Blog week ending 17th May

Congratulations to our Stone Lodge Bake-Off Finalists in what was a thrilling final round!  Ms West was incredibly impressed by the standard of cookery and creative skill each team incorporated into their final bakes.  Special congratulations to our Winning Team Sienna B, 8B, Elsie M, 8B and Sofie R, 8B of Edison House.

Our Lead Judge, Ms West commented; the team produced a celebration cake, cupcakes and chocolate brownies. They had a strong theme which they had changed from the heats. They worked extremely well as a team and had amazing presentation. 

And our runners up;

Miley G, 9C, Imogen C, 9B, Freya C, 8F, Vienna C- M, 7G, Feyikemi A, 7G, Evie W - 7G 

At the weekend, the Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh students participated in their expedition assessment.  This was the opportunity to put all their training into practice.  Each group planned their route for a six hour walk each day.  They loaded up their back packs and set out on their adventure.  Staff were extremely impressed with their map reading and the high spirts they showed at each check point. They showed exemplary skills in setting up camp and cooked some wonderful meals. The group came together to support each other in an extremely successful expedition.  Well done to all students and a big thank you to all staff involved in giving up time to train the students, supervise the weekend, man the check points and contribute to a wonderful experience for our students.

Year 8 Science students have been making their own prototype greenhouses as part of their current ecology topic.  Students have been exploring the importance of factors of photosynthesis to influence yields of crops and other economically-important plants.  Their designs aim to maximise conditions to prompt a strong crop (in this case cress!) 

Student helpers.  Primary school Tag Tournament at Dartford Valley RFC - Fun in the sun!  Report from organisers;

“The event was organised by Andrea, our local school games organiser, and George Flatman, Dartford Director of Rugby. It was an awesome day for the local community, with 112 kids from Years 5 and 6 soaking up the sun and loving every moment of playing rugby.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our neighbours at Stone Lodge School, where seven volunteers from Years 11 and 12 generously offered their time to referee the games. We extend special recognition to Emily and Molly, both integral members of our remarkable U16 girls’ team, which has clinched victories in both the Kent Cup and Kent League.

A great day to celebrate the community and the sport we all love.

We look forward to many of the kids who played yesterday becoming Dartford Youth Academy players!

Onwards & upwards!”

The Student Leaders in the newsletter party have written an item about the care home visit to Priory Mews Care Home.

On Wednesday 8^th May 2024 two of our Year 10 students visited The Priory Mews Care Home. This was a great opportunity for our Young Journalists to interview some of the residents at Beaumont Home, they also got the chance to speak to some of the staff and management team to get an insight on what life is like at the care home. This was also a great chance for interactions between residents and staff. 

Students were able to learn more about dementia from the staff at Priory Mews and that it is more than just losing your memory, because in some cases you can only remember your childhood and the events that happened in your childhood feel like it happened yesterday. In some extreme cases some patients won't be able to eat or drink or they may not even know where they live. Dementia mainly interferers with somebody's ability to remember, make decisions, think etc which prevents one from carrying out everyday tasks. 

They were also able to learn and understand the different cases of dementia and other illnesses that residents have. Some of the questions asked to the residents were as follows: 

How are you doing today? In which the resident gave some interesting and varied responses considering that most residents are dementia patients they actively communicated with our students. 

How long have you been here for? Majority of the residents have been in the care home for 4+ years with one of the residents named Eddie who has been in the care home for 7 years. 

What was your past career? Every resident lived a rich and youthful life with Jobs ranging from being in the British armed forces to social workers and providers helping everyone and the community. 

Furthermore, our students were also very pleased by this experience and really enjoyed interacting with the residents and the exceptional staff at Priory Mews who were incredibly kind towards them and so eager to answer some of the question our young reporters had prepared. Some of the questions are as follows: 

What is your favourite aspect about this job? The manager and the fellow staff responded by saying “making people happy and making them feel better and improving their wellbeing is the honestly the best part of this job”, it was evident that the staff were very attentive and caring towards the residents and were there for them with whatever the residents needed, this was definitely a heartwarming sight for all of our students, and it definitely made us feel happy that such sweet people were around the residents. 

