Tuesday 13 July 2021

Welcome to my last blog of the 2021-22 year – and what a year it has been.  This time last year we had received the guidance from the DfE for opening the school back up for the start of the new academic year.  So much has happened in the last 12 months that we could have never predicted, and on the way there have been many highs and lows that were both rewarding and overwhelming, but writing this last blog I can say for certain that despite the many challenges MGS has become a more supportive and closer community than we already thought it was.  Feedback from parents has been tremendous; staff have stepped up and gone over and above in the daily roles; and the students have been an absolute pleasure.  Thank you to everyone who has made this year special and for bringing life back to MGS.

Last Friday we welcomed back Alex Rolfe (OM 2006 – 2013) to be guest of honour and our Lower School Speech Day.  Sadly, we had to have the event in the Hall because of the wet ground in the Quad, but that did not put a damper on the occasion.  Prize winners and Year 7 were still able to enjoy the afternoon, despite being indoors, and thank you to the students and staff who spoke on behalf of the School to reflect the last 12 months.  Friday was a good day.

Also on Friday a group of year 12 students enjoyed at afternoon of sport as they took part in a number of house competitions for their year group.  I am currently unaware of the results, but the winners for each event will have generated vital house points for their house that will contribute to the overall winners of the House Cup which will be announced at the End of Term Assembly on Friday.

Congratulations to Alex Mclauchlan of Corpus Christi House who achieved his first Dan black belt in karate.  Well done Alex, and it is so good being able to again share news like this following the year we have had.

And at the weekend a number of year 10 cadets enjoyed taking part in their condensed Summer Camp.  The School and Headmaster’s Garden were excellent venues to enjoy a variety of CCF activities.  A huge thank you to the adult volunteers who gave up their weekend to supervise.

 

 

Tuesday 6 July 2021

A huge congratulations and thank you to the staff and students who enjoyed last week’s adjusted sports days.  Due to the on-going restrictions we had to run separate year group sporting events as opposed to the usual MGS Sports Day.  Despite this though there was great fun had by all.  Thank you to Mr Terrell, the PE Department, Mr Highsted, and the all of the members of staff who made the week’s events possible.

Well done to the students from Year 10 who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award assessed expedition at the weekend.  Despite the showers they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and for the first time since the restrictions were able to camp overnight.  Thank you to the staff who accompanied them led by Miss Adams and Miss Alloy.

This week we see the A-Level geographers go off site for a couple of days to complete their essential fieldwork.  Normally they would take part in a four-day field trip, but due to the restrictions they have had to complete their work much closer to home.  Let’s hope the students come back with loads of data.

This week we are also running a number of inter-house rugby competitions.  Rugby, due to its nature, has been severely impacted this year and so we are delighted to be at a point where the competitions can take place.  Year 9 played yesterday, with the other years playing later this week.  Good luck to them all.

And on Friday we recognise and acknowledge the good work put in from years 7 to 10 at the Lower School Speech Day.  Sadly, we will not be able to invite parents, governors, former staff and friends of the School to join us, but Mr Alex Rolfe (OM 2006-2013) will be in attendance as our guest of honour to congratulate the students.  Fingers crossed for some good weather so we can hold the event outside in the Quad.