Nearly time for the half term break
We do not finish until Thursday 23rd October, but as this is our last newsletter before the half term break we wanted to wish you all a fun and safe week away from school. Fingers crossed for some bright, crisp days for autumn walks, collecting conkers and kicking leaves!
Our local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are also coming in next week to talk to KS2 children in assembly ahead of Halloween and bonfire night
Times Tables Rockstars Day
We had a fantastic day last week celebrating Parkside's Rockstars Day. We spent time playing TTRS and reminded ourselves of the importance of learning and remembering our times tables.
The Year 4 children worked hard on completing their OUMTC (officially unofficial multiplication tables check) on TTRS.
The day ended with two exciting live battles. Our Year 5 winner managed a super impressive 80 correct answers in just one minute! WOW!
Our KS2 battles have begun! Please see the schedule below. Each week, winning classes earn three points. Prizes are up for grabs for the top three classes in the final week of term. Please encourage your child to play TTRS at home little and often to contribute to their class's total!
Parent Consultation Evenings & Survey
It's the first of this term's parent consultation evenings next week on Wed 22nd October, with the second session taking place after the half term break on Thurs 6th November.
You are invited to complete a parent survey. You can complete a paper version on the evening, or complete online at your convenience by clicking below.
If you have not done so already, please book your appointment on SchoolCloud. Please click the link below for full details:
Thank you!
A big thank you to everyone who used their blue tokens in Tesco to vote for us earlier in the year. We have used the £1000 grant to buy waterproof puddlesuits for our Reception and Treetops children so they can access outdoor learning whatever the weather. Thank you everyone, your support makes a huge difference!
Fantastic Football!
The Year 6 girls competed in a football tournament this week and came first out of 6 schools. Once again a fantastic achievement! Parkside Proud once more.
Flu Vaccinations
Just a reminder that the Immunisation Team will be back in on Thursday 20th November to complete the flu vaccinations.
If you have not yet consented but would like your child to have it, please do so by following the information in this link.
Harvest Festival
Our Harvest Festival is on Wednesday 12th November this year. It is a time for the children to share their work with each other from their RE lessons and within the classroom about ‘Harvest’.
This year again we are collecting donations of food for Trinity Mission who run a food kitchen and support families in need with a food bank. They do accept fresh produce too, but their preference is for tins and packets.
If you would like to make a donation, please bring in food items after the half term holiday. All donations will be gratefully received and make a real difference to people in our local community.
Halloween Discos
The Friends of Parkside PTA Halloween discos will be taking place on Tuesday 21st October from 3.30 - 4.30pm. KS1 will be in the East Hall and KS2 in the West Hall.
If you have not done so already, please go to ParentPay to make a voluntary donation of £3 for Reception & KS1 (includes refreshments) and £4 for the KS2 event (includes a professional DJ disco and refreshments). All funds raised are for the benefit of the children and make such a difference to the school.
Reception & Nursery will have a Halloween mini party in the morning in school time. Please pick up Reception & Nursery children at the usual time and place. No costumes/party clothes are needed for these children.
Children can bring in a bag of clothes to change into at the end of the day. This can be a Halloween costume if they wish or just party clothes if they prefer. No masks please as many children find them scary. We want this to be an enjoyable event for all.
Children from all year groups are invited to make the decorations for the discos. Draw and colour your best witch, use an old bed sheet or pillowcase to create a ghost, craft some bat bunting... the choice is yours. Please bring in decorations on Monday 20th or Tuesday 21st October so the halls can be decorated in time for the discos.
Year 5's Doodle Designs!
In DT, Year 5 have been making 'doodlers', These are are motorised cups with pens attached, which move when connected to a battery to create a lovely doodle! Great work everyone.
Young Voices Year 5
Final reminder that if your child is going to Young Voices and you would like tickets or t-shirts for the concert you need to order online before 31st October. Please login here: https://yvmusicroom.com/auth/parent/login If you are having any issues with logging in, please let us know as sometimes (but not always!) we have to approve your login at this end.
