Issue 29- Friday 28th April 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
Although it has been a shorter than usual week for most at Parkfield, there have been some memorable moments for many of our Parkfielders over the past week.
Linked to their RE topic, Year 5 had a wonderful trip to a Hindu temple on Tuesday and Y4 enjoyed a drama and arts day at St. Anne's Academy on Wednesday. Today, Y3 have had a brilliant Edventure day, learning all about the Aztecs. As always, photos of these events can be found on our popular photo albums page.
A reminder that due to the industrial action from the NEU, school will be closed to children in Reception, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 on Tuesday. The year 5 & 6 after school football club will be cancelled on this occasion. School will also only be open to pupils in KS2 on Thursday's polling day. We have some special events lined up for next Friday where we are going to be having a day of learning linked to the King's Coronation. There's a little more information below.
Have a wonderful long bank holiday weekend,
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
ALLERGIES
A reminder that we have many pupils within the school that have a nut allergy and as a result products that contain nuts are not allowed to be used in school.
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.
CORONATION DAY ACTIVITIES - FRIDAY 5TH MAY
On Friday 5th May, we will be celebrating the King's coronation with a theme day. The children will be doing lots of exciting activities throughout the day in true Parkfield style :) Please can we ask that if you have a picnic blanket you bring it in that day - don't worry if you don't - the children will be sharing. We need the blanket as we plan to have an outdoor picnic as the kitchen will be making very special royal picnic food for all children on school dinners that day. If you are usually on packed lunches and would like a royal school dinner that day, for the cost of £2.50, then please email the office to let us know. (Of course ALL children will be included in the picnic, even if they bring their own lunch that day). Also, the children will be wearing normal uniform, but if you would like to make your uniform more 'regal' that day we are having the theme of CROWNS AND CRYSTALS! Where children are invited to wear a crown, tiara, a sparkly clip or accessory. It can be home-made and unique! Please don't feel that you have to spend money - it's just for fun. But of course - the sparklier and more bejewelled the better!!!
SCHOOL PHOTGRAPHS
Due to Coronation day activities, we have postponed our whole school photographs to Monday, 5th June.
SUMMER TERM EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS
Extra curricular clubs start next week for those that have received an email to say they have 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