Oak-Tree Summer 2019 NEWSLETTER

Issue 9

Principal’s Message confident that we will be ready to ITEM PAGE reopen after an ongoing 14-month Wow - what another tremendously £1.2m project to modernise and Group Principal’s Message ...... 1 busy academic year that seems to upgrade the site and facilities. Hall Tiddly Prom ...... 1 have whizzed by in a flash! Speech Day and Prize Giving ...... 2 Thank you for all of your support this All four schools have had busy year and for trusting us with your Let the Games Begin ...... 2 Summer Terms full of productions, children. I’m grateful for the Making Music at Oaklands ...... 3 performances, sporting fixtures, opportunities we have to work Moving Up Day...... 3 academic experiences and special together and I know how lucky we Twilight Music Sessions ...... 3 events. I hope you’ll get a flavour are to have children in our schools Braeside Peri Concerts...... 4 from this Group Newsletter as to just who are motivated, talented and how much has been packed into Open Days ...... 4 who have high aspirations. such a relatively short period of time. Oaklands Curriculum Day ...... 4 I hope you are able to get a rest over Oak-Tree Summer Ball ...... 5 The schools are all still busy places the summer, and I look forward to over the summer, and as I write we Braeside First Aid ...... 5 welcoming you back when the new have several holiday clubs taking academic year starts on Wednesday YouTube Channels ...... 5 place with over 150 children enjoying 4 September. Beauty and the Beast ...... 6 Early Years, Multi-Sports and Drama Art Across the Oak-Tree Group ...... 6 activities. Our maintenance teams With best wishes

Sports Day ...... 7 and contractors have also been busy

Saying Goodbye to Our Leavers ...... 8 as we continue to update the facilities. The big project this year Coopersale Hall Travel Back in nTime ...... 8 has been at Oaklands, where I’m Matthew Hagger Summer Sports ...... 9 Social Media ...... 9 Early Years Celebrations ...... 10 Coopersale Hall Tiddly Prom The annual Tiddly Prom is an excellent way for parents of the Normanhurst Work Experience Week ...... 10 Coopersale Hall’s Lower and Upper younger pupils to see their children Coopersale Hall Trip to France ...... 11 Kindergarten children put on a perform, and the children certainly Normanhurst Summer Music Concert ...... 11 fantastic performance for their enjoy performing! Coopersale Hall School Gym Display ...... 11 ‘Tiddly Prom’ in June. Cinderella Rockerfella ...... 12 The children sang and played Oaklands Building Projects ...... 12 beautifully, creating a show filled Key Trips Across the Group ...... 12 with energy that was enjoyed by the large audience of families. A Little Outdoor Adventure ...... 13 Normahurst Keep Britain Tidy ...... 13 Songs included ‘I Never Saw a Dinosaur’, ‘I Hear the Band Far Away’ Oak-Tree School s Parents’ Associations ...... 14 and the ‘Fairytale Tea Party’!

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Speech Day and Prize Giving about the school’s influence on her Research Manager at Opinium, a career choice and to welcome her research agency in , and it was With the marquees set up, stages in back to Oaklands. interesting to hear about his life after place and standing room only at each Normanhurst. venue, it was time for the annual Prizes at each event were awarded for Speech Day and Prize Giving events at academic, sporting, artistic and the end of term. These are fantastic musical achievements, with further events that celebrate the many awards given for other successes such achievements of the children over the as endeavour, commitment and school year. specific subject prizes. Each school had a guest speaker who not only spoke about their role, but Oaklands School also helped to present the prizes. Braeside welcomed Janet Tarasofky, a women’s empowerment speaker and parent of a senior pupil, as guest speaker. Her speech was fascinating and had pupils, staff and families engaged. Normanhurst School In addition to the presentation of prizes, there were music and drama Coopersale Hall School performances from pupils from as well Coopersale Hall welcomed Andrew du as some exciting announcements of Boulay, a local Connect Volunteer with the new positions of responsibility. Operation Christmas Child. He told the audience about the project, his Our pupils should be proud of their involvement with it and the difference achievements this year. Whether the donations make to the children. Braeside School academically or creatively, in the Normanhurst also invited a former classroom or on the sports field, This year’s guest speaker at Oaklands’ pupil to present the prizes at the individually or as a team, they have all Speech Day was former pupil Jessica event at Chingford Assembly Hall. succeeded and we’re proud of them Herbert. It was interesting to hear James Crouch is a Partner and all.

