Issue 6 - Friday 7th October 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
We like our children to have many wonderful experiences and memorable moments throughout their lives as a Parkfielder. This week has provided a few of those including:
Y5/6 pupils taking part in a cross country race where they competed against other local primary schools. Well done to all involved.
Y2 and 4 visiting the local church to learn about the importance of Harvest.
KS2 having the opportunity to use the new climbing frame
Year 3 taking part in an Ed-venture day where they learnt about 'Amazing Africa'
Parkfield Choir singing the national anthems of both countries at the England vs Fiji Rugby match infront of thousands of spectators.
I would like to also give a special mention to our newly elected school councillors who confidently talked about the school and answered questions from prospective parents during Open Morning.
A reminder that our Twitter feed is a great source for upto date information and pictures of what is happening across the school. Please follow us.
Have a wonderful weekend - I look forward to seeing you at parent's evening.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
HARVEST SERVICE - THANKS
Our Harvest service demonstrated how kind we are as a community in supporting the vulnerable families around Middleton. Thanks for all your donations, they were thankfully received by Middleton Foodbank.
RACE NIGHT FUNDRAISING EVENT - TICKETS AVAILABLE
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.
PARENT'S EVENING SIGN UP
The vast majority of families have signed up for Parent's Evening using the link sent out earlier in the week. A reminder that it is face-face and will take place in the hall next Wednesday 12th October between 3.30 and 7.00pm. The meeting will focus on how your child has settled into their new class.
MISS O'CONNELL LEAVING
Unfortunately, Miss O'Connell, our brilliant Reception teaching assistant will be leaving us next Friday. She'll be venturing on a new career with the NHS. She has been with us for over 11 years and worked in a range of classes - most recently in EYFS. She will be greatly missed by all. Miss Dippnall will be moving to the EYFS team from Y5.
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 8th November from 9am. Please contact the school office to book your place.
YEAR 6 CLASS ASSEMBLY INVITE
Family members of Y6 pupils are welcome to join us next Thursday 13th October at 9am in the school hall. Y6 will be presenting some of their learning from this term.
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!
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