From the Head

From the Head of Pre-Prep

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to the second half term of Michaelmas. These are the weeks leading up to Christmas, where the fun begins to build up to the Nativities and all of our Christmas celebrations. As someone with Scrooge-like tendencies, I try to keep the excitement low until December when I finally give in to the pressure of the Pre-Prep staff and let the glitter rain down! I do accept that Nativities have to be rehearsed and songs learnt, so I am afraid you will find your child singing songs about camels and stars in the back of your car already.

Year 2 had an enjoyable day at the Horniman Museum on Thursday. Thank you to the coach driver who was here by 7am in order not to clog up Pilgrims Way. It was good to see so many Year 2 parents at the Stubbers meeting on Wednesday evening. We are here to answer any questions over the next few months. We have plenty of time to prepare your children for this amazing trip.

We have noticed a slight rise in children off sick this week. We will continue to stress the importance of washing hands with soap. If you child does have a temperature and/or complains of tummy ache, please keep them at home.

Next week we will be talking about Remembrance Day and why we wear poppies at this time. This is done with a light touch and age appropriate conversations.

For those of you with firework tickets this evening, I am sure we will all have a good time. I will be rounding up any lost children so please check you have accounted for all of your children by the end of the evening!

Overheard in Pre-Prep:

"I like jumping in the shallow end, especially in the corner as there’s more water there."

Have a lovely weekend,

Zerrin Leech

Prep Remembrance Service

On Wednesday this week, our Prep assembly focused on the Unknown Warrior buried at Westminster Abbey. I explained to the children how the body of the warrior laid to rest there was chosen, the journey the coffin took to London and the Remembrance Service that took place.

It was then explained that this is linked with the Tommy Silhouette we have on the terrace that is the focal point for our own Remembrance Service.

After recounting the story of the Unknown Warrior, we discussed the solemnity of the occasion and the children were all in agreement that following the sacrifice of so many, standing in quiet reflection for a two minute silence to remember was a small price to pay. This included if the weather is wet.

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.

Please be aware that all children are required to have both their blazer and school coat in school that day as part of their winter uniform as we will be outside for the service. For this day, can senior children please bring a black or navy coat into school.

Finally, we also discussed the wearing, or not, of a poppy. This is a personal choice. For any children or adults who wish to purchase a poppy, we have a limited number available at both the Pre-Prep and Prep Reception for a small donation.

Fraser Wiseman, Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Darker evenings at pick-up

As the winter nights become longer and the daylight starts to leave us earlier each day, I'd like to please remind parents that the post-activity pick up at 5.00pm is most likely different from the usual 4.00pm pick-up point. We have lighting on the area but it is difficult for the accompanying member of staff to keep track of the children in their care until they are handed over to you. My plea is to not add additional stress to this situation by waiting at a different pick-up area, meaning the member of staff has to leave the group they are looking after to come and check it is the parent of the child looking to leave.

Also, this is a request that stands throughout the year but is even more important at this time of year. Please do not reverse into spaces, specially when it is dark and raining, your visibility is greatly reduced and even with multiple reminders, children do not always do what is expected of them when moving to their car to be picked up. Finally, children should never be picked up from the right-hand lane, please.

Fraser Wiseman, Deputy Head (Pastoral) 

DT House Competition deadline extended!

The deadline for submissions for the DT House Competition in Prep has been extended to next Friday 14^th November. This is to allow those who need to finish their entries enough time over the weekend and next week to enter and for anyone else wishing to enter to have time to do so. Entries are to be emailed to me by end of the day on Friday.

Anneka Gilbrook, Art and DT Teacher 

Christmas Holiday Programme

We are delighted to welcome the newest member of the St Michael's team:

Patrick Bilham - Finance Assistant

Patrick recently graduated from the University of Reading after studying Business Management and Accounting, where he developed a passion for financial strategy and business analysis. Prior to this, Patrick studied at The Skinners’ School for his A-levels and GCSEs.

Patrick is excited to continue his professional development at St Michael's, where he hopes to further develop his skills in finance. He is motivated by the collaborative environment that St Michael's offers.

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys playing and watching football, rugby and cricket. He also enjoys travel where he can explore new cultures, cuisines and experiences.

Performers impress in Breakfast Concert

On Wednesday morning, the Chapel was filled with warmth and music as eighteen talented young musicians took to the stage for a delightful Breakfast Concert. Parents were treated to bacon sandwiches and other refreshments, while enjoying a rich variety of solo performances from vocalists, pianists, woodwind and string players. This concert was primarily for beginners up to around Grade 2 and reflected some great progress made in lessons this term.

Each performance reflected the hours of practice under the guidance of our dedicated team of music teachers who continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians. The atmosphere was one of pride and admiration as pupils performed with poise and confidence.

Mr Pears, reflecting on the morning, shared his heartfelt congratulations: “What a great start to the day! I’m incredibly proud of every performer. Their assured performances and the confidence they displayed were truly uplifting.”

All of the performers from this concert have earned a well-deserved Silver Star.  