Let the Games Begin in cheered and laughed their to the impressive acting, singing and way through the performance thanks dancing. Well done all! Year 5 and 6 pupils at Oaklands put on an impressive show during the Summer Term of ‘Let the Games Begin’. The play followed some technology-obsessed youngsters on an adventure through the land of Lady Fortune. The packed audience at Lopping Hall

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Making Music at Oaklands held in June. This peripatetic concert violin and even the flute! gave the young musicians the chance Reception and Year 1 children joined It has been a very musical few months to perform what they have been in the fun and experienced the magic at Oaklands, starting with the annual learning in their individual music of a real harp. The children were Music Concert that took place at the lessons. The audience enjoyed amazed by the size and sound of the end of May. All pupils from Years 3-6 harp and all had a go at playing a who learn a musical instrument at ‘glissando’. school were invited to play in the concert. Dressed in their concert finery, the pupils performed solos, duets and trios on the piano, recorder, violin, flute, drum kit, guitar and ukulele. Year 2 pupils were also given the opportunity to showcase their hard listening to a variety of pieces played work during the Year 2 Music Concert on the piano, recorder, guitar, ukulele,

Moving Up Day responsibilities. To make this transition a little easier, both Moving from Year 6 up to Year 7 is a Normanhurst and Braeside held a big step for many pupils as becoming a Moving Up Day, where current and Senior means new challenges and new pupils had the chance to meet some of their new teachers, have a few taster lessons and get to know each other. Lessons were fun and interactive and everyone had a good Normanhurst School day. teachers and classrooms. Oaklands and Coopersale Hall also We are looking forward to seeing held a Moving Up Day to allow pupils everyone back in September. Braeside School the chance to get used to their new

Twilight Music Sessions This summer Normanhurst have progress of our musicians. introduced some exciting new events The event was a showcase of almost to the school calendar - Twilight Music all of the instruments on offer at Sessions. These informal sessions are Normanhurst, with pieces ranging in a fantastic way for pupils to showcase style from Classical to Jazz, Musical what they have been learning in their Theatre to Heavy Metal, and lots in individual music lessons to their between. Well done to all performers, parents and friends. Children from as this was an excellent opportunity to young as Year 1 performed, and showcase the progress they have been everyone was impressed with the making in their learning.

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Braeside Peripatetic Concerts term, one for Junior performers and into their individual music lessons. one for the Seniors. There was a wonderful variety of pieces from children across the year The pupils put on some excellent groups - all the way down to performances that showcased all the Reception. hard work that they have been putting Instruments included piano, violin, trumpet, guitar and voice. There were also some lively group demonstrations from the Recorder Group, Singing Group, String Group, Junior Band and Senior Choir. We have some very musical pupils at Well done everyone, you should be Braeside and this talent was very proud! showcased across two events last

