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Weekly Newsletter Friday 5th July 2024
Friday 5th July 2024 
A Message from Mr Pears
Dear Parents,
Our final full week of the academic year has brought moments of celebration for the St Michael's community as we have come together for Year 2 Prize Giving and our Summer Concert. Thank you for joining us for these poignant occasions which were a true celebration of life at St Michael's and the outstanding talent and character that your children bring to our School every day.
Year 8 have enjoyed many exciting outings as part of their Leavers' Programme: Bedgebury, Lullingstone, Kemsing and Hever Castle have been some of the interesting places on their agenda this week.
Monday saw our Science Quiz Team triumph in the National Online Science Quiz Final which they came an outstanding 4th place in. Congratulations to pupils Theo H, Lev V, Lottie E and Thomas G for representing St Michael's so brilliantly in this event.
Today we were delighted to receive more awards news as St Michael's has achieved the Eco Schools Green Flag Award. A huge congratulations to the Eco Committee led by Miss Lambert and Mrs Rose, as well as the entire St Michael's community for their hard work and care which have led us to receive this title.
I'd like to end by thanking our pupils, you as parents and staff for making St Michael's the truly special place that it is. We have had an unforgettable year filled with some amazing highlights including but not limited to raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity, receiving significant praise in our ISI inspection, winning a national award, achieving national success in sports and science competitions and enjoying many unforgettable life and learning experiences.
I look forward to seeing many of you next week for Prep Sports Day and Prep Prize Giving and wish you all a wonderful summer break.
Best wishes,
Nik Pears
From the Head of Pre-Prep
Dear Parents,
The end of the school year is upon us. Your children have been amazing and have achieved so much.
Well done to Year 2 for a great performance of Peter Pan on Thursday afternoon. Thank you to all of the parents who came to see our final Pre-Prep show. It is quite an emotional time for us all as the children move on, up to new adventures in Prep. They are all ready to take that next step.
There are so many people to thank at this time of year:
The Class Reps for all of their hard work answering questions and organising events. The P & F who give up so much of their time to raise additional funds for projects around the school. The School Shop staff and Déjà Vu volunteers (thank you for the Pre-School stage and parasols on our balcony and at Stable Court!).
You should all receive your children’s reports next week. Please let us know if for any reason you have difficulty in accessing them.
Overheard in Pre-Prep:
Teacher: "What is the best thing you have done this year?"
Child: "Move-up Morning to my new teacher."
Joke from Year 2:
Why did the boy fall apart on the last day of term?
Because he had just broken up!
Have a lovely summer holiday.
Zerrin Leech
Sharing of St Michael’s events footage and the Whole School Photograph
As we enjoy many school events together at this busy and exciting time of year, we would like to remind the St Michael’s community that photographs including children other than your own should not be shared (by any means including on social media, Whatsapp, printed etc.) without the specific consent of the featured children’s parents. This is essential in order to respect the safeguarding and parental preferences of our entire community.
This also applies to the Whole School Photograph which we are looking forward to seeing and will be in contact to advise you when it is ready to view and purchase. We of course understand that you may wish to show the photograph to relatives and display it in your homes, however we ask that the photograph is kept off social media and messaging apps in order to respect the safeguarding and parental preferences of our entire community.
If you do see the photograph on social media, please alert the Marketing Team at tusher@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk.
Many thanks in advance.
School Play 2025
Auditions - My Family and Other Animals
Your child will need to audition for a part if they would like to be involved in our next School Play. There are a range of smaller and larger parts available, but the competition will be strong.
There is also some opportunity for puppeteers to operate some puppet animals: your child will still need to audition if they wish to be considered for those parts.
Auditions will take place on Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th September 2024.
There will be a sign-up sheet on the Prep Drama Room door and your child will need to select a slot to audition.
It is advised that they learn the lines before attending. Boys will read the part of Larry and girls will read the part of Mother. The lines are linked below.
Auditions are only open to pupils who will be in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 in September.
When might your child be needed?
Rehearsals: These primarily take place on Mondays and Fridays from 4-5pm (or 6pm sometimes) and Thursdays 8-9am (before school). There will be five Sunday rehearsals from 10-4pm. Your child is unlikely to be required at all rehearsals and will receive a schedule of the rehearsal sessions in advance.
