From the Head

From the Head of Pre-Prep

Dear Parents, 

The glorious weather has made for a lovely week in Pre-Prep. The children have been having lots of fun in the garden at playtimes. There are so many different games going on every day: dancing, singing, football, climbing, chasing, building, playing houses, collecting bugs, making nests, arranging exciting environments for fairies, gymnastics, role playing superheroes, mums and dads, Elsa, the list goes on and on and it is all made better in the sunshine. 

Year 1 had a great trip to Knole House on Tuesday. Many thanks to the Education Team at Knole who do such a brilliant job.  

On Tuesday 14th October, it is our Open Class Event, where you are able to pop in and view your child’s classroom and their achievements so far this term. This isn’t a parent/teacher consultation session, it is just for your child to share their experience of school with you. Please let us know if you or another family member can’t attend so that we can arrange alternative adults who are available for your child.  

On Wednesday 15th October, we will be holding our Senior Schools Fair in the evening. All parents from all years are welcome to come along and have a look at the range of schools that could be available to your child when they move on from St Michael’s. This is held in our Prep Sports Hall so make your way along to the doors which open out onto the Prep Playground.  

Reception will be heading off to Godstone Farm on Thursday 16th October. The coach will be leaving St Michael's at about 9.30am and will return before the end of the school day. Year 2 children will be joining in with a Drumming Workshop at Prep, also on Thursday.  

On Friday 17th October, the Year 2 children will be demonstrating their ball kicking skills in the afternoon from approximately 1.30pm. If the weather remains nice, this will be held on our grass pitches. If we have some rain throughout the week, it will take place on the Astro pitches. 

Overheard in Pre-Prep: 

Teacher: "How many of you have seen a real mermaid flapping her tail?"

Various children: "Me!" "I have!" "Me!" "And me!"  (There were so many!)

Have a lovely weekend, 

Zerrin Leech

Calling all St Michael's Equestrians!

St Michael's has been represented in the past at competitions run by the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA). If your child is interested in competing either individually or as part of the St Michael's team, please get in touch.

Regular showjumping competitions are held at different locations in the South East, from grass roots starting at 40cm to 1m qualifiers, these are well-organised and great fun. We would love to have pupils represent our school again this year.

Please contact Mr Brightman for more information at sbrightman@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk.

Design Technology House Competition

Important Safeguarding Notice: Children’s Spy Books

We want to make you aware of a recent issue affecting some popular children’s books by Andrew Cope, including the Spy Dogs, Spy Cats and Spy Pups series. Please note that we do not currently have any of these books in stock in our school Libraries and have had no related issues but we would like to bring the matter to your attention as a precaution.

Some editions of the books include a printed web address at the back. This link used to go to the author’s website but the domain is no longer under his control. It has since been taken over by another party and now leads to inappropriate adult content.

The publisher, Puffin, has paused sales and distribution of the books and is working with schools, libraries and retailers to remove copies from circulation. They have stressed that the website has no connection to the author or publisher.

What this means for you:

• If your child has any Spy Dog, Spy Cat or Spy Pups books at home, please check the back for website links and make sure they do not try to visit the site
• It is safe for children to continue reading the stories themselves - the concern is only with the outdated link
• We recommend talking with your child about the importance of not following web addresses in books without checking with an adult first

Gordon Baird, Designated Safeguarding Lead

St Michael’s Remembrance Service

Our Remembrance Service will take place on Tuesday 11^th November on the terrace at the front of the Prep building. It will start at approximately 10:45am and conclude at 11:10am.

All parents, extended family, friends and Old Michaelians are welcome to attend. Tea and coffee will be served in the Chapel immediately following the service.

All children from Prep attend the service.

Fraser Wiseman, Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Wear yellow for World Mental Health Day (Prep)

To mark World Mental Health Day on Monday 13th October, we are asking Prep children to wear a yellow accessory to school with their normal uniform to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing. There is no charity donation required for this. 

Thank you in advance for your support!

