CCF
news first. On Saturday 15th September,
12 cadets and 5 adults from the CCF took part in a range day to select the 8
best shots to represent the school at the Cadet Skill at Arms Meet. On a
glorious autumnal day, perfect for shooting, the cadets competed on a number of
ranges, shooting at targets up to 300m away. The competition was strong
and at the end of a very long day, an MGS Army Team and an MGS Tri-service team
were announced. The CADSAM competition
then took place over last weekend, on the military ranges in Pirbright. The two
MGS teams were competing against 23 other teams from across the south east
over 5 demanding shoots, in very wet and windy conditions. Despite the appalling conditions the MGS
teams shot very well and produced our best performance for a number of
years. MGS B narrowly lost to MGS A in the quarter final of the Falling
Plate competition. MGS A went on to finish 4th, only missing out on a
place in the final by one shot. Congratulations
to Staff Sergeant Owen who was awarded Gold Medal for the best overall shot in
the urban combat match, achieving a perfect 100 score.
Sadly, our first encounter with our
friendly rivals, Oakwood Park Grammar School, ended in defeat. The 2nd XI football squad lost 5 –
2 last Wednesday. The loss was even more
of a thorn in the side as the match was played at home. Maidstone Grammar School was a very quiet
school the following day! Much to work
on already so early in the season!
At the weekend the rugby squads
took on Cranbrook School with mixed fortune.
The 1st and 2nd XV, U15A and U14B squads all won
but the U15B and U14A squads sadly lost.
Thank you to the parents and players of all the home matches who stayed
and enjoyed some refreshments in the pavilion afterwards.
Congratulations to Amy Tate of
Tonbridge House who took part in the Eventers Challenge at Blenheim Palace last
week. Amy had the best individual round
out of 168 other riders and her team placed 14th out if 42. Well done Amy. If there are any other students who wish to
know more about eventing, then please do see her.
This week is a busy one. Last night we welcomed parents of Year 9
students to attend the Year 9 Information Evening. The evening provided an opportunity for
parents and students to understand what can be expected in the year to come.
Tonight is the first full governing
body meeting of the school year where we reflect on last year’s work and look
forward to this year’s. Straight after
that meeting I have the pleasure in attending a function at Salomons Estate to
watch William Hulme of Tonbridge House receive a Lord-Lieutenant Award from the
Lord-Lieutenant himself, The Viscount De L’Isle MBE. William is the head cadet in the army section
of the CCF and had given tremendous service to the contingent for many
years. His recognition with this award
is certainly well-deserved.
Tomorrow
we open our doors to students across Maidstone who wish to attend our
University and Higher Education Fair.
Over 50 universities and colleges across the entire country will be here
providing information and literature about themselves and the numerous courses
they offer. This is the fifth year MGS
is hosting such an event, and if the last four years are anything to go by, the
event tomorrow will be extremely busy and informative to all who come. Bring a large bag to take home all of the
many prospectuses!
This Friday is a very important
date in the MGS calendar; it is the Macmillan Coffee Morning. Each year we acknowledge the event by holding
our own ‘coffee’ morning, and it is always very well supported. Over the last couple of years we have opened
our doors to the wider community and a number of parents and Old Maidstonians have
joined us over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. If you are able to please do join us from
10.30am on Friday.
