Issue 26 - Friday 24th March 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
What a positive week it has been for our Parkfielders! Firstly, congratulations to the girls' football team for playing exceptionally well in the 7-a-side finals of the Middleton Primary School's tournament. Secondly, well done to the choir that performed beautifully at the Rochdale Music Festival and were 'highly commended' for their performances. Thirdly, well done to the football team for their great performance against St. Peter's on Wednesday night.
Another positive was the Y4 class assembly where our pupils showed off their learning to their families and the rest of the school. Thanks to those that were able to come along.
Finally, congratulations to our Year 6 pupil that competed brilliantly in the final of the Rochdale Spelling Bee competition which included the best spellers from across the local authority. We are all incredibly proud of your achievement.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for sending in the egg and chocolate donations in exchange for non-uniform today. The donations will be used for prizes at tonight's Bingo event - I look forward to seeing the many that are attending.
Enjoy your weekend and thank you for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
SCHOOL DINNERS
We apologise for any inconvenience caused this week to those on school meals. Due to a high number of staff absences we had to alter the menu and we would like to thank you for your patience.
EASTER BINGO EVENT
Thanks for the donations and thanks to those that have purchased tickets and are coming along to tonight's fundraiser. We look forward to seeing you at what always proves to be a fantastic evening!
DECORATED EGG COMPETITION AND BONNET PARADE
The decorated egg and bonnet parade competition is taking place next Thursday 30th March. Please send eggs and bonnets into school on Thursday only so they can be included in the competition. Our school councillors will have the difficult task of selecting winners from each class and our winners will be announced during Friday's Easter service.
EASTER SERVICE
Families and friends are invited to join us at All Saints and Martyr's church at 9.30am on Friday 31st March for our Easter service. The service will be led by Y6 pupils with contributions from pupils in other classes and the choir will be singing too.
SEND COFFEE MORNING
An email has been sent with detailed information about our coffee morning taking place this Tuesday 28th March at 9am in the school hall. Although the focus is on pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), all are welcome to come along and listen to our guest speakers and chat to other Parkfield families.
STAFF RETURNING
Following their maternity leave, Mrs Price and Mrs Taylor return to Parkfield next week. They will be working alongside Miss Iqbal and Miss Milovanovic over the week for smooth transition for the pupils.
MISS IQBAL AND MISS MILOVANOVIC
Our Reception and Year 4 teacher's, Miss Iqbal and Miss Milovanovic, finish their with us next Friday 31st after two full terms at Parkfield. Both have had a positive impact on the school and their pupils in the small amount of time they have been here and we wish them all the best in their future roles.
MRS BRACKEN RETIREMENT
Mrs Bracken, our long serving School Business Manager, retires next Friday 31st March. Mrs Bracken has worked in schools across the borough for over 20 years and we have been lucky to have her for the past 8 years. As she approaches her final week at Parkfield, we wish her a wonderful and well deserved retirement - she is going to missed by the whole school community.
PARKFIELD'S GOT TALENT
Parkfielder's across school are very excited about PGT. Information has now been sent out and we are looking forward to welcoming those families with tickets at 2pm this Wednesday 29th March. This is a great opportunity for our Parkfielder's to demonstrate their talents and skills. Good luck to all involved.
Y1 SYNAGOGUE VISIT
Year 1 visited Heaton Park Synagogue on Wednesday to look at features of the building, see how the Torah scrolls are stored and learn about how Jews worship there. There are some great photos available on our photo album page.
DIGITAL LEADERS
Our Technology Team and Mr Haughton hosted a digital leaders event earlier this week where children across Middleton Schools came together to help each other try out and learn a variety of iPad apps.
RETURN OF THE 'SECRET READER' - REMINDER
Huge thanks to the few 'secret readers' that have already come into school and read to classes. A reminder that to promote a love of reading we have re-launched our 'Secret Reader'. Initiative 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 DATE
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