How do you communicate with the residents? This may seem like a basic question however, with majority of the residents at the home at different stages of dementia not everybody is willing to respond to what you say, and that's not because they don't want to its just that their disorder is making them feel tired and unable to communicate in the way most people do. Therefore, in order to understand their needs staff, try to form an attachment with the residents, this could be just by speaking to them even though they don't respond, reading the newspaper, doing sign language, playing music, giving them picture books is very common and overall, just being with them in the moment and trying to help them. 

What's the most difficult aspect about this job? All of the staff could agree that that the most difficult and challenging part of the job was if a resident would pass away. They said that this was the most difficult part of the job because it is really hard to lose someone after you have formed such a deep attachment with them and you miss making them happy and working at the care home feels less good when somebody has passed away. 

Overall, all of the Stone Lodge students that attended the visit to Priory Mews had an amazing experience and all the students can't wait for their next trip back. We appreciate all the staff at Priory Mews Care Home for interacting with our students and allowing our school to speak to the residents and paint with them. 

Written by Newsletter party: Nakshathra R, Michelle O and Keon O

Miss Bassant, Careers and SL6 Officer is incredibly proud of the professionalism shown by our Year 10 students during their Work Expereince.  Students have been gaining invaluable hands-on workplace experience in a variety of sectors and roles including;

Lang O’Rouke – nine students working across a range of departments culminating in a final task to create a business plan for a new project.  Students shadowed teams to gain experience and inspiration for their presentation.  Students delivered their pitches in a Dragons Den style format to senior members of staff.  Employer quote, “it was a pleasure to have such keen and conscientious students here for their work experience, each demonstrated a desire to get the most out of the opportunity and their behaviour was impeccable.”

Students placed in 14 local primary schools.  Students shadowed classes, took part in one-to-one pupil guided reading, phonics, playtime and serving meals.  Feedback has been universally brilliant!  

Solicitors.  Supporting the main office with administrative tasks ensuring a keen eye for detail!

Dartford FC.  Working with the sales team as well as shadowing the coaches working with younger years.

Insurance Brokers.  Placed with the technical and broking team, the programme included a visit and tour of London Lloyds in Central London.

North Kent College, shadowing their sports industry environment sector, meeting new people, building confidence and knowledge in workplace settings.

City of London Police.  Daily briefing of expectations then de-brief at close of day.  Reviewing CCTV footage conducting mock interviews and generally learning how investigations are led.

Motor Mechanic placements.  Learning how marketing ‘car wraps’ are produced and applied as well as general mechanical engineering work.

Priory Mews Care home students worked in conjuntion with the events team; including creating bespoke quizzes that created great engagement with residents.  They also took part in a sponsored walk to raise money and awareness of Dementia UK.  Employer quote, Employer quote, “we have been so impressed and proud with the students caring approach to our residents and their needs.  Going that extra mile to provide entertainment tailored to their interests and capabilities”

Hair and Beauty Salon.  Shadowing beauty treatment practitioners as well as washing hair for the stylist teams.

Dartford Stone Lodge Bowls & Social Club challenged our staff to a friendly game of bowls!  Following a quick tuition session staff took part in and highly spirited and enjoyable game!  On our staff team comprised of Miss Haynes, Miss Arklie, Miss Wenham, Miss Bains and Mr Bailey.  A great time was had by all!  The Club is open to new members .. of all aged and abilities. 

• New members welcome​ - Why not try bowls!
• FREE taster sessions - Equipment provided, you just need flat shoes/trainers
• We have a well-stocked bar and a very good kitchen team.
• Contact us to arrange a convenient time – 01322 274111

Women's Adobe FA Cup Final.  On Sunday 12^th May, the girls' football attendees went to Wembley Stadium to see Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup final. After losing last year, it was clear United were taking no prisoners in securing the trophy and managed to score four goals past Spurs! There was a lot of cheering and singing, and some very happy United fans in our group on the way home. Miss Haynes on the other hand was not so happy. It was another fantastic trip to Wembley in the sunshine! 

