The Horizon Issue 12

E X PA N D I N G H O R I Z O N S

THE HORIZON Rossall News • MF MAD Night • A Play in 48 Hours • • House Singing 2017 • Amazing Alumni • Christmas Round Up • •

“Music and the Arts make a bridge across this world in ways that nothing else can.”

I S S U E 12 - J A N U A R Y 2 018

WELCOME The Michaelmas Term is always long, varied and action-packed; 2017 was certainly true to form!

It has been wonderful to see our new students settle in so quickly and take on the mantle of being a Rossallian with gusto. As the term has progressed, there have been so many great opportunities for our students young and old, new and long-standing, to enrich their learning, push out beyond their comfort zones and try new experiences.The same can also be said of Common Room, with teaching and support staff getting involved in, and leading a, wonderful array of events and opportunities across the school. I have to admit that the opportunity to sing on the Grand Theatre Blackpool stage was an unexpected pleasure!

It has also been a term of concentrated, committed teaching and learning.We cover a lot of academic ground in those thirteen weeks of term. In the Infant and Junior School, additional work was also underway in preparation for the IB PYP Evaluation visit. My hearty congratulations to all of the Infant and Junior staff on the excellent outcome of our IB PYP evaluation.

ELAINE PURVES Head, Rossall School 01253 774201

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THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

NEW BEGINNINGS ROSSALL WELCOMES NEW STAFF We extended a warm Rossall welcome to new members of Common Room in September.

NEWEST MEMBER OF THE ROSSALL SCHOOL COUNCIL

Miss Bethan Jones and Mr Hugh Fitzherbert-Brockholes joined the English Department as Head of English and English Teacher respectively, Mrs Iona Kada became Head of Computing, Mr Craig Anderson and Mr Grady Wing joined the Sport Department as Head of Cricket and Director of Elite Performance respectively, and OR Mr Joe Watson commenced his role as Assistant Director of Music in December.

We were delighted

Departments also welcomed Mr Simon Hunt to Maths, Mr Anthony Harrison to Music, Mr Jonathan Remmington to Economics, Mr Christopher Campbell became the new LAMDA Teacher and Miss Cynthia Wang the new Mandarin Teacher. Miss Emily Johnson-Jones became the new Junior School SENCO and Mr Max Pendlebury joined the Infant School as the Year 2 Teacher.

of the Rossall School

We welcomed Golf Assistant, Miss Bethany Garton, Foreign Language Assistants Miss Julie Crépin, Miss Linda Jürgens, Mr Rodrigo Novo Perez and Miss Jiabin Li, as well as pupil assistants for Junior School, Miss Emily Bilsby and Mr James Gregson.

to announce that Mr Rodney Wilson became the newest member Council in November.

Rodney is a retired Senior Partner of the leading Law Firm BLM, and in addition to being a Council Member, Rodney will also have a seat on the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

Rodney is a keen golfer and member of Formby Golf Club and the Royal and Golf Club of St Andrews. He also loves gardening and taking regular walks on Formby Beach.

The refreshing weather here at School will therefore not come as a surprise – welcome to Rossall, Mr Wilson.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF SPORT

NEW HOUSPARENTS

Mr Jack Cropper joined Rossall in April 2017 as Director

Term with new Houseparents.

of Sports Performance and in September 2017 was

Miss Amy Campbell was appointed Houseparent of Dolphin House after being the Deputy Houseparent for two years. Miss Campbell has been at Rossall for over four years working in the Marketing Department as Senior Marketing Executive. She lives in Dolphin with her fiancé Mr Max Pendlebury, Year 2 Teacher in Rossall Infant School, and their Dachshund, Gaston.

appointed Director of Sport.

Previously Head of Elite Player Performance and Director of Hockey at Stamford School in Lincolnshire, Mr Cropper is a Level 3 England Hockey coach. He has worked with high performance teams, preparing Stamford for six national finals all within three years. Jack is a keen sportsman who also majors in golf and lacrosse.

Speaking of his new appointment, Mr Cropper said: “I am very much looking forward to embarking on my Rossall career with a strong view on how the sport can be progressed. With the school’s fantastic sporting reputation to date, I feel, under my vision, we can take bigger steps to increase that status. Rossall has been very welcoming to date and I am delighted to have started in my new role.”

Two of the Senior Boarding Houses began the Michaelmas

Mr Gerrie de Beer, Mrs Dawn de Beer and their two children, Hendrik and Marie were welcomed to Spread Eagle over the summer.

In addition to being a Houseparent, Mr de Beer is a teacher of Mathematics and Head of Boys’ Hockey. Mrs de Beer is the Foundation Officer. The family have been living and working at Rossall for seven years and are thoroughly enjoying their new responsibility.

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News THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

NEWS

STEM CHALLENGE We welcomed junior and prep schools from the Fylde Coast and beyond to Rossall for our annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Challenge. The pupils had to create a vehicle powered only by balloons and the aim was to see how far their vehicle could travel.

The teams were allowed time to plan, build and trial their vehicles before they competed against one another in the grand finale. Some vehicles really impressed, travelling good distances. Ultimately, it was Baines Endowed Primary School who took the top spot, with a distance of 512cm. Snapping at their heels was Preesall Charity School who just missed out on the coveted gold medal, with a distance of 510cm. The team from Stanah Primary School was awarded third place for a great effort, travelling 472cm.

STEM subjects are very important in education for all ages, as it pervades every part of our lives. By exposing pupils to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, it will encourage young minds to develop a passion for it and maybe pursue a job in a STEM field.

TYING THE KNOT We welcomed a host of new students to Rossall at the start of the new academic year.

For all the students new to Rossall, a two day induction programme was planned in order for them to familiarise themselves with the campus and their new peers. The students ended their second day with a team-building exercise to make a wedding dress out of nothing but toilet paper. All the students accepted the challenge with enthusiasm and the catwalk show was judged by the Head, Ms Elaine Purves and a number of the School Monitors.

The wonderful atmosphere around campus is now made up of students from over thirty five nationalities living, working and socialising together.

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News THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

ROSSALL CHAPEL CHOIR INVITED TO WESTMINSTER ABBEY In addition to engagements across the UK, the Rossall Chapel Choir depart annually for a week long tour.

In 2017, it was the Basilicas in Rome that heard their delightful singing; Malta is their destination for July 2018, and in the last week of the Michaelmas Term, the 2019 tour was confirmed.

The Rossall Chapel Choir and Director of Music, Miss Margaret Young were absolutely delighted to announce that they are Westminster Abbey bound in August 2019. The Choir will be covering all the services at Westminster Abbey from Monday 26th August to Friday 30th August 2019, including the popular Bank Holiday Monday service.

What a fantastic experience this will be for the Choir and the congregation.

IT WAS A FULL MOON AT OUR OPEN DAY Making origami stars, programming Lego robots, launching rockets and stargazing were just some of the activities visitors experienced during our Open Day in October.

Based around the theme of ‘Moon and Stars’, the event gave prospective students the chance to experience life at Rossall, from code breaking in Maths to food testing in Biology, and learning how craters were formed on the Moon in Physics. Rossall is the only school in the UK to boast its own Astrononmy Centre and Victorian Observatory. Visitors were also treated to a Planetarium Show in Lawrence House Astronomy Centre and made their own Apollo 11 keyrings in the Design and Technology Department.

