORATE AN EASTER EGG AND BONNET COMPETITION.
Advanced warning that it is that time of the year where we'll be asking for decorated Easter Eggs and Easter bonnets. This year's event will take place on Thursday 7th April. We are sure there will be some incredibly creative designs as always. The winners will be announced at the Easter Service on Friday 8th April.
EASTER SERVICE INVITE
We're inviting our families to join us on Friday 8th April at 1.30pm at All Saints Martyr's church for our Easter Service. Year 6 will be leading the service with contributions from the choir and other classes.
COVID UPDATES
We have currently had an increase in covid cases this past week and numbers have been rising in schools across the borough so please do remain vigilant. A reminder that if pupils tests 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, tickets are on sale now!
YEAR 6 BREAKFAST BOOSTER
With only 4 weeks remaining before Year 6 take their SATS I would highly recommend all pupils to access our free breakfast booster club. 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.
ED START EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB
Great news! Over the Easter holidays EdStart will be using our school to run one of their increasingly popular holiday camps. All bookings need to be made through their website here: https://www.edstart.org.uk/franchise-areas/rochdale
LOCAL MAGAZINE
Please click on the following link for the e version of the local magazine Raring2Go which is for families in our area. https://magazines.raring2go.co.uk/rochdale/spring/
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.
