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Weekly Newsletter Friday 14th June 2024
Friday 14th June 2024 
A Message from Mr Pears
Dear Parents,
Our week has been filled with unforgettable trips and opportunities which have immersed our children in all aspects of their curriculums.
On Tuesday we were delighted to welcome children's author and CBeebies presenter Joanna Adeyinka-Burford to speak to children in Years 2 to 6 about her exciting faith-based children's book titled What's Up: 30 encouragements to fuel your faith. Joanna was amazing with the children, captivating them with her energy and animated stories which carried important life and religious lessons. Meanwhile, the Dining Room transformed into a French kitchen as Years 7 and 8 enjoyed a cultural cooking extravaganza with Pip Porter from the Cooking Apple, showcasing their culinary and creativity with three delicious recipes.
Egyptian Day took Year 3 to Ancient Egypt on Wednesday as pupils, staff and volunteering parents embraced a range of practical activities complete with an Egyptian Feast. Thank you to the Year 3 Team and the parents who hosted this memorable experience for the children.
The Code Show took Years 5 to 8 pupils on a digital journey through time as the children were treated to an incredible display of historic computers, game consoles, typewriters and even an electric car. Each year group had 45 minutes to play, type and 'drive' on the devices. Thank you to Mrs Robertson for organising this unique experience for the children.
Trips Week has also brought moments of joy and discovery as Year 5 visited Lord's Cricket Ground, Year 7 investigated Chatham Dockyards and Year 2 had many adventures at Stubbers Activity Centre.
We have ended the week with our final Prep House Spelling Bee of the year. Thank you to Mrs Andrade and the English Department for hosting this event which has attracted lots of interest and focus from the children.
Wishing you a brilliant weekend.
Nik Pears
From the Head of Pre-Prep
Dear Parents,
Another crazily busy week has occurred as the end of term steams ever closer.
Year 2 have had an incredible “best ever” school trip to Stubbers. The children have taken part in a packed activity programme and after campfire songs and marshmallows went off to sleep overnight in bunk beds inside very large tents. It is a huge undertaking but well worth the amount of organisation that goes into it. Well done to Mr Davies and all the staff who have given the children such a wonderful opportunity.
I am looking forward to seeing the Reception parents on Monday morning for our Father’s Day assembly. The children’s voices are getting louder and they are excited to be performing to their dads. The Pre-Prep Dining Room will be available for coffee from 8.40am so please sign yourselves in and look forward to the 9am start.
Tuesday and Wednesday will be very busy days for Nursery and Kindergarten as they perform not only songs to their parents, but also demonstrate their PE skills with a mini Sports Day. Nursery parents are welcome to join us at 11am on the 18th or 19th depending which day your child is usually at Nursery. Kindergarten will have theirs on Tuesday afternoon at 2pm: Kindergarten will all be together. We will meet you down on the Old Pitch which is to the right of our Astro Turf pitch as you look down the hill.
Reception children are off to Tylan Barn on Thursday so we really need some good weather for the whole week!
Overheard in Pre-Prep:
Child: "I can’t believe I’ve just seen real life scaffolding!"
Have a lovely weekend,
Zerrin Leech
At the end of this term we will be saying goodbye to the following individuals:
Daisy Saunders - Finance Assistant
Please join us in wishing Daisy Saunders all the best for the future as she will be leaving St Michael’s at the end of August to embark on a new career. Daisy has spent the last year working part time in the Finance Department whilst finishing her final year at Westminster University studying Psychology and Criminology.
Daisy has been a true asset to the Department. Her ability to grasp new systems and tasks swiftly and competently has been a great advantage along with her knowledge of the whole St Michael's community as she was previously a Gap Student. Daisy will be sorely missed but we would like to wish her the very best of luck for the next chapter of her life.
Words by Sallyanne Saunders, Finance Manager
Issy Neill - Pre-Prep Gap Student
Thank you Issy for an outstanding year; it’s been a privilege and a pleasure working with you.
Your positive work ethic has greatly contributed to the smooth running of The Hive. Your infectious smile along with your calm and caring manner have been invaluable to St Michael's and you will be sorely missed.
