WEEKLY NEWS
Pre-Preparatory School News
July 8th
The school is now closed for the summer holiday. The Michaelmas Term commences on Monday September 6th.
July 1st
The disco which was held on Friday evening proved to be a very exciting end of term treat for the Pre-Preparatory School children. The popcorn machine in particular was an especially ‘POPular’ attraction!! Thank you to all the parents and staff who supported the event and gave of their time to supervise the children in the hall. It was incredibly hot in the hall last Friday, so there were some very warm children and grown-ups by 5pm, but this did not seem to spoil everyone’s fun!
This week, we hold our more formal end of term celebration, with our Leavers’ Service taking place at 2.15pm in the Cathedral Nave on Thursday. Please could all children wear smart summer uniform? Our guest speaker this year is Mrs Eileen Fisher from the Ipswich High School for Girls, Junior School. We look forward to welcoming her. Please note that on Thursday, several rows of seats will be reserved for guests and Year 3 leavers’ families. However, all parents are welcome to attend the service. Children in Years N to 2 will be free to leave with their parents after the service. Children will be dismissed from the Lady Chapel after the service. Year 3 children will need to remain behind for a few moments to be photographed before rejoining their families in the marquee. Please do not send your child to school with any bags or hats on Thursday, as it will not be possible to take these down to the Cathedral with us.
On Friday morning, please come along to our assembly at 9.15 am. We will be saying farewell to Ros Philips and rounding off our year with some favourite songs. I look forward to seeing you at these events if you are able to make it. This has been a busy but enjoyable term. I hope you will all enjoy your summer holidays and I look forward to seeing most of you again on the 6th September for the first day of the Michaelmas Term 2010.
June 21st
Well done to all the young Pre-Prep Performers at last Wednesday’s Summer Concert.
Just a reminder that next week - the week beginning 28th June, is our final week of term. Term ends after school on Friday 2nd July at the normal finishing time. Please encourage your child to bring their P.E. kit home after the final lesson of the term and double-check that all personal possessions are brought home in bags throughout the final week, before children move into their new classes. A named carrier bag is a handy thing to keep in your child’s bag for the last week so that bits and bobs can be sent home!
All parents are most welcome to attend our Leavers’ Service on Thursday 1st July at 2.15pm in the Cathedral and our final farewell assembly for teacher, Ros Phillips, at 9.15am on Friday 2nd July. Teas and coffees will be served after the final assembly.
Please note that at Leavers’ Service seats will be reserved for guests and for Year 3 parents and leavers’ parents as near to the front of the Cathedral Nave as possible. However, as it is sometimes difficult to see from a distance in the Cathedral, we have again invested in a display screen for the Leavers’ Service, so that hopefully everyone can see what is happening at the front!
The ‘Dancing on Skates’ Club would like to invite parents to a demonstration of their skating routines on Tuesday 22nd June at 4pm. Thank you for supporting this, and all our clubs, this term. Clubs recommence during the 2nd week of the Michaelmas Term. Details of those available will be published in the first newsletter of the new term.
June 7th
With only 4 weeks to go until the end of the school year, this year seems to be really flying by. We hope the children will enjoy the final few weeks of the term. Some of this term’s special events are listed opposite. Obviously however, despite the end of term looming so fast, there is still a lot of teaching and learning to be done this half term, and we need to ensure the children continue to work hard right up until the last day…
During this term, we do not hold a Parent Consultation Evening, as a detailed written report is sent out to the parents of each child during the first few days of the holidays; however, if you would like to discuss your child’s progress with his or her current teacher before the end of term, please make an appointment to do so.
On Monday 21st June, all children will be able to spend the day with their new class teachers in preparation for September class changes. Our newly appointed full-time teachers, Mr Parker-Bruce & Miss Li, will be joining us for the day, to work with their new classes. Mr Rowlinson, who will be covering Mrs Khela’s maternity leave in Class 1K, will also be in school on the 21st June.
Diary Dates for the end of term
We have a busy final few weeks ahead before our term ends on the 2nd July. Please note the following important dates:-
Tuesday 8th June- Year 2 trip to Wild Wood, German Kiepenkasper Theatre Visit
for Year R, 1 & 3Wednesday 9th June- Egyptian Day for Year 3 children with ‘History off the Page’
Thursday 10th June- Nursery Information evening for new parents- 7 pm in the new Nursery
Tuesday 15th June- Year R walk around Rochester
Wednesday 16th June- Pre-Preparatory School's Performing Arts Concert in School Hall, The Precinct, 6pm - 7.30 pm
Friday 18th June- ‘Open Day’ in the new Nursery - Chadlington House- please feel free to come and look around between 8.45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 19th June- Royal Academy of Dance Ballet examinations in Chadlington House. Please arrive at the examination time given on separate letter
Monday 21st June- Familiarisation Day- all children to visit new classes and teachers for the day
Tuesday 22nd June- Existing Nursery pupils move in to new Nursery space in Chadlington House. Please wait in playground until doors are opened at 8.45 am.
Thursday 24th June- Year 2 visit to London- ‘Bright Sparks’ Concert
Thursday 24th June- 1.30pm- Year 3 Swimming Gala. Parents welcome to watch
Friday 25th June- P.P.S. School Disco in Chadlington Hall, Year R, 1, 2 & 3 after school (Further details to follow)
Saturday 26th June- Final day of Saturday Performing Arts lessons this academic year
Thursday 1st July- Leavers’ Service in the Cathedral Nave at 2.15pm
Friday 2nd July- Final Parents’ Assembly & farewell to Mrs Phillips
9.15 - 10.15am- followed by coffee and cakes with the staff. School year ends at close of school .Friday 2nd July- Friends’ Summer Ball at 7.00 pm- The Paddock
Mrs Khela and Mr Rowlinson will work together on Familiarisation Day, so that the children who will be in Class 1K next year, will have the opportunity to get to know both teachers.
