Dr. McShane said in her speech to visiting families, during open morning, that understanding or capturing in description St. Teresa’s School is sometimes difficult. We can tell you all we do and all we offer, but that is not what makes us who we are. That the ethos of the school, passed down through tradition and values, reveals that kindness and holistic growth are at the heart of who we are. That these qualities are often expressed in the intangible day-to-day interactions, beliefs in action and revealed through loving community. That you feel it when you enter but sometimes find it difficult to pinpoint exactly.
The picture here is exactly an expression of that sentiment. The Mass of St. Therese was a beautiful moment in the school week. As Father Charles expressed, the palpable feeling expressed by 600 people quietly and reverently linked together is an incredible thing. Then, the next day, following my early morning cycle to school, I passed the Prep School Art Room external door and saw that Mrs. Halliwell had added this beautiful quote and image during a spare moment on Tuesday as a reminder throughout the week, to the girls, of who we are and what we are about. It is small actions like that of Mrs. Halliwell, seen through other staff and through the girls, that makes this school so special.
That, and the craziness of celebrating St. Francis’s day by bringing our pets to school early this morning and having the joy of celebrating the world together and having Father Charles bless the occasion! St. Teresa’s is a one-in-a-million school…I am so blessed to be a part of this community.
In the words of St. Therese of Lisieux: “Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.”
Have a blessed weekend,
Gareth Tindall
Key Diary Dates:
Tue 8th Oct Year 6, Mock Entrance Examinations AM
Wed 9th Oct Prep School, flu vaccinations for girls with parental permission All Day
Thurs 10th Oct Prep School, Individual and Sibling School Photographs AM
Fri 11th Oct Harvest Celebration, Henderson Hall 8:30 9:15 Year 5 workshop All Day
Tues 15th Oct Year 4 Trip to the Sealife Centre, Brighton 08.00 15.45
Wed 16th Oct Prep School Parents’ Evening Online 17.00 20.00
Thurs 17th Oct Prep School Parents’ Evening In person 16:15 19.00
Fri 18th Oct Half Term Begins
Mon 4th Nov School Resumes
Mon 11th Nov Whole School Remembrance Service AM
Tue 12th Nov Year 6, St Teresa’s Entrance Examinations AM
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Liel G for her fabulous biography on Jacques Cousteau written independently by recalling information about him and using the subheadings to help with the writing process.
Monica H for trying really hard in all aspects of school life including her written work and for contributing really well in class discussions.
Annabella H for enthusiastically writing her biography of Jacques Cousteau using her own subheadings and important information about the oceanographer including about the aqualung.
4 LH Ellie F, Isabelle E week. A fabulous effort.
5 AB Jessica A for great participation and contributions during discussions.
Zoe G for excellent focus and hard work through our rounding numbers topic.
Sophia H for always
5 KH Maggie for her high standard of work across the different subjects and for coping well with her injuries without complaint!
Sophia C for her fabulous reflective comments in her Reading Record.
6 SG Matilda G for her diligent and considered approach to her English comprehensions.
Liberty B for her positive, passionate and enthusiastic approach to each school day and task.
6 MK Alexa H and Sybella J for their fabulous written descriptions of Narnia full of figurative language and expressive, exciting vocabulary.
Imogen S for her informative and creatively designed guide to Baptism in RE this week.
Art Stars
Year 4 Ellie F for her beautiful coral composition.
Year 5
Sofia A and Esther Haselden for their wonderful ink illustrations using patterns.
Year 6 In Year 6, Sophie Brooke and Sybella Jagger for their perseverance and problem solving skills to successfully construct sturdy polar bear sculptures.
Drama Stars
Year 4 Zoe G for excellent participation and confidence when speaking her line.
Year 5 Layla B for speaking with clarity and enthusiasm despite having to learn the pronunciation for a new word!
Year 6 Imogen S for working positively with others and showing in creased awareness of performance techniques.
