Hello everyone and welcome to another week at Copthorne . I know that you and your families will be busy making preparations for the forthcoming Eid celebration and I hope that you have a wonderful time together on this special day. Please note that school will be closed on Monday 6th October for the Eid holiday.
Hawkshead Residential
Last week was an extremely exciting one for our Year 6 pupils as they spent 3 days at Hawkshead in the Lake District. I went along with the group to spend the first day there with them. On our arrival at Windermere, we took a ferry cruise to the Lakes Aquarium on the opposite shore. During the ferry ride a number of members of the public came over to talk to us to say what an absolute credit our children were to their families and to Copthorne as their manners and conduct were so good. We were all very proud of them.
This outstanding behaviour continued during our visit to the aquarium where we were taken on a guided tour around all of the amazing animals and aquatic life that they have there. The children’s favourites included tiny harvest mice, giant snails, monkeys and the pair of otters that posed so nicely for us to take their photos. It was a wonderful experience. The first day ended with a fabulous 3 course meal back at the Youth Hostel and a number of team games. By the time I left to return to school everyone had settled in and was having a brilliant time.
During the rest of their stay, the children visited the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum to learn about school life in the past and, especially, the 18th century. As part of the visit the children experienced a lesson in the school room as it would have been in the time of the poet, William Wordsworth who attended the school.
The whole group returned to school safe and sound on Friday afternoon, keen to tell their families about their experiences and, staff included, ready for a big sleep after their adventures. Thank you to all the staff who organised and took part in the residential: Mr Darr, Miss Wood, Miss Nelson, Mr Lloyd, Mrs Robinson, Mr H Khan, Miss Parveen and Mr Zaman. We also want to thank Mr A Khan and Mrs Nisar for driving to Hawkshead to drop off/collect our children. We really apreciate the time you all gave to make sure that our children had such a wonderful experience. You deserve a well earned rest!
Comenius Trip to Lithuania
Today, 4 members of our staff, Mrs Whalley, Mr Darr, Miss Azzopardi and Mr H Khan are travelling to Lithuania to join our Comenius colleagues. During the visit the staff will be meeting representatives from the other 9 countries in the project to plan the next few remaining visits which will include them visiting our school in December. They will visit a Lithuanian Primary School and visit local landmarks. We wish them an enjoyable and safe trip and are looking forward to hearing all about their adventures on their return and leaning more about the way children are taught in Lithuania.
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – We Need Cakes Urgently!!
On Tuesday 30th September, we will be holding a coffee morning to raise funds for the charity McMillan Cancer Relief. The event will take place from 9:00-10.30am in the school hall and we will be selling coffee and cakes to raise money for this wonderful charity. The money we raise at the coffee morning will help go towards vital funds to make sure families are supported through treatment and beyond at one of the most distressing times of their lives. If any of you enjoy baking and would like to bake cakes, biscuits or savoury products which we can sell during the coffee morning that would be greatly appreciated. Please bring your baked goods to school with you either at the end of school on Monday or first thing on Tuesday. It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible at this event.
School Council Meeting
On Thursday 2nd October, children from our School Council will attend their first external School Council Meeting of this academic year. The Council is made up of two children from each year group. They represent the views of our other children and suggest ideas about how we can keep improving our school. They will meet with other children from our Local Area Primary Schools. The meeting will be held at Horton Grange Primary School where they will have a tour around the school and have lunch. After lunch they will share ideas and discuss projects with the other councillors. We look forward to hearing all about their new ideas.
Forest Schools
A group of 4 Beech’s pupils will be the first group this year to take part in the Forest Schools programme on Friday, 4th October at the St Ives Estate. This is always a popular trip with our children who will take part in activities to build their self-esteem and confidence in an outdoor environment. All learning during the day takes place outside where the children learn woodland craft and explore the woods. Through such activities the children also develop care and responsibility for our environment. I am sure they will have a fantastic time and I look forward to hearing all about their adventures on their return to school.
Star of the Month Assembly
This Friday, 3rd October, we will hold our Star of the Month Assembly. At the assembly one pupil from each class will be rewarded for exceptional learning behaviour and work. Staff working in each class nominate the children they feel have displayed a no excuses, positive attitude. Well done to this month’s award winners – Copthorne is so proud of you all.
Dates for your Diary
School will be closed on 6th October for an Eid holiday
Parents’ Evening: Thursday 23rd October 2014, 3-6pm
Firefighters’ Charity: Unwanted Clothes Collection: Tuesday 4th November
I hope you all have a wonderful week and will hopefully see many of you at our coffee morning on Tuesday.
Mrs Shepherd