Performing Arts Concert- 16th June 2010.
Please come and see our Performing Arts Concert ‘The Pot of Gold’ at 6.00 pm on the 16th June. Children who will be performing in the show will be practising in school on the 7th, 11th, 14th and 16th June in preparation for the show, which promises to be a great demonstration of the acting, musical and dancing skills of many of the Pre-Preparatory School children. Well done to all the children who have already been working hard to learn lines and music for the show.
May 24th
This week, weather permitting, we will hold our Sports afternoon on Friday afternoon (the 28th May) beginning at 1.30 p.m. There will be no football club or choir after school on this day. Please do come along to support your child on sports afternoon if you are able to... If the sports afternoon is unable to take place due to a forecast of rain, we will make every effort to make a decision by mid-afternoon on Thursday. The reserve date for Sports Afternoon is Friday, June 11th.
Parents are also welcome this week to attend our Parents’ Assembly on Friday morning at 9.20 am. The Nursery Class Assembly is also due to take place this week on Tuesday morning at 9.00 am in Chadlington Hall. Parents and family members of Nursery children are welcome to attend.
I look forward to seeing you at some or all of these events this week. Please remember that next week is half-term. Saturday school continues on Saturday 29th May. Funkidz! holiday club will be running from Tuesday to Friday in Chadlington Hall for King’s children and local families. A programme is included on page 3 of this newsletter.
Well done to the following children who were awarded certificates today for their work and behaviour
at the end of last term:-
Ruben in RD for a super effort with all his work in class
Ife in RP for a much improved attitude to work and sensible behaviour
Max in 1H for working hard and always being kind and thoughtful
George in 1K for his sensible approach towards all tasks in the classroom
Buyikunmi in 2B for careful listening and for working sensibly
Emily-Jane in 2P for always working enthusiastically and with a good effort
Abigal in 3G for working well on her Egyptian story
& Lennon in 3M for working hard in all his lessons.May 17th
Thank you for supporting last week’s ‘Wacky Welly Wednesday’in Pre-Prep. The children and staff sported a fine array of coloured and decorated wellies on the day, and enjoyed ‘welly wanging’ on the Paddock, as well as welly modern art printing in the playground! We raised £270 for this year’s charity, Demelza House and had a super day.
We wish all of our ‘Speech & Drama’ pupils good luck this Saturday as examinations take place on the 22nd May.
4+ information Evening for Parents
Existing Nursery pupil parents, and parents of pupils who will be joining our Reception classes next year, are invited to join us in the Conference Centre for an Information Evening this evening- Monday 17th May at 7pm. A huge thank you to the Year 3 children who have volunteered to perform a short German play for the parents.
Class photos will be taking place this Friday morning (the 21st May) from 10.00 am onwards
Well done to the following children who were awarded certificates on Friday:-
Toni in RD for always playing sensibly and kindly with friendsIfe in RP for working well independently
Max r in 1H for a super effort in spelling
Elizabeth in 1K for her kind and helpful nature
Tambetabi in 2B for his well-presented and interestingly written non-fiction writing
Maili in 2P for good progress in Numeracy
Emily in 3G for her excellent work and sensible behaviour
Lydia in 3M for her outstanding contribution to Choir
Next week, we hope to complete our half-term with Sports Afternoon on the Paddock on the afternoon of Friday, 28th May beginning at 1.30 p.m.
May 10th
Our Charity Fundraising Day this Wednesday, the 12th May, is WACKY WELLY WEDNESDAY. It is for the local Charity - Demelza House.
Children should wear their school uniform, but replace their usual school shoes with wellington boots on this day - any colour and style will be fine!
This weekend, the school is open to prospective parents again on Saturday morning between 9.30 am and 11.30am. Thank you in advance to all the parent volunteers who help to show prospective parents around the school and talk about the Pre-Prep.
To avoid too much disruption to the Saturday morning lessons- Ballet lessons with Mrs Alexander and Speech & Drama classes with Miss Savage will take place in Rookwood (the Nursery building) on Saturday. Please enter Rookwood via the front door off King Edward Road. A small waiting area for parents will be available in the hallway. Miss Chaney’s Kinder Music and Singing lessons will continue in Chadlington House this weekend.Well done to the following children who were awarded certificates today for their work and behaviour last week, and to all our star and merit badge winners...
Timi in RD for his super house painting shown here
Natalie in RP for great progress with reading
Thomas in 1H for working hard and trying his best in all subjects
Lilly in 1K for making excellent progress with her reading
Jamie in 2B for carefully written Literacy work
Rosie in 2P for her enthusiasm and interest in all subjects
Nelson in 3G for making good progress with both class and home work
& Meera in 3M for her fantastic ideas for her Egyptian storyMay 3rd
Thank you to everyone who attended our Parents’ Assembly on Friday last week. It was lovely to see so much super work presented by all age groups.
A letter has been sent to those children who are entered for Ballet examinations or Presentation classes on 19th June. I am sorry if the letter added confusion for parents- the date of examinations is Saturday 19th June and Pre-Prep children should wear the costumes Mrs Alexander has stipulated- this may include character costumes for older pupils with Royal Academy of Dance leotards.
