Issue 9 - Friday 4th November 2022
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers
Being positive is the Parkfield characteristic we are focussing on this half term and this has been evident across the school this week with plenty of smiling Parkfielders working hard in lessons across the school.
We want to continue to promote our Parkfielders doing anything POSITIVE, AMBITIOUS, RESILIENT OR KIND out of school so please keep sending in any photos to the school office and we will be happy to celebrate their achievements on our Twitter feed.
Our school council have been working hard this week selling poppy related items linked to remembrance day. Next week the whole school will be having a theme day where all classes will be learning all about what remembrance day is about and why we mark this special occasion each year.
We have an incredibly busy half term ahead of us in the run up to Christmas - including film nights, a Christmas raffle, parties, Y6 trip to the theatre, Whole school trip to the Pantomime, Reception Nativity, Y1 and 2 Christmas shows and Christmas Party Days. Please see our calendar for up to date information on what's coming up.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
PROSPECTIVE PARENT OPEN MORNINGS
Is your child due to start primary school in September 2023? We are inviting prospective parents into the school next Tuesday 8th November from 9am. Please contact the school office to book your place.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
We are always reviewing, developing and improving as a school to ensure that the children at Parkfield get the best education possible. Part of this process is the annual update of the school improvement plan. This plan includes the main priorities we are looking to develop over the next 12 months and they can now viewed on the school website here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/school-improvement-plan-priorities.html
TERM TIME HOLIDAYS
A reminder that any holiday taken during term is are likely to result in a fine being issued as detailed in our attendance policy. All term time holidays are classed as an unauthorised absence unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you feel there are exceptional circumstances for the holiday, please let us know in writing as soon as possible. Fines are issued by the local authority when 5 consecutive days (10 sessions) have been missed. Currently, a £60 fine is issued to each parent/carer with parental responsibility for each child. For example, 2 siblings and both parents going on holiday could result in a fine totalling £240 .
REMINDER: POKEMON CARDS - NOT ALLOWED IN SCHOOL
An increased number of children have been bringing in Pokemon cards from home over the past week. Please can you let your child know that they are not allowed in school and should stay at home. There have been a number of incidents this week where pupils have become upset due to the swapping and trading of cards and this has then caused some disruption to learning.
READING
Please read with your child at least 3 times a week and record in their personal organisers. Reading with your child, no matter what age, is an important part of developing good reading skills and a lifelong love of reading.
MATHLETICS
A reminder that all children in Y1-6 can login on a regular basis to complete mathletics tasks. The link to mathletics is on the school's homepage and all login information can be found in your child's organiser.
PE KIT
A reminder that on the days your child has PE they are to wear their school PE kit. They are not allowed to wear other clothing. If a PE kit isn't available, they must come to school in their uniform.
PE AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
The after school football clubs for Year 3 & 4 on Monday and Year 5 & 6 on Tuesday for the next two weeks are unfortunately cancelled due to staff training.
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE DONATIONS PLEASE
Do you own a business? Would you like to donate to our annual Christmas Raffle and help raise money for the school? If so, please contact the school office - all donations will be appreciated!
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