Issue 31 - Friday 19th May 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
Reception's class assembly on Thursday morning was certainly one of the highlights of the week. They read a whole class story, sang a song and told the whole school about what they have learnt about animals over the past few weeks. Thanks to all the families that were able to attend and well done to our Reception superstars!
There has also been a football theme this week where Y1 & 2 and Y6 Parkfielders have played in tournaments against other schools. The Y1 & 2 team came home with a trophy after competing in a tournament at Rochdale's Crown Oil Arena against lots of other schools. They ended up winning the whole tournament and Mrs Banks was incredibly proud of how they played and their positive attitude towards others. Y6 competed against other Middleton schools in a tournament last night and ended up losing 1 game and drawing 4. It was very competitive and the team did very well in the 5 minute games played. Again, Mrs Banks was very proud of all their efforts.
Yet again, 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.
A reminder that next Friday 26th May, school is closed to all pupils due to staff INSET.
Have a wonderful weekend
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
POETRY X-FACTOR
The whole school will be enjoying a poetry day on Wednesday where poems will be performed by each class to the whole school. Following the performances, voting will take place with the three finalists going head to head in the afternoon. There will be judges in the afternoon including a local poet who will declare the overall winner. They will be looking at how each class uses their 6 P's of reading: pace, punctuation, pause, power, pitch and passion. Good Luck to all classes - there will be plenty of Twitter activity to share from this special event!
GOOD LUCK
Three of our Year 4 pupils will be competing in a PiraMidd maths competition on Tuesday against pupils from Middleton Parish and Hollin. They are competing to see who can answer the most maths questions in 90 seconds. Congratulations to the three for getting so far and best of luck next week.
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
A polite reminder to not use any of the outdoor equipment before and after school. This also includes the Friendship Garden and new Forest School area.
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 be 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.
ATTENDANCE
Our whole school attendance is steadily increasing each week. The classes with the highest attendance each week 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
*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.
TERM DATE CHANGES
Please note that there has been a slight update to the 2023-24 INSET days and these can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/calendar-inc-holiday-lists.html
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