Tuesday 27 September 2022

I start this week’s blog by acknowledging a Maidstonian’s efforts in the community.  I received news last week that a student of MGS had helped a distressed member of the public who had fallen and hurt themselves.  The student in question heard a cry for help and offered assistance – calling an ambulance and remaining with the person until help arrived.   The member of the public ended up being fine.  It is always pleasing to receive news like this about a Maidstonian, but also to know that there is still a lot of good in the world.  Thank you very much.

Last week we saw mixed fortunes with the senior football squads.  The 2^nd XI squad beat Cornwallis School 11 – 4, but the 3^rd XI lost against Oakwood Park School 3 – 1.  The 1^st XI match against Queen Elizabeth School, Faversham was sadly postponed.

On Saturday, playing Eltham College, we had a better ‘day at the office’ with our rugby squads following last weekend’s disappointing performance.  There were mixed results amongst the junior squads, but the two U14 squads won 22 – 5 and 63 – 7.  I am also delighted to say that both senior squads led by example, returning to MGS with two more wins.  The 2^nd XV won 61 – 7, and the 1^st XV won 35 – 7.  Congratulations to the players.

On Friday this week we are holding our first charity day to acknowledge MacMillan Coffee Morning.  Students will be allowed to wear non-uniform, and there will be cakes available in the Hall at break.  A letter has already gone out inviting parents to attend.  Do come along.

Tuesday 20 September 2022

Today’s blog comes after a very reflective period of national mourning, culminating in the State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II.  Last Friday the entire MGS community came together to remember her life and acknowledge her death, which with the good weather, resulted in a lovely occasion.  The conduct of the students was exemplary, and illustrated how many young people feel about the recent news.

On Saturday the first weekend rugby fixture took place against Gravesend Grammar School.  All teams, along with a couple of basketball teams, played away at Gravesend, but sadly, many of the results did not go in our favour.  The 1^st XV match, for example, ended 60 – 5, which I think is the biggest loss the senior players have experienced for a very long time. But, what was good was the spirit I saw amongst the players and the support they gave each other.  A steep learning curve for us, though.

Throughout the week this week, form tutors will be meeting with their year 13 tutees to discuss the coming year, the students’ thoughts for when they leave MGS, and how they are positioning themselves in order to achieve their potential.  This mirrors a very similar week last week for Year 11.

Tonight we invite parents of year 9 students into the school to attend the Year 9 Information Evening, which was postponed from Monday.  The evening is an opportunity to hear from key staff about the year ahead as the students embark on the first year of their GCSE studies.

Tomorrow we are welcoming over 1000 people into the school to attend the Higher Education Fair, which is taking place in the Hall from 5pm.  Over 50 higher education and apprenticeship organisations will be attending, providing information and guidance to people across Maidstone who are considering their plans for the future.  

Tuesday 13 September 2022

Welcome to my first blog of the 2022-23 academic year.  I hope you and your families had a good summer holiday and are now looking forward to progressing through a new year.

Sadly, the start of term has been overshadowed by the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.  The news of her death became apparent during the day last Thursday, and I am sure like me, you went home keeping a close eye and ear on developments.  Since the official announcement just after 6.30pm on Thursday, we at school have been responding to government guidance and making preparations to acknowledge the news more formally as one MGS community.  This will take place at some point in the next week.

Despite the news of HM Queen Elizabeth II, life at school has, and will, continue.

Last week, we welcomed the entire school back and acknowledge it with a whole school assembly in the Quad.  I always look forward to leading the first assembly of the year because it is one of very few occasions when the entire MGS community: students and staff are gathered together in one place.  As the school continues to grow in size, this year MGS is at its largest with over 1550 members.  Standing in the Quad at that assembly looking at back at everyone is very special indeed, as it reminds me that even though we are all different, we are also all connected.  We are all Maidstonians. 

Apart from the start of a new academic year, last week we also held our Upper School Speech Day on Friday.  At that event, a number of students from last year’s upper school were presented with prizes to acknowledge their academic performances and achievements.  This year’s guest of honour was Mrs Naomi Lumutenga, an Old Maidstonian herself, who taught at MGS for 23 years.  Sadly, the weather did not allow the event to take place in the Quad, but it was still a wonderful occasion, and a lovely way to end the week. 

On Friday, our newest students in Year 7 enjoyed a morning of team building activities as well as an opportunity to try out for the school rugby squads.  They had tremendous fun getting to know each other, and hopefully made some new friends.

This week we begin to make headway in some of the more operational aspects of the school.  Throughout the week form tutors will be arranging meetings with their year 11 tutees to discuss with them their thoughts and plans for the future and what the students need to do to position themselves well for their exams next year.  In addition, on Thursday we invite all students to have their annual photograph taken as well as inviting parents of Year 12 to attend our Year 12 Information Evening.

Outside of these events, the first sporting fixtures begin starting with the senior football players playing a match against Oakwood Park and the senior rugby players playing in the first round of the National Cup.  Within performing arts, budding actors and performers are invited to audition for this year’s production, Shrek; and the first parade takes place across the CCF.