Friday Update - 24.10.25 - Happy Half Term!
Posted 24th October 2025
Miss McNamara's Message
As we come to the end of another busy half term at Coppice Valley, I always enjoy reflecting on all that’s been achieved. This half term has been full of learning, creativity and kindness - from our Forest School adventures in Reception, Year 2 and Year 5, to wonderful classroom learning, walk to school successes, trips and visitors and the continued work on establishing our new Zones of Regulation morning routines.
A big highlight this week has been the distribution of our Coppice Recipe Bags – packed by our pupils. It’s great to see the excitement as pupils collected theirs - we would love to see some pictures of you cooking together on our social media.
We’'ve ended the term with our Brave, Kind, Curious Assembly, celebrating pupils who have truly embodied our school values. And for the very first time, our Top 3 Dojo Earners from each class enjoyed a special treat with Mrs Brook and Miss McNamara, toasting s’mores together in recognition of their hard work, positive attitude and fantastic behaviour.
Thank you to all our families for your continued support and to our staff for their energy and care every day. Wishing everyone a wonderful, restful half term - see you all back, ready for more fun in the next half term!
PTFA News
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Chair - Anne Marie Haddington
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Vice Chair - Sarah Mullan
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Secretary - Danielle Eyton Jones
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Treasurer - Sarah-Jane Wilkinson
Core Duties of PTFA Trustees:
- Ensure the Charity’s Purpose is Delivered - Trustees must ensure the PTFA is working towards its charitable objectives—typically supporting the school and enhancing educational experiences.
- Comply with Legal and Governance Requirements - Trustees must follow the charity’s governing document (often a constitution) and comply with charity law and regulations.
- Act in the Charity’s Best Interests - Decisions must be made collectively and in the best interest of the PTFA, avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Manage Resources Responsibly -Trustees are responsible for financial oversight, ensuring funds are used appropriately and transparently. This includes:
- Approving budgets
- Ensuring proper financial controls (e.g., two unrelated signatories for cheques)
- Keeping accurate records and receipts
- Act with Reasonable Care and Skill - Trustees should use their skills and experience to make informed decisions and seek advice when needed.
- Ensure Accountability - Trustees must report annually to the Charity Commission, including submitting financial statements and updates as required.
- Eligibility and Appointment: - Trustees must be over 18 and not legally disqualified (e.g., undischarged bankrupt, criminal convictions involving dishonesty)
🎭 Oh yes it is… Panto time for Y1–Y6! 🎄
We’re so excited to be heading to the pantomime with our Year 1 to Year 6 children — it’s a brilliant opportunity to bring learning to life through the magic of theatre!
🎟️ Tickets are available now on Arbor in the Trip Section.
As this trip is part of our curriculum, we can only ask for a voluntary contribution of £13 per pupil.
🧚♀️ If you're happy to do so, you're welcome to round up to £15, which helps support children who may need a little extra help. Every contribution makes a difference — and we’re incredibly grateful for your generosity.
Crochet and Craft Afternoon
Join us for an afternoon of creativity and community spirit. With a cuppa, biscuits and great conversation. Whether you're a crochet pro or just curious to give it a go we'd love to see you there!
- Date: Wednesday 19th November
- Time: From 2pm until 3.15pm
⭐Highlights for next half term!⭐
- Beech class will be learning about their new designer Henry Ford, we will also be going on a school trip to Pizza Express 🍕 and starting our new writing unit with a super exciting hoop lesson... no spoilers yet though!
- Ash class are learning about food safety and preparation in DT, we have a special visit from Beth (Phunky foods) for a workshop. As part of our Coppice 50 we are visiting a local care home to read our favourite stories📚 . Our new book is… Orion and the Dark! Have you ever had an English lesson with glow sticks and torches?🔦 Geography we are learning about Tulum in Mexico and we are taking a virtual trip there!
Apple Class will have their trip to Murton Park next half term, as well as a visit from MIND 🧠 and Phunky Foods. We will also be doing lots of sewing in DT, to create our own Roman pouches. 🧵
Autumn 2 Menu - Week 1
We are starting on Week 2 of the rotation to align with our caterers.

🍁 Outdoor Tip: 🎃 Wildlife Feeders
After Halloween, instead of tossing carved pumpkins, repurpose them as wildlife feeders in your garden or allotment. Simply cut them into chunks and leave them in a quiet corner for birds, squirrels, and insects to enjoy - it’s a great way to teach biodiversity and composting in action!

⭐ Attendance ⭐
Class |
% |
|
Oak |
96.7% |
|
Beech |
100% 🌟 |
|
Ash |
90.7% |
|
Sycamore |
96.7% |
|
Apple |
94.3% |
|
Chestnut |
95% |
|
Willow |
90.3% |
|
Whole School |
94.8% |
Do you have a child starting school in September 2026?

Autumn 2 Key Dates
Monday 3 November - School Opens for pupils
Monday 17 November - Parent/Carer Evening
Monday 17 November - FEAST vouchers released
Tuesday 18 November - Family Breakfast
Wednesday 19 November - Craft & Crochet Afternoon
Thursday 20 November - Parent/Carer Evening
Monday 1 December - Christmas Light Switch On!
Tuesday 2 December - Beech Christmas Crafternoon 🎄
Wednesday 3 December - Sycamore Christmas Crafternoon 🎄
Thursday 4 December - Willow Christmas Crafternoon 🎄
Friday 5 December - Apple Christmas Crafternoon 🎄
Friday 5 December - PTFA Christmas Disco
Monday 8 December - Ash Christmas Crafternoon 🎄
Monday 8 December - Christmas Choir - BUPA Southlands
Autumn 2 Dates
Tuesday 9 December - EYFS Nativity Performance 1 - AM
Tuesday 9 December - KS1 Christmas Performance 1 - PM
Tuesday 9 December - Y4 Roman Trip to Murton Park
Wednesday 10 December - Christmas Dinner Day!
Wednesday 10 December - Christmas Choir - Christmas Markets
Thursday 11 December - EYFS Nativity Performance 2 - AM
Thursday 12 December - KS1 Nativity Performance 2 - PM
Thursday 12 December - Oak Christmas Crafternoon 🎄
Friday 13 December - Chestnut Christmas Crafternoon 🎄
Monday 15 December - KS2 Carol Concert at St Johns Church 10am.
Friday 19 December - School Closes for Christmas Holidays



















