Issue 22 - Friday 14th February 2025
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parkfield Families,
We had a fantastic time at our school disco events last night, and it was wonderful to see so many children enjoying themselves. Thank you for your support—every penny raised will go towards new equipment to enhance breaktimes, as well as exciting new books for our class libraries.
This half term, our Parkfielders have demonstrated incredible ambition, from winning sporting awards to showcasing their talents as readers and writers. A special congratulations to our five Parkfield Character Award nominees and two winners, who were recognised for embodying the Parkfield value of ambition. Our school councillors carefully selected the winners after reading the inspiring comments from staff—well done to everyone involved!
This week, our assemblies focused on Internet Safety Week, where children learned important lessons about staying safe online, guided by our Technology Team. If you’d like more information on how to keep your children safe online, we have a range of helpful guides available on our website: E-Safety Resources.
Finally, some of our pupils who use our Cherry Tree Room had an exciting trip to Sparks Gymnastics on Wednesday. They had a fantastic morning filled with rolling, balancing, and trampolining—an experience thoroughly enjoyed by both children and staff!
We hope you have a wonderful half-term break and look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, 24th February.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Mr. Kemp
UPCOMING EVENTS
MONDAY 24TH FEBRUARY - SCHOOL REOPENS
TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY @ 9.00AM - Y4 FAMILY LEARNING Come and join your child for a reading lesson in the school hall
FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY - NON UNIFORM DAY FOR MEMBERS OF WOOD (GREEN) HOUSE
LATEST NEWS
SPRING TERM FEEDBACK
Thank you so much to those that provided us with feedback following our questionnaire that was sent out during the recent parents' evening. A summary of the feedback and some of the school responses can now be found on our 'school community views' page on the school website: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/school-community-views.html
NON-UNIFORM DAY - HOUSE DOJOS WINNER
Congratulations to Wood (Green) house for earning the most Dojos this half term. As a result, all members of Wood are able to wear non-school uniform the first Friday back after half term.
WORLD BOOK DAY - FRIDAY 7TH MARCH - DRESS UP AND BRING A BOOK
Doesn't this seem to come around quickly every year? As always, we are inviting all our Parkfielders to come into school on Friday 7th March dressed as their favourite book character and we would also like them to come with a book to share with a friend on the day. For those that don't want to dress up.....non-uniform is fine! We will be having a day full of activities linked to promoting a love of reading and there will be a prize for the best costume!
WORLD BOOK DAY - 'EXTREME' READING PHOTOS - SEND IN PHOTOS BY THURSDAY 6TH MARCH
To celebrate world book day and promote a love of reading we are also asking children to send in a photo of themselves reading in different places. We've had great examples in the past such as on holiday, in a tree and in the park. These will be placed in a slideshow by our talented Mr Haughton on Friday 7th March. Please send photos into Mr Haughton: shaughton@parkfield.rochdale.sch.uk by Thursday 6th March to be included in the presentation.
PARKFIELD'S GOT TALENT
We are hosting Parkfield's Got Talent at the end of next half term and auditions will be taking place on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of March. If your child would like to audition and show off their talent please remind them to start rehearsing! Our fabulous Mrs Shep and Mrs Bradshaw created a PGT Audition Video to hopefully inspire many of our stars and it can be found by clicking here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q1Ji6nyqVXXLnv92A
SLEEP CHARITY
The sleep charity want to work together with you to make bedtime battles a thing of the past. Follow them for updates, tips, and resources, and get ready to sleep better this February! Download the supporter's pack here: https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/get-involved/awareness-events/
PARENT GOVERNOR One of our parent governor positions is due to expire within the next month and although they wish to remain on the governing board we would like to know if anyone else would like the opportunity to join? If so, please email Mr Kemp (head@parkfield.rochdale.sch.uk) by Friday 28th February to let him know that you're interested and he will happily discuss the process.
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS
We have lots of competitions booked over the next few months so please check the newsletter each week to see whether your child's club is on or not.
Monday 24th February - Year 3/4 Multi Sports (This club is full - If you would like your child to be added to the waiting list please let Mrs Banks know)
Tuesday 25th February - Year 5/6 Football (This club is full - If you would like your child to be added to the waiting list please let Mrs Banks know)
Wednesday 26th February - Dance Club (This club is full - If you would like your child to be added to the waiting list please let Mrs Banks know)
Thursday 27th February - Year 5/6 Cross Country
REMINDERS
TOYS, TEDDIES AND FIDGETS
A number of children have started to bring in toys, teddies and fidgets in from home. These are not allowed in school and cause numerous issues and distractions for children. Please remind children to keep these at home. If your child requires a fidget to help them with their attention in class, school will provide them with one.
ATTENDANCE
If your child is feeling slightly unwell, please send them into school—we will support them as best we can. If their condition worsens, we will contact you and make appropriate arrangements. This week, a number of children came into school not feeling 100% but felt better as the day went on - which meant they didn't miss any learning.
Did you know that to meet our school attendance target of 96%, your child should have no more than 7 days of absence across the entire school year? Regular attendance is essential for your child's progress and achievement, and we encourage them to be in school every day.
HOMEWORK
A reminder that children in Y1-6 have various homework activities each week.
Reading - please read a minimum of 3 times per week.
Numberbots (Y1-2) and Timestables Rock Stars (Y3-6)
Emile - Spellings
Mathletics - maths activities linked to the curriculum
All links can be found on the school website homepage and logins are in your child's personal organiser.
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.
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.
ATTENDANCE
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.
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
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 £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 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 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
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
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