"The First Thursday Newsletter No. 32."

The annual celebration of achievement by boys in the Lower School took place on the last afternoon before the Professional Development Days and half term. Guest of Honour this year was Mr Chris Burns, Managing Director of AVO International Ltd. and a parent of two pupils who have passed through the school.

As usual the large audience was treated to a number of pieces of music led by the school's Director of Music, Mr Richard Davies, including a piano solo by Glyn Martin (10CH) (the Music prize-winner) and also by the spirited reading of their poem by a number of young poets now in Year 8. Their work has, incidentally, been published in an anthology of school verse.

In all over 50 boys currently in Years 8, 9 or 10 received certificates or prizes and mention in particular must be made of Alex Langridge (10CA) who was awarded five prizes (Mathematics, Latin, History, Religion and French) - a splendid achievement.

The next large school event will be the Guest Evening on 15th November when the Guest of Honour will be Mr Chris McDonald, Old Pharosian and London & South England Area Director of the Department of Social Security Benefit Agency.

In October 1995 all full time (and most part time) staff spent a day observing and learning in various firms. Following on from this it was thought that it would be useful for staff to spend a day in the feeder primary schools, mainly observing Year 6 work. This we did on Thursday 17th October.

Thanks to the co-operation (and enthusiasm) of our colleagues in the primary sector some 32 members of staff (including all the Senior Management Team!) have now spent a day in a primary school, focusing on the teaching and learning methods used especially in Year 6. As for most of us it has been many years since we have been in a primary school (other than as parents) this was a learning process of much value.

On the following day staff spent time in groups to feedback their experience, and these have since been analysed and put together in the form of a final report about what was learned - copies of which have been sent to the host primary schools. Some good links have been forged, and we hope these will continue. At the very least it was felt this day should be repeated in three or four years time.

We warmly welcome Joan Edwards who has been appointed as a First Governor to the Governing Body. The Governing Body is now complete with five parent governors, two teacher governors, nine first governors, and the Head. If you are interested in becoming a governor, or know of anyone that might be suitable, please feel free to discuss the requirements with any member of the Governing Body so that their name may be placed on the waiting list.

A well attended training day was hosted by the school on 31st October for the Governors to update their knowledge and understanding of their role in the light of our experience of two years of Grant Maintained status. Governor training and team building is essential to maintain an effective working partnership with the school. We were privileged to welcome back Professor Ray Page of The Grant Maintained Schools Centre - Governor Services to lead the training sessions.

Our thanks go to all the parents who attended the Annual Parents Meeting on 16th October and who enabled a lively and open debate. This was followed by a successful instrumental concert led by Richard Davies and the Jazz Group, Big Band and a number of soloists. Our thanks also go to the Parents' and Friends' Association for organising the refreshments.

The next meeting of the Governing Body will take place on Monday 25th November at 4.00 pm.

Despite the very wet and blustery weather the evening was as well attended as last year. Many appreciative comments were made as people were leaving. The most common was about helpfulness and enthusiasm of the Year 7 guides.

There follow our open sessions during the school day when prospective pupils and heir parents can visit to see the school in session.

This will be commissioned in the next two days. There is some wiring still to complete and sonic security measures to put in place.

I am writing to draw the attention of parents and friends of the school to this recently formed company, as part of the Young Enterprise scheme. This scheme exists to allow Sixth Form students a hands-on insight into the running of a business. To that end, Pharos Enterprises is a real company in every sense, with a board of directors composed entirely of members of Year 12. In April the firm will be liquidated and our performance will be judged in a presentation against our competitors from other schools in Deal. Dover and Sandwich.

The name of our company was taken in obvious reference to the school and we are keen to provide services and goods that will be connected to our school, and both of our two main products are so. Firstly we intend to produce framed photographs of boys collecting their prizes and certificates at Guest Evening next week. All parents of such boys should, via their sons, receive a letter of full explanation and an order form this week. I must stress how imperative it is to return this order form by the stated deadline.

For our second product we intend to produce quality audio tapes of both the Christmas Concert and the Spring Concert and to this end have been in contact with both professional duplication studios and our own music department.

We are also hoping to expand these services and if there are any other institutions who would like to enquire about using the services of our photographers and audio technicians, please contact me through the school.

I would like to thank all those who returned our market research form after Junior Prizegiving and ask that any further replies be returned to the school office.

We hope to donate a share of our profits to a local charity, but at present I cannot inform you as to which. So far we have received money to use as working capital from no-one, but we do not expect charity. We are however looking for product sponsorship to assist us. The cassettes will be presented in a quality case and sponsors may have their name/logo on this, or perhaps a message on the tape itself. We hope other local businesses may be able to help us in this way, and I look forwarding to negotiating with any such body. Again I can be contacted through the school.

