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Head's Blog 10th May Friday 10th May 2019
Despite huge quantities of water falling from the skies this week it's been sunny at St Michael's at least on the inside.
Madame Poracchia's excellent French day on Tuesday got us off to a roaring start and there was so much enjoyment and effort in the décor and the catering arrangements as well as a huge number of people having a go at using French in all sorts of different parts of the day. C'était extra! I commend to you the video that was sent to all the staff to challenge the stereotypes that did find expression in some of the outfits that were sported on the day. France isn't a nation of stripey-topped, beret-wearing, garlic-bedecked men with moustaches on bikes! (heureusement!)
We welcomed a goodly number of adventurous souls on Wednesday to our Open Morning who braved a Hollywood style rainstorm to come and feel the warmth of St Michael's. I was particularly moved by the children who spoke about what it's like to be here and as always they are the best part of the day for me.
It is always exciting to meet new children and families eager to join us too and we have much to be grateful for. The new royal baby is one we might not expect as a future pupil and it has been amusing to see reporters scrambling to ask questions around parenting and personality based on just two days in the world as a family.
I share the royal couple's joy at this new potential bundle of promise, but I also feel that way actually most days, when I witness in classrooms, on the sports field, in concerts or on ski slopes, as shown in this morning's assembly, any child taking a step towards realising their own potential and promise.
Educating children is a privilege that we all enjoy.
At the end of the week we welcomed the steel pan band from Parkwood Hall cooperative academy, who lifted our spirits, showing off their promise and potential, feeding our dancing souls with their joyful renditions of tunes from TV, films and shows. After the concert, big band members and music scholars elect joined the pupils for a workshop session in which they learnt to have a go. What fun to have a little taste of the Caribbean on a Friday morning.
Next week is an important one for pupils as we take stock of what they can now do independently through exams and tests. I'm a firm believer that really good teaching leads, on the whole, to children being able to do things without too much revision. Of course for some children the thought of the process brings apprehension and for some there will always be challenges that are unique in a test. Testing is one of the ways we measure success and it is equally important to be able to share, help, explain, make someone smile or feel valued as to "learn and churn" facts. So as we enter this week, we do try to keep the whole process in proportion and as low-key as possible for everybody's sake. Parents can support by keeping to normal routines, making sure children eat well, sleep well and have time to play and rest. Keeping medical appointments to an absolute minimum next week is enormously helpful for the staff who otherwise have to arrange for separate sittings and invigilate these out of the main timetable.
We are all looking forward to the visit of Happy's circus on Sunday the 19th. The P&F have been working so hard to make it a very special day and I'm delighted to be coming myself. There's still a week left to buy tickets online. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/kent/st-michaels-prep-school/family-fun-day/2019-05-19/11:30
Whatever you're doing this weekend, have a good one.
Jill Aisher
Run 5k with Mr Bridges!
Mr Bridges is on a mission to keep St Michael's motivated with his latest exercise plan designed to make exercise fun.
The Director of Sport at St Michael's, who is a very keen runner himself, has created a beginner to 5k plan for anyone wanting to keep fit this lockdown.
The six-week plan, featuring workouts, running challenges and rest days, covers a range of exercises aimed at strengthening all parts of the body.
Mr Bridges said: "I have created this training programme for the St Michael's community to help anyone who wants to have a go at running during lockdown and safely get to 5k by the time we return to school. The plan is suitable for Prep-aged pupils, parents and staff, including absolute beginners."
The teacher, who has 15 years' training as a running and triathlon coach, added: "The programme is designed to build a body capable of running 5k at the end of the six weeks, and what better time to have a go than during lockdown."
The detailed plan, organised into weeks and week days, follows a key where the letters W (walk) and R (run) appear alongside the number of minutes the activity should take place for. For example, 6 x 1:30w/2:30r represents a 1 minute 30 seconds of walking followed by 2 minutes 30 seconds of running, repeated six times.
Mr Bridges said: "The programme includes progressive long runs from week 3 onwards, the only day where the running is based on distance rather than time.
"On Mondays I will also be sharing a different workout on the St Michael's PE YouTube channel which pupils can take part in."
To share your experience of the programme, including photos please email tusher@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk. By sharing this information you give consent to it being shared on St Michael's social media channels and publications.
