I hope you have had a lovely weekend, everyone. As usual we had an action-packed week in school last week. It is lovely see all our children continuing to work hard this half-term.
Last week I had the opportunity to visit the BETT exhibition down in London. This exhibition gives teachers and school leaders a chance to find out about new ideas for the use of technology in education. There are so many exciting new products and developments out there to help support our children’s learning. I particularly liked the interactive tables for Foundation Stage – children can stand at the table and acess loads of educational activites by just touching the top. Hopefully, we will be able to invest on some of these for our Reception and Nursery classes. The exhibition also included a number of interesting talks about how to use different types of technology to improve pupil progress and attainment so I have come back with lots of ideas.
Saturday too was very exciting for me as my husband surprised me with ticket to Strictly Come Dancing – the Live Show. What a wonderful end to a busy week!
A Thrilling Match
Last Wednesday, 30 of our Year 5 and 6 pupils visited Old Trafford in final. Unfortunately it was not a very good result for the Manchester United fans as they lost on penalties but all the children and staff who attended enjoyed the game very much and were wonderful ambassadors for our school. Many thanks to Mr A Khan, Mr Darr, Mr H Khan and Miss Bray for taking and looking after the pupils.
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
Last Tuesday a group of our children took part in the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors training event at Lidget Green Primary School. The children thoroughly enjoyed the day and made new friends with other children from other primary schools exchanging ideas and sharing good practice. The children have now become anti-bullying ambassadors for Copthorne and I am sure will pass on their ideas and tips to prevent bullying at our school.
Important Notice regarding Year 5 swimming 
Last week I informed you that it was the Year 5 boys’ turn to go swimming from this week. unfortunately, due circumstances beyond our control, to the boys will now not have swimming lessons until after the February half term. The girls will continue to have swimming lessons until Thursday 20th February. I apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
This week
School Meals
As from Monday 27th January, our school meals menu will be changing slightly. After speaking with Mrs Ramsden, our school Catering Manager, it has been decided we would try a different approach to school lunches. By making the menu more “child friendly” we are hoping more children will enjoy and try school meals. Each day will have a different theme. For example, Monday will be pizza day, Tuesday: spicy chicken day, Wednesday : curry day, Thursday: burger day and Friday: fish day. Baked potatoes and a range of fillings will also be available to choose each day as an alternative and, as usual, there will be loads of lovely salad. I am sure the children will enjoy the new menu and I am looking forward to hearing everyone’s views. For more information as to what is on the menu each week, please visit the school website at www.copthorne.ngfl.ac.uk
Tudor Treat
On Monday 27th January 6 Sycamore will be visiting Shibden Hall as part of the 
Creative Curriculum theme “Chocolate and Chips”. During the trip the children will be carrying out a range of workshops all related to life in the Tudor era. I am sure the children will have a great day and learn lots of interesting facts. I hope that they will tell us loads about this on the Year 6 blog.
Reception Workshop
Reception staff have arranged for the parents of children in Reception to attend a learning workshop which will be held on Monday 27th January. The aim of the workshop is to model how our children learn through the variety of areas of provision. Parents , carers and family members will be able to watch adult led sessions which will help to give ideas about ways to support children’s learning at home. After the workshop Miss Azzopardi and Miss Kneeshaw will lead a short meeting in the hall to discuss how you can support your child’s reading during which, refreshments will be provided. The workshop will begin at 8.40am until 10.00am. I do hope that as many of you as possible will be able to attend this event ad I look forward to seeing you there.
Dr Who Workshop
On Friday 31st January, half of 4 Beech will be visiting the National Media Museum to
take part in a Dr Who workshop, an activity which has been organised by the Family Learning Service. The workshop will take place between 10:00am to 12:00pm. The workshops will be based around Doctor Who and Me: Fifty years of Doctor Who. Parents and children will be able to learn about circuits, electricity and motors in fun, ‘hands-on’ workshops, which will include making a Time Lord torch, a motorised Dalek and the opportunity to take a tour of the exhibition. These workshops will complement the work our pupils are doing in their science lesson. As the workshops are run by the Family Learning Service, each child will be accompanied by an adult family member. Mr A Khan will accompany parents and pupils to the Media Musuem. This promises to be a very exciting activity and I am sure everyone involved,will have a fantastic time. I will be joining the group for some of the morning and am very excited about it!
Forest Schools
On Friday 31st January, Year 4 will continue with their Forest School activities as the other 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 wonderful time everyone!
I hope you have a lovely week. Keep warm!
Mrs Shepherd