St Michael’s Senior Schools Fair 2025

Event programme now available to read

We look forward to seeing all St Michael's families at our Senior Schools Fair next Wednesday 15^th October. 

Please click here to view the event programme for the evening including information about all of the schools you will have the opportunity to meet. 

A reminder that this event is for families across the school from Nursery to Year 8; we encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to begin thinking about your child's future senior school. This event takes place at St Michael's every three years so even if your child is in Pre-Prep currently, they will be further up the school by the time of the next event. 

Our Senior Schools Fair is a valuable opportunity for you to meet representatives from a large variety of senior schools to identify which you are interested in exploring further with your child. We are pleased to be welcoming 35 senior schools to host stands at the event which all have something different to offer your family. Unfortunately, Tonbridge Grammar School can no longer attend this event. 

Celebrating Black History Month

As part of our school celebration of Black History Month, in Chapel this week pupils learnt about the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. 

Harriet began life as a slave and worked on the plantations from a very early age. After a terrible accident left her partially disabled, she embarked on her quest for freedom, escaping to the free Northern States of the USA. 

After not being happy with that, she then returned to the South, initially to lead her family to freedom but later was responsible for saving 70 people from the horrors of slavery. She later became a supporter of the Women's Suffrage Movement and was committed to philanthropic work for various disabled groups. 

Harriet really embodies some of the Christian characteristics we have been discussing in Chapel since the beginning of term: love, selflessness, determination, perseverance in the face of adversity and courage. She leaves an incredible legacy and her story helps us to appreciate the freedoms we are accustomed to today.

Laura Shield, Head of History and Religious Studies

A trip to Knole House for Year 1

The Year 1 children thoroughly enjoyed stepping back in history during our trip to Knole House on Tuesday 7th October. 

We identified artefacts from Tudor times and tried to guess who they might belong to. We also explored the different types of jobs that people had during these times. None of us fancied being in charge of the chamber pot!

We were shown around Knole House and explored the different rooms including the Brown Gallery and Ballroom. 

Some of our highlights included dressing up in different Tudor costumes, measuring the age of different trees and spotting the deer around the park. 

Sarah Gorton, Year 1 Teacher

U9 girls crowned Champions at Hawthorns Hockey Tournament

On Thursday 2nd October, the U9A girls’ hockey team travelled to The Hawthorns School to take part in the first ever U9 Hawthorns Hockey Tournament.

The tournament started off strong with the girls winning 3-0 against Halstead St. Andrew’s School in their first match. They then went on to beat Reigate St. Mary’s School 4-0, showing some excellent teamwork. 

The final group match was against Hazelwood School. After conceding an early and very soft goal, the girls showed great determination to equalise. Despite not scoring, their superior goal difference meant they still finished top of the group.

In the Semi-Final, they faced Russell House School. The girls put on a brilliant display of attacking hockey and won 3-1, securing their place in the Final against Hazelwood School. 

By this stage, the team had adapted to the slow, sandy pitch and began to play some flowing, confident hockey. They saved their best performance until last and defeated Hazelwood School 2-0, meaning they were crowned as the tournament Champions.

Every player should be incredibly proud of their efforts and achievements. We look forward to seeing how they continue to develop in their lessons and future tournaments.

Team: Anika B,  Ilse A, Elise A, Zoey Y, Charlotte P, Freya E and Ella M

Joel Thomas, Head of Boys' Games 

Year 4's roarsome day at Port Lympne zoo

On Friday 3^rd October, Year 4 enjoyed a fantastic visit to Port Lympne zoo. Despite the unpromising weather forecast, the rain mostly held off and we were fortunate with the range of close-up animal encounters we had, including brown bears, lions, tapirs, cheetahs and rhinos. We enjoyed an informative talk about gorilla behaviour and their diet from an expert keeper and we rounded the day off with an exciting safari truck ride!

Louise Medd, Year 4 Teacher 

Somerhill Cross Country success

On Thursday 2nd October, St Michael's headed to Somerhill for a great afternoon at the annual Somerhill Cross Country Competition. All the children ran brilliantly in their races and we had some great results.

