Issue 12 - Friday 25th November 2022
Issue 12 - Friday 25th November 2022
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Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
England's victory on Monday afternoon was enjoyed by the vast majority of the school. The 6-2 victory gave plenty of opportunities for our Parkfielders to celebrate together and it gave them something they will remember for years. Let's hope that continues throughout the tournament.
Sticking with the football theme and Parkfield's team played twice this week. Following a disappointing defeat on Tuesday against St. Mary's, they then played Alkrington on Thursday night in a cup game. Although they were losing the game 3-1 at half time, they demonstrated true resilience and ended up scoring twice in the second half and went on to win the game 4-3 on penalties. A brilliant performance from the team - well done!
Film Night is going to be one of the highlights at the school next week. This event will bring in some well needed funds for the school and I hope the vast majority of pupils are able to attend. Usually these events are organised by the school's PTA but many of our members have left meaning we are now looking for new members that are able to support at our events. Please contact the school office if you are interested - we would welcome any help.
A reminder that all our events for this busy festive period and for the remainder of the school year can be found on the school calendar.
Have a wonderful weekend and let's hope that England can continue their good form in this evening's game against the USA.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS
LIBRARY VISITS
We are delighted that our visits to Middleton Library have started again for Years 1-6. The children who have visited the library this half term have been very excited to meet the librarians, explore the children's section of the library and share a story with their class teacher. If possible and depending on the timing of your child's class visit, your child may bring a library book home to enjoy reading with you at home.
The class teacher will let the children know the date that the book needs to be returned by and will give them advance notice of this date so it can be brought back in to school and returned in a timely manner.
We would encourage all children to get their own library card so they are able to access the range of books on offer at the library and enjoy the activities hosted by the library at the weekends and in the school holidays. To apply for their library card, children need to visit the library with a parent or guardian who will fill in a short application for them. Happy reading! Thank you for your support.
Y5 CLASS ASSEMBLY
All Y5 parents and carers are welcome to join us for the Y5 class assembly on Thursday 1st December at 9am where the children will be sharing their learning with the rest of the school.
RECEPTION, YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2 CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Families from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are welcome to join us on the following dates for the Christmas shows where families are invited:
Year 1 Christmas Show: Monday 12th December at 2pm
Reception Nativity: Tuesday 13th December at 2pm
Year 2 Christmas Show: Wednesday 14th December at 2pm
The events are free to attend and no tickets are required. Due to the space in the hall we have to limit numbers to a maximum of three family members only.
WHOLE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT INVITE
We are currently rehearsing for a whole school Christmas Carol concert that will take place at the end of the term. More details to follow.
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Please keep supporting the school by purchasing tickets for our Christmas raffle - details have already been sent out and there are some amazing prizes to be won.
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.
MYON SUBSCRIPTION
Unfortunately, the school's subscription to MyOn online books subscription expires this week. We were able to use some covid-catch up funding previously for this resource but with the ever increasing costs in other areas of school we have made the decision to discontinue this resource. However, we are continuing to subscribe to Accelerated Reader which provides our pupils with ZPD levels and book quizzes.
CHRISTMAS LAUNCH DINNER
We will be having a nice Christmassy lunch of 'Ho Ho Ho' Hot Dogs (vegetarian option available) followed by Chocolate Smudge cake on 1st December. If your child normally has a packed lunch and they would like this dinner, please let the office know (it is £2.50 for KS2 children, free for infants).
CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT
This will take place after school on Thursday 1st December until 4:45pm. Tickets can only be bought at the office (not on Gateway) for £3 each and will include a home-baked cookie and a drink. Reception and Year 1 will be watching the two Snowman cartoons, decorating their biscuits and doing some Christmas activities; Year 2-6 meanwhile can choose between Home Alone 1 or the Polar Express. All monies raised will go towards the KS2 climbing equipment and Christmas prizes for parties later on this term.
CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT - HELP NEEDED
If any parents are able to help on the afternoon of the 1st December (preferably from 2.30pm - 4.45pm) please contact the school office as your help will be much appreciated.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Thanks to those that have purchased Christmas Cards designed by their children. These will be sent out over the next week and the school makes a little bit of money from every sale. Thanks.
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 .
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
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
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
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
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
HEALTH and SAFETY
STAY SAFE EARLY BIRDS - REMINDER
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.
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
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
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