{item_alt_tag}

A message from Mrs Knox

We have had a really super (if extremely busy) week and, as well as the usual hustle and bustle of the School day, welcomed many prospective pupils and their families throughout the week. All of these visiting pupils are to be commended for the way they participated enthusiastically in the activities throughout their taster days and, of course, to our own pupils, who welcomed them warmly.

Our Board of Governors also visited this week and thoroughly enjoyed their morning with us. As well as an entertaining Virtual Reality demonstration, they visited many lessons and spent time visiting all parts of the School. A lovely quote from Jenny Cropper: "it was so enjoyable to see first hand “a normal working day” at Duke of Kent School and to witness the energy of the teaching staff sharing their knowledge and to see the pupils of all ages really engaging with happy smiling faces!!  Without exception, each classroom we visited was light and bright, full of enthusiasm and a palpable desire to learn!". I would like to personally thank our incredibly dedicated and hard working Board for the job they do and for their careful governance of our amazing School. Have a lovely weekend. 

Mrs Knox

{item_alt_tag}

Smoking on the School site

Please can we remind all parents and visitors that Duke of Kent School is a smoking and vape free site!

Mr Southee

House Distance Challenge

Over Half Term, pupils had the opportunity to partake in a House competition to see how much distance they could cover by moving, through activities such as walking, cycling, running and swimming. It was great to see pupils from Pre-prep to the Senior School, as well as staff getting involved. As a combined total from all entries, we managed to travel 3109.9km, which would take us from Duke of Kent School all the way to a much sunnier Morocco! The totals for the individual houses are as follows, and well done to Hawk!

Hawk: 1,183.9km

Peregrine: 676.4km

Kestrel: 652.9km

Buzzard: 596.7km

A big congratulations must also go to the following individual winner in Pre prep, and the individual winners in Prep and Senior School for reaching the highest total within their Houses:

Pre-prep: Flynn H (Hawk)

Buzzard: Josh B and Sam R

Hawk: Henry G and Ben B

Kestrel: Felix B and Felix C

Peregrine: Max H and Chester S

Finally, well done to Miss Ward for winning the staff competition and helping Hawk House to the highest total! A special mention to Mrs Knox who was a close second!

Mrs Vermeulen

Ukraine Shoebox Appeal

We are asking those of you who would like to donate a Christmas Shoebox, to fill it with appropriate gifts for a boy or girl in the following age ranges; 4-7, 8-11 or 12-16. Please wrap your box in decorative paper with the lid closed and label whether your gifts are for a boy or a girl and the intended age range. To cover transport costs please could you tape £3 (a £2 coin and £1 or 3x £1) to the front of your box.

The completed shoeboxes need to be handed into form rooms by Thursday 13th November where the Charity Committee can collect them for delivery. Please remember that the Rotary can not accept liquids, powders, food items and sharp or dangerous objects.
Please see the email from Mr Green for more information.

Ukraine orphanage collection

Edie H in Year 10 is also hosting a separate collection for an orphanage in Ukraine. Last year the children loved their gifts, so thank you all for your support and donations! 

We would greatly appreciate any stationery, books, clothes, games or anything else. A box will be put up in the old hall for collections. You would be helping children who have lost their families and homes due to the ongoing war and other circumstances. Just to clear any confusion, this is different to the school's shoebox appeal. If you are putting together a shoebox, we would love any extra items you have.

K9 Rescue Ukraine

They urgently need:

• Dog food: including open kibble, as long as it's in date

• Cat, horse and donkey food

• Warm dog coats, beds and blankets

• Vet medication: can be up to 6 months out of date

• Dog bowls

• Puppy pads

There is a box in the old hall for any collections.

