Issue 7 - Friday 13th October 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
A huge thanks to all that were able to kindly donate food items for Monday's Harvest assembly. Following the assembly, food was collected by staff from Middleton Foodbank who were very grateful with the wide variety of food and said that it will go to many families across the borough that are in need of support at this difficult time.
A few of our Y3 pupils had the wonderful opportunity this week to compete at Manchester United's training group - The Cliff. They worked hard and came third in a highly competitive tournament. Well done to all involved.
Wednesday's parents' evening went really well with over 90% of our Parkfield families attending. I hope the evening gave you the opportunity to find out how well your child has settled into their new class and work out what you can do at home to support them do their best.
Our Autumn term parental questionnaire was sent out on Wednesday and if you haven't had the opportunity to share your views with us please do so by clicking here. It will take less than 5 minutes and it gives the school an idea about what we are doing well and where we need to improve.
Have a lovely weekend and thanks for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
WHOLE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS - THURSDAY 19TH
Please note that children across the whole school will be having their photograph taken next Thursday 19th October. Both individual and sibling photographs will be taken and you will receive a copy of your child's picture soon after the photographer visit which will include information on how you can order the photos.
On the day Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can come to school wearing school uniform and trainers because it is their PE day. No PE kit needs to be sent in. Y3,4,5,6 Cross Country pupils need to bring PE kit to change into after school.
Unfortunately, we don't have the time or space to take photographs with other family members.
FAMILY LEARNING - YEAR 5
Family members of children in Year 5 are welcome to join us in the hall this Tuesday 17th October from 9 - 10am. There will be an opportunity to work alongside your child and support them with their maths.
YEAR 2 CLASS ASSEMBLY
Families of our Y2 pupils are welcome to come into school next Wednesday 18th October at 9am for the Y2 class assembly. Our talented Parkfielders are going to be sharing their learning that has taken place over the past half term. We hope you can make it.
Y6 PARENTS' EVENING
The re-arrange parents evening for Y6 parents has now been scheduled for next Thursday 19th. Please keep an eye on your emails to book a time slot. All meetings with Mr Robinson will take place in the Pastoral office just inside the main entrance of the school.
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.
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.
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 - CANCELLED DUE TO STAFF TRAINING
THURSDAY - Year 5/6 NETBALL (LUNCHTIME)
THURSDAY - Year 3/4 CROSS COUNTRY 3.15PM - 4PM and YEAR 5/6 CROSS COUNTRY AT ST PETERS PRIMARY SCHOOL - If your child has been chosen for the year 5/6 cross country they will have received a letter.
ROCHDALE FOOTBALL CLUB TICKETS
We have 4 tickets available for Rochdale FC V Gateshead FC on Tuesday 24th October - 18.45 Kick off. This is at Rochdale FC. If you would like to attend this event please see Mrs Banks ASAP.
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.
Latest Class Updates
CLASS DOJO We have over 120 parents already 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.
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