Rossall School News – Summer 2021 Week 2

“With grateful hearts, we remember the many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us. We have been inspired by his unwavering loyalty to our Queen, by his service to the Nation and the Commonwealth, by his courage, fortitude and faith. Our lives have been enriched through the challenges that he has set us, the encouragement that he has given us, his kindness, humour and humanity. We therefore pray that God will give us grace to follow his example, and that, with our brother Philip, at the last, we shall know the joys of life eternal.”

From the Headmaster

Learning to live in the moment!

Leadership of a school community requires a good deal of strategic planning. During the last year, we have all had to respond swiftly to circumstances, and we have had to contend with challenges that seemed totally unimaginable just eighteen months ago. As we gradually emerge from this situation, we need to learn how to thrive again. The struggle to keep everyone safe and the School operating meant that for much of the last year, there was little sense of life beyond Rossall. The mission was total and absorbed every fibre of our being. On a personal level, I felt there was little left of me other than the overwhelming determination to protect the school. I know that many colleagues felt the same. Nothing else much seemed to matter and when the second wave of COVID hit these shores in December, we were shattered. I had not heeded the warning that this was a marathon and not a sprint. Online learning during January felt bleak and parents, pupils and staff struggled with a growing sense of weariness and increased isolation. Even when we were together we were apart.  Thankfully, we have been saved by the wonders of science and, as we emerge into the sunlight, this Spring feels especially vivid and especially precious. 


Of course, the years can rush by in pursuit of goals that may seem laudable enough in their own right but have the potential to come at the expense of those aspects of our lives that are so precious. Many Rossall parents have struggled to keep businesses afloat during lockdown. We have all had to grapple with the demands of online learning and work pressures. For some, challenges have arisen from an abundance of time together. For others, long hours and worry have caused absence. There were times during the last year when I might physically have been present for my family but my mind was elsewhere. My life felt entirely governed by statistics, travel restrictions, logistics, Department of Education bulletins and the need to steer a course between those who felt our protocols and procedures were unnecessary and those who felt that they were not firm enough. Fiona did her level best to cover for me and ensure the children were protected from a world which, at times, sounded frightening. At times, she was a single parent in all but name and it was she who kept everything going when the midnight oil was being burned in the Hall. The narrative of every family during COVID is unique but no families have been untouched by the emotional and psychological toll that these past fourteen months have brought us. In particular, I am in awe of our teachers who taught a full timetable online whilst also having to look after their own children. They are true heroes.  

As life begins to return to normal, we all need to move from surviving to thriving. For me, that means reconnecting and learning how to live in the present. It means being emotionally available and cherishing every moment spent with my family. It means accepting that there are times when I need to switch off and just enjoy ‘being’. The pile of work on my desk is forever replenished and my ambition for this community will never be satiated. However, there are times when less can be more. The greatest gift we can give our children is our time and yet for working parents exhaustion and anxiety so often get in the way. There are not enough hours in a day and not enough years in a lifetime. Childhood is fleeting and parents often lament the passage of time. 

Like many of you, I suspect that I am very much work in progress. However, the last few weekends, I have really enjoyed spending time with my daughters. We have spent hours going for walks and exploring new places. I have accompanied the girls as they have practised their singing and we have spent many happy mealtimes giggling and laughing. Caitlin’s impression of David Attenborough has me in hysterics and Teigan’s cheekiness keeps us all entertained. Alicia loves talking about the Arthur Ransome novels that she is reading and Fiona and I are finding just a little time to reflect on the past year and, well,  just enjoy being together. School is just as busy as ever, but amidst all the hustle and bustle, I feel that, as a family, we are regaining something precious and yet I had not even realised the true extent of what we had lost.  