Blessing of St Francis Service
This morning we held a special service with Father Charles where we gave thanks for our pets and other animals and the beauty of creation
Message forYear 6
Please may I remind Year 6 parents to complete and return the Registration Form to Mrs Charles by Thursday 10th October 2024 so that your daughters can be given priority entry into the Senior School and, be sent the formal offer letters after half-term.
Prep School, Individual and Sibling School Photographs
Fresh School Photography will be in school on Thursday 10th October 2024 to take individual and St Teresa’s sibling photographs. If your daughter/s have swimming or games their photograph/s will be taken before these lessons but they will not be able to be taken before morning swim squad or sport training. If you have a child in the Senior School, we will be contacting you separately about sibling photographs with them.
Harvest Celebration
Parents are invited to join us on Friday 11th October at 8.30am. Please complete this form to RSVP.
If you would like to attend, please park your car in the Senior School car park and walk down to the Prep School.
Donations are being collected
Year 6 Year 5 Year 4
Dry goods: Coffee
Granulated Sugar
Flour
Noodles
Dried fruit
Tins: Tinned fruit
Tinned custard
Rice pudding
Tinned soup
Tinned salmon
Parents’ Evenings
Various items: Olive oil
Cooking oil
Balsamic vinegar
Biscuits
Formal parents’ meetings for the Prep School will take place on the 16th and 17th October. A letter has now been sent out with further information, including booking details. Booking opened on 2nd October 2024 at 7pm.
Whole School Prep School, Individual and Sibling School Photographs
Flu vaccination reminder
Harvest celebration invitation and details about harvest donations. Please RSVP here.
After School Care, Code of Conduct
Year 6 -
Year 5
Year 4
Shang Dynasty Workshop
Viking Workshop
Please contact the School Office if you need copies of any of this information
prepinfo@st-teresas.com
Year 5 science
The children have been learning about how the shape of an object can affect the water resistance that acts upon it.
Mr Tindall’s Wing Walk
Due to unfortunate weather conditions, Mr. Tindall’s Wing Walk scheduled for Sunday, 22nd September, where he was set to take to the skies strapped to the upper wing of a bi-plane to raise funds for Morgan’s Mission and NesT, has been cancelled. Hopefully, a new date will be set soon.
https://nstrust.co.uk/
Morgan is the 15-year-old son of one of my best friends. He was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a life-threatening condition, aged just 15 months. As you may know, the condition affects the kidneys’ functioning and, combined with extreme allergic reactions giving Morgan excruciating eczema, has made most moments in his young life exceedingly painful to go through, without including the time out of school for constant medical procedures and hospitalisation.
Paul, myself and a group of other supporters are taking to the skies, strapped to planes, less life-threatening than Morgan’s condition, all to raise money for research into Nephrotic Syndrome (NesT).
If you feel led to donate, please do follow the link here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gareth-tindall-1723843817839? utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fgareth-tindall1723843817839&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=pfp-email
Otherwise, please can I ask that you remember Paul and his family in your prayers.
With much appreciation
Gareth Tindall
Atom Learning
With mock test preparations for our Year 6 students in full swing, we understand this can be a busy and sometimes stressful period. Many of you have reached out with questions about test scores, transcripts, and the next steps. To help alleviate any confusion regarding mock test data, Atom have prepared a short FAQ guide for parents. This guide explains how scores are calculated, where to access your child’s results, and how to interpret the transcripts. We hope you find it useful.
Sports News
Cross Country
On Monday a handful of U9-U11 long distance runners braved the cold windy weather at Stoke Park for Guildford High Schools annual cross-country fixture. The course was undulating with a few slippery patches, the girls did great tackling these conditions during their races. However, after Miss Aurora's excellent warm up around the route the girls were both physically and mentally ready for the race ahead. Well done to all the girls who participated in the event and thank you to all the parent supporters!
Netball
The U11A team played against Manor House on Tuesday afternoon in very wet conditions. After a fast and chaotic start, the team organised themselves and 2 win. Mrs Rowcliffe would like to congratulate all the players for their
Well done to the U11B netball team who played in a match against Manor House on Tuesday afternoon in the pouring rain. It was great to see the girls movement on court, especially into the shooting circle. The end score was 8-0 and the player of the match was Elodie. Keep practicing your shooting girls and coming to netball club!