Thank you to the parents who attended our Parent Forum discussion group last Friday. We had a useful discussion about Clubs and Saturday School. Overall, our group of attendees were positive about the selection of clubs and extra curricular opportunities available at King’s. Some of the suggestions for improvement included the school considering the offer of: more swimming opportunities for children after school or on Saturdays, musical instrument trials in class, the same club being offered on 2 nights of the week if popular e.g. Football/ Skating!, Art club to be revisited each term, a Pre-Prep School Play or production for all pupils as some can not attend Performing Arts and be part of the summer concert. We will explore some of these ideas in preparation for next year, and keep you posted of any developments. We are still awaiting a reply from the Medway Council ‘Schools’ Travel Advisor’ regarding a meet-up in response to our recent pa
Our very own Pre-Prep Chaplaincy Assistant, Sugina will be speaking at The Fellowship Group Meeting at 9.00 am in the Conference Centre this Friday the 7th May. Please do attend if you would like to... the Fellowship Group involves parents from throughout the school- the group meets regularly to discuss various aspects of the Christian faith.
rking survey. We hope to arrange a date in the very near future, and will invite you to attend.
April 26th
We are pleased that almost all of our families (and staff!) stranded as a result of the Icelandic volcano flight cancellations, have now made it back to the UK. Thank you to all families who kept in touch with the school during their absence, and completed requested work with their children.
The first week of the Midsummer Term was busy and productive, as predicted. Our builders have almost completed the main works and decoration of the Nursery space in Chadlington House. We are looking forward to claiming back our playground, and installing furniture and fixtures/ fittings into the Nursery space before its official opening in early to mid June.
A special thank you to all the Saturday Performing Arts pupils and parents, and Preparatory School pupils who have managed throughout the building work without access to the changing area at the rear of Chadlington House. We hope to reopen the changing areas by the weekend of the 8th May.
I hope that all of your children have now received confirmation of their clubs for the coming term. Thank you for your support of all our after-school activities.
Please could I remind families that all Pre-Prep children should have the opportunity to read on a daily basis at home. Contact Books will be viewed and signed each day in school whenever possible. Please initial the record on a daily basis at home too, indicating any homework/ reading completed. This tradition continues with Prep Diaries in the Preparatory School.
Eco Art Cards
Thank you for all your positive comments regarding the eco Art cards designed by your children last term, and sent home last week. Many of you have already ordered copies of your child’s note cards, or commented on how much the children appreciated receiving the sample copy of their card. There is no obligation to buy the cards, but please make sure that any orders are received by Friday of this week. We hope to then receive your ordered copies within 2 weeks. The school will also benefit from receiving ‘Blooming Britain’ vouchers to spend on plants and flowers for our planters in the playground, as a result of your purchases.All classes thoroughly enjoyed the visit of author Miriam Moss on Thursday last week. Miriam shared one of her books with each year group, and signed and donated a copy of some of her titles for class libraries. The children produced some super ideas and drawings based on character ideas inspired by Miriam. We look forward to sharing some of our work during the Parents’ Assembly on Friday 30th April, this week.
Well done to the following children who were awarded certificates today for their work and behaviour at the end of last term:-
Lucy in 3M for her improved handwriting and neat presentation in all other subjects
Toby in 3G for excellent work in Numeracy,
Tomas in 2P for working well as part of a team,
Joshua in 2B for working hard in all lessons,
Adesh in 1K for his excellent seaside artwork,
James in 1H for his fantastic effort in all his work this week,
Monty in RP for a great character picture
& Max in RD for his super drawing of buildings around the Paddock.April 19th
I am delighted to welcome all of the children back to school for the start of the new school term. This term promises to be busy and action-packed, as usual. Please keep your eye on the diary dates sheet available on the Intranet, and make a note of the forthcoming events in the school calendar. The children, staff and I always appreciate your attendance and support whenever you can be at any our Pre-Preparatory School events.
This term we say a special hello to Jamie and Finley who have joined the school. We hope both boys will be made to feel very welcome here at King’s. We also say well done to the Year 3 children who will act as Captains this term. These children should come home today sporting their new badges.
We will be saying ‘Good luck’ but come back soon’ at the end of the term, to Mrs Khela whose second baby is due in the summer holidays. Fortunately, Mrs Khela has promised to come back after Christmas. I will keep you posted of staff recruitment in the Pre-Preparatory School. Mr Andrew Parker-Bruce has already accepted a Year 2 teaching position in the Pre-Prep from September 2010, teaching alongside Miss Booth next year. We will also be appointing a further teacher for Year 2 next year due to our increased numbers in this year group, and finding a highly qualified colleague to teach 1K for one term in the absence of Mrs Khela.
This week, on Thursday, the author Miriam Moss will be visiting school to work with the Pre-Preparatory School children. Each year group will have time working on a project with Miriam, and the children will present their work in the Parents’ Assembly on Friday next week.
Well done to the following children who were awarded certificates today for their work and behaviour at the end of last term:-
Sam in RD for his lovely card design
Adetola for taking much greater care over the presentation of her work
Harry in 1H for always being kind and trying his best with everything
Elizabeth in 1K for her polite and kind nature
Ashvinder in 2B for working hard in Numeracy
Johb in 2P for working well on all his Easter activities
David in 3G for writing an excellent set of instructions
& Henry in 3M for his kindness to others and his enthusiasm on the Tudor trip.Preparatory School News
July 8th
The school is now closed for the summer holiday. The Michaelmas Term commences on Monday September 6th.
June 28th
Please note there are No After School Clubs and No Preps for any Form this week. All children should be collected by 4:15 p.m.
Sports: House Matches will take place during sports sessions during the course of this week.
Prize-Giving: This will take place in Rochester Cathedral on Friday at 2:00 p.m. All pupils are to attend and parents and pupils should be seated in the Cathedral by 1:45 p.m. Please would you see that your child has clean shoes, and that they are wearing clean and tidy uniform. After the Prize-Giving there is tea in the marquee on the Paddock. I ask that you are responsible for your child during this tea, as in the past we have had children charging around the Paddock making a complete mess, totally unsupervised by their parents. Your co-operation in this is vital. 40% of the pupils in the Preparatory School will receive prizes. Some prizes are awarded following the recent examinations, but most are awarded to pupils who have contributed significantly to a particular area of School life over the past year. We limit the number of prizes in the Junior part of the School so as to spread more widely the list of winners. It is inevitable in the Fourth Form that those who have gained academic Scholarships to Senior School will win more prizes than others. As I have explained to the children in Assembly, not every pupil can be a prize-winner.
