October Newsletter 2025

Dear families,

As we reach the end of the first half of the Autumn Term, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a truly inspiring and enriching few weeks at Roding. This half term has been full of wonderful learning opportunities, creative experiences, and moments that have reminded us all of the joy and curiosity that learning brings.

You would have received a letter from me on Arbor last week regarding site security. Please do take the time to read the letter, as there are important changes you need to be aware of that come into effect on Monday 3rd November. A reminder that from that date, entrance gates will close at 8:40 am in the morning, as this is when all children should be in the school building. It is very important that you ensure your child arrives to school on time.

Every year at this time, Roding takes part in a whole-school project. A special tradition that brings our community together through shared exploration and creativity. This year, our theme was “London Through the Ages.” Each year group focused on a different decade, delving into the history, culture, music, fashion, and important events that have shaped our great city. The children have immersed themselves in their chosen eras, producing thoughtful work, artistic displays, and even performances that bring London’s story to life. It has been a joy to walk through the corridors and see how engaged and enthusiastic the children have been. I look forward to sharing some of the wonderful learning outcomes and highlights from this project in our next newsletter.

Alongside this, October is also Black History Month, which we celebrate at Roding as “Black History Through a Lens.” This approach allows us to explore Black history and culture from a broad and meaningful perspective. As a school, we strongly believe that Black history should not be confined to a single month. Instead, it should be interwoven throughout our entire curriculum, celebrated and represented across the year alongside the histories and cultures of all communities. Our aim is for every child at Roding to develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the diverse world they are part of. Through stories, discussions, art, and music, pupils have been engaging thoughtfully with themes of identity, equality, and contribution, recognising the positive impact of Black individuals and communities, both past and present.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all parents and carers who attended Parents’ Evening this half term. These meetings are an essential part of our partnership with you. They provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements, and identify ways we can continue supporting their learning together. Working in partnership with families is key to every child’s success, and we are grateful for your continued engagement and support.

If you were unable to attend Parents’ Evening for any reason, please don’t worry, it’s not too late. I encourage you to contact the school office to arrange an alternative meeting with your child’s class teacher. We are always happy to find a convenient time to ensure that every parent has the opportunity to discuss their child’s learning journey.

As we move further into the Autumn and Winter months, the days are becoming colder and darker. I would like to remind all parents to ensure that children come to school appropriately dressed for the weather. Warm coats, hats, and waterproof shoes are essential to help keep everyone comfortable and healthy during outdoor play and travel to and from school. Thank you also for continuing to ensure that your child wears full school uniform, including on PE days. Maintaining high standards of presentation helps foster a sense of pride and belonging across our school community.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you all for your ongoing support, enthusiasm, and commitment to your children’s education. The first half of the Autumn Term has been a resounding success thanks to the hard work of our pupils, the dedication of our staff, and the encouragement and involvement of our parents and carers.

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable half-term break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the second half of the term, refreshed and ready for more exciting learning ahead.

Warmest wishes,

Ms M Nwankiti

Headteacher 

HARVEST DONATION

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our families for your incredible generosity during our recent Harvest collection. Your thoughtful donations of food and essential items will make a real difference to local families and individuals in need.

All donations have now been delivered to Redbridge Foodbank where they will be distributed to those who need them most. The organisation has expressed sincere gratitude for the generosity of our school community.

BLACK HISTORY THROUGH A LENS 

Our pupils have celebrated Black History Month through art, stories, and exploration of culture and history. As part of the curriculum, each year group has taken a closer look at the achievements, traditions, and experiences of Black people around the world - discovering how these stories continue to inspire us today. The Black experience is not limited to one month but is woven throughout our curriculum all year round.

• Nursery learned about the artist Alma Woodsey Thomas, who was known for her bright, mosaic-style paintings inspired by nature and space. Following her technique of using vibrant colours, the children created a large collaborative collage using coloured paper to form a bold, colourful design.

• Reception read Ada Twist, Scientist and learned about Charlotte Armah, a Black British scientist who researches how to keep our hearts healthy and discovered that broccoli is good for our hearts. The children explored her life and what inspired her to become a scientist, then created beautiful oil pastel portraits showing Charlotte at different stages of her life.

• Year 1 explored Carnival in the Caribbean, learning about the weather during this time, the colourful costumes, and how the celebration makes people feel.

• Year 2 focused on the Yam Festival celebrated in Nigeria and Ghana, learning what it means to the people and what foods are prepared for the occasion.