Please click here for the audition script
LAMDA lessons from September
Mrs Woods will have some spaces for new pupils in LAMDA lessons from September as we say goodbye to some of our current Year 6 and Year 8 pupils. We offer lessons working toward grades in Acting, Speaking in Public, Mime, Reading for Performance and Shakespeare. Pupils can take solo or duo lessons: the cost for duos is £10 a week and solo lessons will be £14 a week. If you would like your child to take LAMDA lessons from September, please email articul82022@outlook.com and your child can be added to the timetable.
St Michael's achieves Eco-Schools Green Flag Award
We are delighted to announce that St Michael's has received the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award!
Writing to St Michael's on Friday 5th July 2024, Eco-Schools said: "Thank you so much for submitting such a terrific application. We have loved reading about your journey and are incredibly impressed by all you have achieved. We have no hesitation in awarding you an Eco-Schools Green Flag, congratulations!"
"It’s fantastic that you have such a large Eco-Committee in your school, it shows that your pupils clearly care about our planet and all plants, animals, and insects that live on it."
"You choose to work on topics that matter to you and this is a sensible approach that places them at the heart of your Eco-Schools work. We enjoyed reading about your plans to carry out beach-cleans and also to encourage others to turn lights off, your range of activities sound fantastic!"
"Your curriculum links come from a variety of year groups and subject areas, they’re very good examples of innovative and engaging environmental education! Your examples clearly demonstrate that staff members in your school are willing to go above and beyond to include these important issues in pupils' learning."
"Your Eco-Committee have used a wide variety of methods to inform their school community about their work including your assemblies, this shows they take pride in their achievements and are working hard to involve and educate all around them."
"Pupils and staff have become more aware of the impacts of everyday activities on the environment, this has been a huge success. It’s clearly something that pupils will be proud of and leaves a great legacy to build upon! We love your collaborative approach to creating an Eco-Code, this approach has allowed young people to take ownership and create a final code that will be treasured by everyone at your school!"
Congratulations to St Michael's Eco Committee led by Miss Lambert and Mrs Rose as well as the wider St Michael's community for all of their hard work and commitment to our planet which has led to us achieving this accolade.
Could you be a St Michael's Beach Hero?
St Michael's families clean up Whitstable
We are proud to hear that a group of St Michael's pupils and their parents organised a beach clean of Tankerton Beach in Whitstable last Sunday.
Despite the wind, cold and drizzle our Beach Heroes did really well, collecting all sorts of rubbish along the pebble beach!
National Athletics Finals 2024
On Wednesday 3rd July, four St Michael's athletes competed in the National Athletics Finals held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Many of the country's top young athletes were vying to become English Champions.
Finlay S in Year 6 qualified for the U12 Boys' Long Jump Final after becoming Kent Champion with a distance of 4.73m which was a new St Michael’s school record. Finlay came 5th in the National Final with a distance of 4.10m. The winning distance for the day was 4.40m; a great effort by Finlay!
Amelia B in Year 6 competed in the U12 800m race, running a personal best but missing out on breaking the school record by just 1 second. Amelia ran her heart out and was totally exhausted; we could not have asked for any more.
Elizabeth A in Year 6 competed in the U12 1500m race and ran superbly, giving everything. She not only beat her PB by 12 seconds but also smashed her previously held school record by 12 seconds.
Matilda M in Year 8 had a busy morning, combining the U14 75m Hurdles Heats and Final with the U14 Long Jump. She ran a spectacular time in the heats, qualifying for the Final with the fastest time. In the Final, she was narrowly beaten into 2nd place, receiving a silver medal for her efforts. In the Long Jump competition she achieved a jump of 4.80m, earning another silver medal.
All of the pupils were fantastic and all super proud of their efforts. This was a brilliant experience and hopefully, we'll be back again next year.
Steve Brightman, Director of Sport
St Michael's scientists triumph in National Quiz Final!
We were delighted to celebrate the St Michael’s Science Quiz Team achieving 4th place in this week's Online National Final. After a difficult first round, the children got into their stride, completing another four rounds without dropping a point. The level of questions went well beyond the Science curriculum as well as the knowledge of some of the adults in the room! The team's success reflects the standard of knowledge, as well as the dedication and teamwork that Theo H, Lev V, Lottie E and Thomas G have showed throughout this year during preliminary rounds, training sessions and in the Final itself.
Many congratulations!
Mrs J Clarke, Science Teacher
A Monster Calls cast present cheque to Holding on Letting Go
Our A Monster Calls cast were delighted to present a cheque to Pam Meller, Fundraising Officer at Holding on Letting Go this week. From our March 2024 school play collection and May 2024 Charity Day the St Michael's community were able to donate £1450.28 to the bereavement charity.
