Issue 3 - Friday 15th September 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
As the usual Autumn weather returned to Middleton, our Parkfielders have continued to settle back into the routines of school in their new classes. I have been thoroughly impressed with how our Year 3 pupils have transitioned positively into KS2 and how our Y6 class have proven they're ready to be role models for our younger Parkfielders.
Our new pupils in Reception started full time earlier this week and I am certain they will sleep well over the weekend. It was lovely to see our new Reception families join us for lunch this last week - thanks for attending - I hope you enjoyed the experience and have a better understanding of how the lunchtime routine works.
In assembly this week, Mrs Gooding introduced the Parkfield characteristic we are going to be focussing on this half term: Listening. As always, in our lessons we will be reminding pupils what a good listener looks like - please do question them at home to see if they can remember.
Year 5 are going to be demonstrating their resilience next week as they head off to Robinwood for their Residential where they will take part in a range of adventurous activities. I look forward to updating you on the trip next week as I will also be attending - the perks of being a headteacher!
Have a lovely weekend and thanks for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
Y1 MATHLETICS EVENT
Parents and carers of children in Year 1 are welcome to join their child in the school hall next Tuesday 19th September for a Mathletics introduction event. The event is an opportunity for school to explain what Mathletics is, how to access it at home and it is an opportunity to work alongside your child . We hope you can make it but if not we will send out the presentation via email after the event.
FAMILY LEARNING EVENTS
We have planned a number of 'Family Learning' events across the school year where we invite families into school to join their children for a maths, reading and writing lesson. The sessions will take place for one class at a time - making it easier for those families with siblings. All dates and times are available on the school calendar.
DOJO POINTS
You may hear your children talking about Dojo points. This is our new system where children earn points for demonstrating fabulous behaviour and it is just one way that staff at the school can praise your child. Children earn dojos for being 'Ready, Respectful and Safe' or showing our values of being 'Positive, Ambitious, Resilient and Kind'. These replace our house points but children will still be working in the houses to earn as many dojo points possible each week.
To login as a parent to see the points your child has earned, click this link to set up a parent account which we will then approve. Note that we are only using this for Dojo points, not messages or photos, therefore you do not need any of the subscription options you might be offered.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
After school clubs start from Monday for pupils that have been accepted onto a club. An email confirming this will have been sent home. As always our demand exceeds what we can offer but we have tried our best to get as many children possible into at least one club they wanted to join. Due to the high demand for some clubs and to ensure as many children take part as possible we have changed a few clubs to take place at dinner time. This includes Netball club which will now take place on Thursday dinner times.
This term we will have approximately 120 Parkfielders taking part in a club.
PARKFIELD CURRICULUM
Would you like to know what your child is learning this half term? If so, please visit our curriculum website which details the lessons your child will be taught.
JEWELLERY
For health and safety reasons children are not wear hooped earrings, necklaces and bracelets for school.
OPEN MORNINGS AT PARKFIELD
Is your child due to start school in September 2024? We are holding two open mornings on Wednesday 11th October and 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.
YEAR 6 BREAKFAST BOOSTER CLUB - REMINDER
Year 6 pupils are able to attend the FREE Breakfast Booster club from 8.15am where they will complete a range of maths activities to help them prepare for their SATS at the end of the year. These sessions have proven popular in the past and have helped make a real difference to our pupils confidence. We look forward to seeing as many year 6's as possible attend. Entrance is via the red gates at the school hall and breakfast is included.
TOY DONATIONS WANTED - REMINDER
Do you have any unwanted toys such as: action figures, dolls, prams, barbies, cars that our children could use at dinner times? We are looking to increase the number of toys our children play with and any donations would be appreciated.
YEAR 6 SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS - REMINDER
You can now apply for secondary school places on this website: https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/school-admissions-appeals/apply-secondary-school-place . The deadline is the 31st October 2023.
Open days of some of our local High Schools that we are aware of include: St. Anne's (28th September 5.30 - 8.00pm), Midd Tech (Thursday 5th October from 5pm), Edgar Wood (Weds 4th October - times TBC) and Cardinal Langley (Thursday 28th September 5-6pm - parents/carers only). Newhouse Academy (27th September 6pm - 8pm).
READING BOOKMARKS - REMINDER
You will find updated reading bookmarks at the back of your child's home/school record. For every book your child completes mark it off on the bookmark using your intials. These can be any book (including school reading books) Reading more books will allow your children to reach bronze, silver, gold, diamond and platinum levels. We are happy for parents or teachers to initial. This is another way of promoting reading at the school and we want to thank you in advance for your support.
STAFF ROLE CHANGES - REMINDER
Mrs Clawson (was Howard) is our new Deputy Headteacher and one of her roles is SENCO.
Mrs Price is our new Assistant Headteacher and she will be leading EYFS and KS1.
Mr Kemp is now the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by Mrs Smith (was Steele) and Mrs Clawson.
DIARY DATES
Please keep an eye on the diary dates for the whole school year at the bottom of this page or on our website here.
CLASS DOJO Click this link to set up a parent account which we will then approve. Note that we are only using this for Dojo points, not messages or photos, therefore you do not need any of the subscription options you might be offered.
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.
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.
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