Mr Green

We had some very special visitors in Prep and Pre-prep today - two hedgehogs from the St. Francis Animal Care Educational Centre. Rescuer Graham, who was responsible for their care and hopes to release them back into the wild, had each class transfixed as he taught the children about these rare mammals' diet, behaviour and threats, amongst many other fascinating facts. He asked us to remind families how important it is that we are not disturbing their habitats at this time of the year, being extra careful to check bonfires before lighting them. Embracing the autumnal season, Nursery enjoyed some firework activities and made beautiful wooden poppies which you will be able to see adorning the playground fence, Reception created artwork inspired by Kandinsky, and Year 1 made a poppy wreath for Monday's Remembrance Service. Next Tuesday, we also look forward to marking 'Odd Socks' Day as a celebration of our wonderful differences; Mrs Nicholson gave an anti-bullying themed assembly this week in preparation. 

It was wonderful to invite Pre-prep parents into the department on Thursday, for meetings with Form Teachers, and we look forward to having conversations with Prep parents next Tuesday evening, too. I was particularly proud of the children this week, as we welcomed 24 prospective pupils for 2025 over two taster days. They did a grand job of hosting, as ever, ensuring their guests quickly felt at ease in unfamiliar surroundings, and were firm friends by the end of the day! One parent wrote to say: "a quick note to say a huge thank you for making our children feel so welcome today. They had a wonderful time; they said everyone was lovely and want to start ASAP if they are given a place!"

Mr Wright

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Imogen K for settling happily into School and participating in our singing classes with increasing confidence. Well done!

George VDB for settling happily into School life and for his active participation throughout the day.

Reception: Emilia VDB for fantastic effort in writing activities, your letter formation is getting better each day.

Ellie F for amazing independence in everything she does, from swimming to classroom activities.

Year 1: Hector E for his amazing enthusiasm with his writing, Hector works so hard to do his best and is superb enthusiastic.

Heidi A for being so helpful, Heidi has great initiative and is always willing to help everyone in class.

Year 2: Eliza H for fantastic work in English this week. You punctuated your questions correctly and worked with great focus and care.

Mrs Ragless

After a couple of weeks to recharge, pupils have returned ready to learn in this joyful half-term leading up to the Christmas holidays. This time of year is always a favourite, and despite the shorter, darker days and the chill settling in, the warmth of the fire, cheerful atmosphere, and Christmas spirit begin to emerge. There's much to look forward to, with the senior production cast diligently learning their lines, a full line up of hockey, netball, and football matches, and the excitement of Christmas carols and celebrations just around the corner.

On Monday morning, we will hold our Remembrance Service to honour those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts. It is always a poignant moment, as our whole school community comes together to reflect in a shared act of remembrance. A reminder that poppies are still available to purchase in the school office if needed. 

With a positive start to this half term, many pupils have been working diligently and have achieved the significant milestone of earning 25 Merit points. Today, they joined Celebration Snack Break to recognise and celebrate their hard work and commitment.

A huge well done to:

Hubert S, Norah H, Henry S, Erin C, Sascha H, Max S, Edie H, Benedict L, Chris M, Francesca R, Maggie B and Lucy M. 

A special congratulations to Harris H-H for exceeding 100 Merit Points and receiving his recognition badge, to Henry C for surpassing 200 Merit Points and earning his recognition badge, and a huge congratulations to Ben J for gaining an impressive 300 Merit Points and earning his recognition badge. 

Mr Wyllie

The Performing Arts Department is gearing up for a crazily busy half of term!

Please check the calendar for dates for the Senior School Production, the Prep School Christmas Concert, the Nativity and the Carol Service.

From Monday 11th November tickets will be available to the wider School community for our Senior School Production of 'All Shook Up' - please email bookings@dokschool.org to reserve yours.

Rehearsals are intensifying and the cast are working incredibly hard! Don't miss your chance to come and watch the pupils perform brilliantly in this funny and heartwarming musical. Featuring the amazing songs of Elvis it is a story of mistaken identity, love, romance and rock'n'roll!

Mr Rye
{item_alt_tag}

Netball: U14/15 v. Kingswood House

On Tuesday, the U14/15 A Team had their first Netball match of the season against Kingswood House School at home. The opposition put out a mixed side and it quickly became apparent that they were less experienced than Duke of Kent School. However, the team were really happy to be back on court, there was some lovely fluent passing between players and the shooting looked on song for this early stage in the season. Duke of Kent School won the game comfortably and a special mention goes to Edie H for her great leadership skills as captain and Josie M for her well deserved player of the match award.

