Issue 30 - Friday 5th May 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
With the disruption of bank holiday, strike action and polling, this week has felt very strange at Parkfield with some classes only in school for only two, three or four days. Despite fewer days in school, Parkfielders have still had a memorable week - particularly with today's range of coronation themed activities. Photos from today's celebrations will soon be available on Twitter and our photo albums page. Please do ask your children about what they have learnt about the King's Coronation and make sure you keep the special medal safe that has been sent home by school as a momento of this historic occasion.
Enjoy the coronation and have a wonderful bank holiday weekend. We will see you all back in school on Tuesday.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
DEPUTY HEADTEACHER APPOINTMENT
We would like to announce that our Year 6 teacher, Miss Howard, was successfully appointed as the new Parkfield Deputy Headteacher following recent interviews. Miss Howard will begin her post in September 2023 as Mrs Whalen heads off to teach in Dubai. As a result, we are currently recruiting a new Y6 teacher for September and we will update you when we have more information.
Y6 SATS
The very best of luck to all our Year 6 pupils who take their SATS tests next week. We know each and everyone of them will be brilliant and these tests give them the opportunity to demonstrate how hard they have worked over the last few years. A reminder that Year 6 pupils are invited to arrive at school at 8:15 from Tuesday to Friday for breakfast and relaxation time (via the hall doors).
ATTENDANCE
Our whole school attendance has dipped slightly these past few weeks and we are hoping that with your support we can get it back above 95% by the end of this academic year. Each week, the classes with the highest attendance get to move around our attendance 'Middletonopoly' board which gives them the opportunity for a whole class reward.
SPORTS TEAMS
Congratulations to the Parkfield sports teams that have competed recently - including the netballers and footballers. Mrs Banks has been very impressed with how positive and resilient they have all been. Also, a big WELL DONE to the 8 year 6 Parkfielders who took part in a swimming gala yesterday. The girls came 5th overall and the boys came 1st overall - amazing performances from all.
EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS - NEXT WEEK
Monday - Bank Holiday
Tuesday - Year 5/6 Football CANCELLED due to Year 1 & 2 Dodgeball Tournament
Wednesday - Year 5/6 Cricket, Rounders and Athletics
Thursday - Year 5/6 Netball
*Please note that if an after school club is cancelled, children are welcome to join the Busy Bees after school club until 4pm OR be picked up at the usual time. We sometimes have to cancel clubs because of fixtures and tournaments that take place where Mrs Banks accompanies the team.
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