The last two (busy) weeks of term have kicked off with an U9 Hockey Christmas Festival at Downsend, Netball at Halstead and a Trust Chess meeting here on Tuesday – my thanks to the fabulous St Teresa’s sports staff and Mrs Choudhry for organising these wonderful opportunities.
6th December 2024
We held the first of our Christmas festivities in the form of our wonderful Carol Service and it was incredible. The girls’ singing was sublime, they performed impeccably, read competently and clearly and the whole evening was truly honouring and glorifying to God! My thanks to all involved: Mrs Gibson on lights, sounds and seating plan; Mrs Yalden on the organ; Mrs Johnson for logistics, seating and preparing order of services; Mr Jakubowski for his prayer and MOST of all to Mrs Harris for the entire service and preparation of the girls to be so amazing. And to the girls, because despite all our preparations they are the ones who perform on the night and did so brilliantly.
We look forward to next week with our Christmas Concert, Theatre Trip, Y5 Museum of Egyptology, Santa Fun Run and last day of term with Christmas Jumper Day, Christmas Lunch and Christmas Activity Afternoon!! It’s going to be so much fun!
In reflection on my own address at the close of the Carol Service, I leave you with this quote from James Keller regarding a painting that is close to my heart from my own spiritual journey and formation: "In Holman Hunt's painting, "The Light of the World, "Christ is shown in a garden at midnight, holding a lantern in His left hand. With His right hand He is knocking on a heavily panelled door. When the painting was unveiled, a critic remarked to the painter, "Mr. Hunt, the work is unfinished. There is no handle on the door." "That," Hunt answered, "is the door to the human heart. It can be opened only from the inside."" ~ James Keller
Please ensure that your daughters and yourselves have a restful weekend, Gareth Tindall
Key Diary Dates:
Mon 9th Dec Prep School Christmas Concert, Choirs and Music Ensembles, Chapel 5.30 - 6.30pm
Tues 10th Dec Christmas Theatre Trip: Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist 12.00-5.15pm
Wed 11th Dec Year 5 Museum of Egyptology and Science Solar System display 8.45am
Thurs 12th Dec Santa Fun Run 8.30am
Fri 13th Dec Prep School Christmas Jumper Day All day Prep School Christmas lunch 12.15pm End of term - No Study Time or After School Care 3.45pm
Pastoral Pause
Day 1: Check – I printed and gave to every class in the school
Day 2: Check – I contacted a friend who lives in Cornwall
Day 3: Check – not for print here!
Day 4: Check – something I regularly do but a good reminder to us all this time of year
Day 5: I am on the look out and hope I can react well when I see it
Day 6: Check – does it count that I wrote personal Christmas cards to my staff and left them for them today.
Looking ahead to this weekend, let’s unite in giving as many kind comments as possible tomorrow and then enjoy sharing how we have helped family or friends on Sunday.
Remember: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” (Winston Churchill)
Go with God,
Gareth Tindall
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Annabella H for including fabulous facts about Vikings from our Viking Day including that they ate fish porridge and rats!
Kitty N for loving the experiment Year 4 completed on digestion, especially when transferring the food from the stomach to the small intestine and understanding how food travels through the body safely.
Scarlett S for creating a super non-chronological report on our Viking Day sharing information about the weapons, food, clothing and a wealthy burial.
4 LH Emilia and Sophia for sharing their Viking Day learning in the form of a written recount. They used an introduction, sub-headings, bullet points and fact boxes to clearly present the information.
5 AB Liberty C for her particularly good focus and hard work this week.
Jessica S for the noticeable effort put into the presentation of her work.
5 KH Carys, Maggie and Ava-Skye for working hard on 'up-levelling' their creative writing these past two weeks, using techniques such as different sentence starters, show not tell and use of the senses.
6 SG Jasmine N for her fantastic Titanic advert. Jasmine's advert for Second Class would have convinced everyone to buy a ticket!
Eva J for the dedication she put into learning her lines for her beautiful solo in the Carol Concert.
6 MK Penny C for her incredible focus and fabulous effort towards her work this half term across all subject areas.
Apollonia CD for her commitment to music in the prep school particularly over the last few weeks, sitting 3 musical instrument exams and singing a solo in the Carol Concert.
Stars
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Charlotte E and Isabelle C for their excellent colour mixing, good use of sgraffito and careful approach to their Picasso plates.
Clemmie W for a dynamic and interesting composition of an Egyptian repeating pattern, based on the artist Rachel Parker.
