2 minute read
Rodney
It is often the case, that when we look back on previous years, our memory is somewhat imperfect and one year appears to merge with the next. Well that is unlikely to be the case with the year 2019-20. There are so many words that could be used to describe it; unprecedented, extraordinary, strange, the words go on and on, but it certainly will be a year ever fixed in our memory. One word that is seldom used when talking about the year is special, but that may well be an apt word to use. In a time of huge uncertainty and disruption to our normal way of life, many of the Rodney pupils have proved how special they are by rising to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many have volunteered to help charities, work in care homes and raise money to support those less fortunate than themselves. On top of that, the pupils’ acceptance of the upheaval caused by lockdown and their willingness to adapt to the remote classroom was truly special.
Prior to lockdown, Rodney was having one of those special years, but unlike Liverpool who got the opportunity to complete their Premiership winning season, we never got the opportunity to complete the inter-house Sports Cup, which we were leading. One of the highlights was triumphing in the pool at the lower school gala, a feat we have not achieved for some years. I hope that the Rodney team will rise to the challenge in 2020-21 and build on this excellent performance.
Many of the activities planned for last year were unfortunately cancelled and that was true of our fundraising events as well. Despite this we did manage to send approximately £300 to Centrepoint, much of which was raised by 2R who organised a sale of hot chocolate at morning break. In terms of form trips, only the First Year trip to bowling at Havant escaped the disruption caused by lockdown.
The year also saw some changes to the Rodney staff. Jeremy Harris, Assistant Head of Rodney for the last four years, has taken over as the Head of Nelson. Our loss will be Nelson’s gain and I am sure that Nelson will be in safe hands for the future. Jeremy will be replaced by Kelly Higgins and I would like to wish her every success in the role. Finally, I would like to thank the Rodney House Captains, Amelie Lewis and Jude Franklin, for the support and contributions they have made to Rodney over the years and I would like to wish them well for all their future endeavours.