Oaklands Curriculum Day masks, making Greek salads and a Open Days 2019 mosaic of Aphrodite’s Rock, scribing Throughout the year the schools numbers and names in Mandarin, organise a wide range of Curriculum running an Australian currency Coopersale Hall School Days, where the children enjoy exchange, designing holiday learning about a particular theme brochures, creating Aboriginal- Tuesday 1 October at 9.15am while applying a hands-on approach. inspired art, using oil pastels to create Native American art, listening to African instruments, making a Oaklands School traditional South African dessert and Wednesday 2 October at 9.15am lots more. Towards the end of the day the pupils were able to share their new cultural Braeside School knowledge with each other. Seniors Wednesday 2 October at 6pm Juniors Oaklands recently held a Multi- Thursday 3 October at 9.15am Cultural Curriculum Day. Each class learnt about a different country around the world including Cyprus, Normanhurst School China, Japan, Australia, Canada and Infants, Juniors and Seniors South Africa. Thursday 3 October at 6pm Throughout the day the children took Early Years part in a huge range of activities It was a fun-filled day with lots of Friday 4 October at 9.15am relating to their given country such as laughter, learning and new creating Sitges Carnival-inspired experiences.

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Oak-Tree Summer Ball having a good time. Over the course of the evening there We held a hugely successful Summer was a Champagne reception, live Ball on Saturday 18 May for over 250 music from a jazz band, magicians parents, friends and staff of the -Oak performing close up magic, fun casino Tree Group. There was a distinctive tables and some floor fillers provided ‘Casino Royal’ theme running by a top DJ. Overall this was a fantastic evening filled with cocktails and dancing. in the grounds of Hall and Thank you to the four Parents’ was an opportunity to come together, Associations of the Oak-Tree Group as dressed to impress and raise funds for well as everyone who helped to make the four Parents’ Associations whilst the event possible.

throughout the evening, with an Aston Martin at the entrance, red and black colour scheme, James Bond cut outs and creative table decorations. The event was held in a large marquee

Braeside First Aid opportunity to learn some important These are essential ‘skills for life’ that skills over the Summer Term when the children really enjoyed learning. Braeside pupils appreciated the they took part in some hands-on first aid training. During the courses they learned how to keep a person’s heart beating and brain alive by performing CPR, and they also had a go at using a defibrillator to restart the heart. The course was led by a knowledgeable instructor with some of the children taking part in the demonstrations themselves.

YouTube Channel Braeside School Visit our schools’ YouTube channels to Coopersale Hall School see videos from some of the many Oaklands School events that take place through the year. Normanhurst School

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Beauty and the Beast transported us to a land of magic filled with a fearsome beast, a terrible curse This term the Junior pupils at Braeside and talking furniture. Everything from the set and costumes to the acting and singing was excellent, and it was clear to see that each pupil had put a huge amount of effort into learning their lines and preparing for the show. The packed audience in the Junior hall cheered and laughed their way children were complimented on their through the fun performance, and the confidence, singing and dancing.

Art Across the Oak-Tree get creative while learning about Keith Haring, resulting in some colourful Group work with the help of the Reception children. Normanhurst and Braeside GCSE pupils created some incredible pieces We certainly have some budding of artwork this year that count artists across the group! towards their final GCSEs. Each piece took much thought and planning, with sketchbooks that helped to back up Normanhurst School the process. All pupils were able to demonstrate a range of mediums including drawing, print, painting, mixed media and three-dimensional work. In addition to GCSE work, a number of other art projects took place throughout the Summer Term from different year groups in the schools. Braeside School

At Braeside, Year 7 created a clown At Normanhurst, Year 7 were given a hand puppet using a range of different plain white t-shirt and, following their three-dimensional construction and research of various designers and textile skills. Year 5 explored some different techniques, each pupil iconic London buildings and created a created their own customised t-shirt. Freidensrich Hundertwasser inspired Year 7 exhibited their work in the art mural. Pupils in Years 7 to 9 explored room and invited the school to visit plastic pollution and the environment and cast votes for their favourite to produce a mixed media ocean designs. Year 2 also had the chance to scene.

