14th March 2024


Dear Old Roffensians,
 
It is with profound sadness that I write to inform you that our teaching colleague, Mrs Yvonne Jackson, passed away in the early hours of this morning. 
 
Yvonne was a teacher of Maths and Physics and a Form Tutor to various years groups during her nearly nine years with the School. As some of you may know, she had been ill for some time, although it is a shock to know just how quickly the cancer from which she was suffering, has taken its toll. 
 
Yvonne’s husband, Kevin, has been so grateful for all the messages of support the family has received over the last few days and he is keen that the community as a whole is aware of the news today. 
 
I announced this news to the Senior School pupils in our regular Chapel service this morning; we were able to sing 'Amazing Grace' and say prayers led by our Chaplain, Rev Stephen Padfield. As you can imagine, there is a good deal of emotion around as we begin to process the impact of the news. Pupils and teachers are being offered support through our pastoral teams and the Chaplaincy Office is being used as a place of refuge and quiet should anyone need it over the coming days.
 
The pupils will tell you that I talk a lot about the mantra of 'Work Hard, Play Hard and Look After Each Other' and today is a day when the King's community needs to come together and really look after each other. I am sure that we will all include the Jackson family in our thoughts and prayers at this desperately sad time for them. 
 
I am so sorry to be bringing such sad news . May Yvonne rest in peace.
 
With my best wishes,
 
Ben Charles
Principal