I begin this week’s blog by extending a huge thank you to the staff and the many students who supported last week’s 11+ Open Evening. As the biggest event in the school calendar, it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that makes MGS such a special place to learn and work. Once again, the Maidstonian community rose to the occasion, acting as fantastic ambassadors for the school and providing our visitors with a warm and enthusiastic welcome. The evening was exceptionally well attended, and the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive and complimentary. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time and energy to make the event such a success. Thank you all for helping to make MGS shine.
This week, our Year 7
students will be making a short walk into Maidstone to visit Waterstones, where
they will have the opportunity to browse the shelves and choose a book they
would like to read, courtesy of our wonderful Parents’ Association. We introduced
this initiative last year, and it proved hugely popular with our students, so
we are delighted that the Parents’ Association has kindly agreed to support it
again. Encouraging a love of reading is such an important part of a young
person’s education, and there is something particularly special about choosing
a book for yourself and discovering where its pages might take you. I hope our
Year 7s enjoy exploring the bookshop and finding their next great read!
Continuing with Year 7, Tuesday sees the first of our much-anticipated ‘7 in 7 at 7’ event. In the
seventh week of term, at 7pm, our newest Maidstonians will take to the stage to
perform a medley of musical pieces, including the School Song, which they have
been learning since beginning their MGS journey. The Big Hall will no doubt be
filled with proud parents, family members and friends, all eager to see our
Year 7 students enjoy their first few minutes in the spotlight. It is a lovely
opportunity to celebrate their achievements so far, build their confidence and
share in the excitement of being part of the MGS community. I am sure it will
be a memorable evening for everyone involved, and look forward to seeing our
newest students take centre stage.
Before the musical
celebrations begin, the Parents’ Association, led by Sarah Hudson, will be
host a Cheese and Wine Evening to welcome our newest parents into the MGS
community. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to get to know one
another, meet members of the Parents’ Association and learn more about the
important work they do to support the school. The contribution of our Parents’
Association is invaluable, and the time, enthusiasm and generosity of its
members help enrich the experiences and opportunities we are able to offer our
students. My thanks go to Sarah and the team for all they do, and for helping
our newest families feel part of the wider Maidstonian community.
Finally, on Friday, MGS
will host its first Band Evening of the academic year. Thanks to Mr Martin and
our Performing Arts Department, these evenings have become increasingly popular
over recent years, bringing together staff and students with a shared love of
all things rock and pop. They are a fantastic celebration of musical talent,
creativity and collaboration, providing our performers with the opportunity to
share their passion for music in a lively and supportive environment. There is
always a wonderful atmosphere at these events, and I am delighted that this
tradition continues to thrive. Thank you to everyone who has helped organise
the evening, and to all those who are supporting our musicians. I am sure we
are in for a fantastic night of music and fun.