Dover Grammar School for Boys
THE "FIRST THURSDAY"
NEWSLETTERGUEST EVENING - Friday 17th September
This year Guest Evening was held with a new format to enhance the role and participation of the recently left 'A' Level students from last year's Year 13. Nearly two thirds of them were able to come and their Form Tutors (with Mr Thomas ably standing in for Mr Boardman who has moved abroad) introduced each student in turn. As usual subject and special prizes were awarded, along with DGSB leaving certificates for every participant.
The guest of honour was Reverend John Philpott, Vicar of Whitfield and Guston and newly elected President of the Old Pharosians. Among the other guests and parents were the Mayor of Dover, Mrs M Samsun, and the Chairman of Dover District Council, Councillor Woodbridge.
As usual some enjoyable music by the school musicians, led by Mr Davies, the Director of Music, rounded off the occasion.
GCSE PRESENTATIONS - Change of date
This event which is mentioned on the school calendar as being Wednesday 20th October will now take place on Tuesday 2nd November at 4.00 pm. This change has been made due to the large number of Year 12 students involved in 1st and 2nd XI football matches on the original date.
All those currently in Year 12 (and those who left at the end of Year 11) and their parents will be invited to this event. Records of Achievements, GCSE certificates and Middle School prizes will be awarded.
YEAR 11 YPRES HISTORY TRIP - 21st September
On Tuesday 21st September members of Year 11 and Sixth Form currently studying the First World War in History set out from Astor Avenue at the early hour now standard for such trips with Mr Falconer, Dr Jackson, Mr Davies, Mr Almond and Mr Gaskell. We swapped notes on who had brought what, how much and how early we had all got up until the luxury coach arrived (only about 5 minutes later than its E.T.A., I may add!) to take us to the docks for the 7.45 ferry. Following general amusement over passport photographs, the group dispersed, mainly to the arcades (as usual!). The journey wasn't too rough and with no latecomers to the coach (a first?), we were off on to not so sunny foreign soil.
After a long (but smooth) coach journey through France and Belgium (with the now traditional commentary from Mr Falconer), we arrived at Sanctuary Wood just in time for lunch. With our packed lunches all but gone, we ventured into the unusual little museum adjoining the café filled with pictures, 'curios' (eg cap badges, helmets) and some old 3D picture viewers mainly related to the First World War - very crowded but very interesting. Then we made our way to the preserved trenches round the back. Despite the natural ageing process, the surrounding trees, the loss of the sandbag parapet and the measures taken to make them accessible, the trenches adjoining (very dark!) tunnels and water-filled shell holes gave us all a pretty good idea of their complexity and the camped, wet (and I mean wet!), muddy conditions they are renowned for.
After struggling off our wellies, the coach headed past many small Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries - terraced onto hillsides, virtually in people's back gardens and often in clusters of about three within a kilometre of each other - to the largest one in the world - Tyne Cot. We were all speechless for the first few moments at the sheer scale of the place - over 10,000 graves on land given in perpetuity to Britain in gratitude for its soldiers' sacrifice - and even more on the curved back wall which is the monument to all those pronounced 'missing' in the area with no known grave (after 15th August 1917). In the relatively short time we spent there the rain continued on and off and so finding the answers for our worksheets often became a question of joining the largest crowd which had mastered the numbering system.
Next stop was the German Langermarck cemetery, one of very few on the Western Front. Like Tyne Cot, it was built around some pillboxes but the similarity ended there. The overall impression was sombre and dark, with the tomb-like entrance, the four brooding statues opposite, the darker stone, large number of oak trees, tablets covered in the names of what we took to be their 'missing' men and the flat grave markers - with less space allowed for burials than the victors (this one was probably less than half the size of Tyne Cot, with about twice as many burials), the Germans had had to bury between 4 to 7 men under each marker. The weather again intervened to complete what even those with the most jingoistic brags could see was a commemoration rather than a celebration of war.
Our final stop was Ypres/Ieper/Wipers (delete as feel applicable) itself. Starting at the Menin Gate, essentially a modern triumphal arch covered in the names of the men from all over our then empire counted as 'missing with no known grave' before 15th August 1917 - seeing the names inscribed right up to the top of the wall certainly made me realise how the Tyne Cot memorial, long as it was, had only been a kind of overflow of names. Then we rushed into town to (quickly!) pick up souvenirs and soak up some of the atmosphere. The Cathedral and Cloth Hall were particularly impressive, shelled almost to destruction during the war then meticulously reconstructed from old photographs afterwards. The teachers decided to make a visit to the excellent, recently modernised In Flanders Fields Museum in the Cloth Hall (as it didn't form a part of the trip), but the school party decided not to join them either because they wanted more shopping time or because they decided that, in the hour or so remaining, they couldn't really do it justice and so just brought a guide book (in the museum shop where you didn't have to pay). In any case I hope the teachers have been convinced to include the museum on future trips - if not, I'd recommend an extra visit just to get to see it!