Rossall's strength in sport and pentathlon was also on show in the gymnasium where visitors could join in with the students in strength and conditioning sessions and laser shooting.

Head, Ms Purves said: “This has been our busiest open day ever and it is a real pleasure to give so many prospective students a taste of life at Rossall.”

Our next Open Event will be held on Saturday 3rd March 2018 at 10.00am. If you would like any information on the entrance criteria, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communication, Mrs Lucy Barnwell via email on l.barnwell@rossall.org.uk or alternatively call 01253 774201.

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Drama THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

DRAMA

MARY POPPINS DRAMA DEPARTMENT 48 HOUR CHALLENGE Rossall Senior students embrace the challenge of putting on ‘A Play in 48 Hours’.

After attending a theatre trip in Manchester, where the actors asked the audience to donate to the Manchester Terrorist Attack Appeal, Drama students considered what they could do to raise money. Inspired by Miss Bendelow’s experience at university of participating in a musical in 24 hours the students decided to take on the challenge of putting on a play in 48 hours.

At 7.00pm on the Friday the title of the production was revealed and for the following 48 hours until the curtain call at 7.00pm on the Sunday, the students and staff busied themselves preparing to create a production of the family-favourite Mary Poppins. Directed by Year 13 student, Noni Purnell, the show was an astounding success and members of the audience could not believe what was achieved in such a short time. Leading roles went to Megan Moore (Mary Poppins), Will Ratcliffe (Mr Banks), Morgan Wallace (Mrs Banks), Cameron Niland (Bert), Leonie Beswick ( Jane) and Oscar Mistry (Michael.) With a cast and crew of almost fifty students, this was a fantastic example of Rossall students working together to achieve what many thought would be quite impossible.

Over £550 was raised for the Fylde Coast Women’s Aid centre, an organisation which supports women, men, young people and children to live their lives free from abuse.

“On Saturday morning at 9 o’clock I arrived at school to start the main cast rehearsal.

The director of the show, Noni, and the heads of crew departments had all been in since 8.00am making plans for the production. We started straight away, rehearsing different scenes with the main characters in. Whenever you were not needed onstage there would always be something to be done; you could be getting measured for your costume, helping the crew to build the set, collecting props or learning your lines. Over the course of Saturday everyone was always busy doing something.”

Excerpt from a diary entry from cast member, Year 9, Myles Davies. Please visit the website to read the full piece: www.rossall.org.uk/48-hour-production-diary

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THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

“W H AT A PER FOR M A NCE! FA BU LOUS COL L A BOR AT ION OV ER T H E W EEK EN D R ESU LT ED I N A MOST EN JOYA BL E I N T ER PR ETAT ION OF T H E M A RY POPPI NS TA L E W EL L DON E TO A L L I N VOLV ED.” - MS E PURVES, HEAD -

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Mad Night THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

MF MAD NIGHT The boys from Mitre Fleur de Lys House created an evening of hilarity all for charity early in November.

The annual MAD Night is held to raise funds for Donna’s Dream House, a locally based trust who provide free holiday experiences for children and teenagers with life-threatening illnesses and their families, and for recently bereaved siblings and their families. Since 2008, MF House has raised over £30,000 for the Blackpool charity.

The night requires hours of preparation around the already full academic and activity schedule of each MF student. From the first day of term in September to moments before the curtains open on show night, every MF boy works enthusiastically to perfect their performances.

Year 13 student, Billy Hoggmascall, took the responsibility of production and created a wonderful show of music, comedy, acting and dance, all cleverly presented by ever-changing comedy duos and their book of bad jokes. The acts included ‘all house’ numbers, solos and group pieces. Year 13 student, Travis Zhao, wowed the 300 strong crowd with his performance of This Town by Niall Horan, Year 13 student, Matthew Peill, sang Maria from the musical West Side Story, and Billy had everyone laughing rather troublingly at his rendition of Poisoning Pigeons in the Park by Tom Lehrer. The Barber Shop Quartet - Téo Beaumé, Matthew Peill, Harvey Stansfield and Billy Hoggmascall - closed the show with an elegant and rather funny interpretation of Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight. (Featured on the front cover).

Thanks go to all the boys, Houseparents and tutors of MF for a wonderful show; Miss Cath for her hours spent patiently teaching the boys how to dance, Mr Andy Mitchell for assisting with presenting, and MF’s Housekeeper, Mrs Val Johnson, for her continued support and contribution to the House.

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All For a Good Cause THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE HARVEST FESTIVAL

“With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the Harvest you may not see.” - Ella Wheeler Wilcox Every year at the Harvest Festival, we give thanks for all we receive and everyone who makes a contribution to all that we enjoy - not just material items, but also their time, service and contributions to our lives.

Every year we give our Harvest gift to the Mustard Seed in Fleetwood where they reach out every week to those who are lonely or have less than us, by inviting them for a cooked meal, company and conversation.

TAKE A BOW

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

Year 3 pupils, Lake Porter and Evie Tolley

Rossall Chapel Choir performed at Longton Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival,

donned 150 bows for Children in Need.

an annual three day event that raises funds for Derian House Children’s Hospice.

The girls attached the bows to numerous plaits and parts of their uniform and they even shared a few with their teacher Mr Rund who successfully demonstrated bows are not just for girls.

Christmas Trees are purchased by local companies and decorated - this year, the Church was adorned with twenty six trees all creatively decked in decorations associated with their business.

Lake and Evie sold off their bows to their fellow pupils raising over £150 for Children in Need. Well done to both girls for such a fantastic and cheerful initiative.

The choir performed a festive repertoire of hymns, many of which encouraged audience participation.

THE YOUNGER PUPILS MAKE A (CHRISTMAS) DIFFERENCE The pupils, staff and parents of the Nursery, Infant and Junior School raised over £2500 over the festive season.

The tree decorating over in Junior School accompanies the Christmas tree light switch-on. Whilst the lights are already on the tree, the children add the finishing touches by adorning the tree with baubles. This year’s tree decorating raised £56, and the Elf Run (formerly the Reindeer Run) raised a fantastic £682. All proceeds from each event are donated to Brian House Children’s Hospice.

One of the highlights of the end of Michaelmas Term is the Christmas Fair. This year was even bigger and better thanks to all the parents who helped, organised and donated towards the event. The event raised a tremendous £1763.25, to be used for the children in Nursery, Infant and Junior School.

KAMMWAMBA PROJECT The students and their families have continued their support of the Kammwamba School in Malawi by contributing clothes and shoes.

The School has now delivered forty-five boxes to Glasgow into the care of Professor Brian Kelly, who will send it in a shipping container, along with his team’s refurbished computers and other charitable contributions to Malawi. The container should leave by May 2018, and arrive at its destination around August 2018.

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All For a Good Cause THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

DOGS OF 2018 CALENDAR The Dogs of Rossall Calendar was first produced back in 2012 when Dr Stephen Winkley was Headmaster and it has been a much loved Rossall item that has been talked about ever since. We therefore decided it was time to produce our second edition.

Dr Stephen Winkley’s introduction in the original Dogs of Rossall Calendar: “I’ve been a cat person for over forty years, and fondly believed cat behaviour matched my own: extreme selfishness, independence, and a preference for my own company. But over the years I came to realise that every time I saw a dog I felt better: their cheerful, steadfast foolishness, their persistence, their innocent joy. So in May 2012 we bought Bluebell. She has completely changed our lives. Other dogs suddenly became more prominent, more noticeable, and this calendar, the work of an enormously talented group of Sixth Form photographers, is a tribute to Rossall doggery and the joy we take in our doggish companions.”

