From the Head

From the Head of Pre-Prep

Dear Parents,

It’s been another busy week at Pre-Prep. Thank you all for coming to the Open Class Event after school on Tuesday. The teachers agreed that it was wonderful to see how excited the children are to welcome mums and dads in and how proud they are to show you what they have been learning in their classrooms. Our aim has always been to do one of these events per term per I am looking at the week before the May half term for the next one.

I was very impressed with the imaginative ways children were wearing their numbers to adorn their school uniform on Thursday. Children all enjoyed their additional number work with all sorts of games going on in their classrooms.

This afternoon our Year 2 children took part in their Matball tournament at Prep. A huge thank you to Mr Davies for organising this, the Prep Sports staff and our lovely Gap Students for running the afternoon.

On Monday next week, our Year 2 children will be joining Year 3 for their Maths Challenge morning. Additionally, on Tuesday we will be talking to the children about staying safe on a computer.

Year 1 children will be taking part in their Pirate Day on Thursday so all Year 1 children will be dressing up as pirates. Please don’t panic if your child isn’t in Year 1, it is a normal school uniform day for everyone else in Pre-Prep!

We break up at the end of the day on Thursday 13^th February for half term and return on Monday 24^th when we will all be looking forward to Spring.

Overheard in Pre-Prep: "I need to clean the table as it’s my birthday!"

Have a lovely weekend,

Zerrin Leech

Last day of school before February half term

Please note, the last day of school before February half term is Thursday 13^th February. Friday 14^th February is not a school day.

St Michael's swimmers head to IAPS Swimming Championships

Wishing the best of luck to the 23 St Michael's children attending the IAPS Swimming Championships on Monday 10^th February. 

House Drama Duologue Competition 2025

Finalists announced

After a fiercely fought competition which saw 80 children across Prep compete in the heats round of the 2025 House Drama Duologue Competition, the finalists for the grand Final on Monday 10^th February at 6pm are as follows. Congratulations to all who entered and break a leg finalists!

Juniors (Years 3+4)

DOVER: Saskia E and Evelyn T (Pygmalion)

LEEDS: Albie C and Zach V (The Sword in the Stone)

WINDSOR: Elise and Ilse A (Parent Trap)

ROCHESTER: Florrie B and Serena G (Anne of Green Gables)

DOVER: Alice H and Charlotte D (After The Ball)

Seniors (Years 5-8)

DOVER: Theo S and Oliver N (Waiting For Godot)

DOVER: Isabel E and Sophie N (Little Women)

LEEDS: Clara H and Oliver S (Blood Brothers)

LEEDS: Rayaan G and Hugo M (War Horse)

WINDSOR: Anna W and Iris L (Parent Trap)

WINDSOR: Marney B and Araya J (Alice In Wonderland)

ROCHESTER: Belinda B and Marianne B (Electra)

ROCHESTER: Isabelle D and Isla J (Selfies)

Guest judge: Mike Darbon

We are thrilled 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!

Safer Internet Day 2025

Safer Internet Day 2025 will take place on the Tuesday 11^th February 2025 with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online'.

Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety. Each year we cover an online issue or theme that speaks about the things young people are seeing and experiencing online. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.

At St Michael’s, children in Years 1 to 8 will be taking part in a range of assemblies and activities, ranging from exploring signs of a scam to what a phishing attack looks like and how to protect your profile online.

This may prompt questions at home, so with that in mind, please follow the link below to access useful Top Tips for Parents and Carers:

Tips for Parents and Carers - UK Safer Internet Centre

House reading competition

Today's assembly saw the launch of the inaugural Prep House Reading Competition. Children will receive a stamp on their bookmark every time they read a book from one of the ten given categories. Stamps will go towards each child's house, with the trophy being awarded to the winning house on Friday 2^nd May. This is a collective rather than individual competition.

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

U11s win silver at Hawthorns Netball Tournament

On Saturday 1^st February our U11 netball team represented St Michael's at The Hawthorns School U11 Netball Tournament.

It was a dull and damp morning but this did not affect the standard of the netball in any way. This tournament was a 5-a-side Stinger Netball tournament which meant the girls had to change positions in a set order at half time and also at the end of each game; they all therefore had to shoot goals as well as defend.

With 5 teams in our group, the girls got better and better as the morning wore on. Their first match was against Downsend School - a very strong team and, although the girls played well, they lost this first game 3-6. They then had some great results against Hawthorns - winning 6-2, Feltonfleet - winning 8-2 and Caterham - winning 12-3. This put the girls through to the Semi-Final as runners-up of our group where they faced St George's. This was a strong team who initially took the lead 2-0. However, our girls fought back to win 3-2, meaning they had reached the Final!

In the Final the girls faced Downsend again, winners of the other Semi-Final. This was a well-fought game with some great netball from both teams, but unfortunately our girls lost that game 3-9. Consequently, they were runners-up of this tournament and were awarded a silver medal! 

