Issue 22 - Friday 16th February 2024
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parkfield Families,
What an incredible week it has been at Parkfield! From dazzling dance moves to budding talents, our Parkfielders have truly shone bright.
Firstly, a huge round of applause to our School Council for organising a successful whole school disco on Wednesday night. Our students danced, sang, and enjoyed exciting party games, making unforgettable memories. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff who supported this event. Together, we raised over £400! These funds will be used to enhance the lunchtime experience for all our Parkfielders, ensuring every moment at school is filled with joy and excitement.
Speaking of talents, congratulations to all the gifted Parkfielders who showcased their skills during the auditions for Parkfield's Got Talent. The standard of performances was exceptional, reflecting the incredible talent within our school community. Those who have advanced to the live finals on Tuesday, 26th March, have been notified. Those that weren't successful for their own act will be invited to join others with a group dance for the opening of PGT. We wish our finalists the best of luck as they prepare for the big day ahead!
Additionally, our Year 4 class embarked on an enriching field trip to Alkrington Woods earlier this week, immersing themselves in an exciting exploration of rivers as part of their Geography curriculum. The experience was both educational and unforgettable, fostering a deeper understanding of the River Irk. Photos capturing the highlights of this trip, along with other memorable moments from the week, can be found on our popular Twitter (X) feed.
As we approach the half-term break, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families. May this time be filled with relaxation, fun, and cherished moments together. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our Parkfielders back to school on Monday, 26th February, rejuvenated and ready for more exciting learning adventures.
Thank you for your continued support,
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
WORLD BOOK DAY - DRESS UP AS A CHARACTER - FRIDAY 8th MARCH
Although the official day is Thursday 7th March, at Parkfield we will be celebrating World Book Day on Friday 8th March and we are inviting children to come dressed as a favourite character from a book! If you are struggling for inspiration, there are lots of low-cost, simple ideas on websites such as The School Run and Pinterest.
WORLD BOOK DAY COMPETITION
Following last year’s successful ‘Reading in Unusual Places’ competition. We will be inviting all Parkfielders to take part in this competition again. All you have to do is choose an unusual place to read and ask an adult to take a photograph of you reading there!
Your unusual place could be somewhere at home, at the park, out for a walk or anywhere else your imagination takes you! Remember to check with an adult that your 'unusual place' is a safe one and always be sensible when completing this challenge. Please send your photographs to shaughton@parkfield.rochdale.sch.uk by 3pm on Wednesday 6th March. We will display the photographs in our World Book Day assembly and book prizes will be awarded to the three winning photographs. Happy unusual reading!
DROP EVERYTHING AND READ
As a fun edition to the celebrations, throughout World Book Day, the children will be asked to 'Drop everything and read!' An alert will be given in every classroom and the children will stop what they are doing and read their reading book. Please could all children bring in to school something to read from home during our 'Drop everything and read' moments. This might be a book, a magazine, a comic or anything else they are enjoying reading at the moment. Please could children avoid bringing in anything that is precious or sentimental. Thank you!
RETURN OF THE 'SECRET READER'
To promote a love of reading we are re-launching our 'Secret Reader' initiative on Friday 8th March (World Book Day). This is where an adult comes into the class for the last 15-20 minutes of the day and reads to the children. However, the children won't know who is coming in and what is being read until the adult arrives. The secret reader may be a teacher, older pupil, ex-pupil or a family member. If you're interested please click here to suggest which days from 8th March onwards that would suit you best and the office will contact you. Thank you!
HOUSE REWARD DAY
On Friday 1st March, members of Wood House are able to come to school in non-uniform as a reward for winning the dojo points house competition over the past half term.
SCHOOL DINNER PRICES
Unfortunately, we are having to increase the cost of our school dinners to £2.60 per day (£13 per week) from after Easter. This is a result of increased costs over the past 12 months. Changes will be made automatically on School Gateway.
PARENTS' EVENING SIGN UP
You can now sign up for a 5 minute slot to see your child's class teacher on Wednesday 28th February between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. The meetings, which will take place in the school hall, will focus on your child's progress in reading, writing and maths. The link to sign up has been emailed out and you can also click here: https://parkfieldprimary.schoolcloud.co.uk/
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS
Please also note that sometimes the clubs will not be on due to fixtures versus other Middleton schools. This will be updated each week here on the newsletter and also on the school calendar.
Monday 26/02 - Year 3/4 Football
Tuesday 27/02 - Year 5/6 Football - YEAR 5/6 CROSS COUNTRY COMPETITION @ ELMWOOD (CHILDREN WILL HAVE BEEN GIVEN A LETTER IF SELECTED)
Wednesday 28/02 - Cancelled due to parent's evening
Thursday 29/02 - Year 3/4/5/6 Cross Country
REMINDERS
DONATIONS FOR FOREST SCHOOL
Due to the successful introduction of the Forest School sessions in school we are now looking for a few donations of small wooden pallets and large (empty) cable reels.
If you feel you could help, please speak to Mrs Banks (PE).
NO SWEETS AND UNHEALTHY SNACKS
A reminder that sweets and unhealthy snacks are not suitable for breaktimes for pupils in KS2.
PE KIT EXPECTATIONS
A reminder that children must wear the correct PE kit on their PE days. If your child doesn't have a blue hoodie and white t-shirt, please send them into school in their normal uniform. Please could you also make sure your child's hair is tied up on PE days. Thank you.
CLASS DOJO
We have now over 170 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