Newsletter – 14th November 2025

Dear parents,

We were transported to the Stone Age on Wednesday evening for the Year 1 production. It is amazing to see how the children have developed as performers since last year’s Nativity show. Lines were all remembered and delivered clearly along with some beautiful singing. Well done to the Year 1 team for creating such an enjoyable and engaging performance.

The other big show this week took place today in assembly as Year 2 shared their learning around Ancient Egypt including mummification, pharaohs, hieroglyphs and Tutankhamen. The children presented very well and included a good amount of proficient Spanish too.

Thank you to those parents who donated for Anti-Bullying Week as we celebrated with Odd Sock Day on Monday. There were some very jazzy combinations but I especially liked Mrs Louise’s neon green and pink combo whizzing us back to the 80s. The children also learnt about the importance of speaking out regarding bullying behaviour in their PSHE lessons.

On Tuesday, we observed remembrance with a 2 minute silence and some moving readings by our Year 6s. On Wednesday, Year 5 immersed themselves in Tudor life at Hever Castle featuring a workshop and a trip or two around the maze.

NEXT WEEK

On Tuesday 18th November 8.50am to 9.30am, Kate Wiffen, Head of Lower School and Early Years, and Vanessa Mieville, Phonics Lead, will be giving a talk on Lower School Maths and Phonics. This is open to all parents in Reception to Year 2 but will be most beneficial for parents in Reception and Year 1.

They will explain how the school teaches Maths and Phonics to the younger year groups and how parents can support at home. The Zoom link was shared via the parent app earlier this week.

Also on Tuesday, Dons Local Action Group come in for Lower School Assembly to talk to the children about the upcoming Christmas food themed collection on 5th December. Meanwhile Year 1 will be heading into prehistory on their visit to Butser Ancient Farm. The children will take part in activities to learn about the practical skills needed in the Stone and Bronze Age.

Don’t forget our long weekend is approaching so there will be no school on Friday 21st and Monday 24th November. However, Miss Marcia is running holiday clubs on those days bookable via the usual JAG link.

FORS

The Merry Market is up and running on Classlist – buy your mantles, wreaths, trees and panettone; beautiful products, for collection at the school.

Some tickets also still available for the 6th December movie night – grab them whilst you can!

AOB AND REMINDERS

The Parent Survey has just been released on the app. We are very grateful if you can take the time to complete it as it informs our ongoing school development.

An early bird discount is now live for Junior Adventure Group Holiday Club bookings for after we break up in December, giving parents 10% off all bookings with code WINTERFEST10 until 7th December 2025.

My next birthday tea party for all those with a birthday in November will be on Friday 28th November at 9am. They have been such fun to hold!

The Roche School Senior Choir will be performing at Wandsworth Southside (near Waitrose) from 2:15-3:15pm on Wednesday 26th November, and at Putney Exchange from 2:30-3.30pm on Wednesday 10th December. Parents are welcome to come along to support and enjoy the Yuletide singing.

Well done to Mr Ricki, Miss Lydia, Miss Rebecca and Miss Claudette who raised over £2000 attending the Big Sleep Out at AFC Wimbledon stadium for Don’s Local Action Group. Miss Claudette said she didn’t even need her ear-muffs!

Warm wishes,

Charlotte