Back with a bang after half term!

I trust that all members of the Arnold community enjoyed a relaxing half term holiday. There has certainly been a special vitality to school since we returned.  I think that we are all galvanised for what we know will be an eventful seven weeks of academic work and extra-curricular activities in the run up to Christmas.

Although we were not in school for two weeks, there was still a phenomenal range of trips and events taking place. At the start of the holidays the Battlefields Trip departed for Belgium and the Spanish & Art Trip set off to Barcelona. Having since spoken to participating colleagues and pupils, I know that these trips were extremely successful and provided some valuable learning experiences. My colleagues also spoke glowingly of their pupils' enthusiasm and camaraderie, which makes trips like these so worthwhile. Many of the Year 11 historians were in a reflective mood when they spoke to me about their visits to the World War One trenches, cemeteries and other memorials to the fallen soldiers. The Remembrance Services that will take place in school next week will hold a special poignancy to this particular group amongst us.

Other half term events included The Blackpool Music Festival, various sports practices and, of course, the Grenada Fundraising Dinner, which took place at Blackpool Football Club. I was very sorry to miss it but I understand that it was a fantastic evening! On behalf of the cricketers, I would like to thank the team of parents who worked tirelessly to make the dinner such a success; the hours and hours of preparation that went on behind the scenes are much appreciated. Fabulous Senior School 'Arnold Extra-curricular' 2011 calendars are now on sale at Reception to support this grand tour.

I was lucky enough to spend time with my daughter during the holidays watching some energetic rehearsals for 'Calamity Jane' and we can both assure you that it is going to be a fantastic production. You can enjoy your own sneak preview of rehearsals (as well as watching Amy's audition for the lead role) by viewing Arnold School TV: http://bit.ly/cgdpvf. More than half of the tickets have been snapped up already, so please book soon to avoid disappointment. For more details visit http://bit.ly/diMKBg.

I should add that the number of viewers of Arnold School TV is growing all the time. It is a great resource, which gives viewers a true flavour of life at Arnold. Please do have a look if you have not yet done so and check back for regular updates. The recently added montage of musical excerpts from our Autumn Concert will have you tapping your feet as you watch images of the 90+ gifted performers who entertained us. Click on http://bit.ly/92Ey07 to recreate this special night.

On Wednesday, I was thrilled to hear that Charlotte Evans and Jessica Omasolli have been selected for the England Under 16 Hockey Squad. This is an outstanding achievement and I am so delighted for both girls. We wish them well as they go on to train with this elite squad of players.

Congratulations must also go to Samuel Matthews who competed as part of the British Team at the 2010 Biathle World Championships over half term. The championships were held in Dubai. Samuel finished 9th overall and, because he came third out of the seven-strong GB squad, he achieved a silver team medal. Arnold is very proud of him.

With Christmas getting closer, I would like to invite everyone to two festive PFA events. The Christmas Fayre will take place between 11am and 2pm on Saturday 20th November. I understand that Father Christmas will be visiting his Arnold grotto, so this would be a great opportunity for our younger pupils to have a quiet word with him. The Christmas Party Night follows on Saturday 27th November and, as there is going to be a party tribute to 'The Blues Brothers', I may have to dust off my Ray Bans! Details of these pleasurable events can be found on the website: http://bit.ly/coKQi9.

As you will know from our communications earlier this week, the Independent Schools Inspectorate will inspect Arnold next Tuesday and Wednesday. The Reporting Inspector and his team will then return on 6th, 7th and 8th December to complete the process. They will be examining every facet of school life, as well as joining classes and talking to pupils from Kindergarten through to Year 13. I know that every member of our community will join me in making the inspectors feel very welcome here. Of course, as soon as we have the results of the inspection, we will make them available to you.

Best wishes

Jim Keefe, Acting Head

Posted by: J E Keefe
Date: Saturday 06/11/2010

  • Back with a bang after half term!