Newsletter 26th April 2013 - St Michaels Preparatory School

26th April 2013
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Commendations
Charlotte Denny 5M project
Headmaster
Whole School News
After what was hopefully a refreshing and enjoyable holiday it was lovely to return to school
on Tuesday with such glorious weather; this time last year, I remember looking out of my
office at the cricket square, which was a mass of large puddles! And then came Friday!
The school and family skiing trips were both very successful and bookings are now open for
next year’s combined trip.
Many of you will be aware that Mrs Marx (SENCo) retired from teaching at the end of last
term and has now moved to Essex. Her replacement, Mrs Rachael Martin, is unable to take
over until the start of next term, so in the meantime, Mrs Van will be covering this role.
Miss Anna Harper, who has been appointed as our Drama Specialist from September, will
be completing her final teaching practice with us until the end of June.
Some of you will be aware that Mrs Bent has been away from school since the middle of
March. Unfortunately she has a detached retina which even after three operations is still
not back in place. Another operation is planned and different treatments are being
tried. Although Mrs Bent may been seen out and about in Otford, she is obviously not fit
enough to return to teaching; hopefully we will see her back before too long. We are
currently organising the lesson cover, particularly with the specialist subjects of year 7 & 8
Geography and year 4 French.
Congratulations to Max Humphrey (Year 7) who not only passed Grade Vlll drum kit but
has also been awarded a major music scholarship to Sutton Valence School. During my
time at St Michael’s, no pupil has reached Grade Vlll standard!
Alicia Forgeron (Year 6) on passing with merit her LAMDA grade 3, solo acting
Traffic problems
Unfortunately there were more traffic problems this morning on Rowdow. These were
originally caused by a removals lorry which was nothing to do with the school.
We did have two skip lorries on site as one had broken down and another had been sent to
help it. However, in accordance with instructions they had parked in an area they felt would
be out of the way while they waited for the school traffic to clear.
It is regrettable that one or two lorries coming onto site this week have had problems of their
own, but the company are doing their best to work with us.
Message from Jill Aisher
Dear Pupils,
I am very much looking forward to coming to work at St Michael’s in September. I am only
sorry I can’t be there with you more often before I start. In my school I have a special post
box so that children can write to me. I look in it every day.
Sometimes they put work they have done at school in there so I can feel proud of them.
Sometimes they write me poems. Sometimes they do drawings or put photos in of things
they did at the weekend or when they went on holiday. Sometimes they ask me questions
and I do my best to answer them.
I’m putting a box in St Michael’s where you can post me letters with questions/worries/
suggestions for things you’d like to happen in St Michael’s in the future or talk about with
me when I start, things you’re proud , anything at all . Do feel free to post something in it. It
will be emptied once a week and sent to me at my current school and I’ll do my best to
answer all your questions/ look at your work.
You will find my red post box on the table in the Prep entrance hall and in the Pre-Prep entrance.
I look forward very much to getting to know you and your families.
Jill Aisher
St Michael’s Prep School, Admissions
Joining St Michael’s Prep School
Nursery 2014 and sibling registration
Now we are at the start of the Trinity Term we will send out the first of a series of letters about Nursery 2014 places.
If you have any unregistered children it is important that you register them with haste (particularly the 2014 nursery intake)
If you are not sure whether you have registered all of your children please email Mrs Claire Downey, Admissions
Assistant, on cdowney@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk.
Dear Family Skiers
I would like to thank all the families for coming on the Family ski trip 2013 and making it such a wonderful time for all. The
children were exceptionally well behaved and tried very hard with their skiing. I feel many of the children really grew in
confidence on and off the slopes as the week progressed. It was lovely to get to know everyone and I look forward to
seeing you all around St Michael's School. There will be a post ski party and photo session very soon, I will e-mail you all
with the date. Please can you e-mail me any of your ski photographs. lskelly@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk
Many thanks again.
Mrs Skelly
Ski trip 2014 - Family Ski Trip (Claviere,Italy) Pupil ski trip (Montgenvre,France)- March 29th 2014
Both ski trips were a huge success this year and planning has already begun for next year’s trips. The two trips will run
independently of each other but in resorts located just 3 km apart. This will allow groups to meet on timetabled occasions
throughout the week. The family trip would be more suited to parents wishing to ski with their younger children, whilst the
pupils’ ski trip is more suitable for older siblings and past pupils. We are happy to advise you about this. Parents
without children are also welcome to ski with the family group if their children are on the pupil trip. An updated information
letter will be sent out via e-mail next week. Numbers are limited so the sooner deposits come in the better. Don't miss out!
Mr Marsden and Mrs Skelly
Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers
Please be aware that we are still collecting the Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers.