St Michael's donates shirts to nationwide cricket charity
As part of an Initiative Project, St Michael’s have linked up with a nationwide cricket charity, ACE Academy. In line with St Michael's values of sustainability, diversity and community, we have donated a significant number of cricket shirts for use in ACE’s Community Training sessions and matches.
The shirts were very well received when presented to them at their base, The Oval Cricket Ground; an amazing venue to visit! St Michael’s are very much looking forward to future collaborations with ACE, a project we are very much invested in and excited about.
Mrs Ward, Project Leader
Year 2 fly high in Peter Pan performance
Well done to Year 2 for a great performance of Peter Pan on Thursday afternoon. Thank you to all the parents who came to see our final Pre-Prep show. It is quite an emotional time for us all as the children move on, up to new adventures in Prep. They are all ready to take that next step.
Zerrin Leech, Head of Pre-Prep
Year 8 Leavers' Programme
Year 8 have enjoyed more trips together this week as part of their Leavers' Programme. From exploring nature in Lullingstone to cycling through Bedgebury and learning about the history of Kemsing and Hever Castle, the pupils have made many more memories together.
A delightful Summer Concert
On Tuesday night we hosted our end of year Summer Concert in the marquee, featuring over 150 pupils performing in the Choirs and Instrumental Ensembles. The evening was a joyous celebration of musical life at St Michael’s and a testament to the dedication and hard work of our talented team of music teachers and the support that they provide throughout the year.
The Concert showcased the musical talent of pupils from Years 3 to 8, with performances ranging from well-known classical pieces to contemporary favourites. We enjoyed a wonderful array of choral works from our Music Tour Choir, Treble Trouble, Cantoria, Junior Choir, Chamber Choir and Show Choir, featuring some impressive dance routines too! Meanwhile, the repertoire performed by Orchestra, Accordion Group, Guitar Club, Percussion Group, Junior and Senior Recorder Groups all impressed us with the quality of their ensemble playing and showing terrific improvement in their ensemble musicianship.
It was lovely to see the marquee filled with so many proud parents and family members who thoroughly enjoyed the evening of beautiful music. The pupils’ hard work and passion for performing shone through clearly in every performance and the evening highlighted the collaborative spirit that makes St Michael’s community unique.
Mr Baird, Director of Music
Oliver's Sevenoaks Music Festival success
Oliver S in Year 7 was invited to perform twice in the recent Festival Concert held at The Ship Theatre which was the first event of this year’s Sevenoaks Festival. It was a lovely Concert with many of the award winners from the Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival performing.
Oliver played Coffee & Croissants by Allan Bullard on the descant recorder which in the competition he was given an outstanding grading and awarded the Nannie Jamieson Award for. He also sung Close Every Door by Andrew Lloyd Webber which in the competition he won the show song classes with and was awarded the Festival Rose Bowl for. After the concert, the children were presented with their cups.
Congratulations Oliver on a particularly successful festival, winning seven out of the nine classes entered, with second places in the other two classes, and on your well-deserved awards.
The Music Department
A Message from Mrs Yarrow, our Librarian
Dear parents and pupils,
Please could you ensure that all current library loans (not just overdue ones) are returned to the Prep Library by Monday 8th July to avoid unnecessary library loan charges being added to your end of term bill.
After this date non-returned books will be subject to a small charge.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the pupils. I have enjoyed getting to know them and seeing their enthusiasm grow as they delve into different genres of books and become more avid readers. They have also shown me such courtesy daily. It has been a joy to end my working life in education in such a wonderful school.
Wishing you all a relaxing summer break and I know Mrs Citron is very much looking forward to her role as St Michael's Librarian and meeting your children in September.
Mrs Yarrow, Librarian
Both the Breakfast Club and The Hive have loved baking this week. Yummy Victoria sponges were made before our budding ‘Bake Off’ designers created two bespoke underwater themed cakes which were decorated with an array of fondant icing sea creatures, mermaids and ocean plant life.
Déjà Vu will be open on some days during the summer holidays to allow families to prepare for September. The opening 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
Summer dresses will only be available to buy until the end of term, and then be back again after the Easter holidays in 2025. From August only winter dresses will be available.
We are still offering to buy St Michael's blazers from you (size 4 and above) for £35.
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, please also contact Melissa.