A. J. HOOK
Managing Director, Pharos Enterprises

Being due to sail at 07.00 meant an early rise for the two teachers and thirteen students who boarded the school mini-bus, with no idea of the adventure that lay in store.

Our delayed crossing was far from smooth in the physical sense, but it did not seem long before we were driving south, passing many of France’s sadly famous battlefields.

After sometime we entered the Picardy region and then to the town of Compiègne, where the cobbled and tight roads led us to the palace we had all come to see. This town had been a residence for the rulers of France for centuries before the construction of its building in the late eighteenth century. and the purpose of this building was clear from its magnificence.

A brief stop for lunch outside the gates went before our foray inside. We have been studying the rule of Napoleon III, who lived here at times during his reign as President and then Emperor of France, for over twenty years. Before this the palace was used by his uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the young Louis Napoleon spent much time at his uncle’s court.

The interior of the palace was awe-inspiring and each room seemed more splendid than the last. Even in the most plain, every time one looked up new detail that had not been seen before was noticed. The photographs displayed in the area of the main entrance can convey this beauty much better than my words can.

None left untouched by the amazing atmosphere of the grandeur of the second empire and we moved on to the castle at Pierrefonds.

On the way we passed through the Forest of Compiègne, whose density and brilliant red leaf carpet was as striking as much as the gilded splendour of the Palace.

Pierrefonds provided us with a contrast to the neoclassicism of the palace commissioned by Louis XIV. Napoleon III spent some time here also and the castle provided an excellent example of the product of gothic revivalism in the nineteenth century.

On our way back we stopped at the clearing in the forest where the war ended in 1918 and where France surrendered 22 years later, but unfortunately the replica of the railway carriage had been stowed away.

Now it was time to head for Calais. Dr. Jackson drove through some terrible conditions but by the time we arrived it was clear we might face problems getting home, although no-one could imagine all that was to come. Our crossing with Stena was to be delayed until at least the early hours of the morning, as the storms and gales continued to escalate. After being assured that they could get us across long before this, Dr. Jackson purchased new tickets from P&O. However weather reports from the BBC World Service kept us informed of the ravaging by the weather of our home town and also made it clear the 22.30 P&O vessel would not be sailing either.

We made our way to the departure lounge and managed to communicate our predicament to our families. The outlets here were doing more than abusing their monopoly and many had to last until late next morning without food or water.

By 02.00 Mr. Falconer and Dr. Jackson decided to move the party (which considering the high morale at this time is an appropriate word) to a hotel. However on return to our chariot we discovered a flat tyre. Suspicions about the school behind us achieved nothing and the worsening weather forced our teachers to refuse heroic offers by individuals to repair the problem and we had to call out local expertise.

Meanwhile we had fought our way back to departure lounge area and the bar on the third floor was the only place still open, although that was soon to change. The strict no alcohol rule continued to be observed by all, but some of our countrymen had not been so responsible and an incident between locals and Merseysiders led to the closure of this last place of rest. The content of the departure lounge areas was growing somewhat more unsavoury by the hour and all returned to the minibus.

By now our tyre was repaired but there was nowhere worth going and all but a brave few slept on the bus, putting up with its coldness and discomfort for its security. The few returned to the departure lounge which was now divided into an acidic looking Jewish quarter, a rough French quarter and a drunk English quarter.

Most managed to find a small amount of sleep before re-awaking to the storm that seemed as if it would never end. Eventually there was some vague indication of dawn and we found ourselves aboard the Pride of Calais for the trip home. Arriving back at Dover at 09.00 GMT we unanimously voted not to race to school for assembly but to go home for some well deserved sleep.

Hopefully the trip to London in January will run just as smoothly.

All those who went would like to thank Mr. Falconer and Dr. Jackson for taking us on this excellent and educational visit and hope there are many more to come.

Antony J. Hook (I 2Ca) and Associates
on behalf of the Year 12 History Group

1st prize (£25) Mrs C Mitchell, 2nd prize (£15) Mr M Lingard and 3rd prize (£10) Mr A Husk. The next draw will take place on 21 November.

During the half term week a successful Junior and Senior NCO Training Camp was held at Napier Barracks in Folkestone.

Target shooting will occupy much of our weekend time in November on Hythe Ranges and at Pirbright.

As usual, at this time of the year, Cadets will be marching in the Dover Remembrance Day Parade on Sunday 10th November. A wreath will also be laid.

The annual inspection in September has resulted in a first class report of which the CCF are naturally very proud. Congratulations and thanks are extended to Cadets, staff and the school for the sterling effort made to make the occasion such a resounding success.