Fourth Form Activity Week: I am most grateful to the staff who organised the activity week for the Fourth Forms last week. I know that is was a most enjoyable week for both pupils and staff and of course they were blessed with wonderful weather.
Seminar on Drugs and Alcohol: The Fourth Forms will be attending a Seminar on Drugs, Alcohol and Anti-Social behaviour this morning as part of their PSHE programme.
Leavers’ Parents Drinks: These will take place this evening on the Paddock from 7:30 p.m.
Cathedral Service: The Service this week is the Leavers’ Service and will take place at 09:00 a.m. in the Cathedral. There will be coffee in the Conference Centre afterwards and I do hope that as many parents as possible will be able to attend this important Service.
House General Knowledge Competition: This will take place on Tuesday of this week in the Conference Centre. This will not involve all pupils but just a selection from each House.
Fourth Form Girls: The girls in the Fourth Form will have a discussion with a member of the Senior School staff on Wednesday of this week regarding life in the Senior School. This is very much a pastoral talk.
Choral Evensong: On Thursday at 5:30 p.m. the Senior Choristers will sing their final Choral Evensong of term. The service is one of farewell to the boys who have contributed so much to the Choir over the past five years. You will be more than welcome to attend.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for the Summer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office.
June 21st
Sports Day: I do hope that you enjoyed the Sports Day at the Alps on Saturday morning. I am most grateful to you for your support and to your children for their enthusiastic approach to each event. Cricket: The 1st XI won the St. Lawrence College Granville Shield Six-a-Side Tournament last week. This is a tremendous achievement and I warmly congratulate the team. In the Rounders Granville Tournament, the U13 Girls’ team came third. The U10 Rounders team won their match against Russell House. Athletics: Following the IAPS Kent Athletics Championships last week, I warmly congratulate Katie White on being the Kent Champion in 100m and 200m, Sidney Holland for being the Kent Champion in 200m, Tiarnan O’Shea on gaining the Bronze Medal in Javelin and Douglas Wilson on coming 4th in Javelin. We have had an extremely good week for Sports!
Fourth Form Activity Week: This week the Fourth Form will be enjoying an activity week both in and out of School. The week will contain a mixture of sports and activities and will include an overnight camp at the Chattenden Army Training Field on Thursday. We hope this will give them a welcome break from academic work following their Senior School Entrance Examinations.
Familiarization Day: We welcome to King’s today all the new pupils who will be joining us in September for their familiarization day.
Cathedral Service: Our Cathedral Service on Tuesday this week will be that of Eucharist. You will, as always, be very welcome to attend the service and return to St. Nicholas House for coffee afterwards.
Thursday: Please note that there will be No After School Clubs on Thursday of this week, except Ballet, Skiing and Swimming.
Drama: On Friday there will be two performances of “Hoodwinked” and “Twelve Angry Pigs”, which will take place at 2:30pm and 7:30p.m. in the School Hall. You are more than welcome to attend either or both performances.
Skiing: I am taking responsibility for the Ski Club next term and would be grateful to know before the end of this term whether or not you would like your child included. Ski Club will happen, as usual, on a Thursday between 5:00-6:00 p.m. The reason I need to know numbers now is because I have to book the Ski Slope at the end of this term.
Library Books: We have many library books which have not been returned and are now overdue. Please would you check at home to see whether your son or daughter has a book which should have been returned. We keep a list of who borrows books and if they are not returned by the end of term, a charge will be made for a replacement.
Advance Notice: There will be No After School Clubs on any day next week.
Lost Property: I have tried without success to locate the blue windcheater belonging to Aspen Cumming. Please would you look at home to see whether by mistake it has gone to your house. Also, the School Office has two pairs of ladies’ sunglasses which were left at School.
Speech Day: In the half-term Assessment envelope there was a letter detailing Speech Day. Please would you return the seating/tea requests form as soon as possible to assist with our arrangements.
Seminar on Drugs and Alcohol: You may have seen in the calendar that on Monday 28th June, we have arranged a seminar on drugs, alcohol and anti-social behaviour for pupils in the Fourth Form. At 09:30 a.m. on that morning there will be a separate seminar on drugs and alcohol for Fourth Form parents. You are all welcome, but do please let me know if you are attending so that I can make the necessary seating arrangements. The seminar will end at 10:15 a.m.
Leavers’ Summer Ball: A few tables remain available for the Summer Ball which is to be held on Friday 2nd July in the evening on the Paddock. The Office School have application forms, please apply quickly to avoid disappointment.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for the Summer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office.
June 14th
Skiing: I warmly congratulate the following pupils for doing so well this week-end at the Bromley Ski Championships: Annabel for wining the girls’ Mid-individual, Ashwin for coming 21st in the Mini-boys’ Race, Lydia for coming 6th in the Girls’ B and G race, Felix for coming 10th in the Boys’ B & G race, James and Daniel for skiing with confidence and determination and to the King’s B team of Ashwin and Kyle for being placed 3rd in the Mini-team event. It clearly was a good week-end for King’s and I thank the pupils for their contribution and to Mrs Alex Walker for all that she has done for our skiing this academic year.
Athletics: Katie took part in the Kent Schools’ Athletics Championships this week-end and was placed 4th in the 100m race. I also congratulate Sidney on coming 5th in his 100m race and also claiming a Bronze medal in the 200m final. Congratulations to them both.
Netball: I congratulate Holly on being selected to play for the U14 Kent Netball squad.
