Friday Update 19.12.2025 - Merry Christmas!
Posted 19th December 2025
Miss McNamara's Message
As we come to the end of the autumn term, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and celebrate not just what has been a fantastic term, but what has been an amazing year at Coppice Valley.
In assembly this week, we reflected together on just how much we have achieved since January. From welcoming author Bethan Woollvin in to school, to the many learning experiences, enrichment opportunities and memorable moments across every term, the year has been full of curiosity and fun. We reflected on PTFA events such as the Colour Run and Valentines/Christmas discos, the installation of a music garden, a mud kitchen, composting toilets and 800 new trees planted across school. Our Family Breakfasts, Walk to School Days and the many workshops in school - such as martial arts, dance and bedtime stories in pyjamas for World Book Day. It is no wonder we are all exhausted!
None of this would be possible without the continued support of our families. Thank you for working so closely with us, for championing our school, and for being such an important part of the Coppice Valley community.
This week, we also celebrated our top three Dojo winners for this half term, who enjoyed a very special reward - making snowman s’mores over a fire. It was a great way to recognise their consistently positive choices, effort and attitudes.
I wish you all a restful, happy and joyful break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year for even more opportunities, together.
Forest School Clothing Reminder
If your child is taking part in Forest School sessions, please ensure they come to school in their usual PE kit and bring the following additional items:
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Wellies
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Plain black or navy waterproofs
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Hat and gloves (as needed for the weather)
PE Kit should include:
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Plain navy shorts, joggers, or leggings
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Plain white or navy t-shirt
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Plain trainers
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Navy school sweatshirt or plain navy hoodie
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No jewellery
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No branded items
Tip: It’s always a good idea to pack a spare set of clothes for Forest School days—just in case!
Working Together for Safe Access
As building works continue for our new nursery, we know there are more cars on the surrounding streets, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this busy time.
Please help us keep everyone safe by:
- Avoiding parking on the verges of our driveway to the car park, as this blocks disabled and pedestrian access to the gate.
- Not blocking residential driveways or our own driveway to the car park and building site as this route is vital for emergency vehicles to reach the back of our school.
Also, if you walk your dog to school, please don’t leave them tied to our fencing.
Thank you for working with us to make drop-off and pick-up safe and smooth for everyone!
Activity Clubs - Spaces still available!
Some of our clubs still have spaces available and we have waiting lists ready and active for others! Please make sure you secure your child's place before the end of the first week back. Clubs will start on Monday 12 January.
Log onto Enrolmy to book and pay for your child's club places!
⭐Highlights for next half term!⭐
- Apple Class will be starting their first geography unit which will include some fieldwork into our local area 🌲🌳. We'll also be spending time at forest school at the end of the half term to create our own mechanisms for our DT.
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Sycamore will be exploring architecture 🏢⛪ and designing and building their own structures during our DT unit. In Geography, we will be out and about in the local area investigating what facilities are in our local area in. 🌲🌳
- 🌿 Exciting Learning Ahead for Beech Class! 🌍 Next half term, the children in Beech Class will be taking their learning outdoors lots and lots! 🍃 We’re thrilled to be launching a half term of Forest School, alongside;🌱 A science unit on plants, 🗺️ A geography unit exploring our world and where we live and ✏️ An adventurous writing unit inspired by nature. We can’t wait for the children to explore, investigate, and let their imaginations grow in the great outdoors! 🌳✨
- Ash Class are excited to start our history unit by looking in detail at the Great Fire of London 🔥 and linking this to our writing unit. In art, we are studying Maria Andrade and her style of pottery design ☕ , incorporating these skills into designing and manipulating our own clay pieces. In science, we will be exploring everyday solid materials, their properties, and their uses through gathering information and carrying out tests.
Spring 1 Menu - Week 1
Christmas Eco Tip - Choose Pre-loved!
Pick a present that’s already loved! Toys, books, and games from charity shops or second-hand stores are just as fun - and they help the planet by reducing waste.
⭐ Attendance ⭐
Class |
% |
|
Oak |
89.3% |
|
Beech |
70.7% |
|
Ash |
88.7% |
|
Sycamore |
94.3% |
|
Apple |
92% |
|
Chestnut |
87.1% |
|
Willow |
82.9% |
|
Whole School |
86.5% |
Support Over the Holidays
The GoTo Useful resources for parents - The Go-To | Mental Health in North Yorkshire - Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for children and young people in North Yorkshire
Family Lives - Parenting and Family Support | Family Lives - Free support with parenting and family challenges
The Village www.thevillageharrogate.co.uk Baby Bank, Children’s Clothing Bank, Uniform Swap Shop & Conversation Café.
Harrogate Clothes Bank - https://harrogateclothesbank.co.uk - FREE pre-loved clothes & shoes for all in need
Harrogate Foodbank - https://harrogatedistrict.foodbank.org.uk - Emergency food parcels for those with a valid foodbank voucher
Ripon Community House Food Support & Waste Not Wednesday - www.riponcommunityhouse.co.uk/food-support-ripon-surrounding-areas
Resurrected Bites - https://resurrectedbites.co.uk/ - A weekly shop from as little as £5. The Community Groceries run at New Park School and Gracious Street Methodist Church in Knaresborough twice weekly. They also run pay as you feel cafes in Harrogate at St Wilfrid’s (Weds 10am-2pm), Killinghall Methodist Church (Thurs 10am-2pm) and at the Centre on Gracious Street in Knaresborough (Fri 10am-2pm)
Essential Needs Community Store - https://essentialneeds.org.uk/ - Affordable furniture, appliances or household items.
Warm & welcoming spaces this winter - https://hadca.org.uk/WarmWelcome - Community venues, churches and local libraries across Harrogate district are friendly, safe and inclusive places, offering not just warmth but a place to enjoy the company of others, and maybe a hot drink or an opportunity to join in activities.
Cost of Living Support - Cost of Living Support | Harrogate & District Community Action - Local support for help with cost of living
Warm and Well North Yorkshire can help anyone unable to afford their energy bills or worried about heating their home. Their Helpline is 01609 767 555.
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, impartial advice, helping find a way forward. The sooner a call is made to the Freephone Advice line 0808 278 7900, the sooner first steps can be taken.
Spring 1 Dates
Monday 5 January - Inset Day
Tuesday 6 January - All pupils back in school
Monday 12 January - After School Activity Clubs Start
Tuesday 20 January - Family Breakfast
Friday 6 February - Walk to School Day
Tuesday 10 February - Oak Class - St Wilfred's Church Visit
Wednesday 11 February - Young Voices Concert
Friday 13 February - School Closes for Half Term
Spring 2 Dates
Monday 23 February - School Opens
Monday 9 March - Oak and Sycamore - Hinduism Workshop
Friday 13 March - Walk to School Day
Tuesday 17 March - Family Breakfast
Tuesday 24 March - Apple Class Harrogate Synagogue Visit
Thursday 26 March - PTFA Sponsored Bounce
Friday 27 March - School Closes for Easter Holiday
