Issue 28 - Friday 8th April 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
Although staff and children are more than ready for the Easter holidays, this final week of the term has been lots of fun for all.
Last Friday's Bingo night was a huge success and raised £623 towards school funds. Thank you so much to everyone for attending and also to those that donated an egg on the non-uniform day.
The Y3 class assembly earlier this week proved a great success with some great singing and instrument playing from all pupils which demonstrated the range of learning they have had in music this term. Thanks to those that were able to attend.
The decorated eggs and Easter bonnets at yesterday's parade were of the usual high quality with many Parkfielders demonstrating ambition with some wonderful creations. The competition was judged by the eight school councillors and the winners announced at today's church service. I am glad I wasn't judging as the quality was so high! Thanks to all that took part.
This term's Parkfield Character Award winners were also announced at today's service. Being 'resilient' was the focus over the past half term and although this could have been won by many of our pupils across the school, our five nominees and two winners certainly deserve special recognition.
As we finish another incredibly busy term I would like to direct you to the termly newspaper created by Mr Haughton that highlights many of the memorable experiences our Parkfielders have enjoyed. It really demonstrates what life at Parkfield is like for our pupils.
Finally, have a wonderful Easter holiday and we look forward to seeing you back in school on Monday 25th April.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
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. The camp starts at 8am and runs until 3.30pm. All bookings need to be made through their website here: https://www.edstart.org.uk/franchise-areas/rochdale
EXTRA CURRICULAR SPORTS CLUBS
Due to the success of extra-curricular sports clubs in the spring term, we have decided to continue with the existing clubs for the remainder of the school year. Therefore, if your child is currently in a club and wishes to continue they will commence immediately after Easter - week beginning 25th April. If your child is currently not attending any of the sessions and would like to, then please contact the office on office@parkfield.rochdale.sch.uk stating name of child, year group, and the club they wish to attend and we will let you know when a space becomes available.
A reminder that the extra-curricular sports clubs on offer are as follows:
Monday: Multi-Sports (Y3 and 4)
Tuesday: Football (Y5 and 6)
Wednesday: Multi-Sports (Y5 and 6)
Thursday: Football (Y3 and 4)
Thursday: Netball (Y4, 5 and 6)
PE LESSONS
PE lessons will continue as normal straight after Easter with Year 3 and 4 requiring their PE kits on the first day back.
PE KITS
A reminder that PE kit (i.e. Royal Blue Hoody) is school uniform and children must be wearing School Uniform whilst in school. Unfortunately, there are a small number of pupils that keep wearing other sports clothing in a variety of colours when they have a PE lesson or an after school event.
SPRING TERM REPORTS
Earlier this week, all pupils in Y1-6 took home their Spring term report. These reports detail the effort grades for your child across all subjects and give you an insight into their attitude and behaviour at the moment. As detailed in the report, teacher assessments will be sent later on in the year.
NON-UNIFORM DAY
Congratulations to Wood and Archers for being this half term's house point winners. All members of these houses will be able to come to school in non-uniform on Friday 29th April.
COVID UPDATES
Schools are no longer recommending pupils to be tested for covid even if they have symptoms. As a result children will be asked to stay off if they are poorly and return to school when they are well enough. If a child does test positive for covid the national guidance is stating that children should stay off school for a minimum of 3 days as this is the period in which they are most infectious.
YEAR 6 BREAKFAST BOOSTER
For the last few weeks before 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. We are seeing some great results from those attending the session on a daily basis and hope that more are able to join.
POLLING DAY CLOSURE
Advanced warning that the school will be used as a polling station on Thursday 5th May and as a result the school will be closed to all pupils.
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.
