A Message from Mrs Knox

Our Bursar, Mr Stacey and I met with a group of pupils this week to talk through their ideas for our School to become more sustainable. We discussed electric buses, reducing food waste, the cost of electricity and the small things we can all do to make a difference. Children care deeply about the environment and have a real desire to protect our planet. Our sustainability committees in both Prep and Senior School are working towards an Eco-School accreditation, engaging with the issues and developing an action plan. The green light has been given for the DfE to develop a new GCSE called “Natural History”. This course will enable students to develop an understanding of the natural world from their own local wildlife to global challenges like climate change and sustainability. It won’t be available for a few years yet but we will keep you and the pupils updated. The Forum Garden will come to life tomorrow as we build the raised beds, the greenhouse and plant the seeds. Do join us if you have a space hour in the morning. Have a lovely weekend. 

Mrs Knox

Pre-prep School Spring Concert

Last Friday afternoon Pre-prep pupils welcomed their families for our postponed Spring Concert. As always the children did a remarkable job of taking to the spotlight and performing with great courage and enthusiasm. Throughout the concert, pupils showcased a variety of instruments and skills that they had respectively been rehearsing in music lessons, 1:1 peripatetic sessions and lunch time clubs. 

To begin, Nursery donned their animal masks to perform 'Down in the Jungle' with accompanying actions. Our 'Cello babies' then took to the stage to perform ABC Zoo. Our Year 2 violinists then joined the Cello babies to perform a 'jig', before playing a pizzicato piece, without their bows. Joey S, Year 2, performed an eerie guitar piece called 'Spooky' before Reception sang to us about the Bare Necessities. Daniel L, Year 1, performed 'EGBG's on the guitar, followed by Year 2's rendition of All About You by McFly. Following his air guitar playing in the class song, Tombi W, Year 2, then performed Song 2 by Blur on the drums. Year 1 sang a beautiful African song of welcome, named 'Si Si Si' before the entire department stood up to give a final rendition of Mr Fizz, a song first written and created by Duke of Kent School Year 2 pupils in 2015 and which has become an institutional element of our department and the Spring Concert.

There were smiles a plenty for the duration of the show, from both the performers and their audience. Our sincerest thanks to Mr Rye and the Pre-prep staff for the time and attention given to prepare the pupils, and thank you to the parents for joining us, we hope you enjoyed it!    

Photos can be found through the link below:

https://www.dukeofkentschool.org.uk/gallery/?pid=3&gcatid=2&albumid=59

Mrs Green

On Wednesday morning Mrs Blunden hosted an assembly about the violin for the Prep School. Mrs Blunden has been playing the violin since the age of five and wowed the children with a variety of songs, culminating in some Disney classics! Well done to Simon, Year 3, for also showcasing his skills on this fantastic instrument. Mrs Blunden will be holding free trial lessons on violin on Wednesday 11^th May at school and will have violins available to use on the day for those who are interested. If your child would like to participate in a free trial lesson please email hblunden@dokschool.org with your child’s name and class.

Some wonderful weather and our beautiful grounds have been inspiration enough to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors this week. Year 4 have enjoyed creating some descriptive writing pieces whilst sitting amid the bluebells in Junior Jungle. They also went searching the grounds for different habitats in Science. Similarly, Reception have been watching their caterpillars grow and learnt about ladybirds, including finding out that they can squirt poison from their knees if threatened! Also inspired by nature, Nursery have been learning about how seeds grow and, after reading the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, have started a bean growing experiment. Year 5 have had an exciting week investigating which factors affect whether a seed will germinate. They discussed all the different things they thought might be needed before planning their investigation. Different groups are focusing on water, temperature, soil and light and dark; we look forward to hearing their findings and seeing which of their seeds germinate! 

In Pre-prep STEAM club this week, the children had to construct a tower using only marshmallows and dried spaghetti.They had a lot of fun and got very sticky, but both teams also successfully managed to build a tower which was 37cm tall! Year 6 have been investigating reversible and irreversible changes so far this term and this week had the opportunity to make plastic out of milk! The pupils found it is a fairly straightforward (though rather smelly) process, which they absolutely loved!

Values Certificates:

Kindness - John B

Effort - Jasmine W, Isabella N, John B, Angus D

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Charlotte D for joining in with Nursery life with such enthusiasm and sense of curiosity.

Reception: Sienna d P L for enthusiasm in independent writing and applying her phonic knowledge when writing unfamiliar words.

Year 1: Florence H for excellent attention to detail during reading comprehension work.

Daniel L for showing initiative and being able to use his Maths knowledge to solve problems.