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Sports Day the turn of Upper Kindergarten who the cup this year. In the afternoon the took part in lots of fun races and Juniors arrived, and everyone had fun Despite a rain-filled start to the enjoyed competing. Reception, Years 1 taking part in the over and under Summer Term, all four schools held and 2 pupils took part in obstacle races, sprints, egg and spoon, howler successful Sports Days again this year. races, under and over races, bat and throw and long jump. Thanks to the All of our pupils really gave it their all beanbag races and flat races. Finally in face paint, signs and glitter this year - in the range of events, supporting the afternoon it was the turn of the team spirit was at an all time high. each other over the finish line. Juniors where each year group took it Connaught House came out on top. in turns to earn points for their House Braeside pupils, teachers, families and On Monday 8 July the Oaklands Sports friends gathered at the Lee Valley Day took place on the school field. Athletics Centre on the afternoon of Children in Key Stage 1 went first, with Thursday 20 June ready for Sports events including hurdles, obstacle and Day. For the Seniors, events included flat running. Early Years children also relays and track events such as the really enjoyed the day as they raced 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m, with towards the finish line to proud cheers everyone showing excellent team from a crowd of friends and family spirit cheering on their House. The during a series of fun races. The Key Juniors took part in over and under Coopersale Hall School Stage 2 events were held in the races, sprints, egg and spoon and even over a number of events. Once all the afternoon. Pupils took part in a sack races. It was lovely to see the points had been added up, it was number of heats with the House relay older pupils helping the younger girls announced that Willow House were a particularly competitive final. across the finish line. Although it was a the winners. Parents races at all events were also very tight competition, Nightingale particularly well run this year, with came out on top. On Friday 21 June it was the turn of some notable performances! Well Normanhurst to use the impressive done to Holly House who were the outdoor facilities at the Lee Valley overall winners. Athletics Centre for their Sports Day. The morning was filled with Senior events such as running races, high jump, shot put, long jump, discus and javelin. Many school and personal records were broken, and congratulations to Warren who took Braeside School

This year Coopersale Hall held Sports Oaklands School Day for all year groups on the same day, starting with Lower Kindergarten. Well done to all our athletic Oak-Tree On Thursday 4 July the youngest pupils who tried their hardest and children competed in a variety of races showed real sportsmanship in all of to a huge audience of very proud their events. Thank you also to the spectators. The favourite was friends and family who came to definitely the tricycle race! Next was Normanhurst School support and cheer the children on.

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Saying Goodbye to Our Leavers

The end of the Summer Term always marks an emotional time for our oldest pupils as they come to leave. Year 6 pupils from Coopersale Hall and Oakland are moving on to their chosen Oaklands School Normanhurst School secondary schools, while Year 11s from Braeside and Normanhurst are presentations and video messages, that will last a lifetime. On the last day moving on to further education. and performing with songs and they all were able to sign each others’ dances. Coopersale Hall pupils were shirts, which will be a treasured given a year book filled with messages memento of their time at school. from friends and teachers, while We wish all of our leavers the best of Oaklands pupils received a colourful luck for the future - please keep in hoodie complete with their touch! classmates’ names. The Year 11 pupils from Normanhurst and Braeside enjoyed their formal Coopersale Hall School Prom, which was the perfect excuse to dress up in their finery and spend As a final farewell, pupils from both some quality time with their friends Coopersale Hall and Oaklands starred on the dance floor or in the photo in some special assemblies for their booth. It was a very special evening families, reminiscing about their time for everyone with memories made at school through emotional Braeside School

Coopersale Hall Travel Back in Imperial War Museum, which they Year 6 pupils went on a trip to the Time found fascinating. The children were Ragged School Museum in Bow. They particularly impressed with the many were taken to a Victorian classroom Many Coopersale Hall pupils travelled different vehicles used in war, such as where the children were given an back in time during the Summer Term the Lancaster Bomber, Jump Jet and insight into the life of a poor Victorian while learning about different aspects various mean-looking tanks. child. The second part of the day was of history. spent looking at the domestic life of poor Victorians, and the class had the Year 3 took a visit to the Epping-Ongar opportunity to handle objects over Railway, dressing up as evacuees from 100 years old. WW2. They had a rotation of activities which included having a tour of the Lessons were also filled with engaged station and handling a range of pupils as they worked through their artefacts, such as trying on a gasmask. History topics of the term. Pupils also enjoyed a trip to the

