Issue 37 - Friday 26th June 2026
Issue 37 - Friday 26th June 2026
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Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parkfield Families,
It has been an incredibly hot week at Parkfield, and I would like to start by saying how impressed we have been with the children. Despite the soaring temperatures, they have continued to work hard, stay positive and make the most of their learning opportunities. Huge thanks to the staff that have put in the appropriate measures this week to keep the children as comfortable as possible. Thank you also to families for supporting us by ensuring children have arrived with water bottles, sun cream and appropriate clothing throughout the week.
A huge congratulations goes to our fantastic dance team, who competed in the recent PiraMidd Dance Competition against other schools from across Middleton. Our 'Rock Divas' performed brilliantly and were deservedly awarded the prize for Most Creative Dance. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work, creativity and commitment shown by everyone involved. Huge thanks to Mrs Banks and Miss Dippnall who have supported the group over the past few months.
Meanwhile, our Year 6 pupils have been enjoying an unforgettable three days on their Blackpool residential. From visiting local attractions to spending time with friends and making lifelong memories, the trip has been packed with excitement. The children have been a credit to the school throughout, and we look forward to sharing photographs from the residential with families very soon.
Earlier this week, our Year 6 pupils also attended a special Children's University Graduation Ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall. The event celebrated the many enrichment activities that children take part in beyond the classroom and recognised their commitment to learning outside of school hours. It was a wonderful occasion and a fitting reward for their hard work and participation.
Finally, thank you to the families who were able to attend the Year 2 Class Assembly yesterday. These assemblies provide a fantastic opportunity for children to showcase their learning, develop their public speaking skills and demonstrate the confidence, positivity and resilience that we encourage at Parkfield. The children did a wonderful job and should be very proud of themselves.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mr Kemp
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
WEDNESDAY 1ST JULY - Y6 CAREERS DAY - Please see information below - we need some help! Thanks to those that have already let us know that they can come in and support.
THURSDAY 2ND JULY - Y2 @ LYTHAM ST. ANNE'S TRIP AND Y5 @ QUARRY BANK MILL TRIP
FRIDAY 3RD JULY - FORFEIT DAY - Children are welcome to wear non-school uniform in exchange for a 'bottle'. These bottles will then be used at the Summer Fair the following week. Thanks in advance for your support.
MONDAY 6TH JULY @ 4PM - NEW INTAKE FAMILY MEETING - Parents and Carers of our new arrivals for this September are welcome to join us in the school hall to find out about transition day and also arrangements for September.
TUESDAY 7TH JULY - TRANSITION DAY - All Parkfielders will be spending a day in their new classes with their new teachers in preparation for September. Year 6 will be spending the day at their new high schools.
THURSDAY 9TH JULY @ 9AM - YEAR 1 CLASS ASSEMBLY - Families of Year 1 pupils are welcome to join the school in the hall as Year 1 present their class assembly. We hope you can make it.
FRIDAY 10TH JULY @ 3.15PM - SUMMER FAIR All welcome!!!!!! Please bring cash to spend at the many different stalls and help Parkfield raise as much money as possible!
TUESDAY 14TH JULY - RECEPTION CLASS ASSEMBLY @ 9AM - Families of our Reception pupils are welcome to come into the school hall to watch our youngest Parkfielders share their learning from the past term in their first ever class assembly. We hope you can make it. (This has been rescheduled to this date due to this week's heat wave.)
LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS
SCHOOL SPORTS PLATINUM AWARD
Congratulations to Mrs Banks who has worked tirelessly over the past few years to earn Parkfield the School Games 'Platinum Award'. This award is presented to schools that have demonstrated a high level of dedication towards PE and sport over the past five years. Our Parkfielders get a range of opportunities to take part in these activities, such as: two hours of high quality PE each week, after school sports clubs and inter-school competitions. Well done Mrs Banks and thanks for everything you do at Parkfield!