Year 2: Joey S for fantastic construction of similes during English lessons this week

Jazz Evening

Summer Concert Reminder

Duke of Kent School Album Volume IV

Mr Rye

What Parents Need to Know about Group Chats

Occurring through messaging apps, on social media and in online games, group chats are among the most popular ways that young people engage with their peers online. Involving, by definition, three or more individuals, these groups allow users to send messages, images and videos to everyone in one place. While they are useful for helping friends, people with shared interests or members of a club to communicate and coordinate activities, they can also leave young people feeling excluded and bullied – as well as providing opportunities for inappropriate content to be shared and viewed.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as bullying, inappropriate content and unknown members.

Click on the link to help you find out more about "What Parents Need to Know about Group Chats".

Mr Boden

Girls' Cricket v. Box Hill

On Wednesday the U12/13 A Cricket team took on Box Hill at home. We lost the toss and started the match batting. The girls played brilliantly with every pair giving everything and getting as many runs as they could. A special mention must go to Jess I who managed to get two phenomenal 6's and every pair managed to get a number of 4's. The girls total at the end of their innings was 301.

When Box Hill came into bat they knew they had a big lead to chase, but they worked hard and put our fielders under pressure. We had been focusing on stopping balls reaching the boundaries in lessons and backing and every player demonstrated this perfectly. Sydney R made a fantastic catch and even managed to stop some 6's by getting her hands in the way whilst going for the catch. The final score was 272-301, a superb win to Duke of Kent School and the girls should be really proud of themselves.

Mrs Woolgar

Girls' Cricket: U10/11 v. Frensham Heights

On Wednesday afternoon, the Year 5 & 6 girls made the journey to Frensham Heights for their second match of the cricket season. Due to Frensham Heights games afternoon timings being slightly different to ours, we had some time before the leaving to do some practice so the team felt ready to go once arriving at Frensham. The U10/11 team won the toss and elected to field first. There was some great bowling on show with Isla W, Poppy F and Isabella N bowling with excellent accuracy. Importantly, the team managed to keep Frensham Heights runs to a minimum and got five wickets throughout the innings. Well done to Holly B, Grace M and Tansy T for hitting the stumps when bowling! The girls were really excited to bat with Erin C and Tansy T making a fantastic start with a boundary and runs off almost every ball their faced! The quality batting continued with great striking from Lola C and Holly B in particular. A huge well done to all the girls involved for demonstrating great decision making and managing to not lose a single wicket in their 10 overs. The U10/11s came away with a great win!

Miss Vickers

Girls' Cricket: U9 v. St. Edmund's

Last Thursday, the U9 girls had their first cricket match of the season! The girls welcomed St. Edmund's to the Wilsons' Pitch for a game of pairs soft ball cricket. St. Edmund's batted first and got off to a good start with their players hitting three 4s in the first 2 overs! The U9s improved as the overs went on with particularly accurate bowling from Charlotte C, Bea T-R and Ruby W. In the final over, Halle S managed to get a wicket meaning St. Edmund's lost 5 runs. Duke of Kent School U9s went out to bat with Jasmine W and Millie W making an epic start scoring three 4s and a 6 between them! Hope N and Rebekah S continued to post a big score with a 6 and a 4 in their overs. The team lost 2 wickets but managed to score enough singles to win by 18 runs. The girls really enjoyed their first game of cricket and look forward to more over the rest of Summer Term! 

Miss Vickers

Girls' Cricket: U8 v. St. Edmund's

Last Thursday, the U8 girls welcomed St. Edmund’s for their first cricket match of the season! St. Edmund’s batted first and got off to a strong start, scoring two 4s in their first over. The U8s settled into the game and showed some of the great bowling they had been practising, with Charlotte P, Florence A, Evelyn C and Seren G all taking a wicket each! Eva W opened the batting for Duke of Kent School and scored a few runs to get us off to a good start. Layla B and Evie B, who was Girl of the Game, also batted well and were able to get a few runs thanks to great communication. The girls all enjoyed their first game and are looking forward to the rest of the term!

Miss Martin

We have had a few reported instances of tummy bugs at school (please remember that in line with UKHSA advice, pupils must stay at home for 48 hours after their last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting). Also, tonsillitis, and general coughs and colds are around.

We are also hearing from UKHSA that nationally there has been a marked increase in cases of both Scarlet Fever and Chicken Pox since Covid-19 has died down (particularly in early years); although we have not had any recent cases reported at Duke of Kent School.  Please be vigilant for the following conditions, and ensure you report any new cases to the school nurses Chloe and Maya (nurse@dokschool.org / csarjant@dokschool.org).

SCARLET FEVER

Scarlet fever is a common childhood infection.  Early symptoms include sore throat, headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. After 12 to 48 hours the characteristic red, pinhead rash develops, typically first appearing on the chest and stomach, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body, and giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture. Patients typically have flushed cheeks and pallor around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a ‘strawberry tongue’. As the child improves, peeling of the skin can occur.  GPs will generally prescribe antibiotics for people with Scarlet Fever.

