Issue 4 - Friday 22nd September 2023
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
Year 5 have enjoyed three fantastic days and two nights on their residential at Robinwood this week with myself and other Parkfield staff. They have taken part in activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, zip wire and caving demonstrating true Parkfield character of being positive, ambitious and resilient. We will share many photos of this memorable experience as soon as possible.
This week started with a brilliant 'Mad Science' assembly where children in Y1-6 enjoyed some great demonstrations from scientist 'Explosive Erica'. The Mad Science company will be delivering an after school club, similar to last year, after half term and information was been sent out earlier in the week.
Yesterday, many of our Parkfielders were given positions of responsibility at the school. I would like to thank everyone that put themselves forward for a role and say a huge well done to those that were awarded or voted into one of these positions. The many roles across the school include: school and eco councillors, sports leaders, playground pals, reading ambassadors, Y6 house captains and technology team members. For more information on our pupil voice groups please click here.
Have a lovely weekend and thanks for your continued support. If your child is in Year 5, I'm sure they will need some much needed rest - I know I will!
Mr Kemp
LATEST NEWS
EYFS MEET THE TEACHER
We are inviting our families of our new Reception pupils into school next Wednesday at 9.00am to 'meet the teacher' Mrs Taylor and the other Early Years staff. There will also be an opportunity to work alongside your child. If you are able to attend please come to the hallway entrance after dropping off your child at 8.45am.
FAMILY LEARNING EVENTS
We have planned a number of 'Family Learning' events across the school year where we invite families into school to join their children for a maths, reading and writing lesson. The sessions will take place for one class at a time - making it easier for those families with siblings. All dates and times are available on the school calendar.
YEAR 6 BLACKPOOL RESIDENTIAL
An email has sent to families in Year 6 giving details about the Year 6 residential that is due to take place from the 19th - 21st June 2024.
NO DOGS ON THE PLAYGROUND
A gentle reminder that dogs are not to be brought onto the school site due to health and safety reasons. In addition, a small number of our pupils are scared.
OPEN MORNINGS AT PARKFIELD - REMINDER
Is your child due to start school in September 2024? We are holding two open mornings on Wednesday 11th October and Tuesday 14th November from 9.15am for prospective parents to come and see what life is like at Parkfield. Please book in a visit by contacting the school office.
YEAR 6 BREAKFAST BOOSTER CLUB - REMINDER
Year 6 - FREE Breakfast Booster club - 8.15am - everyday
EXTRA CURRICULAR SPORTS CLUBS - NEXT WEEK
MONDAY - Year 3/4 FOOTBALL 3.15PM - 4PM
TUESDAY - Year 5/6 FOOTBALL 3.15PM - 4PM
WEDNESDAY - Year 3/4 MULTI SPORTS 3.15PM - 4PM
THURSDAY - Year 5/6 NETBALL (LUNCHTIME)
THURSDAY - Year 3/4/5/6 CROSS COUNTRY 3.15PM - 4PM
TOY DONATIONS WANTED - REMINDER
Do you have any unwanted toys such as: action figures, dolls, prams, barbies, cars that our children could use at dinner times? We are looking to increase the number of toys our children play with and any donations would be appreciated.
YEAR 6 SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS - REMINDER
You can now apply for secondary school places on this website: https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/school-admissions-appeals/apply-secondary-school-place . The deadline is the 31st October 2023.
Open days of some of our local High Schools that we are aware of include: St. Anne's (28th September 5.30 - 8.00pm), Midd Tech (Thursday 5th October from 5pm), Edgar Wood (Weds 4th October - times TBC) and Cardinal Langley (Thursday 28th September 5-6pm - parents/carers only). Newhouse Academy (27th September 6pm - 8pm).
PARENT GOVERNOR ROLE
If you are interested in becoming a parent governor, please contact the school office for further details. The role involves a number of meetings across the year and more information can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/governors.html
CLASS DOJO Click this link to set up a parent account which we will then approve. Note that we are only using this for Dojo points, not messages or photos, therefore you do not need any of the subscription options you might be offered.
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.
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.
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