Blog week ending 10th September
A very warm welcome to our first blog of the academic year.
There is always something special about the start of a new school year, and it has been fantastic to welcome our students back this week. The school has been filled with positivity from day one and we have been incredibly proud of how our students have returned, looking smart, reconnecting with friends and staff, and approaching the year ahead with enthusiasm and ambition.
As part of their return, students have spent time with their tutors setting themselves up for success and thinking about the goals they want to achieve this year. These conversations have focused not only on learning, but also on the importance of organisation, resilience and making positive choices each day. Each year group has a scheduled parent and carer welcome meeting, and we look forward to seeing you!
Above all, it has been lovely to see our community together again. We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to sharing the many achievements, opportunities and memorable moments that will no doubt come our way.
To read my full ‘welcome back’ letter with contact details and key dates, please click here Welcome-letter-Sept.pdf
The below photos were taken at the start of our first day of the academic year!
Our Canteen serves a delicious range of hot and cold options at breakfast, break and lunch. An average daily spend is estimated at £4.00 per day, although your daughter/son may spend more than that if they purchase food and drink at breakfast and break too. The Main Meal and Dessert of the Day (hot or cold) at lunchtimes is £2.88. Through your iPay account you will be able to see what your child has eaten each day, as well as setting a daily spend limit (currently set at £7.50) and/or ‘auto-top-up’ so that the system will automatically top it up when the balance falls below a threshold you specify.
Introducing Mrs Ward, Head of Year 7
As Head of Year 7, Mrs Ward plays a key role in helping students navigate the transition to secondary school and make the most of their first year at Stone Lodge. Alongside teaching RE, Sociology and Criminology, she is a familiar presence across the year group, supporting students to grow in confidence, develop independence and flourish throughout their journey with us.
Mrs Ward added “I’m the Head of Year 7, and as I always say, young people’s wellbeing and happiness sit at the absolute heart of everything I do. I joined the school last academic year with over ten years’ experience as a Head of Year in a secondary setting, as well as a previous background practising as a lawyer – a career that taught me the true value of advocacy, fairness, and clear communication.
I am deeply passionate about pastoral care, diversity, and creating an inclusive environment where every student feels seen, supported and given the opportunity to thrive. For me, the most rewarding part of my role is getting to know my students individually; understanding their unique needs allows me to offer the best possible support to help them progress and flourish throughout their education.
Alongside leading Year 7, I will be teaching Sociology and Criminology in the Sixth Form, as well as Religious Studies across Key Stage 3 and 4. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me keeping up with the latest Formula One race or advocating for environmental causes. I am incredibly excited to be leading our new Year 7 cohort, and I look forward to working closely with all of our students and their families this year!”
Below, photographs from one of Mrs Ward’s Year 7 RE lessons .. along with the recipients of her ‘Golden Tickets’ which recognise students’ contribution to the lesson and celebrate their learning. In this lesson Mrs Ward was so impressed with students’ learning that she presented two Golden Tickets rather than the customary one per lesson! Aston and Poppy earned their Golden Ticket through positive class contributions, diligent work and insightful comments.
We are incredibly proud to introduce our Head Students for this year, four exceptional Year 11 students who embody the values, character and spirit of our school community.
Being a Head Student is about much more than a badge or a title. It is about leading through kindness, setting a positive example and helping every student feel seen, supported and valued. Throughout the year, our Head Students will work closely with younger year groups, support mentoring opportunities, lead the Student Council and ensure that student voice remains at the heart of school life.
At our school, we believe that culture comes first. When students feel a strong sense of belonging, support one another and engage positively with school life, they are able to fulfil their potential and achieve great things. Our Head Students will play an important role in championing that culture, helping to create a community where every student can thrive both academically and personally.
I am very much looking forward to working with them over the coming year and seeing the positive impact they will have across our school. This is a well-deserved achievement, and I know they will be outstanding ambassadors for our community.
Rio – Head Student “One of my favourite hobbies is acting. Since my first drama lesson, I have enjoyed the opportunity to express myself, develop my confidence and take part in school productions. As Head Boy, I hope to lead by example, champion our RIDES values and encourage others to make the most of every opportunity available to them.”
Isabell C – Head Student “I am proud to be Head Girl because it gives me the opportunity to meet new people and turn ideas into action. This year, I hope to help create a school community where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to be themselves. I want Stone Lodge to be a place where students enjoy coming to school, feel a real sense of belonging and are inspired to achieve their very best.”
Eva O – Deputy Head Student “Religious Studies is one of my favourite subjects because it has taught me about different cultures and beliefs and helped me see things from new perspectives. I find it really interesting learning about the experiences of others. As Deputy Head Student, I want to use those skills to listen to students, support my peers and help make a positive difference in our school.”
Thomas K – Deputy Head Student “I am fascinated by science and enjoy discovering new things. Whether learning about the human body or the wider world around us, science has inspired me to be curious and ambitious in my studies. As Deputy Head Student, I want to be a kind and caring role model who helps create a supportive school community where everyone feels welcome and confident to achieve their very best.”
Welcome to SL6. Starting sixth form is an exciting step, and we’re delighted you’ve chosen to continue your journey with us at Stone Lodge Sixth Form.
At SL6, it’s all about you.
We believe every student deserves to be known, valued and challenged to achieve their very best. From day one, we’ll take the time to understand who you are, what matters to you, and what you want from your future.
Whether you’re aiming for university, an apprenticeship or a particular career, our commitment is simple – ambition for every student. Through exceptional industry connections, professional networks and personalised guidance, we’ll help you explore opportunities, gain valuable experiences and build a pathway that reflects your individual goals.
There isn’t one definition of success at SL6. Your journey will be shaped around your ambitions, your strengths and your aspirations. We’ll be there to support, challenge and champion you every step of the way.
We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.
We have been sent the below information on local events to share with our families.
RAF Manston History Museum is an aviation museum located in Manston, Kent, dedicated to preserving and educating the public on the history of Manston as an RAF base.
To share new of our forthcoming Wings and Wheels event on the 12th and 13th September. This event is one of our most popular, in which we open up a number of the aircraft inside the museum for visitors to sit inside, as well as displaying several different vehicles on our taxiway. This event will also include our tank rides and fire engines rides for a small extra cost.
Ellenor Sponsored Twilight Walk. Paint the town orange for ellenor as part of their iconic Twilight Walk in Gravesend. For more information and to book your place, please click here
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 12 Welcome & Information Evening – 15 September
Year 9 Welcome & Information Evening – 16 September
Year 8 Welcome & Information Evening – 17 September
Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Info evening – 24th September 6-7pm
Years 7 & 12 Meet the Tutor evening – 30th September 3.30-7pm
Year 9 Careers workshop – 5th October
Parent/Carer Information evening Mental Health & Young People (online) – 5th October
Year 9 Careers workshop – 7 October
Stone Lodge Award Evening – 8th October
Year 11 Careers Talk – 9th October
Year 6 Open Evening – 15th October
Year 6 Open Mornings (by appointment only) – 19th-23rd October
Last Day of Term 1 – 23rd October
First Day of Term 2 – 5th November
Best wishes,
Catherine Cusick
Headteacher
