Issue 18 - Friday 17th January 2025
Issue 18 - Friday 17th January 2025
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Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parkfield Families,
Although we’re only in the second week of the spring term, it has been wonderful to see so many of you participating in this week’s events. The partnership between home and school is incredibly important in helping every Parkfielder succeed, and: the Y6 family learning session, EYFS reading event and coffee morning have been shining examples of the fantastic support we receive from our families.
This week also marks Mrs. Clawson’s final week with us before she begins her maternity leave. I’m sure you will all join me in wishing her and her family all the best as they prepare for the exciting arrival of their new baby.
Mr. Russell has already settled into his role as our new Deputy Headteacher and SENDCO, having had a strong handover with Mrs. Clawson. Over the next 12 months, he will be taking on her responsibilities and is excited to become a key part of the Parkfield community.
Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Mr. Kemp
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
TUESDAY 21ST JANUARY @ 9.00AM - Y5 FAMILY LEARNING Familes are welcome to join us for a reading lesson in the school hall.
TUESDAY 28TH JANUARY @ 9.00AM - Y4 FAMILY LEARNING Familes are welcome to join us for a reading lesson in the school hall.
TUESDAY 28TH JANUARY @ 3.30 - 6.30PM - PARENT'S EVENING - Y1 ONLY Email with information how to book your slot will arrive early next week
WEDNESDAY 29TH JANUARY @ 3.30PM - 6.30PM - PARENT'S EVENING (Reception, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6) Email with information how to book your slot will arrive early next week
WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY @ 2.15PM - READING CAFE - Y2 families welcome
WEDNESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY @ 2.15PM - READING CAFE - Y1 families welcome
LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS
Parents and Carers - Tell us what you need to Support your Neurodiverse Child!
Services in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Integrated Care Partnership are continually thinking about what offers of support we can develop for children, young people and parents/carers needing help either with or without an autism or ADHD diagnosis. The views of parents and carers are important to ensure we have meaningful resources available that are right for families. Please click the link below to take you to a short survey, where you can tell us your preferred topics for webinars and workshops and how you would like them to be delivered. It will only take a minute to complete the survey and your input is really valued.
NO SWEETS AND UNHEALTHY SNACKS
There has been a slight increase in the number of children bringing in sweets, chocolate bars and other unhealthy snacks each morning in Key Stage 2. Plese don't send your child in with these items. We do have a tuck shop where suitable items are available for only 20p each. These include cereal bars, crackers, bread sticks...etc.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS - PLEASE APPLY
Are you entitled to Free School meals? If you're not sure please read the information and apply using the link here. School receives additional funding for those pupils that are entitled for free school meals and this much needed funding helps better support all Parkfielders. Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 or they're on packed lunch - please still apply. In addition, if there has been a change in your family circumstances (i.e. recently become unemployed) you may also be entitled to apply for Free School Meals.
READING CAFE INVITATION FOR FAMILES IN YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2
Over the coming weeks, we are holding reading cafes for our parents across KS1. The reading cafe will be an opportunity for you to learn more about phonics and share stories with your children with a warm drink and refreshments. We would love to see you all there!
Please attend the date allocated for your child's class. If you have children in more than one KS1 class please chose the most convenient date.
Wednesday 12th February 2.15- 3.15 - Year 1
Wednesday 5th February 2.15 - 3.15 Year 2
WELCOME INTERIM DEPUTY HEAD & SENDCO - MR RUSSELL
Mrs Clawson is due to finish for her maternity leave this next week and as a result we have Mr Russell joining the Parkfield team to cover for the next 12 months. Mr Russell is an experienced Deputy Head and SENCO from another Rochdale school and has enjoyed his first week as a Parkfielder.
ECO TEAM NEED YOUR HELP!!
Mrs Banks has received some free hedging plants from the Woodland Trust. Have we got any enthusiastic parents/grandparents/guardians that would be willing to give up some time (and get their hands dirty) on the 27th January between 10am and 11.30am to help Mrs Banks and the Eco Team plant them.
If this is something you could help with then please let Mrs Banks know ASAP.
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS
If you signed your child up to an after school sports club and they have gained a place then you should by now have received an email. The following clubs start next week:-
Monday 20th January - Year 3/4 Multi Sports
Tuesday 21st January - Year 5/6 Football
Year 5/6 Cross Country - THIS DOES NOT BEGIN UNTIL THURSDAY 30TH JANUARY DUE TO FOOTBALL FIXTURE
REMINDERS
REMINDERS
WELCOME INTERIM DEPUTY HEAD & SENDCO - MR RUSSELL
Mrs Clawson is due to finish for her maternity leave this next week and as a result we have Mr Russell joining the Parkfield team to cover for the next 12 months. Mr Russell is an experienced Deputy Head and SENCO from another Rochdale school and has enjoyed his first week as a Parkfielder.
ATTENDANCE
Our Whole School Attendance at the end of Autumn term is 95.4%. Although this is slightly under our target of 96% it is an improvement on last year and we want to thank you for your support with getting your children into school every day.
The great news is that Y3, 4 and 5 have achieved the 96% target this term - well done to those classes. In addition, a total of 75 pupils had 100% attendance this past half term and were entered into today's prize draw.
A reminder 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 £160 per child per parent which equates to a £640 fine for a two parent family with two children. This is reduced to £320 if paid within 21 days. 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.
EMILE
We hope your child is enjoying using Emile at home. Please note that the children are able to access games and activities at all times on Emile, even when there is no task set for them to complete.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS - PLEASE APPLY
If you are entitled to Free School meals please ensure you have applied using the link here. School receives additional funding for those pupils that are entitled for free school meals and this much needed funding helps better support all Parkfielders. Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 or they're on packed lunch - please still apply. If there has been a change in your family circumstances you may also be entitled to apply for Free School Meals.
CLASS DOJO
Would you like to see how well your child is doing at school? We award Dojo points for pupils that go 'above and beyond' in the classroom and these can be seen by parents if you download the app. We have over 80% of our families signed up already! If you click this link to set up a parent account we will then approve it. This acess 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.
Latest Class Updates
SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
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
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
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 £160 per child per parent which equates to a £640 fine for a two parent family with two children. This is reduced to £320 if paid within 21days. 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
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
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 shortly after.
If you arrive after the doors are closed you will have to come through the school office.
Arrivals after 9.30am are classed as an unauthorised absence for the morning session.
HEALTH and SAFETY
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, 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 possibility 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.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
MENTAL 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
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