A fantastic run by Willow C saw her finish in second place in the U9 girls' race. Raphael O also had a superb run, placing third in the U9 boys' race.

Additionally, the U9 boys' team came 2nd overall and the U13 girls' team came third overall. We are extremely proud of each and every one of you, well done St Michael’s Cross Country team!

Teams:

U9 Girls: Willow C, Serena G, Gabriella A, Florence J, Harriette R and Isla E

U9 Boys: Raphael O, Rafferty R, Elliott M, Reuben S, Jude S and Arthur G

U11 Girls: Saskia E, Grace L, Miranda H, Erin T and Olivia Downey

U11 Boys: Cían C, Ben C, Edward H and Benji S

U13 Girls: Grace P, Kayla F, Scarlett M, Lana C, Isla J and Jessica H 

U13 Boys: Hugo M, Thomas G, Finlay S, Ruaridh O, Viggo W, Lex B and Herbie L

Nicky Denton, Head of Girls' Games

U11 girls shine in Kent IAPS Football Tournament

Last week St Michael’s U11A girls' football team made their competitive debut at the Kent IAPS Tournament hosted by Bede’s School on. After just three cold early-morning training sessions, this was the first time our girls had played together as a team. While we didn’t bring home any silverware, we brought back experience, teamwork and a few bruises worn with pride.

The opening match against Cranleigh School was a whirlwind, with both teams eager to impress. Despite the 0-1 loss, our girls showed real grit. Saskia E was fearless in goal, making some brilliant saves, while Amy H and Evelyn T tackled really well. In our second match against Lewes Old Grammar, the girls spread the play well, found their rhythm and both Elodie B and Ayla A scored, securing us a confident 2-0 win. 

By the third match against Brighton College, the girls were passing, tackling and scoring like seasoned pros. Sophie E was a wall in defence, Ellie S and Ella D combined well down the left wing and Beatrice B and Elodie B were playing well all over the pitch. The final score for this game was a 4-1 win, with goals from Ellie S, Elodie B and two from Ayla A. 

Our next match was against Hoe Bridge, a school known for its footballing prowess. However, our girls weren’t intimidated and denied Hoe Bridge any clear chances to score, ending with a 0-0 score. 

After narrowly missing out on the Cup Semi-Finals, we entered the Plate Competition. Despite tired legs and fading energy, the girls rallied to beat Hurstpierpoint College 2-1, with Elodie B and Ayla A once again finding the net.

The Plate Final was a rematch against Lewes Old Grammar and while the girls had beaten them earlier on in the day, this time they had the edge. Our girls gave it everything but the match ended 0–3.

To say I’m proud would be an understatement. The girls supported each other, grew as a team and showed what St Michael’s is all about. From nervous first touches to confident finishes, they have come such a long way in such a short time and this is just the beginning.

Well done, girls. You’ve made me very proud. Onwards and upwards!

Team: Saskia E, Sophia E, Amy H, Elodie B, Ellie S, Ella D, Beatrice B, Ayla A and Evelyn T

Steve Brightman, Director of Sport

U10s compete in Rose Hill Hockey Tournament

On Saturday 4th October, the U10 girls competed in the Rose Hill U10 Hockey Tournament which was played both indoors and outdoors.

In our opening match, we faced Holmewood House School indoors and struggled to find the back of the net. Despite creating plenty of chances, we couldn’t convert and two late goals in the second half meant we lost our first game 0-2.

Our second match took us outdoors against Saint Ronan’s School where the girls looked far more comfortable. They played with confidence and control, securing a dominant 7-1 victory.

Next up were the hosts, Rose Hill School in another outdoor match. The girls continued their strong form, working hard for a tight but well-deserved 2-1 win. Our final outdoor game was against The Mead School where we produced another impressive performance, winning 7-0.

Unfortunately, our final and most decisive game was back indoors against Somerhill School. Despite once again creating numerous chances, we couldn’t convert and went down 1-3, meaning the girls finished in 3^rd place.

