Issue 31 - Friday 12th May 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
I would like to start by saying how proud I am of the Year 6 pupils that took their end of KS2 SATs this week. In total, they have completed six tests and they have all conducted themselves brilliantly throughout the week and tried their absolute best. No matter the outcome, we can say that every pupil has put in 100% effort and demonstrated true Parkfield positivity and resilience throughout the week. I would also like to thank parents and carers that have supported their children throughout the past few months in preparing for these tests. Year 6 can now look forward to the Blackpool residential next month!
Although we have only been in school for four days this week, due to the Coronation Bank holiday, our Twitter feed is full of highlights that reflect some of the wonderful learning that takes place across the school. If you're not already a follower - please make sure you follow us.
Have a wonderful weekend - we look forward to seeing you next week where many of our Parkfielders will be having a full five days for this first time this half term!
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
RECEPTION CLASS ASSEMBLY
The familes of our Reception pupils are welcome to join us next Thursday 18th May at 9am in the school hall for their first class assembly. They will be showcasing some of the work they have been doing over the past term. Following the assembly, Mrs Price has a short presentation where she will introduce herself and talk about expectations over the final few months. This will be their first class assembly and gives the opportunity for our Parkfielders to speak confidently in public. We hope you can make it to the event.
BREAKFAST BOOSTER CLUB - NOT ON UNTIL AFTER HALF TERM
Following their SATS we are going to have a break from the Y6 breakfast boosters for the next two weeks. However, after half term, to continue to prepare them for high school Y6 will be able to continue to come along to breakfast booster at 8.15am every morning. We will also ne inviting the Y5 pupils - helping them prepare further for Year 6.
SCHOOL CLOSURE FOR INSET - REMINDER
Please note that school will be closed to pupils on Friday 26th May due to staff INSET. As a result, school closes for half term to pupils from Thursday 25th. Details of term dates and future INSET dates can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/calendar-inc-holiday-lists.html
ROBINWOOD RESIDENTIAL
Our current Year 3 pupils have had an email sent to their families giving details about the Robinwood Residential that is due to take place in September 2024. We hope that sending out the information so early gives you plenty of time to make the payments for the trip as it is a wonderful experience for all that take part.
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.
ATTENDANCE
Our whole school attendance increased this week to 95.9% with Y6 acheiving 100% attendance. 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. Thanks for your continued support with attendance - getting your child to school every day really does make a huge difference.
EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS - NEXT WEEK
Monday - Year 3 & 4 Cricket, Rounders and Athletics
Tuesday - Year 5/6 Football
Wednesday - Year 5/6 Cricket, Rounders and Athletics
Thursday - Year 5/6 Netball CANCELLED due to Year 6 Boys Football Tournament
*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