Issue 10 - Friday 11th November 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Today the whole school has had a theme day linked to Remembrance. There has been a range of History focussed lessons taking place in every class across the school including: a special assembly, timelines of key events, looking at primary and secondary sources and seeing how propoganda was used in the war. Highlights of the day can be found on our popular Twitter feed.
Next week is national anti-bullying week and we'll be marking the week with assemblies and lessons teaching pupils about what bullying is and what they can do if they are being bullied. On Monday we are inviting all children to wear odd socks. The message behind this annual event is that everyone is different and that's OK.
At the end of next week, please ask your child what bullying is and see if they can tell you and whether they understand our school definition of 'Several Times On Purpose'.
A reminder that this half term is busy and all our events can be found on the school calendar. It includes a few non-uniform days - please see the details below.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
ODD SOCKS DAY - MONDAY 14th November
If possible, please send your child to school wearing odd socks. The more different they are - the better! It's a little bit of fun, encourages our children to express themselves and celebrate their individuality - highlighting what makes us all unique. Please note, we are not expecting a donation.
CHILDREN IN NEED
Children are welcome to wear non-uniform next Friday for Children in Need. If you would like to also donate to the charity on the day please send it into school with your child on the day.
RED AND WHITE DAY - ENGLAND VS IRAN IN THE WORLD CUP - MON 21st NOVEMBER
Advanced warning that we are going to invite all Parkfielders into school on Monday 21st November wearing their England colours - red and white. This is the first game of the World Cup and England will be playing against Iran with the kick off at 1pm. Children (and staff!) that want to watch the game will certainly be given the opportunity.
STAY SAFE EARLY BIRDS
If your child is attending Early Birds, please walk down the path and through the KS1 yard - it may take a few more seconds but it's much safer than walking through the busy car park.
If the hall door is ever closed as we now get into the colder months, simply ring the bell for assistance.
CROSS COUNTRY
Schools from across Middleton are taking place in a Y2, 3 and 4 cross country competition at Parkfield on Monday after school. Good luck to all involved and advanced warning that the traffic around school may increase that day.
PE AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS - REMINDER
The after school football clubs for Year 3 & 4 on Monday and Year 5 & 6 on Tuesday for the next week are unfortunately cancelled due to staff training.
Y6 THEATRE VISIT
We like to provide our Parkfielders with memorable moments that they can look back fondly on in years to come - next week Year 6 will be having one of those moments. They are visiting the Palace Theatre in Manchester to watch The Lion King. We are certain they will have a wonderful experience and look forward to hearing what they thought of it!
NO DOGS ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
A thank you to everyone for following our rule of not bringing dogs onto the school grounds - it has helped numerous Parkfielders feel safer due to their fear of dogs.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
We are always reviewing, developing and improving as a school to ensure that the children at Parkfield get the best education possible. Part of this process is the annual update of the school improvement plan. This plan includes the main priorities we are looking to develop over the next 12 months and they can now viewed on the school website here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/school-improvement-plan-priorities.html
TERM TIME HOLIDAYS
A reminder that any holiday taken during term is are likely to result in a fine being issued as detailed in our attendance policy. All term time holidays are classed as an unauthorised absence unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you feel there are exceptional circumstances for the holiday, please let us know in writing as soon as possible. Fines are issued by the local authority when 5 consecutive days (10 sessions) have been missed. Currently, a £60 fine is issued to each parent/carer with parental responsibility for each child. For example, 2 siblings and both parents going on holiday could result in a fine totalling £240 .
SEND COFFEE MORNING
We would like to invite family and friends of children with special educational needs to a coffee morning on Friday 2nd December 2022 at 9am. You will be able to network with other parents that have similar experiences. Although the focus will be SEND pupils all parent are welcome. We have also invited: Helen Austin - Educational Psychologist, Home Start – Roisin Pickering and Louise Payton - School Nurse. Mrs Whalen and Miss Steele will also be available to answer any questions.
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Do you own a business? Would you like to donate to our annual Christmas Raffle and help raise money for the school? If so, please contact the school office - all donations will be appreciated!
This year in response to your requests of being able to purchase tickets through gateway, the office have set up a Christmas Raffle account on school gateway. To keep costs low, there is a minimum amount of £5 as we have to pay charges for each transaction. You must email the office to let us know you have made a payment on gateway so we can let you know your numbers. Tickets will still be available as last year by returning the slip your child will bring home or direct from the school office. Again, if you are using gateway, you MUST send an email so we can send you your numbers back.
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. Please ring the school office no later than 8.30am to report an absence.
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.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
5 WAYS TO WELLBEING
At Parkfield we promote the 5 ways to Wellbeing which can help children and adults to achieve a more positive wellbeing.
#THRIVE offer a local service for children and young people aged up to 19 years who are experiencing health and wellbeing issues such as feeling stressed, worried or not enjoying things. #Thrive can also provide advice and support to parents, carers and anyone that works with a child or young person. You can find out more information about the service by clicking here: https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/thrive