Gordon Baird, Director of Music 

For a full gallery of the Breakfast Concert photographs, please click here.

Celebrating differences with Odd Socks Day

An array of spots, stripes and patterns in every colour could be seen across St Michael’s today as pupils and staff wore odd socks for Anti-Bullying Week. The odd socks, which caused lots of smiles and conversation around the school, were a celebration of what makes each of us different, special and unique.

Year 2 explore the Horniman Museum 

On Thursday, Year 2 enjoyed an exciting and educational day at the Horniman Museum. The trip began with a hands-on animal workshop where pupils explored different habitats and learnt about animals from around the world.

We then visited the aquarium to discover fascinating marine life, followed by a stroll along the Animal Walk to see live creatures up close. In the World Gallery, the children explored cultures from across the globe, gaining insight into traditions and artefacts. Outdoors, everyone had fun experimenting with the musical sculptures, creating rhythms in the fresh air. It was an excellent day filled with learning, curiosity and enjoyment for all!

Anna Windover, Year 2 Teacher

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. 

Friends for Families Christmas Appeal

This year, we are once again supporting Friends for Families, a small charity working in the Sevenoaks area to help families facing financial hardship. They provide direct, practical assistance to people who have been identified by Children’s Services as needing help, which can’t be provided by central or local government.

There are three ways you can support this year:

• Providing a child with a present up to the value of £25
• Providing a bag of food containing items listed
• Donate via Collectiv link 

If you would like to provide a present for a child, please email stmichaelspreppf@gmail.com and we will get back to you with details of the child chosen for you.

If you would like to provide a bag of food, please could they be in a non-plastic bag and contain Christmas treats such as mince pies (without added alcohol), selection boxes, chocolate coins, boxes/tubs of sweets and savoury snacks such as cheese straws, crisps and pretzels.

Please could all donations be dropped at the Pre-Prep Office by Wednesday 26th November. 

Thank you so much for your support! 

P&F Christmas Fair donations needed

P & F Christmas Wreath Workshop

Coffee Cart Opening Hours

Save the date - P & F Ball 2026

International Club enjoy Woodland Walk

The International Club hosted a morning walk on Friday 7th November in St Michael's woodlands after morning drop-off. 

The parents began the morning at the Coffee Cart before heading up the Warren and getting in their steps. 

It was lovely to catch up with the International Club; keep an eye out for future events! 

Music Scholar Profile

Clara’s Musical Achievements

It has been an exceptionally busy and rewarding year for St Michael's Music Scholar Clara in Year 8 who has embraced a wealth of local musical opportunities. Over the summer, she was awarded a Choral Scholarship at St Luke’s, Sevenoaks, where she now sings in services twice a month. She was also invited to join Outperformers, a group for talented young singers and is currently preparing for an exciting performance of the West Side Story suite. Later this month, Clara will also be entertaining shoppers at the Ightham Mote Christmas Shopping Event on Sunday 23rd November.

In addition to her leading role as Nancy in Oliver, Clara will appear with local opera company The Kitchen Opera in their March production of The Zoo by Arthur Sullivan at The Stag Theatre. This opportunity will allow her to continue developing her vocal skills under the guidance of vocal coach and former opera singer Deborah Gjeloshaj.

In October, Clara performed at Finchcocks Music Museum in Tunbridge Wells joining other young musicians in a charity concert. Toegther with her sister Theia and dad Nick she performed the trio Soave sia il vento from Mozart's Così fan tutte.

Finally, Clara was thrilled to be successful in her audition for the Kent Youth Wind Orchestra and is now looking forward to her debut performance with the ensemble in December.

Gordon Baird, Director of Music 

Players of the Match - week commencing 3rd November 2025

Cross country success!

Congratulations to River, Cian, Rafferty and Willow who participated in the West Kent Athletics Cross Country 1.2km race on Sunday 2nd November at Holmewood House School.

Rafferty placed 4th in his event, whilst River, Cían and Willow all completed their race in a swift time.

We are so proud of you all, well done!

Hugo secures spot in Kent cross country team

Congratulations to Hugo who competed with Sevenoaks Athletics Club over half term in his first Kent-wide U13 Cross Country league competition. Competing in two 3km races at Foots Cray and Somerhill, Hugo ran against a field of over 85 very talented boys from across the county. 

Both his runs were personal bests, with the Somerhill race time being 10 minutes and 41 seconds. Hugo's success in these races has seen him selected as part of the Kent team to compete at the end of November in the Southern Inter counties Championships. This will be held in London where the Kent team will compete against counties from across the South of England. 

We are so proud of you Hugo and wish him luck for the rest of this season's Kent Cross Country league. 

Edgar wins Rising Star rugby award

Congratulations to Edgar who is part of Vigo's U11 team who recently won the Defender Rising Star Cup. After a very successful morning of matches, they were able to watch a Saracens Premiership match and were also chosen as the Guard of Honour for the Saracens players coming onto the field.

Amazing work, Edgar!

Hot off the Press!

Christmas Netball Camp

Otford Methodist Church Toast Club

Follow us on social media!

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