Issue 14- Friday 9th December 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Today the whole school enjoyed watching the Pantomime at Middleton Arena. They have really enjoyed singing along and shouting at the panto Dame! Your contributions to school events over the past few months have helped the school subsidise the trip - thank you.
Rehearsals for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils have been taking place over the past few weeks and they are looking forward to performing in front of their friends and families next week. Please see below for details about the times of the performances.
With so many events taking place at the moment, I'd like to remind you about our Photos Albums page where you can access hundreds of photos of the fabulous activities our Parkfielders enjoy.
Also, can I kindly request that if you arrive early in the morning for Early Birds, that you walk with your child through the playground rather than down the driveway and through the car park. Our car park is busy in the mornings and with the dark weather, there is an increased risk of an accident.
Have a wonderful weekend and let's hope the England football team can produce something special on Saturday evening!
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
DATES NEXT WEEK
Monday: Year 1 Christmas Performance at 2pm - families invited. Limit of 3 members per family please.
Tuesday: Reception Nativity - families invited. Limit of 3 members per family please.
Wednesday: Year 2 Christmas Performance at 2pm - families invited. Limit of 3 members per family please.
Thursday:
Christmas Jumper / Non-Uniform Day and Whole School Christmas Carol Concert at All Saints and Martyr's at 9.30am - KS2 families invited. Limit of 2 members per family please. Year 6 will lead the service and get you in the mood for some festive cheer.
Christmas Dinner Day - contact the office if your child has a packed lunch and would like a Christmas dinner.
Friday: Christmas Party Day - all classes - children able to wear non-uniform / party clothes.
Please note all events are free to attend and no ticket is required.
NO AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS NEXT WEEK
As it is the final week and space is limited in the hall there will be no after school clubs next week. Busy Bees will continue as usual.
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
We have some amazing prizes for the Parkfield Christmas raffle this year thanks to the many generous local businesses. This includes a television, a made to measure bed and some luxury hampers. Tickets cost £1 and if you would like a ticket (or more than one) please send any money into the office in an envelope with your name on. The draw will take place virtually next Thursday but if you can't log into the draw we will send an email out with the names of all the winners. Thanks in advance for your support.
THURSDAY 15TH DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY / NON-UNIFORM
We are inviting all pupils to wear either their Christmas Jumpers or non-uniform on Thursday 15th December. The day is going to be a busy one with the KS2 Carol concert and Christmas dinner also taking place. 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). On the day, if you would like to make a donation to Springhill Hospice it would be warmly received.
CHRISTMAS POST BOX
Children are welcome to post a letter to Santa in the box in the main entrance - if they remember to write their name on, they will receive a special reply back.
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 be 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 .
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
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
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