Well done to the U11C netball team who won their match against Manor House 5-2. The girls demonstrated quick, accurate passing and worked hard despite the challenging weather conditions! Well done to Sophia S-S who was given the player of the match award from Manor House.
Hockey
On Tuesday during a every wet games afternoon the U10A hockey team played against Sutton High School. During the first half the team did really well to move the ball up the pitch and created many scoring opportunities. Miss Collins and Mrs Elliott were really impressed in the final quarter when the girls were able to move the ball across the pitch using a transfer. Well done, to all the girls who participated in the match and a special mention to Bea S-G who was awarded player of the match. The final score was a 6-0 win!
The U10B team had their first match of the season against Sutton High on Tuesday. The girls began the match in the best way possible, scoring two early goals which settled their nerves. Throughout the match, Sutton High stayed within touching distance and at half-time drew level at 4-4. This meant there were many goals to celebrate but also areas to work on. Ava-Skye N produced a player of the match performance to draw the team to a decisive 7-4 victory. Congratulations to all the team for a thrilling match.
Football
Well done to the U11 football team who took part in a football festival at St George’s. the girls won some and lost some but overall they played very well and displayed excellent sportsmanship. A special mention to Poppy and Eva for receiving player of the day!
Sports News continued...
Fixtures (week commencing 7th October)
Tuesday 8th October U11AB Hockey vs Sutton High (A) 2.30pm start
Tuesday 8th October U10A-E Netball vs St Catherine’s (A) 3pm start
Tuesday 8th October U9&U10 Biathlon @ GHS 3.45pm start
Thursday 10th October U11 Cross Country (A) 2pm start
Friday 11th October U9A-D Hockey vs Danes Hill (A) 3.30pm start
Sporting Fixtures
It was a great pleasure to watch some of our Year 5 and 6 girls enjoying their hockey and netball fixtures in the rain this Tuesday and thank you to the parents who were able to join me in supporting the girls.
As you know, Games, PE and sporting fixtures are an integral part of independent school life and provide our girls with wide ranging benefits including health, energy, camaraderie and social engagement, not to mention sportsmanship whether that be winning or losing.
Games and PE are key parts of our curriculum and the sporting fixtures against other local schools weekly, and more far reaching locations in tournaments and competitions, are a key part of the sporting curriculum and the girls’ skills development.
I would like to gently remind parents that it is a privilege for pupils to be selected to represent the school in a sporting fixture, competition or tournament and, therefore, an expectation that all girls selected will attend the fixture. Our PE staff work hard to ensure that as many of these fixtures are played when we have our Games afternoons (Tuesday for Years 5 and 6; Friday for Year 4), however, some fixtures (and especially tournaments and competitions) will fall outside of these lesson slots and some will be on a Saturday. On occasion pupils will arrive back to school after school hours of 4:15pm and you will be notified of that in the team sheet which will arrive the week before.
I would ask you to contact our PE staff if you have an emergency situation which means your daughter is unable to attend a fixture. If you have any further general queries, I am more than happy to answer those in an in-person meeting.
Kind regards,
Gareth Tindall
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4
Maddy J for such a brilliant start to her music lessons and great work on the Toot . Year 5 Charlotte T for outstanding singing in our Harvest rehearsals – keep it up Charlotte. Year 6 Natalia T for a wonderful start to keyboard lessons, amazing work Natalia.
Chamber Choir
At this year’s Mass for St. Teresa, our Chamber Choir teamed up with the Senior School’s Schola Cantorum to perform Caccini’s Ave Maria. It was a fantastic experience for the girls to sing together for such an important occasion. We received many compliments on the girls’ performance – well done Chamber Choir we’re very proud of you.
