A Message from Mrs Knox

It has been a pleasure welcoming the students back after their Christmas break, relaxed and ready for the challenges of the new term. We are delighted to welcome three new members to our team: Mrs Browning, School Receptionist, Ms Sheldon, Prep School Teacher and Mr Petch, Assistant Facilities Manager. I have just returned from an interesting and informative Heads ISA conference where we heard from some excellent speakers on a variety of educational topics. It also gave me the opportunity to reflect on the latest thinking on school leadership and finally to network with fellow Heads. A very worthwhile two days. Have a lovely weekend and good luck to our year 11s as they commence their mock GCSEs next week.

Ski Trip 2019 - Les Deux Alpes

We were greeted in Les Deux Alpes with an Alpine wonderland of fresh snow and white tipped peaks following a metre of snow which had dumped in the resort prior to our arrival. An early start was required to get 90 through ski fit and onto the slopes ready for ski school at 10! With blue sky and perfect skiing conditions we couldn’t have asked for a better start.

Throughout the week the behaviour of the pupils was exemplary and it a real delight to hear so many positive comments about the politeness and conduct of the pupils from instructors, shop owners and hotel staff. The progression of the pupils was incredible and is was a pleasure to see them develop in confidence, and speed!

A few end of term winter bugs dampened the spirits of some and it was a hard for those that were poorly on the trip. Overall though, it was a tremendous trip with some amazing experiences and really exceptional skiing.

A few highlights can be seen in a short video at: 

Mr Seeley

Charity News

Over the last term staff and students at Duke of Kent School have put a great deal of effort into our charitable commitments. This was particularly evident over the Christmas period where money was raised through the Duke of Kent School Bake Off, the Prep School Christmas Fare and donations made after our carol service in St Nicholas Church. In addition, our merry band of carol singers, 'The Scrunch Bunch', led by Mr Rye, Miss McAuley, Mr Kay and Miss Barnes, raised a considerable amount of cash, as well as people's Christmas spirits, singing in the local community.

In just one term we have raised well over £1000. As you will know our students have chosen to split the School's charitable giving this year between sponsoring Zack's education at our link school in Tanzania and children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent. Zack is making really good progress through Year 5 at Morogoro International School and is an integral member of the School's rugby and football squads. Without our support he would have no access to education this academic year. This would have a long term impact on his prospects in a country where youth unemployment is extremely high. CLIC Sargent have touched the lives of members of our School community through their work with families of children with cancer. It is a real pleasure to be supporting them. Later this term a representative from CLIC Sargent will be coming into speak with students and they are hoping to run a workshop with the Charity Committee.

We have also had some great news from Salima LEA in Malawi with whom we have worked in recent years. The teacher's accommodation that we have funded is now nearing completion needing just the windows fitting. In a letter Hary Nyadira, the Head of Salima LEA said;

"Salima LEA School expresses their gratitude to the funds Duke of Kent School has given them to build a teachers' house . Teachers’ houses play a big role in Malawian Education system as it promotes a number of factors including offering extra classes for the Standard 8 class that has seen the school performance adjusting upwards. In addition it will save me walking a long distance to deal with emergencies happening around the school because the house has been built in the school campus. I am so excited that finally the school’s dream has been fulfilled! We have a resource centre at our school housing special needs learners who need proper care and support, previously it was not possible for me to monitor them during night hours and weekends’’.

None of this charitable work would have been possible without the School Charity Committee. A big thank you should go to Matty S, Sophie D, Ben P, Charlie C, Ariane L, Annabelle R, Ella S, Harry D, Izzy P, Blue R, Isla W, Heath P, Jack P, Sydney R, Henry R, Isla B, Daisy N, Matilda R, Daisy R and Lucy P.

Mr Watson

School Instagram Account

We have now launched a school Instagram account which will give all members of our School community an instant insight to what is happening around school, in lessons and upcoming events.  This is a private account and you will need to request to follow the account.  It is also only open to members of the school community and not to the public or people not known to the school.

Please find a link below to the account: Duke of Kent School Instagram

Miss Vernon

Sports Performers of the Week

Cross Country 2

Congratulations to Matty S, Minnie C, Tom H, Luca H, Jack B, Rufus B, Will R, Emily B and Violetta P for qualifying to represent the Waverley District Cross Country team at the Surrey Schools Cross Country Championships. The event takes place at Reigate Priory Park on Saturday 18th January. Good luck to all the runners!

Mr Herbert

Pause for Thought

Welcome back! I hope you all had a peaceful and restful break and are raring to go into 2020!

As we start this New Year together, a prayer....

As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends.

Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color or creed.

Let us keep God of our own understanding in our hearts and to chant God's name each day. Let us lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth and from wrong to right.

Let us remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none.

May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. May God's blessings shower upon you and bestow upon each of you a bright, healthy and peaceful new year.

You are more than welcome to come and join me for coffee, pastries and prayer for our school community next Wednesday 15th after drop off, meet in the Old Hall.

With every blessing

Rev'd Kia