Nobody having been left behind (despite some arrivals as we left) we left Ypres from outside the Menin Gate. With "Goodnight Mister Tom" on the coach video on the way back, it was (at least until we entered the environs of Calais) World War One outside the coach and World Ward Two inside! The return ferry trip was virtually the same as the outward journey, only backwards, with occasional thunder and lightning and with much more tired pupils! Within half an hour of returning back on home soil we were tumbling off the coach with the statutory reminders to bring our sheet to the next history lesson.
Whether or not you have any measure of interest in the First World War, Ypres and its surroundings are well worth a visit. Many thanks to the History Department - if only the weather could have been as well orchestrated as everything else!
Edward Smith - 11PT
SCHOOL LIBRARY NEWS
Tesco Computers - The fruits of all our collecting last year will shortly be installed and in use in the Library. This provides yet another machine with research and word processing facilities, which are always welcome.
Free Books for Schools - These are now all on the shelves with many titles already being read.
New Projects - Autumn Term 1999 - As some parents may already be aware I am asking for your help and assistance once again. The school has registered on two new schemes and the Library is again co-ordinating both appeals.
1. Free Software for Schools - run by The Times Newspaper Group. Tokens can be found in all their publications daily and weekly until the end of December.
2. Nestle Cereal Box Tops for Education - all tokens collected and submitted will result in a cheque in April 2000 for the school to spend on computer equipment or library books.
Thank you for all your co-operation with these ventures your assistance is always appreciated.
Mrs L George - Librarian
MUSIC
The next musical event to be presented by the school's musicians will be the Autumn Concert which follows on from the Governing Body's Annual Parents' Meeting on Wednesday 13th October. The concert will be preceded by Wine and Cheese/Light Refreshments at approximately 8.00 pm and the musical programme will include performances by the Brass Ensemble, Training Band, Jazz Group and Big Band together with a variety of solo items. You are warmly invited to join us for the concert only although of course many parents will wish to attend the meeting as well.
So far this term the school's musicians have already presented music at one other event, the Year 13 Presentation Evening held on Friday 17th September, which featured soloists Trevor Lynes on Trumpet and Fabian Trevelyan on Piano together with performances by the School Brass Ensemble led by Michael Quinn.
On Saturday 25th September Mr Davies presented a short organ recital before the Old Pharosians Annual Dinner.
Looking further back, at the end of the Summer Term two events remain to be reported on. The Summer Concert took place on Wednesday 14th July followed a week later by Junior Prizegiving on Wednesday 21st July which featured performances by the Training Band and soloists Thomas Smith (9PY) on Piano, Laurence Williams on Clarinet, Patrick Mallery on Piano, Thomas Smith (9CH) on Saxophone and James Rowson on Electronic Keyboard. Again at the end of the Summer Term, in final assembly all instrumentalists who had taken part in the school's ensembles were presented with their Certificates of Representation and Music Colours were awarded to Henry Bainbridge, Tom Punton, Tim Salisbury, Paul Savage and James Garlick. Congratulations were also given to pupils who had recently passed grade examinations - James Garlick (Grade 4 Clarinet with Merit), Tom Smith (9CH) (Grade 4 Saxophone with Merit), Laurence Williams (Grade 1 Clarinet with Merit), Matthew Long (Grade 1 Piano with Distinction) and Giles Barrett (Grade 5 Theory).
Later this term the school's musicians will present music at the Year 11 GCSE Presentation on Tuesday 2nd November and the term will draw to a close with the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight in Charlton Church on Wednesday 15th December.
Mr R S Davies - Director of Music
COLLECTIONS FOR ST LAWRENCE HOSPICE - CERNAVODA TOP £1,000
For nearly a year now the school has been making collections to help the children of St Lawrence Hospice in Cernavoda, Romania. The hospice cares for children of all ages, all of whom are suffering from AIDS and have been abandoned or neglected by their families.
