Go placidly

As the end of another half term approaches, the pace of school life continues to rattle along at breakneck speed. Despite busy academic schedules, Arnoldians are as busy as ever with their extra-curricular commitments and I am pleased to record some notable successes from the last seven days.

The U13 hockey team have been crowned Lancashire Champions after beating Kirkham in a closely fought final and yesterday the U18 team travelled to Cannock to play Framlingham College, from the East region, for a place in the National Final. Although the game ended in a draw, we won the match on flicks. This means that the U18s join the U14s at the National Finals at the start of March. To have two teams from the same school representing the North at the National Finals is a stunning achievement. I spoke to the girls immediately after their match yesterday and I have to say that my ear drums are still recovering from the experience! They were quite rightly very excited in victory and we wish both teams well next month.

Congratulations must also go to the four Arnold fencers who qualified for the British Youth Championships later this year following their performances at the North West Qualifiers, which Arnold hosted at the weekend. Well done to George Culpan, Megan Eccles, Josh Radley and William Eccleston. George and William progress to the next phase of the competition as North West Champions in their age group.

I was also delighted to learn of some magnificent performances in the Rotary Young Writer Competition. Rotary Young Writer aims to encourage excellence in writing among children in their local community and provides a mechanism for young people to participate, using their writing skills, imagination and creativity. Isaac Eastham came first in the Year 6 category while Cameron Armour was third in the Year 7 category. Isaac's achievement means that he will have the opportunity to read his letter on Radio Lancashire and at the Rotary Conference in Harrogate later this year. Very well done to all those who took part in the prestigious competition.

In my blog after half term I will be including extracts from pieces submitted by pupils on the topic of 'The best thing I have done at school this year'. Please encourage your son or daughter to submit their short essays to me via email before the end of the holiday.

The Sixth Form Ski Trip departs to Lake Placid on Friday and the intrepid skiers will be blogging about their exploits on my blog page over the course of their half term adventure. Having skied in the USA many times myself, I know that they will enjoy the trip of a lifetime and I will follow their diary with interest, and more than a little envy!

I hope that, like these lucky skiers, you will find some peace and silence during the holiday, after what has been a busy half term.

Best wishes

Jim Keefe, Headmaster

Posted by: J E Keefe
Date: Tuesday 15/02/2011