The girls all deserve a mention for playing so well - Grace P, Mollie H, Isabel E, Sophie N, Abigail S and Amelia Rose B! Well done girls!

Many thanks to the parents who came along to support. 

Mrs Wade, Sports Coach

Year 3 Rocks Day

Year 3 have been lucky enough to welcome ‘Rocks Man’ into class over the past two weeks as part of our Science topic on Rocks, Soils and Fossils. From investigating the properties of rocks to making their own fossils, the whole year group were completely engaged.

I think their favourite part by far was creating their own exploding volcanoes, with some of them even hitting the ceiling! Thank you so much to Mr Bonner from The Education People for three amazing and interactive days.

Mrs Davies, Year 3 Teacher

U8s win Hazelwood Netball Tournament

The U8 girls had their first experience of a netball tournament on Thursday 6^th February at Hazelwood School.

This tournament was a high-five tournament, so there were only 5 players on the court at any one time and they all had to rotate on and off in a set rotation of positions. There were 8 schools represented and the tournament was played in a round robin format, meaning each team played all the others. This led to lots of netball for the girls and, despite it being tricky and requiring them to swap position every match in a game that they are only just learning, they all coped really well and some great netball was played.

The results of the matches are outlined below:-

v Holmewood House - drew 0-0

v Walthamstow Hall - won 3-1

v Royal Russell - won 3-0

v Hazelwood - lost 0-1

v Sevenoaks Prep - won 5-0

v Somerhill - drew 2-2

v Granville - won 1-0

The girls should all be really proud of themselves and how well they played. They were very excited when the results were announced - with our U8A team being the winners of this tournament! Every pupil played well and gave it their all! Well done, girls! 

Thank you to the parents who were able to support the team at this tournament.

Mrs Wade, Sports Coach

U11s shine at Solefield Rugby Festival

Last Saturday St Michael's U11 boys' rugby team participated in the annual Solefield Rugby 7s Festival at West Heath School.

The St Michael’s team began strong, securing an impressive 3-0 victory against The Hawthorns Prep, with William P impressively scoring all three tries. The boys showcased excellent defensive skills throughout the match.

In the second game, our boys faced a tough opponent in Sevenoaks Prep. The match was closely contested, but unfortunately, it had to be called off early due to a head injury sustained by one of the Sevenoaks Prep players.

The final two games were equally competitive. Despite some unfortunate errors, the boys put up a valiant effort narrowly missing out on victories. Nevertheless, the team gained valuable experience, showed fantastic camaraderie and thoroughly enjoyed the morning, bolstered by the enthusiastic support of their parents. Congratulations boys, we are very proud of you all!

Team: Misha B, Nik B, Thomas G, Tristan H, Ruaridh O, Adam O, William P, George W and Robert M.

Mr Brightman, Director of Sport

U11As win silver at St Michael's Netball Tournament

It has been a very good week for the U11A netball team.

On Wednesday 5^th February, our U11A team took part in the St Michael's Netball Tournament. This tournament was a 7-a-side tournament which meant that there was no set rotation of players.

With 4 schools in each group, the girls had 3 group games to try and qualify for the Semi-Finals. The girls had a strong start and their standard of play got better as the afternoon wore on.

There was some dynamic play and excellent shooting as well as superb defending and intercepting. The group results were as follows:

v Kent College - won 7-1, v Hazelwood - won 4-2 and v Holmewood House - won 6-0. This meant the girls sailed into the Semi-Final as winners of their group where they faced the runner-up of the other group. This was a game against Somerhill and after a strong performance the girls won 6-3, leading to a meeting with Russell House in the Final.

The Russell House girls had also had a very good afternoon, winning their group matches with ease leading to a much anticipated match between our two schools. This match was "nip and tuck" for the first half with our girls leading 3-2 at the break. In the second half, the score reached 5-5 with the goals going on the centre passes. However, right at the end Russell House pulled away and won 7-5, meaning our girls won the silver medals as runners-up of the tournament.

The girls should all be very proud of themselves and how they played. They fought right to the end and definitely gave Russell House their toughest match of the afternoon.

What a great way to end the netball season girls - I am very proud of you all!

Mrs Wade, Sports Coach

U11B Team win St Michael's Netball Tournament

St Michael's U11B team recently participated in the St Michael's Netball Tournament, showcasing their exceptional skills against opponents such as Radnor House, Walthamstow Hall and Hazelwood. Their performance was nothing short of remarkable, particularly when shooting which proved pivotal in their journey to the Semi-Finals.

Facing Hilden Oaks in the Semi-Final match presented a challenge, however the girls displayed commendable determination and teamwork. They diligently focused on maintaining excellent footwork and ensuring their passes were precise. The team's efforts paid off as they emerged victorious against Hilden Oaks, propelling them into the Finals.

The Final against Somerhill was a thrilling encounter, characterised by outstanding connectivity in passing and aggressive drives towards the ball. The team's shooting was, once again, exemplary. In the end, the girls triumphed, winning the tournament—a thoroughly deserved achievement. Congratulations girls on your fantastic success!

