Copperworks PFA Blog

Bollywood comes to Copperworks

2009-08-04T19:31:00.004+01:00

Namaste! Bollywood came to Copperworks School during Healthy Month and was welcomed and enjoyed by all. Sarita taught the children some simple steps to some fab Bollywood tunes whilst teaching them about Indian culture and dance.

The Bollywood workshop was enjoyed by all, and some staff told me it was the hardest workout they'd done in ages!!!

The workshops were paid for by the Parent's Association through monies received from WCVA. Thank you.

The "Prom" 2009

2009-08-04T16:24:00.004+01:00

July saw the "Prom" once again at Copperworks School. Our very own Prince Charming, (Josh Harries below) rolled up to give Joe, Becci and Tracy a beautiful single rose each, we were thrilled!!

The limos arrived and the children stepped out to "oohs" and "aahhs" all around, they looked absolutely fab, parents/guardians had put in so much effort!

DJ Lloyd was on hand to get the party thumping and it was bop til you drop!

The children were each presented with their Year Books and friendship bracelets and Miss James had a presentation too!

Thank you to everyone who helped decorate the hall and supervise on the night. It's always a special evening and a much looked forward to event. Thank you, it really is appreciated.

If you would like to get involved with the Parent's Association, please see Becci, Tracy or Joe

More Dancing Sessions during Healthy Month

2009-08-04T16:05:00.004+01:00

After 4 weeks of learning different dances, from Belly Dancing to Street, the last session brought them all together in a "Dollymix" workshop. The children thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, and the staff got a workout too!

The Future's Bright.......The Future's Scarlet !!!

2009-06-16T15:18:00.006+01:00

Today, the whole school took part in a rugby skills workshop. Year two worked with Paul Fisher from the Scarlets, supported by Deacon Manu, Scarlets player, and the rest of the school worked with Karen Gibbard from Communities First and Phillip Drew a parent volunteer. Deacon also joined Karen to work with the younger pupils later during the sessions.

We started with some warming up, then cracked on with some ball handling skills.

The children, staff, and volunteers had a blast!

Thank you to everyone who came along to make the morning a success.

Look out Ospreys....we have some future Scarlets on the horizon!

Pre School Walk

2009-06-15T21:15:00.005+01:00

Last Thursday, as part of Healthy Month, there was a Pre school walk. This walk was for parents and pupils who were unable to join us at Bethel Chapel the previous week, (not for pre-school age children, there seems to have been a slight misunderstanding!).

There will be another Walk to school event this Thursday, meeting at St. Peter's Church, and another Pre School Walk the following week.

Please remember, that parents MUST accompany children during these walks.

Thank you to the Safer Communities Action Group once again for the use of the vests and walking rings, it is much appreciated.

115 relaxed children with happy hands!

2009-06-15T20:57:00.003+01:00

Last week, on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, all pupils took part in a giant, whole school massage session! 115 pupils in all, as well as members of staff put their hands to work.

Despite suffering with a sore throat, Debs came along to teach the children 4 massage techniques that they could use. Everyone enjoyed and she has promised to return for another short session before the end of term.

The session was funded by the Parent's Association through monies received by the WCVA.

Thanks Debs!

All good things must come to an end!

2009-06-15T20:49:00.003+01:00

Sadly, Language and Play has now come to an end! During our last session we made grass caterpillars and everyone received their certificates, books and badges.

Everyone enjoyed the course and we are looking to put more courses on next term.

Thank you to Awards for All for funding the course and Flying Start for paying the Hall hire costs.

We're singing in the rain...............

2009-06-09T20:08:00.002+01:00

Oh, the weather outside was frightful, but the fire was so delightful........we wish!!

Last Saturday, Becci and Tracy went along to the Guide Dogs for The Blind Summer Fayre held at People's Park and pitched up our stall. Unfortunately, the weather was not good to us and it rained, then it a rained a little more, then it rained a little more, until eventually they decided to call it a day and head home.

Never mind girls, better luck next time.

We wish the organisers wholehearted success in any future endeavors. They put an awful lot of hard work into Saturday's event.

Shake, Shimmy and Salsa!

2009-06-09T19:22:00.004+01:00

Friday mornings at Copperworks will never be the same again!

Tara of Reilly's Rhythms will be working with the children in a series of dance workshops held on Friday mornings. Last Friday they shimmied to Belly Dancing, shook their hips to Salsa and shook it to a bit of Street!!

Coming up they have Circuit Training, more Street Dancing and then they'll be putting it all together in one final workshop.