YEAR 4 LINKING SCHOOLS PROJECT
Earlier this week, Year 4 had the oportunity to meet up again with their 'link class' from Brimrod primary as they hosted a special day of events and activities. The two classes worked together throughout the day and it was a great oportunity for our Y4s to meet other pupils from across the borough.
FREE BREAKFAST CLUB QUESTIONNAIRE
Many thanks to those families that were able to respond to the recent 'brekfast club' questionnaire. Those responses have given us an insight into the level of demand there would be if a free breakfast club was to be offered and meant we can plan accordingly. At the moment, there is going to be no change to the current set up but we will let you know when we are in a position to offer this opportunity.
ASPIRATIONAL CAREERS DAY - we need your help!
Year 6 are having a careers day on Wednesday 1st July . The morning will include our Year 6s interviewing members of the Parkfield community about their jobs and how they got to where they are today. The aim of the day is for our pupils to realise that there are many different employment opportunities and through hard work, a good education and training they can achieve great things.
Please complete this form if you are able to spend up to 30 minutes in the morning speaking to our Y6s about your role, how you got to where you are today and don't mind answering questions. Hopefully, you'll inspire one of our pupils to follow in your footsteps!
BROADBENTS
This year, Broadbents school uniform shop have decided to extend their opening hours to offer those families who prefer a quieter environment a calming free fitting service. This will be by appointment only, with each family getting a 15 minute time slot where no other customer will be in the shop. The dates they have scheduled in are 9th and 23rd July from 5.30pm. Please call the shop directly to book an appointment if you want to use this service (0161 643 5193 / 07572 601886).
ALL SAINTS AND MARTYR FUNDRAISING EVENT
The church is raising money to raise funds to help with maintenance and repair costs and are hosting a family bingo night on the 27th June. Please see the poster below for more details.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS ⚽🎾🏃
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS ⚽🎾🏃
FINAL WEEK OF CLUBS!
Tuesday 30/06/26 Year 5/6 Cricket & Rounders Club
Thursday 2/07/26 Year 3/4 Boys Rochdale AFC - You will have received an email regarding this if your child is attending.
REMINDERS
REMINDERS
CLASS TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF FOR SEPTEMBER
We are in a position to announce the staff working in each class for next academic year.
Reception: Mrs Taylor, Miss Dippnall, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Shepherdson
Year 1: Mrs Gibson, Mrs Rowarth, Mrs Buckley
Year 2: Miss McCall, Mrs Mullane, Miss Hall
Year 3: Mrs Hartley, Mrs Gully, Mrs Heyes
Year 4: Mrs Gooding, Mrs McKenna, Miss Howarth, Miss Balfe
Year 5: Mrs Acil, Mr Shearman, Mr Campion, Mrs Cocking
Year 6: Mr Robinson, Mrs Naughton, Miss Hamilton
Cherry Tree Room: Miss Bundock, Miss Olettket, Mrs Randell
The staff will be getting to know the children they will be working with over the next few weeks to make the transition as smooth as possible.
OFFICE STAFFING CHANGES
Mrs Cummings, our School Business Manager for the past three years, is leaving Parkfield at the end of this term. She has successfully been appointed at a school in Manchester and she will be missed by all at Parkfield. We have successfully recruited a new business manager, Miss Speedy, who will be completing a handover over the coming weeks.
Also in the office, Miss Pritchard will be going on maternity leave mid September and as a result we have a new member of staff, Miss Holden, also completing a handover and supporting in the front office. Welcome to both of the new Parkfield team members.
YEAR 5 BREAKFAST BOOSTER
In preparation for next academic year, our Year 5 Parkfielders are now invited to come into Breakfast Booster club from 8.15am every morning to take part in a range of online activities that will support them with their maths and English. The club is FREE (from 8.15am) and all year 5's are welcome to attend. Breakfast is also provided.
Year 6 are welcome to continue to attend until the end fo the year as it is great preparation for high school!
SCHOOL UNIFORM - CHANGES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
As we move into the warmer summer months, we are pleased to let you know that pupils may wear their Parkfield PE kits to school for the remainder of the summer term if they wish.
