Issue 2 - Friday 9th September 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II the school held a special assembly this morning to celebrate the life and achievements of our longest reigning monarch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this sad time.
It has been a very positive start to the school year as we welcomed children back. I have been incredibly impressed with how the children have settled in quickly into their new classes and how they have been ready to learn.
A special welcome to our new Reception pupils who have spent the past week joining us for half days. This has meant we have been able to really get to know the children well and teach them many of the rules and routines before they all start full time on Monday.
In assemblies earlier this week we have been talking to the children about how they can demonstrate the Parkfield values of being Positive, Ambitious, Resilient and Kind. Our Y5 pupils are going to be demonstrating their resilience over the next few days whilst they enjoy 3 days at Robinwood. They'll be taking part in some outdoor and adventurous activities and I am certain it will be a wonderful experience that they will remember for many years.
Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
MORNING ROUTINE - SCHOOL STARTS AT 8.45am PROMPT.
Thanks for your support this week with our morning routine. A reminder that children line up outside in the playground with a member of staff collecting the class at 8.45am. This ensures a timely and organised start to the day for pupils. Please note that the doors close at 8.50am. Arrivals after this time will have to enter through the main entrance. Pupils arriving after 9.00am will be recorded as late.
Please note that learning starts as soon as children enter the classroom so a child that is 15 minutes late every day will miss 1 hour and 15 minutes of learning per week - which is over 40 hours over the school year. This has a detrimental impact on learning so please ensure they arrive on time.
PARKFIELD CHARACTER - LISTENING
In assembly this week, Mrs Gooding introduced the Parkfield characteristic we'll be focussing on this half term as a whole school. She explained what good listening looks like and how we can use our listening skills in our everyday lives. You're welcome to remind your child about these key skills whilst at home!
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS - START MONDAY
A link was sent out earlier this week for after school clubs. Like last year we have had to limit the number of pupils attending and we have only been able to offer it to children in KS2. However, there are a number of sports activities that take place throughout dinner time that ensure the vast majority of Parkfielders are able to access sport and physical activity throughout the week. Children will have today been told if they are in a club and those that haven't accessed a club will be placed on the waiting list. The great news is that we have over 100 children accessing the different clubs over a week.
Y4 SWIMMING LESSONS
Y4 start their swimming lessons at Middleton Arena next Wednesday 14th September. More information will follow in a separate email but they will be having an hour swimming lesson every Wednesday up until the end of January.
EARLY BIRDS AND BUSY BEES - PLACES AVAILABLE
A few spaces are available for both clubs. Please contact the office if you would like to book your child onto the sessions.
A reminder that you will be charged if your have booked a place at the before and after school club. We still have to charge even when a child is off poorly or they are picked up early. This is because a space is being taken by your child and more information is outlined in the policy found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/before-and-after-school-club.html
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