Last year saw some lovely new sports equipment in both schools.
You will receive vouchers at any Sainsbury’s store, petrol station and online grocery
nd
shopping until 22 May 2013.
We will be collecting these vouchers in both the Prep and Pre-Prep reception areas.
Thank you for your support with this.
A MESSAGE FROM P&F
SUMMER FAIR SATURDAY 15 JUNE 2013 12-3PM
SOS - WANTED! We are planning a produce stall at the summer fair and are asking, if you are starting to pot plants and
plant seeds that you plant a few extra for us. We will accept any plants as well as fruit, veg and flowers. If you have any
homemade jams and chutneys we would love to sell those too and if you have any hens laying eggs we would be grateful
if you could donate some of your eggs to sell. We will let you know a little nearer the time where you can bring them to,
but you have some time to start growing, stewing and laying!!
ALSO WANTED! Face painters to transform little people into something special at the summer fair.
If you can help with any of the above please contact:
ANTONIA MOSS 07747 470842
PAULA HANSFORD 07788 871348
Summer Ball
After a fabulous Summer Ball last year which was enjoyed by all and is still being talked about, the time has come to offer
the opportunity once again to theme and organise the Ball for 2014.
"Best of British" was a fantastic fun theme for last year and the next committee will have the same opportunity to
personalise this evening. If you were on the committee last year and would like to be involved again or would like to join
up and be part of the next Ball now is your chance to get creative!! The possibilities are endless.......
Please let us know if you would like to join up!
P&F
paula.hansford@yahoo.com
jax.cain@gmail.com
sarah.tolfrey@googlemail.com
Easy Fundraising - St Michael's Parent and Friends Association
Thank you to all of you who have used Easy Fundraising to raise money for the school. To date we have raised
over £210, and the best thing is that it doesn't cost you anything!! We URGENTLY need more people to sign up so that
we can raise money 'painlessly'.
If you are thinking of going on holiday, renewing your insurance, clothes shopping at Gap or even your weekly
Sainsbury’s or Tesco shop do it the easy was and raise money for the school. Over 2000 retailers are associated with the
website. Using the link http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/stmichaelspfa will take you to our page and is it really
easy to login. One useful tip to help remind you to use it whenever you shop on-line is to download the 'Find and Remind'
app which will automatically let you know when the shop you are using is linked to Easy Fundraising. We wish to thank
you for your continued support.
Music Exam
Some of the students recently took exams in several different forms of music. All of the students who took part did
extremely well and I have listed the results for you all to enjoy.
Miles Abbott
Kiera Bassett
George Brindley
Jack Carter
Laura Craven
Charlotte Denny
Charlotte Denny
Max Forgeron
Joshua Jones
Isabel Neill
Anoushka Powell
Isabel Samuel
Abi Scott
Lulu Stephens
Lucy Weir
Scott Weir
William Welsh
Sophie Wilkinson
Jonty Wines
Trumpet
Clarinet
Piano
Piano
Clarinet
Piano
Singing
Singing
Piano
Singing
Singing
Piano
Singing
Piano
Piano
Piano
Piano
Flute
Singing
Grade 1
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade P
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade P
Grade 1
Grade P
Grade P
Grade 4
Grade 1
Grade P
Grade 2
Grade 1
Grade 1
Grade 1
Grade 3
Pass
Merit
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
Merit
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
Merit
Distinction
Pass
Merit
Pass
Merit
Merit
Merit
International Club
The International Club is a support group for parents who have come to Britain as non-British citizens, or British citizens
who have lived abroad for at least one year. Parents of all nationalities meet to share in an informal way their experiences
of living abroad and in Britain.
The next coffee morning will be on Thursday 2nd May after school drop off, at St Ediths Farmhouse, St Ediths Road,
Kemsing, TN15 6PT. Non-members are welcome to come along too! If you would like to attend or need directions,
please contact either Anneloes Degen or Maria Keogh at intclubstm@gmail.com.
Request from Dé Jà Vu Shop
If anyone has any clothes rails that they no longer use we would be very grateful if you would kindly donate them to us at
the second hand shop.
Prep School News
PREP SCHOOL CHOIR AUDITIONS
th
Please note that Mrs Hall will be coming into school on Tuesday 7 May in order to carry out auditions for next year’s
senior choral groups. The auditions will take place in the Music Room between 12.55 and 2.00pm and interested pupils
should attend as follows please:
12.55 – 1.30 Pupils currently in Year 4
1.30 – 2.00 Pupils currently in Years 5-7 who are not already involved in a school choir
Existing members of Treble Trouble and Cantoria will automatically be included in Mrs Hall’s plans for next year and need
not re-audition.