The danceworks have peen funded through the Parent's Association through monies received from WCVA.

Healthy Month Walk to School Event

2009-06-09T19:04:00.003+01:00

As part of Healthy Month, there will be a programme of Walk to School Events, running on each Thursday throughout June. The first one kicked off in glorious sunshine at Bethel Chapel Seaside. There were 24 children taking part.

The Walk to School Event was held to highlight the health benefits of leaving the car at home and walking to school instead.

Thank you to the Safer Communities Action Group who once again supported once us and loaned us their high visual vests and walking rings.

The next event will take place on the school grounds as pre-school walk.

Sunflower News

2009-06-03T22:11:00.004+01:00

Just before half term, the Language and Play group planted sunflower seeds and already they are growing. They are not quite as big as the children yet, but give them time!

Pictured with his sunflowers is Josh.

Butterfly fly away.............

2009-06-03T21:59:00.002+01:00

It was time to say goodbye to Itsy, Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny and Tiny today. So, we took them to the school garden, where accompanied by the whole school, we set them free!

They flew off beautifully, but we are hoping that they will come back and lay their eggs in the garden and add a splash of Painted Lady colour amongst the greenery. Butterflies fly away...........

Summer Fayre Update

2009-06-03T07:33:00.002+01:00

Unfortunately, we have had to postpone our plans for a summer fayre. (gasp!) There a several other large events scheduled for the same day ours was to take place and the parent's association took the decision that we could not compete. We will however be having a small table at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Event at People's Park instead on Saturday. (June 6th 12 - 4pm)

We've decided to re-schedule the fayre for September (hooray!), so please come along then and support us. Keep blogging on and looking out for the display board for updates.

Thank you

Painted Ladies

2009-06-01T20:10:00.004+01:00

The Butterflies have now all hatched, aren't they beautiful!! We will be releasing them on Wednesday in the school garden. Can't wait!!

School Prospectus

2009-05-31T22:54:00.007+01:00

For more information, please visit the school website (www.ysgolccc.org.uk/copper).

All snuggly and warm!

2009-05-30T22:20:00.007+01:00

Itsy, Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny and Tiny are now in their cocoon's and we are waiting for them to hatch into beautiful Painted Lady Butterflies. I'm sooo excited!!

Language and Play Update.........

2009-05-30T21:25:00.006+01:00

During our last session before half, Fabien, the Fit 4 Fun mascot visited us. He is pictured below.

During this session we played with compost and got really messy! We got to plant sunflower seeds, and fingers crossed they will grow as tall as we are!! Even Horace, the Giant African Land Snail popped in for a visit. When we meet back after half term, we hope that the the caterpillars will have turned in to butterflies and we can release them.

Introducing............

2009-05-18T12:22:00.006+01:00

Parent's attending the Language and Play sessions have been creating crafts linked to the story The Very hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

We would like to introduce you to; Itsy Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny and Tiny! The group's caterpillars!! They will be watching them transform from Very Hungry Caterpillars into beautiful Painted Lady Butterflies and releasing them when ready.

Little Green Fingers

2009-05-18T11:52:00.008+01:00

The Gardening Club and all school pupils have been very busy these past few months, growing vegetables and plants, so busy, that one green house wasn't enough!

So, the Parent's Association decided to purchase the club two new green houses and a tunnel greenhouse for those lettuce and cabbage!

The vegetables looked delicious, well done everyone for working so hard!!!

Don't forget, you can help support the gardening club by purchasing tomato plants and others when they are on sale. Please see Mrs. Banner for details.

Massage in Schools Programme

2009-05-11T09:42:00.009+01:00

The Parent's Association has funded, through monies received from WCVA, a massage programme in Mrs. Burt's class this term.

The children have learnt fun massage techniques that they can use on each other and at home. The class has helped them to relax, and looking at the photos below, I think they have enjoyed themselves!!!

The programme has now ended, and our last session finished with games. We had musical massage statues and a guessing game.

As you can see from the photos below, a lot of fun was had and the children have learnt a lot.

Thanks Debs!!

Language and Play

2009-05-11T09:19:00.005+01:00

Language and Play started on April 22nd in CYCA and will run for 8 weeks. The course will include a visit to the library.

We have 12 parents taking part in weekly activities all based around the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We even have a Butterfly Farm.

Each week we read a book, and make some craft, the families even have homework!!!

This project has been funded by Awards for All and the hall hire costs are being covered by Flying Start. We are very grateful to both.

