What a week of dramatic weather fronts we have had in this first full week of school, ranging – in one day – from a crisp autumnal morning, to a beautiful summer’s sunny day, to a deluge of large hail which left the lower playground looking as if it had snowed. My proudest moment was those brave individuals from After School Care who left shortly after the deluge stopped and took up my challenge to make ‘hail angels’ on the floor – they looked so effective for ten minutes before the sun came back out.
It has been delightful to see the school getting back into full flow, especially with extracurricular activities commencing with all our dancers, gymnasts, singers, actors, horse riders, artists, ecologists, swimmers, tennis players, netballers, hockey players, runners, ukelelists (?), footballers and runners!
Thank you to all who attended our ‘Meet the Teacher’ event on Monday and the positive feedback shared with me on the playground for how helpful you found that session. Please do remember our open door policy and if anything is of curiosity, confusion or concern please do come and talk to your teachers.
Our week started with my second assembly around the our Year’s value of Community. Last week we reflected on ‘Love is Kind’ meaning useful, serving and gracious. This week our focus turned to ‘Love is Patient’ – long-tempered – like God we strive to be slow to anger and abounding in love. To close my message this week, I would like to share a quote from Mister Rogers:
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
Have a lovely weekend!
Key Diary Dates:
Mon 23rd Sept Safer Internet Week All Week
Wed 25th Sept Year 6 Karl Nova Poetry Workshop 11.15 12.15
Fri 27th Sept Whole School, MacMilllan Coffee Morning further details to follow
Tues 1st Oct Whole School, St Teresa’s Feast Day All Day
Tues 1st Oct Whole School, Mass for the Feast of St Teresa’s TBC
Thurs 3rd Oct Year 6 Parent Talk and Tour of the Senior School, Henderson Hall 08.30 9:55
Fri 4th Oct Prep School, Liturgy of St Francis’, with pets, Mairlot Lawn (TBC) 08.30 9:15
Wed 9th Oct Prep School, flu vaccinations for girls with parental permission All Day
Thurs 10th Oct Prep School Individual Photos 09.00 12:15
Fri 11th Oct Harvest Celebration, Henderson Hall 08:30 9:15
Tues 15thOct Year 4 Trip to the Sealife Centre, Brighton 08.00 15.45
Lunchtime Fun in the Sun!
Today, our pupils enjoyed a delightful lunchtime under the warm sunshine. The playground was filled with laughter and joy as pupils engaged in various activities, from playing games to simply relaxing with friends. It was wonderful to see everyone making the most of the beautiful weather!
Welcome New Staff
We hope you will join us in extending a very warm welcome to our new staff: Mrs Gilbard Year 6 Teacher, Mrs Stephenson Year 6Teaching Assistant, Mrs Doman Year 5 Teaching Assistant, Mrs Allen Year 5 Teaching Assistant Welcome to the St Teresa’s family!
Parents’ Evenings — 16th and 17th October 2024
Formal parents’ meetings for the Prep School will take place on to following days:
Wednesday 16th October Online 17.00 to 20.00
Thursday 17th October In Person 16:15 to 19.00
A letter will follow with further information, including booking details.
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.
Absence From School
To report an absence from school, please call the School Office before 8.30am and speak to a member of staff or leave a message on the school answerphone, stating the reason for absence 01372 453 456
Changes to Bus Schedules or End of Day Plans
Please report any changes to bus schedules to transport@st-teresas.com and copy in the School Office. Any end of day changes, please email your class teacher and copy in the school office prepinfo@st-teresas.com
This week you have received the following communications:
Whole School Flu immunisations letter Whole School Karl Nova Poetry Workshop
Please contact the School Office if you need copies of any of this information prepinfo@st-teresas.com
Prep School Contact Details:
Please contact Mrs Johnson at the School Office by email: prepinfo@st-teresas.com or call 01372 453456
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Scarlett S for showing fabulous enthusiasm in all activities this week especially in her Maths responses about place value.
Sara W for settling in so well, reading beautifully with Mrs Pope and for askin g when she is unsure of what to do or where to go.
Charlotte E for settling in so well reading beautifully with Mrs Pope and for completing her homework independently in Study.
4 LH Lulu D and Maddie J
Florence D
5 AB Liberty C and Jessica S for making a wonderful start to Year 5 in St Teresa's and all lessons
5 KH Sofia A for such a positive and enthusiastic start to Year 5. Megan S for settling in to her new school and class so well and taking everything in her stride.
