THE "FIRST THURSDAY" NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER JULY 1998 No. 50

ALMOST HALF A MILLION POUNDS TO BE SPENT ON THE BUILDINGS

Since going grant maintained we have, by prudent budgeting, carried out some significant improvements to the buildings. The main projects have been the renewal of the Quadrangle surface to make it waterproof and the construction of a new floor over the Dining Hall to create extra classrooms.

Until now we have had only limited response to our bids for major grants. Now, almost overnight, things have changed.

First of all, under the New Deals for Schools Project, we have been allocated £120,640 for window replacement. We expect to replace all the windows which overlook the quad, in the classrooms on the upper and lower corridors, and in the science block. We hope this will be completed by the winter, and it will make a tremendous difference.

Secondly, we decided to bid for Basic Need Capital Project funds to carry out more improvements to provide us with the extra accommodation we will need to cater for the increasing number of boys now being admitted to the school each year. And we are delighted to say we received notification that we had been allocated £305,700 - and even more delighted a few weeks later to be informed the figure had gone up to £345,700.

We've come from nothing to nearly half a million pounds in a matter of months - although it is the culmination of years of preparations, plans, proposals and disappointments.

Final plans have not yet been drawn up, but what we hope to be able to do between now and the dawn of the new Millennium is to continue the mezzanine floor over the kitchens to complete that level to link up with the present Sixth Form Common Room (half way down the tower); to create another computer room (making a new IT suite), and new private study and Sixth Form social areas; re-design and improve the workshops themselves to provide three workshop classrooms; completely renovate the changing rooms on the ground floor to make a better changing room and a new classroom; new toilet facilities in this area; and a new staircase to link all the levels in this area of the school up to the quad. We also hope to renovate the old computer room and the toilets ... at last! Whether we can get ALL this work done depends on estimates and tenders, but we are hopeful that most of it will be completed.

This is obviously excellent news for the school, and we look forward to enjoying the benefits these improvements will bring.

We will keep you up to date with how the work is progressing in future editions of the First Thursday.

Headteacher

STAFF APPOINTMENT

From September Mr Paul Baldock, a graduate from the University of Huddersfield, will be joining the staff as part time teacher of Music. He also teaches part time at St Edmund's School, Dover and will continue to do so.

UNIVERSITY SUCCESS

Kenan Deniz, who was at the school between 1988 and 1995 and was Head Prefect when he left the school, has been awarded a First Class Honours degree in Neuroscience from University College, London. He was also a Smith Kline Beecham "most outstanding neuroscience student" finalist prize winner. Kenan studied pre-clinical medicine at The London Hospital Medical School for two years prior to moving to UCL to undertake an Intercalated B.Sc. He will now take up an offer to read clinical medicine at Hughes Hall College, Cambridge, studying for the MB Bchir degree at Addenbrooke's Hospital. Kenan has been supported throughout his studies by the Dubris Trust in Dover, having been awarded The James A Johnson Scholarship in 1995.

SCHOOL LIBRARY

Tesco Voucher Update - With the collection finally at a close for another year I am very pleased to report that a grand total of 19,552 vouchers were accumulated. A resounding success! Thank you for all your hard work and support. The school has an excellent network of staff, family and friends who have helped us along the way.

A special thanks must go to the boys for their support, enthusiasm and persuasion used at home for the project, many battling against other siblings to obtain their share. It was much appreciated.

An order has been placed for the better grade computer and a printer too. When they arrive during the Autumn Term many boys will benefit and the school resources will be expanded.

Thank you one and all. Well done!!

Mrs L George - School Librarian

MUSIC

The next main musical event will be the Concert of Music for a Summer's Evening to be given in the School Hall on Wednesday 15th July at 7.30 pm. The programme will feature a wide variety of instrumental music including performances by the School's Training Band, Jazz Group and Big Band. During the interview Wine and Cheese/Light Refreshments will be served, to be included in the adult admission price of £2.50. Our termly concerts of instrumental music have become very popular and you are warmly invited to join us.