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Summer Sports children clocked up a massive 662 laps which is a total distance of 94.5 miles. With the arrival of some warmer weather, new opportunities have Both Coopersale Hall and Braeside opened up for sporting activities made use of the sunshine by across the Oak-Tree Group. organising some fun and competitive Rounders Tournaments. Braeside held The ISA Athletics event was a both a Junior and Senior tournament particular highlight, with pupils from Braeside School both Normanhurst and Braeside making it to the National finals at The These involved Frisbee golf, a trip to Alexander Stadium. A few Coopersale the Total Wipeout course at Lee Valley Hall pupils took part in the Epping and Whitewater Rafting Centre and a trip Ongar District Athletics Tournament to Top Golf. Normanhurst Year 2 where they successfully took home pupils were also able to try out some the District Athletics Shield. From unusual activities at the Peter May Oaklands, the children who attend Normanhurst School Centre at the value games event, Athletics Club took the trip to Lee where over 500 children from 11 with Nightingale and Bronte becoming Valley Athletics Centre for an schools attended. The children the respective winners. Coopersale afternoon of specialist coaching from experienced lots of different sports Hall took part in the Epping and Ongar two professional athletes. such as lacrosse and archery District Rounders Tournament, again coming home with the shield. Both Coopersale Hall and Oaklands took part in the annual Bancroft’s Tennis has been a popular activity Swimming Gala in May. The pupils during the Summer Term, with Key were involved in many very Stage 2 pupils from Oaklands visiting competitive races with many close the Avenue Tennis Club for an finishes. afternoon of specialist coaching and games. Some Normanhurst pupils were lucky enough to receive tickets Coopersale Hall School for Wimbledon in the schools ballot, Oaklands pupils took part in the House while also taking part in the English Cross Country event over the Summer Schools tennis competition. Term, with pupils trying to complete Year 11 pupils from Braeside took part as many laps of the school field as in three weeks of fun and unusual they could. As a joint effort the activities for their last PE lessons. Oaklands School

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Early Years Celebrations The children at Coopersale Hall also entertained with songs, with Our Early Years celebrations all took favourites being ‘If I Were a Minibeast’ place on in the penultimate week of term, with our younger children entertaining their friends and family with some lovely performances. Each class from Oaklands took to the Braeside School stage to showcase what they have been learning throughout the year, The Normanhurst Early Years accompanied by a range of songs and Celebration again took place in the poems relating to their topic work. It Coopersale Hall School nearby United Reformed Church. The was lovely to hear about the children’s and ‘I Never Saw a Dinosaur.’ The children were excited to show their children spoke confidently on stage families what they have been up to in about their favourite memories from school. The highlight was definitely the year, before Miss Lovejoy the fantastic performance of ‘Reach presented Reception with certificates for the Stars’ by all of the Early Years for achievement and attendance. children together. The Early Years children from Braeside travelled to the Senior site to make use of the large marquee that had Oaklands School been set up in the grounds. They confidently reminisced, sang and danced their way through the adventures before Mrs Belej afternoon with the grand finale of ‘Oh presented each child with a certificate I Do Like To be Beside The Seaside’ - a to commend them for their hard work. Normanhurst School fabulous way to end the year.