Mrs Dann

Years 3 and 4 Mixed House Netball

The Year 3 and 4's had their second House sports competition of the year, this time round netball was on the cards for the excited pupils. With the 'High 5' format this gave everyone a chance to give every position a go and allowed for rolling changes throughout the matches. With some breakthrough players and some who have played before the matches were competitive and thrilling. With a big thank you to all who came to watch, the support and cheering really gave all those who played a boost on a chilly day. The results of the afternoon are: 4th Hawk, 3rd Kestrel, 2nd Buzzard and our winners, Peregrine. Well done to all and to those who received stars for: kindness and effort, those being: Felix B, Finn H, Sienna DPL, Matila T, Daisy W, Maz M, Daniel L, Alfred A, Olivia H, Arthur M, Pia S and Dagney N. 

Mr Hewitt

Years 5 and 6 Mixed House Netball

The first House sports competition for Years 5 and 6 arrived on Wednesday with the weather cold but thankfully dry. With two games playing at all times the action was full on. A great competition with mixing positions and teamwork on show, all were in for a treat. It was great to see both the boys and girls being competitive but yet fair in the hope of gaining the all important win for their house. It was an amazing afternoon with the results as follows: in joint 3rd were Kestrel and Hawk, 2nd place went to Buzzard, meaning a big congratulations to Peregrine. Well done to all those who participated and thank you to parents for showing your support.

Mr Hewitt

What Parents & Educators Can Learn from the Ofcom Media Report 2024

On 19th April 2024, Ofcom released its annual Media Use and Attitudes Report, detailing the findings of several surveys and their implications for parents, children and young people in the UK. These statistics often include plenty of thought-provoking information relating to online safety.

The report itself is extremely extensive, so instead we've provided a bespoke selection of data gathered by Ofcom about children and young people’s experiences on social media, video games and the like. Check the guide for a thorough breakdown of the headline findings.

Click the link to view the "Ofcom Media Report 2024".

***Also, Internet Matters is a great website that can help you deal with online issues, give you advice for different age groups, and give you step-by-step guides for setting controls for various devices.***

Mr Boden
{item_alt_tag}

A warm welcome back to all the pupils from their half-term breaks, whether they ventured far or stayed near, enjoyed Halloween and fireworks or opted to do something different. I trust it was a great opportunity to recharge emotional and physical batteries and reset for the second half of the Autumn Term, which will be particularly busy for some.

This week, 4-8th of November, acknowledges International Stress Awareness Week - an opportunity to reflect on our own stress levels and consider how we can monitor and manage them. Pupils (and adults) will often forget to consider this until a crisis point is reached and this week is a reminder that we should practice regular self-care by allocating de-stress time before we are overwhelmed. This could be indulging in creative pursuits, such as: PADoK’s Watercolours Christmas card painting workshop: listening to music: exercising: taking part in a loved but often neglected hobby: relaxing as you find beneficial and taking time to focus on yourself.

A preventative approach is by far preferable as once we reach stress crisis points it is more difficult to find a way forward with managing our overwhelm.

See these tips for managing stress from the NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/tips-to-reduce-stress/

Mrs Douglas

We have received a handful of reports of vomiting across the School community this week.  A reminder that we follow UKHSA guidance that asks for anyone experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea to stay away from School until 48 hours after the last episode of either.  (Please see section 8 of the First Aid policy available on the School website).  We would also ask parents to continue to ask children to use good and regular hand hygiene at home and at School to help with infection control.  

Please remember to contact us at School (absences@dokschool.org) before 08.45am if your child is staying at home unwell (an update each morning would be appreciated).  Thank you.

The School Nurses

PADoK News

Please note that the Bags2School collection is on Monday 18th November.  Bags have been sent home so please check your children's School bags.  All bags to be brought in on Monday 18th at drop off, PADoK Reps will be there to take them from you.  Can we ask that you check what they can and more importantly what they can't accept.  Many thanks.