The school's jazz musicians will also be taking part in two other concerts at the beginning of July, details of which are below.

DGSB JAZZ GROUP

The Jazz Group will be playing at St Mary's Parish Centre in Canon Street on Dover Carnival Day at 7.30 pm. They are taking part in the launch celebrations of "Dover Bells 2000", an appeal to raise £100,000 to restore the bells and clock at the Parish Church.

Along with the DGSB group the evening's entertainment will include music and dancing to "Wyvern", a two course meal, a short slide show and a handbell recital.

Tickets at £8.00 are available from Peter Dale (former IT teacher at DGSB) on 823217, or by email to bells2000@chisnall.demon.co.uk.

DGSB BIG BAND

On Tuesday 7th July starting at 7.00 pm the school's jazz musicians will be in action again, this time taking part in a "Multi-Big Band Concert" arranged by Deal Rotary Club at the Astor Theatre in Deal (N.B. not at Astor School!). The programme will feature the school's Big Band and Jazz Group alongside other local musicians including The Strayhorns Big Band with whom our performers have worked before in the Jazz Workshop held at the school in March. Further details of the Astor Theatre Concert are included in the advertisement on the back of this newsletter.

Mr R Davies - Director of Music

CCF

14th June - Range Shooting at Hythe. Eight Cadets and one member of staff spent the morning, and most of the afternoon, at Hythe Ranges firing from 300 metres. The practice increased the accuracy of the already experienced Cadets, unfortunately we returned soaking wet....!

20th June - RAF Museum and WW2 Bunker. This was a very enjoyable trip for twelve Cadets and four members of staff to the RAF Museum at Hendon, and the bunker for 11 Group at RAF Uxbridge. The bunker is buried deep underground, and was the command and control centre for the Battle of Britain controlled by Sir Winston Churchill.

CONGRATULATIONS go to Richard Coffey and Christopher Hodgson on promotion to Corporal.

Looking forward:-

Flying - 3rd July at RAF Manston.

2 RAF NCO's are going to the Stafford Leadership Course.

4 Army NCO's and 2 members of staff are to go on an exercise with Maidstone Grammar School CCF, against 100 Officer Cadets from Cambridge University Officer Training Corps.

Battle of Britain Memorial Parade - 12th July.

Reserve Forces Experience - 14-16th July (1 day).

Army Summer Camp - 25th July - 1st August.

RAF Summer Camp - 1st - 8th August.

Matthew Peall - 2 Lt. CCF

PFA

The PFA would appreciate any donations of good quality second-hand uniform to maintain our stock which is sold at very reasonable prices to raise money for the school. The uniform will be on sale during the next month on:

6th July - Year 8 Parents' Evening
14th July - Year 7 Parents' Evening
20th July - Year 9 Parents' Evening

It will also be on sale on 9th July at the New Parents' Evening.

If you have any uniform please send it to the school or ring Sandra (820709) or Jill (822121).

200 Club

The lucky prize winners of the June 200 Club are as follows:

1st: Mr B Bulow £25 (25), 2nd: Mr & Mrs Barr £15 (110) and 3rd: Mr M Court £10 (177).

The special £100 prize was won by: Mr M Collins (105).

DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL SUN SAFETY CAMPAIGN 1998

Dover District Council recognises that Skin Cancer is a major cause of illness and death in the UK, with more than 40,000 people being diagnosed every year.

As a Local Authority, the Council believes it has a vital part to play in the National Strategy to reduce the population's risk of skin cancer. This year they are working in conjunction with The Health Education Authority and their Sun Know How 1998 material.

'There is increasing evidence that excessive sun exposure and in particular sunburn when aged under fifteen is a major risk factor for skin cancer in later life, so it is particularly important to protect children and young adults'. (HEA 1997. Skin Cancer Prevention, Policy Guidelines for Local Authorities).

Children and young adults have been identified as being higher risk in the population. Therefore the School has agreed to support this year's campaign which is being delivered through school sports days and displays throughout the district.