Normanhurst Work The careers programme culminated in school life. The interview panel gave Experience Week the annual careers and mock interview some very constructive feedback at day which started with the the end of the sessions. This During the Summer Term, Year 10 opportunity to hear from seasoned experience will certainly be useful in pupils were given the opportunity to professionals. They introduced pupils the near future. participate in the ‘World of Work’ to their respective professions such as during a week of Work Experience. Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, This year employment placements Sports Psychology, Journalism, Media included Interior Design, Engineering, and Law. Architecture, Accounting, Hospitality In the afternoon the pupils were given and Education. The pupils received 30 minute interviews in which they very complimentary reports from their had to talk about their ambitions, host employees. interests and involvement in everyday

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Coopersale Hall Trip to France making sweets in a local sweet factory. It was a fascinating and enjoyable day Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils enjoyed a very filled with new experiences, and an special trip in June. Their trip to France excellent opportunity for the children was packed with a range of activities, to reinforce their understand of the starting with a very early morning French language.

journey by shuttle and coach to “We all had an enjoyable Bolulogne sur Mer. Activities included visiting a castle, eating lunch from a time in France, it was great local patisserie on a boat, visiting the fun.” - Year 6D huge Nausicaa Sea Life Centre and

Normanhurst Summer Music with a number of songs. The evening Concert was rounded off with a fantastic ‘Greatest Showman’ medley. Well Guests were welcomed into the done to all of our performers! ‘Normanhurst Jazz Café’ on Monday 8 July, ready for the eagerly anticipated Summer Music Concert. The hall had been laid out with small tables, glasses of wine and lots of tasty nibbles. violin, saxophone, piano and flute. Pupils performed a wide variety of instrumental and vocal pieces, with The Junior and Senior Choirs and many individual performances on the Bands also impressed the audience

Coopersale Hall School Gym Coopersale Hall is Gym Club. The first Display session is open to all ability groups and the pupils have the chance to A popular after-school club at learn new moves and skills. The second session is for the more advanced Gym Squad, and here pupils can further refine their moves and perfect routines. Pupils have been working very hard in assembly and during the Picnic in the the club and were given a couple of Park. It was clear to see their opportunities in the Summer Term to improvement from earlier on in the show what they have learnt both in an year. Well done!

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Cinderella Rockerfella There was some excellent singing with toe-tapping numbers such as On the evenings of Monday 24 June ‘Tonight’s the Night, ‘If I Had One and Tuesday 25 June, Coopersale Hall Wish’ and the all time favourite, pupils donned some impressive ‘Happy Ever Afters’. Boos, hisses, costumes and entertained the large cheers and laughter filled the room for crowd of friends and family with a the entire performance, meaning all hilarious performance of Cinderella the pupil’s hard work really paid off. Rockerfella. Well done!

Oaklands Building Projects connecting walkway leading to the buildings, as well as a front double There have been many exciting storey extension that has provided an projects taking place at Oaklands over additional classroom and new toilets. the past year. There is now a large car The huge double storey Hall extension park within the grounds, with a is nearly complete, and looks fantastic. Over the Summer the builders are hard at work finishing the project that will see an enlarged school hall and a new library, servery, science room and should make a tremendous difference kitchens. to the pupils and teachers, opening up When finished, this hugely ambitious more opportunities to enhance the project will transform the site and learning and extra-curricular activities.

Key Trips across the Group  Debden House  Floating Classroom - Paddington  Ashlyns Farm  Legoland  Queens Court Care Home  Young Mariners Base  End  National Portrait Gallery  PGL Liddington  Emirates Aviation Museum  Zoo  The Spinney Care Home  Colchester Zoo  V & A Museum  Rainforest Café  Epping Ongar Railway  Top Golf  Science Museum  Bolulogne sur Mer - France  Lee Valley Centre  Kidzania London  Ada Cole Horse Stables  Redbridge Museum  Chingford Fire Station  Visitor Centre  St John’s Church  Better Extreme Park  Kingswood  Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue  Port Lympne Safari Park  Imperial War Museum  Paradise Wildlife Park  Thorndon Country Park  Ragged School Museum  Kentwell House  The Globe Theatre  Stubbers Activity Centre  London Olympic Park  London Zoo