Parent workshop next week
The Mental Health Support Team are coming in to school to deliver the first of three workshops on Wednesday 22nd October at 9:15am-11:15am. This one looks at 'Behaviour as a form of Communication'. For more details and to book your place, please click here.
Road Safety
Please can all parents and carers speak to their children and remind them about keeping safe on the way to and from school. We have had reports of some near misses involving Parkside children on bikes.
Please can we also remind you that we strongly recommend that all children wear cycle helmets when riding to school. "When it comes to cycling safety, helmets are an important piece of equipment to protect your kids. If your kids get into an accident, a helmet could be the difference between a small scrape and a serious injury. Make sure they don’t leave the house without it and make sure they wear it when they’re on their cycle." www.bikeability.org.uk
Stepping up their pedestrian skills
This week the Year 4 children have been undertaking pedestrian skills training from East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The training included an interactive workshop in the classroom, teaching the basics of how to cross the road safely. Following on from this small groups were taken by the instructor for live road training on local roads. They were taught the safest way to cross, including at junctions and between parked cars.
Year 4 perfecting punctuation
4H have been working on and understanding punctuation for direct speech in English.
No sweets
Please can we remind all parents and carers that children should not be bringing sweets into school. Not only are they a distraction, they are also a significant choking hazard. Please ensure that sweets stay at home.
One minute maths
A Totally Tropical Trip
Year 6 had a fantastic visit to Tropical World in Leeds. The children are studying animals and their habitats in Science and this trip supported this work. They found out about habitats around the world and how they compare with the UK. They also took part in a workshop about living things and how they live.
Preloved
We will holding our next preloved stall on Monday 24th November after school in the West Hall studio. Come along and��browse all of the uniform, PE kit, coats, other clothing, toys and books that have kindly been donated. All items are free!
We will also be having a stall at the PTA Christmas Fayre. More dates will be arranged for after the Christmas holidays - we will let you know when in future newsletters.
Christmas Jumpers
If you have any Christmas jumpers that your children have grown out of, we would be very grateful if you would be willing to donate them to be reused in school. Thank you.
Arbor parent app
Thank you to all of the parents who have already downloaded the Arbor parent app. A reminder that moving forward, we will no longer be sending out information via text message so the in-app messages will be the best way for you to keep up to date. Let us know if you need any help with getting started on the app.
New School Meals Menu
Please click the button below to view the menu which start after half term.
Click the button below for the current school menu which still applies next week.
Parent Governor Vacancies
A reminder that we are looking for two new parent governors. Please click here for more details.
Spotlight on Attendance 🔦
The overall school attendance has dropped further in the last two weeks and is now below 95%, which is well below what we would like to see. Please think carefully about avoidable absences such as holidays. Please look at the guidance on the links below if you are unsure if your child is well enough to come to school. Remember, every day in school makes a difference to your child's learning.
Here are some reminder of how to support your child:
- Do not take holidays in term time (see here for Penalty Notice information)
- Make appointments outside of school hours
- Use the "When is to ill to ill" guidance when considering keeping your child off school (click here to view)
- Arrive on time each day. School gates open at 8.40 with registers closing at 8.55am
- Reach out to school Via Mrs Daine or Mrs Greenley for support around school attendance including Emotional Based School Avoidance
Absence from school not only equates to lost learning but also missing out on other benefits to a child's wellbeing and wider development.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing support
- East Riding - Support and protection for children
- NSPCC - Support & advice for parents
- Family Information Service - What can FISH do for you?
- Family Help Service
- Free online learning for parents and carers
- Two Rivers Community Pantry
If you have any Safeguarding concerns outside of school hours, or are concerned a child has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm and is at immediate risk call the Children’s Safeguarding Hub on (01482) 395500 or ring 999 (asking for the Police).
Online Safety Guide
Memes are everywhere - quick, witty, and wildly shareable. For many young people they are more than jokes, they’re a way to connect, express themselves and interpret the world. But behind the humour, there can be risks. The guide below helps adults understand how memes work and why they matter to young people today.
