Weekly Bulletin 19 March, 2021

Rise Like a Phoenix Dates for your Diary

Thursday 25 March ABRSM Instrumental Exams

S1, S4, L6 Reports published

Friday 26 March Senior School Non‐Uniform Day

S2 Grades published

Congratulations to U6 pupil and 1st XV Captain, Phoenix Laulu‐Togagae, who Term ends – 12.00 pm made his professional debut for Cougars RL v Bulls in a pre‐ season game last Saturday. This is a tremendous achievement for Phoenix, who at 17, has been awarded a one‐year contract with the Cougars, before switching codes and starting pre‐season training with Academy in July.

His debut was made even more special when he took to the field with his father, ex‐ legend and Samoan RL international, Quentin Laulu‐Togagae or "QLT". Mr Byron, Director of Rugby, commented "Phoenix has always been a very committed and driven athlete, I couldn't be more impressed with the individual work he has done during lockdown. His understanding of both union and league will help him go far."

Independent Schools Cultural Association Summer Camp

Pupils in the Lower School are invited to attend the Independent Schools Cultural Association [ISCA] residential summer camp from 14 to 21 August 2021. This experience is usually only open to schools from around the world but this year pupils from Birkdale are able to apply.

The summer camp is based at Charterhouse School in Surrey and focuses on bringing key elements of the KS3 History and English Curriculum to life through fun experiential education. Pupils will visit 15 of the best historic sites in southern England including: Stratford, Windsor, Canterbury, HMS Victory and of course London [on 3 occasions] all whilst staying at an historic school with terrific sporting and recreational facilities.

During the Easter holidays, ISCA will be running a number of Zoom presentations to allow parents an opportunity to find out more about the summer camp. This event is organised and run by ISCA so please go to www.iscaschools.com/ukprogramme to register your interest and find out more.

Attention to Detail

Of all the clubs and societies on offer at Birkdale, Scale Modelling Club is one of the newest additions. This S3 club is for people who enjoy building and painting miniature models, members cover a wide range of genres including military and civilian vehicles and aircraft, trains, sci‐fi subjects, figures and even Warhammer. The club is open to anyone in S3 and takes place on Mondays at 12:30 in the DT department. If you are interested in joining please contact Mr Bridle for a lunch pass.

Birkdale Sixth Form’s Thought for the Day

It was a great pleasure to welcome the Rev Dave Tomlinson to speak at our Sixth Form assembly this week. Known for his roles as a church leader, writer and contributor to BBC Radio 2’s Thought for the Day, Dave gave a fascinating talk to our Sixth Form. Focusing on mental health he encouraged pupils to reach out and help others as this is great way to help ourselves. He also spoke about our outlook for the future saying fear and hope were different types of imagination, defining hope as defiant imagination in the face of despair.

Non‐Uniform Day – Friday 26 March

To celebrate the end of term and raise funds for this year’s school charity, Golddigger Trust, we will be having a non‐uniform day on Friday 26 March. A donation of £2 will be added to each pupil’s school bill, please email [email protected] if you wish to opt out. Please note, as this is the final day of term, that school will finish at 12pm.

It is always a very great pleasure and privilege to tell you about the achievements of our pupils both in and outside of their involvement at Birkdale. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you ever have any news about your child that you would like to have included in the bulletin