Issue 5- Friday 30th September 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Having families come into school this week has been lovely to see during 'meet the teacher' and 'mathletics' events across the school. Thanks to all that were able to attend. We understand not everyone could attend and as a result we do have all the presentations available here.
If you have ventured around to the KS2 playground you will have noticed our exciting new addition. The new playground equipment is going to be in use for pupils next week. Although tempting, it is vital that you keep your children off this equipment at the beginning and end of the day as they're not insured and they won't be supervised.
I am really pleased with the level of attendance and the reduced amount of lates across school currently. Our current attendance level is 97.1% and I want to thank you for your support with this. Every day that your child is in school really does make a difference.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
HARVEST SERVICE - DONATIONS PLEASE
Our annual Harvest celebrations are going to be taking place next Thursday 6th October. The day will include an assembly and Y2 and 4 visiting All Saint's and Martyr for a 'Harvest Experience'. On the day we welcome food donations that will be collected by The Lighthouse Project and sent to vulnerable families across Middleton. Any support is appreciated.
RACE NIGHT FUNDRAISING EVENT
We are holding a family 'Race Night' on Thursday 20th October 2022 between 6.00 and 8.30pm. Tickets are available at the school office and cost £2.00 per ticket. Children and adults need their own ticket and we only have 120 tickets available - which we're certain will sell quick. Refreshments will also be available. For those that aren't aware, a race night involves a number of horse races (on a DVD) throughout the evening and placing money on a horse. If your horse wins, you win. You just need to bring a lot of change on the evening!
All monies raised will go towards the cost of the new climbing frame on KS2.
PARENTS EVENING SIGN UP
Next week you will receive a link in an email where you can sign up to a parents evening slot taking place on Wednesday 12th October between 3.30 and 7.00pm. The parents evening will be a return to normal as we are inviting families back into the hall for a face-face meeting. The meeting will focus on how your child has settled into their new class.
READING
We encourage all our pupils to read as much as possible. 10 minutes per day makes such a huge difference. Please record in the school organisers when your child has read. Once they have finished they are able to login to Accelerated Reader and complete a quiz on the book they have read. Login details can be found in personal organisers.
MATHS FACTS
What number facts is your child learning this half term? You can support school by practising at home. Find out this term's focus by clicking here.
Year 4 also have login details for Timestables Rockstars which is a fun and interactive way of develping their fluency with multiplications. Any support at home with this is appreciated.
BUSY BEES
A reminder that we have moved our after school club to the hall. This has allowed us to increase the number of pupils attending. We recommend that bookings are made well in advance with the school office to guarantee a place.
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.
PROSPECTIVE PARENT OPEN MORNINGS
Is your child due to start primary 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.
HAPPY HEALTHY START
Our Key Stage 1 parents are invited to a free special workshop for parents and carers where you can find out more about how to help your children make healthy choices. There will be information and a chance to share and discuss ideas around healthy eating and ways to encourage positive behaviour at home with your children. This will take place in the hall on Wednesday the 12th October from 9am and will last no longer than an hour. Invites were sent home with your child two weeks ago and we have had a good response!
TOY DONATION FOR BUSY BEES - CAR/GARAGE SET
Do any of our families have a toy garage (in good condition) that they're willing to donate to Busy Bees? We're looking for something similar to this: https://www.tts-group.co.uk/cars-and-garage-multibuy/EY11570.html . We are also after a tabletop football game if anyone could donate one of those!
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