Issue 4 - Friday 23rd September 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Over this past week it has been interesting listening to many of our pupils talk about Monday's funeral and reflect on the life of our longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. It is an event that many seem to understand the significance of and one that they will remember for a long time.
Democratic elections took place this week for our School Council. Congratulations to those pupils that have been voted by their class. The role gives our pupils a voice across the school and is a huge responsibility in making positive changes and I look forward to working with those pupils across the year.
Other responsibilities for our pupils across the school include our Eco-Team, Playground pals, Sports Leaders, Technology Team and House Captains. Thanks to those children that have shown an interest and have been selected for these roles. I look forward to seeing the positive contribution you make to the school over the next 12 months.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
BUSY BEES
We are moving our after school club to the hall from Monday. This will allow us to increase the number of pupils attending. We had recently filled all 30 spaces in the club and we hope that this will now allow all our families that require that wrap around care to access it. We recommend that those families affected continue to book well in advance with the school office.
EXTRA CURRICULAR SPORTS CLUBS
As a result of Busy Bees moving into the hall, all extra curricular sports clubs will take place outside. However, when the weather is poor the group will join Busy Bees in the hall until 4pm and take part in 'active' activities with Mrs Banks.
MEET THE TEACHER EVENTS (Y1-6)
Emails were sent out last week about our 'Meet the Teacher' events and the timings for each class can be found on our calendar. The meeting is an opportunity to meet the class teacher, see your child's class and ask a few questions. We appreciate that not all parents and carers will be able to attend so we will be sending out the presentations via email following the events.
YEAR ONE MATHLETICS VISIT (INC. Y1 MEET THE TEACHER AT THE SAME TIME)
A reminder that Year 1 parents and carers are welcome to join us in the school hall on Tuesday 27th September at 9am to take part in a Mathletics lesson alongside their child. For those that are unable to make it a presentation will be sent out. This will now also include the Year 1 'Meet the Teacher' event at the same time.
RECEPTION PHONICS MEETING
We would like to invite our Reception parents into school to learn all about phonics and see it in action! The event will take place on Friday 7th October from 2.15-3.15, we hope to see you there. As always, if you cannot come, you can request a copy of the presentation to read at home.
REMINDER - PARENTS AND CARERS OBSERVING AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
A reminder that before the summer we brought in new safeguarding measures where we decided that it would be better for both pupils and staff if parents and carers no longer observed the after school extra curricular clubs. A reminder that parents and carers will still be more than welcome to attend matches as your support at these events is very much appreciated. Thanks for your cooperation with this.
MAD SCIENCE
Following an exciting assembly on Wednesday some information was sent out for those pupils that would like to join a special Mad Science after school club starting up after half term. This is a great opportunity for all pupils, particularly those that love a good Science experiment!
CURRICULUM WEBSITE
You can visit the curriculum section of our website to find out what your child will be learning this half term. All our subjects include a breakdown of what is taught and in what order whilst the long term plans detail the topics covered by each class.
SECONDARY SCHOOL OPEN EVENINGS
For those Year 6 parents looking at high schools for next September, here are the dates for upcoming open evenings at some of our local secondaries:
Middleton Technology - Thursday 13th October (5-8pm)
St. Anne's Academy - Thursday 29th September (5.30 - 8pm)
Edgar Wood - Wednesday 28th September (4.30 - 7.30pm)
PROSPECTIVE PARENT OPEN MORNINGS
Is your child due to start school in September 2023? We are inviting prospective parents into the school on Tuesday 4th October and Tuesday 8th November from 9am. Please contact the school office to book your place.
KS2 CLIMBING FRAME
The large climbing frame that the school council have raised money for over the past 12 months is going to finally be built next week. It is going to provide all our KS2 pupils with a fantastic opportunity every break and dinner to practice their climbing skills. Once built it will not allowed to be climbed on before or after school.
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%. 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
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 wellbeing.
#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