We would like to advise parents that in the event of excessively hot weather please ensure that your child is adequately protected from the sun. We advise a hat, sunblock/cream, a long sleeved top and plenty of still, cool soft drink.

Dover District Council

SPORTS NEWS

Golf

Kent Schools Golf Championships at Tenterden Golf Club - Thursday 25th June

The school came ninth in the K.S.G.A. Championships at Tenterden Golf Club. The term acquitted itself well, especially Alex Langridge (Year 11) who played well below his handicap. Ross Gaffney (Year 10) played steadily and Marc Garrood, who stepped in at the last minute to replace Kevin Doughty of Year 10 who unfortunately fractured his wrist, 'threatened par' on many occasions. Borden Grammar were the winners, with a very good score, in the difficult weather conditions.

Mr S Bailey

Cricket

Piper Calls The Tune

Darren Piper survived a first ball dropped catch to the wicket keeper in this Year 10 match against Sir Roger Manwood's. Obviously recognising that a lucky day had arrived, Darren took a deep breath and proceeded to dispatch the ball to parts of the ground hitherto unexplored. When his 50 came up in double quick time it began to look as if a big score was a strong possibility. Darren's opening partner, Geoffrey Keen, was quite content to let Darren have the strike and full advantage was taken of the opportunity. The 100 duly arrived, 101 to be precise, and Darren then gave his wicket away least anyone should think he was hogging the game. Geoffrey Keen then took over the onslaught to register his 50.

Darren's 100 is the first by any school player in a school match for over 20 years and is a feat, that we understand from our records, not even Derek Aslett or Chris Penn achieved. (Readers may know better!!). Perhaps we are seeing the 'birth' of the next cricketing star.

The school scored 202 runs from 20 overs, probably some sort of record in itself and then reduced Manwood's to 89 from their 20 overs. Our bowling performance had begun with Captain, Ritchie Hulks, taking 2 wickets for no runs in his first over and included a very first wicket for Sam Gibbons who produced an over of beguiling complexity. (Sneaky spin for non-buffs!)

What a performance!!!

Mr A Gardiner

Form 7G -v- Parents of 7G/Teachers Game

Tuesday it had rained all day. Would the long awaited test match between 7G and the parents/teachers go ahead? The answer was yes as Wednesday started dull but turned fine.

The 20 over match started with the parents batting. First blood went to 7G when Mr Garrett was brilliantly caught by Thomas Smith at deep point. Soon after Mr Haines was bowled by T. Smith for 6. The parents started to recover when Mr Bird scored 25 before retiring. Tom Bird struck another blow for 7G by bowling Mr Smith with the fifth bounce. Mr Mellors then put the adults back on form with 20 but he couldn't stop a brilliant ball by Richard Horsler falling into John Stokes hand. Mr Falconer came in and was bowled for 14 by John Stokes. (I think a little revenge was in that ball because he would not let us watch England -v- Tunisia). Mr Stokes came in and scored 4, bowled by Richard Trenowden. The biggest shock then happened when Mr Grant was run out for a duck. I think Richard Trenowden will never forget that! Mark Player and Craig Mellors then bowled and the adults picked up some runs. David Garrett ran out Mr Horsler for 12 but then came the star trying to aim for more runs than Mr Grant - it was Mrs Watson! Mrs Watson picked up a good 3, with Mr McCarvill not out and so the total was 106 all out.

7G's innings started with John Stokes and Paul Hill. They batted well but were held back by accurate bowling from Mr Garrett and Mr Haines. Mr Horsler got John Stokes out for 2, caught by Mr Haines. His replacement, David Garrett, was caught by his Dad off Mr Horsler's bowling, scoring 0. Paul Hill was bowled by Mr Smith for 6 with Richard Horsler and Tom Bird pulling off several runs. Richard Horsler was then bowled for 9 off Mr McCarvill.

