Issue 19 - Friday 27th January 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
A poetry performance from Year 6 in Monday's assembly was a lovely start to the week which highlighted the creative writing abilities of our eldest Parkfielders. However, walking around school this week and reading the work across all classes has shown what talented writers we have at Parkfield. If you would like to know what your child is currently learning about in English please visit our Curriculum Website which details the different text types currently being taught.
We are always promoting mental maths skills at the school and through BIG Maths, Speedtables and Times Tables Rock Stars (Y4-6) we hope to develop Parkfielders that are fluent at recalling their timestables. Please help by testing your child at home - the more they practice - they quicker they will get. If you are unsure of what number facts they are currently learning you can visit here.
A reminder that next Wednesday the school will be impacted by national industrial action and as a result will be closed to pupils in Rec, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4 and Y5. Pupils in Year 6 will be expected to attend as usual.
Enjoy your weekend and thank you for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
TEACHER STRIKE - WEDS 1ST FEBRUARY - PARTIAL CLOSURE
Following on from the letter sent earlier this week, a reminder that school will be closed to pupils in Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 on Wednesday 1st February due to the industrial strike action being organised nationally by the NEU (National Education Union). Year 6 pupils will be able attend school as normal and all Y6 pupils will be expected to attend.
For those at home, mathletics will be able to be accessed and there will be a variety of tasks that can be completed. Pupils in Y4 and 5 will also be able to access TimeTables Rock Stars.
If your child is entitled to Free School Meals and you would like a 'Packed Lunch Grab Bag' on the day please contact the school office and they will let you know the collections arrangements on the day.
NO AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS ON MONDAY
Due to staff training, there will be no: Technology Team, Year 6 Reading or Y3/4 PE clubs after school on Monday. Busy Bees will continue as normal.
RACE NIGHT
Unfortunately we had to cancel tonight's Race Night fundraising event due to low ticket sales. To help us review why it wasn't as popular as some of our past events, please let us know by clicking here. We do hope our next fundraiser is well attended.
TEACHER STRIKES - TUE 28TH FEB, WEDS 15TH MARCH, THU 16TH MARCH
We will let you know as soon as possible about any impact future strikes will have on the school.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SCHOOL TRIPS
Please keep an eye on your emails about some exciting RE school trips over the next few weeks and months. These visits play an important part in enhancing the educational experience of our Parkfielders and include Y1 visiting a synagogue, Year 2 visiting a mosque, Year 5 visiting a Hindu Mandir and Year 6 visiting Manchester Cathedral. These visits, in addition to the annual church visits, give our Parkfielders a great opportunity to learn about the different faiths in modern Britain.
GOOD LUCK CHOIR
Our choir will have a fabulous experience on Tuesday when they join the Young Voices Choir at the AO Arena in Manchester next Tuesday. They have been rehearsing with Mrs Astley for the past few months and will be part of an 8,000 strong choir singing to over 15,000 people. Good luck.
KEY STAGE 1 SATS INFORMATION MEETING
Thanks to those parents that were able to attend the KS1 SATS information meeting. The information has been emailed out for those that were unable to attend. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Miss McCall and she will happily help.
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.
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