St Michael's runs the extra mile for Thames Valley Air Ambulance
On Tuesday 15th December, St Michael's hosted a fun-filled charity day for Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA).
Organised by Year 7 pupil Lucy, whose life who saved by the emergency team last Christmas, the school partook in a range of fundraising activities including a fun run, Christmas jumper day, and brain-teaser quizzes.
Lucy said: "With Mr Wiseman's help, I planned activities to raise some much-needed money for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and increase awareness of their work.
"A lot of people don't realise what a great charity they are, and I hope our fundraising day has changed that.
"Not only do they save people's lives in moments of crisis, but they provide long-term support to families who undergo medical emergencies."
Amanda McLean, Chief Executive of Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: "A big thank you to the staff and pupils of St Michael's for coming up with creative ways to involve everyone in fundraising. In sharing her story, Lucy has helped us spread awareness of what Thames Valley Air Ambulance does. We can only do what we do because of the imagination and generosity of our wonderful fundraisers. We hope you had a lot of fun on your fundraising day!"
Lucy, whose story recently featured in the TVAA's Christmas appeal, said: "Thames Valley Air Ambulance helped me at a time when my parents couldn't. When I was seriously injured, the team stepped in and became my heroes."
"It means so much to me that St Michael's have come together to support this cause."
The highly successful events saw pupils spread festive joy while raising an impressive £2556.60 for the charity which relies wholly of public donations.
Mrs Bridges, St Michael's Acting Head, added: "Yesterday was amazing! The whole school had such a great time, and pupils were very excited to take part in a different fundraiser which meant they could enjoy the outdoors, whilst raising money for such an important charity. Everyone gave their all in the sponsored run and it was a brilliant event to watch."
Mrs Wade, Head of Girls' Games also said: "The children did remarkably well considering the conditions, and ran superbly for Lucy's cause."
And Lucy's family echoed this gratitude for St Michael's support. They said: "We wanted to say a huge thank to the St Michael's community for supporting Lucy's appeal for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance this Christmas. We're so grateful to you for getting behind this amazing charity to whom we owe so much. We know from experience that your donations really do save lives. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2021!"
For more information about the Thames Valley Air Ambulance or to donate visit: www.tvairambulance.org.uk/support-us/donate
Help Lucy save lives this Christmas
This Tuesday 15th December, St Michael's will host a fundraising day for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA), organised by Year 7 pupil Lucy.
Determined to help a cause very close to her heart, Lucy has organised a series of events aimed at raising money for the charity-based emergency service.
Throughout the day pupils will be invited to participate in a range of activities including wearing a Christmas jumper, doing a sponsored run, and completing brain teaser quizzes in exchange for donations to the TVAA which relies wholly on public contributions.
Lucy said: "With Mr Wiseman's help, I've planned activities to raise some much-needed money for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and increase awareness of their work.
"A lot of people don't realise what a great charity they are, and I hope our fundraising day will change that.
And Lucy's charity day is driven by her own bond with the charity who saved her life following an accident last Christmas.
She said: "Thames Valley Air Ambulance helped me at a time when my parents couldn't. When I was seriously injured, the team stepped in and became my heroes."
Since her accident, Lucy has remained close with three of TVAA's critical care paramedics, Jo, John and Clare.
Lucy said: "Not only did the team come and visit me in hospital during my recovery, but in February this year my family and I were invited to their base to see their helicopters and learn more about their work.
"Since then, we've kept in close contact with them and have been given the exciting opportunity to take part in their Christmas campaign.
"One morning, my mum received a phone call from the TVAA asking if we'd like to tell our story as part of their fundraising appeal.
"Despite the accident still being quite fresh, we were keen to get involved as it's such an amazing charity."
Earlier this year, Lucy and her family were invited to Oxfordshire to talk about their experience in front of the camera.
The filming day, which involved interviews with both Lucy and her parents, aimed to raise awareness of the charity's impact.
Lucy said: "It was such a fun day and really made us feel part of the TVAA community.
"Afterwards, we were sent several cuts of the video, including a very cool animation of my story which was very realistic.
"They kept us in mind throughout the whole process and made us feel very special."
A full breakdown of the fundraising events can be found below. For more information about the TVAA or to view Lucy's video visit: www.tvairambulance.org.uk/appeal/.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance Fundraising Activities
Christmas jumpers – In Prep and Pre-Prep, we are inviting the children and staff to sport their best Christmas jumper and make a donation for the privilege of wearing it! The 15th is the day of the school Christmas lunches, so this would be a good time to wear them. As with the last charity collection, the donations for Christmas jumpers can be deposited in the buckets at the doors into the buildings as the children arrive in the morning.