The Dogs of Rossall 2018 Calendar is now available to purchase. It features many staff members' dogs, living on and off campus. You can buy this online, from the RosShop or from Reception. The calendars cost just £3 and all money raised will be donated to Easterleigh Animal Sanctuary. Easterleigh’s aim is to rescue and re-home unwanted, neglected and stray animals and they also need to raise a £100,000 for new premises.

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Here & There THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

HERE & THERE Biology Week showcases the important and amazing world of the biosciences, getting everyone from children to professional Biologists involved in fun and interesting life science activities – www.rsb.org.uk.

The Biology department hosted a fantastic programme of events for National Biology week 2017.

Monday 9th October 2017: INTO THE WILD TALK John Sullivan, a former Royal Marines Commando, explorer and conservationist engaged students and staff at the start of National Biology week as he shared his remarkable first-hand knowledge of some of the most remote regions of the world. As an advisor for the BBC, Channel 5 and the National Geographic Channel, John discussed conservation, surviving challenging environments and following your dreams with expertise.

Monday 9th October 2017: THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE The Year 7 students travelled to the Butterfly House in Lancaster. They were able to interact with many animals including tortoises, snakes, rabbits and merekats.

Tuesday 10th October: GOURMET CREATURES The Year 9 students had fun in the Rossall Kitchen making animal inspired pizzas. Ignacio Gonzalez was awarded first place, with his fantastic Octopus pizza.

Wednesday 11th October 2017: HANDS ON ANIMALS Hands on Animals brought to Rossall a variety of animals including snakes, lizards, cockroaches, snails and even a tarantula! It was a brilliant experience and the students learnt a lot about these small, but mighty, creatures.

Friday 13th October 2017: BIRDS FLOCK TO ROSSALL Kestrels, buzzards, Harris hawks, baby owls, Barn owls, falcons and ravens all turned out in a fantastic display of avian splendour.

Following a thoroughly engaging talk of everything and anything to do with these wonderful birds, Richard Cooper of Silverband Falconry wowed staff and students with a full flight display.

Sunday 15th October 2017: BIOLOGY BAKE OFF It was the battle of the biologists at the House Biology Bake Off. Reigning Bake Off champions, Maltese Cross, produced a fantastic dissected rat cake but it was Dolphin House who stole the show, with their marine-themed creation.

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Here & There THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

HERE & THERE HERE St John’s Ambulance First Aid Training Little Yogis Year 7 and 8 Yoga Emily Wilkes, Lanterna Education IB Talk Lancashire Artillery Band Joint concert with the Rossall CCF Band North of England Independent Schools AJIS Cross Country Primary schools from across the Fylde Coast STEM Challenge Notre Dame de France School French Exchange

HERE: BBC RADIO

LANCASHIRE LIVE At the end of November, we were fortunate to be visited by BBC Radio Lancashire’s John Gilmore who broadcast his whole show from the Lawrence House Astronomy Centre on the Rossall campus.

Throughout the show, ‘Gilly’ interviewed many members of the Rossall community including Ms Purves, Dr Nick Lister, Miss Bendelow, and two of our drama students, Noni Purnell and Megan Moore. Gilly also witnessed and broadcast live, the switch-on of our Christmas tree lights by our Senior, Junior and Infant School Captains.

THERE: GERMAN EXCHANGE At the beginning of the Michaelmas Term, a group of Senior School students travelled

John Gilmore BBC Radio Lancashire

to Rheine, Germany, to enjoy a week-long

Frank Whittle Speaker Series – Genesis of the Jet Engine

stay with a host family.

The students had quite a journey before they finally arrived in Rheine on Tuesday evening. Lessons began on Wednesday and our students were able to try out their German first hand.

Donna’s Dream House Shaun Attwood Motivational talk Anchorsholme Academy Carol Service

On Thursday, the students enjoyed a soggy trip to Münster, where it unfortunately rained for the duration of their visit. However, this did not stop them from visiting the Cathedral, numerous cafés, and shops!

Carleton Green Carol Service Larkhome School Carol Service

The students were back in lessons on Friday before going bowling in the evening. The weekend was spent doing more shopping, playing football, dancing, and enjoying the company of their host families.

Before travelling home on the Monday, the students took a trip to Bremem Universum Science Museum. They loved the Earthquake Room, where you can physically feel and experience a simulated earthquake.

Thank you to Mr. Butcher, Miss Hoban, the host families and our partner school in Rheine for giving our students the most wonderful week.

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Here & There THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

THERE: INSPIRED BY ICELAND Just before we broke up for the Christmas Holidays, a select group of Sixth Formers and staff members embarked on a trip to Iceland.

The group, armed with extra warm coats, hats and gloves, arrived at a very cold Reykjavik airport, before being whisked away to the popular tourist hotspot, Blue Lagoon – a geothermal spa. It was a very odd experience, enjoying the glorious warm waters in subzero temperatures! After a lovely afternoon, the group then made their way to Hotel Ork in Hveragerði. In the evening, the students embarked on the highly anticipated Northern Lights Tour and were very fortunate to see the Aurora Borealis – despite the low activity forecast.

The group also saw a shower of shooting stars which made the evening even more magical.

This was definitely the highlight of the trip and one to tick off the bucket list!

THERE Hamburg, Germany Old Rossallian German Dinner Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Vietnam Old Rossallian Reception

They awoke the next day bright and early, ready to explore the south coast of Iceland – one of the country’s most scenic regions. The group visited the Gunnarsholt Soil Conservation Services, and learned about the various ongoing projects to preserve the land. After this, they made their way to some of the most picturesque sites of Iceland, including the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógar Waterfall, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the small town of Vík. The group also visited the ‘Eyjafjallajökull Erupts’ Visitor Centre to learn about the recent volcanic activity, and the Skogar Folk Museum to learn about the culture and heritage of Iceland.

The following day, the group headed to Reykjavik for a sightseeing tour. Some of the highlights included the Pearlan Centre, Reykjavík City Hall, Hallgrímskirkja Church, and the city centre.

Various locations House Residentials Rheine, Germany German Exchange Iceland Sixth Form Iceland Trip Ypres, Verdun, The Somme and Disneyland Paris: Battlefields Trip Yorkshire Sculpture Park Art Trip The Grand Theatre, Blackpool House Singing Cambridge University Fives Tournament Blackburn Cathedral Choir performing Evensong Glasgow Kammwamba Project Beach House, Blackpool FOR Parents’ Lunch Winter Gardens, Blackpool Safe Drive, Stay Alive

On their final day, the group experienced some of Iceland’s most stunning sights including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfloss Waterfall, the Geysir Center, Friðheimar Greenhouse Cultivation Centre and Kerið Crater. It was a wonderful experience for all involved. Thank you to Miss Corsby for organising the trip.

Bolton Octagon Theatre Trip ‘Rita, Sue and Bob Too’ Lake District Boarders’ Trip Manchester Christmas Markets Boarders’ Trip Liverpool One Boarders’ Trip Chester City Centre Boarders’ Trip Manchester Trafford Centre Boarders’ Trip

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Social Events THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

CABARET BALL

The annual Cabaret Ball for our more senior students was our first social event of the new academic year.