On behalf of everyone at The Hive, we wish you every success as you head off to University for the next exciting chapter of your life.
Words by Nicky Smith and The Hive Team
Lucy Brennan - Marketing Gap Student
At the end of this term we will be saying goodbye to Lucy Brennan, our Marketing Gap Student who has spent the past year with us at St Michael’s. Lucy has been an asset to the Marketing and Admissions Team, contributing to all aspects of the department and approaching every task with enthusiasm and a smile.
The Marketing Gap Student role brings the unique opportunity to see and experience all aspects of school life, from Nursery to Year 8 including every event. Lucy has truly embraced this aspect of the role, building rapports with staff, pupils and parents across St Michael's and taking her warmth and kindness everywhere she goes. From helping Reception find worms in Forest School, to interviewing Prep pupils about their national sporting success, Lucy's impact on the St Michael's community has been widespread and she will be missed dearly.
We wish Lucy the best of luck on her next adventure and future career.
Words by Taz Usher, Marketing and Media Manager
National success at IAPS Swimming Finals
Last weekend, the St Michael’s Swim Squad swam to success at the IAPS Swimming Finals held at the London Aquatic Centre's Olympic pool.
Starting the day off strong was Year 5 pupil Nathan H who came 4th in the initial U10 50m Backstroke race and qualified for the Final. This was a 2 second personal best and an amazing swim. In the Final, Nathan placed 5th in a close finish. Well done, Nathan!
In the afternoon, our Year 8 girls Bronwyn T, Amelia A, Matilda M and Tilly L swam the Medley Relay and Freestyle Relay. They swam brilliantly but knew they had to drop time if they were to have a chance of a medal. The girls came through as a team and ended two very exciting races by winning bronze.
The girls also swam their individual events and were all fantastic. Bronwyn T came 11th in the 50m Fly, Matilda M came 16th in the 50m Backstroke and Tilly L came 12th in the 50m Freestyle. In a impressive performance and a new personal best, Amelia A secured her place in the 50m Breaststroke Finals and placed an incredible 2nd place in the country, winning National Silver. The day was long but fun and the girls made some wonderful memories. A fantastic way for them to end their time in the St Michael’s Swim Squad!
Congratulations to all of the pupils who competed.
Mrs Fornasier, Swim School Manager
Years 7 and 8 Careers Event
Last Friday six St Michael's parents came into School to talk about their careers with our Years 7 and 8 pupils. A range of careers were covered, from BBC broadcasting (with a scientific twist) to investing in renewable energy; the common theme was people who are passionate about their work and believe in the message that our pupils can do anything!
With our Year 8s leaving us at the end of the term and our Year 7s doing the same next year, it's important that our senior pupils are thinking about their lives beyond St Michael's. With the huge amount of opportunities on offer to them at St Michael's (and outside of school), it was good to reflect on what it all might lead to.
Some of the parents had changed career and others had gone into their career via a non-degree route. What was obvious is that the skills and learning behaviours which we are focusing on across the curriculum, are helping our pupils prepare for many different jobs and careers - some of which don't even exist yet!
I'd like to pass on my thanks to the parents who generously gave up their time to come and share their stories with the pupils in a fun and entertaining way.
Mrs Shield, Head of Years 7 and 8
Children's author Joanna Adeynika-Burford inspires St Michael's pupils
As part of our Religious Studies enrichment this week, children and staff alike enjoyed a very lively and engaging talk from visiting speaker Joanna Adeyinka-Burford.
Many of the children recognised her from CBeebies and everyone joined in enthusiastically: singing the What’s Up song, hearing stories about giant spiders and the perils of rocking on chairs. We learnt what it’s really like being a TV presenter and a writer.
Everything was linked to carefully chosen Bible passages and prayers. Joanna gave inspirational reflections on the importance of her faith in developing a happy healthy approach to our failures as well as our successes.
Mrs MacRae, Religious Studies Teacher
Years 7 and 8 French cooking experience
On Tuesday Years 7 and 8 pupils were treated to a day with Pip Porter from The Cooking Apple who led a baking session focusing on French recipes.
