St Teresa's Prep Weekly Bulletin 23 January 2023

Message from Mrs Conrad

Our wonderful Parents’ Association, FOST, organise many fantastic events and fundraising initiatives throughout the year and, at the summer ball, there was an auction to become a ‘mini me’ for the day. As a result, I was delighted to be joined this week by Miss Alexander who ably assisted me in running the Prep School! Amongst other duties, Miss Alexander joined me on playground duty to greet the girls as they arrived at school, began our school assembly and attended a catering committee meeting along with staff and the Senior School prefect team. I was very impressed with how she took to the role and carried out her tasks with great aplomb! I feel I must stress that hot chocolate with marshmallows at morning break and lunch in the boarding room is sadly not a normal occurrence!

I look forward to seeing many of you at FOST’s Burns Night tomorrow which promises to be an evening of fine feasting and fun dancing - Sláinte Mhath (good health)!

Key Diary Dates:

(see over for details)

(in person), Henderson

(on-line)

Fri 10th Feb Year 5, Tudor Workshop

Fri 10th Feb Half Term Begins 18:00

Mon 20th Feb School Resumes

Wed 22nd Feb Ash Wednesday

Prep School Open Book Mornings

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. Refreshments will be served in the Henderson Hall from 8.15am and, once the girls are settled, you will be taken to the classroom from 8.30am until 9.00am.

Please see the dates below. You will be sent a form to confirm your attendance nearer the time.

Wednesday 1st February Year 6

Wednesday 15th March Year 5

5MK—Class Assembly

Parents of girls in 5MK are invited to join us for their class assembly on Thursday 2nd February 2023 at 8.30am in the Henderson Hall

Refreshments will be served in the Henderson Hall from 8.15am

Clubs

—

w/c 30th January 2023

Country Dancing Club will not be running on Wednesday 2nd February.

After School Care—Important Notice

Please may we remind parents that the Prep School closes at 6pm and all girls should be collected by this time. Whilst we are fortunate enough to have a boarding team on site, who are able to help in emergency situations, they are not there to supervise daily late collections. Boarding Departments have very strict regulations regarding pupil:staff ratios and there is a clear evening schedule in place for boarders which gets disrupted when additional unexpected Prep girls are added to the mix. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

This week you should have received:

Year 5

Tudor Recipes Homework

Whole School Children’s Mental Health Week parent talk info and link

Years 4 to 6 Grange Park Opera information

Year 3 First Holy Communion email

Years 5 & 6—RotaryYoung Photographer Competition

(last call for entries)

This is a three-stage competition designed to support and encourage the development of photographic skills starting with a local heat in February, with the best entries going forward to a District competition and on to a National Final at the end of March. Entries are submitted in age groups for fairness. The initial task is to submit one photograph based upon the theme, “The Beauty of Architecture” with a sentence to explain the relationship to the theme.

Competitors will receive a certificate of participation with appropriate awards for the winners at all stages of the competition. Entries for the local heat, closing date Saturday 4th February 2023, are invited on behalf of the Mole Valley Rotary Clubs and should be submitted to Miss Shear - s.shear@st-teresas.com no later than Wednesday 1st February ‘23.

World Book Week—Visiting Author

We are very fortunate that, on Tuesday 28th February, our school will be visited by award winning author Ali Sparks, as part of the World Book Day celebrations.

Ali will meet all girls throughout the day, which sounds both interesting and great fun - there will be puppets!

Ali's books will be on sale at the special price of £6.00 and she is looking forward to signing them with a personal message.

A Night at the Opera

The Senior School are performing ‘A Night At The Opera’ in the Mairlot Hall on Tuesday 7th February, with a selection of music from well known operas. Please click the flyer to the left for further information and tickets.

Explore Lectures

As you are aware, we are celebrating the value of Intellect this year. When we speak of ‘Intellect’, we strive to explore different spheres and topics beyond the curriculum – and just for the sheer joy of it.

Under this guise, we have organised a fabulous series of lectures on a vast and diverse range of topics to run throughout the rest of the academic year. Our eminent and exciting speakers will aim to stimulate curiosity and encourage us all (parents, friends, family and staff) to explore something new.

The lectures will take place on Monday or Tuesday evenings, starting in January. They will be held in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre and are open to all, free of charge. Nibbles and drinks will be served from 5:30pm for a 6pm start and a 7pm finish.

Golden Book

Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:

3RN Elizabeth L has worked very hard on a new concept and method in division and has worked methodically showing her working out. Well done!

