Mr Pavis' Video Newsletter: Friday 8th May

The highlight of this week was without doubt one of the best days in the Kingsley calendar — the May Fair. A huge thank you to the PTA and to every parent who helped plan and pull it all together. The weather threatened to cause a few problems, but in the end the gymnastics, judo, music, stalls and games all went ahead perfectly, and the whole Kingsley family came together for a truly wonderful day.

Looking ahead, Speech Day is on the 22nd of May — just two weeks away. Invites went out on the 4th of May, so do check your emails and head to the parent portal to book your seats for the prize giving ceremonies. Prize winner announcements will follow next week, so if you know your child is receiving an award, don't delay in securing your place.

Last Saturday, our students performed at the Northcott Theatre in Exeter as part of the Kingsley Community Youth Theatre's journey through the National Youth Theatre Competition. They've now made it through to the next round — fingers crossed we get to take it even further afield.

Our golfers — Olivia, Sophie and Henry — represented Kingsley at the Devon Schools Golf Tournament in Stover last week, finishing a very credible seventh place out of the whole of Devon. Well done to all three of you.

On Tuesday, we had Year 4 to Year 11 students competing at the ISA South West Regional Finals at the stadium in Exeter. I'm delighted to say that no fewer than 16 of our students have now qualified for the ISA Independent Schools Association National Finals at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham later this term. A fantastic achievement — good luck to everyone involved.

On the cricket field, our Under 13s beat Saint Joseph's with Harrison named Player of the Match. Our Rounders Under 12s also won their fixture against Saint Joseph's, while the Under 13s narrowly lost theirs. Thank you to Saint Joseph's for hosting.

Our Year 10 and Year 12 students finish their mock exams today, and from Monday the main public examination season begins in earnest for our Year 11 and Year 13 students. You have worked so hard for so long — now is the time to show what you're made of. We are right behind you, and we very much look forward to celebrating those results in August.

This weekend is a busy one — teams are out on Dartmoor for both the Jubilee Challenge and the Ten Tors event, and I'll be joining them out there myself. Performing arts students are rehearsing in school for the upcoming school play, our Swell Chasers are on the lookout for waves, and our boarders are off to Butlins for a packed weekend of the Wake Park, escape rooms and Longleat Safari Park. I hope they all make it back from the lions in one piece.

Right — my bag is packed and Dartmoor is calling. I look forward to speaking to you all again next week.