Pupils were able to showcase their creativity and culinary skills by baking a yoghurt cake, decorating madeleines, learning ways to cut vegetables and making a French vinaigrette. The results were both beautiful and delicious!
Madame Poracchia, Head of Languages
Colts A team win Tonbridge Cricket Tournament!
On Wednesday 12th June St Michael's Colts A team took part in the Tonbridge 6-a-side Cricket Competition.
The day began with a game against Shrewsbury House. Although equally matched throughout the game, Shrewsbury won by only a couple of runs, placing them in the Cup Competition and St Michael's in the Plate Competition. The St Michael's team then went unbeaten for the rest of the tournament beating Dulwich Prep, Skippers Hill and Holmewood House. Winning these three games meant that we topped the group, winning the Plate Trophy.
A great effort all round and an excellent day for the Colts A Tournament Team. Well done!
Mr Morgan, Games Teacher
Year 3 enter Ancient Egypt
You may have felt you had landed in Ancient Egypt if you had visited St Michael's on Wednesday!
Year 3 had an immersive day of history learning about Ancient Egyptian culture, politics and daily life. The Drama Room was thriving with workstations teaching the children skills to make an array of items to decorate the Pharoah's tomb: from painting on wet plaster and making perfumed cones, to carving sandstone.
There was an amazing buzz throughout the day with gossip and news about the new, and somewhat unpopular, pharaoh and his wife, Nefertiti.
These hands on, active experiences bring learning and lasting memories for our children who went home excited, exhausted and enthused about their History topic - what a great day!
Huge thanks to the Year 3 Team and parent helpers who all got into the spirit of the day in their costumes - we could not have run this brilliant experience without you!
Mrs Perkins, Head of Year 3
Year 7 explore Chatham Dockyard
Year 7 kicked off Trips Week on Monday with a visit to the Historic Dockyard at Chatham.
The day began with a competitive boat building activity during which pupils’ designs were tested for speed, stability and buoyancy in the wave tank. A tour of HMS Ocelot a 1962 submarine followed. It seemed cramped with our group on board and difficult to imagine 67 sailors all living and working in such a small space. We learnt how rope was made in the ropery and saw how techniques have changed little over the past few hundred years. The length of rope made by an enthusiastic Year 7 was the best that our guide had ever seen!
After lunch, our rocket building session took place high in the rafters of one of the boat maintenance sheds, providing plenty of room for the competition to get serious. Practical STEM skills and plenty of Sellotape was used in the building process, finishing off with a ‘fire-off’ to see which group had the most effective design! Thank you to the staff who accompanied the group for your hard work.
Mrs J Clarke, Science Teacher
Year 5 visit Lord's Cricket Ground
On Monday Year 5 went on our annual visit to Lord's Cricket Ground for a tour and indoor session in the nets.
56 pupils and 7 staff met at Sevenoaks Station and caught the train to London Bridge before hopping on the Jubilee Line to St John's Wood and walking down to Lord's.
The pupils got to visit the media box, royal box, grandstand and the famous home changing rooms while learning about the history of the ground and its significance to cricket. The children were impeccably behaved and fun was had by all.
Mr Thomas, Head of Boys' Games
House Spelling Bee
The last couple of weeks saw the return of the Spelling Bee competition. Taking place over two sessions, pupils from all years had the chance to enter the competition and put their spelling skills to the test.
The first round saw Years 3, 4 and 5 compete. They were challenged to spell words such as liberty, machine, leather and prejudice. With only a few mistakes, all pupils performed very well and should be proud of themselves. The Final saw Year 5 pupils Nathan H, Adam O, Nik B and Chisombei O compete in a tense round of spelling which included tricky words such as questionnaire and precocious. For an impressive second year in a row, Nik B won the Final.
In the following week, it was Years 6, 7 and 8’s turn to compete in what was an exciting round of spelling. Overall, Year 6 pupil Jimmy S was victorious, correctly spelling the word surveillance in the Final. He said it was a close and enjoyable round between himself and Year 7 pupil, Jamie D.
Congratulations, Nik and Jimmy!
