Issue 9 - Friday 3rd November 2023

Headteacher's Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you had a fantastic half term break! It's been an exciting week as we returned to Parkfield. 

Throughout today, Parkfielders have immersed themselves in the history and significance of Guy Fawkes and bonfire night. We're eager to share the exciting learning experiences and projects that your children have been a part of. Look for photos from this special 'Remember, Remember' theme day on our special photo albums page, available later today. 

On Thursday, our Year 6 students, along with Mr. Robinson, showcased their impressive achievements from the past half term during their class assembly. From captivating songs to insightful discussions on their MAAFA history topic, it was a fantastic assembly. Thank you to the families who joined us for this memorable event. 

This half term, we're focusing on our Parkfield characteristic of being positive. We believe that positivity is a vital life skill and we encourage you to share examples of your child's positive actions outside of school with us via email at office@parkfield.rochdale.sch.uk. We'll be thrilled to showcase these achievements on our Twitter (X) feed. 

Our school council has been spreading positivity and kindness all week by selling a variety of items for the poppy appeal. Their efforts will continue into next week. Your support for this cause is greatly appreciated. 

Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable weekend. If you're attending a bonfire, have a fantastic time! 

Mr Kemp

LATEST NEWS

CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT - HELP NEEDED

Our School Council would like to put on a Christmas movie night on Thursday 7th December from 3 - 5pm. However, we need some help from parents/carers to make sure we have enough supervision across the school and to ensure we can include all Parkfielders. If you are able to support on the evening, please contact the school office - any help would be much appreciated. 

CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT

Please keep an eye on your emails over the next few weeks for an invitation to the Christmas movie night.

SEND COFFEE MORNING  

This Monday 6th November at 9am our parents of pupils with special educational needs are welcome to join us for a coffee morning in the hall. Siobhan Lever who is the leader of the Neurodiversity team will be joining us in addition to Mrs Clawson (SENDCO) and Mrs Smith.

PARENT/CARER VIEWS - QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES

We had over 100 responses to our Autumn term questionnaire. Thanks so much for the time spent completing the form because it always us to see your views on what areas we are doing well in and which areas we need to develop at the school. Please find a summary of the responses and a school response on the school website here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/school-community-views.html 

YEAR 4 FAMILY LEARNING NEW DATE 

Our new date for the Y4 Family Learning event is next Tuesday 7th November from 9am - 10am. The focus will be on the multiplication tables check and how you can support at home with helping your child learn their multiplication tables. It will also be an opportunity to learn alongside your child.

We hope you can make it and sorry for any inconvenience caused having to postpone the event.

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/ 

SCHOOL KITCHEN CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT

We are letting you know that the management of the school kitchen has changed this week to 'Fresh Kitchen'. Fresh Kitchen are part of the local authority and provide meals to a high number of schools across the borough. The food will continue to be of an excellent standard with the main change you and your child will notice will be a change in menus from 13th November and the staff wearing a different uniform.  The school and Fresh Kitchen are hoping to increase the number of pupils having a school dinner and you will notice some promotional materials being shared over the next couple of months.

HEALTHY SNACKS - NO SWEETS

Please note that only healthy snacks are to be sent into school. Sweets are not permitted. 

OPEN MORNING AT PARKFIELD 

Is your child due to start school in September 2024? We are holding one more open morning on 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.

POPPIES

Our school council will be continuing to sell poppies over the next week. Thanks to everyone that has already supported this wonderful charity.

CLASS DOJO We have now over 150 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 is 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. 

EXTRA CURRICULAR SPORTS CLUBS - NEXT WEEK

Latest Class Updates

Newsletter Slides

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…  

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

influencers.pdf

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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