Sponsored run (Prep) – we are going to be inviting the children to run in teams of (up to) 4 around the shortest XC route on the fields. They will have a set time to complete as many laps as possible in that time. The children can look to have their team sponsored per lap, or have a donation from their sponsor. Sponsorship money raised will need to be brought in the following day.
Brain teaser quizzes – there are two quiz sheets that can be purchased for 50p each and you can take them home and try to solve the puzzles as a family. I'm afraid the only prize on offer is the glow of self-fulfilment upon having completed them. Answers will be shared on the last day of term. As parents cannot be in the school buildings at the moment, the quiz sheets can be purchased via homework diaries (please send the 50p/ £1, depending if you want one quiz sheet or both).
Past pupil secures Honorary Academic Scholarship
A former St Michael's pupil has been awarded an Honorary Academic Scholarship for her excellence across all subjects.
Grace Goodwin, who attended St Michael's between 2014 and 2019, has received the honour from Sevenoaks School.
Commenting on Grace's success, her mother Marianthe Goodwin said: "Grace joined Sevenoaks in Year 7 and has really thrived from day one.
"We all knew Grace was doing very well academically as she was awarded the Academic Prize in Year 7 and Year 8. However, just before half term we received a letter awarding Grace an Honorary Academic Scholarship, one of only four which was awarded.
"Grace was delighted and extremely surprised as she had absolutely no idea that she was going to receive it. As an Academic Scholar, Grace is invited to attend the Schickler Society with the other scholars in which they discuss lots of different world issues both current and past, such as gun control and the Cold War."
Mrs Goodwin added: "Grace had a wonderful and very happy time at St Michael's and the decision to leave was a hard one, but we felt it was the right time for Grace. At St Michael's she enjoyed all her subjects, especially English and Science.
"She found all the teachers very encouraging and approachable, and felt the growth mindset attitude and community spirit of St Michael's gave her the confidence to hit challenges head on and not give up.
"Mrs Bridges among others was particularly encouraging of Grace during her time at St Michael's and offered amazing pastoral support to pupils."
And it isn't just Sevenoaks School that spotted Grace's academic potential. St Michael's teacher Mrs Baisch, who taught Grace during her time at the school, said: "Grace is an incredibly creative pupil who loves reading and writing, and produced some beautiful work. The words flew off her pen.
"Grace was also a very good speaker which was shown by her victory in the poetry live senior competition which she won with her reading of Dulce et Decorum est. For a Year 6 pupil, her performance was very impressive.
"Grace's scholarship is of no surprise and is something she should be very proud of."
My son began his journey at St Michael's last Friday in the Nursery class and, one week on, I have to write to say how impressed I am and how thrilled we are with our decision to send him to such an amazing school. The approach to settling them in has been perfect!
Nursery parent
St Michael's is a wonderful school. Fantastic teachers, a nurturing environment. It has suited our three children who are all very different in their academic and pastoral needs. Thank you.
Year 6 Parent
St Michael's is a place where I can let my imagination run wild.
Year 6 pupil
We were struck by the warmth and kindness of everyone we met; pupils as well as staff. We believe in giving our son the right start and instilling in him the joy of learning and satisfaction from achievement. We can see this happening at St Michael's
Prospective Parent
My daughter has had such a wonderful school life at St.Michael's. We really couldn't have asked for a better school for her in terms of academic life, extra-curricular activities and friendship groups. We still can't believe how quickly the time has flown by and that she will soon be leaving!
Prospectus...
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St Michael's Preparatory School, Otford Court, Row Dow, Otford, Kent, TN14 5RY
St Michael's Prep School
In line with Government guidance, the school is currently closed until February half term, with the exception of the children of Critical Workers and children in our Nursery and Kindergarten.
For general enquiries, please call: 01959 522137, or email the office at: office@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk .
Admissions will remain open as usual, please email: Jenni Rye, Admissions Assistant at jrye@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk or call Jane Thornton, Director of Admissions on 07309 675837.
Please be aware that we are operating a skeleton staff at the present time and all calls/emails will be responded to as soon as possible.