Well done to all of the pupils who participated in the competition and thank you to Mrs Andrade and the English Department for organising another thrilling Spelling Bee!
A digital journey through time with the Code Show
We were glad to welcome Gary and The Code Show to St Michael's on Thursday where pupils from Years 5 to 8 got to experience the history of computing!
Following an introduction to computing invention and advances from the early 70s to the late 90s from Gary, the pupils were introduced to some of the World’s most enduring games, from Space Invaders to Donkey Kong to Mario and Sonic. They heard about the teenagers who had coded these games from scratch in the 80s and paved the way for the consoles of today.
There was even a table of ‘artefacts’ for the children to explore including the fabled ‘cassette tapes’ and a ‘Walkman’ (cue much confusion from the Spotify generation)!
The highlight of the workshop was the children's freedom to play on every single machine and try out the games or have a go at coding in Basic for themselves. The Code Show allowed them to explore the devices much more than is allowed in a museum. They were even allowed to 'drive' the first ever electric car, the Sinclair C5 from 1985.
We extend our thanks to Gary for giving the children such a memorable and exciting day.
Mrs Robertson, Head of Computing
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Could you be a St Michael's Beach Hero?
Cleo helps the Kent Wildlife Trust make a difference
Year 5 pupil Cleo had a different approach to party bags at her recent birthday party, instead she donated money to two Kent Wildlife Trust projects.
The Kent Wildlife Trust have set out to purchase and manage 26 acres of arable land opposite the Polhill Bank nature reserve, a beautiful and local natural habitat. This land will enable them to expand a thriving area of chalk downland, protecting habitats and giving local wildlife more space to grow. With the help of fundraisers like Cleo, the monetary goal for this project was achieved and work will soon begin in turning the land into a thriving chalk downland. The Kent Wildlife Trust sent Cleo and her friends a letter and certificate recognising and thanking them for their efforts.
The second project Cleo supported was Kent Wildlife Trust’s work in providing sustainable forest management at the Blean near Canterbury. Kent Wildlife Trust have transformed the Blean’s woodlands into a thriving, lush environment by introducing European bison, Exmoor ponies and Iron-age pigs to maintain and encourage biodiversity. Cleo even adopted one of the bison and was sent a cute cuddly toy and other Wildlife Trust goodies that she distributed to her fellow eco warriors.
To read more on the two projects, please see the links below.
https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/protect-polhill
https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/projects/wilder-blean
Impressive work in fundraising and raising awareness, Cleo!
For more information about the Kent Wildlife Trust and events that your family can get involved with, please click here.
Year 5 Science – Childhood photos request
Our next Year 5 Science topic is on the human life cycle. Please could your child bring in three or four photos of themselves as a baby, toddler and young child which you are happy for them to glue into a resource that they will be using. As part of this activity, the children will be describing how they have changed since they were little. They will need the photos for our Science lessons in the week beginning Monday 17th June 2024. If they would like to bring in their photos in advance of this week, we will look after them until needed.
Thank you,
The Science Department
We’ve had a week full of entertainment and laughter. Lots of role play has been enjoyed from scrubbing the decks to hosting a wedding.
Ball skills have also been in abundance: children have loved seeing how many times they can throw a ball into a box or score penalty shoot-outs at the foosball table.
Meanwhile, in the garden the children have been practising and demonstrating their football skills and techniques such as dribbling, shooting, passing and tackling.
As we approach the end of the year we hope you will consider donating some of your children's outgrown uniform to St Michael's second hand uniform shop to benefit both new and current families. We really believe that Déjà Vu provides a unique and special service to our School community.
The shop exists to raise funds to support projects which will directly benefit the children at the School. Most recently, the money we have donated to St Michael’s was used to purchase table parasols for Pre-Prep to fit in the existing outside tables. This amazing addition to Pre-Prep will enable pupils to enjoy more lessons and activities outside during the summer months, protected from the sun; we know they will be very well used. Additionally, Pre-School has been making use of their wonderful new stage funded by Déjà Vu. The children have been performing role play, dance routines and even catching up with friends on the stage; their imagination has kept the platform in great use!
