Friday Update - 07.11.2025

Miss McNamara's Message

It’s been a great week at Coppice Valley, full of learning and creativity across the school. Teachers have been launching their new texts in English lessons, with lots of exciting ‘hooks’ to inspire pupils and spark curiosity about their new stories. Year 1 visited Pizza Express today and they each came back with a pizza that they made (with a couple of extras for the staffroom). 

We’re excited to share that Coppice Valley is taking part in a pilot project with Trust leaders focusing on systematic checking for understanding. This involves exploring how teachers consistently check that all pupils have understood the content being taught across every lesson, and how we then adapt our teaching to support and challenge everyone effectively. It’s a project we are really excited to be part of, and we are proud to be one of the schools leading the way.

Next week, we’ll be acknowledging both Remembrance and Anti-Bullying Week. Pupils are invited to wear odd socks on Monday to celebrate individuality and kindness. We’ll hold a Remembrance assembly and observe a minute’s silence on the playground, followed by an Anti-Bullying assembly on Tuesday to reinforce our commitment to respect and inclusion for all.

Attendance

Each week we sent out attendance letters to families where attendance has dropped below 95%.

We absolutely know there are genuine reasons for absence however, we are required to notify families when attendance drops below 95%, regardless of the reason. Our shared aim is to ensure every pupil is in school as much as possible so they can make the most of their learning opportunities. Last year, every child with over 95% attendance passed the phonics screening check and achieved expected standard or greater depth in the Year 6 SATs. 

Anti-bullying Week

Next week is anti-bullying week, to launch the week children can wear odd socks to school on Monday to show their support. Throughout the week children will be taking part in a range of activities including creating our own chains of kindness to encourage positive actions and supportive friendships. 

💡 Life Skills Afternoon!💰☕⛑️  

Next week, our pupils will be taking part in a fun and practical Life Skills Afternoon!

Each class will enjoy hands-on workshops covering money skills, café culture, and first aid - all designed to help children develop important everyday skills in a purposeful and engaging way.  

We can’t wait to see our learners putting these life lessons into action! 🌟

Tesco - New Store Opening

Exciting News! Our new local Tesco will be opening on Thursday 27^th November. If you pop in to the new store remember to use your token to vote for Coppice Community Hub to help us to raise money to support families and the school community. 

Webinar: “The Power of Play: Rediscovering Childhood in the Digital Age.”

Exploring the importance of play in childhood development and wellbeing, and the impact that screens are having on children. Designed for KS1 and KS2 parents. Non-judgemental, interactive, and informative. Topics covered include:

• The Importance of Play
• The Impact of Screens on Childhood
• Positive Solutions for Your Family
• Q&A and Sharing of Top Tips

Date: Tuesday 25th November 2025
Time: 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Tickets: £3 book here, also listed on our events page—all proceeds to Papaya. 

Christmas Card Competition for the Mayor of Harrogate

"Your Favourite Place in York and North Yorkshire at Christmas"

We are lucky to live in such a beautiful and historic region, full of incredible landscapes, landmarks, and local treasures. Whether it’s a favourite park, a historic building, a scenic view, or even a cosy café or playground, I want to see what makes York and North Yorkshire special to the children who live here.

The winning design will feature on my official Christmas card, which will be sent to key community figures, organisations, and partners across the region. The winner and runners-up will also receive a special certificate and an invitation to meet me at my office in York.

How to Enter

• The competition is open to all primary school pupils across York and North Yorkshire.
• Entries should be on A4 paper and designed using any materials or techniques (paint, crayons, collage, digital art, etc.).
• Please ensure the child's name, age, school, and a short explanation of their design are included on the back.
• Schools can submit entries by post to David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, YNY Combined Authority, West Offices, Station Rise, York YO1 6GA or by emailing scanned designs to mayor@yorkandnorthyorks-ca.gov.uk.

The closing date for entries is Friday 14 November and the winning design will be announced in early December.

It's behind you!!

As the trip is a part of our curriculum, we can only ask for a voluntary contribution towards the full cost of the trip. The cost per pupil is £13. Unfortunately, we may have to cancel the trip for all of the children if we do not receive sufficient contributions.

We’re incredibly grateful for your support in making this enriching experience possible for your child. If you're happy to do so, you’re welcome to round up your contribution to £15, which would help us cover costs for other children who may need a little extra support. Every contribution makes a difference, and we truly appreciate your generosity. Payments can be made on Arbor in the Trip Section.

Thank you in advance for your support.