Déjà Vu will be closed on Monday 8th July 2024 due to Prep Sports Day
The School Shop Summer Holiday Opening Times
The School Shop will be open throughout the summer for your back to school needs. We strongly recommend that all new parents or existing parents with lots if items to buy during the summer period book an appointment to come to the shop. If you have more than one child that require uniform fitting, please book consecutive appointments for each child. I would advise early booking to ensure that you find a convenient time for yourself as the appointments are subject to availability.
For opening times and to book an appointment please visit www.sturdyclothing.co.uk/st-michaels and click on the "opening times and info button".
Until the end of term we will be open at our usual term time opening hours:
8:00am - 9:15am: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
Should you need any further help, please do not hesitate to e-mail us at stmichaels@sturdyclothing.co.uk or call Lou on 07713 632284 and we will do our best to help.
St Michael's map - available to buy
St Michael's Parents and Friends have worked with local artist Debbie Draws Maps to create a wonderful map of St Michael's. The P&F kindly donated the murals in Pre-Prep and Prep; they are a lovely addition and the children love seeing the map of their school. Commenting on the illustrated map, Mr Pears, Head said: "We are delighted by Debbie's wonderful illustration of St Michael's which is proudly displayed in both Pre-Prep and Prep. Every little detail, from the fairies at our Fairy Tree to our Wildlife Pond, perfectly presents life at St Michael's. Thank you to Debbie for her creative work and the P & F for generously sponsoring our wall prints."
You also have an opportunity to purchase an A3 print of the map. These can be purchased from the links below:
A3 Map
£25 - once purchased, it can be picked up from the Prep Office
Please click here to buy the A3 map
A3 Custom Map
£75 - custom - includes a drawing of your children - please follow the instructions on the link for ordering your custom prints
Please click here to buy the A3 custom map
St Michael's Umbrellas
Friends for Families
One of our Parents and Friends nominated charities is looking for two new volunteers to join their trustee board.
Emma U for trying her best in everything she does
Felix B for being a good friend to everyone in class
Becca A for creating a wonderful end of year scrap book
Michael S for fantastic writing about ‘things we love in Reception’
Caspar H for showing great focus and determination when writing and always producing beautifully neat work
Jasper D for showing great understanding and making links in Maths between addition and subtraction
Tancred B for showing great interest in our Great Fire of London topic and producing a fantastic Tudor house and a book about it
Gabriella A for great enthusiasm when learning about the Great Fire of London and making a terrific Tudor house
Isabella S for writing and illustrating an amazing non-fiction book all about the Great Fire of London
Charlie B for working super hard and having a mature and positive approach to the end of term
Alex B for working hard and showing excellent perseverance with her reading
Martha S for having an excellent attitude to learning and showing enthusiasm for everything we do
Danny S for fantastic reasoning skills and problem solving in Maths
Jasmine M for great work on position and direction
Rafi O for thoughtful and sensible input during PSHE lessons
Charlie C for a fantastic solo performance of We Will Rock You on the drums in assembly. Well done and keep up the hard work!
Dan L for a confident solo performance of Old MacDonald on the piano in assembly. Well done and keep up the hard work!
All of 2B, 2P and 2SW for their outstanding performance at the end of year concert, they were simply amazing!
Swim England Awards - Learn to Swim
Duckling: Angelica H; Jasper D; Alexander K; Eren E; Dilly E; Dilan D; Phoebe D; Alexandra O; Rudy F; Allegra F; Arthur L and Theo A
Level 1: Sophia P; Michael S; Kensi W; Aliénor D; Jemima G; Ethan G; Felix B; Walter B; Max M; Leo M; Sebby B; Emma U; Lincoln L; Arthur R; Ava W and Thea L
Level 2: Woody W; Annabella N; Tancred B; Thomas D; Ivan K and Archie W
Level 3: Hattie R; Charlie C and Danny S
Level 4: Charlotte P
Times Tables Certificates
Platinum Times Tables Certificate: Rosanna C
House Point Certificates
Dover: Archie W; Beau B and Willow C
Windsor: Isla E; Florence J; Edwin L; Olivia W and Evelyn T
Leeds: Ella F
Rochester: Frank P and Bertie D
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Florence D |
For her creative and informative 3D model of the solar system |
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Anouk C |
For her creative and informative 3D model of the solar system |
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Demi W |
For his creative and informative 3D model of the solar system |
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Eliza B |
For her creative and informative 3D model of the solar system |
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Jack C |
For his creative and informative 3D model of the solar system |
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Hugo H |
For giving excellent feedback and encouragement to younger pupils |
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Erica W |
For an interesting German lesson on school subjects including a memory game |
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Louisa W |
For a fantastic German lesson on clothes including a game to create an outfit |
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Amelia A |
For an amazing German lesson on fruit and vegetables including a match up challenge |
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Lucy A |
For a beautiful and colourful German poster on animals |
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Matilda M |
For a fascinating German lesson on animals including a Monopoly game |
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Ella M |
For a fun German lesson on numbers including a snakes and ladders game |
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Teddy T |
For his excellent description of a jungle using his senses |
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Emma B |
For her excellent description of a jungle using her senses |
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Benji S |
For his excellent description of a jungle using his senses |
Hot off the press
Cían and Lana tackle British Junior Triathlon
Congratulations to Cían and Lana C who enjoyed taking part in the Dulwich-Cranbrook British Junior Triathlon last Sunday.
