NeWS iN BrieF #1

Jeremy Quartermain Headmaster Rossall School

As internationally-minded communities, we are uniquely wellplaced to provide direct support for those compelled to flee their homelands due to persecution or conflict. Like many schools within the sector, we believe that it is our responsibility to realise our extraordinary potential in this regard. We are living through a cost of living crisis and the vast majority of schools are operating under severe financial constraints.

Nevertheless, the cost of prevaricating or electing to avert one’s gaze may be measured in terms of human lives as opposed to pounds and pence. Those who join us from challenging contexts always enrich the cultural, social and intellectual dimensions of our schools and inspiring our young people to care about the world within which they live is hardwired into the DNA of our communities. The most enduring lessons that we share with children do not occur within the classroom but arise from the provision of meaningful opportunities to explore and engage with the lived experiences of others.

Here at Rossall, we are a diverse and inclusive community with children drawn from almost sixty countries. For our children and parents this constitutes a fundamental strength of our school. Our response to the situation in Ukraine has gradually evolved over recent months. Initially, we focused upon collecting humanitarian supplies in support of those who had been displaced within Ukraine itself or to neighbouring countries. However, we soon determined that the most powerful support we could provide was the opportunity for a small number of young people to continue their education here at Rossall with us.

Early on, my wife and I decided to sponsor a family from Kharkiv under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. Within a few short weeks, the whole community had welcomed Yuliaa and her two young children to the Fylde coast. Parents, governors, members of staff and our children have all offered support, encouragement and friendship.

Since April, we have welcomed an additional nine Ukrainian children to Rossall. They come from Kharkiv, Mariupol, Odessa and Kyiv.

the youngest is just three whilst the oldest is seventeen. Some arrived with an excellent level of english whilst others require intensive support from our excellent eAL department. the generosity of the rossall Foundation has enabled us to provide a number of fully funded places for children displaced by the conflict. Similarly, the fundraising activities of the rossall rose Society have provided additional support for children who have arrived with little more than the clothes that they were wearing on the day that they left.

many of our Ukrainians have direct experience of shelling and, as i write, two of them have returned to Kyiv to visit family. it is impossible for us to comprehend the emotional distress caused by separation, or the deep psychological turmoil which results from living in perpetual fear. Perfectly happy lives have been destroyed and, as the months pass, the uncertainty only seems to deepen.

inevitably, post-traumatic stress is a lived reality for some of our Ukrainian children and so we try to provide advance warning of potential triggers such as fire alarms, sirens, or other loud noises. one of our children was caught in a direct blast that caused many fatalities and, for him, the sensation of wind against his face or the sound of waves crashing onto the beach is still unsettling. As time passes, the physical manifestations of trauma tend to subside, but it is much too early to even begin to quantify or understand the lasting impact.

the provision of outstanding pastoral care and access to counselling and trauma therapy are vitally important. however, above all else, our Ukrainian children want a sense of stability and the opportunity to resume the daily routine of school life. the social benefits of life in a busy boarding environment are incredibly positive within this context.

Being busy and surrounded by friends who listen provides some relief from the inevitable stresses and worries of the situation.

our Ukrainian children have settled into school life remarkably well. their involvement in the cultural life of the school is very impressive. Avid members of the model United Nations, outstanding contributors within the performing arts, our Ukrainians have quickly become an essential and muchloved part of our community.

Life without them is hard to imagine and yet we all hope and pray for the day when they can return to their families and help build a positive future for their country. they are courageous, resilient and determined. they possess an energy and vitality that is undiminished by the hardships that they have endured.

Additionally, we have become an important centre for Ukrainians living here on the Fylde coast. our Ukrainian hub provides vital services for Ukrainian refugees which includes fortnightly social gatherings and support and guidance with regards to housing, education and employment opportunities. Furthermore, we established a Ukrainian Saturday School for local Ukrainian children.

We are incredibly grateful for the partnership funding provided by Lancashire County Council which helps ensure the long-term sustainability of these various projects.

the future is uncertain but our commitment to our Ukrainian families is not time bound. As winter approaches, our focus will return to exploring opportunities to provide direct aid for those who find themselves without warm clothes, food or the very basic necessities of life. Collectively, we should feel proud of the contribution made by so many boarding schools across the UK but this is far from over.

The last word should go to lower Sixth former Anastasiia Bolkhovitina who joined rossall from a school in Kyiv during the Summer:

Being able to be a part of Rossall was life-changing for me. I was heartily welcomed and fully integrated into the school community with access to high-quality education without the necessity to think about air raid alerts and blackouts. I am really grateful for this opportunity to grow as an individual, which Ukrainians like me will always remember. My biggest aim of becoming a