Welcome back to school and to the start of Term
2. I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable half-term break.
Before we look ahead, I want to take a moment to
thank the hundreds of students and staff who supported our 11+ Open Evening -
the largest event in the school calendar. We were delighted to welcome over 850
visitors to MGS, all of whom had the chance to experience our school in action
and witness first-hand the pride we all share in being part of this community.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many guests expressing a
strong desire to be associated with the school in the future.
I am proud to acknowledge Mr Rai and Rafael in
Year 12 of College House, who were both honoured with a Lord Lieutenant Award last
week in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions to the
CCF. I had the pleasure of attending the
award ceremony and witnessing their achievements being formally
recognised. Well done to both Mr Rai and
Rafael on this well-deserved honour.
As we move into this eight-week term, we face
the seasonal challenges of darker evenings and colder days - but also the
promise of many exciting opportunities and highlights.
This week alone is filled with key events that
showcase the talent, commitment, and spirit of MGS. On Wednesday, our musicians
and performers will take to the stage in the Autumn Showcase, celebrating the
musical and dramatic talents of our students. Then on Friday evening, the 1st
XV Rugby Squad travels to Tonbridge to take on The Judd School in what is
always a competitive and eagerly anticipated fixture.
To round off the week, our annual MGS Firework
Display will take place on Saturday evening, led by our fantastic Parents’
Association. This much-loved event brings together thousands from across the
school and wider community to enjoy an evening of entertainment and spectacular
fireworks. Gates open at 5pm, with the display starting at 7pm. Tickets are
still available, and we look forward to seeing many of you there.
Alongside these events, we are also beginning to
support Year 11 students as they start to look ahead and plan for life beyond
GCSEs. Yesterday, we welcomed parents and carers into school for an evening of
guidance and discussion around the important decisions that lie ahead. This
continues today with our A Level Subject Fair, giving students the opportunity
to meet with teachers and subject specialists to explore their options and make
informed choices about their future pathways.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to
celebrate the remarkable growth of girls’ sport at MGS. Thanks to the energy
and commitment of Mrs Coveney, Miss Dimmick, Miss Chesterton and the wider PE
department, girls’ sport is now one of the fastest-growing areas in school
life. Just before half term, two of our netball teams competed in a tournament
against Gravesend Grammar School, and this week our girls' rugby squad will
take part in a competitive fixture. Plans are also underway to introduce
volleyball and badminton as part of our expanding Girls’ Sport Programme. A
huge thank you to the students who are embracing these opportunities, and to
the staff who are making them possible.