What a wonderful week we had at Copthorne last week and now we have another one to look forward to.
Ramadan 
As part of the holy month of Ramadan the majority of our local community and a large number of both staff and pupils are, at present, fasting. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Celebrations
I think it’s fair to say that the whole Copthorne family was bursting with pride on Thursday and Friday last week as we celebrated the many achievements if our children including attendance, attitude and attainment. Our children are amazing and show, every day, that there really are no limits to their learning. I know that they will continue to go from strength to strength, persevering and relishing the challenges that new learning brings. Well done, everyone!
Environment Week
This was a great success and thanks to the whole of the Copthorne community for being so actively involved. The children worked so hard learning about many different ways to care for and protect the environment. It was a joy to see them all so inspired to help develop a sustainable future. Thanks to Miss Kneeshaw for organising all the activities and to all the staff for helping things run so smoothly.
Strategic Director of Children’s Services
As I explained in last week’s blog, we had a visit this week from Kath Tunstall – Strategic Director of Children’s Services. Miss Tunstall toured the school and then we had the chance to talk about our plans for Copthorne. I have received a letter from Miss Tunstall, thanking us for the visit, in which she writes: ‘The children were lovely – happy and confident in their school environment; it’s such a joy to see children enjoying their education.’
Once again, it is wonderful to see visitors to our school appreciating what a positive attitude our children have to learning as well as how well behaved and happy they are.
The week ahead
Transition Morning
This will take place today, Monday 15th July. After registration, all of the children will go to assembly where they will be told which class and teacher they will be moving to next year. The children will then spend all morning with their new teachers finding out about the exciting learning they have to look forward to next year and getting used to class routines and expectations. This is always a wonderful experience for the children and helps to reassure those who are feeling nervous about changing year groups. I know that you will all enjoy your morning and that it will leave you looking forward to the year ahead.
Pupils’ Reports
The annual report for each child will be sent home tonight. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each one and think that parents and carers will be delighted by the fabulous attitude and hard work of our pupils that they clearly reflect.
Exceed 100% Attendance Celebration
Congratulations once again to the 79 children who achieved 100% attendance this year. These children will be joining those from the other Exceed schools at St George’s Hall on Tuesday 16th July at 12.45pm for a huge celebration event. Each child will be presented with a certificate and the entertainment will be provided by the Exceed’s Got Talent winners. It’s going to be a wonderful afternoon.
Open Evening
We will be holding our first Open Evening this Tuesday, 16th July between 3.30 and 6pm. The event provides an opportunity for parents, carers and family members to come into school to have a look at all the wonderful work our pupils do and to visit children’s new classrooms and teachers. You will also be able to have a quick discussion with your child’s current class teacher about any issues or queries arising from your child’s report. Mr Jacques, Mrs Whalley and I will also be available throughout the evening. I look forward to seeing you all.
This week is PSHCE Week
The daily curriculum at Copthorne is designed to help develop our pupils personally and socially, giving them the skills, knowledge and awareness to become healthy individuals and good citizens. This week is about focusing on certain elements of the PSHCE curriculum and providing learning activities that we believe will support and challenge our children even more in those areas.
The children have a very exciting week ahead during which each year group will be involved in a different selection of learning activities. These include: Year 5 sessions at the Positive Lifestyle Centre to develop their understanding and awareness of drug related issues, and a day at Doe Park Water Activity Centre to develop team building and water safety skills; Year 6 sessions, delivered in school by the School Nurse, about relationships; and a bouncy castle and slide for Foundation Stage and Year 1 to further develop turn taking and sharing. All children will be involved in making a healthy breakfast and will experience lessons focusing on manners and managing money. Everyone will be involved in a Skipping Challenge to increase awareness of exercise and fitness as well as to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
Thanks to Miss Rosindale for organising all the activities.
It’s going to be a great week!
Mrs Shepherd