Issue 23 - Friday 3rd March 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Today's celebrations for World Book Day were enjoyed by all thanks to the staff and the huge efforts many went to with the range of costume designs. Thanks so much for all of your support. The day was finished with children from all year groups presenting their learning to the rest of the school in a special assembly. You will find photos from the day on our very popular Twitter feed.
Also included on the Twitter feed from earlier this week is the Y2 Edventure day where our Parkfielders were learning all about magic tricks. It was a memorable day enjoyed by all.
Memorable moments are what we like our pupils to experience and next week isn't short of those as: Year 6 visit Manchester Cathedral, Reception visit All Saints and Martyrs, Year 4 go on a local river walk, Year 3 head off to the National Coal Mining museum and Year 5 have an Edventure day. What a week ahead!
Enjoy your weekend and thank you for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
WORLD BOOK DAY COMPETITION
Huge thanks to those that sent photos in of themselves reading in a range of different places. The photos were great and were displayed for all to see at lunch time today. Congratulations to the winners specially chosen by the reading ambassadors.
RETURN OF THE 'SECRET READER' - REMINDER
To promote a love of reading we are re-launching our 'Secret Reader'. This is where an adult comes into the class for the last 15-20 minutes of the day and reads a book to the children. However, the children won't know who is coming in and what is being read until the adult arrives. The secret reader may be a teacher, older pupil, ex-pupil or a family member from someone in that class. If you're interested please click here to suggest which days from today onwards that would suit you best and the class teacher or office will contact you.
QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES
Thanks to the many parents and carers that responded to our questionnaire before half term. We have been able to collate the responses and have placed them on our school website here. You will notice that there are school responses included - particularly if there is a common theme. The comments received help us evaluate what we are doing well and where we need to improve. The vast majority of comments were positive and if there are any issues highlighted that require us to follow up, we will contact those parents and carers where possible.
MONDAY 6TH MARCH - NO AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
Due to staff training after school the Y3/4 multisports and Y6 Technology Team clubs won't be on. Busy Bees will continue as normal in the hall.
PLANNED TEACHER STRIKES - 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.
SCHOOL CLOSURE DATES
Advanced warning that school will be closed on 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