A Message from Matron
I'd have loved to avoid the Coronavirus topic this week, as I'm aware there's likely a building amount of "Covid fatigue" among all of us. However, the situation locally is beginning to cause some concern. I therefore felt it important to share with you the information I've received from Surrey County Council on Wednesday 7th October (the situation has likely evolved further by the time you read this), with regards to increasing Covid cases in our school catchment area:
"As part of the Local Outbreak Control Plan for Surrey we made a commitment to be open and transparent about our response to Covid-19. Therefore, it is important to communicate any increase in cases, which is out of step with that we would expect to see.
We are confirming today that we are seeing significant rises in people testing positive for Coronavirus in Guildford. This is in addition to similar warnings we have issued to Elmbridge, Woking, Waverley, Runnymede and Spelthorne, where cases are also rising.
Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey's Director of Public Health said: "I am grateful to everyone in Surrey who has listened to our advice and followed public health guidelines to help keep Surrey safe over the past months.
We are continually monitoring the data across the county, and we now need to ask residents in Guildford to help us stop the spread of the virus.
Rates of Coronavirus infections are rising fast across the country, and Surrey is no exception. Over the past few days we've seen significant rises in positive tests in Guildford. We have issued similar warnings to Elmbridge, Woking, Waverley, Runnymede and Spelthorne, where infection rates are also rising fast.
We're at a crucial point and now is the time to do everything you can to limit the spread of the virus.
I can't say it enough - keep washing your hands, wear face coverings when required, limit the number of households you are in contact with and don't get together in groups of more than 6. Social distancing is one of the best ways to limit the spread of the virus.
It has been a really tough year for all of us, and I know people are starting to feel 'Covid fatigue'. But things are changing quickly and we need to get our infection rates back down.
If we all follow the guidelines we still have the chance to get the situation in these areas under control and avoid any further restrictions.
Weekly data for Surrey, broken down by Districts and Boroughs can be found at:
surreycc.gov.uk/covidcases
If you have Coronavirus symptoms - a persistent cough, high fever, or a change in smell or taste - then you should book a test by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website.
Preventative measures are the best way to avoid local lockdowns."
Further to our local council's plea for support, on behalf of the entire Duke of Kent School community, I'd really appreciate the staff, student and parents' continued compliance with the government Covid-19 guidelines, and also our own school protocols for the health and safety of us all.
Thank you, and enjoy a restful weekend,
Mrs Sarjant
This was a unique DofE day for two reasons. Firstly, every single member of the yeargroup took part. Secondly, every staff member emphasised the ebullient teamwork and success of the teams as groups rather than highlighting individuals. We now look forward to working out how to complete the qualification expedition - watch this space!
Dr Cameron also changed a lot about the school. Originally this school was a boarding school with 180 pupils including 75 full boarders. I learnt that the Art block and the ILC used to be the girls’ dormitories and the boys’ boarding area was where the Modern Languages, History and Maths departments are now. It already had a big day element and Dr Cameron (and the governors) wanted to transition to a full day school. It was quite dependent on the RAF and they wanted to keep it as a boarding school. So, it was impossible to immediately cut to the school being a day school. Dr Cameron also wanted to keep the boarding sense of community for as long as it could work. From the 90's there was also a lot more pressure for the inspection of schools to check they were viable and workable, and it was time DoK moved ‘with the times’. That said, it took time and patience for staff, parents and, of course, the students to get used to the changes. It appears to have worked pretty well!
Our supporters gallantly handed us drinks and sustenance as we came around the Top Gear Track at Dunsfold Aerodrome - each lap was approximately 3 miles and they were a very welcome sight.
Chris completed his 40th marathon in 3 hours 13 minutes. I was somewhat slower at 5 hours 49 minutes but the smile on my face was no less wide! 
Our Twitter account is public however, our Instagram account is private to keep it strictly for the Duke of Kent School community only. You will need to request to follow the account. 
Please do follow the accounts to receive the regular updates and to see highlights from each day at School. There is a link to the Twitter account below.