Cían came 2nd place in his age category (Novice 9-10 years) and Lana (who is 10) came 12th place in her age category (Novice 11-14).
Irena achieves LAMDA Distinction
Congratulations to Year 6 pupil Irena G who has received a Distinction for her most recent LAMDA exam. Irena was praised for her characterisations with outstanding focus and commitment. Keep on shining, Irena!
Sophia and Elodie win Junior Netball League!
Congratulations to Sophia E and Elodie B who were part of the Wrens CFX Team who won the Sevenoaks Junior Netball League BEE Netball B division last weekend. Keep up the amazing netball, girls!
Freya and Evelyn achieve Chinese Calligraphy award
Congratulations to Freya and Evelyn in Year 2 who received an award and prize for The 16th Chinese Calligraphy Competition.
This was organised by UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Culture Education with thousands of applicants nationally and more than 100 Chinese Mandarin schools participating. A fantastic achievement!
St Michael's pupils triumph in Bordeaux Tournament!
Congratulations to the St Michael's pupils who travelled to Bordeaux for a hockey tournament last weekend with Mrs Bingham.
The three girls' U12 teams dominated their group, winning gold, silver and bronze. Meanwhile, the U12 boys battled in their strong group coming 5th and the U10s boys secured silver in a very close Final.
Sophie N, Iris L, Anna W, Isabel E, Amelia Rose B, Kayla K, Mollie H, Elizabeth A, Amelia B, Isaac O, Ollie A and Herbie L.
Cayden and Tom's football victory
Congratulations to Cayden R and Tom B in Year 3 who won a football tournament last Saturday with Tonbridge Juniors Blackhawks. They made it to the Final after a few tough games and came home with the trophy, winning 1-0. Cayden also won the Golden Boot for top goal scorer.
Mason is named Coaches' Star Player
Congratulations to Mason T in Year 2 who has been awarded the Coaches' Star Player title by his football team, GNG Football Club in Gravesend.
Mason has shown great team spirit and commitment on the pitch this year. He always shows good sportsmanship; even when taking a loss he will shake hands with the opposing team members and congratulate them on their win. Well deserved, Mason!
Summer staff sports camps
Mr Thomas’ Summer Hockey Camp
Mr Thomas will be holding his Summer Hockey Camp at Hollybush Hockey Pitch on:
Monday 19th August to Thursday 22nd August 2024
Please click here to book.
Camp Beaumont is back this summer!
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
Use code STMICHAELS24 for 10% off your booking.
Please click the above banner for information including:
Cranbrook School Open Evening
News from Roedean School
Sevenoaks School Holiday Activity Programme
State Secondary School Open Events
Tonbridge School Summer Sports Camps
Wrotham School Transition Events
Please click the above banner for notices including:
How to spot an Asian Hornet
Sevenoaks Vine Cricket Club
Free Family Fun Days in Sevenoaks this summer
Muddy Stilettos Summer Holiday Guide
Foal Farm Country Festival
Better Body Group Kids' Summer Camp
Better Body Group Kids' Summer Camp will take place from August 5th to 8th, 11 AM - 2 PM each day. Designed for children aged 7-15, their camp includes a variety of fun fitness activities like boxing, fitness training, weight lifting and exciting competitions. It's the perfect way for kids to stay active, learn new skills and make new friends in a supportive environment. The camp costs £149. Limited spaces are available, so please send an email to enquiries@betterbodygroup.co.uk to secure your spot!
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