Issue 21 - Friday 9th February 2024
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parkfield Families,
As we approach the final week of this half term, it's heartening to witness the remarkable progress and positivity that has permeated every corner of our school over the past five weeks. For a glimpse into these wonderful moments, I encourage you to visit the Parkfield page on X (formerly Twitter). There, you'll find a delightful showcase of the fantastic learning experiences captured across our school.
This week, our Year 6 technology team took center stage, leading informative presentations on online safety which linked to National Safer Internet Day 2024. Their dedication extended to reading stories to each class, imparting crucial messages about staying safe in the digital world.
Additionally, our Year 6 students showcased their talents in a performance of Matilda at Cardinal Langley on Thursday evening. After weeks of diligent practice, they performed brilliantly and were a credit to Parkfield. To those fortunate family members who attended, thanks for attending and I trust the experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
In our ongoing efforts to enhance the lunchtime experience for our Parkfielders, we've introduced zoned areas to the playground. These zones offer a diverse range of activities, from imaginative den building, to creative dress-up and engaging colouring sessions. Such activities foster important qualities like sharing, communication and imaginative play. The success of this initiative in Key Stage 1 has inspired us to extend it to Key Stage 2 in the coming months. Your generous support through recent events, including next week's disco, ensures the continuation of these invaluable programs at our school. Thank you.
As we prepare to bid farewell to another week, I extend my warmest wishes for a delightful weekend to all of you and I want to remind you that we break up for half term next Friday 16th February for one week.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
SCHOOL DISCO - NEX WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 3.15-4.15PM
The school council would like to raise some money by having an end of term disco on Wednesday 14th February. On that day all Parkfielders are invited to come to school in non-uniform with those paying to join the disco able to stay between 3.15 and 4.15pm. If you would like your child to attend please send £2 into school in a named envelope.
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
Well done to the Year 5 footballers who competed in a 5-a-side competition earlier this week against schools across Middleton. Mrs Banks was very impressed with the commitment, teamwork and enthusiasm of the group and was very proud of their performance.
YEAR 2 FAMILY LEARNING
Thanks to those family members that were able to attend the Y2 family learning event earlier this week. We hope you found the event useful and we're still waiting for the £1,000,000 payment!
Y4 CLASS ASSEMBLY - postponed until 21st MARCH
Please note that we have postponed the Y4 class assembly until the 21st March 2023.
PARKFIELD'S GOT TALENT
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday dinner times next week our Parkfielders will have the opportunity to audition for our annual event of Parkfield's Got Talent. It is a wonderful opportunity for many of pupils to showcase their many talents on stage in front of their peers. A huge thanks to Mrs Hartley and Miss Dippnall who will be coordinating this year's event.
PARENTS' EVENING SIGN UP
Keep an eye out for an email next week with details of how to sign up for an appointment for the Spring term Parent's evening which is due to take place on Wednesday 28th February between 3.30 and 6.30pm.
NO SWEETS AND UNHEALTHY SNACKS
A reminder that sweets and unhealthy snacks are not suitable for breaktimes for pupils in KS2.
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 12/02 - Year 3/4 Football
Tuesday 13/02 - Year 5/6 Football
Wednesday 14/02- Year 5/6 Multi sports (CANCELLED DUE TO SCHOOL DISCO)
Thursday 15/02 - Year 3/4/5/6 Cross Country
REMINDERS
NO DOGS ON THE PLAYGROUND
A reminder that dogs are not allowed on the school site. This is for health and safety reasons and because many of our pupils are afraid and it causes great distress.
EARRINGS
For safety reasons, earrings worn in school should only be the small stud type.
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.
DONATIONS FOR FOREST SCHOOL
Due to the successful introduction of the Forest School sessions in school we are now looking for a few donations of small wooden pallets and large (empty) cable reels.
If you feel you could help, please speak to Mrs Banks (PE).
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.
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
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…
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
STAY SAFE EARLY BIRDS - REMINDER
If your child is attending Early Birds, please walk down the path and through the KS1 yard - it may take a few more seconds but it's much safer than walking through the busy car park. If the hall door is ever closed as we now get into the colder months, simply ring the bell for assistance.
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.
influencers.pdfMENTAL 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