Lolita Diez de Onate, for embracing an experimental approach to represent an iceberg and also the speed with which she worked to capture its qualities.
Year 5 Megan S for her confident performance and enthusiasm in a group work task.
Drama Star
Art
Christmas Celebration Invitation
Monday 9th December 2024
All are welcome to attend our informal Christmas Celebration, where the choirs and music ensembles will be performing a variety of festive pieces. on
Monday 9th December at 5.30pm in the School Chapel
Festive refreshments will be served afterwards.
End of Day Collection from the Prep School
Now that it is so dark at the end of the day, in order to keep the girls safe, we will only release them to you when you reach the turning circle outside the Prep School. Please could you ensure that you have a name sign on the dashboard as additional staff may help with dismissal. Thank you for your understanding.
Message forYear 6 Parents
If you wish to accept the place for your daughter to join the Senior School in September 2025, please return your completed reply slip to Mrs Charles as soon as possible but no later than Friday 6th December 2024 in order to guarantee the place.
Random Acts of Kindness
This week I would like to highlight two individuals in the Prep School for their RAKs.
Firstly, to Avery K for her keen attention to detail in noticing the chess sets were in need of re-organisation and then acting on that and setting them all correct ahead of our Chess Meet against Cranmore – well done, Avery.
Then on Thursday, prior to the Carol Service commencing, Sophia C stepped in to read for us the 6th Gospel Reading and did an incredible job with very little preparation. Well done and thank you, Sophia.
This third day from the Random Act of Kindness December Calendar is a really exciting and practical opportunity to bless someone else in your life.
What if you worked together with your daughter to assemble ‘Soup Kits’ to give to family, friends, someone you know who is ill, someone you know who is elderly, to drop at a local foodbank, church, homeless shelter, Home for the Elderly.
Whole School Theatre Trip
Year 6 Year Group Reminders
Year 5 Year Group Reminders
Year 4 Year Group Reminders
Please contact the School Office if you need copies of any of this information
Museum of Egyptology
Parents of Year 5 are invited to visit the 'Museum of Egyptology'
On Wednesday 11th December
Refreshments will be served from 8.45am in the Henderson Hall.
The girls will be showcasing the projects they have chosen to research over two weeks and will be keen to talk to visitors about their learning. Please come and join us to see some 'wonderful things!'
Christmas Jumpers - Friday 13th December
We would like to invite the girls to wear a ‘Christmas jumper’ with their school uniforms (if they would like to) on Friday 13th December. This is the last day of term, so it should help us all to get into the festive spirit for our Christmas lunch and afternoon activities.
Class Assembly Dates 2024 - 25
23/01/25 - 6 SG
30/01/24 - 4 KC
26/02/25 - 5 KH
07/05/25 - 4 LH
14/05/25 - 6 MK
At 8.30am in the Henderson Hall
Refreshments will be served in the Henderson Hall from 8.15am
Open Book Dates 2024 - 25
We will be holding Open Book Mornings for each Year Group starting in the Spring Term. This is an opportunity for your daughters to show you their books and their classrooms. You will be sent a form to confirm your attendance nearer the time.
Year 4 - 22/01/25
Year 5 - 29/01/25
Year 6 - 05/02/25
Refreshments will be served in the Henderson Hall from 8.15am 08.30 - 08.55am in the Year Group Classrooms
Key Dates 2025
As outlined in the Parent Handbook, and reiterated at the Parent Welcome Reception, there are three key dates in the school calendar that are compulsory for all the girls to attend. This is to help them understand the importance of team work and collaborative responsibility as these are events where they are all involved and need to support each other.
These dates are as follows:
Spring Concert, Thursday 13th March, 18.30 to 19.30
Prep School Prize Giving, Thursday 3rd July, 19.00 to 20.00
We would be grateful if you could keep these dates free so that all girls can be present at these important community events.
Year 4 Science
This week in Science, Year 4 modelled the digestive system in action. Using a plastic bag for the stomach, we first added some rich tea biscuits, a banana, water and apple juice. Then, the gastric acids and enzymes (or children squeezing the bag) began breaking down the food. This mixture was then passed through the small and large intestine (or a tight leg) where the nutrients and additional water was absorbed by the body. Finally, with help from a pair of scissors, the remaining waste was released from the body. The girls had a lot of fun and were able to clearly articulate the various elements of our digestive system.
Eco and Gardening Club
During the final few weeks in Eco and Gardening Club this term, the girls have been designing their own garden including flower beds, paths, play equipment, patios, grass areas and vegetable patches. Well done girls, super designs!