Grass area Consultation

2009-04-21T13:16:00.004+01:00

Hi all. An idea has been put forward to re-develop the grass area where the school hold's it's sport's day. As it stands at present, the children can only play on the grass area when it's dry as the ground gets mucky etc and so the area is not being used to it's full potential.

One possible idea is to turn the area into an adventure style playground which the children can use all year round.

This does of course mean that by taking the grass away, there will be no area for the school to hold it's sport's day. A possible solution to this could be to use the local park and playing fields or community centres as some other schools do?

A questionnaire will be coming out with your child in due course, but in the mean time, why not vote on line on this blog using the poll to the right?

Your opinion matters, so please let us know.

Thank you.

Ring the Changes!

2009-04-17T19:14:00.004+01:00

The Parents Association held their AGM on Thursday April 2nd in CYCA and they welcomed some new faces to the group and said some goodbyes too!

A big thank you to Louise Charles (Rosenthal) who stepped down as Secretary and Joanne Yeo (me) as Events Co-ordinator.

Stepping in are Alex Weston as Secretary and Tracy Taylor as Events Co-ordinator.

Your Committee now stands as:

Chairperson - Rebecca Westcott
Treasurer - Danna Wookey
Secretary - Alex Weston
Events Co-ordinator - Tracy Taylor

Everyone agreed that the association had accomplished a vast amount over the last 12 months and should be congratulated.

This year the association hopes to hold their annual summer fayre (volunteer permitting) and the annual prom!

Walk To School with Safer Communities

2009-03-19T20:27:00.006Z

On Thursday March 19th, we gathered outside Bethel Chapel for our Walk to School Event. We were joined by members of the Safer Communities Action Group, Community Police officers and Comminities First Develepment workers.

The Safer Communities Action Group had provided us with their new High visual safety vests, and the weather man had provided us with glorious sunshine!

The event took place to highlight road safety along the school route during the essential works being carried out to improve traffic around our school.

Thank you to everyone who came along, pupils, parents, teachers, Community Police Officers, Communities First Team and to the Safer Communities Action Group volunteers. Thank you also to Jelly Tots Nursery who kindly loaned us their walking rings whilst the Safer Communities action Group await delivery of theirs!

Waiting for everyone to arrive!

Members of the Safer Communities Action Group along with Community Police officers and pupils.

High ho! High ho! It's off to school we go.........

The walking rings helped to keep everyone together!

Help! Storage space needed!!!

2009-03-11T10:28:00.003Z

Hi everyone!

The parent's association have been extremely lucky over the last couple of years in acquiring funds to purchase new resources and equipment but are now in desperate need of somewhere to store it all.

We need somewhere local to the school and easily accesible. Big enough to store tables, gazebos, display boards, outdoor play equipment, summer fayre games, decorations, a sleigh and more!

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to pay, so are looking for a generous soul !

If anyone can help, please speak to either Joe or Becci outside school gates or contact us through this site.

Thank you.

Red Noses Galore!

2009-03-09T13:30:00.006Z

Copperworks School PFA once again took the lead in obtaining Red Noses to sell at both Copperworks School and also for Bigyn School to sell.

We sold a fabulous 220 Red Noses and Bigyn a fantastic 260! Thank you to everyone who purchased a Red Nose to help raise money.

This year, we could chose what our fundraising efforts would be spent on, and so the money will be spent on helping families in Africa to afford schooling and education.

In addition to selling Red Noses, the pupils were invited to dress in their PJ's and bring in 1p's and 2p's to place on a giant Red Nose on the school yard. They raised a Super-duper £180!!! Well Done and Thank you.

Family Massage Classes

2009-03-09T12:53:00.005Z

Our Family Massage Classes started on Monday March 2nd at 6.00 pm in CYCA.

Parent's, grandparent's and children aged from 2 - 14 yrs came along to learn a range of hands-on massage techniques (fully clothed), in a friendly, fun and social environment.

This course lasted 5 weeks and was funded through WCVA. We had a lot of fun learning the massage moves and had to make up a story using them on our last week. We are looking to run a similar course again in the future.

Thanks Debs!!

Panto, Panto, Pantomime!

2009-02-01T19:30:00.006Z

On Saturday January 31st, we decended upon Theatr Elli to watch this year's pantomime Robinson Crusoe. With 126 of us, we were sure to make enough noise when it came to "oh no he didn't", " Booooooo, Hisssss", and "he's behind you" !

Each child recieved a goody bag filled with treats and the afternoon was filled with mayhem and laughs galore.

A good time was had by all and we look forward to next year's production!!!