The Year 11, 12 and 13 students enjoyed a night of good food, good music and great company. A select group of students provided the entertainment including Julius Schelhorn playing the saxophone, Nicole Ngyen playing the piano and DJ Aky from MC hosting the disco.

For our very well dressed students, it was a great event to socialise together without having to leave the campus.

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All For a Good Cause

The Winkley Room THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

THE WINKLEY ROOM The refurbishment of the old Headmaster’s study was completed in Spring 2017 and transformed into a beautiful space to hold conferences, intimate drama recitals, musical performances and exhibitions.

The newly named Winkley Room was officially opened with Billy Hoggmascall’s Theory of Emotion exhibition. Billy created six

BEFORE beautiful paintings and composed pieces of music to accompany each one.

Since then the Winkley Room has been used by the LAMDA students for the Senior Speech and Drama recitals, Council Meetings and Music Recitals.

We are looking forward to hosting more events in this stunning space in the future.

Thank you to Jeff Tebbutt, former Estates Manager, for the ‘Before’ photograph.

AFTER

Towards The Horizon

by Billy Hoggmascall

Myles Davies performing Blood Brothers by Willy Russell

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Music THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

MUSIC

HOUSE SINGING 2017 Over 600 members of the Rossall community travelled to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre for the annual House Singing Competition in late November.

This year’s competition proved to be the best ever, as each House had been hard at work for over two months, perfecting their vocals and dance routines.

Dragon opened the competition with a solid performance of Katy Perry’s Roar. The boys of Spread Eagle followed, with Fun’s We Are Young, and then the girls of Wren burst onto the stage with an all-singing, all-dancing performance of Kenny Loggin’s Footloose, complete with sparkly Stetsons. The girls energetic and intricate performance earned them a well-deserved third place in the competition.

After seeing a lacklustre performance of MF’s song at MAD Night, the boys surprised everyone and brought the house down, with a revised version of Macdon’s Beggin.

A tough act to follow, the girls of Dolphin performed Olly Murs’ Dance With Me Tonight, and the boys of Pelican continued with

a great performance of, September by Earth, Wind and Fire, both bringing a classic ‘House Singing’ feel to the day.

The overall winners of the competition, Rose House, took to the stage to perform their very polished rendition of Jamelia’s Superstar which included a rap from School Captain, Amber Brown, and Rose House Captain, Lot Swarts.

Finally, it was the former champions, Maltese Cross’ turn to grace the stage. The boys chose One Direction’s Drag Me Down and their difficult routine landed them second place in the competition.

During the judges’ deliberations, not only did the Junior School provide entertainment by performing Golden Days by Simon Cox, the Common Room confidently took their places for an all-singing, all-dancing performance of Gloria Gaynor’s I will Survive. It is ten years since the Common Room had a ‘turn’ on the House Singing stage and the students were so surprised that at certain points you could not hear the music for the cheering adulation – it even earned the Common Room a standing ovation.

House Singing 2017 will certainly be a memorable one!

FORMAL CONCERT AND DINNER To celebrate and recognise all the outstanding music performed throughout the year, our Rossall musicians and choristers joined together for a formal concert.

The Senior Orchestra and Choir performed several pieces, before the solo and group performances took to the stage. Billy Hoggmascall, Felix Mistry, Téo Beaumé, Oscar Mistry, Kathryn Watson and Harvey Stansfield all performed solo pieces, whilst Grace Gordon, Naomi Hall and Natalina Dell’Armi wowed the audience with their performance of I Wish I May from the musical ‘Wicked’. Following the concert, the students and their families enjoyed a black tie dinner in the Dining Hall.

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Music THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

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Mad Night FOR THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

FRIENDS OF ROSSALL The Friends of Rossall hosted a number of social events this Michaelmas Term to engage and support the Rossall community and beyond.

At the AGM in June, the FOR announced a new team headed by Amanda Ardron and Nigel Gregory as co-chairs, Marie Currie and Amanda Munden as co-vice chairs, Amanda Holt as secretary and Rebecca Murdoch as treasurer.

To introduce themselves and their new look events for 2017/18, the first of the informal coffee and chats was held in Mondo’s, followed by the popular Parents’ Lunch at the Beach House Bistro in Blackpool. The lunch provided the perfect opportunity for new parents to meet fellow parents and the FOR team over a glass of Prosecco and a splendid lunch.

In partnership with Rossall Sports Department, FOR held two Macmillan Coffee Mornings supporting their sports fixtures.

Capturing hungry and thirsty parents’ pitch-side with homemade cakes and a warm cup of tea, £225.00 was raised for this worthy cause.

The FOR team put a huge amount of effort into creating two Rossall Ghost Hunts, one suitable for our younger Halloween enthusiasts and one for the more daring ghost hunters. The tour guide retold the rumoured ghostly tales of Rossall, with the help of a few eerie characters, to the large audience nerves were inevitably calmed over a light supper held in Mondo’s.

A Santa Letter Writing session held after School was a great success with the Infant and Junior pupils. Beautifully created letters were sent via Mondo’s Mail to Lapland and the FOR Elves returned Santa’s replies to the excited recipients.

The annual FOR Christmas Market and Light Switch-On certainly set the scene for the festive season. Big School was transformed into a Winter Wonderland for all the senses. The retail experience offered a wider choice for the adults and the children had their very own Christmas crèche, with face painting and Christmas movies. And despite the arctic winds blowing, all guests crowded round the Christmas tree for the count down to the light switch-on, lighting up the Square.

The FOR events held during the Michaelmas Term raised a further £500 for the School, with proposed funding to provide new notice boards to improve FOR communication channels within the School community and working with the students to fund House projects.

Thank you to the all the Friends, the Management Committee the newly formed group of parent helpers and the School Community who have supported the FOR events.

FOR DIARY DATES LENT TERM

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Parents, Coffee and Chat

Parents Pizza Night

Quiz Night

Friday 12th January 2018 3.30pm in Mondo’s

Wednesday 31st January 2018 7.00pm in Mondo’s

Friday 16th March 2018 7.00pm in the Dining Hall

Sport THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

GOLF

It has been another sensational term for our Rossall golfers!

ISGA SCOTTISH OPEN At the Independent Schools Golf Association (ISGA)

HMC FOURSOMES AND ISGA MATCHPLAY TOURNAMENTS

Scottish Open, Rossall entered three teams.

The Rossall School Golf Academy has also had a great

The Rossall A team consisted of Year 12 students, Greg Holmes, John Wilding and Louis Talarczyk; the Rossall B team was made up of Year 11 students, Charlie Ardron, Josh Hamnett and Jack Kenmare; and the Rossall C team consisted of Year 9 pupil, Pip Munden, and Year 8 pupil, Grace Evans.

deal of success in several tournaments.

Out of 80 competitors, Greg Holmes was awarded first place, with his team mate, Louis Talarczyk, placing in the top ten. Josh Hamnett placed in the top twenty, whilst John Wilding and Charlie Ardron placed in the top thirty.

In the team results, the Rossall A team were awarded second place, with the Rossall B team placing in the top ten.

NORTH OF ENGLAND U15 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP In October, Rossall hosted a new championship: the North of England Under 15 Independent Schools Golf Championship which saw twenty-one competitors from six schools taking part.

Rossall entered three golfers: Year 9 pupils, Pip Munden and Simon Holt, and Year 8 pupil, Grace Evans. In the individual results, Pip placed second, with Grace just missing out on a top ten finish. In the Individual U15 results Pip once again placed second, with Grace placed second in the U13 category. Finally, in the overall team results, Rossall placed third. It was a great day and one we look forward to hosting again.

