Please help add to our tree, the deadline is tomorrow! Sitting underneath it are the fantastic donations that we've already received. As we have done in years passed, we are collecting donations to go to our local Food Bank (Swale) prior to Christmas. https://swale.foodbank.org.uk/

We have been in touch with the food bank, and they are in need of all items. Examples of what can be donated are below:

Tins of food items such as meats, beans, soups, fruit and vegetables
Jar sauces
Long life milk
Coffee/tea/sugar
Pot noodles and other instant snacks
Pasta/Rice
Cereals
Squash
Gloves, hats and scarves
Toiletries – deodorant, toilet paper, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste, hand wipes
Household items – laundry liquid detergent, laundry powder, washing up liquid
Feminine products – sanitary towels and tampons
Baby supplies – nappies, baby wipes and baby food (please note, due to advice from UNICEF they cannot accept donations of formula milk)
Please note they are unable to accept any alcoholic items.

We really appreciate your support!

Police officers and representatives from a wide range of organisations were back on the road today and visited our school talking to Year 9 students about how to keep safe. Police and partner agencies visited, with discussions of issues including online safety, the dangers of substance abuse and healthy relationships.

As well as staff and officers from the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit, the event was organised by the KCC Social Services Team, the Metanoia project - who speak about the dangers of knife crime - as well as Homestart and Stagecoach. 

Borden Grammar School officially opened its new multi-million building; the Vafeas Block, named after former Headteacher Harold Vafeas who sadly passed away in 2014. The new building offers teaching classrooms, a sixth form area, gym, changing facilities and science lab. The school crest surrounded by poppies on the outside ensures that it honours the Avenue of Remembrance that the school is situated on.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Swale Cllr Ben J Marton, local MP Kevin McKenna, members of Kier Construction as well as a host of former staff and students. Music, performed by students from Borden, introduced the evening; fitting as Harold Vafeas had a passion for music and supported the arts during his time at the school. 

The Vafeas family, his wife Mrs Vafeas, along with her three grown-up children and two grandchildren were guests of honour at the event. Mrs Vafeas spoke about how she had met Harold when they were both teachers in the late 1970’s and his commitment to the school. It was his kindness that shined through, and former school captain and current Assistant Head Teacher Timothy Westby spoke about Harold’s dedication, especially in helping with the lengthy Oxbridge application process.  

Headteacher Ashley Tomlin concluded the speeches by unveiling with Mrs Vafeas a picture of Harold and a plaque that will be installed in the new building.  

Cllr Jayes came to Borden to present an award for bravery to Max Markham in year 8, after he and two others saved a man's life during the summer, pulling him from the water when he was at risk of drowning. We are immensely proud of Max and his upholding of the Borden values in the community.