The collections are normally made once a week as we leave assembly and occasionally at other times (last week a collection was taken among spectators at a football match between staff and prefects). The money is used to sponsor an English volunteer worker who has helped care for the children there for several years but, since volunteers are given only board and lodging, and have to find their own fares to and from Romania, she could not continue without our support.
Last term a survey was made of the views of pupils as to whether the collections should continue and showed four out of five in favour. We are therefore continuing and the first three collections have raised over £130, bringing the total so far to more than £1,000.
Parents and friends of the school may contribute to these collections if they would like to, either by giving money which their son will put in the collection, or by sending it direct to the School Office. Cheques should be made payable to DGSB.
Mr R Sewell - Head of Religious Education
UNIVERSITY SUCCESSES
We are very pleased to hear of the following successes among former DGSB students:
University of Southampton
Timothy Donovan achieved a BSc 2.1 in Geology with Oceanography.
Nigel Swain achieved a MChem 1 in Chemistry.
Kent Institute of Art & Design
Scott Wakeley successfully completed the BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art & Design and has gained a place on a Degree course at Kent Institute of Art & Design in Maidstone studying for a BA (Hons) Degree in Time Based Media.
Matthew Borle also successfully completed the BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art & Design and has gained a place on a Degree course at Kingston University studying for a BA (Hons) Degree in Illustration.
Since the publication of this issue of The First Thursday, I have been informed of the following.
I passed the Foundation at KIAD (Kent Institute of Art and Design) at the same time as Matt and Scot, and took a year out saving up money for college before taking a three year BA (Hons) Film and Video course at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design in Farnham - where I am now studying my third year. (Chris Lightwing. 21st December 2002)
LATEST SKI TRIP INFORMATION
Dry-slope skiing lessons have now begun on Monday evenings for those people taking part in the trip to Courmayeur, Italy. Dates for these lessons are Monday 27th September, 4th / 11th / 18th October and 1st November from 6.00 - 7.00 pm.
An information evening for parents and skiers has been arranged for Thursday 7th October at 7.00 pm in the School Hall. A representative from the Interski Company will talk to us about the resort and there will be clothing and equipment available to hire or buy.
Mrs C Gabriel
MODERN LANGUAGES
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes a Modern Languages help/clinic for French and/or German will be held in Room 17.
Mrs F Lloyd - Subject Leader of Modern Languages
OLD PHAROSIANS
The Annual General Meeting of the old boys' association was held at the school on Saturday 25th September when the Rev. John Philpott was elected as the new President. The new Vice-President is Phil Janaway. A total of 19 members attended the meeting - including Professor George Curry from Florida - and there were apologies from several more, in many parts of the world, including our oldest former pupil, Mrs Lily Turnpenny, now aged 106.
Phil Harding was re-elected secretary with Graham Tutthill as assistant secretary, Ian Pascall - Treasurer, David Murray - Membership Secretary, Terry Sutton and Graham Tutthill - Newsletter Editors, Peter Burville - Archivist, Neil Beverton - Auditor and Tom Beer and Reg Colman were re-elected as committee members. Staff members re-elected to the committee were Steve Bailey and Malcolm Grant.
Members agreed that association funds could be used to help with the campaign for the retention of selective education, if this was a legal use of funds, and it was also agreed that up to half of the association's present financial resources could be allocated for improvements to the school this financial year. Old Pharosians, via the newsletter, will be invited to support the school financially.
Headteacher Neil Slater reported on the school activities and thanked the association for its support throughout the year.
In the afternoon the annual football match between the Old Boys and the School's 1st XI resulted in a 1-0 win for the school.
In the evening more than 70 former pupils and their wives attended the annual dinner and enjoyed reminiscing and singing "Forty Years On".
Mr G Tutthill - Assistant Secretary
PARENTS' AND FRIENDS' ASSOCIATION
Our thanks to all those who attended the PFA Annual Meeting last week and especially to those who volunteered to join the committee. We are always looking for new committee members and we try to make sure that each year in the school is represented.
It was agreed at the meeting to update the PFA Constitution (last revised some 16 years ago!)
Janet Munford was welcomed as the new Secretary and we are also pleased to have Paula Brown as the 200 Club Secretary.
A discussion took place about the "Support Kent Schools" organisation and the debate concerning the future of selective education. The PFA will keep you up to date with what's happening.
Tomorrow (Friday) we have our first Wine and Wisdom evening of the new season and we would still welcome any more teams. It would be helpful if you would leave a message at the school office to say you are coming (if you have not already done so) and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. It starts at 7.30 pm so come along for a very enjoyable evening. Each table is asked to provide a prize for the raffle.