At the HMC Foursomes Tournament Northern Region Qualifier, Rossall entered three teams to play against Birkenhead. Greg Holmes and Josh Hamnett won their game 8 and 7; John Wilding and Louis Talarczyk won their game 9 and 7; and Benedikt Kramer and Charlie Ardron won their game 6 and 5. This was a fantastic result for Rossall who will face Oswestry in the area quarter finals.

At the ISGA Matchplay Area Qualifier Semi-Finals, the Rossall team consisting of individual players Greg Holmes, John Wilding and Louis Talarczyk faced Sedbergh in three tough games. Rossall managed to win two of their three games, to win overall and advance to the area finals against King’s Macclesfield.

We look forward to following the progress at both competitions and wish the players the very best of luck.

ROSSALLIAN GOLF DAY At the Rossallian Golf day, the Rossall golfers were able to play, socialise and gain valuable experience from Old Rossallians.

Jack Kenmare, Leon Velge, Luis Vaubel, Benedikt Kramer, David Wipfli, Lais Bilgri, Louis Talarczyk and Vincent Leserer all took part in a day of golf at the prestigious Blackwell Golf Club, Bromsgrove.

Louis Talarczyk took the men’s first prize and Lais Bilgri was awarded the ladies’. It was a fantastic day that concluded with a lovely dinner and of course, a rendition of The Carmen!

Congratulations to the Rossall Golf Team who were crowned Lancashire Schools Golf Association Team Champions.

Pictured: Director of Golf Mr Stuart Hemmings, Josh Hamnett, Charlie Ardron, Grace Evans, George Evans & Jack Kenmare

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Sport THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

SPORT

Junior Round Up

ROSSALL RAMS AND RHINOS IN WINNING FORM AT THE GIGGLESWICK RUGBY FESTIVAL There was a real buzz of excitement as the U11 Rhinos and U9 Rams set off for their first away fixture of the year to Giggleswick.

After the impressive victory at home to Westholme in the previous week, the Rhinos were relishing the opportunity to take on teams from St Mary’s Hall, Settle and the hosts, Giggleswick.

Rossall got off to a flying start with a fine win against St Mary’s Hall, with powerful play from James Ison, Conal Navruz, Gordon Ballantyne, Zack Graham and Liam Austin-King. The backline moved the ball swiftly, with Joel Baines, Phelix Kowalski and Elijah Wiggans looking dangerous in attack, whilst Shota Matsunaga, Luke Hitchen, Alex Kirkwood and George McAleer all had dazzling runs with the ball.

As the afternoon progressed, the team gained confidence with every try scored and tackle made. The quality of rugby was superb, especially for this early stage of the season and the travelling parents and coaches were treated to a fine display of running rugby from the Rossall players.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and the team finished with an impressive record of three victories and one narrow defeat.

WILD WIND BLOWS ROSSALL RUNNERS TO SUCCESS AT THE AJIS CROSS COUNTRY The Junior School were proud to host the prestigious AJIS Cross-Country for another year.

A total of four hundred and fifty runners from twenty-five independent schools gathered for a stern test of endurance and determination. Conditions were especially tough this year, as the Rossall wind was in full force making the long stretch to the sea wall a real challenge for the young runners.

There were four races in total, with approximately one hundred and twenty competitors in each event; a thrilling experience for some of the Rossall runners who were competing for the first time against children from other schools.

The atmosphere was electric throughout the afternoon and the dedication shown by all our runners, as well as the Junior and Sixth Form helpers, created a wonderful team spirit amongst the Rossall children.

It was a fantastic team performance, particularly by the U10 Boys, who just missed out on a team bronze.

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Sport THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

HOCKEY GIRLS WIN AT GIGGLESWICK The Rossall girls travelled to Giggleswick for their annual hockey fixture. At the whistle, Grace Sutton and Rosie Lupton controlled play in the middle of the field and Hallie Garrick soon got to grips with playing wide on the wing.

Hallie made some super runs from midfield to feed the ball in the ‘D’. On the left wing, Scarlett Knight held her position well and made some good runs to cover the far post.

Giggleswick mounted a number of attacks down the middle but Thishani Shanthakumar, Grace Gotto, Miki Safronov-Yamamoto and Natasha Mistry worked hard in defence to protect the goal. Chloe Southall, who was always concentrating on the ball, made two good saves, clearing the ball well to the Rossall players. From different positions in the ‘D’ and through some slick play, Scarlett scored three very good goals. The final goal came from Grace Sutton who was determined in attack and battled through a number of defenders to slip the ball over the line. The final score was Rossall 4, Giggleswick 0.

ROSSALL FOOTBALL TEAMS HIT THE TARGET The Rossall football teams were excited to play their first match after the half term against Highfield Priory.

After an inspiring team talk, the U11 boys were ready for action!

James Ison was in goal, Phelix Kowalski and Elijah Wiggans were defending, Conal Navruz, Zack Graham and Joel Baines were in midfield, and Woody-Lee Wilson was up front in his debut match!

The Highfield team were used to playing on the Astro and passed the ball well. They scored a great early goal but Rossall came back strong. Zack took a wonderful corner, with the perfect height and Conal converted with a fantastic header. What a goal - the Rossall supporters went wild!

ROSSALL SWIMMERS WIN RECORD MEDAL HAUL AT THE AJIS GALA The Rossall Swimming Team was in fine form as they achieved their best ever results in the Independent Schools Swimming Gala at Darwen Leisure Centre.

There were a number of Year 4 children competing for the U10 team and the potential they displayed is most encouraging.

There were some outstanding performances with many of the children qualifying through their heats to the finals. Rosie Lupton came through very strong at the end of her butterfly race to win a bronze medal.

Both U11 freestyle relay teams performed brilliantly, the boys winning bronze and the girls dominating from the start to comfortably win the gold.

However, the performance of the day came from Hallie Garrick in the individual medley; she swam magnificently to win by more than two seconds in a time of 1 minute 21.44 seconds - a new personal best. Well done to everyone who competed.

Highfield took control of the game and scored after half time. Then, Conal was taken down just outside the goal area and was awarded a free kick. He struck the ball right into the bottom corner, allowing Rossall to draw level with Highfield.

With just a few minutes remaining, Highfield scored a brilliant goal to win the match 3-2. It was a great game from both teams.

The Rossall U10 team did not get off to the best start and were 2-0 down after 6 minutes.

The boys’ confidence was low, but they pushed hard and scored just before the half-time whistle. James Wood converted a cracking cross from Keegan Liggins, and this super goal started the Rossall comeback.

In the second half, the boys were very physical and caused lots of problems for Highfield who played well. Rossall put lots of pressure on the opposition, winning a corner which James converted with a brilliant bullet header.

Alex Kirkwood hit a screamer from the half way line which just sailed over the crossbar.

Suddenly, a penalty was awarded for a handball in the Highfield box and James scored again.

The referee declared there was only 30 seconds remaining, so the Rossall team all came back and defended, holding on for the win. It was a great effort from everyone and showed that you should never give up.

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Sport THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

SPORT

Senior Round Up BOYS’ FOOTBALL The Michaelmas term started off well, with over seventy-six boys representing Rossall in football with Saturday block fixtures and mid-week fixtures leading up to half term.

