Hello everybody and welcome to this week’s blog. I have just returned from a very exciting week in Portugal along with Mr Lloyd, Miss Frazer and Miss Bray . This was part of our involvement with the Comenius project. During the visit we met the staff representing the 9 other countries in the project, visited our link Portuguese school -Colegio Atlantica – and shared ideas and planned the visits to the remaining 7 countries (Romania, Lithuania, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and the Netherlands) some of which will involve Copthorne pupils! There will be more about this exciting news once all the plans have been finalised. We missed you all during our trip but have learnt a lot about education in Portugal, Lisbon (the capital city) and the Portuguese culture as well as getting some great ideas to further develop the work we do at Copthorne.
This week at Copthorne
Multisports Activity
On Monday 20th January Mr H Khan, one of our learning mentors will be taking 8 children from years 1 and 2 to take part in a multisports afternoon at Grange Technology College. They will work alongside children from other local primary schools. The activities will involve pupils using skills such as running, catching, jumping, throwing and balancing. We hope all the pupils enjoy the activities and have fun time whilst getting lots of exercise.
Meeting for Upper KS2 (Years 5 & 6) Parents & Carers
There will be a short meeting on Monday 20th January for Upper KS2 parents and carers. The meeting will be to discuss areas such as expectations of pupils as regards work and behaviour, homework, end of year tests/SATs (for year 6) as well as supporting your child’s learning at home and encouraging positive behaviour. Miss Rosindale, our literacy co-ordinator, will also attend the meetings to talk to you about our Raving Readers scheme. The meetings will be held in the school hall at 8.50am and 2.30pm and I look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings.
Diana Award
On Tuesday 21st January a group of our children will be taking part in the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors training event at Lidget Green Primary School. The children 
involved are already part of the Helping Hands Befrienders team at Copthorne. The children will creatively explore and understand the issues of bullying through interactive sessions. They will work with other children, exchanging ideas and sharing good practice. They will gain practical ideas and receive tips on how to stop bullying which will enable them to prevent bullying and ensure everyone feels safe and happy in our school.
Year 2 visit to the National Railway Museum
Year 2 will be visiting the National Railway Museum in York on Wednesday 22nd January. This visit has been arranged in order to support the work being carried out as part of their creative curriculum theme: Transport. This is always a very enjoyable and interesting trip and I am sure the children will have lots to tell you when they return.
Exceed Football Tournament
Also on Wednesday 22nd January, Mr A Khan will be taking our year 5 & 6 footballers
to Grange Technology College to take part in an Exceed Football tournament. I am sure as usual they will do our school proud by showing great sportsmanship.We wish them well.
Year 5 Swimming
Just a little reminder that Thursday 23rd January is the last day for year 5 girls to take 
part in swimming lessons. From the 30th January it will be the turn of the Year 5 boys. Our girls have thoroughly enjoyed their lessons and have made great progress.
Forest Schools
On Friday 24th January, Year 4 will continue with their Forest School activities as half the children from 4 Beech visit St Ives Woods with Mrs Robinson and Mrs Shah. I know that the children are having a great time learning about the outdoor environment and how we should care for it. Have a lovely time everyone!
Dates for your Diary
On Wednesday 12th February we will be holding a bag collection to raise funds for school. This is an ideal opportunity to clear out your wardrobes and help to raise money for the school at the same time. Further details will be given nearer the time.
Thank you for reading our blog and I hope you all have a great week.
Mrs Shepherd