Last Saturday was a wonderful day here at Rossall. Many of our girls travelled to AKS where they had an enjoyable morning of rounders. We hosted Fleetwood Town Football Club U17 team here at School. For once, the results seemed unimportant (though we won at home!).  For all of us, whether we were on the touchlines or on the pitch, there was something utterly glorious about watching sports in the sun and just being together and shooting the breeze. The joy on the faces of our pupils was complemented by the pleasant and relaxed conversations taking place between members of staff, coaches and spectators. There was something special about the scene being played out on the field and it seemed to epitomise all that is great about this School. 

In the afternoon, our boarding community gathered in the Square to remember the Duke of Edinburgh. Immaculately attired, our pupils bowed their heads as we reflected upon the loss of the Queen’s consort of 73 years. The school flag flapped in the gentle wind and, as a community, we silently marked this moment of national significance.  On Sunday evening, the Chapel Choir performed beautifully and the service of Compline provided a wonderfully peaceful and reflective ending to an action-packed weekend. Sectional assemblies are back and whilst congregational singing is prohibited, the Chapel is, once again, fulfilling its function as the emotional and spiritual heart of the School. It is great to have day pupils back in the Dining Hall and work on the Pre-Prep has almost concluded. The smell of freshly cut grass and the sight of the groundsmen tending the cricket-wicket has never been more welcome. 

We are back, the School is back, and it feels better than we could ever have imagined! 
 
Floreat Rossallia!

Mr Jeremy Quartermain
Headmaster of Rossall School

Message from the Junior Headmaster

Dear Parents,

As the sun continues to shine on what has been a fantastic start to the summer term, the pupils have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in our first fixtures for over a year, starting their swimming lessons, and taking lunch in the dining hall. To say that there has been a spring in the step of the pupils is somewhat of an understatement and I know that the more comprehensive opportunities on offer are ensuring that pupils are beginning to banish the difficulties of the past year to memory, whilst living in an exciting present.



Football fan or not, you could not have failed to notice the uproar this week in the wake of the announcement by the ‘big 6’ to create a European Super League. Change can often be a good thing when something is driven forward for the right reasons. At the Preparatory School, every educational decision we make is geared around improving and enhancing the experience for the children. To external eyes, there was only one thing that motivated the failed move to create a super league. Topical issues in the news often make excellent discussion points and in my assembly this week, we discussed ‘motivation for change’ and making sure that when we want to alter something, we should always try to do it for the right reasons. I know our school council members were paying attention, as they began the process this week, of redesigning our playground provision!

Our enhanced co-curricular programme has certainly been greeted more favourably than the European Super League! It has been a delight to see the children around the campus, enthusiastically enjoying such a wide variety of clubs and activities. Swimming, Kwik Cricket, Percussion, Violin, Chess, Story Writing, Drama, Art & Craft, and STEM provide just a flavour of what is on offer to the pupils to ensure there really is something for everyone!

Have a wonderful weekend.
 
Mr Turner
Headmaster of Rossall Nursery and Preparatory School
NURSERY, PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL NEWS

Please click here for this week’s Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School Newsletter.
HER MAJESTY, THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH, PRINCE PHILIP
Thumbel Sit Chin in Year 12 was inspired by the many recent photographs of the Queen and Prince Philip to produce this remarkable homage to the royal couple. Thumbel’s work is utterly outstanding and a fine example of what can be achieved with hard work, commitment and dedication; she is to be congratulated!
CCF PROMOTIONS
On Thursday, Lt (RN) Peter Baldwin promoted five cadets to the rank of Leading Hand.
Congratulations to Leading Hands:
Harry Hogarth
Jemma Tarbuck
Erin Loder
Grace Gotto
Ansgar Partmann

They showed dedication in completing the fast track programme that their section leader put on for them. It has been a six-month process of attending extra lessons during the school day.

The Navy section is better and stronger.
Thank you, Lt (RN) Peter Baldwin for your selfless commitment and loyalty to your section and to the growth of the wider CCF.
TREE PLANTING
Today the RAF section began planting trees, this is to provide a small wooded area for military skills and bushcraft for future generations.
The trees planted were: Silver Birch, Oak, Hawthorn, Ash and Maple.

