As I write, I was about to countermand my weather report of last week – given the glorious sunshine of this week, dark clouds have rolled in on the hill, thunder and lightening have once again thrilled morning and I have spent several moments away from my musings acting as a doorman (footman) with an umbrella escorting staff and pupils between the front reception and the Prep Drive and Music block.
I will continue my Head’s blurb, slightly sodden, but always in high spirits from the sheer joy of the privilege that is mine in serving this lovely community of staff and young people.
In Monday’s assembly, I commenced the week with a demonstration of courage and a story time. The courage came in the form of me dusting off my guitar from some 20 years of neglect and leading our assembly worship with ‘If I were a butterfly’. I felt it important to share with the girls that I was feeling slightly nervous to play in front of them and colleagues for the first time in some time. It is important for them to know that adults too need to show bravery, to step outside their comfort zone, to be resilient and to give it a go (see end quotation!).
Furthermore, I dragged one of my office comfy chairs to Henderson Hall for a calm story time assembly, where I read to the girls Virginia Ironside’s beautifully crafted story: The Huge Bag of Worries. If you would like to hear it read yourself or share it with your daughters, here is a link to a Youtube reading: https://youtu.be/D5ibh-RzwIU
As we fully commence into the school year some initial worries and concerns have lingered with some of us and so I felt it pertinent to share from this story how to deal with worries. It is a life skill we all need to bring to the forefronts of consciousness from time to time.
Mrs Rowcliffe then led an excellent assembly on Tuesday around fitness and exercise, and giving girls opportunity to share what they would be doing tomorrow during National Fitness Day. My thanks go Mrs Hitchman too for tidying up the lower playground storage shed. We now have easy to access and new playground resources.
Next week sees the commencement of fixtures in our PE schedule and it is at this point we know we are now fully in the grip of the new term and the weeks will now romp past. Can I thus encourage you to be mindful of the future dates below so that you are fully prepared for St Francis Pet Blessing (where attendance will allow you to see in person my guitar skills), Harvest festival, parents’ evenings and the like.
I started the week with bravery and I will end with a quote I shared with staff during INSET: “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.” (Victor Kiam)
Have a restful weekend,
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Zoe G for answering her comprehension homework using full sentences. including recycling the question, correct spellings from the text and punctuation, independently during Study.
Kitty N for showing her understanding of flexible partitioning of numbers up to 10,000 using base 10 and place value counters.
Ottilie H for working so hard in all she does, using a dictionary independently and for showing kindness to a friend in Art Club.
4 LH Isabelle C, Emilia and Arabella for their resilience and excellent communication skills when problem solving in Maths this week. Working in teams, they were able to solve several challenging investigations.
5 AB Matilda W for her super attitude towards tasks and particular effort in developing her vocabulary for describing a character.
Olivia L for her wonderful contributions during our discussions about Moses, during our RE lessons. Layla B for always being kind and offering to help
5 KH Anna R and Eloise B
Clemmie W for making a confident start to Year 5.
6 SG Anna P for her fantastic lab safety creation.
Isabella M for her warmth and kind heart.
6 MK Amelie A for showing great kindness in helping to carry a friend’s bags down to the Prep School on more than one occasion this week.
Khrystyna H for working hard and with great focus in all her lessons always asking questions to further her understanding
Isabella MS for her inspired artists representation of Eve being tempted by the serpent in the Garden of Eden and her explanation about how we should resist the urge to give into temptation
Art Stars
Year 4
Year 5
Vivienne W-S for careful studies of marks and patterns made by the artist
Yellena James.
Electra B for her composition of a sensory pattern using holes made by a needle into thick paper to create textures which can be felt.
Year 6 Zara H for her successful tonal drawing of a polar bear using a graphite stick.
Drama Stars
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Isabelle E-N for excellent participation and use of facial expression to create characters from 'James and the Giant Peach'.
Electra B for her engagement and commitment to every aspect of the lesson.
Kyrstyna H for showing excellent use of body language to convey meaning.
Changes to Bus Schedules or End of Day Plans
Year 6 Science
Please may all girls in Year 6 make sure that they bring their wellies in for their Science lesson on Monday 23rd September.
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
Thank you to those parents who have already sent them in. They will also need to have with them their school tracksuit bottoms and a long sleeved top.
TheYear 5 Roald Dahl Day
In celebration of Roald Dahl Day, Year 5 had fun researching and creating fact files about this popular author. They then presented these in many different ways, to produce some fabulous posters!
Year 4 Art Club
In Year 4 Art Club, the girls have been experimenting with silhouettes. Using watercolours to blend an interesting background, they then used black card to cut out the silhouettes and glue them down. Each chose a unique theme and produced some fantastic pieces of art.
Year 6 lessons
6SG and 6MK deserved a well earned break from the classroom during assessment week. We took advantage of the glorious sunshine by taking our afternoon lesson outside! We loved the warmth and fresh air!
Year 4 Maths
During Maths this week, Year 4 put their resilience and teamwork to the test, solving various mathematical problems relating to money, measures, place value and times tables. They demonstrated some great strategic thinking.
Eco and Gardening Club
Over the last two weeks, Eco and Gardening have been creating posters for the recycling bins in the Prep School classrooms. We discussed how it was so important to only put card and paper in the green recycling bins and hopefully this will encourage the girls (and teachers!) to recycle correctly. Well done, girls!