The hardest thing was to face Mrs Watson's bowling. She bowled a maiden over but I think she thought we were playing skittles! Tom Bird was now in with Peter McCarvill. Tom was caught and bowled by Mr Mellors for 6 and Peter McCarvill was LBW for 11 by Mr Falconer. Tom Smith was also LBW but for 4 by Mr Haines. Craig Mellors was run out for 0. Richard Trenowden was 2 not out and by this time 20 overs had gone so we (meaning Mr Gardiner) declared it a draw...... The game carried on to let A Libby bat. He scored 0 caught by Mr Garrett and Mark Player was out for 0 bowled by Mr Horsler. 7G's total was 63 all out.

7G would like to say thank you to all the parents and teachers who played.

Tom Bird - Form 7G

Cricket Fixtures:

Mon. 6th 3.00pm Yr 9 XI -v- Sir Roger Manwoods (A)
Wed. 8th 2.30pm 1st XI -v- Old Pharosians at School
and at 3.30pm Yr 9 XI -v- Norton Knatchbull (A)
Fri. 17th - Sun. 19th Yr 9 Cricket tour to Cambridge
Wed. 22nd 3.30pm Staff -v- Prefects (20 overs)

Table Tennis

Woolwich Junior League Trophy Presentation

After an exciting programme of games this season the Dover Leisure Centre Woolwich Junior Table Tennis league competition drew to a close on Saturday 20th June at Dover Sports Centre.

Dover Table Tennis Association President, Roy Howard, presented the trophies.

Winners were 'The Flying Flyers' team of Kush Boparai and Simon Bishop. Runners Up were 'The Sharks' undefeated Darryl Borrello and Marie Tilbee narrowly beating the 'Small and Tall' combination of Simon Gedge and James Davies into third place.

The Player of the Season trophy was awarded to Mathew Wraight for the most improvement throughout the season.

There will be an important meeting in the Workshops on Friday 3rd July at first break (11.30 prompt) for ALL persons wishing to play in the school table tennis teams this year. We will discuss the formulation of teams in the Dover League before the Annual Fixture Meeting of the Dover Table Tennis Association which will be held at Dover Working Mans Club, Jasper House, London Road, Dover on Wednesday 15th July at 7.30 pm. All clubs wishing to enter the annual league competition, which will commence in September, must be represented at the meeting. No entries will be accepted after the day of the meeting.

Whitfield Table Tennis Club - Open Invitation Tournament - Saturday 25th July at 9.30 am.

Entry forms for the above are to be sent, by 16th July, to Barry Yarnley who can be contacted on 01304-210319.

Paul Skelton

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Summer Term ends - Friday 24th July
Autumn Term begins - Tuesday 8th September
Half Term - Mon. 26th-30th October

Professional Development Days for Staff:
Monday 7th September 1998
Thursday 22nd/Friday 23rd October 1998

Forthcoming Events for Autumn Term:
Junior Prizegiving Wed. 23rd September
Annual Parents' Meeting Wed. 14th October
Guest Evening Friday 20th November

STOP PRESS

SPORTS DAY - Wednesday 1st July

Despite all the forebodings concerning potentially bad weather, the day dawned bright and sunny and Sports Day could go ahead under ideal weather conditions - sunny intervals but not too hot.

In the morning Castle House built up a large lead, partly, it was said, due to the enthusiastic leadership of Mr Raine, Head of Castle House. Shortly after lunch Castle's cause was helped by Ryan Kilpatrick (Year 7) who equalled the school record for the 100m and then broke the Year 7 record for the discus - an excellent result. Ironically Ryan's distance broke a record set last year by Ricky Stanley, also of Castle. Soon afterwards Ricky broke the Year 8 record by 1.5metres. Kalvin Clapson (Old Pharosian and Sport Development Officer for Dover District Council) joined in after lunch to present the medals.

Despite their individual successes Port House, traditionally strong in athletics, clawed back Castle's lead and for most of the afternoon the scoreboard showed Port and Castle continually leapfrogging each other for first place. The penultimate race - Year 10 4 x 275m relay saw yet another school record for Castle, and so 20 points which ensured a victory for Castle according to the provisional results.

Mr G Falconer