6 SG Summer C for her impeccable manners and maturity, especially when helping others. Sofia G for a positive and passionate start to the new school year.
6 MK Evie R, Eleanor B and Avery K for making a fantastic start to Year 6, engaging brilliantly in all lessons, sharing their ideas enthusiastically in class and working conscientiously across the curriculum. Well done girls!
Art Stars
Year 4 Millie G for undertaking a successful range of observational drawings of shells using different techniques.
Year 5 Thea S for her careful observation of pattern on a Chinese vase, which she "deconstructed" with accuracy.
Year 6 Anna P for her tonal study of a polar bear, capturing the form and detail accurately.
Drama Stars
Year 4
Annabella H for showing calmness when overcoming a difficulty in the lesson.
Year 5 Jemima H for throwing herself into all activities with great enthusiasm.
Year 6 Jena W for making an enthusiastic start to the new term.
Changes to Bus Schedules or End of Day Plans
Year 6 Science
Please report any changes to bus schedules to transport@st-teresas.com and copy in the School Office. Any end of day changes, please email your class teacher and copy in the school office prepinfo@st
Year 6 were tasked with designing a way to advise people of how to work safely in a science laboratory. Anna came up with this amazing creation which we will have on display during our science lessons
TheYear 6 Geography
The girls have been learning about lines of latitude and longitude in their Geography lessons this week. Putting their new knowledge into practise, they demonstrated their understanding by drawing these 'invisible' lines carefully onto inflated bal- loons.
Year 6Topic
6SG have very much enjoyed their first week of our topic: Frozen Kingdoms. We loved learning about the locations of the Arctic and Antarctic Circle. We also drew lines of latitude and longitude onto balloons (sadly popping a few in the process!).
Mr Tindall’s Wing Walk
On Sunday 22nd September, I will be taking to the air strapped to the upper wing of a bi-plane all in aid of fundraising for Morgan’s Mission and raising money for NesT.
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
National Poetry Day 2024
We are thrilled to announce that renowned rap poet Karl Nova will be visiting St Teresa’s on Wednesday, 25th September! Karl will be sharing his dynamic and engaging poetry with students in Years 6, 7, and 8 throughout the day.
Karl Nova is celebrated as one of the UK’s foremost poets and hip hop artists, known for his unique, witty, and energetic style. His sessions are designed to inspire and cultivate a love for reading, writing, and poetry among pupils.
Karl has been honoured with the CLiPPA 2018 Award and the prestigious Ruth Rendell Award in 2020. Karl Nova | Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (clpe.org.uk)
Books by Karl Nova are available for pre-order through this MS form
Please ensure orders are placed by Tuesday, 17th September. Karl will be personalizing and signing all pre-ordered books.
We hope your daughters will enjoy this incredible opportunity!
Sports News
Welcome Back!
The PE department are really looking forward to the sporting year ahead. We have a sport for all ethos in the Prep School and we would like to see as many pupils as possible attending the extra-curricular clubs. Please encourage your daughters to get involved.
Swimming news
Congratulations to Bella Down who swam for Godalming in the Surrey Relays at the Aquatic Centre in Stratford this weekend.
If your daughter has completed any sporting achievements outside of school, we would love to hear about them. Please email Mrs Hitchman with a short description and photo to a.hitchman@st-teresas.com.
We would like to apologise for advertising the Cross Country Club to the Prep School pupils. This is only for the senior girls on a Friday before school. There is a Running Club for the U9’s on a Wednesday lunchtime at 12.15pm-12.45pm and on a Thursday at 12.15pm-12.45pm for the U10 & U11’s and everyone is welcome.
Clubs (week commencing 16th September 2024)
Monday 12.45pm 1.15pm Hockey Goalkeeping Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
Tuesday 7.50am-8.20am U9-U11 Netball Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
12.45pm 1.15pm Netball Shooting Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
3.45pm 4.45pm U9 Swim Squad Invitation only
Wednesday 7.45am-8.30am U10&U11 Swimming Squad - Invitation Only
7.50am-8.20am U9-U11 Hockey Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
12.15pm-12.45pm U9 Running Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
12.45pm 1.15pm U10 & U11 Recreational Netball Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
Thursday 7.50am-8.20am U9-U11 Football Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
12.15pm-12.45pm U10 & U11 Running Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
3.45pm 4.45pm U10 Swim Squad and Development Squad Invitation only
4.45pm-5.45pm U11 Swim Squad and Development Squad Invitation only
Friday 4.15pm 5.30pm U11 Netball Club & U9-U10 Hockey Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4
Ava B for fantastic focus and enthusiasm in her first Toot lesson, well done, Ava!