The U12 and U13 teams showed great passion against difficult opposition which tested all the boys abilities on a weekly basis. The U14 and U15 teams gained some fantastic results throughout the fixture card, playing fantastic football and working hard for each other. Wins against Queen Elizabeth’s Blackburn and Westholme set a high level of expectation which all boys adhered to. The 1st Team played some fantastic football throughout the term, defeating Oldham Hulme Grammar School and a Preston North End Academy side.

A big thank you must go to Fleetwood Town Football Club for their continued support and coaching.

BOYS’ RUGBY The 1st XI have had a mixed season, with wins against Giggleswick and Bury Grammar and losses against St Mary’s College, Audenshaw School and Ripley St Thomas.

The U16 team had a fantastic win against Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School and lost narrowly to a strong Stonyhurst side. The U15, U14, U13 and U12 teams have also had a mixed season, with some great wins, narrow losses and heavy defeats. All boys have shown incredible determination and teamwork, and we look forward to seeing them develop and progress next season.

BOYS’ HOCKEY The U14, U16 and 1XI Teams were all entered into the Lancashire League in the Michaelmas Term.

The U14 side have been impressive in their approach to moving to an 11-a-side format of the game. With only one loss against Stamford, the boys went on to defeat Blackpool Hockey Club, Manchester Grammar School, Merchant Taylor’s and Lancaster Grammar – a fantastic achievement.

The U16 side competed well, with a few wins, a single loss and a good showing at the North West Indoor Finals. The Senior Team had a mixed start to the term, with a win against Lancaster Grammar School and a couple of losses. The boys represented Rossall tremendously well in the North West Indoor Finals, defeating King’s Macclesfield and King’s Chester, only to narrowly miss out on a semi-final spot.

All teams should be proud of their efforts and we look forward to seeing them progress next term.

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Sport THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

It has been a challenging season for all of the girls’ hockey teams who have fought well throughout.

The 1st XI started the season strongly, winning seven of their first eight games.

Pre-season victories over Hill House and Rossall Ladies led to a dominating performance against Austin Friars.

Despite initially struggling to break down their opponent’s goal, they scored twice in the last five minutes to give Rossall a well-deserved lead. The next two games saw impressive wins over Cheadle Hulme and King’s Macclesfield. A hotly contested 0-0 draw against AKS, in a game that they dominated was followed up with a resounding 7-0 victory against the University of Central Lancashire’s 1st team.

The U15 team started the season well with a 2-1 victory over Hill House in their pre-season and followed this up with a fantastic 3-1 win against Austin Friars.

Despite a tough run of fixtures, they showed great resilience and fought to the end of each game, including against local rivals Kirkham.

The U14 side had to adapt to a new game, with the change from 7-a-side to 11-a-side.

They have taken the challenge on head first and played with determination and passion.

A particular highlight was the 2-2 draw

with Sedbergh in which they were unfortunate not to take the win.

The U12 and U13 teams were challenged hard throughout the season and put in some good performances. Both teams earned hard fought draws against Austin Friars but a particular highlight was the U12 3-2 win against Sedbergh towards the end of the season.

We can now look forward to the remaining games in the Lent Term, before rebuilding ahead of what promises to be yet another pleasing year.

The final week of the first half of the term included incredibly pleasing victories over local rivals Stonyhurst (2-0) and Giggleswick (3-2). Sandwiched between those two games, the 1st XI won the Lancashire Cup, winning two of the three games, against Kirkham (2-0) and Stonyhurst (2-1), and drawing the other against AKS (1-1). Unfortunately, despite dominating much of the National Cup game against Queen Ethelburga’s, the team eventually ended up losing in a penalty shootout.

The second half of term saw a tough set of fixtures but the 1st XI started well defeating Kirkham (4-1) and impressing at the North West Regional Finals. They saw off King William’s College (5-0), King’s Macclesfield (2-0) and Stockport Grammar School (1-0), qualifying for the North of England finals for the first time. They put in a number of fantastic performances at the tournament but struggled to score with the freedom that had allowed them so much success earlier in the term. Despite drawing two of the games, they were unable to make it through to the final.

It has been a fantastic term for the 1st XI who have exceeded expectations and have set the bar incredibly high for the remainder of the year and future seasons.

The 2nd XI moved forward from last year.

Despite coming up against some incredibly tough opposition, as well as a number of first teams, they have scored more goals and conceded fewer goals than last year a great improvement.

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CCF THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

CCF

Rossall is proud to be home to the oldest CCF in the country, established in February 1860. It is one of only four Schools CCF Contingents to be awarded the Queen’s Colours.

CCF AWARDS Congratulations to the Cadets for their achievements during the Michaelmas Term 2017.

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Petty Officer Marc Klebais (Year 13) and Sergeant Yulia Zaikina (Year 13) were awarded the role of CCF Senior Cadets.

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Year 10 students Thierry Bilby, Stephan Bilby, Callum Dodd, Samantha Collier, Laurie Jenson and Alex Marsden received promotions to Lance Corporal.

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Max Loboda (Year 12), Will Gair (Year 12) and Yulia Zaikina (Year 13), completed the Senior Cadet Instructors’ Course. Max received the award for top student.

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Year 10 students Stephan Bilby, Thierry Bilby, Callum Dodd, Craig Frankel and Laurie Jensen completed the Junior Cadet Instructors Course and became Junior NCOs.

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The CCF attended the CSAAM Shooting Competition in Altcar and achieved a number of great results, including 2nd place in the SNAP SHOOT TEAM and 6th place in the ADVANCED TO CONTACT MATCH, competing against thirty teams.

CCF FIELD DAYS The Army, Navy and RAF went off in different directions for their Autumn CCF Field Days; for some it was their first taste of working with fellow Cadets away from the Rossall campus.

The Army section sampled various activities including kayaking on the River Lune, full-bore shooting with the L98 A2 Cadet Rifle, command tasks, first aid and navigation.

The Royal Navy CCF section travelled to Waterside Lodge for a day on the water. The cadets enjoyed dinghy sailing, power boating and canoeing.

The RAF cadets visited Manchester Airport. They learnt about the engineering innovations that went into the production of the Airbus A380 and Concorde’s history from on-board.

WE REMEMBER On Friday 10th November, we held our annual Act of Remembrance and Remembrance Service in the Chapel.

Since the 100th anniversary of the First World War, Rossall has remembered year-on-year all the young men from Rossall who gave their lives. This year, we remembered seventy-nine Old Rossallians who lost their lives this academic year one hundred years ago. Their names also appear on the honours boards in Memorial Chapel.

The soldiers’ names were read out during the service and crosses representing each OR were placed by students on the stone altar in the Memorial Chapel. The names of thirty soldiers, who died from their wounds and complications after the war, remain to be read and remembered next year.

Thank you to Year 12 student, Vincent Leserer, for the aerial photo.

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The Foundation THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

THE FOUNDATION

The Rossall Foundation is a charity set up to support the School and help it flourish. The difference that it can make to Rossall depends very much on the generosity of parents and Old Rossallians.

ROSSALL FOUNDATION RESTORE CCF HISTORY Rossall Foundation is delighted to have been able to restore the CCF Mace & Sash to its former glory.

The Mace and Sash, previously worn by the Band Master, is over ninety years old. It is an item steeped in much history and to see it used once again by our cadets displays incredible pride in the journey of our Combined Cadet Force. The restoration of the pieces took three months and could not have been carried out without the generous donations of ORs and members of the Rossall Community to our Annual Appeal.