PARADOX PARLOURS ESCAPE ROOMS PRESENTS:

LICENCE TO DECODE

Last few tickets available for the following event.  Please book by Wednesday so we know numbers. 

Friday 15th November 7.45pm – 10pm in the PA Hall

  • 4 rounds of codebreaking
  • Immersive interactive spy themed puzzles
  • Live leaderboard
  • Will your team be crowned the elites?
  • Teams of 4 to 6 players.  

Book at padok@dokschool.org with your child’s name and year group please.  Do book as a team (come up with a good name) or individually and we can make up teams. 

Cost: £15 per head.  Any fundraising will be for SARCOMA UK

Cocktail bar (card only) or BYO drinks and nibbles (and glassware)

PADoK Clubs:

PADoK Walk

Tuesday 12th November 8.30am at Hurtwood Car Park 3, Pitch Hill.  Come and join us for a relaxed walk.  All welcome.

Duke of Kent Flyers – Netball training 

Monday at 5:30 – 6:30pm

The DoK Flyers meet on the Netball courts on the Front Pitch by the School drive twice a week.  Do come along if you would like to start playing – new players or beginners are always welcome. 

Duke of Kent School Singers

Thursday at 08:20 – 09:00am

Calling all Singers Great & Small!

We would like to welcome anyone who might be interested, to pop along for a cuppa at our next session on Thursday 14th November in the Meeting Room off Old Hall at 08:20.

Please come to relax, sit and listen or join in if the mood takes you! We would so love to see you if you have the time.

On Thursday we had such a fun session this week! 15 of us made it and enjoyed some lovely stretches, vocal warm ups, released a few tensions and then worked on our 2 part harmonies for ‘California Dreaming’ by The Mamas & the Papas. It’s really coming together now. Surprising how much singing we get done in our 30/40 mins together, especially considering all the laughing we do!

Any queries or to express an interest please don’t hesitate to drop me a note. Hope to see some new faces next week!

Cathy - 07813 282910 or email: rhodricathy@sky.com

Important Note: please always park at the bottom of the site and walk up to Old Hall.

PADoK Core Control

Strengthen your body, improve your health with our Physio-Led Stability Group. Friday morning at 08.30 in Ness Hall

Do you have new fitness goals or want to build on what you are already doing?  Julia is a physio who will help build your core strength and help your fitness training.  We would love to see you on a Friday morning 08:30-09:00 for a quick weekly input r ee(little and often is the key to building long term goals!) 

Please contact Julia direct to complete a medical form.

Julia Rowe (julia@therunningspecialists.com 

PADoK Book Club – 21st November

Our PADoK Book Club choice for the Autumn Term is “You are Here” by David Nichols, of One Day fame.   We look forward to catching up with you about the book when we meet up on Thursday 21st November at 8pm in Old Hall.

Summary below:

Sometimes you need to get lost to find your way. Marnie is stuck.  Stuck working alone in her London flat, stuck battling the long afternoons and a life that often feels like it's passing her by.
Michael is coming undone.
Reeling from his wife's departure, increasingly reclusive, taking himself on long, solitary walks across the moors and fells.
When a persistent mutual friend and some very English weather conspire to bring them together, Marnie and Michael suddenly find themselves alone on the moor.

Mrs Phillips and Mrs Horsburgh

Senior School optional hoodie

The Senior School hoodies have been redesigned by members of the School Council and the finished product can be seen below. They have done a fantastic job at putting this design together and now finally getting to see the finished product.

This new hoodie is available from Stevenson's on their website: https://www.stevensons.co.uk/.  There is also the option to have your child's initials printed onto the front of the hoodie for a slight additional cost, something we would advise, to avoid mixing up tops with other pupils. This hoodie is not an essential item of School uniform, so there is no expectation for pupils to have it.

If you wish to see the sample, please pop into the Main Office and have a look.

{item_alt_tag}

School social media

At Duke of Kent School we have three social media platforms; Instagram (dukeofkentschool), X (@DoKSchool) and Facebook (Duke of Kent School). All of our social media accounts are public.

We recommend following all three accounts to receive push notifications with news, updates, educational articles, interactions with other schools, communities and public figures.