Don't forget that new and second-hand uniform is available from the office after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The PFA is looking for a double-door cupboard (about 6' high) and preferably lockable to keep uniform in. If you know of a cupboard going cheap please let me know (phone 822121).
The next committee meeting is on Tuesday 2nd November, starting at 7.00 pm, when Christmas draw tickets will be put in the envelopes ready for distribution. The meeting itself will be at 7.30 pm.
Mrs J Tutthill - Chairman
200 Club
The winners of the July and August draws are as follows:
July: 1st Mr G Tutthill £25 (123), 2nd Mrs L Yates £15 (152) and 3rd Mrs G Ferguson £10 (78).
August: 1st Mrs S Langley £25 (195), 2nd Mrs M Thomas £15 (174) and 3rd Mrs A Stupple £10 (149).
Subscriptions are now due for the 200 Club and should be sent to the School Office as soon as possible.
ENGINEERING CLUB
The after school Monday Engineering Club, as advertised in the school calendar, has unfortunately had to be postponed until after the renovation of the Workshops is complete. Once the Workshops are in use again pupils are invited to attend on Mondays from 3.30 to 4.45 pm and will be taught the basics of engineering utilising all the machinery available in the Workshops. This will include accurate marking out, lathe work, milling work, casting, blacksmithing, drilling, plastic coating etc. in the making of various metal artefacts including a screwdriver, working model steamboat, pin tray, hat and coat hook, towel rack etc. It is hoped the club will be up and running after Christmas.
Paul Skelton - Workshop Technician
WHOLE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPH
Order forms will be sent to you in the near future if you wish to order a copy of the whole school photograph. A copy of this is in school should you wish to come along to view it first.
In the meantime if you wish to purchase the photographs of your son that you recently received can you please ensure that you return the necessary paperwork and money to the school by Thursday 21st October.
SPECTACLE COLLECTION
Further to my note last July and to let new parents know - we are collecting old spectacles to send to Vision Aid Overseas, a charity which provides people in developing countries with otherwise unobtainable spectacles. In ten years volunteer optometrists and opticians from all over Britain have visited nine African countries as well as India, Jamaica, Peru and Vietnam to help more than 200,000 people.
We are making a collection of spectacles to send to VAO, so if you or any of your friends or relatives have any old ones no longer needed please send them in to the School Office. Don't worry if they don't have cases as VAO don't need these.
Mrs J Luckhurst - School Secretary
SPORTS NEWS
Football - 1st XI Match Reports
Wednesday 22nd September
Maidstone G.S. 5 DGSB 2
A very disappointing result for our first League match of the new season. Sadly we deserved to lose against a strong Maidstone side mainly because we were disjointed and disorganised, particularly in defence. The pitch and conditions were good, but the game was badly refereed by the Maidstone coach who failed to get a grip on his own over physical midfield players. Some of the tackling in the first half was dangerous and undoubtedly a neutral referee would have acted (two MGS players were booked and could easily have been sent off!) I would like to say that the referee cost us goals but we managed to give them away without any assistance.
We made a disastrous start. Within the first minute Chris Wash was forced to make a good save after a complete lack of communication in the defence, and within another minute we conceded a goal when Chris made another good save only for the ball to fall to the feet of an MGS striker who made no mistake. Gradually we got into the game only to give away another goal for a needless penalty when Chris "took out" a striker (it emerged later that no contact was made). We then went 3 - 0 down when we again lost our marking. The MGS winger walked through three inept tackles and cross along the ground to the far post where it was converted. It was a bad goal to give away.
Thankfully we then started to move better and got two goals back quite quickly. Kevin Doughty was brought down for the umpteenth time, this time in the penalty area and Sam Gibbons calmly converted the penalty. Ben Mackenzie, who had a very quiet game, scored the second, but not before Neil Brinicombe hit the crossbar and Sam Gibbons had a header scrambled away. To make matters worse we lost Darren Piper and David Edwards to injury and had to change the team's pattern of play.
We started the second half well with several good chances, particularly when Sam just missed a header from a corner. Then any chance to get back into the game was lost when another mix-up between Chris Wash and Dan Browne allowed an MGS striker to pass the ball into an empty net. After that we battled well, particularly Kevin Doughty and Adrian Bailes, and had some more good chances which we failed to take. MGS scored again through an excellent cross and header and the game fizzled out, but not before more unsavoury moments, especially when Kevin Doughty was kicked up in the air after the ball had gone! No action was taken.