Year 5 Olivia L for beautiful singing and concentration when learning our Harvest songs. Year 6 Sophie B for an amazing start to keyboard harmony lessons – great work, Sophie!
Welcome Back!
It has been so lovely to see everyone's smiley faces back at school and hear music and singing echoing through the music department! The girls have dived into the new term with incredible enthusiasm, and it's wonderful to witness a huge number of Prep pupils eager to learn new instruments. Year 4 enjoyed their first "toot" session, Year 5 had a fantastic start with their ukulele lessons, and Year 6 embarked on their first keyboard session all brimming with excitement. Here’s to a melodious and engaging term ahead!
Music Captain
Apollonia introduced herself in assembly this morning. She told the girls all about herself and her passion for music as well as delighting us with her wonderful guitar playing.
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:
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
It was wonderful to welcome everyone back after the Summer holiday, and particularly to welcome all those new to our school family.
Bible Reading:
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
(John 6)
As we start this new school year we can feel a little overwhelmed. The Miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand reminds us that each of us has something to offer and encourages us to give what we can. For when we give we will receive.
Our Value focus this year is the Value of Community. Each one of us has something to bring to our School Community. What will you bring?
Lord Jesus help us this year to recognise the gifts you have given us and the gifts of others.
We hope that you have had a lovely summer holidays and enjoyed the weather (when it wasn’t storming!)
STE had a busy summer with Lessons, Pony Days and Day Camps, as well as saying goodbye to some of the team, and gaining some new members. The lovely Barney found a new home from where we get regular updates to how happy he is. And pretty Betty joined us over the summer and has settled in to the team well. Katie, who stepped in as the Yard Manager in January, has moved on to start her teaching career at another school. We wish her the best of luck! To take her place is Nicole, who has joined us from a livery yard which unfortunately has closed down. Nicole is a great new addition to the team, so do say hello and ask her any questions.
Dates for October HalfTerm, Christmas Holidays and February Half Term are available to book!
Have a look on the EcPro booking system to see what is available.
Competition Report from Saturday 7th September 2024, by Rosie
Today our NSEA team was off to Felbridge for the Addington Showjumping qualifiers. Although we had no team results, we had a lot of success in our individual placings across all different heights and styles, from 70cm up to 90cm, from combined training to jumping with style. In the 70cm JWS we had Harriet L jump into 4th to qualify, then onto the 80cm JWS we had Lilly S who not only did a lovely double clear but also took the win! Then Lilly followed onto the 90 JWS and took 4th with Chloe B not far behind into 8th and then Chloe went on to win the 90cm SJ! She then got on her 2nd ride of the day in the 90 combined training to finish with only 4 faults in the showjumping to finish on a dressage score of an amazing 36.9 to finish in 2nd. Later on in the 1m combined training, we then had Antonia S go round to also finish on her dressage score of an amazing 37.3 and into 4th. Another well done to Amber B and Florence B who did lovely rounds to finish just out of placings in their classes. Congratulations to everyone who competed today.
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
Surrey Hills Dance Centre
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with you! Last term, Nika and Michael had the honour of being guests at the Prep School prize giving, and they received fantastic feedback from everyone. Many students and parents expressed interest in their dance school, and they are excited to announce that they are starting a new intake for their weekly children’s Ballroom & Latin dance classes from the start of the new academic year. Website | Facebook | Instagram
Menu—w/c Monday 16th September 2024
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Soup of the day
Prep School
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Tomato & basil
Beef lasagne & crusty bread
Main Beef lasagne with crusty bread
Eat healthy dish
Vegetarian
Sides
Dessert
Additional
Chargrilled sweet chilli
chicken with little gem, cherry tomato, sweetcorn & carrot salad
Vegetable & spinach lasagne
Crusty bread Peas & sweetcorn
Chocolate chip cake & custard
Salad Bar
Summer Fruit Platter
Roasted butternut squash & sweet potato
Chicken burger
Southern fried chicken burger with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes & red onions