For the rest of this school year, wearing the standard school uniform will not be a requirement and families can choose whether their child attends in their usual uniform or their Parkfield PE kit each day.
We believe this flexibility will bring a number of positive benefits during the final term, including:
• Increasing participation in physical activity
• Improving comfort and focus in class
• Supporting inclusion for girls and pupils with SEND
As a reminder, the Parkfield PE kit consists of:
• Royal blue hoody (with or without zip, with or without the school logo)
• Plain royal blue or white T-shirt (with or without the school logo)
• Navy or black shorts/tracksuit pants/leggings
• Trainers
We hope this added flexibility will help pupils stay comfortable during the warmer weather while still taking pride in being part of the Parkfield community.
ATTENDANCE - HOLIDAYS
We would like to remind all families about the importance of regular school attendance. So far this academic year, over 230 days of learning have been lost due to Parkfielders being taken out of school for holidays during term time.
We completely understand that families may have different reasons for taking holidays during the school term. However, even a short period away from school can have a significant impact on children’s learning, routines, friendships and overall progress — particularly when extended holidays are taken.
We would also like to remind parents that holidays of 5 or more school days are likely to result in a Penalty Notice (fine) being issued, in line with Local Authority and Government guidance.
PARKFIELD CURRICULUM
If you would like to know what your child is being taught, our curriculum pages have all the information you will be looking for. They can be found here: https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/home
HEALTHY SNACKS AND DRINKS
A reminder to send in healthy drinks and snacks. Sweets and fizzy drinks are not allowed in school although some children have tried to bring them in recently.
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN EASILY RAISE MONEY FOR PARKFIELD?
Everytime you spend money online a small amount will be donated to school if you sign up to EasyFundraising. It costs you nothing!
To get started and support our school, please click here: Easyfundraising for Parkfield . Every donation makes a difference to our pupils.
MEET OUR PARKFIELD STAFF
MEET OUR PARKFIELD STAFF
Miss Speedy (School Business Manager)
Miss Speedy (School Business Manager)
Miss Speedy is the new Mrs Cummings and will be joining us officially in September as the School Business Manager. You may see Miss Speedy in the coming weeks as she begins A handover process with Mrs Cummings.
In her home world, Miss Speedy is kept busy with her three children aged 13, 10 and 6 and is often seen being bossed around with their many demands and needs to maintain their active social life and club hobbies! Whenever she has time for herself she can often be found curled up with her book and seeks out quiet spaces whenever she can.
She is looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know all the ‘Parkfielders’ personally.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY⏰
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY⏰
Current Whole School Attendance: 94.8% (96% Target)
Current Whole School Attendance: 94.8% (96% Target)
Attendance (This week)
Attendance (This week)
Reception: 91.7%
Year 1: 95.8%
Year 2: 83.8%
Year 3: 80.4%
Year 4: 85.3%
Year 5: 92.5%
Year 6: 96.6%
Whole School: 89.1%
Number of lates this week: 3
A reminder that classes that achieve at least 96% attendance (no more than 6 days of absence across a class) get a reward on their attendance ladder!
Holidays in term time
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 and will certainly lead to them doing less well than their peers.
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 shortly after.
Arrivals after 9am are marked as late and anyone arriving after 9.30am are classed as an unauthorised absence for the morning session.
ATTENDANCE - MEDICINES
Our overall school attendance is steadily increasing and one reason is due to many of our families taking up the school offer of bringing a bottle of Calpol in for their child if they are feeling slightly under the weather. The medicine can then be administered by school staff if your child needs it throughout the day. We do find that many of our Parkfielders show that true resilience when they arrive in school and get through their day with very little support. However, if your child is too poorly to stay in school, we will contact home so that they can be collected.
SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
Mrs Smith is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by Mr Kemp, Mrs Clawson and Mrs Edyvean. 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
HEALTH and SAFETY
HEALTH and SAFETY
STAY SAFE REMINDERS
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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