From the Head

From the Head of Pre-Prep

Dear Parents,

We have spent the week celebrating the Lunar/Chinese New Year. The children have enjoyed learning about the pearl of wisdom and different classes have made dragons, masks or lanterns. Thank you to Mrs Tsang who came in to tell Reception all about the Chinese New Year. Happy New Year to those of you who are celebrating the Year of the Snake.

Next Tuesday you are invited to pop in and have a look at your child’s classroom. This Open Class event will run from 3pm for Pre-School and Reception, and from 3.15pm for Years 1 and 2. This way we hope to spread the traffic getting in and out of school a little more. The paid activities will still go ahead but not the unpaid activities as the teaching staff will be in their classrooms. We are finishing at 4pm on Tuesday as we have staff meeting.

On Wednesday 5^th February the Year 2 children will have a workshop run by the NSPCC about Speak Out, Stay Safe. This encourages children to tell an adult they trust about anything that worries them. We had an assembly on this topic this week.

We are also having a number day on Friday where we would like all children to wear something number related. I don’t think they do a birthday badge for my age so I may have to take a few years off! Please note this is a number accessory added to your school uniform, not a football shirt.

On Friday 7^th Year 2 will be having their Matball Tournament in the Prep Sports Hall at 1.30pm. Year 2 parents are welcome to come and watch from the viewing gallery next to the Swimming Pool. Please enter through the White Doors at Prep where you will be met and signed in by our helpful Year 8 pupils. Please join us for a tea or coffee back in the Pre-Prep Dining Room at the end of the tournament

Overheard in Pre-Prep: "Teachers just love snacks, don’t they?"

Have a lovely weekend,

Zerrin Leech

A visit from author Claire Hatcher-Smith

Pre-order books for your child

We are looking forward to welcoming children's author Claire Hatcher-Smith to St Michael's with Sevenoaks Bookshop on Tuesday 4th March 9-10am to speak to pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5. 

In advance to Claire's visit, parents have the option to pre-order books from Sevenoaks Bookshop for their child which will given to them on Tuesday 4th March.

Parents of children in all St Michael's year groups can pre-order books from Sevenoaks Bookshop to be delivered on this day.

Please click here to pre-order books for your child

NSPCC activities at St Michael's

This week our school assemblies and form classes have focused on the important Speak out. Stay safe. resources from the NSPCC. These sessions are designed to empower our pupils with the knowledge and confidence to speak out about any worries or concerns they may have and to seek help from a trusted adult.

We are pleased to announce that representatives from the NSPCC will be visiting our school next week to conduct workshops with pupils. The workshops will delve deeper into safeguarding themes, helping our children understand how to stay safe and seek help when needed.

We believe these activities are crucial in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all of our pupils. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

To further promote the important work of the NSPCC next week, Years 1 to 8 will also be taking part in NSPCC Number Day on Thursday 6^th and Friday 7^th February. Over the course of the two days, pupils will get the opportunity to share Maths activities with children from a different Key Stage during Maths lessons, take part in our ‘Mystery Number’ competition on Thursday and improve their rock star status in the TTRS NSPCC Rocks Competition on Friday. On Thursday 6^th February all children in Pre-Prep and Prep building are invited to wear a 'number-themed' accessory to school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Please click here for more information about the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe. programme

House Drama Duologue Competition 2025

Guest star judge announced

Mike Darbon

We are thrilled to announce that Mike, a distinguished figure in the world of film, theatre and television, will be joining us as the guest star judge for the upcoming St Michael's House Drama Duologue Competition.

Mike's extensive career spans various facets of the entertainment industry. He has made significant contributions to both film and theatre, but it is in the realm of television where his expertise truly shines. With a wealth of producing experience, Mike has been involved in some of the most iconic TV shows including Doctor Who, Casualty, EastEnders, Dalziel and Pascoe, Dangerfield, Silent Witness and many more.

His vast knowledge and experience in producing high-quality television dramas make him an invaluable addition to our judging panel. Mike's keen eye for talent and his deep understanding of the intricacies of performance will provide our participants with insightful feedback and guidance.

