The Vice Principal’s Blog

As you all know Ryan was under the spotlight as a student profile in the last issue of Xtra time in January. Following two selection weekends Ryan has achieved his dream -he has been asked to join the England (adult) training squad for Blind Cricket. There are 20 in the Squad ranging from 14, Ryan who is 15, up to a totally blind player in his 40s!!  Most are 20-30 though! This squad will train together monthly (he is going again this weekend to Southampton -Sport England pay for Hotels and travel!!). It will be from this squad that the team to play against Pakistan in a test in England later this summer will be chosen. Ryan played cricket in Northampton on Saturday for his adult team and is in Surrey this morning for Surrey junior training. Ryan is being taken out by our PDM Mike Darragh on Wed to help coach in primary schools, and he is playing for the school on Thursday. 

Rest asssured though -his course work is up to date- he was told he is on course to get an A in Business studies course work and he will revise this afternoon for his mock maths paper tomorrow!

So everyone, you CAN be a top class sports person and also look to keep up with your studies!

Well done Ryan, you deserve this success, keep up the hard work in sport and with your studies!

Submitted by Ms Ponulak.

Cyclone Nargis: One year on

In May 2008, tropical cyclone Nargis bore down on southern Burma, claiming at least 140,000 victims and affecting 2.4 million others.

Ignoring protests from foreign governments and aid agencies, Burma’s reclusive military junta refused widespread access to the devastated Irrawaddy delta for weeks after the storm hit.

Foreign journalists are still banned from reporting in Burma, but through the voices of local people and information from aid agencies, the BBC has built up a picture of life in some of the worst-hit areas.

Scroll around the map of the delta region to find out more from the people affected by the disaster and those trying to help.

via BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Cyclone Nargis: One year on.