Dear Rossallians,

As fellow Rossallians, we know how deeply the school’s values of care, community, and responsibility remain with us long after we leave. Rossall shaped not only our education, but our understanding of belonging, compassion, and moral courage, values that continue to guide us today.

It is in this spirit that we are writing to invite you to be part of a project to commemorate an important chapter in Rossall’s history: the role the school played during the Kindertransport rescue mission. At a time of great uncertainty, Rossall offered refuge and education to a number of Jewish children fleeing persecution in Europe. Many arrived alone, separated from their families and everything familiar. Within the Rossall community, however, they found safety, support, and a sense of belonging.

We believe this story, one rooted so clearly in Rossall’s enduring values, deserves a permanent and visible place within the school. Our vision is to create a tranquil, reflective space that honours this history while offering current pupils and the wider community an area to pause, reflect, and connect with Rossall’s past.

In partnership with the Rossall Foundation, we are therefore delighted to share that we have commissioned renowned sculptor Ian Wolter, the artist behind the Harwich Kindertransport memorial, to create a bespoke sculpture for Rossall. The sculpture will be situated in the Hall garden and surrounded by seating, forming a dedicated Garden of Reflection. This space will be open to all Rossallians, past and present, serving as a living link between Rossall’s history, its present community and future generations. 

With an early donation in place to kick start the project, we now invite you to join us in bringing it to life and to be part of this meaningful project.

To help fund this project, a limited number of commemorative plaques will be available for purchase and mounted on the wall adjacent to the sculpture. Only 180 plaques will be offered, strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. These provide an opportunity to commemorate your time at Rossall or mark notable achievements since leaving the school. If you would like to secure a plaque, please complete this form link: Garden of Reflection Plaque Purchase Form

In addition, we warmly welcome donations of any amount from those who wish to support the project in this way. Every contribution, regardless of size, will play a vital role in bringing this vision to life:Donation Form.

Together, we can ensure that this important chapter of Rossall’s history is remembered with the dignity and permanence it deserves, and that its lessons continue to inspire generations to come.

With warmest wishes and Floreat Rossallia! 

Caroline Apfel
PP ’82–86, JS (Clifton) ’86–90, SS (Dolphin) ’90–95

Juls Dawson
PP ’78–82, JS (Stanley) ’82–86, SS (Falcon) ’86–91