From misinformation to insensitive jokes and permanent digital footprints, this guide highlights the potential pitfalls of meme culture. With practical tips on digital literacy, empathy and open conversations, it empowers parents and educators to help children navigate online humour in a thoughtful, safe, and respectful way.
Visit our website for Wellbeing
Did you know we have a wellbeing section on our website? Tap here to view. There are lots of resources and great advice on topics such as Mental Health and Staying Healthy so why not have a look?
The latest addition to the Mental Health page is 'Top Tips for Dealing with Traumatic and Challenging Events'. This guide offers compassionate, practical advice for helping children cope with traumatic or challenging events – such as bereavement, bullying, or family upheaval – and begin the healing process. You can view as a downloadable pdf by visiting the page.
Half term fun
The Community and Education Team at Drax Power Station are hosting a free Halloween event at the Skylark Centre Nature Reserve on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st October at 10am – 2:30pm.
Activities include woodland trails, spooky spinners, creepy crafts and more. They are offering limited refreshments (hot drinks and biscuits) with cash donations only.
Please come in your Halloween outfits and wellies are advised! Booking is essential. To book please scan the QR code on the poster or use this link - https://forms.office.com/e/3Q8v3HY5c4 and complete the Microsoft Form. 🎃
The local Goole Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society are performing Wizard of Oz at Junction in Goole all through the half term break, an amazing musical for families.
SEND News
The latest bulletin from the East Riding Local Offer is available to view by clicking the button below.
Optimistic October
Daily actions from Action for Happiness encouraging you to carry out small acts of kindness. Have a look at this month's calendar below - click here to download the pdf. Optimistic October suggests daily actions to help you focus on what really matters..
Dates for your diary
(Please note that all dates are subject to change. We will of course update you of any changes as soon as possible.)
Dates are also available on our website by clicking here.
Dates for Academic Year 2025/2026
Autumn Term 2025
- Tues 21st Oct 2025 - Halloween Discos
- Wed 22nd Oct 2025 - Parent Consultation Evening 4.00-6.00pm
- Thurs 23rd Oct 2025 - School closes for half term (3.30pm)
- Tues 4th Nov 2025 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Thurs 6th Nov 2025 - Parent Consultation Evening 4.00-7.00pm
- Fri 7th Nov 2025 - 2WB Class Assembly 9.15am
- Mon 10th Nov 2025 - Antibullying Week
- Wed 12th Nov 2025 - Harvest Festival
- Fri 14th Nov 2025 - 2C Class Assembly 9.15am
- Fri 14th Nov 2025 - Children in Need Day
- Mon 24th Nov 2025 - Year 3 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Mon 24th Nov 2025 - Preloved Event 3.30pm
- Tues 25th Nov 2025 - Year 2 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Tues 25th Nov 2025 - PTA Christmas Fayre
- Wed 26th Nov 2025 - Year 2 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Thurs 27th Nov 2025 - Year 3 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Fri 28th Nov 2025 - 6HR Class Assembly 9.15am
- Fri 5th Dec 2025 - Year 2 Carols at Collection 3.10pm
- Mon 8th Dec 2025 - Year 3 Carols at Collection 3.10pm
- Tues 9th Dec 2025 - Nursery & Reception Performance 9.30am
- Tues 9th Dec 2025 - Year 4 Carols at Collection 3.10pm
- Wed 10th Dec 2025 - Nursery & Reception Performance 2.45pm
- Thurs 11th Dec 2025 - Year 1 Performance 9.30am
- Thurs 11th Dec 2025 - Year 6 Carols at Collection 3.10pm
- Fri 12th Dec 2025 - Year 1 Performance 2.45pm
- Mon 15th Dec 2025 - Year 5 Carol Concert 2.45pm
- Tues 16th Dec 2025 - Year 5 Carol Concert 9.30am
- Wed 17th Dec 2025 - Christmas Dinner Day
- Fri 19th Dec 2025 - School closes for Christmas (3.30pm)
Spring Term 2026