We are excited to welcome Mike to St Michael's and look forward to the inspiration and expertise he will bring to our competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to showcase their talents and learn from one of the industry's best.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable event!

Contest dates

Heats: Monday 3rd, Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th February (All day- pupils allocated audition times in advance) 

Finals: Monday 10th February - Juniors and Seniors from 6pm (drinks from 5.30pm) in the Drama Room 

Junior Division: Years 3 and 4 

Senior Division: Years 5, 6, 7 and 8  

Using a published (can be online), play script (no film or TV scripts or self-written), pupils form into pairs (both from the same house) to perform a chosen section of between 2 and 5 minutes in length. There should be a spotlight on character development and conveying emotion through the use of a dramatic text. Props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the pupil to contextualise the performance and state the title and the author if they wish, but this is not compulsory. Contestants must supply an original, unmarked copy of the script upon entering the room. Marks will be lowered if the script is not supplied. All sections must be presented from memory- no scripts will be allowed for performance.  

Marking

Each section will be marked out of 25 TOTAL /100  

SECTION 1 - USE OF VOICE

Candidates will be expected to show appropriate use of pitch, pace and tone to convey meaning and interpretation of the text. Diction and clarity will be an important part of this.

SECTION 2-CHARACTERISATION

Candidates will be marked on creation of believable characters in both appropriate vocal choice and physicality, including movement choices. The use of additional mediums including props and costume will be considered.

SECTION 3- FOCUS AND COMMITMENT

Candidates will be marked on their ability to sustain their characterisations, know their text and demonstrate their relationship to the audience.

SECTION 4-INTERPRETATION OF TEXT

Candidates will be marked on all their choices in respect of the actual text, including observing period, style and context. House points avail for all entering 

Kent Wildlife Trust inspire St Michael's

We were delighted to welcome the Kent Wildlife Trust to speak to children in Pre-Prep and Prep on Wednesday this week.

The assemblies were about the main reintroduction species projects for bison, beavers and birds as certain species of these had become endangered or extinct in the UK.

There was also discussion about what we can do to become more eco-friendly and sustainable at school and how we can help through taking part in the Wilder Kent Awards.

The children were fascinated by the content and at the end of the assemblies asked great questions. 

Miss Lambert, Environment & Sustainability Lead

Encouraging open conversations at home

Introducing boundaries for screentime at home can involve some tricky conversations and differences of opinion! 

Following on from the webinar on screentime with Dr Aric Sigman, our poster this week contains 10 top tips for parents to help encourage open conversations at home. From creating ‘safe spaces’ to maintaining regular check-ins, having these tricky conversations now could help to keep lines of communications open as children get older.

Year 4 light up London's O2 with Young Voices

Last Thursday, Year 4 pupils had the incredible opportunity to perform at the O2 Arena in London as part of the Young Voices Choir Concert. This annual event brings together thousands of children from across the country to sing in one of the world’s most iconic venues.

The excitement was palpable on board the coach and upon arrival: they joined a vast sea of young singers in the auditorium, all eager to showcase their hard work and talent. The afternoon rehearsals were led by the principal conductor, David Lawrence who ensured that the almost 8000-strong choir practised their harmonies and choreography to achieve an impressive choral sound.

As the lights went down, the atmosphere in the arena became electric and the children sang with energy and passion. The concert featured popular classic hits to contemporary favourites and included guest appearances from dance troupes, rappers and professional singers, leaving the audience in awe.

The evening would not have been possible without the months of singing rehearsals with Ms Balcombe in Music lessons, the organisational skills of Mrs Scott in helping parents with t-shirts, tickets and logistics, and the teamwork and support of the Year 4 teachers throughout. We are very proud of Year 4 for their hard work, enthusiasm and resilience and a big thank you to all who supported them by coming to see the show. Well done, Year 4!

Mr Baird, Director of Music

Lunar New Year celebrations

We have enjoyed celebrating Lunar New Year at St Michael's throughout this week.

On Tuesday Reception learnt all about Lunar New Year with St Michael’s Mandarin Club teacher, Mrs Tsang. During the interactive session the children discovered Chinese traditions with highlights including trying on colourful outfits and taking part in a dragon dance.

