Issue 6 - Friday 6th October 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
Over the past few weeks, thousands of Dojo points have been awarded to our Parkfielders for a range of things such as: being ready, being kind, showing respect, walking safely around the school, being on task or being helpful. You can see the dojos your child has earnt by signing up to the dojo app. Over 70% of Parkfield families have already signed up - which is great - and I hope you enjoy seeing the reasons as to why your children are being awarded their dojos. It's a great way of improving that home - school link and gives you something positive to discuss with your child.
There have been a few memorable moments for our Parkfielders this week as they ventured out on trips. Year 2 and 4 had an informative visit to the local church for a 'Harvest Experience' whilst Y6 headed off to the 'crucial crew' event at Rochdale Football Club . Photos from the events can be found on our popular photo albums page.
Thanks to those Y6 families that were able to join their child for a maths lesson in school earlier this week for our family learning event. It was great to see such a high number of parents and carers and we hope the session helped you understand how to further support your child with their maths. Our next family learning event is for Y5 and it takes place in a couple of weeks.
Have a lovely weekend and thanks for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
PARENTS' EVENING
An email was sent earlier this week which detailed how you can use our online booking system to arrange an appointment with your child's class teacher this Wednesday 11th October. The 5 minute meeting is to discuss how your child has settled into their new class and to disucss ways that you can support your child over the next year in reading, writing and maths. If you haven't yet booked you can click here to book and if you have any issues, please contact the school office.
OPEN MORNING 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.
HARVEST SERVICE - DONATIONS WELCOME
If you are able, please send in a donation into school this Monday 9th October for our special Harvest assembly. The Middleton Foodbank will be collecting the donations on the day and they will be sent to families across the local community. The foodbank are asking for tins, packets and even 'bags for life' this year. Any support will be greatly appreciated.
ALLERGIES - NO PEANUTS
A reminder that Parkfield is a nut free environment and no foods containing nuts should be sent into school for snack or lunchtimes.
VOLUNTEER READERS
We are always looking for volunteers to come in to school and read with the children. If you have a spare hour or two in your week and would be able to offer this time to read with some of our children and support their reading development, we would be very grateful. Please email the office with your preferred dates and times and if you have a preferred class to read with.
FAMILY LEARNING - YEAR 5
Family members of children in Year 5 are welcome to join us in the hall on Tuesday 17th October from 9 - 10am. There will be an opportunity to work alongide your child and support them with their maths.
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.
EXTRA CURRICULAR SPORTS CLUBS - NEXT WEEK
MONDAY - Year 3/4 FOOTBALL 3.15PM - 4PM
TUESDAY - Year 5/6 FOOTBALL 3.15PM - 4PM (CANCELLED DUE TO YEAR 5/6 FOOTBALL MATCH) - If your child has been chosen for the match they will have received a letter.
WEDNESDAY - Year 3/4 MULTI SPORTS 3.15PM - 4PM
THURSDAY - Year 5/6 NETBALL (LUNCHTIME)
THURSDAY - Year 3/4 CROSS COUNTRY 3.15PM - 4PM and YEAR 5/6 FOOTBALL MATCH @ PARKFIELD - If your child has been chosen for the match they will have received a letter.
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.
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