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 09:00
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
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
Tues 15thOct Year 4 Trip to the Sealife Centre, Brighton
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 Curriculum Handbooks
Whole School Prep School, St Francis’ Pet Blessing
Whole School Sport in the Prep School
Year 5 & 6 Young Voices Choir Young Voices Concert
Year 4 Visit to Sea Life Centre
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
Mr Tindall’s Wing Walk
This 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 were available for pre-order. Karl will be personalizing and signing all pre-ordered books.
We hope your daughters will enjoy this incredible opportunity!
Sports News
Hockey tournament at Downsend School: U11
The U11A’s turned up on Saturday ready for a tough tournament against some really strong opposition teams. We had been working hard in training on playing in the right shape and we really improved in this area as the morning progressed. The highlight of the tournament was a 1 win against Notre Dame, a game where the whole team started playing at a quicker pace and we had a lot more success around the attacking third. The previous match, a hard fought 0 draw against winners Downsend, highlighted the team's competitiveness and desire to win. I am excited to see this mindset continue and for the team continue to improve.
U10
The sun was shining bright on the first hockey tournament of the year. The U10's were in high spirits, especially given the fact that they haven't had a single hockey lesson this year. As a result, the first match was a little shock to the system. The team regrouped after a 2-0 loss to Hall Grove, and after this each individual improved with every game and the team started to really gel together. By the last game of the morning, a 0-0 thriller against Notre Dame, the team were creating chances, tackling well and were so close to getting the first win of the year. I have no doubt this team will be winning games soon!
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.
Clubs (week commencing 16th September 2024)
Monday 12.45pm 1.15pm Hockey Goalkeeping Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
3.45pm 4.45pm U9 Swim Squad & Swim Development Squad Invitation only
Tuesday 7.50am-8.20am U9-U11 Netball Club EVERYBODY WELCOME! 12.45pm 1.15pm Netball Shooting Club EVERYBODY WELCOME!
Wednesday 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!
Fixtures (week commencing 23rd September)
Tuesday 24th September - U11A-D Hockey vs Feltonfleet (H) 2.30pm start
Tuesday 24th September - U10A-D Football vs St Georges (H) 2.30pm start
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4 Scarlett S for beautiful singing and wonderful enthusiasm – thank you, Scarlett!
Year 5 Rosalind D for being such a great asset to the Music Department – we are so pleased to have you Rosalind!
Year 6 Eleanor B for a wonderful start to playing in the orchestra – it's fantastic to have you, Eleanor!
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)
Year 6 Keyboard Lessons
This week, Year 6 students have had an exciting start to their keyboard lessons! They began by learning the fundamentals, including proper hand positioning, how to find the notes on the keyboard, reading from the treble clef and practicing rhythms. The girls who already play the piano, have been working on more advanced skills creating keyboard harmony. Using a lead sheet, they focused on playing with the right hand while composing their own creative harmonies for the left hand. It’s been wonderful to see their imaginative ideas come to life!
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
Bible Reading
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Reflection
This week we focus on the theme of Resilience.
We know there are times when not everything goes to plan. We forget the books we need, out with a friend. Things do go wrong. We may not understand how God can be in those moments. we must have FAITH in Jesus as He has promised to be with us. St Therese of Avila put it this way: "Let nothing Disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, Though all things pass, God does not change. Patience wins all things. But he lacks nothing who possesses God; For God alone suffices.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to be generous: to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek to rest; to labour and to ask for no reward.
We hope that you have had a good week and stayed out of the rain! 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.
Entries are being finalised for the NSEA Championships 2024. Those who qualified as individuals or in a team since last November/December have the chance to compete at Addington in the finals!
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for when the results are published after the October Half Term.
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 Facebook:
NSEA News
Surrey Hills Dance Centre
Please contact Michael and Nika for further information:
Menu—w/c Monday 23rd September 2024
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Monday
Soup of the day
Prep School
Main
Tomato & basil
Chicken & tomato pasta
European week of languages, Italy: Chicken & tomato pasta bake drizzled with fresh herb oil & Italian style salad
Roasted butternut squash & sweet potato
Pork sausage hot dog
Locally sourced pork sausage hot dog with chef’s salad
Leek & potato
Roast gammon with Yorkshire pudding
Honey roast gammon with Yorkshire pudding
Country vegetable & lentil
Roasted red pepper & tomato
Chicken pie Fish fingers
Chicken & sweetcorn pie
Eat healthy dish
Vegetarian
Creamy coconut beef & fresh vegetable curry
European week of languages, Spain: Cajun style chicken, chorizo & roasted pepper bake
Thai green vegetable & quorn curry
Vegetable sausage hot dog
Rice
Sides
Dessert
Additional
Garlic & basil bread
Peas & sweetcorn
Chocolate brownie
Salad Bar
Fruit Platter
Baked wedges Broccoli
Sticky Chinese style chicken drumsticks with crunchy vegetables
European week of languages, Greece: Spanakopita (spinach & feta pie)
Roast potatoes
Mixed vegetables
Vanilla sponge topped with icing Apple crumble & custard
Salad Bar
Fruit Platter Salad Bar
European week of languages, France: Slow cooked beef Provençale
Roasted
vegetable & bean chilli topped sweet potato
New potatoes Carrots
Sticky toffee
pudding with butterscotch sauce
Fruit Platter Salad Bar
Fruit Platter
European week of languages, England: Traditional battered fish fillet or fish fingers
Fresh vegetable burritos with house salad
Vegetarian style spaghetti bolognese
Chips Peas
Baked beans
Banana & choc chip cake
Salad Bar
Fruit Platter
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