- Tues 6th Jan 2026 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Tues 13th Jan 2026 - Year 1 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Wed 14th Jan 2026 - Year 1 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Fri 16th Jan 2026 - 4O Class Assembly 9.15am
- Fri 23rd Jan 2026 - 4H Class Assembly 9.15am
- Fri 30th Jan 2026 - 1HO Class Assembly 9.15am
- Mon 2nd Feb 2026 - Children's Mental Health Week
- Tues 3rd Feb 2026 - Year 5 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Thurs 5th Feb 2026 - Year 5 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Fri 6th Feb 2026 - 1HU Class Assembly 9.15am
- Tues 10th Feb 2026 - Safer Internet Day
- Tues 10th Feb 2026 - PTA Family Bingo
- Thurs 12th Feb 2026 Parent Consultation Evening 4.00-7.00pm
- Fri 13th Feb 2026 - School closes for half term (3.30pm)
- Mon 23rd Feb 2026 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Wed 25th Feb 2026 - Parent Consultation Evening 4.00-6.00pm
- Thurs 5th March 2026 - World Book Day
- Fri 6th March 2026 - 3GW Class Assembly 9.15am
- Mon 9th March 2026 - National Science Week
- Tues 10th March 2026 - Year 4 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Thurs 12th March 2026 - Year 4 Open Afternoon 2.30pm
- Fri 13th March 2026 - 3B Class Assembly 9.15am
- Wed 25th March 2026 - Year 3 Performance PM
- Thurs 26th March 2026 - Year 3 Performance AM
- Thursday 26th March - PTA Family Easter Crafts
- Fri 27th March 2026 - School closes for Easter (3.30pm)
Summer Term 2026
- Mon 13th April 2026 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Fri 1st May 2026 - 5H Class Assembly 9.15am
- Mon 4th May 2026 - School closed for Bank Holiday (All day)
- Tues 5th May 2026 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Fri 8th May 2026 - 5R Class Assembly 9.15am
- Mon 11th May 2026 - Year 6 SATs Week
- Mon 18th May 2026 - Year 1 & 2 Sports Day
- Tues 19th May 2026 - Year 3 & 4 Sports Day
- Wed 20th May 2026 - Year 5 & 6 Sports Day
- Thurs 21st May 2026 - Nursery & Reception Sports Day
- Fri 22nd May 2026 - School closes for half term (3.30pm)
- Mon 1st June 2026 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Fri 12th June 2026 - RB Class Assembly (Reception children only) 9.15am
- Fri 19th June 2026 - RP Class Assembly (Reception children only) 9.15am
- Mon 22nd June 2026 - Fieldwork Week
- Mon 6th July 2026 - SEND Week
- Tues 7th July 2026 - PTA Summer Fayre
- Tues 14th July 2026 - Year 6 Performance
- Wed 15th July 2026 - Year 6 Performance
- Fri 17th July 2026 - Year 6 Leavers Assemblies
- Fri 17th July 2026 - School closes for Summer (3.30pm)
Dates for Academic Year 2026/2027
Autumn term
- Tues 8th Sept 2026 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Thurs 22nd Oct 2026 - School closes for half term (3.30pm)
- Mon 2nd Nov 2026 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Fri 18th Dec 2026 - School closes for Christmas (3.30pm)
Spring Term
- Mon 4th Jan 2027 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Fri 5th Feb 2027 - School closes for half term (3.30pm)
- Mon 15th Feb 2027 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Fri 19th March 2027- School closes for Easter (3.30pm)
Summer Term
- Mon 5th April 2027 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Mon 3rd May 2027 - Closed for May Day Bank Holiday
- Thurs 27th May 2027 - School closes for half term (3.30pm)
- Tues 8th June 2027 - School re-opens (Doors open 8.45am)
- Fri 23rd July 2027 - School closes for Summer (3.30pm)
Contact us
Telephone: 01405 763634
Email: parkside.primary@eastriding.gov.uk
Please note that we send you our fortnightly newsletters as part of our remit of providing and supporting your child's education. In these newsletters we may include items from third parties that we believe will be may be in your child's interest. If you do not wish to receive our electronic newsletter, please email us on the address above.
Parkside Primary has no control over the nature, content and availability of the external sites linked to within this newsletter. The inclusion of any links does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them.