As per National Guidance, children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should be excluded from nursery, school, or work for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/

CHICKEN POX

Chicken pox is characterised by an itchy, spotty rash - the spots later become fluid-filled blisters.  Before or after the rash appears, you might also get a high temperature, aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell, and loss of appetite.

Children need to stay off school until all their spots/blisters have dried (typically around 5 days after the rash first appears).

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/

Good hygiene practice such as handwashing remains the most important step in preventing and controlling spread of infection both at home and at school.

Wishing you a healthy and happy weekend!

The School Nurses

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is loneliness. We will be marking this in school with a number of activities and initiatives which I will mention in greater depth next week. Loneliness is something everyone experiences at points in their life and can have a huge impact on both our physical and mental health.

I will be talking to the pupils about what loneliness means to them and how connecting to others can help to combat those feelings. Being alone can be a really positive thing when we are comfortable with ourselves and choose to be so. Loneliness can be experienced even when surrounded by others. Everyone can be susceptible to loneliness and it is usually when we don’t feel we have meaningful relationships around us.

A YouGov poll (2019) of 13-19-year-olds found 69% said they felt alone “often” or “sometimes” in the last fortnight and 59% feel like they “often” or “sometimes have no one to talk to".

The solution to this is connectedness. Can we find a way to connect to those around us through shared interest or experience, or even a shared emotion or empathetic query? Equally, it is important to strive for a connectedness to ourselves. Can we accept, protect and recognise our own thoughts and emotions? Are we able to recognise what our needs are and aim to have them met? 

These are some practical ideas for combating loneliness -

• Find people with similar interests

• Explore ways to express your thoughts and feelings

• Do things you enjoy

• Be mindful of social media

• Be kind 

• Look out for yourself

• Talk to someone (Open Door Monday and Thursday break and lunchtimes)

You may find this guide useful in identifying and supporting your own children when they are feeling lonely.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/Loneliness%20Guide%20for%20Parents%20and%20Caregivers.pdf

Mrs Douglas

PADoK News

Jazz Night - Friday 13th May

Frank Walden Quartet with guest vocalist, singing sensation and international songwriter Sumudu.  Don't miss what will be an excellent night of fabulous music.  £16

Tickets on sale through bookings@dokschool.org 

Bond Themed Casino Night

Please SAVE THE DATE for PADoK’s 1st premier event since lockdown. It’s time to dust down the dinner jackets, get out the sparkle and join us for a night of glitz and glamour at our Bond themed night on the 18th June! Dress code is black tie or general 007 themed. Further details to be sent out shortly. Tickets on sale from the 9th May. Don’t miss out! Make it a night to remember!!

PADoK Book Club

Our Summer Term PADoK book is Again, Rachel, the No 1 Sunday Times Bestseller and the long-awaited follow up to Marian Keyes' bestselling Rachel's Holiday.  The book focuses on our heroine having hauled her life back on track, only to suffer a spectacular setback when an old flame arrives in her life once more. We are looking forward to seeing lots of parents in person this summer term to catch up and talk about the book together.    

Duke of Kent Singers

We all had a great time in singing this week.  Mr Rye started with voice exercises to ensure we had warmed up our vocal cords and then we sang through the song we are working on this term.   Do come along, it is the perfect way to start a Thursday and so uplifting to hear laughter and the strength of combined voices in song.  Next week at 08.20 in the PA Hall, everyone welcome and we would love to see some dads if possible...

Running Technique Club

If you are a runner or would love to learn how to run with technique training, learn how to build muscle or to just try something new, come along to our Running Technique Club!  A medical form needs to be completed prior to participation.

Friday morning at the bottom pitch 08.30 - 09.00.  Contact julia@therunningspecialist.com for more information.

PADoK Walk

Last Friday 8 parents met for a really lovely walk.  We couldn't believe the number of dogs, 12 in total and varying sizes from a miniature dachshund to a large labradoodle and they all had a super time!  Next walk in Friday 13th May at 08.30, Car Park 3 Hurtwood Control, Pitch Hill.  Everyone welcome.

Mrs Phillips

Senior School Optional Hoodie

The Senior School hoodies have been redesigned by members of the School Council and the finished product can be seen above.  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 to see me and have a look at the new hoodie.

Mrs Woolgar

School Social Media

At Duke of Kent School we have three social media platforms; Instagram (dukeofkentschool), Twitter (@DoKSchool) and Facebook (Duke of Kent School).

Our Twitter and Facebook accounts are public however, our Instagram account is private to keep it strictly for the Duke of Kent School community only. To follow the School Instagram account you will need to request to follow the account. 

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

Mrs Woolgar