Déjà Vu is run entirely by volunteers and we wouldn't be able to provide this service without their weekly dedication to the Shop. From September 2024 we are looking for another parent to join our team for one hour a week. To provide a wide range of knowledge and advice, we are really looking for a parent from Pre-Prep to add to our team of various parents. It would potentially be on a Wednesday morning (with flexibility if this day isn't suitable) from 8.15am to 9.15am. It is a fun experience and helps you get to know more fellow parents from the School community.
We are still offering to buy St Michael's blazers from you (size 4 and above) for £35.
Déjà Vu will be open on some days during the summer holidays to allow families to prepare for September. The open times can be found below:
Déjà Vu Summer Holiday Opening Times
Friday 16th August 10am-12pm
Monday 19th August 10am-12pm
Thursday 29th August 10am-12pm
Tuesday 3rd September 9am-11am
Any new families joining St Michael's, please email Melissa Samworth on melbrand@yahoo.co.uk for a private appointment.
If you have any questions or could spare some time to help, please also contact Melissa.
P & F Golf Day at The Darenth
Please click here to book your place on the P & F Golf Day.
St Michael's Umbrellas
Ava W for lovely independent writing about how she would help small creatures, if she were the King of Tiny Things
Rihaan S for working hard on his creative writing this week and using his sounds to spell words well
Dilan D for fantastic number writing to make a very long number line
Ethan G for wonderful writing about being The King of Tiny Things
Helena H for being a kind and thoughtful friend to everyone
Rain K for projecting his voice loudly and clearly during our Father's Day rehearsals
Jemima G for beautifully neat sentence writing and working hard to finish on time
Luca A for great teamwork and some good ideas when creating a rhyming poem about the Great Fire of London
Max Z for being able to recognise coins and to make given amounts efficiently
Savannah S for fantastic engagement and questioning in our Science lessons
Lucas T for working hard to include interesting and varied vocabulary within his writing
Ivan K for writing an outstanding letter about the Great Fire of London
Archie W for excellent interest and contributions in our Religious Studies lessons
Lottie B, Nikita V and Millie W for helping to deliver an informative assembly to Reception all about Year 1
House Point Certificates
Dover: Charlie B
Windsor: Savannah S
|
Herbie W |
For an amazing and humorous Open Morning speech |
|
Aadhya S |
For a brilliant and descriptive Open Morning speech |
|
Finlay S |
For an outstanding and brilliantly researched Open Morning speech |
|
Amelia A |
For a well prepared and moving Open Morning speech |
|
Clara H |
For a brave and beautiful Open Morning performance |
|
Finlay S |
For his excellently researched topic with lots of technical terms explained and great examples of different tumbles |
|
Aadhya S |
For a beautifully presented poster board telling you everything you wanted to know about India and more! |
|
Amelie G |
For a beautifully explained St Michael's Challenge on the Rainforest - the Earth's Lungs with interesting facts and superb research |
|
Herbie W |
For an interesting presentation on Lego for his St Michael's challenge |
|
Arthur N |
For a well designed Powerpoint and St Michael's Challenge presentation on Super Sloths |
|
Bea B |
For entertaining your St Michael's Challenge group with your presentation on chickens |
|
Noah L |
For a confident St Michael's Challenge presentation on the Mariana Trench |
|
Beatrix T |
For a well rehearsed and entertaining St Michael's challenge on knitting with demonstration |
|
Jake L |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
|
Mickey M |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
|
Finlay S |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
|
Clara H |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
|
Alex S |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
|
Tom K |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
|
Herbie F |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
|
Talulah D |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
Players of the Match – week commencing 10th June 2024
|
Team |
Name |
Reason |
|
Cricket |
|
|
|
Senior 1st Team |
Charlie W Oliver S Theo S |
All three for good batting |
|
Senior 2nd Team |
Amelia M |
For good bowling and batting |
