On Sunday the MGS rowing squad took part in the Medway Rowing Club Head, a 5km race downstream on the river Medway in Rochester. Out of 21 entries from different rowing clubs across Kent we came 5th, rowing the distance in 15 mins and 51 seconds; I think the boys surprised themselves with their performance. Well done boys.
This week is probably the busiest week of the school year so far. Last night I attended the Parents' Association AGM. I must say a huge thank you to the Parents' Association Committee and the many parents who have attended a number of events in the last 12 months. Last year the Parents' Association raised over £24,000 and were able to support a number of important projects in school that make a big difference, such as buying us a new minibus, for which we are extremely grateful. Thank you ever so much.
Today is the second Open Morning where we invite future Maidstonians into the school to see if they would like to come here next year. The first one last week was very well attended and there were many positive comments made about the school. We look forward to today. Following this I am heading into London to attend a Grammar School Heads' Association afternoon seminar, followed by a drinks reception at the House of Commons. Grammar schools have been in the news recently and so I expect a number of MPs will be joining us.
On Wednesday we are having an additional non-uniform day to raise money for the people of Haiti following the recent hurricane. The community of MGS always respond positively to such events, so let us hope we raise a substantial amount of money to make some real difference. That evening I will be attending the Old Maidstonian Society Quiznight. I will be joining parents, staff, friends of the school, and current and former students in an enjoyable but challenging evening. Thank you to the Old Maidstonian Society for organising the event.
And on Thursday, before we all enjoy a well-deserved half term break, the most important school event takes place: our Year 6 Open Evening. Following the two Open Mornings on Tuesday and last Friday we open our doors once again to hundreds of potential Maidstonians and their parents to see why MGS is so special. It is the busiest school event of the year involving all members of staff and many hundreds of current students. Our students are a credit to the school and are certainly the best people to sell MGS to others. Thank you so much to everyone for all of the organisation that has gone on prior to the day and best wishes to everyone for a fantastic evening.
