Issue 33 - Thursday 25th May 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
This half term finished on a positive with yesterday's X-Factor poetry competition. Every class brilliantly performed a poem to the whole school during the morning with Years 3, 5 and 6 being voted through to the afternoon final by their peers. An eventful afternoon included our three special guest judges (and myself!) voting for our favourite. After three wonderful performances, Year 5 ended up as our overall winners with their football themed poem. Videos of the winning performances and photos from the day can be found here. Well done to all involved and thanks to the Parkfield staff for putting together some fabulous poetry recitals that allowed our Parkfielders to showcase their speaking and listening skills.
As always, our Twitter feed is full of highlights that reflect the wonderful learning taking place across the school. If you're not already a follower - please make sure you follow us.
A reminder that school is closed to all pupils tomorrow due to staff INSET.
Please remember to visit the school calendar to find the dates of the many memorable moments and events that are due to take place over the Summer term including: Sports Day,
Have a wonderful half term. We look forward to seeing you back on Monday 5th June.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER
The school photographer will be visiting school on the first day back, Monday 5th June, to take whole class photos. All children should wear their full school uniform, including Years 3 and 4 who can get changed into their PE kits during dinner time.
HOUSE WINNER
This half term's winning house is Wood (Green) so children in that house may come to school on Friday 9th June in non-uniform.
YEARS 1-6 SPELLING BEE FINALISTS
Children chosen to take part next half-term will have taken home letters this week ready for the finals on the second week back after half-term.
PIRAMIDD MENTAL MATHS COMPETITION
Congratulations to our three Y4 pupils that competed against children from Hollin and Middleton Parish earlier on this week in a PiraMidd Maths competition. All pupils did brilliantly and the overall winner was a Parkfielder who answered an incredible 36 questions correctly in 90 seconds. We were all very proud.
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 - YEAR 5 AND 6
Our popular morning booster club returns after half term for children in Year 5 and 6. The club, which starts at 8.15am every morning, will help our Parkfielders prepare for Year 6 and high school and focus on maths and reading skills. The club is FREE for all that attend, which also includes a free breakfast! Entrance is through the main hall doors and we look forward to seeing you there.
SCHOOL CLOSURE FOR INSET - REMINDER
Please note that school will be closed to pupils on Friday 26th May due to staff INSET.
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 - FIRST WEEK BACK
Monday - Year 3 & 4 Cricket, Rounders and Athletics
Tuesday - Year 5/6 Football
Wednesday - Year 5/6 Cricket, Rounders and Athletics - CANCELLED DUE TO BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
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.
'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.
influencers.pdfMENTAL 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