These auditions will be fairly informal (and incredibly short!) so please do encourage your child to come along if he / she
enjoys singing.
Mrs Hall.
Learning About Plants
Year 3 are learning about what keeps plants healthy. They started with planting and
germinating seeds: each child has their own plant pot and bean seed. These will germinate
and, with the children's care, will grow into strong plants.
Science Quiz Team Triumphs!
On Tuesday a team of four Year 5 students went to Hilden Grange to take part in the National Year 5 Science InterSchool Quiz Club Challenge. Questions of varying difficulty were asked and the children had to answer in just 30
seconds using electronic handsets.
St Michael’s won this heat, with a score of 2080 points, beating New Beacon with 1720 and Marlborough House with
1665 points.
Next step: the semi finals! Well done Team St Michael's.
Sally Worby
Year 7 English and Art Trip
I have to say that after the postponement of this trip in March due to the snow it was a welcome relief to see the sun
shining yesterday morning as we set off to London with Year 7. Our first stop was the Southbank Centre and the long
awaited visit to the Light Show at the Hayward Gallery. We were not disappointed. The exhibition was both inspirational
and intriguing with such fascinating installations as ‘Wedgework V’ which we believed to be red light behind a screen but
actually turned out to be light falling diagonally across a room and also ‘Exploded View (Commuters)’ which impressively
showed shadowy figures moving across a series of LED bulbs that looked like people on their way to work.
After a leisurely stroll along the Southbank in the sunshine we arrived at the Tate Modern and had our picnic lunch on the
grass. Then Year 7 set to work to discover a series of works of art in the galleries, studied and appreciated them,
considered and responded to them in both poetry and sketches.
By Tilly Bott inspired by ‘Untitled 1979’ by
Jannis Kounellis
by Sara Cervilla inspired
red by ‘Man with a
Newspaper’ by Magritte
“The wall between the dimensions shielding
our world from the darkness behind.”
By Matthew Sebastian inspired by
Composition (No. III) by Mondrian
“The birds so elegant but what comes next
was not their true purpose.”
By Thomas Wynne inspired by Untitled
1979’ by Jannis Kounellis
At the Southbank Centre
At the Tate Modern
Year 4 handwriting activity
The first session for the Year 4 handwriting activity will take place on Friday 10th May. There will be NO handwriting
activity for Year 4 next week. The year 3 class will start on 29th April.
Mrs Forgeron
Pre-Prep News
Maya played several piano and recorder pieces in the Tunbridge Wells Art Festival this weekend and won first place in
her piano solo.
Headmistress’ Award was given to Zak Hansford for chewing his food with his mouth closed.
Gold Stars were awarded to:
Matilda Smith for super addition and subtraction in our lessons this week / Hugo Smith for doing the right thing all week,
especially in the lunch hall / Varden Skelly for trying so hard with his holiday writing / Kitty Fry for working hard in every
lesson / Caleb West for settling in so well to your new class / Poppy Singh for working really hard on adding and taking
away / Johnny Wright for beautiful handwriting in his holiday diary / Harry Scott for good work in all subjects/ Luke
Sumner for always being kind and friendly at playtimes.
Lexia Foundation Phonics Certificates were awarded to
Jake Sales for completing Level 1
Lieske Degan for completing Level 2
Emerson Ellis for completing Level 3
A Bronze Times Tables Certificate was awarded to: Anna Faulstich
New Baby
rd
Congratulations to our Dance Act tutor, Vikki Aldridge, on the safe arrival of baby Frankie Jack on Tuesday 23 April!
Ryan is a very proud big brother.
Hearing Tests
st
Hearing Tests will take place in Pre Prep on Wednesday 1 May; letters have been e-mailed to parents or can be
downloaded from the website (Useful Information/Pre Prep).
Dates for your diary
th
Friday10 May: Year 2 Cake Sale
th
Friday 24 May: Pre Prep Sports Day Nursery and Kindergarten (am) Reception, Yr 1 and 2 (pm) Please note there will
be no activities (except for paid Activities – Football, Swimming and Tennis) on Sports Day.
Effort Cups – Lent Term
We would like to congratulate our recipients of last term’s Effort Cups which were handed out in our final assembly.
RH
RH
RJ
RJ
1S
1S
1W
1W
2FD
2FD
2L
2L
Annabel Peterkin
Rishan Saini
Matthew Tolfrey
Tilly Elliott
Ella Willoughby
Pimkwan Rabe
Ivan Leone
Oscar Goodwin
Alex King
Annabel Welsh
Alex Haynes
Noah Brown
Kindergarten children enjoying their new Mud kitchen this week:
William has made vegetable soup and custard.
Murray: “Look what I have found”
“Wow” said Jamie! “Off we go!”
