Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Hanratty for stepping into my shoes for the last three weeks and writing this blog. His words allowed me to follow what was going on at MGS from a distance. The reason for me being away from MGS was that I was on a three-week sabbatical, driving around the country visiting a number of different schools to see what we could learn from them. I have now returned with lots of ideas and eager to continue developing the school. As well as thanking Mr Hanratty, I would also like to thank my senior colleagues, particularly Miss Johnson, for stepping in during my absence. It is good to be back.
Just before the May half term we held a non-uniform day to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation. Thanks to Tonbridge House, led by Mr Holmes and Mr Taylor, we raised just under £900. Thank you Tonbridge House, and thank you to everyone who supported.
At the weekend, under the glorious weather, the MGS cricketers played their first cricket match of the new term, and at the same time a large group of other Maidstonians completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Expedition. The cricket fixture was against Dartford Grammar School where MGS won two out of the three matches. Well done to the players and thank you to the staff who supported both the cricket and the DoE.
Also at the weekend, I sadly was not able to enjoy the weather, as I attended the annual Kent Research-Ed Conference, which this year took place at Cornwallis Academy. About 150 teachers from across Kent were in attendance, and throughout the day we heard from a number of speakers who presented their research on a variety of different aspects of education, including how to teach everyone in the classroom to the impact of technology.
Yesterday we had our first Quad assembly: an assembly for the entire school community outside in the Quad. I always look forward to the summer months, not only because of the warmer weather and lighter evening, but because it is a chance to bring every Maidstonian together in one place to hear a message for the day. With it being Pride Month, the main theme of the assembly was, ‘What can we be proud of?’ Thank you to the four students: Noah, Ben, Jess and Rafe, who spoke with me. They collectively shared with the school what they were proud of.
Next Wednesday, 21 June we will be enjoying the opening of the annual MGS Art Exhibition. Each year we exhibit the artwork from students in years 11 and 13, and I always enjoy wandering around the exhibition seeing the talents of some of our students. Please do come along. It takes place in the Big Hall and is open from 4pm.
Finally, congratulations to Patrick of Year 7 and Corpus Christi House who is doing really well at the moment with his golf. He has competed in three British junior U12 golfing events in the last two months, finishing in 5th, 4th and 1st place. Well done Patrick.
