Mr Pavis' Video Newsletter: Friday 1st May

This week's newsletter comes to you direct from the stage

We've just wrapped up a wonderful production of Wind in the Willows by our Year 3 and 4 prep school students, and I have to say, the future of performing arts at Kingsley looks very bright indeed.

On that note, a huge congratulations to Lincoln and Lily, who entered a national youth theatre competition against 4,000 other entries and have made it through to the top five in the South of England regional finals. The finals take place on the 24th of May in a West End theatre in London — Lily wrote the monologue, Lincoln performed it, and it's an absolutely outstanding achievement. We couldn't be prouder. And best of luck this Saturday night to our Kingsley Community Youth Theatre, who perform at the Northcott Theatre in Exeter in their own regional finals. We're cheering you all on.

This week we also welcomed guests from the Rotary Club, who presented awards to Becca, Olivia and Ryan for their art competition entries. Ryan's work has now made it through to the national finals — incredible. And a well-deserved congratulations to Aiste, who picked up the trophy for regional winner of the Young Chef of the Year award. Brilliant achievements all round.
In netball, the girls had a superb weekend at the PGL competition. Our Year 7 team were tournament winners, with Elsa named Player of the Tournament, and our Year 9 team also took the title, with Olivia earning Player of the Tournament. Well done also to the Year 10 B team, who came third, with Lena recognised as Player of the Tournament.

Our judoka had an exceptional weekend at the South West Studio Judo Championships — eight golds, seven silvers and five bronzes, and crowned county team champions. A remarkable result. Our senior netball side were also in action in the senior Ladies Netball League, beating Carol Ann Quartz with Annabel named Player of the Match.

In cricket, our Under 15s lost a tight fixture to Mount Kelly, with Will recognised as Player of the Match, and our Under 15 basketball side lost out to Shebbear this week. Thank you to both Mount Kelly and Shebbear for the fixtures — these are relatively new programmes here at Kingsley and they continue to grow. Our golfers were also in action at the Devon Schools Golf Tournament this week — we're awaiting the final results and I'll report back next week.

Last weekend saw the final Ten Tors training weekend ahead of the actual event next weekend — good luck to everyone involved. And this weekend, our Exmoor Challenge competitors — Years 6, 7 and 8 — take on their event after training on Monday. Go well. Our Year 7 and 8 students also took on the UK Primary Maths Challenge on Wednesday, and we look forward to those results in due course.

This weekend our boarders are heading to Lundy, horse riding and a water wake park, and our Swell Chasers are out hunting waves as ever. A big shout out also to our Year 10 and 12 students who are in the middle of their first set of mock exams — keep going, we're really proud of you.

And finally, a very special mention to our science technician Philippa Veillet, who retires today after 28 years of service here at Kingsley — and at Edgehill before that. She has been an incredible presence for so many students and staff over the years. Hugely well-earned, hugely well-deserved. Thank you, Philippa, and we wish you every happiness in your retirement.

Another incredibly full week. I look forward to speaking to you all again next week.