Issue 24 - Friday 10th March 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Earlier this week I introduced our Parkfielders to our updated school rules: Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Safe. These three rules cover a range of behaviours across the school and are nice and easy for children (and staff) to remember. The children will hear these rules referred to on a daily basis across the school. Please check your child's understanding and ask them to give you some examples of what being ready, respectful and safe look like.
This week has been full of great trips for classes across the school. Year 6 enjoyed their trip to Manchester Cathedral looking at the artwork and architechture. Continuing with the RE theme, Reception had a great time at All Saints and Martyr's church. Y4 visited the River Irk in Alkrington Woods earlier in the week to enhance their learning in geography and although the the Y3 trip to the National Mining Museum had to be postponed it will be rearranged soon. These wonderful learning experiences and memorable moments wouldn't be possible without your support - thank you for making those contributions.
Another highlight this week have included our girls football team who I witnessed demonstrate great positivity in the Middleton School's tournament. They worked hard and supported one another on a very cold afternoon in Langley. Good luck in the finals in a few weeks.
And finally, please feel free to visit our comprehensive photo albums page on the website for the photos and slideshows of these wonderful events.
Don't forget to scroll down and read some important information about some exciting upcoming events and the teacher strikes that are impacting on schools, including ours, next week.
Enjoy your weekend and thank you for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
TEACHER STRIKE: WEDS 15TH MARCH & THU 16TH MARCH
Although a separate email has been sent, please note that due to industrial action being taken by the NEU (National Education Union) the school will be partially open on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March.
Weds 15th: School will be open to Year 6 pupils only.
Thursday 16th: School will be open to Year 2 and Year 6 pupils only.
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 Year 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.
There is a possibility that this could change and if that is the case the school will let you know as soon as possible.
RED NOSE DAY FRIDAY 17TH MARCH - WEAR RED OR NON-UNIFORM
The school council are going to be raising money by asking their classmates to wear red (or non-uniform) on Red Nose Day and make a donation (any amount) to this wonderful charity. They will also be selling cakes on the day so please send in any small change. Thanks to the school councillors for kindly organising this year's Red Nose day events.
EASTER BINGO EVENT - INCLUDING DONATIONS
Keep an eye out for an email about our Easter Bingo event that is going to take place on Friday 24th March between 6 and 9pm. This is always a popular event and tickets will sell out quickly. If any parents would like to help out on the evening please contact the school office as your support will be much appreciated.
We will be asking for Easter egg donations on the same day in return for non-uniform - any size of egg will be greatly appreciated.
DECORATED EGG COMPETITION AND BONNET PARADE
Advance warning that this year's decorated egg and bonnet parade will be taking place on Thursday 30th March.
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.
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% this year. 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