Meanwhile, children across Pre-Prep have also been learning about Chinese music and dragon dancing in their Music lessons with Mrs Crane.

Additionally, a delicious meal made by the Catering Team on Wednesday helped us to celebrate the wonderful flavours and delicacies of Chinese cuisine.

St Michael's U9s compete in Tonbridge Rugby Festival

We were thrilled to send St Michael's U9A boys’ rugby team to the annual Tonbridge Rugby Festival, held in the picturesque grounds of Tonbridge School on Wednesday this week. The tournament is a magnet for local prep schools and the competition is fierce with no easy games in sight.

The St Michael's boys, however, were undeterred and ready to rumble. They kicked off their campaign with a bang, winning their first two games against New Beacon with a nail-biting 5 tries to 4. Adil F was on fire, scoring all five tries as part of a brilliant team effort.

The boys continued to shine, working tirelessly in both defence and attack resulting in a 4-1 victory against Littlegarth School. Adil F once again touched down twice with Jacob F and Cayden R adding the other two tries to the tally.

Next up was Hawthorns School. This game was a real thriller with St Michael's taking an early 2-0 lead thanks to Adil F's tries set up by Albie C’s sharp awareness and perfect passes. However, Hawthorns roared back with 4 unanswered tries. Ben C then went on a weaving run to score a well-deserved try to set up a tense finale but it wasn’t enough and the game ended 3-4 in Hawthorns’ favour.

In the final game, our boys had given their all and were understandably exhausted. The match was a bit scrappy and we lost 2-3 to Milbourne Lodge, with Albie C scoring a well-deserved try. Despite this, the St Michael's boys finished in a respectable 3rd place overall.

The tournament was a fantastic showcase of rugby and it was wonderful to see the team camaraderie, humility and respect displayed by all of the boys. The Sports Department is incredibly proud of St Michael's boys’ efforts and excited to see how they develop in the coming years. Well done, boys!

Team: Fadil A, Albert B, Harry B, Ben C, Matthew D, Jacob F, Ted H, Cayden R, Benji S and Albie C.

Mr Brightman, Director of Sport

A Creative Arts trip to remember

This week our Year 7 pupils along with Year 8 Drama and Music Scholars embarked on an unforgettable trip to London filled with learning, fun and inspiration.

Our day began at the Prince of Wales Theatre where the pupils participated in an exciting musical theatre workshop led by industry experts from the renowned production of Les Misérables. The workshop provided a unique opportunity for our Scholars to learn from professionals, honing their skills in acting, singing and stage presence. The pupils were engaged and enthusiastic, absorbing valuable insights and techniques that will undoubtedly enhance their future performances.

After the workshop, we headed to Pizza Express for a delicious meal. The pupils enjoyed a variety of pizzas, pastas and salads, recharging their energy for the rest of the day's activities. The meal was a perfect blend of tasty food and lively conversation, allowing everyone to relax and bond over their shared experiences.

The highlight of the trip was attending a live performance of Les Misérables at the Noel Coward Theatre. The pupils were captivated by the powerful performances, stunning set designs and emotional storytelling. Watching the show after participating in the workshop gave them a deeper appreciation for the hard work and talent that goes into a professional production. It was an inspiring experience that left a lasting impression on everyone. 

Overall, the trip was a fantastic success. The pupils not only learnt a great deal about musical theatre but also had a wonderful time. The combination of hands-on learning, delicious food and a world-class performance resulted in a truly memorable day.

Special thanks to Mr Baird, Miss Balcombe and Mr Powell for organising and leading this incredible experience.

Commenting on the trip, Year 8 pupil Jamie said: “Wow, that was stunning!” whilst Belinda added: “That was so much fun, I’m exhausted, but it was worth it."

St Michael's is shortlisted for two national awards

St Michael's is delighted to be shortlisted in two categories of the 2025 AMCIS Impact Awards.

The AMCIS Impact Awards, which recognise excellence in admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools, are open to over 580 AMCIS member schools from across the country. 

