They say time flies when you’re having fun, and if the pace of this week is any indication, our children must be having a marvelous time! It has been a true whirlwind at Rockliffe Manor—from the buzz of Year 4 sharing their global learning outcomes to the sight of our youngest learners planting seeds for their bee gardens. While the days are busy, it is a joy to see the children so deeply engaged. Let’s take a look at the standout moments that made this week so special.

We kicked off the week by welcoming Andy Laws for a special Easter assembly. Andy shared the foundational story of Easter, explaining the significance of the resurrection and the belief that Christ rose again. He posed some thoughtful questions, asking, "What is Easter for?" and "Why do Christians celebrate it?" Our children showed great curiosity and maturity as they discussed how their own families celebrate at home. It was wonderful to hear such a diverse range of traditions being shared in the hall. A huge thank you to Andy for providing such an insightful start to our Easter preparations!

The excitement continued as we officially appointed our new Reading Ambassadors, who will take on their roles as our dedicated pupil librarians. These children have been chosen to lead the way in fostering a love for reading and managing our fantastic new library space. There is already a huge buzz of anticipation throughout the school; it’s wonderful to see the children so eager to explore the hundreds of new books waiting for them next term. From vibrant graphic novels to inspiring non-fiction and poetry, our Ambassadors are ready and waiting to help their peers dive into these new adventures when we return!

For their global outcome, Year 4 hosted an art gallery to showcase their artwork as part of their global learning. They have been focusing on identity and diversity and recognising what makes them unique. They have been learning all about cubism and used similar techniques to create their own self portrait. Henry They were so enthusiastic to explain the process to their adults and show off their finished pieces. 

This week also brought back one of our favorite times of the term: our iRock assembly! It was a joy to see the bands take to the stage and we were blown away by how much their confidence shone throughout the performances. It truly impresses us to see the immense talent we have here at Rockliffe Manor; from the powerful vocals to the rhythmic drumming, the energy in the room was electric. These assemblies are a wonderful reminder of what children can achieve when they step out of their comfort zones. If your child is inspired to pick up an instrument and wants to take part in this fantastic opportunity, please contact the school office for further details on how to sign up.

If that wasn’t enough, we are incredibly proud to announce that our newly trained Year 5 Peer Mediators have officially begun their roles on the playground. These dedicated children are eager to put their training into practice, offering a helping hand to resolve any minor issues or disagreements that may arise during lunch times. This student-led approach is a fantastic way to empower our children; it provides a neutral space where peers can support one another in reaching fair, restorative agreements. By resolving conflicts through dialogue and mutual understanding, our mediators are not only helping to keep the playground a happy place but are also developing vital leadership and empathy skills that will serve them for life.

A quick reminder that starting next half term, the school day will finish at 3:20 PM. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring a smooth transition to this new permanent pick-up time.

That brings us to the end of a fantastic Spring term! We hope you have a joyful and peaceful Easter holiday with your families. Thank you for all your support this term—enjoy the break, stay safe, and we will see you all again on Monday 13th April to start the Summer term!

With very best wishes, Mrs Cook and the Rockliffe Manor team.