A Message from Mrs Knox

The Virtual Macmillan Coffee Morning was another fabulous example of the way we are doing things a little differently this year, and yet, still connecting with one another. Thank you to PADoK for hosting these super year group events. I would also like to applaud Martha McA, our Deputy Head Girl, who has been running a School Macmillan cake sale for six years now and, despite being unable to do so this year, is still raising funds for this important cause.

I have been asked many times this term how we are managing in these rather unsettling times. My aim right from the beginning has been for the important and fundamental things for the children to remain the same. Yes, we are having to adapt and behave differently. Yes, we have social distancing protocols, hand washing, one way systems and bubbles in place. Yes, we are unable to play inter school matches and have new procedures we have to observe. However, whilst these things are at the heart of keeping one another safe, they do not define us or the children. What defines us is the Duke of Kent School spirit, the ambitions we have for every child and an uncompromising demand that our value of kindness is upheld in everything we do. We continue to modify our approach as regulations change and yet, there is a huge sense of optimism and a relentless determination to ensure the year is full of learning, friendship and joy. Thank you for the part you play in this.

Mrs Knox

Car Parking and Pick Up

As you know car parking and pick up times are an ongoing issue with us.  With this in mind we would like to remind all parents that, at the end of school, the parking places at the top of the site are for pre-prep parents only. If you arrive too early you are likely to be asked to do loops, a punishment indeed!  There is some scope at pick up times to come a little later.  You may pick your child up anytime between 4.45 and 5.15, or 6.00 and 6.20 and spreading the collection times will ease the congestion at the school.  We know that we do not have a perfect system and we are constantly reviewing it but we would like to thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Mr Macdonald

Growth Mindset – Asking for Help 

 “Sometimes it takes more courage to ask for help, than to do it alone.” 

This week’s Monday morning assembly on Growth Mindset was about asking for help, because sometimes it takes more courage to ask for help than to act alone. Let’s face it, life can be challenging. Learning to ask for help is an incredibly important life skill and can help you overcome adversity.  

In our assembly Charlie C and Alex L were given the mission of seeing who could eat the most Maltesers, with a long-extended spoon, that made it a virtually impossible task. After several failed attempts, the audience was asked for suggestions to help solve their difficulties. After some discussion, Macy B recommended that with a little teamwork the job would be easily completed. Here was a task that was impossible to complete alone, but very easy with help from a friend. 

Many students often struggle asking for help because they are worried about appearing weak or unintelligent. However, requesting support when you need it is a strength, not a weakness. As Mark Amend points out in his famous motivational quote: “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it”. 

As teachers, we know that if students have the confidence to learn this important skill, they will continue that practice it throughout their lives. Evidence suggests that those who learn to ask for help are also learning how to build meaningful relationships with others. If you request the support of others, they in turn with have the confidence to ask for your help when they need it.  

Mr Seeley  

Macmillan Cake Sale

Hi, I'm Martha McA, Deputy Head Girl, this Friday would have been my sixth (and sadly my last) year running a School Macmillan cake sale. Due to the current situation and all the restrictions in place, I am unable to run this big event. I do however, feel that I should do what I can and so I have made a fundraising page through Macmillan.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marthamcauley

I am hoping I can get some loving support from the school community.  I have always has so much help from everyone in the past and I am sure COVID-19 won't stop me from raising money in my final year to a charity that is so close to my heart.

Thank you so for any donation and your continued support with my annual fundraising event, I really appreciate it.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Martha McA, Year 11

Senior School Council 

Last week students across the Senior School put forward nominees and voted for this year's Senior School Council. The Senior School Council meet to share their concerns and ideas about School life from the student point of view. Their discussions are fed back to the School's leadership team, giving our community of young people a strong, influential and professional student voice, capable of affecting real change. If there is anything our students would like to bring to the attention of teachers and School leaders the Senior School Council will act as their representatives.

In their very first meeting the Senior School Council hit the ground running with a discursive, scoping review of whole School feedback on last year's period of remote learning. The Council made some astute observations, that will support teachers in the effective delivery of learning through the newly introduced Google suite. They also recognised the hard work that went into planning their lessons over the period, as well as the 'behind the scenes' work of support staff.

