As we head towards our final week of the Summer Term at Cypress, it has been another action-packed week with lots of trips and events taking place.
At the Upper School, we have been thinking about the importance of collaboration. We know that it is useful to learn together because we can share ideas, pool our strengths, understand things faster and learn from one and another. We have seen some excellent examples of this both at school and during the Year 6 residential.
At the Lower School, we have been celebrating children who read regularly at home. Ms Cheeseman led a special Reading Tree assembly on Monday and two children were chosen from each class to receive a special book. We also chose two ‘terrific triers’ from each class, rewarding their efforts with a special book prize too.
Year 5 become Forensic Scientists
As part of their ‘Crime and Punishment’ topic, Year 5 had a visit from two senior forensic scientists this week. Sam and Sophie shared with the children what they do in their jobs. They also explored with the children where evidence can be gathered from a crime scene. The children got to the opportunity to identify blood on a shirt, take finger prints and re-enact a crime scene as a police cordon, victim, photographer, police officer and scene of crimes officer. They were very interested in how much protective equipment has to be worn both on the scene and in the lab to avoid cross-contamination of DNA. The children had a brilliant time and had some very good questions. This workshop also supported their understanding of the book ‘High Rise Mystery’ which they are studying in English. Thank you Sam and Sophie for being so inspirational!
Year 3 visit The Wetlands Centre
This week Year 3 have visited the Wetlands Centre to support their learning in science. The children had a wonderful time seeing all the wetland animals and lots of the children loved the otters. The splash pad was also a welcome relief on such a hot day! Thank you to all the parents and carers who gave up their time to support on the day.
Year 6 Residential to Cobnor
This week, our Year 6 have been on residential to Cobnor. The children had a wonderful time, overcoming challenges and fears and making so many memories. To read more about this, see our news article here.
Year 6 fun for children in school
This week our remaining Year 6 have had a fun couple of days baking pizzas and cakes. Ms Binks was very impressed with the delicious cakes she was given and thinks there may be a few budding chefs in this group. The group also visited the National Gallery and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the art work and completing some sketching. What a lovely way to spend the day.
Reception visit Crystal Palace Park
Reception enjoyed getting out and about this week, taking the 410 bus to visit Crystal Palace Park. After a snack on arrival, they explored the farm before having a picnic lunch. They saw a legless lizard, a bearded dragon, hissing cockroaches and other farm animals. Of course we had to spend some time checking out the brand new dinosaur playground too! Thank you to our parent volunteers for their incredible support.
Little Cypress Superhero Fashion Show!
Our youngest Cypress children had a great time in their superhero fashion show this week. They had the chance to get on the stage in our hall, show off their amazing costumes and share their superpowers with the audience. We were amazed to see some super fast running, fire and ice shooting even some children who could fly!
End of Year Reports
Please check your child’s school bag for their end of year report, which was sent home today. We are incredibly proud of everyone’s hard work, progress and achievements this year and we hope you all enjoy reading about these. If you have any questions or queries, please arrange to speak to your child’s class teacher next week. Children will be meeting their new class teacher/TAs next Monday morning and spending some time in their new classroom.
Cypress Superstars
At the Lower School, Mrs Sorensen awarded some special Rainbow certificates today. Elias in Indigo Class has totally embraced our Africa topic and has spent hours creating the most amazing African animals at home. Every week he’s been appearing with a new project to add to his collection! We have been very impressed with your efforts, Elias. Margot in Violet Class amazed everyone at the Summer Fair with her impressive Irish dancing and Malcolm in Turquoise Class was just incredible singing on the open mic and dancing. Yusuf in Red Class has been working really hard on using his sounds when writing. A few weeks ago he wrote ‘I like toast’ – well done Yusuf! Milo in Red Class has also been sharing his fantastic writing skills, independently writing ‘I liked the bearded dragon lizard.’
Summer Holiday Activities
Please keep an eye on Studybugs for messages regarding free or discounted Summer holiday clubs and activities. We’ve been sending these onto families as and when we’re aware of local activities. If you are eligible and have received the HAF (Holiday and Food) vouchers, then please sign up for local clubs – around 22% of eligible Cypress families have already made use of these vouchers. Croydon libraries also have their annual summer reading challenge running, which is always very popular.
We wish all our children and families a lovely weekend and look forward to our final week of the academic year.
Ms Binks, Mrs Sorensen and the Cypress Team