School Examinations: I am sure that the pupils, and you, are relieved that the examinations are now over. We have reminded pupils that work continues until the end of term and that they should not in anyway switch-off for the remaining three weeks. There is much for them to enjoy and we will do all that we can to keep them motivated and interested!
Cathedral Service: Our Cathedral Service on Tuesday this week will be Matins. You will, as always, be very welcome to attend the service and return to St. Nicholas House for coffee afterwards.
Civil War Study Day: The Third Form pupils will be visiting London on Tuesday of this week. Details have already been circulated to parents.
Visit of French Pupils: We are delighted to welcome a group of pupils from a School in France on Tuesday. Members of the Second Form will be involved in this visit, where they will enjoy a picnic lunch in the grounds of the Castle and then enjoy some collaborative French/English studies in the Preparatory School. I am sure it will be a most exciting day.
Sports Day: This will take place on Saturday of this week at the Alps. Please see that your child has the correct regulation King’s Sports clothes. Field events commence at 09:15 a.m. and Track events at 09:30 a.m. Please note there is no parking available on the Alps. As parking is always a difficulty along Borstal Road, and as we wish to continue to live in harmony with our neighbours, may I suggest that you park in the Preparatory School yard and make the short walk to the Alps. The Friends of King’s will, as usual, be selling refreshments from 08:45 a.m., this year you will be able to enjoy; Pimms, strawberries & cream, croissants, muffins, Danish pastries, tea and coffee, and from 11:00 a.m. the School will provide tea and coffee
Preps: This is the last week for Preps. this term.
Lost Property: I have tried without success to locate the blue windcheater belonging to Aspen Cumming. Please would you look at home to see whether by mistake it has gone to your house. Also, the School Office has two pairs of ladies’ sunglasses which were left at School.
Speech Day: In the half-term Assessment envelope there was a letter detailing Speech Day. Please would you return the seating/tea requests form as soon as possible to assist with our arrangements.
Seminar on Drugs and Alcohol: You may have seen in the calendar that on Monday 28th June, we have arranged a seminar on drugs, alcohol and anti-social behaviour for pupils in the Fourth Form. At 09:30 a.m. on that morning there will be a separate seminar on drugs and alcohol for Fourth Form parents. You are all welcome, but do please let me know if you are attending so that I can make the necessary seating arrangements. The seminar will end at 10:15 a.m.
Leavers’ Summer Ball: A few tables remain available for the Summer Ball which is to be held on Friday 2nd July in the evening on the Paddock. The Office School have application forms, please apply quickly to avoid disappointment.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for the Summer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office.
June 7th
Examinations: These take place this week for all Forms. Prep. this week will be revision.
Boy Cathedral Choristers: There are no duties for the Boy Cathedral Choristers this week until Friday when they have a rehearsal after School at 4:45 p.m.
Cathedral Service: Our Cathedral Service on Tuesday this week will be Matins. You will, as always, be very welcome to attend the service and return to St. Nicholas House for coffee afterwards.
Fellowship Group: The Fellowship Group will be enjoying a meeting away from School this Friday morning. Further details can be obtained from Liz Mouland.
Saturday: The First Form will be visiting St. Omer, France and the Fourth Form will be visiting the First World War Battlefields in Ypres, Belgium. Details of both these trips have already been circulated to parents. Please take note of the departure and return times for each trip.
Speech Day: In the half-term Assessment envelope there was a letter detailing Speech Day. Please would you return the seating/tea requests form as soon as possible to assist with our arrangements.
Sports Day: This will take place on Saturday 19th June at the Alps. Field events commence at 09:00 a.m. and Track events at 09:20 a.m. Please note there is no parking available on the Alps. As parking is always a difficulty along Borstal Road, and as we wish to continue to live in harmony with our neighbours, may I suggest that you park in the Preparatory School yard and make the short walk to the Alps.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for the Summer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office.
May 24th
Jones Prize for an Historical Essay: The Annual Jones Prize for an Historical Essay produced a bumper crop of entries this year. Eighteen pupils entered the competition and each of the entries would have made a worthy winner. Tasked with writing their own historical story, the tales had a variety of settings, ranging from Ancient Egypt to a B17 bomber. Pupils clearly invested a huge effort in undertaking research and considerable flair and imagination was evidenced in a series of well-crafted stories. Georgia Luckhurst and Katie White were judged as runners-up and the winner this year was Alexander Parkinson, he will receive his prize on Speech Day next month. Congratulations to all the pupils who made the effort to participate in this worthwhile competition.
Sports: Cricket – The U11A team and U11B team won their matches against Gad’s Hill. Rounders - The U12 team won their match against Bethany, the U11A team won their match against Gad’s Hill, the U11B team won their match against Hilden Grange and the U10A team drew their match against Gad’s Hill.
Lower One Visit: All Pupils enjoyed the History and Geography outing to Dover Museum last week. They attended educational workshops led by the staff from Dover Museum and were, as I’m told by my staff, attentive throughout the day.
Preps: Please note that there will be revision preps. for all Forms this week.
Examinations: The Fourth Form pupils will have their German listening examination on Monday and French listening examination on Tuesday. Written examinations for the Third and Fourth Forms begin on Wednesday of this week.
Cathedral Service: Our Cathedral Service on Tuesday this week will be that of Eucharist. You will, as always, be very welcome to attend the service and return to St. Nicholas House for coffee afterwards.
Geography Field Trip: Pupils in the Second Form will visit the Thames Barrier in London on Thursday as part of their Geography scheme of work. Details have already been circulated to parents.
No After-School Clubs: Please note that on Thursday there will be No After-School Clubs except Ballet, Skiing and Swimming, due to a staff Assessment meeting at 4:15 p.m. Please arrange for your child to be collected as soon as possible after 4:00 p.m.
