14 March 2017

Firstly I wish to acknowledge the effort and commitment of the Girls Rugby Squad last weekend that took part in the Reigate 7s tournament.  Although they lost their matches, their valiant effort on the pitch should be commended.  MGS has had very good success with girls’ rugby in recent years, winning the Kent 7s tournament on two consecutive occasions in 2014 and 2015.  Thank you to all the girls who took part, we look forward to what the rest of the Sevens season brings, and thank you to Mr Hathaway for supporting the squad.  I am pleased to announce that the MGS CCF RAF Ground Training Team won the National Air Squadron Trophy Drill competition at the weekend at RAF Halton.  The team performed well in the seven disciplines that make up the overall Air Squadron Trophy coming 11^th out of 200 schools nationally.  MGS is a seven times winner of the Trophy, but sadly we have not managed to win the competition for several years.  We always place highly in the drill element of the Trophy and so this year retaking the crown was incredibly rewarding.  Well done to all the cadets and thank you to Mr Moores and Mr Parish for accompanying them and supporting them over the last few weeks and months. Last night I attended the Kent Public Speaking Competition watching Leo Hodges and Allen Wesson of Year 12 represent MGS.  We have had some good success in this competition in the past, but sadly on this occasion we did not bring home any silverware.  Well done boys and thank you to Mrs Brooks and Ms Lewis who supported the boys at the event and who helped prepare them both over the last few weeks and months.
After school yesterday I was joined by the rest of the SLT and both the current and new School Captains and School Vice-Captains to select the students who will become the next Student Leadership Team.  It is always a pleasure being involved in such tasks, reading the students’ application letters, and seeing how they all wish to continue to give leadership and service to their school.  The final outcome will be announced shortly.  Tonight after school many members of staff are completing some training in preparation for the new Pastoral and House structures from September.  You will all know by now that we are creating a more vertical structure and so this year one member of staff and 21 students have been doing that very thing and have taken part in the pilot vertical form.  A number of these students will be involved in tonight’s training as they can give a first-hand impression of what it is like being in a mixed aged form. 
Tomorrow night is a new event in the School’s calendar: The MGS Careers Evening.  Aimed at students in Year 9 to Year 13, a number of external speakers and presenters will be outlining what is required and what it is like working in a variety of fields.  Many students and parents have booked to come along, so we look forward to a very busy and positive evening.
And finally this Friday a number of boys are taking part in the annual rugby fixture against Oakwood Park Grammar School.  Held at Aylesford Rugby Club, the U12s, U13s, U14s, U15s and senior squad are all playing with different kick off times starting from 5.30pm.  Let’s hope we can bring home five victories.  Do come along and support.