Music Clubs
Monday
12.45: St Teresa’s Singers (Year 4 & 5 Choir)
3.45 - 4.30: Training Orchestra
Tuesday
12.45: Ukulele Club (Year 6)
3.45- 4.45: Young Voices Choir
Wednesday
10.55: Training Wind Band
3.45-4.30: Chamber Choir
Thursday
12.45: String Ensemble
12.45: Recorder Club (Year 4)
Message from Mrs Harris:
Harvest Festival
We’re excited to perform for you all next Friday, 11th October, at our Harvest Assembly! The girls have been working hard, they are sounding and looking fantastic and can’t wait to share their beautiful music and performances with you!
I would be very grateful if you could help your children to remember their instruments on the following days; Monday – Orchestra
Wednesday – Wind Band
Thursday – String Group
We like to encourage the girls to be independent when remembering their one-to-one music lessons and would appreciate your help in reminding them to look at the noticeboard for their timetables. Year 4 will be collected for their lessons for the next couple of weeks, after which they should make their own way.
This Week
Bible Reading
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to theThessalonians. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, make you holy, through and through.
Reflection
We have reflected on the lives of the saints and been reminded that our happiness is to be found in Holiness. This week we celebrated the lives of St Teresa of Lisieux and St Francis of Assisi. Two different people living in different places and times but both uniquely close to God. Both shone out with the love of God.
Prayer
Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of our minds. Give us a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity, so that we may always and in all things act according toYour HolyWill. Amen.
We hope that you have had a good week. A reminder to bring appropriate layers for the weather as it has been chopping and changing this past month as we only have a limited number of waterproofs to borrow. Please remember that no hoods or jewellery are to be worn when riding or around the horses.
If you are in the Prep school and want to learn more about the care of horses, then we have spaces on our Stable Management clubs on Friday and Saturdays. Please enquire at the office or by email for more information.
Dates for October Half Term, Christmas Holidays and February Half Term are available to book!
We are running Pony Mornings, Pony Afternoons, Private Lessons and Lead Hacks!
Have a look on the EcPro booking system to see what is available.
NSEA News by Lucy
I am very happy to share that the school equestrian team was out competing again at the weekend and had some fantastic firsts as well as results: Firstly, for the first time ever, we had enough riders to make up a dressage team; Claudia B, Electra B and Lilly S all rode lovely dressage tests to get placed as a team in 4th place and Lilly as an Individual in 6th place. What a wonderful start for them and a fantastic position to build from!
Secondly, we had new riders out competing for the first time who all got placed in their classes!! Fenella B (3rd in the 60cm), Lyla B (3 in the 70cm) did an amazing job and qualified for the Grass Roots Regional Finals as well as the Grassroots Championships at Hickstead in August. Please do join me in sharing in their successes!!
Booking System: st-teresas-equestrian.ecpro.co.uk
For more information, please visit our website www.st-teresas.com/equestrian
You can also call direct on 01372 750257 or email : equestrian@st-teresas.com Find
Surrey Hills Dance Centre
Please contact Michael and Nika for further information:
Menu—w/c Monday 7th October 2024
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Soup of the day
Prep
Main
Eat healthy choice
Tomato & basil
Creamy chicken curry & rice
Chicken tikka masala with rice & poppadum’s
Soy & honey
glazed pork loin steak with rice noodles & Asian greens
Roasted winter vegetable
Freshly baked pizza slice
Pepperoni pizza slice with chef’s salad
Chargrilled chicken Caesar salad
Leek & potato
Roast chicken & Yorkshire pudding
Spiced roasted butternut squash
Pasta carbonara / chicken wraps
Chef’s carvery –Roast chicken breast with Yorkshire pudding Pasta carbonara
Beef meatballs in a fresh tomato sauce served with vegetable rice
Chicken fajitas with peppers & red onions served with grated cheese & sour cream & chives & chef’s salad
Roasted red pepper & tomato
Fish goujons / fishfingers
Traditional battered fish / jumbo fishfingers
Poached salmon with nut free pesto pasta & Italian style salad
Vegetarian
Vegetable & chick pea curry & rice
Sides Rice Broccoli
Additional
Jacket potato & beans
Cheese & tomato pizza slice
Baked wedges
Carrots
Tomato pasta
Stuffed peppers filled with roasted vegetables in a tomato sauce topped with halloumi