Assessment Records: Your child’s Assessment sheet will be posted home on Friday. In the envelope you will also find details of Speech Day on 2nd July.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for the Summer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office. Places are filling up now.
Half-Term: This begins at 4:00 p.m. on Friday of this week. Please note there are no After-School Clubs and No Preps. for any Form.May 17th
Sports: The 1st X1 Cricket Team won their match against Ashford Friars and Douglas Wilson is to be warmly congratulated for scoring 105 runs not out. This was a tremendous achievement, for which the School will present him with a Cricket Bat at the end of this term. The 2nd X1 and 3rd X1 Cricket Teams won their matches against Gad’s Hill. In Rounders, the U11B team won their match against Sevenoaks School. On Wednesday of last week all girls in the School represented King’s in fixtures. Cricket: Senior House Matches will take place this week. Swimming: George and Henry Jones attended the IAPS National Swimming Finals at K2 in Crawley on Saturday. 3500 boys and girls from 194 Preparatory Schools in the UK took part in the Regional rounds and the fastest 16 for each event/agegroupwere then invited to attend the Finals. Henry was swimming in the 10 and under 25m backstroke event and finished 8th. George was swimming in the 12 and under 50m freestyle event and finished just outside the medals in 4th place. Congratulations to both Henry and George on their achievement.
Visits: The Lower One Forms greatly enjoyed their Field Trip to Kingsnorth last week, as did the Third Forms, who visited Horton Kirby Environmental Education Centre. I am grateful to the Staff for arranging these trips.
Choral Outreach: The Cathedral Choristers will be involved in a project for Primary Schools on Monday, which will see them singing alongside two hundred Primary Pupils from Schools in the locality. This Choral Training morning will take place in the School Hall.
Cathedral Service: We will be holding a Service of Baptism in the Cathedral at 09:00 a.m.
Midsummer Concert: This will take place on Tuesday, in the School Hall, commencing at 7:15 p.m. The Concert will include performances by the Orchestra, Wind Band, Choir, Ballet Dancers, Irish Dancers, Fiddle Group, Brass Monkeys, Rock Group and String Quartet. Do come and support our musicians and dancers. There will be No Preps. for any Form on Tuesday.
Geographical Studies/Map-Making Competitions: Closing date for submission of entries for these two Competitions is Thursday of this week.
Visit to Dover Museum: Pupils in the Lower One Forms will visit Dover Museum on Thursday. Details have already been circulated to parents.
The Fellowship Group: will meet this Friday in the Conference Centre at 08:45.
Archdeacon Brown’s Prize for Divinity: Closing date for submissions of entries for this prize is Saturday of this week.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for theSummer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office.
Advance Notice: The Fourth Form German listening Examination will take place on Monday 24th May and the French listening Examination on Tuesday 25th May. Examinations for the Third and Fourth Forms begin on Wednesday 26th May.
May 10th
Key Stage 2 Tests: These will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week for pupils in the Second Form.
No After-School Clubs: Please note there will be no After-School Clubs today, Monday, as the staff are receiving in-service training for the enhanced School intranet and interactive teaching.
Cathedral Service: There will be No Cathedral Service on Tuesday of this week as we will be joining the Senior School to celebrate Ascension day on Thursday at 09:00 in the Cathedral. You will, as always, be very welcome to attend the service and return to St. Nicholas House for coffee afterwards.
Geography Field Trip: Pupils from the Third Form will be going to Horton Kirby Environmental Education Centre for a field trip as part of their scheme of work in Geography on Tuesday of this week. Details have already been circulated to parents.
Senior School Information Evening: This will take place in the Conference Centre on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and is for Parents of current First Form pupils.
Visit to Kingsnorth: Pupils in Lower One B will visit Kingsnorth on Wednesday afternoon and pupils in Lower One W will visit on Friday afternoon. Details have already been circulated to parents.
Fourth Form History Coursework: This has to be submitted to Mr Medhurst no later than 09:00 a.m. on Friday of this week.
Open Morning: - for Prospective parents will take place this Saturday between 09:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Members of the Fourth Form will as usual guide prospective parents around the School and the timetable will have a few alterations, so as to be able to fully utilise the facilities at the Preparatory School during the parental visits.
Boy Cathedral Choristers: - gave a recital at Morden College in Blackheath London on Thursday evening. Morden College very generously support two Choristers and once a year, as a thank-you for their generosity, the Choristers give a recital at the College.
General Knowledge: The Team produced a very creditable performance in the final of the IAPS District 2 General Knowledge Competition. The team of Edward Spooner-Lillingston, Charutha Senaratne, Georgia Luckhurst and Charlie Medhurst finished with a total of 56 points, just one point behind the joint winners, Bickley Park and Wellesley House. The team is to be congratulated for reaching the final and bringing much credit to King’s.
Baptism: Next Tuesday morning, 18th May, we will be holding a Service of Baptism in the Cathedral at 09:00 a.m.
Midsummer Concert: This will take place also next Tuesday, in the School Hall, commencing at 7:15 p.m. The Concert will include performances by the Orchestra, Wind Band, Choir, Ballet Dancers, Irish Dancing team, Fiddle Group, Brass Monkeys, Rock Group and String Quartet.
May 3rd
Sports: The 1st XI Cricket team won their matches against Bickley Park and St. Lawrence College last week and the 2nd XI won their match against Bickley Park. The U13 Rounders team drew their match against the Duke of York’s School and the U12 Rounders team won their match against Duke of York’s School.
General Knowledge Team Competition: A team of pupils will be representing King’s in the final of the Rowland Constantine General Knowledge Competition to be held at Wellesley House School on Tuesday. We wish the team good luck.
Cathedral Service: Our Service this week will be Matins, you will be very welcome to attend and to join me for coffee at St. Nicholas House afterwards.