As in any defeat it is important to learn from our mistakes. We clearly need to organise our defence properly, either with three at the back or with a sweeper. Our fitness levels must improve and we must take our chances. On the positive side several players made a good impact and can gain confidence from their performances.
Saturday 25th September
School 1st XI 1 Old Pharosians 0
An excellent result for the School 1st XI and the first win against the Old Boys since 1994 in the Andy Kremer Cup. The Old Pharosians team was very strong, with a mixture of recent leavers and experienced players, making the victory even more significant. Keeping a 'clean sheet' showed how well the defence played, restricting the Old Boys to a handful of chances, all expertly dealt with by Sam Gibbons in goal.
The vital goal came in the first two minutes of the game when a long routine cross was fumbled by the Old Pharosians goalkeeper Matt Robinson and Steve Key latched on to the loose ball in an instant to score. There was a good all round performance by the midfield of Kevin Doughty, Jason Laird, David Edwards, Adrian Bails, Peter Allum and Chris Stanford and the defenders Neil Brinicombe, Tom Evans, Dan Browne and Dan Phelan deserve special mention.
Well done everybody. (Andy Kremer was 1st XI Captain in 1980 and was tragically killed in a swimming accident at University so I particularly like to win the trophy in his memory).
Wednesday 29th September
DGSB 3 Maplesden Noakes 1
The 1st XI won its first League match of the season with a hard fought victory against Maplesden Noakes, last year's League winners. With a strong wind blowing down the pitch towards the pavilion and a greasy surface, flowing football was very difficult but the quality was surprisingly high. The new defensive pattern with three at the back and with wing-backs worked well, but I still have my reservations as Maplesden Noakes had no real strikers to provide a proper test. Sam Gibbons could only play for one half and, with Ben Mackenzie absent injured, Tom Evans had to play up front even though he was feeling unwell.
We kicked with the wind in the first half and found it hard to adapt. With better "final balls" into the strikers we should have taken the lead on several occasions, with Sam Gibbons running the away defence ragged. But it was Maplesden Noakes who took the lead from their first corner of the half when the cross evaded Chris Wash's punch and rebounded to a striker who had a simple tap in. As we became increasingly frustrated Jason Laird scored direct from a free-kick over 40 yards out. It swung wickedly into the top left corner giving the away keeper no chance.
The second half was very even, with both sides playing open football. The game turned on its head when one MN midfielder was cautioned for dissent and another sent off for apparently carrying on the complaints. It seemed very harsh to me but gave us a one man advantage and gradually we got on top as MN tired. Tom Evans latched on to a through ball to score well and Luke Stockdale volleyed in the third goal to finish the scoring. From then on it was a case of how many we would score and the game fizzled out. Darren Piper went off injured during the second half. It was good to win when not playing to our full potential.
Thursday 30th September
DGSB 12 Tonbridge School 0
An excellent result against an inexperienced and naïve Tonbridge School side entering the County Cup for the first time. Although it was always going to be one-sided the Tonbridge players never gave up and their goalkeeper had an outstanding game. We still had to take our chances and with Sam Gibbons unavailable and Ben Mackenzie returning after injury, another new striking combination had to bed down.
It only took one minute for Luke Stockdale to score with a crisp right foot and gradually the goals started to flow, making it 5 - 0 at half time. I was pleased with the general attitude because it is easy to become arrogant and over-confident, and when the opposition have nothing to play for that is when injuries can occur. Always respect the opposition. My only gripe was that there was not enough movement and running off the ball at time. It will not be so easy away at Borden in Round Two!
Mr S Bailey
2nd XI Match Report. DGSB - v - Simon Langton
The 2nd XI got off to a disappointing start in front of a large audience as they crashed to an unfortunate defeat. With several players starting a match for the first time in early a year the team struggled to find any cohesion, especially in the first 20 minutes when two weak goals were conceded. For both goals quick balls were played forward into areas which allowed the striker to use his pace to get away from our defenders. It was beginning to look like Simon Langton were in complete control, with our midfield failing to close down and defenders failing to connect with the ball properly whilst clearing.
However, after this Dover started to put some passed together and started talking. David Edwards dropped back into defence and Dan Williams pushed forward, resulting in some good attacking runs and shots which tested their keeper. With out play quickening we started to grab a hold of the game and enjoy more possession. Midway through the half we finally broke through the Langton defence when Steve 'The Monkfish' Key latched on to David Edwards fine ball into the box and passed it coolly into the bottom corner.
