Issue 18 - Friday 19th January 2024

Headteacher's Welcome

Dear Parkfield Families,

What a delightful week it has been with the beautiful weather gracing us!

Our school thrives on the invaluable partnership between home and school in shaping our students' educational journey. It has been heartening to witness numerous family members actively participating in various school events this week, including a Reception and Year 1 family learning event, a Year 5 class assembly, and a SEND coffee morning. A heartfelt thank you to all those who joined these sessions; your presence enhances our school community.

Recognising the significance of such engagements, we are delighted to inform you that we will continue hosting family learning events throughout the Spring term, with a primary focus on reading. These events are designed to empower you with the skills and confidence to support your child's learning at home. The upcoming Year 6 event is scheduled for next Tuesday at 9 am, with events for other classes planned throughout the term. Please refer to the school calendar to find details about your child's specific event.

Earlier this week, Mrs. Gooding introduced the Parkfield character focus for this term—'AMBITION.' She has challenged our Parkfielders to embody ambition both at school and at home. If you believe your child has demonstrated this characteristic at home, we invite you to share a picture and a brief explanation via email. We would love to showcase their achievements on the school website.

Your unwavering support is truly appreciated, and it undeniably contributes to the success of our school community. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.

Have a wonderful weekend

Mr Kemp

LATEST NEWS

YEAR 6 FAMILY LERNING AND SATS INFORMATION - TUESDAY 23rd @ 9am

Next Tuesday 23rd January, Y6 families are welcome to join us in the hall at 9am for our Spring term family learning event. The session will be about the Y6 SATS later in the year and you will work alongside your child during a reading session. We hope you can make it.

SMART WATCHES

Please note that children should not be wearing apple watches or other gadgets which can take photographs or access the internet. They are not appropriate and are also likely to get lost or damaged.

PE KIT EXPECTATIONS

A reminder that children must wear the correct PE kit on their PE days. If your child doesn't have a blue hoodie and white t-shirt, please send them into school in their normal uniform and they will be able to get changed before their PE lesson.  Please could you also make sure your child's hair is tied up on PE days.  Thank you.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS

Please also note that sometimes the clubs will not be on due to fixtures versus other Middleton schools.  This will be updated each week here on the newsletter and also on the school calendar.

Monday 22/01 - Year 3/4 Football

Tuesday 23/01 - Year 5/6 Football

Wednesday 24/01- Year 5/6 Multi sports 

Thursday 25/01 - Year 3/4/5/6 Cross Country

REMINDERS

ATTENDANCE

In the news, there's a significant push on school attendance from the government, highlighting the crucial role regular attendance plays in a child's education. I wholeheartedly agree, as we've observed that students who miss school often find it challenging to catch up with their peers. Every lesson and every day truly matter.

Currently, our school's attendance stands at 93.9%, and I am optimistic about seeing this figure rise over the next few terms. Our target is 96%, and with your support, I am confident we can achieve it. The NHS has provided a helpful link for parents on what to do if your child is unwell, which you can find here

Additionally, if your child experiences diarrhoea or vomiting, please contact the school office to discuss symptoms and determine the best course of action for their absence. Depending on the circumstances, your child may be able to return after 24 hours.

CLASS DOJO 

We have now over 160 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 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)

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/ 

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 

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