Boy Cathedral Choristers to sing at Morden College: The Boy Cathedral Choristers will be travelling to Morden College in Blackheath, London on Thursday of this week to give a recital. Two of the Boy Choristers are sponsored by Morden College.
Revision Guidelines: Each pupil was recently given a “Guide to Revision”. I have posted a copy on the “This week section” of the Intranet, and ask that you go through these guidelines with your child, so as to be fully engaged in their preparations for the end-of-year examinations later this term.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for the Summer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office.
Baptism: We will be holding a Service of Baptism next term which will take place on Tuesday 18th May in the Cathedral. If you would like your child to be considered for Baptism, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can arrange for the Chaplain, Father Munna Mitra, to make contact with you.
Our Midsummer Concert will take place on Tuesday 18th May in the School Hall, commencing at 7:15 p.m.
April 26th
Sponsored Netball: Last Wednesday’s Festival of Netball was an outstanding event! It was wonderful to see every girl pupil at King’s involved and wearing superb costumes. I am most grateful to them for their enthusiasm, to many of the parents who took part or supported and to Mrs Heddershaw and other members of the Preparatory School staff for their umpiring. It was a truly magnificent afternoon. I am delighted to say we raised a total of £500 for our Charity.
Sports: I am aware that from time to time this term pupils will arrive back late to School on a Games afternoon having represented King’s in an away fixture. Our policy for Prep., on these occasions is that they should make a start on their Prep. during the mid-morning break, or the following day during lunch-break or complete it at their convenience within the space of three days. It is vital that Preps. are completed this term as most are now directly connected to examinations. We are sympathetic to the workload that this gives a small minority of pupils. Athletics: I warmly congratulate Katie White (4F) who has recently won medals for the 75m and 150m in races for the Kent Young Athletes League. These wins make her the fastest girl in her age group in County of Kent. Swimming: U11 Boys swimming team of Ben Hasler, James Carslaw, Giuseppe Barbaccia and Henry Jones, participated in Kent Swimming Championships at the Black Lion Pool on Saturday. Ben achieved 2nd place in Backstroke and the Medley Relay Team came 3rd. They now represent Kent in a fixture against Surrey on Friday evening. Congratulations to them all.
Revision Guidelines: Each pupil was given a “Guide to Revision” on Thursday of last week during Form Period. I have posted a copy on the “This week section” of the Intranet, and ask that you go through these guidelines with your child, so as to be fully engaged in their preparations for the end-of-year examinations later this term.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for the Summer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office.
Cathedral Service: Our Service this week will be one of Eucharist. I warmly invite you to come back to St. Nicholas House afterwards for coffee.
Baptism: We will be holding a Service of Baptism next term which will take place on Tuesday 18th May in the Cathedral. If you would like your child to be considered for Baptism, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can arrange for the Chaplain, Father Munna Mitra, to make contact with you.
Exeat/Bank Holiday Monday: There will be No Saturday School this Saturday and due to the Bank Holiday on Monday School resumes on Tuesday 4th May.
New Pupils: I am pleased to say that the four new pupils who started this term, Charlotte in 1G, Kate in 2M, Ruke in 3K and Noah in 3K, have all settled well to life at King’s and experienced warmth and support from their fellow Form peers. I hope they will have a long and happy career with us.
April 19th
A warm welcome back to the Midsummer Term. I am pleased to say that there are not many pupils who have been unable to return due to flight restrictions and all members of staff are in School. I hope that you have had an enjoyable Easter break and I look forward to meeting many of you during the course of this term.
Calendar: Your son or daughter should bring you a copy of the combined King’s Calendar which they were given in School this morning. Please make note of important dates and particularly on those days when there are no after School clubs.
Isle of Wight: I was delighted to hear that the trip to the Isle of Wight was, as in previous years, highly successful and that the children had a marvellous time. I was heartened to hear from the staff regarding the exemplary behaviour of our pupils and thank the staff concerned for giving up part of their holiday to run the trip.
Sponsored Netball: As you will be aware from the end-of-term letter, there is a sponsored netball match this week in aid of our charity for the term. If you have not yet indicated that you would be willing to participate, please contact Mrs Nicky Heddershaw as soon as possible.
Summer Sports Weeks: If you are intending your son or daughter or any friends to join us for the Summer Sports in August this year, please return the slip sent in the end-of-term letter to Mr Mitchell as soon as possible. If you require further forms then please contact the School Office.
E-Safety: I have received and E-mail from Kent Police regarding the dangers of MSN. There has recently been an incident involving a twelve year old girl who was put in a very difficult situation following use of MSN. I again suggest that you are aware of what your child does on their computer.
Cathedral Service: Our Service this week will be Matins. I warmly invite you to come back to St. Nicholas House afterwards for coffee.
Clubs: Please note that all Clubs resume this week.
Baptism: We will be holding a Service of Baptism next term which will take place on Tuesday 18th May in the Cathedral. If you would like your child to be considered for Baptism, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can arrange for the Chaplain, Father Munna Mitra, to make contact with you.
Townsend-Warner History Prize 2010: For the first time ever three pupils from King’s qualified for Paper II of the prestigious Townsend Warner History Prize, a competition entered by over 800 pupils from the leading Preparatory Schools in England. The three acquitted themselves admirably in the Second Round, which requires pupils to write five essays in an unseen two-hour paper. Charlie led the way scoring 72% with essays on the Berlin Wall, the Crimean War, Edward Jenner, Henry VIII and the Peterloo Massacre, which put him just outside the top twenty in the country on this paper, and 42nd overall. Rosie scored 64% on Paper II to finish in joint 46th place, while Georgia contributed to a splendid “team” performance, with the adjudicator listing King’s as one of the “schools with fewer candidates (who) did their teachers proud”. Charlie and Rosie won £10-00 book tokens for their excellent showing, while Georgia is to be commended given that she is a year-young.