Miss Rodwell, Sports Coach

National Science Quiz Competition

Last Tuesday a group of eager young scientists gathered to take part in the Semi-Finals of the National Science Quiz competition. Lottie E, Thomas G, Theia H and Isaac O worked collaboratively to answer questions on a wide range of Science topics from space to chemicals, anatomy to inventions with the obligatory dinosaur picture which was met with instant identification!

Although correct answers came thick and fast, the competition was very strong and sadly the team narrowly missed out on a place in the Finals this year.

The Science Department are very proud of our team’s performance and wish to thank Zi Chen G and Silas C, earlier participants in the competition, for their support and Mr Smith for ensuring the technology worked.

Mrs J Clarke, Science Teacher

Second hand wheelie bags available

We have a number of old second hand wheelie bags. We are looking to give these away for free on a first come first served basis. They are not new and have a varying amount of 'wear and tear' but please do pop in and have a look if interested. 

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.

Shh! Mum’s the word this week as the Breakfast Club and The Hive have begun crafting their very special and unique gifts for Mother’s Day. In The Hive, we've also been busy creating little 'Ziggles' made from wool. The children have loved wrapping, cutting and styling their own delightful creations.

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.

Rudhi C for great participation during our Maths activity on capacity

Molly F for an interesting, fun and informative Show and Tell about axolotls

Samuel S for wonderful participation and contributions during our Maths lesson on odds and evens

Olivia P for a fabulous effort in all areas of school life

Stefania M for embracing ‘brave writing’ to write great sentences

Talia N for great focus in lessons and fantastic effort with her writing

Leena I for great participation in Phonics and trying hard with her reading

Tiara A for writing a wonderfully descriptive pirate adventure story

Thea L for writing an imaginative pirate story including lots of descriptive language to interest the reader

Leo M for consistently working with focus and determination to produce work of a high standard

Alex K for fantastic engagement when writing his own version of A New Home for a Pirate

Ralph P for enthusiasm and hard work in our Phonics lessons

Charlie E for showing great perseverance in our lessons on number bonds

Reuben S for writing an interesting diary entry as Neil Armstrong on his moon landing

Thomas D for excellent use of his division skills when finding more than one solution

Archie W for excellent work in Maths, using arrays to represent multiplication sentences

Grace F for a brilliant diary entry written as Neil Armstrong, travelling to the moon!

Leo V for great use of time connectives when writing a diary entry about the moon landing

James C for fantastic Maths work on division

Max Z for his confident demonstration and explanation of different scales on the piano to his peers. His fantastic performance and ability to share knowledge greatly impressed everyone. Keep up the great work!

Ivan K for outstanding engagement and dedication in Music lessons. His enthusiasm and commitment have greatly contributed to his musical growth. Keep up the fantastic work!

Reuben S for consistently working hard and doing his best in his Music lessons. His dedication and effort makes him a great role model to his peers. Keep up the excellent work!

House Point Certificates 

Leeds:  Leo M

Times Tables Certificates 

Bronze Times Tables Certificate:  Angelica H; Lila P; Arthur R; Tancred B; Gabriella A ; Thomas D and George P

Players of the Match – week commencing 3rd February

Thomas' golden taekwondo debut

Congratulations to Thomas who took part in a taekwondo sparring competition last weekend. Despite it being his first competition and being the most junior belt in his group, he showed determination and perseverance in every match, ultimately winning a gold medal in his group. Keep up the great work, Thomas!

Joining London's Lunar New Year Parade

Congratulations to the pupils who took part in the Chinese/Lunar New Year Parade in London on Sunday 2nd February.

Kent County Swimming Championship success

Congratulations to the pupils who took part in the recent Kent County Swimming Championships. 

Miranda qualified for 5 events, swam 5 personal bests and got into 4 Finals, with a 4^th place finish in the 50m breaststroke. 

Kayla qualified for a whooping 13 events! Unfortunately, Kayla was very unwell and missed a lot of training leading up to the event, but she did well and was the reserve finalist in multiple events.

Nathan entered the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke and 200m Individual Medley events. In the 50m breaststroke he came 15th, in 100m breaststroke he achieved a personal best and got to the Final which he finished 10th in, and in 200m breaststroke he finished 5th overall; winning a medal and personal best time. Additionally, in the 200m Individual Medley Nathan finished 16th. 

Guitarists impress at Chichester Music Festival

Congratulations to the St Michael's pupils who took part in the Chichester Music Festival on Saturday 1st February. The children performed brilliantly and were presented certificates by Birmingham Conservatoire guitar professor Mark Ashford. In the 'Over 1 year tuition Novice II class, Jacob won 1st prize and took home a trophy whilst Ilse was highly commended and awarded a medal. 

Meanwhile, in the 'Grade 4 and Under Class', Espen was highly commended and Daniel won 1st prize with a trophy. 

World Book Day at Chiddingstone Castle

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.

Follow us on social media!

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