Issue 37 - Friday 30th June 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
Year 6 enjoyed their aspirational careers day earlier this week where they got to speak to a range of people. They were able to find out about the careers of a: scientist, teacher, actor, musician and business owner to name just a few. The day ended with the Y6 pupils thinking about the career path they would like to choose. Thanks to all that were able to give up their time, come into school and hopefully inspire some of our ambitious Parkfielders.
Year 6 also enjoyed a visit to Stockport Air Raid Shelter where they learnt about being an evacuee - the trip linked to their current History topic of 'Britain at War' and as always, some great photos can be found on our photo albums page.
Finally, the school was visited by two OFSTED inspectors over two days, earlier this week - our last inspection was back in July 2017! The inspection was very thorough and included lesson visits, conversations with pupils, discussions with staff and meetings with senior leaders. I was incredibly proud of all the staff and all our pupils over these two days. Due to timings, the report is likely to be available after the summer holidays - where I will share it with all.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
INDUSTRIAL ACTION - TEACHER STRIKES - WEDNESDAY 5TH AND FRIDAY 7TH
You will have received a separate email this morning about next week's strike action. Please note that the school will only be partially open to the following classes on these days.
Wednesday 5th July - Open to to Y1, 2 and 6 only.
Friday 7th July - Open to Y6 only
TRANSITION DAY
All children will be moving up to their new classes and teachers this Tuesday for our annual transition day. With Year 6 attending their new high schools, the remaining Parkfielders have the opportunity to experience a day with their new teacher in their new classrooms. We also look forward to welcoming our new Parkfielders into Reception. Children will come into school in their usual entrance before going to their new classes.
FORFEIT DAY
Next Thursday is a forfeit day where children can come into school wearing non-uniform in exchange for some 'chocolate'. The chocolate donated will be used as prizes at the Summer Fair taking place on Friday 14th July at 3.15pm. Thanks in advance for your support.
PIRAMIDD SPELLING BEE
Congratulations to our three finalists that took part in the Piramidd Spelling Bee competition. They competed against the best spellers from Middleton Parish and Hollin Primary earlier this week, with a pupil from Parish the overall winner. We were very proud of the ambition and resilience shown by our Parkfielders.
YEAR 3 CLASS ASSEMBLY - REARRANGED DATE - THURSDAY 6TH JULY
Families of our Y3 Parkfielders are welcome to join us next Thursday 6th July from 9am in the hall to watch the Year 3 class assembly. This provides a great opportunity for our Year 3s to share what they have been learning with the whole school community. We look forward to seeing you there.
SPORTS DAY - POSTPONED UNTIL 1PM ON 12TH JULY 2023
Due to Thursday's weather forecast, we took the decision to postpone today's planned Sports Day until Wednesday 12th July. I hope that the later date gives the opportunity for our families to make any rearrangements with work commitments. Let's hope we have some nice weather!
SUMMER FAIR - WE NEED YOUR HELP
To ensure it is a huge success , we need help setting up and running the Summer Fair on 14th July 2023. If any individual from families across the school would like to support the school in raising lots of much needed money at the Summer Fair on Friday 14th July, please contact the school office and let us know. Help will be needed from 1pm on the 14th to set stalls up and then to help out after school. The fair usually finishes around 5pm. Thanks in advance - any help will be much appreciated.
YEAR 1 TRIP - VICTORIAN WASHDAY
Year 1 are looking forward to their school trip to Salford Art Gallery on Wednesday where they will learning all about the Victorians linked to their current History topic. They will then be planning their class assembly which Y1 families are invited to on Thursday 13th July at 9am.
EARLY BIRDS AND BUSY BEES BOOKING FOR SEPTEMBER 2023
If you would like to book a place for before and after school club from September please click here: https://forms.gle/WtbQ36wky2iB8XJh8
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 - Cancelled due to strike day.
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.
STAFFING FOR SEPTEMBER 2023 - REMINDER
We are now in a position where we can announce which class all our staff, including our brilliant SEND team, will be working in from September.
Reception: Mrs Taylor, Miss Dippnall and Mrs Shepherdson
Year 1: Mrs Hartley, Mrs Gully, Mrs Langan and Mrs Balfe
Year 2: Mrs Price, Mrs Mullane, Miss Hamilton and Miss Tarasova
Year 3: Mrs Gooding, Mrs Bardsley and Miss Wild
Year 4: Miss McCall, Mrs Naughton, Miss Rigby and Mrs Bradshaw
Year 5: Mrs Acil, Mrs Roworth, Miss Hall and Mrs Heyes
Year 6: Mr Robinson, Mrs Jeffrey and Mr Shearman
Please note that pupils with SEND will be supported by a number of members of staff within the class and for those pupils where there have been changes, work will take place to ensure the transition runs as smoothly as possible.
Mrs Howard will be our Deputy Headteacher and one of her roles will be SENDCO.
'SECRET READER' SIGN UP - REMINDER
To promote our love to read initiative we are continuing with our 'Secret Reader' events where somebody comes into a class at the end of the day and reads to the class - please don't let them know beforehand as we want to keep it a secret! 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.
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