Puzzles Club
The girls in Puzzle Club have been fantastic this term, working on a wide variety of both numerical and word challenges. For our final one, there was a selection of festive puzzles to choose from, including a jigsaw puzzle kindly lent to us by Mrs Gibson.
Medical
We kindly request that you complete the Medicine Permission Form if your daughter needs to bring any medication to school. This ensures that our medical staff can administer the medication safely and appropriately. Additionally, please note that cough sweets can be provided to pupils by the nurses at the Medical Centre in the Senior School.
To maintain a safe and controlled environment, we ask that you do not allow your daughter to bring her own cough sweets to school or keep them in the classrooms.
Prep School House Emblem Competition
The House Captains were very keen to create some House Competitions this year. They competed in houses during Maths week and there are plans for a number of different house events. The first competition is to design a house emblem for each house. Entries must be on an A4 pieces of paper, should include either an image of the saint or an item that you might associate with him and images should reflect the house colour. Entries need to be brought into school by the end of term.
NoTeacher Led Clubs 9th—13th December
Please be informed that there will be no teacher led after school clubs running during the last week of term. All other paid for clubs and groups will go ahead usual . Pupils will have the opportunity to complete their homework during Study time and can attend After School Care from 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Thursday. On Friday, 13th December, collection will be at 3:45 PM. Please note that there will be no Study time or After School Care provided on the last day of term.
Christmas Post Box
We will be running a Christmas post service for the children from 2nd December. If the girls would like to send cards to their friends they should write the name of the recipient and their class clearly on the front of the envelope. The cards will be delivered at the end of term.
Sports News
Netball
On Tuesday, the U10A team took on Halstead St Andrews. In the first half of the match, the team were struggling to keep possession and went a few goals down. However, in the second half, they found their feet and started to create opportunities. Ivy M played well in defence and made many an interception. Zoe G was an excellent captain and was a great linking player in the mid court. Abi VR scored a superb goal from the edge of the circle. The team made a bit of a comeback and the final score was 9-4 to HAS. Well done to Zoe G for being selected as player of the match.
St Teresa's B team were defeated convincingly by Halstead St Andrews in their latest netball fixture. The match saw Halstead dominate from the start, showcasing strong defence and efficient shooting. St Teresa's struggled to break through, managing just two goals despite some solid attacking play. Primrose was named Player of the Match for her hard work in both attack and defence, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Halstead's clinical performance secured them a comprehensive victory.
The C team had an absolutely wonderful match which was well-matched, competitive and lots of fun! The team had a great start, scoring two goals in close concession with epic shooting accuracy from the team. Throughout the game, the girls worked on driving forwards for the ball and in front of their defender. They also worked hard on marking their player and doing their own job really well. Going into the last 5 minutes, it was 3-2 to St Teresa's. With strong defending and tips galore from Isla and Liberty, we were able to prevent them from only scoring one goal, and, through an excellent centre pass play, we scored the winning goal to win 4-3 overall! We were absolutely thrilled, and all the girls should feel very proud of their performances. The player of the match was very well-deservedly awarded to Isla! Well done to her and the entire team on a match filled with teamwork, determination, and enthusiasm.
Well done to the D and E team who delivered an outstanding performance defeating Halstead St. Andrews 11-0. From the start, St Teresa's dominated the game with fast, precise passing and excellent shooting. Their defence was also exceptional, preventing Halstead from scoring throughout the match. The player of the match was Megan, well
Hockey
The U9 Christmas Hockey Tournament was a festive celebration of both sport and holiday cheer, as players from the year group sported creative Christmas outfits to face teams from Downsend, Notre Dame, and Freemans. The whole year gave their all, showing great teamwork and determination in each match. The tournament wasn’t just about the competition; it was a joyful occasion where players, coaches, and parents all embraced the festive spirit. From Santa hats to reindeer antlers, the event was filled with laughter, high-fives, and memorable moments. While the results weren’t the main focus, every player demonstrated sportsmanship and a love for the game, making the tournament a fun and festive experience for all involved.
SANTA FUN RUN
Next Thursday 12th December @ 8:30am Don’t forget your festive attire!!
For any questions related to Prep Sports, please contact the new Prep PE email at PrepPE@st-teresas.com or reach out directly to the specialist teachers.
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4
Hollie G for wonderful work learning songs for our Carol Service.
Year 5 Ania S for an amazingly musical week and being an all round superstar!
Year 6 Avery K for being the Music department’s little ray of sunshine!