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A Little Outdoor Adventure Ladders, zip lining, canoeing, fencing, rafting and much more. These were all Coopersale Hall’s Year 5 and 6 pupils experiences that the children will enjoyed their time at Stubbers Activity remember for many years to come. Centre in May where paddle boarding and sailing were voted the favourite activities. Later in the year pupils went on a residential trip to Kingswood where they took part in a huge Normanhurst School number of activities such as beautiful weather. Teamwork, orienteering, the leap of faith, and synchronisation and communication Beach Adventure to name just a few. was key to avoid falling in! They were even reunited with the Braeside ducks Oaklands School that now call Lambourne End their home after growing up at the school. At the end of the school year, Senior What an adventurous bunch our Normanhurst pupils took their annual pupils are! House trips to Lambourne End. This team challenge day was filled with competitive tasks like Marble Run, Coopersale Hall School Swamp Crossing and Escape to Year 6 pupils from Oaklands enjoyed Victory. Crossing the Chasm was their PGL residential in Liddington. particularly tricky! The days were packed with adventure Year 4 and 5 children from Braeside and pupils faced their fears, taking also made the short trip to Lambourne part in activities such as Jacob’s End and had enjoyed rafting in the Braeside School

Normanhurst Keep Britain Year 5 also became #litterheroes as Tidy for Earth Day part of the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, and walked around North Pupils at Normanhurst have taken a Chingford picking up litter. particular interest this year in keeping Year 6 took part in the campaign as Britain tidy, and have been working well, voluntarily picking up litter after hard to do their bit for the school, during the weekends and in environment. their holidays. Year 3 and 4 children made recycled “I felt proud because we The Junior School Council have sculptures, bringing in recycled created special paper recycling bins are helping Britain be materials and making their own for each classroom and are always endangered animal. They then took it encouraging their peers and teachers tidy.” - Adam upon themselves to pick up litter in to use the bins when they can. their local area.

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Oak-Tree Schools Parents’ Associations

Our Parents’ Associations were very busy last term arranging a number of events for pupils, families and friends. The Parent’s Associations are always looking for parents to get involved with fundraising or events. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your committee if you would like to meet new families, contribute your ideas and work together to make a difference to your child’s experience at school. This year our Parents’ Associations had the additional challenge of organising the Summer Ball, which was highly successful, raising a lot of money for the associations. Thank you! Braeside

Once again FOBS were able to hold their Summer Festival at the senior site, and it was another resounding success! As well as traditional stalls and games, this year there was also a popular talent show in which there were many performers such as singers, dancers and even a couple of magicians. Throughout the event the many stalls, bouncy castle and bungee run were extremely busy. Thank you to FOBS for making this event possible and to everyone who came to support the school.

Coopersale Hall

Picnic in the Park was another huge success this year, rounding off a very busy term in style! Children and parents had a wonderful afternoon taking part in the many attractions, including many new additions such as Beat the Buzzer and Wiggle Cars. Some of the favourites also returned including pony rides and Football Darts. The proceeds of the event will be put to very good use providing curricular enhancing activities and items for the children over the coming months, so thank you!

Normanhurst

Thanks to the hard work of the Parents’ Association and the generosity of the parents over the past 18 months, the NSPA have now raised enough money to buy 32 iPads for the school, which will really enhance the pupils’ learning experience. One of the biggest events of the summer was the Party in the Playground, which was hugely successful and a lot of fun. The playground was filled with dancing, stalls, a range of inflatables, a delicious BBQ and, of course, a top DJ who provided the entertainment. Thank you all!

Oaklands

There were so many activities to take part in on the Oaklands field for the OPA Summer Fete this year including go-karts, inflatables, rides, cupcake decorating, lucky dips and much more. The crowded bar, BBQ and live band helped to create a lovely family atmosphere and the large school field was packed all afternoon with pupils, staff, friends and family. The fete raised a great deal of money which, along with the funds from the Summer Ball, will go towards enhancing the pupils’ learning experiences at the school. Thank you for your hard work and generosity.

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