On Wednesday 18th December at 8.00 pm we will be presenting our annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight in the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Charlton, Dover. This will be followed by mince pies and coffee.
The concert performed after the Annual Parents Meeting was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Has started

We have blazers of all sizes, rugby shirts, etc.

We need any outgrown uniform, especially House T-Shirts.

Please send in any unwanted items to me, Milford Lingard, at the school.

Anyone wanting any of these items of uniform, please contact Milford on 01304-365155.

Manchester United Tour

Saturday 7th December

Luxury coach including TV, Video and Toilet will depart from Deal Pier at 06.00 hours, picking up in Dover at the school at approx 06.20 hours. Tickets available on a strictly first come first served basis, due to restricted places. Tour will include a visit to the Trophy Room and Museum, the famous ground OLD TRAFFORD’, home changing room and finally a visit to the Mega Store.

Cost of ticket is £25 inclusive. For further information please contact Milford Lingard on 01304-365155.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 13th November at 7.00pm. Please note the earlier time.

Wine and Wisdom

Thank you to all who turned out for our first Wine and Wisdom this term - we raised over £300. The next Wine and Wisdom is to be held on Friday 29th November. A letter and booking form will be sent home.

Christmas Draw

Our major fund-raising event this term is to be the Christmas Draw. All parents will shortly receive an envelope containing some draw tickets which we hope you are able to sell on our behalf. There will be a form enclosed to apply for extra tickets. A prize will be awarded to the form selling the most tickets so there is an added incentive for your sons.

Members of the school’s Old Boys’ association held their annual meeting, football match and dinner in October, when former Head Teacher, the Rev. Dr. Michael Hinton became President. A good number of old boys attended the events, and the football match between the Old Pharosians’ and the schools 1st XI ended in a 3-3 draw. At the dinner in the evening, the President presented a tie to the present Head Teacher, Neil Slater. to mark his 25 years connection with the school. The Old Pharosians’ committee will be meeting next Monday 11th November.

It was interesting to see one of our old boys was selected by BBC Television for the programme “How Do They Do That?’ last month. The programme-makers wanted to show how football referees keep control of top matches, and invited David Elleray - who started his refereeing career when he was a 13-year-old pupil at our school - show them how. Mr. Elleray has gone on to take charge of top national and international matches, and is obviously held in high regard by the players (if not always by the crowd!).

1st XI - Wed. 13th at 2.00 pm against Queen Elizabeths (H). Wed. 27th at 2.00 pm against Norton Knatchbull (H).
2nd XI - Wed. 13th at 2.00 against Queen Elizabeths (A). Wed. 20th at 2.00 pm against Borden. Wed. 27th at 2.00 pm against Norton Knatchbull (A).
Wed. 20th - 1st XI Kent Football Match -v- Surrey.

In our recent friendly football matches against Astor, played just after half term, the Year 7 team recorded a very impressive team performance to win 10 - 1. This team has been improving every match. Year 10 lost to Astor at home on the top field 7 - 1.

In the Kent Cup the Year 7 side is due to play Tunbridge Wells G.S. at home by the 23rd November (this will be the 3rd round).

Last Friday, 1st November, the Year 8 football team overcame Southlands School 3 - 0 in the 3rd round of the Cup. This result was well deserved and was largely down to a good overall team performance.

Year 10 are due to play Channel High School in the Kent County Cup by the end of the month at home. A date for this match has not yet been arranged.

Year 7 have a friendly football match against Sandwich High School at home this Friday, 8th November. This will have to kick off very promptly at 3.30 pm due to the light conditions.

On November 16th Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 football teams play Harvey G.S. All games kick off at 10.00 am. Years 7 and 10 teams are away at Folkestone and Years 8 and 9 are at home.

The Year 10 rugby side played in a friendly against Dover College last week and although losing in very windy conditions 40 - 0, came very close making several tries. Further team practices will be taking place improve the team's performance.

On Monday Year 9 play in another friendly rugby match against Castle Community School at home.

This was the best footballing side from Astor that I've seen for some years but, even so, I was very unhappy with our first half performance. Although the slope and wind were against us, we lost our shape and became very dispirited.

Against the run of play we snatched the lead through Gary Beeden, but had to thank Ian Matthews for keeping us there after a series of fine saves. Eventually he was beaten by a fierce shot and we were very fortunate to reach half time on level terms.

Thankfully several players raised their games in the second half and we went back into the lead when Jon Coates converted a cross from Jon Spence after a fine run. From then on Astor found it hard to get into our half especially as the wind strengthened and we scored at regular intervals - two from Kristian Allen and another from Ian Banks.