This year the Senior School Council will be led by Year 11 Prefects, Daisy M and Zara H, who have already been busy formulating the Council's mission statement for 2020-21.

Duke of Kent School Council 2020

Mission Statement:

"The mission of Duke of Kent School's '2020 Student Council', is to improve the School through feedback from the student body and our teachers. We strive to make the School a better place and endeavour to leave it improved for future pupils. These improvements will help not only the students, but the teachers too, to get the most out of their time at Duke of Kent School."

This statement is clear, positive and progressive, and I am confident that Zara and Daisy will lead the Senior School Council effectively to fulfil its ambitions.

Mr Watson

A 'Twist in the Tale' House Competition

What if Snow White had six dwarves instead of seven? What if Cinderella didn't lose her shoe at midnight? This week's house challenge was to write a 'Twist in a Tale' story. The students were asked to choose a well-known story or fairy tale and write a short story that changes part of the original story. Congratulations to Whittle who came top in this competition! The results are as follows:

1^st- Whittle 

2^nd- Chichester 

3^rd- Armstrong 

4^th Hillary 

We thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's entries - there were some that were quirky, amusing and some which were a simple stroke of genius! Well done to everyone who entered - you have all earned 3 house points for your House! 

Miss Anand

Pre-prep Stars of The Week

Nursery -  Ottilie H for settling into Nursery with an excellent attitude and super listening skills.

Reception - Elsie S for showing a wonderful, positive attitude in all lessons and kindness to others. 

Year 1 - Douglas S for settling in so well and for your amazing art work. 

Year 2 - Oscar F for having the confidence to work independently and for showing great focus in Maths. 

Mrs Henry

Prep School News

Prep School have been redoubling their efforts this week to follow our no-touch policy at break times, and Chloe, our School Nurse, has been particularly pleased. Taking responsibility for our own actions in this way shows maturity and consideration for others, and we have been celebrating these traits in other ways too. Our line-up for School Council is now complete, and all those who stood to be elected - whether successful or not - are to be warmly congratulated.

The announcement of Year 6 House Captains, too, was greatly anticipated, and the Prep School teachers feel confident that Heath P (Whittle), Lucy P (Chichester), Rhys W (Armstrong) and Jamie C (Hillary) will fulfil their duties sensibly, and with great enthusiasm.

Values Certificates this week were awarded to:

Jasmine W (Year 3) for showing kindness towards her peers.

Arthur D-K (Year 6) for taking responsibility for protecting the environment, creating a stunning series of campaign posters that we have been marvelling at along the Prep corridor this week. He's inspired the whole department, gaining many signatures for various personal pledges.

Lastly, please remember that all Prep pupils must have a coat, waterproof trousers and wellies in School at all times; Autumn has most certainly arrived in the last few days, and we want the children to be outside at break times, come rain or shine.

Mr Wright

E-Safety Tips

Have they shared embarrassing images?

Remind your child that these images are their digital footprint for years to come. Future employers may check social media platforms before offering a job. Advise them to use settings to only let them share with friends they know. If they're not comfortable wearing it on their T-shirt, then they shouldn't put it online.

Mr Boden

PADoK News

We are pleased to say there is now an outdoor storage box outside the Second-uniform shop.  Please can we ask that you use this to drop any uniform you wish to donate or sell in the shop rather than the school office.

Macmillan Virtual Coffee Morning

We held a Virtual Coffee Morning today in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. A charity to close to so many of our Duke of Kent School community.

We have set up an online fundraising page so if you would like to donate anything at all, please follow the link below.

Thank you so much for any donations made, it is hugely appreciated and we will keep you posted on the grand total.

https://thyg.uk/BUU004650662

PADoK Dog Walk

The next PADoK dog walk will be held on Friday 2nd October. We will be departing from Hurtwood Car Park 3 at 08.30.  We will set off in groups of 6 to comply with current restrictions.  All welcome with or without dogs! We look forward to seeing you there!

Mrs Phillips, PADoK Chairlady