|
Senior 3rd Team |
Toluwa O Florence D |
For bowling a wicket For scoring 13 off the bat |
|
Senior 4th Team |
Betsie B Tom H |
Voted as best batter Voted as best bowler |
|
Colts A Tonbridge |
Whole team |
Winning the ‘Plate’ competition at Tonbridge School |
|
Colts A/B |
Rayaan G Herbie F |
Both for intelligent batting |
|
Colts B/C |
Abigail T |
For awesome bowling |
|
Colts D |
Silas C |
Bowling a good line and length |
|
Aces A/B |
Poppy P
Amelia B Sofia V Isabel E |
Voted for by opposition for scoring 19 off the bat Voted for by opposition for great bowling Both for volunteering immediately when asked to play for the opposition |
|
Aces B/C |
Ava M Grace P Isabelle D |
For good bowling For good batting with 18 runs Voted for by opposition for bowling |
|
Aces C/D |
Bethan D Chisomebi O |
Voted by opposition for good bowling Voted by opposition for good batting |
|
U9A Boys |
Isaac O |
For controlled batting |
|
U9B Boys |
Monty A Cian C |
For accurate bowling For getting bat on ball |
|
U9C Boys |
Alvie G Max S |
Voted for by the opposition For great batting |
|
U9A Girls |
Elodie B Ellie S |
For good all round play Voted for by opposition |
|
U9B Girls |
Tara W Theia H |
Voted for by opposition for bowling Voted for by opposition for batting |
|
U9C Girls |
Ivy J Miranda H
Aadhya S |
For great bowling and focus in the field Voted for by opposition for bowling Voted for by opposition for batting |
|
U8A Boys |
Ben C |
For great bowling and batting |
|
U8B Boys |
Harry B |
For great bowling and batting |
|
U8C Boys |
James H |
For good batting and running between wickets |
|
U8A Girls |
Amy H Nzu O |
For great batting For good bowling |
|
U8B Girls |
Isla P Elizabeth A Elsie G |
For hitting 13 off the bat For hitting 8 off the bat For taking two wickets |
|
U8C Girls |
Charlotte D |
For accurate bowling |
Double hockey gold for St Michael's girls in UK Hockey Tournament
Congratulations to Year 5 pupils Anna W, Amelia Rose B, Molly H and Iris L who were part of the Knole Park Under 10 girls' hockey team to win gold at the Indoor Hockey UK Grand Slam Tournaments in Derby during the half term. The girls won all of their matches, scoring 20 goals and only conceding one!
A huge well done also to Year 6 pupils Elizabeth A, Amelia B and Alex S who were members of the Knole Park Under 12 girls' team to win gold at the same tournament!
Mrs Denton, Head of Girls' Games
Nik is Sportsperson of the Year!
Congratulations to Nik in Year 5 who was awarded the Sportsperson of the Year prize for Sevenoaks Town FC U10 Tandridge at their awards day last weekend. Keep up the amazing football, Nik!
Finlay secures national tumbling gold!
Congratulations to Year 6 pupil Finlay S who competed in the English Silver National Tumbling Championships in Telford last weekend and won the gold medal in his category. His next competition is the British National Tumbling Championships taking place in Birmingham in July. Well done and best of luck for your next competition, Finlay!
Cían's golden judo victory!
Congratulations to Cían C in Year 4 who was very successful at last weekend's Tonbridge Judo Club competition where he won gold in his age/weight/belt category. It was a tough group but Cían won all four of his fights! Keep up the amazing judo, Cían!
Camp Beaumont - flash sale!
Camp Beaumont are excited to announce that they will be running a flash sale from Friday 14th June to midnight Monday 17th June with great prices for childcare provision this summer.
Prices are as low as £40 per day when you book for the entire week or £45 for individual days. However, please ensure that you use your host school discount code (STMICHAELS24) to receive a further 10% off these prices.
As an added incentive, the School that books the most days by the end of Monday 17th June will receive a bonus of £500 for their Parent-Teacher Association.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Book now for the best value of the summer and provide your child with a memorable summer holiday experience.
Camp Beaumont is coming back to St Michael's for summer from Monday 15th July to Friday 16th August 2024.
Click here to book your child's place
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Sevenoaks School Holiday Activity Programme
State Secondary School Open Events
Please click the above banner for notices including:
Dulwich Cranbrook Triathlon
How to spot an Asian Hornet
Sevenoaks Vine Cricket Club
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