New Term, New Ideas?

2009-01-23T12:26:00.006Z

Now that we're all settled back into the new term, it's time to think of new projects and ideas for the coming months ahead.

The Parent's Association would like to know what you as parents, grandparents, and carers want.

Would you like to see the weekly coffee morning return? Would you like a summer trip? What about termly discos? Summer Fayre?

Would you be interested in joining the Parent's Association and taking a more active role in fundraising for events etc?

We need to know. You can use this site to tell us by leaving a message in the comments box, or use the newsletter which will be coming out shortly, or just come and tell us.

Chairperson - Rebecca Westcott

Secretary - Louise Rosenthal

Treasurer - Danna Wookey

Events Co-ordinator - Joanne Yeo

Big Lottery Fund

2009-01-23T12:08:00.012Z

How thrilled are we!

Pictured are: Kath Adams (Language and Play Co-ordinator), Rebecca Westcott, Joanne Yeo, Louise and Jacob Rosenthal (Parent's Association members), and Faye Davies (Communities First).

The Parent's Association were successful in their application to Awards for All which is part of the Big Lottery Fund, for funding for new resources. (that was a bit of a mouthful!)

After many hours of hard work with Faye from Communities First, putting in the application and waiting 12 wks, we learnt that we were had been awarded monies for a new printer/ink and paper, an A board to help promote our events and for new Language and Play resources. The total amount awarded was £739!

The Parent's Association has 4 qualified Language and Play Leaders and some of these will be delivering Language and Play courses this year as part of their "Bring a Smile Project"

Language and Play will start in partnership with the Flying Start Project on Wednesday April 22nd in CYCA at 9.30 am. We are really looking forward to it, it's going to be an exciting project, open to families young and old, helping to develop children's language skills through play. So, if your a parent, grandparent, aunty, uncle, or carer with a child aged 0 - 4yrs looking for for that little something extra, then maybe Language and Play is for you.

Each week there'll be crafts, singing, talking, sharing, learning and having fun!

If you would like to know more about Language and Play, or would be interested in having a course run in a group that you attend, please get in touch with us through this site or, if you know us, at the school.

Christmas Party 2008

2009-01-23T11:54:00.018Z

On Saturday December 13th The Parent's Association held their Christmas Party at CYCA.

The party was completely free as it had been funded by WCVA

There was dancing and games with Lloyd our fab D.J, fun photos and of course Santa stopped by to visit us in his winter wonderland grotto.

Louise from Llanelli Face Painting, (http://www.llanellifacepainting.co.uk) ,came along and painted everyone's faces and they all looked really super!

The children enjoyed the food boxes and parents relaxed with a cuppa and a mince pie!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the party a success, it really is appreciated.

I seem to have lost my sheep, can you help me find them?

We've been good all year Santa...Honest!

Three mischeivious fairies

How low can you go........?

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.......

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Everyone does the conga to collect their food boxes.

The Fun Photo Christmas Cards were a hit.

We need caffeine!

Us too!

Can you tell what it is yet?

Even Troy and Gabriella came and partied with us!

Folly Farm Trip December 2008

2008-12-07T22:03:00.020Z

On a frosty Sunday morning, a trip of no fewer than 93 of us decended upon Folly Farm for fun and frolics on our Christmas trip.

The day began with excitement and expectations to see the man in red. To keep us going there was animal feeding, fair rides, adventure playgrounds, pet handling and more. Below is just a small selection of the very many photos taken!

First important job of the day was to enter the colouring competition. (I'm not sure if there was an age limit)!

The pets felt soft and fluffy!

After a busy couple of months at the Reindeer Flight School, 2 reindeer take a well earned rest in readiness for a busy night on the 24th !

Waiting to see Santa! Can hardly wait!

Almost there, heading for the door, can taste that mulled wine already!

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's the man himself. Just can't believe Santa took time out of his busy schedule to see us.

There's a hole in your bucket.........

I'm having such a FAB time!

These goats were really thirsty, but I'm not sure who was winning the tug of war with the bottle?

This slide was a huge hit...............................

..........................with BIG kids too!

Everyone had a great day, the trip was a fun family day out .

Special thanks to WCVA and Llanelli Town Council, without whom we could not have run the trip at such a low cost.

All I want for Christmas is..........

2008-12-04T22:35:00.010Z

Today the School Council held their Christmas sale in the school hall. Each class contributes something, whether it be edible goodies such as gingerbread men, (my favourite) or hand crafted cards, there's something for everyone.

