Issue 18 - Friday 20th January 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Despite the rain, wind and snow over the past week our Parkfielders have remained positive and hard working in their lessons.
Earlier this week, the snow wasn't enough to keep our Reception children inside as they braved the weather and enjoyed playing and sliding down the hills. The snow also gives us a great opportunity for Mr Haughton to get out his camera and take some great photos. They can be found on our albums page here.
For part of their local history topic this week, Y2 have had the opportunity to walk around the local area and look at the buildings designed by local architect Edgar Wood. It's a great opportunity for our Parkfielders to find out about a significant historical individual from Middleton that one of our houses is named after. One of the other famous local historical people we learn about includes ex-Parkfielder Joel Halliwell. Feel free to ask your child if they can tell you anything about these people.
Please remember to read some of the important messages below which includes information about a fundraising race night, teacher strikes and a Y2 SATS event. Have a lovely weekend and thank you for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
RACE NIGHT TICKETS AVAILABLE - NEXT FRIDAY 27th JANUARY - 6.00 - 8.30PM
You will have received an email about our upcoming race night which is taking place next Friday 27th January. There are only 120 tickets available so please purchase your tickets as soon as possible from the school office. Tickets are £2 per person. On the evening there will be refreshments and music - make sure to bring along a lot of change to place your bets!
We do need help on the evening to host the event - if any parent would like to support the staff running the event please contact the school. Any help would be appreciated.
TEACHER STRIKES - WEDS 1ST FEB, TUES 28TH FEB, WEDS 15TH MARCH, THU 16TH MARCH
You will have heard via the media that teachers across the country are due to strike over the coming months. This is highly likely to have an impact on our school and may result in a full or partial closure. Unfortunately, we are unable to let families know until nearer these dates as we do not know yet who will be affected. This is because, in addition to teachers that take strike action, we have a high number of staff with children at other schools that are also likely to be affected. We will update you as soon as more information is known.
KEY STAGE 1 SATS INFORMATION MEETING - TUESDAY 24TH JANUARY AT 3.30PM
Parents and carers of pupils in Year 2 are welcome to attend after school on Tuesday to find out about the KS1 SATS that take place later on this year. The meeting will start in the Year 2 classroom after school on Tuesday. For those that are unable to attend, we will send out the presentation via email after the meeting.
ATTENDANCE
We received an award this week for being in the top 10% of similar schools nationally for our attendance. This is a wonderful achievement considering the past few years and the number of pupils that were poorly in those final weeks in the run up to Christmas. Thanks for your support.
PE KIT REMINDER
Please ensure your child is wearing a Royal Blue hoody or jumper (with or without the school logo) on their PE day. We have had an increase in number of pupils wearing non-uniform on their PE days and it doesn't reflect our high standards. Thanks for your cooperation with this.
Y6 BREAKFAST BOOSTER CLUB
A reminder that our breakfast Y6 SATS booster club runs everyday from 8.15am in the computer suite. The current focus is maths calculation skills and the club helps our Y6 pupils prepare for their SATS and high school. Sessions are FREE to attend.
CURRICULUM SITE
Would you like to know what your child is learning over the next half term? Information about the units of work for each subject that your child will be learning is included on our curriculum site. You can find the long term overviews for each class here: https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/long-term-plans
When you are on the site use the sidebar to select the different subjects and find out what your child will be learning.
SCHOOL CLOSURE DATES
Advanced warning that school will be closed on Friday 17th February for staff INSET and Thursday 4th May as school will be used as a polling station.
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 lifestyle.
#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