Dartford District Cup Year 10 WINNERS!!!  Huge congratulations to our intrepid Year 10 team on a sterling competition!  Mr Proctor has provided a match report;

"It was 4:15pm on Thursday 9th May. The day of the Year 10 cup final. Mr Proctor and his trophy winning squad were warming up in the sun ready for a ‘rematch’ vs Northfleet Technology college from a cup final two years prior.

Northfleet started brightly, trying to keep possession however Stone Lodge defended well, George B commanding the back line and had great spells of possession themselves. It was not long before the relentless pressing from Joshua D won the ball back on the edge of Northfleet area and smashed the ball into the top corner from outside the box 1-0 Stone Lodge. Good spells from both teams trying to play good football allowed for a great first half until Man of the Match Joshua D took a shot from distance and flew it into the goal making it 2-0 Stone Lodge. Half time – 2-0 to the Lodge.

The second half was an even affair, both teams trying to create chances and score. A great save from Harvey O at full stretch kept Northfleet from scoring. Stone Lodge defended well and managed to keep a clean sheet. The game Finishes 2-0 to stone Lodge and the rematch was complete. 

Congratulations to the Year 10 Squad who add the Dartford District Cup to their trophy cabinet."

 

Team sheet.

Harvey O

George B

Leon A

Jaydan T (Year 9)

Joshua D

Connor Y

Ronnie C

Billy W (Year 9)

Archie O

Pharell O

Isaac S

Tobi S

Harry W

Sam R

Joel Schofield, the Pastor from Stone Baptist Church runs our highly popular Christian Union Club on Wednesday lunchtime.  His church has now launched a new Stone Baptist Youth Club – the full details can be read below.

Weekly Youth Activities: 
Friday's (term time)  -  5pm-7pm
Nerf, movies, table tennis, craft, board games, table football, football, pool, and chill out space, and not forgetting our very own youth club invented Cone Ball!

Mental Health Awareness Week aims to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and empower young people to prioritise their mental health.  ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’ is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024.  Regular physical activity is known to improve mental health, quality of life, and wellbeing. For more details on this year’s theme and activities please click here Mental Health Foundation | Everyone deserves good mental health

If you are concerned about the mental health of your child, please do call our school for help, advice and support.

Young Carers are young people aged 5-18 that provide unpaid care to a member of their family or friend in the form of physical care; emotional support as well as helping with practical tasks. To ensure our Young Carers are supported to prevent a greater impact, there are many things we can do to work together to support them in school.

Young carers can be referred into Kent Young Carers, with parental consent, on the following link where you will also find some more information: Kent Young Carers (imago.community)

For any further information or guidance, speak to us at school in the first instance.

Stone Lodge Year 11 Prom – 5^th July!  It’s going to be EPIC!  Tickets are available to buy on ParentPay now!  Your ticket includes; finger food buffet, soft drinks, DJ, and photobooth!  ***Student request*** we need your help to compile the set-list for the DJ.  Any suggestions should be dropped off to our school office - clearly marked for the Prom set-list!   

Looking for a new career opportunity?  It is our firm belief that a motivated, supported and empowered staff are at the heart of our students’ achievements.  Endeavour MAT’s staff development programme offers our staff opportunities for career progression across our Trust schools for the next generation of exceptional teachers, support staff and leaders.  All our schools take pride in being warm, friendly and supportive workplaces.  You can be assured, regardless of your role, you will be working with people who enjoy their work, are proud to be here and who will want to welcome you to the team.  To view our current vacancies, please click here.  Current Vacancies - Endeavour MAT (endeavour-mat.co.uk)

Forthcoming Dates;

Year 9 District Cup Final – 23rd May

Year 12 Grades home – 24th May

Year 13 Leavers Meal – 24th May

Last day of Term 5 – 24th May

First day of Term 6 – 3rd June

Year 12 Higher Education Exhibition UEL – 6th June

Year 12 Futures Event in school – 5th June

 

Best wishes,

Gavin Barnett

Head Teacher