This was a good result and now we can try to remain unbeaten until half term - three matches time.

This was our best performance of the season so far - Borden hardly had any chances, other than their dubious penalty in the last minute.

We supported our front two much better and Ian Banks and Jon Spence had an outstanding game. Kristian controlled the defence and Jon Coates and Chris Alcock closed down the midfield.

Goals were scored by Ian Banks (2) in the first half and Jon Coates in the second half - to ensure a comfortable win.

What a terrible day! We played badly, and although I realise that there were several extenuating circumstances, we didn't deserve to win. I regret not re-arranging the match when I knew the extent of our injury list and that I had to referee the match.

Maidstone played the match on the very small and sloping pitch with the correct tactics - defending deep and playing every ball early. But I have little doubt that on a 'normal' day we would have beaten them easily. There was no score in the first half with very little chance of scoring by either side. MGS opened their account with a disputed goal (the ball may have gone out of play, as claimed by our defenders in the build up, but their ref. assistant denied this). The second goal was scored soon after when we pushed up too far and their central striker ran through and beat Ian Matthews.

At last we started to play and were unlucky to have a 'goal' disallowed when their ref. assistant signalled a goal and then denied it when the ball appeared to cross the goal line. Jon Spence was brought down for yet another penalty shortly afterwards and converted it himself.

Despite intense pressure MGS managed to hold out for a lucky win.

Dover G.S. 2 - Oakwood Park 2 30th October

Another disappointing result. Oakwood had several good players in midfield but we had enough clear chances to have won this game comfortably. Throughout the first half we played below form and yet all of the scoring took place by both teams.

Chris Alcock opened the scoring with a speculative lob over his shoulder from 30 yards; Oakwood's central striker took advantage of a misjudgement of a through ball to crash home the equaliser. Oakwood then applied pressure but we took the lead again through Jon Spence following good work on the right. On the stroke of half time we allowed Oakwood back into the game when Ian Matthews, who hadn't had much to do up to then, mis-kicked a back-pass and the Oakwood winger volleyed in from wide on the left.

In the second half we dominated but couldn't convert several clear chances. At least we played better but we still moan and groan when things don't go our way. Langton beat Oakwood recently and we will have to be on our best form next week if we are to proceed in the County Cup.

Team	Played	Points
Whitfield 'B'	7	52
Phoenix 'A'	7	51
Whitfield 'C'	7	46
Trojan 'C'	7	46
Sandwich	7	39
Trojan 'B'	7	37
Phoenix 'B'	6	35
Whitfield 'D'	7	34
Royal Mail	7	32
Grammar 'A'	8	28
Whitfield 'A'	5	21
West Langdon	5	18
Borstal 'A'	5	12
South Kent College	7	9

Team	Played	Points
Whitfield 'E'	7	54
Police	7	51
Borstal 'B'	7	46
Fire Brigade	6	43
South Kent College	6	41
Grammar 'B'	8	33
Walmer	4	29
Whitfield 'F'	8	28
Eastry	4	28
Grammar 'C'	6	18
Grammar 'E'	5	15
YMCA	5	8
Grammar 'D'	7	6

Whilst three of the table tennis teams are nearing the bottom of the table, it must be said that they are performing well and putting up a good fight, only to be beaten by teams that have been playing in the league for many years. As shown by the performance of the Grammar 'B' team, our only team who have played in the division before, it doesn't take long before the players reach a standard to be reckoned with.

It is a great pity that there are no other schools in the Dover area that have Table Tennis as a sporting option, our teams would then be able to play like with like in respect to the age groups of their opponents. The Dover league is of course open to any age group, not just schools.

If any member of the school (not registered table tennis players) wish to find out what standard players are currently at I would be willing to organise a friendly game after school against one of the teams. I think you would find them all hard to beat.

On a last note, not all the boys who play table tennis in the Dover league play for the Grammar teams, David Tilbee is currently playing for Whitfield 'E' the team currently leading the league tables. Darren Howard plays for the Whitfield 'F' team and James Witty who has recently changed clubs from Grammar 'E' to Whitfield 'F' as the Whitfield 'F' team were struggling for players.

We could always do with more players, especially for next year and the current Year 7 are showing some good promise. If any parents, old boys or associates are interested in playing, or just helping out with the ever increasing popularity of table tennis with this school, I would be very interested in hearing from you.

The schools 1st XI football team looks very smart these days. thanks to John Trickey, of Jacetts in Deal. His company supplies the school’s tracksuits, and Mr. Trickey kindly donated a new strip for the 1st XI. We are very grateful to him.

Mr. Trickey (on the left in this photo) is pictured handing over one of the shirts to Mr. Steve Bailey. watched by some of the team members.