The Annual Appeal has also allowed The Foundation to support the extended Information Technology provision in the Junior School, with 5 iPads and cases purchased. Additional access to technology in the Junior School will allow pupils to further explore their PYP Units of Inquiry in an up-to-date, hands on way. Support has also been extended to the Geography Department, aiding in the purchase of a Geographical Weather Station, an item that will allow students a deeper understanding of meteorology in their study.

The Rossall Foundation Charity raises money to support the development of Rossall School. It does so in a variety of ways:

ROSSAL L FOU ND AT ION B U R S A RY P R O G R A M M E

CAPITAL PROJECTS 1844 SOCIETY

Annual Appeal

Your Legacy Their Future

The Foundation hopes that all parents and Old Rossallians will consider supporting the School

To find out more about the Rossall Foundation Charity please visit the School website www.rossall.org.uk/foundation or contact Henry Shepherd, Development Director Telephone 01253 774284 Email foundation@rossall.org.uk

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Amazing Alumni THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

AMAZING ALUMNI Crina Ciobanu became a “social case”, my brief story was published in the school’s magazine and Mr. and Mrs. Trapnell (Rossall trustees) offered me another scholarship, allowing me to pursue my dream and benefit from the sound education offered by a British university.

What were your first impressions of the school?

I was astonished by its grandeur. Firstly, it was the architecture of the buildings, the beach, the sports fields, the stately Big School, the impressive Dining Hall which overwhelmed me at once. Then, it was the impeccable order of a boarding school, the cultural diversity, the kindness of the teachers and staff and individual care for each of its pupils that astounded me.

What was it like to be a Romanian student studying in the UK? At fifteen years of age and raised in an ex-communist country, it was the first time I had ever travelled abroad, to a place where learning was a joy and the school day seemed always too short.

It is 40 years this academic year since Rossall became a co-educational School.

For the first issue of this anniversary year we have interviewed Crina Ciobanu (née Danila). In October 2017 Crina was promoted to partner in the Law Firm Sucia Popa based in Romania.

When were you at Rossall?

I went to Rossall between 1998 and 2000.

I guess my story is a bit different than that of most Old Rossallians. I was an overseas scholarship child, one of six Romanian students who were granted a one-year scholarship in a private UK school, following a competition in which over six hundred

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pupils took part. All six students were sent to a different school in the UK, for one year. I stayed in the UK for two years of A levels and then I went to a British university to study law.

I am still not really sure how that happened, but I truly believe that I am the result of a sequence of exceptional and joyful occurrences. I cannot describe the thrill when being told by the school headmaster that I could stay at Rossall for the second year of my A levels. I was told Rossall encourages the ambition and determination of its scholarship pupils and, hence, the Board had decided the school will cover my tuition for the following year.

But Rossall’s generosity did not stop there.

My second year of A levels was coming to an end and all students, but me, were preparing their UCAS forms; I could not cover the tuition fees, so I dared not apply. However, Rossall was there for me. I could say I

It may be difficult for a child living in a fully technologised world these days, to imagine I was writing weekly letters to my parents (which reached them, by post, one week later) and how, in lack of mobile phones, I waited, by the public phone in our hall, for my parents to call, every Sunday at 8.00 p.m.

Everything was new for me. It was the novelty of another system, an A level curriculum, where everything was taught in English, in smaller class sizes where you could not “get away” with anything, and in amazingly well-equipped labs.

There was a wide range of extra-curricular activities to take part in, study trips to foreign countries and many friendships to be created with overseas pupils. I needed to find my own way to fit in, stay strong and prove to my colleagues and teachers that I deserved to be there.

But no matter how difficult things may have been, I was always supported by the

Amazing Alumni THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

teachers who appreciated a Romanian girl’s ambition and interest. I was overwhelmed by the school’s capacity to adapt to the needs of each of its pupils, the encouragement given to the students to explore and improve their own potential, preparing them for any challenges life may bring along in the future.

This made me eager to learn more about the UK university system and as a result I worked hard and I was accepted to continue my studies in the UK following Rossall.

Which teachers most inspired you?

This is a difficult question, because I really would have liked to list them all.

Rose House’s Headmistress, Mrs. Katie Lee (Plant), the first person I met when I came to Rossall and the one who stood by me all the time I was there, as well as later on, when I went to university. It was amazing how, although she was firm with the girls, she also managed to be their best friend. Miss Plant was funny, but tough, and so close to her girls; always preoccupied by our wellbeing, our school results, as well as our little romances and the unavoidable boyfriend dramas. She guided me, as she did with all the girls, offered me all the support I needed and, mostly, she was there for me whenever I was home-sick, I needed a hand, a shoulder to cry on, or a good word. Her husband, Samuel Lee, a highly respected lawyer and a remarkable person, was the one who inspired me to choose law.

Mrs. Jean Briggs, my English Literature teacher, taught me that perseverance is the mother of success. I was a native Romanian speaker who took English Literature as a main A level and due to Mrs. Briggs, I soon fell in love with Shakespeare, Hardy, Keats and Elliott, a love I still carry in my heart.

Delicate, thorough and creative, Mrs. Briggs was a model teacher.

Mr. Richard Rhodes, the School Headmaster was, for me, the perfect balance between rigor, verticality and attachment to each of the school’s pupils and their fate.

The children of this school, educated and guided by the teachers, will undoubtedly manage to give sense to their lives as adults,

no matter how difficult times will be.

Teachers of the school offer a mixture of care, love and respect for the child of today, the adult of tomorrow.

What’s the most important thing Rossall taught you?

I read somewhere that life is like a trip by train: it’s filled with challenges, dreams, hopes and disappointments. We climb up and come down often and sometimes we reach stations where pleasant surprises await.

By chance, my train stopped at Rossall and Rossall was, for me, the station where I found the chance to be shaped into the person I am today. It taught me to be an honest person, to behave with integrity and pursue my dreams with ambition and hard work - perseverance and determination always pay off.

It was a joy to be accepted at Rossall, an honor to be a colleague of so many interesting, resourceful and diverse pupils. But, mostly, it was a pleasure to get to know teachers, who were real professionals, the understanding and help of whom, I enjoyed over my entire time at Rossall; they will always have a place in my heart and thoughts.

What difference did coming to Rossall make to your education and your career?

Going to Rossall was the most challenging experience of my life. I was almost a child at the time, leaving the protective arms of my parents to enter, all alone, a new world, a foreign one, far away from my entire family, my friends and everything I knew and loved. Rossall offered a secure, balanced and motivating learning environment and was the basis without which, nothing in my career would have been possible.

What would you say to any student considering coming to the UK – and Rossall – to study?

What is your career now?

I am a lawyer. My practice is predominantly focused on domestic and cross-border real estate investment and finances, having also, over the years, represented major foreign and domestic investors in connection with various construction and infrastructure investments.

I have recently been promoted as partner in Suciu Popa & Associates. The firm brings together dynamic and experienced professionals, who have gained a significant experience in the domains they practice in, as a result of their proficiency in a variety of complex transactions, projects, litigation and legal consultancy matters. As a matter of fact, not even one month after its formation, the firm was recognized by the most prestigious London publications (Legal 500, IFLR, Chambers & Partners) for various areas of practice.