Carol Service
What a truly wonderful evening we shared at our Christmas Carol Service! It was heartwarming to see our community come together in celebration, filling the candlelit Mairlot Hall with joy, music, and festive spirit. Our girls were simply superb, singing with grace, passion, and angelic harmonies that touched everyone present. The readers were also excellent, delivering the lessons beautifully, reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas.
A special mention must go to Mr Tindall for his thoughtful address, which gave us all much to reflect on as we approach the festive season. The pride in our girls and our community was clear throughout the evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us it was a night to cherish and a perfect way to begin the Christmas celebrations.
Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful Christmas!
Christmas Celebration
Monday 9th December 2024
All are welcome to attend our informal Christmas Celebration, where the choirs and music ensembles will be performing a variety of festive pieces. on Monday 9th December at 5.30pm in the School Chapel Festive refreshments will be served afterwards.
Music Clubs Next Week
Due to the Christmas Celebration Concert and pantomime visit, music clubs will not run next week
This Week
This week we marked the beginning of the Church’s season of Advent - that wonderful period of preparation for the great feast of Christmas, when we remember the birth of our Saviour Jesus. At this time we hear the words from the prophet Isaiah who exhorted the people to prepare for their return, out of exile, to their home. Despite all the indications to the contrary, and despite the seeming impossibility of the return, Isaiah was filled with faith-filled hope that the time would come.
Through this season of Advent we are encouraged to spend time reflecting on the coming feast - the birth of Jesus, the Saviour, who came into our world to save us and to open for us the way to heaven. We are called to be people of hope. We are encouraged to live lives that are characterised by hope, and to develop a deep trust in the God who loves us and who always accompanies us through life, in the good times and the hard times, a God who removes our fears.Let us wait for the Lord and make space thisAdvent for God.
Termly lessons end this Saturday 7 December
This has been our tenth and final week of timetabled lessons for the Autumn Term. We hope that you have enjoyed riding this term as much as we have. Unless you have booked in for a ridden ad hoc lesson between Monday 9th and Thursday 12th December then we will not be expecting you for a riding lesson, the Pony Club sessions or the Challenge Awards.
If we will not be seeing you next week or over the holidays, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and will see you in 2025!
For the week commencing 9th December, we will not be running the term timetable of ridden lessons and stable management clubs.
Extra lessons are available to book on the system.
Christmas Holidays
The Pony Mornings and Afternoons are booking up fast, so please do reserve your slot now to avoid disappointment.
The days are as follows:
Monday 16th December 1pm-4pm (1 space)
Wednesday 18th December 9.30am-12.30pm (1 space)
Friday 20th December 9.30am-12.30pm (1 space)
Monday 23rd 1pm-4pm (1 space)
Thursday 2nd January 9.30am-12.30pm (1 space)
Friday 3rd January 1pm-4pm (2 spaces)
There are also private lessons available book on most days.
NSEA News
The girls in the Pony Stars and Challenge Awards Clubs had fun this week getting the ponies looking festive. This is our pony King, looking rather gorgeous.
In September, Fenella Barker, Sophia Sutherland and Lyla Batchelor qualified for the Grass Roots Regional Final which is taking place in Felbridge this weekend. We wish them all the best of luck and will look forward to hearing how they get on.
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 us on
A huge thank you to FOST and those who donated raffle prizes, as well as all the volunteers for such an incredible Christmas Fair last Friday! It was wonderful to see the school filled with such a Christmassy atmosphere, what a fantastic turn out!
Menu—w/c Monday 9th December 2024
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Week 1
Soup
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Main
Pasta Bar
Mild Beef Chilli
Con Carne
served in a taco & dips
Vegetarian
Sides
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Piri Piri
Chicken with Pitta Bread, Baby Gem and Homemade Sauces
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Locally Sourced
Oven Baked Pork
Sausages with Onion Gravy
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Roasted
Pepper, Chicken & Chorizo Sauce
Freshly Battered
Fish or Breaded
Fish Fillet with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Roast Turkey, Stuffing, Pigs in Blankets and Gravy
Pasta with Tomato & Basil
Macaroni
Mixed Bean & Quorn Chilli
Spicy rice
Steamed Sweetcorn
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Additional
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Potato Wedges
Macho Peas
Rainbow Slaw
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
White
Dessert
Citrus Drizzle Cake
Chocolate & Cherry Shortbread
Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Apple Filo Pie with Custard
Cheese with a Crispy Onion Topping
Skinny Chips
Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Spinach and Feta Filo Parcels
Roast Potatoes Brussel Sprouts
Fresh Fruit
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
