Issue 16 - Thursday 21st December 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parkfield families
As we wrap up an eventful and joy-filled four-day week at Parkfield, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the festive spirit that has enveloped our school.
The Christmas performances by our talented Year 1 and Reception Parkfielders were fabulous. Their enthusiasm and positivity lit up the stage, creating memorable moments for both the school and their families. A heartfelt thank you to all the families who attended, providing our young Parkfielders with the chance to showcase their brilliance on stage.
Yesterday's Christmas parties were a resounding success, with Santa himself making a special appearance to spread holiday cheer. It was delightful to see our Parkfielders donning their Christmas jumpers and party clothes, adding a touch of festive magic to the day. Be sure to check our school's photo album website page for snapshots of the joyous occasion.
Additionally, our Christmas tree selfie collection, graciously shared by our families, has been compiled into a festive slideshow by the talented Mr. Haughton. Take a moment to enjoy the holiday spirit captured in these pictures (also found on the photo album page)—it's a wonderful way to relive the magic of the season.
As we approach the holiday break, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May your Christmas be filled with joy, laughter, and precious moments with loved ones. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday, 8th January, ready for a new year of learning and growth.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
THANK YOU MR HENSON
Mr Henson has spent the past 28 years as Parkfield's caretaker and in all that time he has ensured the school environment was of an exceptional standard for all Parkfielders that have passed through. He retires today after dedicating the vast majority of his working life to Parkfield - something we are all grateful for. Mr Henson is going to be missed by staff and pupils and we wish him a long and happy retirement.
SPRINGHILL HOSPICE REINDEER RUN SPONSORSHIP - THANKS
This fundraiser has demonstrated what a 'kind' school community we have at Parkfield with the vast majority of Parkfielders raising money for such a wonderful cause. All children took part in the reindeer run last week and we have raised a total of £1320 - which is an amazing amount. A huge thanks to all our families and a special thank you to the following pupils that raised the most: Jayme (Y6), Addison (Y4), Lottie (Y2), Lottie (Rec), Ryley (Y3), Stevie (Rec) and Chloe (Y6).
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Thank you to all that purchased tickets for our Christmas raffle - we raised over £700 with the draw taking place live on Zoom yesterday. We have contacted the winners of the 45 different prizes and we would like to thank all the businesses and individuals that contributed to the raffle. Your support is really appreciated.
CHRISTMAS SERVICE IN THE SCHOOL HALL
Thank you to all that were able to attend our Parkfield Christmas service at school this morning and sorry for any inconvenience caused having to move the service to school due to the poor weather. Congratulations to the Year 6 pupils and the rest of KS2 that read and performed brilliantly. A special thanks to our school choir and Mrs Astley who always add that little spark of magic at this time of the year.
AUTUMN TERM REPORTS
Reports for children in Y1-6 were sent out yesterday. and these indicate the effort grades for Parkfielders across different subjects.
HOUSE REWARD DAY
On Friday 12th January members of both Archers and Wood Houses are able to come to school in non-uniform as a reward for winning the dojo points house competition over the past half term.
POETRY DAY - WEDNESDAY 10TH JANUARY
We are looking forward to welcoming poet Paul Jenkins back into school in the new year where he will be working with children across the school.
YEAR 1 FAMILY LEARNING
An early invite to parents of Year 1 Parkfielders who are welcome to work alongside their child in a maths lesson on Tuesday 16th January at 9am in the hall. We look forward to seeing you there.
YEAR 5 CLASS ASSEMBLY
Year 5 will be showcasing their learning in a special class assembly on Thursday 18th January at 9am. Familes of Y5 pupils are welcome to join us.
TECHNOLOGY TEAM CLUB
Carries on as normal on the first day back in January, Monday 8th January.
REMINDERS
CARETAKER POSITION
We are looking for a new part time caretaker in the new year and the job advertisement can be found on the GreaterJobs page - if you know anyone that would love the job - please let them know.
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