The final ten minutes of the half saw wave upon wave of Dover attacks in the suitable 'Battle of Britain' kit. Unfortunately none of these bore any fruition.
For the second half Mike Turner came on for Dave Turgoose to bolster the attack as we searched for an equaliser. We started the second half as we ended the first with a spectacular overhead kick from Steve Key which tested the keeper. With out players started to tire, fresh legs were brought in with Mark Long and Jamie Towe replacing Dan Trenowden and Dan Williams. With the pace and commitment of these two players we were able to pose a bigger threat in their penalty area. As we pushed further and further forward, we left ourselves vulnerable at the back and had to deal with several counter attacks. On a number of occasions we had to rely on Mike Sterrow to keep us in the game with a string of fine saves and brave play.
The final 20 minutes saw both teams tire and the game opened up with Dover creating many more chances. The best of these resulted in a fine free kick from Terry Tingey rattling the crossbar (this would more than likely have gone in if the bar wasn't bent in the middle) and in the resulting scramble Adrian Bailes was unfortunate that his goal was ruled offside. The game continued with another bombardment of shots by Matt Fisher, Adrian Bailes, Mark Long and Steve Key all coming agonisingly close right up to the final whistle. Overall this was a disappointing result but an encouraging performance especially from Mike Sterrow and Terry Tingey making assured debuts and from veterans Steve Key and David Edwards. Next week sees a tough confrontation against Maidstone but with this game under our belts and the prospect of new players we can be confident of getting a good result.
Matthew Fisher (13SH) - Captain
Results
Year 7 won their match against St Edmunds 8 - 5, at home and Year 9, also played against St Edmunds won 11 - 1, again at home.
All the football teams from Year 7 to Year 11 remain unbeaten.
Fixtures
1st XI - Sat. 9th - v - Norton Knatchbull (H). Wed. 13th - v - Borden GS (H). Sat. 16th - v - County Cup 2nd Round. Wed. 20th - v - Simon Langton (A). Wed. 3rd November - v - Rainham Mark.
2nd XI - Wed. 13th - v - Borden GS (A). Wed. 20th - v - Football Cup - Round 1. Wed. 3rd November - v - Harvey G S (A).
Thursday 7th Years 8, 10 & 11 - v - St Edmunds.
Tuesday 12th Years 7 & 9 - v - Sandwich
Thursday 14th Years 8, 10 & 11 - v - Sandwich
Tuesday 19th Years 7 & 9 - v - Archers Court
Thursday 21st Years 8, 10 & 11 - v - Archers Court
Table Tennis
The six school teams are now a few weeks into the Dover Table Tennis League and all boys are enjoying the challenge of playing against adult teams such as the Police and Fire Brigade etc. Although to date most Grammar teams are not winning the matches overall they are certainly far from being easy opponents and although mostly new to the leagues they are playing in, and having some quite close games. I am certain that the second half of the league will show the experience of playing against such teams will prove beneficial. One game of note was Michael Marsh, playing for the Grammar 'F' in the 'B' Division for the first time, beating John Lees, a player since 1979 of the Whitfield Club 'D' - 22:20 21:18.
Table Tennis after school practice has started from 3.30 until about 4.45 pm for ALL members of the school on Tuesdays. Please let me know whether you are interested. There is a limit to 12 at any one time due to the number of tables available. First to notify me will be first on the list.
Year 7 Table Tennis House Matches
I am contemplating setting up house matches, open to anyone in Year 7, and wish to know how many teams will be interested. Each team will comprise of a minimum of four players (there may be reserves). Each house may have more than one team to represent their form but no player from one team may register for another once played.
Would one representative from each of the four Year 7 classes please let me have a written list of those interested by FRIDAY 8th OCTOBER. Matches will be played during the lunchhour (1.10 - 1.45 pm). Alternative eating arrangements will have to be made by the players.
Paul Skelton - Workshop Technician
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Governing Body's Annual Parents' Meeting - Wednesday 13th October at 7.00 pm followed by the Autumn Concert.
Half-Term - Friday 22nd October - Friday 29th October (inclusive). (There is a Staff Development Day on Friday 22nd October).
Year 11 GCSE Presentation - Tuesday 2nd November 3.50 for 4.00 pm. (Information will be sent to parents and pupils within the next week).