It is a challenge to get trees to grow on the site as it is very exposed. Over time we will nurture the area to increase the chances of success and establish the best trees to plant for the soil and exposure.

It was great to see Cadets creating something substantial on-site. The hope is that they may one day bring their own children to the school and show them the small wood they planted.

The sun was shining and smiles were out in full force, a great CCF section activity.

The Army and Navy sections will have the opportunity to plant in the coming weeks.
NEW HOMES FOR MARLEY AND MURPHY
Earlier this week, we shared a post on our Facebook page about two of our Pekin Bantam cockerels, Marley (black/white) and Murphy (golden/white), who needed a new home. We were overwhelmed with the response we received and would like to thank each and every person who shared the post. We are pleased to let you know that they have been adopted by a wonderful family.
HOMEMADE BIRD FEEDERS
Our Anchor boarders celebrated Earth Day this week by making bird feeders. They cannot wait to see what birds they attract!
CRICKET TEA
We are thrilled that sport has finally returned to Rossall and it has been great to see competitive fixtures back on campus. It also means that Cricket tea is back on the menu! It has been missed.
EARLY MORNING TENNIS COACHING
We are thrilled that Top Tennis Coaching will be hosting morning tennis sessions for our students in Years 3-6.

Beginning on Tuesday 27th April we are running a 5 week coaching program for students at Rossall School

Year 3 & 4 – Tuesdays, 7.45-8.30am
Year 5 & 6 – Thursdays, 7.45-8.30am


at the Rossall Sports Centre.

Head to www.toptenniscoaching.co.uk to book your child’s spot!
MR SHARPE’S MATHS CHALLENGE

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
Dr Paul and the Poorly Wallabies

After over-indulging on Monster Munch whilst partying with their new Wombat friends, Dr Paul’s Wallabies wake up with upset stomachs.

Thankfully Dr Paul is on hand and needs to mix a huge quantity of a Wallaby health drink using carrot juice and liquidised grass.



ANSWER: (CLICK ON THE VIDEO BELOW)
Congratulations to previous winner, Max Watson for being the first reply to last week’s puzzle. Mr Sharpe had eight correct answers for this puzzle which is a new record.

This question was a very typical GCSE question and if you would like to know more about Mass, Density and Volume then click here.

Here is this week’s puzzle, which you are bound to enjoy.

Max and Ryan Enjoy Corridors

Eco-Warrior Max, as we know, has many interests. One of them is walking up and down corridors with his Eco-Warrior side-kick, Ryan.

One day they decide to mix it up a bit and try and measure the length of a corridor using only the palms of their hands.

The length of Max’s palm is 22cm, correct to the nearest cm.
The length of Ryan’s palm is 18cm, correct to the nearest cm.

Max measures the corridor to be exactly 45 palm lengths.
Ryan measures the corridor to be exactly 54 palm lengths.

Work out the distances between which the actual length of the corridor must lie.

As usual, the first correct answer will feature in the next puzzle.

Remember to send your answer to Mr Sharpe: [email protected]
This week, we have started a push towards planning more long term projects within school. We are investigating the feasibility of both solar panels as well as some new greenhouses within school. These projects alongside our continued introduction of both an improved recycling scheme and more vegetarian dishes in the Dining Hall is making us really hopeful for Rossall’s future.

The main focus of the article this week however is Earth Day. For those who are unaware, yesterday was the 51st edition of Earth Day, a day dedicated to spreading awareness of the current state of the planet. The first earth day was started in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin who was inspired by both the growing energy of student-led anti-war protests, an emerging public consciousness about the effects of pollution, as well as seeing the aftermath of a large oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in California.

The first day managed to cross political boundaries, bringing together both Republicans and Democrats, as well as people from all walks of American life. It helped establish the Environmental Protection Agency which within the first few years of its existence managed to pass 6 environmental protection laws. Since then, Earth Day has continued to promote environmental policies every year and after going global in 1990 is now recognised as the largest secular observance in the world, being marked by over 1 billion people a year in 141 countries. 