St Michael's has impressed in the Branding and Digital categories of this year's awards for the school's new website design and use of videos across digital platforms. 

Commenting on this year's award entries, AMCIS CEO, Tory Gillingham, said: “These awards acknowledge the professional development and practice of AMCIS members, and the positive impact of well-executed admissions, marketing and communications in helping schools to thrive. We are delighted that so many schools have continued to support these awards in such a challenging year for our sector. Our congratulations to all the shortlisted schools and to everyone who took the time to submit an entry.”

The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony during the AMCIS Annual Conference in May.

Camp Beaumont returns to St Michael's this Easter

Children's activity provider Camp Beaumont are returning to St Michael's over the Easter holiday from 7th to 16th April 2025.

Camp Beaumont is running at offer until Monday 10th February including prices from £40 per day.

Use discount code STMICHAELS25 for an extra 10% off your booking.

Please click here to book your child's space.

This week, the Breakfast Club, Mini-Hive and Hive have enjoyed creating a variety of imaginative artwork. They transformed pom-poms into robins, painted underwater scenes, designed blankets for teddy bears and crafted spotted Chinese New Year snakes.

For more information about the Hive or Breakfast Club or to book in your child, please contact Nicky Smith at WrapAroundCare@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk.

Isla M for developing her independence and being more confident to say when she needs or wants something

Margaux B for being a kind and sensible member of her class and always doing the right thing

Alex L for listening carefully to our story about Emily Brown

Archie W for his fantastic attitude towards learning, especially in Writing this week

Aslan P for always showing kindness to his friends and being a wonderful role model

Rain K for creating a fantastic pirate acrostic poem

Mason S for working particularly hard on his handwriting whilst creating his pirate acrostic poem

Kensi W for a beautifully illustrated and labelled pirate treasure map using verbs

Dilan D for always listening carefully to instructions and striving to add interesting detail to his work

Max M for writing more than ever before in his acrostic poem

Peter C for imaginative and creative ideas for his acrostic poem  

Lincoln L for carefully answering 2 step problems and finding change for different items when spending £2

Alex B for producing a beautiful timeline about the events in Neil Armstrong's life

Thomas R for excellent effort across the curriculum, particularly in Religious Studies

Harry S for always having a positive attitude and for putting 100% into every lesson

Angelica H for a beautifully presented and well-explained booklet about fossil formation

Owen J for fantastic mental maths skills when using money

Lottie B and Iona H for excellent written work in French

Felix B and Helena H for excellent counting in French

Dilly E for always listening carefully and trying his best in Swimming

House Point Certificates 

Rochester: Martha S

Windsor:  Ivy R

Times Tables Certificates 

Bronze Times Tables Certificate:  Ivy R; Tancred B; Gabriella A; Ivan K; Rupert D; Reuben S; Luca A and Millie W

Players of the Match – week commencing 27^th January

Oliver, Albie and Isaac's storm-battling hockey victory!

Congratulations to Oliver, Albie and Isaac who were part of the U10 Knole Park hockey team to win their category at the Canterbury Hockey Tournament last Sunday. Despite playing in horrendous weather conditions, they didn't concede any goals in any of the 7 matches. 

Adam and Hugo's U12 hockey triumph!

Congratulations to Adam and Hugo who were part of the U12 Sevenoaks Hockey Club team to win the Canterbury Hockey Tournament last Sunday. The boys played a full day of hockey including seven matches against clubs from across London and the South East. The team was victorious in winning five matches and drawing two which gave them the points advantage to win the tournament. The boys showed remarkable resilience against tough opponents and also against the driving rain and wind. Well done boys!

The Pink Kitchen Valentine's Cake Decorating Class at Otford Memorial Hall

Otford Village Fete 2025 Poster Competition

Kemsing Cricket Club

Kent Fostering

Half Term Staff Sports Camps

Mr Thomas' February half term hockey camp

Mr Thomas will be holding his Half Term Hockey Camp at Hollybush Hockey Pitch on:

Monday 17th February

Tuesday 18th February

Wednesday 19th February

Please click here to book.

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