On Wednesday 17 April, St Edmund’s Secondary in Dover were delighted to welcome Diocesan Schools Commissioner, Angela Cox, and Episcopal Vicar for Education, Canon Victor Darlington, (pictured below with Headteacher Gráinne Parsons and the school’s Student Leadership Team). Students led discussions about the school’s values and local community.

Thanet based St Augustine's College Alumni are publishing their historic school archive online from Monday 15th April. 

The archive includes all of the Alumni's school magazines, going back to the very first edition published in the Winter of 1886, up to when the school closed in 1995; together with a number of other books and documents, such as Monastic and Scholastic Century and school prospectuses. 

The magazines, which were mainly written by the pupils of their time, depict life through the eyes of those who attended this Benedictine School, with diaries and reports of activities, and there are some fascinating stories to read including school life in the late Victorian reign through two World Wars, right up to the 1990s.

Commenting on the publication of the archive, Andrew Sharp, Chair of the Old Augustinians said:
“The project to digitise and publish our archive provides a wonderful opportunity to share our history with the public and to those interested in Catholic School History.” 

With the archive being published on Monday 15 April, Andrew went on to say, “We hope it will be of interest, not only to those who were connected in some way with the school and the local community, but to those interested in Catholic School life through the years - it is very much part of our Catholic and local history and heritage.”

You can view the archive here from Monday 15 April.

For further details, please contact the Chairman, Andrew Sharp on 07920 424990 or by email:  oldaugustinians@gmail.com

For more information about the Old Augustinians, please visit their website www.oldaugustinians.org.uk

Pupils at St Augustine's Primary in Tunbridge Wells were delighted to lead Mass earlier this month at St Augustine's Church. The music lead, Nick Pointer had given up his time to come into school and teach the children a song with signs: 'You have called you by our name,' by Bernadette Farrell.

The pupils led the Mass beautifully and it was lovely to see the school community coming together in Church.

On Friday 8th March, St Edward's Catholic Primary School in Sheerness joined schools across England in taking part in the #LetGirlsPlay 'Biggest Ever Football Session.'

#LetGirlsPlay is a campaign to influence and drive change, showing that football can and should be played by girls. It is bringing together a growing community of people of all genders, ages and backgrounds who want to champion equal access for girls, helping create independent, resilient young girls who will be a force for good in all local communities.

Sixty-eight girls, from EYFS through to Year 6, took part in the lunchtime activities and practised lots of skills associated with the game of football, including penalty shoot outs. The regular TSC coach supported the activities to help the girls have the very best experience and join in the national initiative. With two lunch-time football sessions being held every week, the school has some budding footballers!

Science Week got off to an exciting start at St Augustine's Primary in Tunbridge Wells this week, pupils in KS1 have created their very own time capsule!

On Thursday 07 March, it was World Book Day! This is an annual celebration of authors, illustrators, books and the joy of reading, and, as you will see from the gallery of pictures below, our schools celebrated the day in style once again!

At the start of February, St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Sittingbourne was inspected by Ofsted. Miss Vedamuttu, Headteacher, is delighted that the school received outstanding judgements for Personal Development and Behaviours and Attitudes and was graded as Good overall. The Ofsted Report is overwhelmingly positive and captures the school community well. The Inspectors reported that “St Peter’s is a happy school where pupils are nurtured and achieve well…. and its Catholic ethos continues to shine brightly.”

Mr Michael Hutchinson, Chair of the Local Governing Committee said "I would like to thank Miss Vedamuttu and her wonderful team for their ongoing service and commitment to the children".

The full report can be found on the school website here.

Pupils at St Edward's Primary in Sheerness attended a regional dance competition 'The Great Big Dance Off' at Chatham Central Theatre on Tuesday 5th March, and we are incredibly proud to announce that they won the event! 

This was the second year that St Edward’s attended the event, having performed with a team of 30 students last year. The dance team ‘Inspirational mix-ups' was supported by an ex-pupil, who helped choreograph and develop the dance skills of all 12 children across six weeks. Mrs King and Mrs Heath were also on hand to support after-school practice sessions.

The team had an amazing afternoon at the venue and it was wonderful to, once again, see the talent of other schools around the county. The behaviour and respect demonstrated was impeccable and the support given towards each other, and other teams, was commendable. Families from the school community supported the event, travelling to the venue and cheering the team on. 

The ‘Inspirational mix-ups' won the event with an incredible 271 marks out of a possible 300. The next part of this adventure will now see the team perform at the national competition in Oxford on 19th June 2024. 

Well done to all involved!

To mark the start of a new term, and the beginning of a calendar year, St Gregory’s Secondary in Tunbridge Wells celebrated with Year group Masses on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 January.

Led by the Deanery priests, the Masses were all based on the theme that we are 'known and loved' by God. Students from St Gregory’s assisted with the Masses by performing the readings and taking part in the offertory. 

An audience of parents & carers, students, and staff enjoyed St Edmund’s School’s Prize Giving ceremony this term. This important occasion celebrated the achievements of former students, and forms an important part of the traditions of the school. As Mrs Parsons noted in her welcome, academic achievement for all was at the heart of St Edmund’s vision for the school; however, the prizes awarded also celebrate service to the school community and contribution to school life, as well as honouring the legacy of former pupils and staff.

Students were inspired by our Guest Speaker, Sarah Philpott, Solo Channel Swimmer who talked about teamwork, respect, trust, resilience and overcoming fear and what lies ahead as she continues her journey.