Year 2 picked a good day for their nature walk to the
Warren. We saw lots of cowslips, primroses and violets.
Lost and Found Property
Laura Wright 5W is still missing her black school coat. If found please hand in to the office.
George Schooley 2FD has lost a navy blue watch with a Velcro band. There is also a football emblem on
the band. If found please hand in to the office.
Thomas Morton 6B has lost his watch. It has a white leather strap which a blue face, it also has the
words to and past written on the face. It is very sentimental, therefore a reward is being offered. If found
please hand in to the office.
Matthew Jackson has lost his green tracksuit bottoms which went missing in the penultimate week of last term.
Caleb Empett has lost his trainers, white shorts, and swim shorts. All are clearly named.
If you find any lost items or think you have lost one of our found items, please call into the Prep office.
Thank you.
Dates for your Diary
Please note that there have been some changes to the printed calendar. If you need to check any dates please
follow this link to the school website. http://www.stmichaels.kent.sch.uk/current-parents-students/57/full-schoolcalender.
Monday
April 2013
nd
22
Activities commence
Tonbridge Scholarship exams
(Mon-Wed)
Mother & Toddler Group session
starts in Nursery 2.30pm
Tuesday
rd
23 April 2013
Wednesday
th
24 April 2013
Rounders – Hazelwood
U13 A (A) 2.30pm
U11 A & B (H) 2.30pm
U10 A & B (A) 2.30pm
Cricket – Hawthorns
st
nd
1 X1 (A) 2 X1 (A) 2.30pm
Colts A (A), Colts B (Otford),
C&D (H)
Pre-Prep hearing Tests
Thursday
th
25 April 2013
Friday
th
26 April 2013
Saturday
th
27 April 2013
Rounders – Sevenoaks Prep
U8 A & B (A) 2.30pm
U9 A & B (H) 2.30pm
Cricket – Hazelwood U13 6 aside 1.00pm
EXEAT
Other Information
Baby Sitting
Our Gap student is available for babysitting if needed. Her contact numbers is:
Becky Steptowe 07515375400
Open Mornings
King’s Rochester (www.kings-rochester.co.uk)
th
Friday 10 May – 9.30am-12 noon.
Ardingly College (www.ardingly.com)
th
Saturday 11 May.
Roedean School (www.roedean.co.uk)
th
Monday 6 May – 10am.
Tonbridge School (www.tonbridge-school.co.uk)
th
Saturday 11 May – 10.15am
Kent College (www.kent-college.co.uk)
th
Wednesday 8 May – 9.30am – 1.00pm
Sports News
Cricket season 2013
Wednesday afternoon 'summer sports' option - Year 5-8 boys.
Team sheets will be up very shortly but unfortunately due to the nature of cricket
and the space required some boys will not be playing every week. As always, our aim is to challenge the most able pupils
whilst improving others who may be new to the sport or find the game more challenging. Those not playing each
Wednesday will have a 'summer sports' session which will include activities such as tennis, rounders, badminton, quick
cricket and athletics. It may be that some boys would prefer to do this every week and Mr Marsden will put this option to
all boys, however if selected for cricket they will be expected to play. Don't forget all boys also have their separate cricket
lesson later in the week where they all receive specialist coaching regardless of ability.
Mr Marsden.
Cricket matches at Otford - (Year 5-8)
Those teams due to play at Otford will be clearly labelled on the team sheet. This pitch is located at the end of Leonard
Avenue next to the pond in Otford. As always help serving teas is appreciated and transporting boys to Otford and back is
also appreciated. Please see the team sheets for more detail.
Mr Marsden
Under 11A netball team play at the National Prep School Championships
th
On Saturday 20 April 2013, Colfe’s School hosted the rescheduled National Finals of
the IAPS netball tournament. Having qualified at the regional competition in Brighton in
March, the St. Michaels U11 A team turned up to play against some of the best school
teams in the country. 28 Schools out of the original 36 made it to Eltham last Saturday
on what was a rare bright and sunny day. The team consisted of Katy Rapley, Kadie
Farahmand-Afshar, Jenna Boltman, Laura Craven, Mathilda Filce, Phoebe Brockington,
Rebecca Kirkham and Hannah Hennessy – unfortunately Georgie Stephens was unable
to participate due to being in Australia and her talents were missed. The girls played
some really good netball and showed some real competitive spirit against some very
talented teams – the effort from the girls and the support from the parents were superb.
Unfortunately the girls failed to qualify for the finals but should be commended on their
unrelenting enthusiasm, effort and team spirit – Well done to you all!
"Congratulations to the U11C netball team who won ALL of their matches in great style at
the Sutton Valence netball tournament on Monday 18th March"