Go for it, it is the right choice! You will leave Rossall with an exquisite education, a start to a life of success. I may not know what’s best for each of you, most of you may not know yourselves at this point in your lives, but I know for sure that a solid education gives you certainty, self-confidence and freedom, turning you into your own master.

You would be the pupils of one of the best private schools in the UK. Listen to what your teachers have to say to you, trust and follow their guidance, as they know best how to lead you. At Rossall, you will find the perfect mixture of thorough supervision and friendly advice, you will find help in giving a sense to your lives, no matter how hard things may turn out to be for you.

You will end up having for your school a combination of love, respect and gratitude, which you will carry with you, all your life, without even knowing.

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Chr istmas Round Up THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

CHRISTMAS ROUND UP

“A L L PU PI L S FROM OU R N U R SERY TO SI X T H FOR M DEL IG H T A N D PA RTA K E W I T H E XCI T E M EN T I N A L L T H E WON DROUS ROSS A L L T R A DI T IONS A ROU N D CH R IST M AS T I M E” - MS E PURVES, HEAD -

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Chr istmas Round Up THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

ROSSALL’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND The Christmas festivities started in style at Rossall, as we illuminated the School with an array of fairy lights.

Thanks to the Friends of Rossall, the Square was lit up before the Big School doors were flung open for guests to enjoy the annual Christmas Fair. Whilst over in the Junior School the children enjoyed singing and dancing to an array of Christmas carols before commencing the countdown for their switch-on.

As always, our Nursery and Infant nativities, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were the essence of Christmas cuteness, with fantastic singing and acting performances from all the children.

Staff and parents helped to make sure the Infant and Junior Christmas Fair was a roaring success, with Christmas crafts, face painting, a tombola and lucky dip, as well as a visit from Santa, who went straight to his workshop to meet all the well behaved children.

There have been plenty of carols and Christmas readings at the candlelit School Carol Services held for Infant, Junior and Senior Schools, with both staff and students in fine voice. The Rossall Chapel Choir excelled themselves once again at the School Services and the increasingly popular Family Carol Service – it was so wonderful to see our beautiful Chapel full, with so many families from the School and local community.

The Old Rossallian Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was an opportunity to meet with old friends and share the magic of a beautiful Chapel service. The Christmas programme of services concluded with the well attended Family Christmas Day Service, conducted by Revd. Etienne van Blerk.

With the Christmas finish line in sight, our Infants and Juniors donned their elf hats and their trainers for the newly branded Elf Run (previously Reindeer Run) in the Square and we were delighted to welcome friends and family to celebrate Christmas in the Hall with mulled wine, mince pies and singing.

It came as no surprise when our wonderful Catering Team provided the School with not one but two exquisite Christmas dinners.

The Whole School Christmas Dinner is always a jolly affair where the highly anticipated recital of the Twelve Days of Christmas is performed and at the Junior dinner the pupils thanked the staff with a rousing rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

The newly reformed CCF Band closed festivities by playing their first concert alongside the Lancashire Artillery Band.

The two bands came together seamlessly, despite not having rehearsed previously, to deliver a rousing big band performance of Christmas classics such as O Come All Ye Faithful, and the charming seasonal medley Christmas Festival.

The Michaelmas Term always closes with a fantastic programme of events – it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

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THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

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THE HORIZON | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 2018

Photograph by Year 12 student,Vincent Leserer

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Friday 12th January FOR Parents’ Coffee & Chat (Mondo’s) at 3.30pm

Wednesday 31st January FOR Parents’ Pizza Night (Mondo’s) at 7.00pm

Thursday 22nd February Lower Sixth Academic Parents’ Meeting (Big School) at 6.00pm

Friday 12th January Year 5 Scholarship Examinations and Taster Day from 8.15am

Thursday 1st February Year 9 Academic Parents’ and GCSE Options Meeting (Big School) at 6.00pm

Friday 23rd February Valentine’s Ball (Dining Hall) at 7.00pm

Saturday 13th January Scholarship Examination Day for entry into Year 7 and 9 from 8.30am Tuesday 16th January Parental Feedback Group Meeting (The Hall Meeting Room) at 9.00am Friday 19th January Sixth Form Taster Day from 8.15am Tuesday 23rd January Formal Concert by Pianist, OR Hazel Nguyen (Big School) at 7.00pm Thursday 25th January Year 7 Academic Parents’ Meeting (Big School) at 6.00pm Monday 29th January Speaker Series: ‘Life, the Universe & Everything!’ with Dr Nick Lister (Astronomy Centre) at 7.00pm Tuesday 30th January Volunteering Fair (Big School) at 4.30pm

Thursday 1st February Junior and Infants Parents’ Evening (Infant Hall) at 3.30pm Saturday 3rd February Chinese New Year Celebrations (Dining Hall) at 6.30pm Tuesday 6th February Beauty and the Beast (Big School) at 7.00pm Wednesday 7th February Beauty and the Beast (Big School) at 7.00pm Thursday 8th February Beauty and the Beast (Big School) at 7.00pm

Thursday 1st March Year 10 Academic Parents’ Meeting (Big School) at 6.00pm Saturday 3rd March Whole School Open Day from 10am to 2pm Thursday 8th March Year 8 Academic Parents’ Meeting (Big School) at 6.00pm Saturday 10th March Sports Dinner (Fleetwood Town Football Club) at 7.00pm Sunday 11th March Harry Potter Studios Trip (London) depart 6.00am

Friday 9th February Half Term Begins at 4.00pm

Sunday 11th March Chaplain’s Challenge: Outdoor Practice Expedition (Beacon Fell) at 12.00pm

Monday 19th February School resumes following Half Term at 8.25am

Monday 12th March IB Visual Arts Exhibition (Art Department) at 4.30pm

Monday 12th March Parental Feedback Meeting (Junior School Conference Room) at 5.30pm Thursday 15th March Speaker Series: ‘North Korea Exposed’ with Jeremy Hunter (Museum Theatre) at 7.00pm Friday 16th March FOR Quiz Night (Dining Hall) at 7.00pm Monday 19th March Spring Concert (Big School) at 7.00pm Wednesday 21st March The Little Mermaid (Big School) at 6.30pm Thursday 22nd March The Little Mermaid (Big School) at 6.30pm Friday 23rd March End of Term at 12.30pm Sunday 1st April Easter Service and Egg Hunt (Chapel) at 10.00am

Tuesday 20th February FOR Dinner (Twelve Restaurant) at 7.00pm

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Tuesday 6th February Wednesday 7th February Thursday 8th February Big School at 7.00pm

Wednesday 21st March Thursday 22nd March Big School at 6.30pm Rossall School journey Under the Sea for the Junior School production of The Little Mermaid.

Rehearsals for the Senior School production of Beauty & The Beast have been underway since the beginning of the academic year and anticipation is high.

Based on the Disney classic, Beauty & The Beast sees Belle taken prisoner by a beast in a castle. Despite her fear she finds friends among the castle’s enchanted staff, but who could ever learn to love a beast?

The pupils are excited to perform the story of Mermaid Princess, Ariel, who wishes to fulfil her dreams of walking on land. Though to do so she makes a deal she may regret with the Sea Witch, Ursula.

To book your tickets, please visit: www.rossall.org.uk/littlemermaid

To book your tickets, please visit: www.rossall.org.uk/beautybeast

Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8JW

Telephone 01253 774201 Email info@rossall.org.uk

www.rossall.org.uk