After an initial panic, (please see pic below!) we couldn't unlock the door quick enough to let the eagerly waiting parents in.

The garden club's chocolate logs soon sold out and the christmas balloons, always a hit, didn't last long either! Cards, calendars, juice, cakes, biscuits, dolls and more, what else could you want for Christmas?

Well Done to all the staff and children for working so hard!

A small cheque for Huge smiles!

2008-12-02T21:33:00.007Z

Today, members of the parent's association visited the school to present a cheque for £200 towards Christmas activities for the children. We appreciate how hard the children work over the festive period and so we wanted to give a little something to bring smiles all round. We were delighted when we not only received huge smiles, but the children also sang a song for us too!

Pictured with the cheque are parent's association members Rebecca Westcott, Louise Rosenthal, Danna Wookey, Joanne Yeo and members of the School Council.

Winter Raffle Winners

2008-11-30T19:12:00.007Z

On Thursday November 27th, the parent's association drew their winter raffe. They had been busy selling raffle tickets in the school yard the previous week and had raised £100!! Thank you to everyone who had purchased tickets to help support the parent's association, and well done to all the winners, we hope you enjoy your prizes. Thanks to PCSO John Hill for drawing the tickets.

The winning numbers and prizes were:

1st Prize - Hamper no.286
2nd Prize - Folly Farm Tickets no. 251
3rd Prize - Wetlands Tickets no.216
4th Prize - Toddler Bike no. 201
5th Prize - Breakfast Voucher no.41
6th Prize - Children's Toy no. 301
7th Prize - Children's Toy no.76
8th Prize - Children's Toy no. 96
9th Prize - Children's Toy no. 176
10th Prize - Morrisons Voucher no. 81
11th Prize - Tin of Sweets no. 271
12th Prize - Singing Bear no. 156
13th Prize - Advent Calendar/Selection Pack no. 311
14th Prize - Candle no.171

Don't put it down or we'll laminate it!!!

2008-11-30T19:01:00.005Z

Realising that there was a need for a laminator in the community police office, the parent's association decided to take pity on our community police officers and donate one to the office. John and Llinos and the community police team are always supportive of all events that the parent's association does and so this small gesture will hopefully see them busy, merrily laminating away. So watch out, don't stand still too long, or they'll laminate you too!

Anyone for a game of Bingo!

2008-11-19T19:11:00.000Z

On Wednesday November 19th, pupils from year 2, along with Faye and Bryony from Communities First went along to St. Barnabas Hall in Tyisha for a game of Bingo with the members of Tyisha and Dock OAP Branch! The trip was part of an Intergenerational project organised by Communities First. Faye kick-started the afternoon off by explaining to the children what a community was, and then the games began!

The children enjoyed a game of bingo, and even a magic show put on by one of the members. After some light refreshments, the children entertained the members with a song they have been practicing from this year's Christmas Panto Cinderella.

A fun visit was had by all and I'm sure more visits will be arranged in the future.

Thank you Tyisha and Dock OAP Branch for having us over! Tyisha and Dock OAP Branch meet every Tuesday in St. Barnabas Hall from 2.00pm.

Blinging it up for the Mayors Parlour!

2008-11-13T13:36:00.001Z

Becci and Joe were invited to attend the Mayors Parlour recently after successfully applying for, and being kindly granted a donation from Llanelli Town Council. The Parent's Association were delighted to receive the cheque, (they always are!), and will be using the money towards this year's Folly Farm trip.

National Road Safety Week November 2008

2008-11-13T13:09:00.001Z

This week saw the Parents Association taking part in National Road Safety Week alongside Staff, pupils, parents, Communities First, and Community Police Officers. We met at St. Peter's Church and together walked the short journey to school safely.

After arriving, Community Police Officers John Hill and Llinos Phillips, along with community development worker Faye Davies demonstrated how SID (Speed Indicator Device) would have a smiley face if cars were driving below the 30mph speed limit and a sad face if they drove over it, to small groups of pupils. More "walking buses" are planned for the future.

Spooky Party 2008

2008-11-12T22:27:00.001Z

Copperworks Parents and Friends Association held their annual Spooky Party on November 1st this year at CYCA. Adults and children alike dressed in their scariest costumes and looked absoluteley spooktacular!

All children who attended were presented with certificates from our two judges, Community Police Officers John Hill and Llinos Phillips, who had the very difficult task of judging the fancy dress competition. The PFA are always grateful for all the help they receive from volunteers, and would like to take this opportunity to thank them, and all who attended for their support.