THE "FIRST THURSDAY" NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER JAN 1996 No.24

Welcome back after what has seemed an unusually short holiday. We wish you all a very happy New Year. This term we welcome Mrs Linda George who has joined the school as Librarian. Mrs George is a graduate in Library and Information Studies from Loughborough University and also a Chartered Librarian. She has had considerable experience of running school libraries in London. We look forward to working with her to improve the library facilities.

RECENT SCHOOL EVENTS

Approximately 150 cards were sent from 97 pupils at Dover Grammar School for Boys, prepared by the Art & Design Department, to orphans at Rucar and Alexandria Orphanage for Infants, Romania. Earlier in 1995 the school raised money for the Romanian Orphanage Trust during the Lenten Appeal. We have now received this letter:

Thank you so much to all the children in your school for the lovely Christmas cards you sent for orphanage children in Romania. The cards will be greatly appreciated by all the children still waiting to go home, letting them know that someone cares.

This year has been a very encouraging one for The Trust as we have helped 377 children leave the orphanages, some of whom went back to their own families and some to loving adoptive families.

The cards you have sent are vital to those left behind to bringing the hope that they too can have that chance. In 1996 we aim to expand town work further and give even more children the chance of a future with a family.

On behalf of the children - Multumesc, 'Thank you' for making their Christmas so much brighter.

CCF

The Combined Cadet Force will be holding a sponsored walk in aid of a Life Hygience Chair at Buckland Hospital on Sunday 11 February 1996. We are in the process of contacting BBC Radio Kent with regard to coverage in the new year.

The Contingent has recently acquired five hand portable radios which are currently under test. This is in addition to various types of radios which are on issue to the Contingent from the regular Army. The HF (High Frequency) set on issue from the Army has not been in use for some time. In the early part of 1996 we hope to put up a new aerial and contact other schools up and down the UK.

The Contingent has applied to the MOD for financial consideration for the construction of an adventure training store. At the end of last year we were fortunate enough to receive an Army grant towards adventure training equipment which included camping stoves, sleeping mats and rucksacks. If any pupil of the school who is participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme wishes to loan any item then he should apply to the CCF. After many years service the Chipmunk aircraft will end its flying career with the RAF Sections of the CCF. From April 1996 the Bulldog aircraft will come into service.

CAROL SERVICE

On Wednesday 20 December the annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight was held in the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Charlton, Dover. The Service included favourite Christmas hymns and the traditional nine Bible readings telling the story of Christmas read by pupils, staff, parents, old boys and governors. Carols sung by the School Choir ranged from medieval plainsong to a spectacular piece by the twentieth century composer William Mathias. The Choir sang beautifully, handling some technically challenging passages with great competence. Soloists were Ross Martin and Daniel Wilkinson. The Service was very well attended. Afterwards all retired to the Church Hall to enjoy coffee and mince pies provided by parents and served by the PFA.

200 CLUB

The winners for the month of December are as follows:

Mrs C Turner (199) wins £25, Mr L Howlett (124) wins £15 and Mr N Waite (118) wins £10.

The special prize of £100 was won by Mr D Stockdale (161).

SPORTS NEWS

Football

There have been no 1st XI Football matches since the end of November due to bad weather and water logged pitches.

Year 7 - Last week the team played 3rd round of the County Cup against Simon Langton away. The first half saw some close football and the team scored 3 good goals, at half-time we were winning 3-1. In freezing conditions the second half very much went Simon Langton's way; the defence looked weak and midfield players seemed to lose heart. Eventually we came away winners at 4-3. Our fourth round opponents are St Anselm's from Canterbury.

Year 9 - Lost in the Kent County Cup quarter final 5-2 to Walmer who had a Chelsea signing as front runner and a gigantic defence that was just too much for us.

Year 11 - Lost in the French Cup after a reply against Brockhill at Folkestone, the final score being 8-2.

Cross Country

In the local District Cross Country Championships good performances in the junior age group were given by Daniel Trenowden (Year 9) who came 1st. Neil Trenowden (Year 8) managed 4th and Michael Fuller (Year 8) came 6th.

Table Tennis

Fixtures

Rugby: Wed. 10 Jan. at 2.30pm - 1st XV -v- Harvey G.S. at Home. Wed. 24 Jan. 1st XV -v- Simon Langton G.S. Away.

Friday 19 Jan. Year 7 Inter House Rugby Competition.

Saturday 27 Jan. at 10.00am - Years 7, 8 & 9 XV's -v- Norton Knatchbull at Home.

Football: Friday 12 Jan. at 2.15pm - Year 7 County Cup Football -v- St Anselms, Canterbury at Home.

Cross Country: Wed. 17 Jan. at 3.45pm - District Cross Country League at Astor School. Thurs. 25 Jan. at 3.45pm - District Cross Country League at Brockhill Park School, near Folkestone.