Advance Notice: There will be No Saturday School on the morning of 1st May due to the Exeat Saturday and
No School on Monday 3rd May due to the Bank Holiday Monday.Senior School News
July 8th
The school is now closed for the summer holiday. The Michaelmas Term commences on Monday September 6th.
June 28th
Sports Day will take place at Deangate on Thursday at 10.00 a.m.
Final Assembly will take place on Thursday in the School Hall after which photographs will be taken.
Speech Day will take place in the CAthedral on Saturday at 2.15 p.m.
June 21st
The Lower Fifth depart for a Geography Field Trip to Shropshire.
The School Eucharist will be at 12.00 noon today to Celebrate Father John's twentyfive years as an ordained Priest.
There will be a New Parents' evening in the Hall on Wednesday for those new to the school in September.
The Lower Sixth Form will have a Career Skills day on Thursday.
Badminton House Matches take place on Wednesday.
Two pupils have been selected to represent Great Britain, one for Netball and one for Sailing.
June 14th
The Lower Sixth return to school this week after Study Leave.
A Level, IGCE and GCSE examinations continue this week.
The Preacher at the Cathedral Service this week will be Reverend Richard Harrison, Chaplain of Lancing College.
On Friday the RAF Section of the CCF will have a flying day. The remainder of the CCF will hold their Field Day.
Associated Board Practical Grade Examinations will be held on Thursday and Friday in the Music College.
June 7th
Upper Sixth Study Leave commences and there are end-of-year examinations for Years 9 & 10.
On Saturday and Sunday there will be a CCF Exercise away form school.
May 24th
Lower Sixth Study Leave commences on Monday of this week.
The Granville Tennis Tournament takes place on Wednesday at St Lawrence College.
The Junior Tennis House Shield Competition takes place on Thursday.
Half-Term begins on Friday at the end of school.
May 17th
A 'Songs of Praise' will be held in the Catehdral on Monday morning at 9.00 a.m.
The School Council meet in Satis House on Monday at 1.00 p.m.
The Junior Tennis House Shield Competition will take place on Thursday during games time.
Members of the Rowing Squad will take part in the Walton and Weybridge Regatta on Saturday.
Members of the CCF will take part in a Signals/First Aid Course on Sunday afternoon.
May 10th
Senior Tennis and Badminton House Matches take place this week.
Team Photographs will be taken on Tuesday morning.
On Thursday, Ascension Day, the School will hold a Solemn Eucharist in the Cathedral at 9.00 a.m.
The Careers Lecture on Saturday of this week will be on 'Job Letters of Application'.
Open Morning for Prospective Parents will be held on Saturday Morning between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
May 3rd
Music Exams
I am delighted to announce that following the recent music exams, six pupils passed with Merit and four passed with distinctions.
School Elections
There were political hustings at King’s on Wednesday 28th April. Boys and girls were able to question and listen to local candidates from the Liberal Democrat represented by Geoff Juby, Conservative represented by Mark Reckless and Labour represented by Teresa Murray. We are very grateful for these busy people for coming.
Chemistry trip
On Wednesday 28th April, a team of Lower 5th pupils took part in the Kent Final of the RSC Chemistry Challenge. They displayed excellent reasoning, recall and problem solving skills and were placed 4th in the County but sadly will not be going through to the next stage of the competition. Well done and better luck next year.
The Careers Lecture this week is to be given by Debbie King on Nursing.
Pupils in the CCF will take part in the Cadet 150 Parade and Service to be held in Rochester on Saturday Morning.
April 26th
King's Scholars and all Boarding pupils attended the Cathedral Eucharist on Sunday as it was 'King's Sunday'.
The Upper Sixth pupils will have a Lecture on University Entrance, to be held in the Conference Centre on Monday morning.
A Level PE moderation will take place on Wednesday morning on the Paddock.
Pupils from the Sixth Form studying Classics will attend a Conferenceon Tuesday, to be held at Simon Langton Girls' School, Canterbury.
On Thursday evening there will be an information evening regarding the 2011 Skiing Trip to Austria.
The Careers Lecture this week will be given by Dominic di Cara, on the Hotel Industry.
On Thursday there will be a Chemistry Revision Conference all day.
Pupils taking GCSE PE will have a Practical Examination on Thursday of this week, to be held on the Paddock.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Katie Nicholls who represented the South East in the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta at the National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham. In the first heat Katie came forth and third place in the B final leaving her 9th overall in the country. Katie earned the most individual points for the South East.
Congratulations!
Another piece of wonderful news was that of Tabitha Reynolds who won the Medway Young Musician of the Year competition in a live competition to a fully seated audience on Friday night. Tabitha will be presented with a trophy, shield and a large cheque.
D of E expedition to Dartmoor.
Based at Okehampton youth hostel, nine pupils trekked across the moor. Navigation and conditions on Dartmoor are notoriously difficult – that is why the Royal Marines practice there – but the pupils coped splendidly and had a memorable time.
Paris Trip
At the beginning of the Easter holidays, nine 6th form pupils along with Monsieur and Madame Clarke ventured to Paris in search of French practice, culture and escargots. They visited several tourist sights including the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, the Louvre and the Champs-Elysées. A special thanks to Mr Page for helping with the travel, Mr Clarke for guiding the group and Madame Clarke for organising the trip.
April 19th
Term began with an Easter Paschal Eucharist held in the Cathedral on Monday morning.
There will be an information evening for those pupils who are considering becoming involved in this year's World Challenge, held on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the School Hall.
The Careers Lecture this week will be given by Dr Peter Gilbert on Medicine and the TA.
The Fellowship Group will meet on Friday at 8.45 a.m. in the St. Nicholas House.
Cricket and Tennis matches will be held on Wednesday and Saturday of this week. All parents are welcome to come to watch.