The girls should be extremely proud of their efforts and the quality of hockey they played throughout the day, particularly their outstanding performances in the outdoor matches where they truly dominated.

Team: Saskia E, Alice H, Evie T, Evelyn T, Olivia D, Ellie H and Lyra S

Joel Thomas, Head of Boys' Games

St Michael's U11 Community Football Tournament 

Our annual U11 Community Football Tournament took place on Monday morning in glorious sunshine with ten enthusiastic teams participating. 

Throughout the tournament, players showcased an impressive array of skills - from bicycle kicks and rabonas to long-range efforts and clever back-heel finishes.

The boys and girls demonstrated creativity, flair and sportsmanship, making for an exciting and entertaining morning of football. Both the Cup and Plate Competitions saw closely contested Semi-Finals, with one match in each going to penalties and the others decided by narrow one-goal margins.

St Michael’s narrowly missed out on a place in the Cup Final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Amherst Primary School which went to sudden death following a series of expertly taken penalties.

In the Finals, Seal Primary School emerged victorious in the Plate Competition after a hard-fought match, while Amherst Primary School retained the Cup title for the second consecutive year, capping off a remarkable performance.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the teachers, pupils and parents who took time out of their day to support and participate in the tournament. Your enthusiasm and commitment helped make the event a resounding success.

Sandy Godoy, Community Sports Development Manager

New Eco Committees announced!

We are delighted to announce our new Eco Committees in both Pre-Prep and Prep for the academic year ahead. Miss Lambert and Mrs Rose were really pleased with the number of applications received and can't wait to see what ideas the new committees have.

Big Litter Pick

St Michael's Eco Club invites members of the St Michael's community to take part in our Big Litter Pick this year. Don't forget, you can borrow litter pickers from the Pre-Prep and Prep Offices during term time!

Please visit our Learning Development Parent Guides page for a collection of valuable resources for parents, focusing on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Here you'll find a variety of courses and information designed to support you and your child. Whether you're looking for educational materials, support groups or expert advice, these resources aim to provide the guidance and assistance that you need. We will update the resources each week so please keep checking this page. 

Pre-Prep's new Samba Group!

Pre-Prep have begun a new Samba Group after school on a Friday, run by Mrs Crane and Mrs Churchill. The children are learning different samba rhythms, discovering a varied array of percussion instruments and exploring the vibrant background of Samba music. Most importantly, they are having lots of fun and learning to play together as an ensemble. Who knew that a Friday afternoon could sound so much like the Rio Carnival?

An introduction to the brass family

In Music lessons, pupils in Years 3 and 4 have enjoyed an introduction to the brass family by our specialist brass teacher, Mr Maslin. During the demonstrations, pupils listened to short performances on each instrument, learnt how they produce their unique sounds and then everyone had the opportunity to play the trumpet and the trombone. There were so many pupils who showed lots of potential in achieving a really great sound and we hope to welcome some new brass pupils in the very near future.

If you would like to encourage your child to learn a brass instrument, with a view to joining one of our instrumental ensembles as they make progress, then please get in touch for further information or click on the link below to apply.

You can find more detailed information on instrumental Music lessons by clicking here. 

For more information please send enquiries to Music@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk

Click here to apply for Prep Peripatetic Instrumental lessons

Plant daffodils with the St Michael's community

P & F Christmas Wreath Workshop

P & F Christmas Fair Farmers' Market

Save the date - P & F Ball 2026

Players of the Match - week commencing 6th October 2025

Sophia and Ruaridh to play for Kent Pumas in Sweden!

A huge congratulations to Sophia E and Ruaridh O who trialled for Kent Pumas last week and have both been selected for the Pumas A teams for U11 girls and U13 boys. This means they will play for their respective Pumas age group team at the annual Gothia World Cup in Sweden.

Well done Sophia and Ruaridh, this is an incredible achievement!

Our second-hand uniform shop, Déja Vu is now open five days a week, Monday to Friday. 

Foal Farm Halloween Trail

Otford Solar System Model

Follow us on social media!

Make sure you are following St Michael’s social media channels for important updates and content throughout the year.