Issue 28 - Friday 21st April 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Our annual Maths passport championships took place this week for children across the school. This event provides the opportunity for some of our Parkfielders to demonstrate how many mental maths questions they can answer in 90 seconds - in front of their class mates and families. Well done to all that took part and also to our winners. You all showed those Parkfield characteristics of being positive, ambitious and resilient!
As always, we like our Parkfielders to have memorable moments that help them learn new and interesting things. This week was no different with Year 3 going on a wonderful trip to Murton Park learning all about the Romans and then Reception having a visit from Safari Phil so they could learn about lots of exotic animals.
Some of next week's events will include Y5 visiting a Hindu Temple as part of their RE curriculum and Y4 will be having a fun creative arts day at St. Anne's Academy.
A reminder that there is likely to be some disruption due to the national teacher strikes next Thursday 27th April and then Tuesday 2nd May. I will update you via a seperate email as soon as I know how particular classes will be affected.
Have a wonderful weekend and if you are a red or a blue enjoy the football and let's hope results mean that it is an all Manchester FA Cup Final!
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
POLLING DAY - THURSDAY 4TH MAY
We have been able to put a plan in place to open the school for KS2 pupils only on polling day. On the day the infants side of the school building will be closed as the Blue Room will be used as a Polling Station rather than the usual school hall. Although three classes will be missing school that day, we know staying open for KS2 will help reduce the disruption seen over the past few months.
Y5 BRASS LESSONS
We like all our Parkfielders to have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and our Y5 pupils started this week with Brass lessons from Rochdale Music Service. They hope by the end of this term to share their new skills in a special celebration assembly - good luck over the next few months Year 5.
SUMMER TERM EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS
Extra curricular clubs start the week after next for those that have signed up. You will receive an email if they successfully made it into a club. The clubs provide a great opportunity for our Parkfielders to take part in a range of activities.
QUERIES, CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS
If you have any worries or concerns about any issues your first point of contact is the class teacher. The vast majority of worries or anxieties are resolved at this stage. If you would like to discuss the matter further, then you are invited to meet with senior members of staff. If you are unsure about who you wish to speak to, please contact the School Business Manager, Mrs Cummings.
If you have any serious complaints regarding any matter within school, please arrange to see the Headteacher who will be happy to discuss these with you. If necessary a complaint can be made in writing following the schools complaints procedure available on our Policies page here.
'SECRET READER' SIGN UP - REMINDER
Huge thanks to the 'secret readers' that have already come into school and read to classes. If you're interested please click here to suggest which days that would suit you best and the class teacher or office will contact you.
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