Issue 10 - Friday 10th November 2023

Headteacher's Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week, Year 1 and 5 have enjoyed Edventure days with Mr Haughton and some photographs from these memorable days can be found here on our ever popular photo albums page.

Next week is national anti-bullying week and we'll be marking the week with assemblies and lessons teaching pupils about what bullying is and what they can do if they are being bullied. On Monday, we are inviting all children to wear odd socks. The message behind this annual event is that everyone is different and that's OK. 

One of the key message that I will be sharing with Parkfielders next week is the importance of telling someone if they feel they are being bullied, physically or verbally. It is also important for parents to ensure they are making us aware at school of any serious concerns that their children raise with them. When we know, we can and we will tackle any issues. 

Thanks to our school councillors and Mrs Jeffries that have been selling poppies all week to pupils across the school. Thanks so much for supporting the poppy appeal this year.

Next Friday the school are continuing the theme of kindness by taking part in 'Children in Need'. As a result, children are invited to come to school by 'wearing their spots' or coming in non-uniform in return for a donation to this wonderful charity.

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for your continued support.

Mr Kemp

LATEST NEWS

PRIZES WANTED - CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

We are going to be holding our Christmas Raffle for the fourth year in a row later this term to raise money for the school.  This has been a great fundraising event for us. If you are a local business holder that is able to help out and donate a prize please contact the school office and let us know how you can help. Thanks in advance.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT - HELP NEEDED

Our School Council would like to put on a Christmas movie night on Thursday 7th December from 3 - 5pm. However, we need some help from parents/carers to make sure we have enough supervision across the school and to ensure we can include all Parkfielders. If you are able to support on the evening, please contact the school office - any help would be much appreciated. 

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK

Due to it being anti-bullying week next week we thought we would remind the school community the important message that bullying is not tolerated at Parkfield. We define bullying as Several Times On Purpose (STOP) and more information can be found in our anti-bullying policy.

ODD SOCKS DAY

All pupils (and staff) are invited to come to school wearing odd socks on Monday to mark the start of Anti-bullying week. Odd socks day is an annual event that takes place across the country and it provides us with an opportunity for Parkfielders to express themselves, celebrate their individuality and remind is that we are all unique.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT

A separate email has been sent with information about our Christmas Movie night on the 7th December. If you would like your child to attend please send in your money as soon as possible.

OPEN MORNING AT PARKFIELD 

Is your child due to start school in September 2024? We are holding one more open morning on Tuesday 14th November from 9.15am for prospective parents to come and see what life is like at Parkfield. Please book in a visit by contacting the school office.

CLASS DOJO 

We have now over 140 parents signed up! Click this link to set up a parent account which we will then approve. This will provide you with the opportunity to see how many Dojo points your child is has earnt and what for. Please note that we are only using the app for Dojo points, not messages or photos, therefore you do not need any of the subscription options you might be offered. 

TIMESTABLE ROCKSTARS (TTRS) REMINDER

The vast majority of Parkfielders are logging in on a weekly basis to TTRS to help develop their quick recall of multiplication facts. More information about this great resource can be found here: https://ttrockstars.com/parents/ 

SCHOOL KITCHEN CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT - REMINDER

We are letting you know that the management of the school kitchen has changed this week to 'Fresh Kitchen'. Fresh Kitchen are part of the local authority and provide meals to a high number of schools across the borough. The food will continue to be of an excellent standard with the main change you and your child will notice will be a change in menus from 13th November and the staff wearing a different uniform.  The school and Fresh Kitchen are hoping to increase the number of pupils having a school dinner and you will notice some promotional materials being shared over the next couple of months.

HEALTHY SNACKS - NO SWEETS - REMINDER

Please note that only healthy snacks are to be sent into school. Sweets are not permitted. 

EXTRA CURRICULAR SPORTS CLUBS - NEXT WEEK

Latest Class Updates

Newsletter Slides

SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION

Mr Kemp is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by Mrs Clawson and Mrs Smith (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.

More information can be found on the school website here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/safeguarding-and-child-protection.html 

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 and we need your continued support to ensure that we meet this mark.

ATTENDANCE - HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME

Please note that, in line with the school policy, fines will be issued to families that go on a term time holiday where children miss 5 consecutive full days. Currently the fine is £60 per child per parent which equates to a £240 fine for a two parent family with two children. If you are going on holiday due to exceptional circumstances, please speak to the headteacher as a fine may not have to be issued. More information an be found on our attendance policy found here.

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…  

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

influencers.pdf

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 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 

📅 Calendar

🐦 Twitter