For more information look into https://www.earthday.org/
Thanks for reading
Max and Ryan
Rossall Eco-Society Co-Leaders
To view all of our sports fixtures and results, please visit:  https://www.rossallsport.org.uk/

The password to view the teamsheets is: rossallsport
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR GIRLS

– Do you like Science?
– Do you want to network with real scientists from around the world?
– Do you want to study or work in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths?
– Are you a girl aged 14-17?

If you answered YES to these questions, then Miss Wellham has an exciting opportunity for you.

Please go to Lab 7 on the following dates to hear more about it.

KS4 (year 10 and 11) Please come see me on Friday 23rd April at 4.30pm (or Monday 26th April at the start of LUNCH)

KS5 (Year 12 and 13) Please come see me on Tuesday 27th April at 4.30pm
In celebration of the launch of our International Piano Academy and forthcoming ‘All-Steinway School’ status, we are hosting our very first International Piano Competition.

The inaugural event will take place this Spring, providing an excellent performance platform for current students as well as young pianists from schools and colleges from across the world.

This year the competition is being held online, however, in future years the competition final will be held on campus.

The competition will comprise three categories: age 12 and under, age 15 and under and age 17 and under, and the deadline for submission of entries is Friday 28th May 2021.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ENTER THE COMPETITION
ROSSALL’S INTERNATIONAL PIANO ACADEMY
We are delighted to announce the launch of Rossall’s International Piano Academy – the first of its kind in the UK!
www.rossall.org.uk/school-life/international-piano-academy
“The Rossall International Piano Academy is committed to providing a world-class musical education, enabling our pianists to develop the skills, confidence and tenacity required to achieve their fullest musical potential.” Mr Jeremy Quartermain, Headmaster.
Our commitment to providing an outstanding musical education for future generations of pianists has been further enabled by Rossall becoming an All-Steinway School from early Summer, 2021.
IT’S BACK!

Rossall’s very own Film Festival returns for a SECOND YEAR!

The TWO-MINUTE FILM FESTIVAL is open to ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE – all you need to do is create a film that runs for 120 seconds or less!

You can find out everything you need to know (including last year’s entries and ROSSCARS!) from this year’s site:

https://sites.google.com/rossall.org.uk/tmff2021

Closing date for submissions: Sunday 4th July
ROSSCARS Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 7th July
JOB VACANCY
Due to our growing numbers, we are once again on the lookout for Nursery Assistants to join our wonderful team in
Rossall Nursery School
We are looking for both full and part-time staff members, as well as ad-hoc assistants too. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.rossall.org.uk/about-rossall/job-vacancies/
PREPARATORY INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
At Rossall Preparatory School, all pupils have the opportunity to receive one-to-one instrumental tuition.

Whether students wish to learn purely for fun or to achieve ABRSM/Trinity/Rock School qualifications, we have a dedicated team of expert teachers to support and guide them along the way.

Lessons take place before, during and after the school day (subject to availability). Students who take instrumental lessons will have the opportunity to participate in co-curricular clubs and perform in school concerts and external events.

We offer tuition in: Piano, Organ, Singing, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Flute, Bassoon, Oboe, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums, Violin and Cello.

Lesson packages of 10 one-to-one sessions (30 minutes each) cost £210.
In the Summer Term, we are launching shared 30-minute violin lesson packages for students who are interested in playing the instrument. The loan of a violin, equipment and music is all included in the cost of the package, which is £105 per child for 10 sessions.

Please click here to apply for instrumental lessons.

All fees are subject to periodic increase in accordance with Rossall School’s Terms and Conditions. Please note that a half-term’s notice is required to cancel lessons.

If you have any questions regarding instrumental lessons at Rossall Preparatory School, please contact Mr Adam Dobson on[email protected].