• Year 3 studied the Windrush generation, learning why people from the Caribbean came to the UK and how they helped rebuild the country. Pupils created postcards home describing their experiences in Britain.

• Year 4 explored foods from Africa and the Caribbean, discovering how dishes are made, where ingredients come from, and how Britain imports and sells them.

• Year 5 investigated the Bristol Bus Boycott and wrote diary entries from that time, reflecting on the struggle for equality.

• Year 6 learned about Walter Tull, one of the first Black British officers in World War I, and reflected on his achievements and courage.

To conclude our learning, pupils across the school showed great curiosity, creativity, and respect as they explored the rich contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Their work reminds us that diversity, resilience, and unity continue to shape our shared story.

See work produced by the children below

RECEPTION 

YEAR 1

YEAR 2 

YEAR 3 

YEAR 4

YEAR 5

ST PAUL'S CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION 

St Paul's is excited to be partnering with Roding Primary School to design this year's church Christmas card. The winner's drawing will be on the front of our card and will be delivered to every house in Woodford Bridge!

We are looking for a picture that tells the Christian Christmas story, a hand-drawn coloured painting with no stickers or 3D objects, as it will be scanned in.

We would like to display each submitted artwork in church during December and we invite you to come along and see the gallery of fantastic work, particularly at:

• Christmas Fair: Saturday, 22nd November

• Nativity Service: Wednesday, 24th December at 4pm

How to Enter:

• Indicate on the reply slip that your child has been given if you wish to enter.

• Put your entry, with your name and class on the back, and the reply slip into the post box in reception by home time on Friday, 7th November.

Questions?
Contact: vicar@stpaulswb.com or speak to Miss Nwankiti.

BECOME A READING VOLUNTEER 

Calling all Parents, Grandparents, and Family Members!

Do you have just 15 minutes a day, an hour a week, or any time at all to spare?

Your time could make a life-changing difference in a child’s education. By simply listening to a child read, you’ll help build their confidence, improve their literacy, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Whether it’s a short visit or a regular commitment, every minute counts.

👉 Interested?
Please contact us at: admin@rodingprimary.co.uk

RODING GOES TO THE NATIONAL SCHOOL SONG COMPETITION

On Monday 4th October, 15 children from our Inspirational Choir and Signing Choir were carefully selected to take part in the National School Song Competition, an incredible opportunity to showcase the talent, teamwork, and creativity of our pupils.

Over 300 schools from across the country applied to take part in the competition, but only 15 schools were chosen to perform in the national final. We are extremely proud to share that Roding was one of them!

Our children travelled by coach to Hertfordshire, where they performed live in front of the other finalist schools and a panel of four professional judges from the music industry. The atmosphere was electric, and our pupils truly rose to the occasion — singing and signing with confidence, passion, and joy.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Roding came 4th in the national final, a remarkable achievement, especially considering the high level of talent and competition on display. In fact, one of the judges even placed Roding 1st in their individual scoring! This is an achievement we can all be immensely proud of.

A huge thank you goes to our wonderful children who represented the school so beautifully, both on and off the stage. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and professionalism were outstanding.

We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Mr Parry, who wrote the song with the creative support of Mrs Gage. Both teachers work tirelessly with the choirs, giving up their time and energy to ensure that every performance is something special. Their dedication and passion for music shine through in everything they do, and this success is a true reflection of their hard work and commitment.

A huge well done to Beth who won an Amazon Voucher for her fantastic singing during the event. 

Well done to everyone involved! What an inspiring achievement for our school community!

A reminder that Roding Inspirational and signing Choir has been invited to sing at the 'Lighting of the Christmas tree' in Woodford Green on Friday 21st November at 4pm

We know mornings and afternoons can be busy, and getting your child to and from school is a priority. However, we must emphasise the importance of being considerate to our neighbours.

We urgently ask all parents and carers to avoid blocking driveways, obstructing pathways, or double parking. These actions create congestion, pose safety risks, and cause frustration for other road users and residents.

Additionally, please remember that the school car park is strictly off-limits for parents and carers. This includes after school when collecting your child from a club.

For everyone’s safety, children should never be in the car park or use it as a walkway.

Parking responsibly is essential for keeping our streets safe and accessible, especially for our youngest learners.

Whenever possible, consider walking, biking, or using public transport to reduce traffic and promote healthy habits for your child.

Let’s work together to ensure a safe and smooth drop-off and pick-up experience for everyone, while maintaining positive relationships with our neighbours.

Thank you for your cooperation and for being a valued part of our school community.