A huge thank you to the staff who organised and led the many activities that took place during last week’s Extended Learning Week. From walking in the Kent countryside to creating a typical picnic lunch, Maidstonians enjoyed doing something different for a week. In addition to years 7 to 9 partaking in these activities, years 10 and 12 completed some essential work experience that took them away from MGS and into the workplace. I hope everyone had a fabulous time.
Last week we heard the sad news of the death of former colleague and deputy head of MGS, Dr Tony Webb. Dr Webb taught history here from 1971 to 2000, and was deputy head for almost 20 years in that time. Even though I never had a chance to work with Dr Webb, I had the pleasure of meeting him early on in my headship, as well as getting to know him during his time in the Old Maidstonian Society. I know from some of my colleagues and former staff who worked with him, Dr Webb was a character, and had a unique way of doing things. Schools like MGS were filled with teachers like Dr Webb, so his passing brings to an end a significant chapter of MGS’s life. We send our thoughts to his family and friends at this time.
This week, as we approach the end of the academic year, is a busy one. On Thursday we welcome our newest Maidstonians to the school to the Year 6 Induction Day. Over 200 young faces will be spending the day at MGS, getting to know the lay of the land and hopefully getting to know some new friends. And on Friday we celebrate the founding of Maidstone Grammar School at a service at All Saints Church in the morning, which will then be followed by our Lower School Speech and Prize Giving Day in the afternoon. We hope for some good weather.
Finally, congratulations to Jamie Noakes, our head chef, who last week placed 3rd in the National School Chef of the Year Competition. He competed amongst 12 finalists from across the country, being asked to prepare a two-course school meal in under 90 minutes. He cooked chicken breast with sticky rice and a vagrant Thai broth with crunchy vegetables; and for desert, he prepared a Peach Melba Crumble. Well done Jamie.
