Change to a two-week October half-term from academic year 2025/26
You may have noticed that NCL has not yet confirmed the term dates for the academic year 2025/26. This is because we have been in discussions over a change to a two-week October half-term The main reasons for this change are:
To provide a more substantial break during our longest term to enable more time for rest and recuperation – for both staff and students – and thus reduce illness and absence rates
Within our local context, many other schools already have a two-week half-term and the dates proposed align as far as possible with these other schools
To reduce unauthorised absence by families, as the two-week October half-term provides more flexibility for families to make travel plans
You will find the new term dates on our website (https://rokeby.ncltrust.net/parentsstudents/term-dates-and-timetables/)
We recognise that some families will find it more difficult than others to ensure safe supervision and positive activities for their children during a two-week half-term, and we are therefore committed to providing structured and supervised activities for young people who need this during the first week of the October half-term.
If you have any questions or concerns, please share them with our communications officer, Jesse Arenson, on ncl.communications@ncltrust.net.
Finance Workshop With Y8
“On Tuesday, 28th January 2025 Y8 students took part in an exciting workshop all about handling money the smart way. We explored important topics like crisis saving, setting long-term goals, and how to make those goals a reality.
To help us understand, we also played games. One of my favourites was a twist on Snake and Ladders, where budgeting became the key to climbing the ladder and avoiding the snakes. It was a fun way to practice budgeting skills while learning how to make the most of their money.
We also learned about how to plan and achieve our goals. For example, if you want to get your driving licence, you would need to learn how to drive first and driving lessons require money, so you’d need to save up to get driving lessons. The workshop was very informative and it helped us to think about budgeting and the future.”
Saud SIDDIQ 8K
Newham SSP New Age Kurling with Rokeby School Student Leaders.
Rokeby Schools leadership program would like to thank everyone that attended the Newham SSP New Age Kurling competition on Monday, 27th January 2025. We thank all staff involved for providing a positive and competitive atmosphere for all students. Huge well done to the Rokeby team who performed well on the day.
Important Update on Catering Provision
I am pleased to inform you that we are preparing to welcome a new school meal catering company at Rokeby School. The new caterer is IFG, who have secured the new Trust-wide catering contract that will start on Monday, 24th February 2025. IFG is the current provider at Sarah Bonnell School, where the staff and students have given very positive feedback about the choice and quality of food on offer.
Our goal is to provide healthy, delicious and varied meals to our students The process of choosing a new catering supplier has been a lengthy and thorough one, informed by feedback and support from our partner schools. IFG was selected as the preferred provider after rigorous evaluation of all bids.
As part of this commitment to variety and inclusivity, the menus will include:
Halal (stunned) meat options certified by HFA
Vegan and vegetarian dishes
A range of meat alternatives to ensure all students have options that meet their preferences and dietary requirements.
As part of the new contract, IFG will invest in some new catering equipment for our school kitchen and undertake some minor refurbishment works to our servery and dining hall to give it a fresh new look
There will be some exciting new menu choices for the students to choose from and we look forward to working with IFG over the coming weeks and months to further develop the options available at both breakfast and lunchtime. Information from IFG about their menu offer and approach to allergen management will be in the Rokeby Recorder next week
To support this transition, IFG are happy to host tasting sessions for parents/carers, giving you an opportunity to sample the new menu and see the quality of the food available. Dates for these sessions will be available in the Rokeby Recorder over the next few issues.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school by emailing info@rokeby ncltrust net You can also look at their website directly https://impactfood.co.uk/brands/innovate-ifg/
Mr Fox’s Weekly Maths
Puzzle
Please see Mr Fox with your answer.
On Friday, 7 February 2025 we will be taking part in Number Day There will be lots of activities on offer, including a T-shirt number hunt plus quizzes for both students and staff.