Primrose L paragraphs, time connectives and emotive language to describe the myth of Icarus and Daedalus

Rosie M

Daedalus. Rosie used some lovely rhetorical questions and language to describe Icarus' feelings.

3KC Clemmie W

Jemima H

Thea S

Icarus and Daedalus and her enthusiasm in her phonics lessons.

4BB Poppy E creating setting descriptions in English.

4CR Evie C

Sophie B

Matilda G extend her learning.

5MK Emilia Z and Isabelle D for their conscientious attitude, questioning and general focus in Maths since moving sets.

Pascale E and Abi F for their brilliant descriptions of Tudor England, written in role as William from our class novel Treason.

5HC Amelia L, Coralie H and Jessika R for their impressive history detective skills and participation in our topic lesson on Tudor crime and punishment.

5KH Florence D for her consistent effort in lessons and excellent listening skills, particularly demonstrated when recalling events from the class novel.

Flori H for her hard work in English recently, in particular, her clever riddle and detailed description of London

6JG Harriet P for excellent focus and effort this week in all subjects

Tabitha St G for fantastic work in English, particularly empathy and inference within Comprehension

Evie B for her positive attitude towards challenges

6HI Lily J for a focussed, hardworking approach this week - catching up with anything missed and being one step ahead.

Tabby D for a thoughtful, well considered approach to all creative writing.

Year 6—Frozen Kingdom

Year 6 explored the Antarctic with Ernest Shackleton during their topic, ‘Frozen Kingdom’. After asking Ernest their questions about his expedition, the girls wrote letters asking to join his crew. Luckily, they were finally accepted (phew!). They researched: the conditions they would be facing; how to look after their expedition dogs; and sent postcards home to their families. The girls really enjoyed this creative topic, making stunning journal covers and adding their own pages of sketches.

Year 5—Riddles

In English, Year 5 have been investigating riddles which were a popular form of entertainment in the Tudor court of Henry VIII. The girls used clues and stylistic devices to compose their own riddles. Can you guess what they have written about?

I start as a tasty treat for scurrying squirrels

As I age, I grow green hair that waves in the wind

When I am executed, I die

But I am still alive in a different form

I can sometimes be a home for animals

I grow to be hundreds of years old

In winter I lose my hair

In Summer it grows back

Wrinkled like an old man.

What am I?

By Scarlett M and Scarlett C

As I grow older, I get smaller Fire is my friend dancing on my head

When I'm as hot as the sun, I get weaker

When I'm as cold as ice, I'm strong

If I fall, I smash Wind can blow me out

Sometimes I'm decorated or scented.

What am I?

By Flori H

I make people happy all over the globe

Their tummies go flutter when they feel me

I am often invited to wonderful weddings

Sometimes, a simple shape can give me away

Shyness can overcome you when I am around

Even when you are angry, I am always somewhere

I often come as a gift of chocolate and flowers.

What am I?

By Tara S

I am your cloak of black

I stick to you like a magnet

Basking in the sunlight

Despising the gloomy hours

Can you catch me?

Frustrating you as you fail to touch me

But yet…I am still there!

I am as dull and dark as the deep black sea.

What am I?

By Isabella K

I glide softly, smoothly on white powder

I am a sport to master over a period of time

I can be your worst nightmare but also your best friend

I am built for speed

I have raised toes and a skinny frame

I am used for one season a year

I can be made from wood or steel

I can be long or short, thin or wide

I am like a graceful swan with the right master.

What am I?

By Francesca J

I brighten up your world as I travel past you so fast

With a click of a button, I am there

I form black figures when you block my path

You can see me but not touch me

I can be natural or my source can be man-made

However hard you try, you cannot get rid of me

Like a ghost, I disappear.

What am I?

By Lainey H

Music News

Musicians of the Week

Year 3 Ivy M for an excellent start to playing the recorder – well done Ivy!

Year 4 Evie R for wonderful music reading and excellent knowledge of theory

Year 5 Sophia C for beautiful ensemble playing in orchestra and wind band. We are so pleased to have you!

Year 6 Peyton S for amazing recall and understanding of musical terms and vocabulary

YoungVoices Concert at the O2

Year 5 and 6 were rock stars for the day last Friday. We had the most wonderful adventure singing at the O2 with an amazing live band, and Mrs. Irons’ favourite, Heather Small from M People - she was a little bit excited! The girls sang and behaved beautifully; it was a joy to take them.

It was really fun with all the other schools singing together and watching other talented people performing Susie A once in a lifetime experience Evie This was an experience I will never forget. It was my first concert I have ever been to and was so much fun - I wish I could go again Coey

The O2 was a unique and unforgettable experience. My favourite part was Phoebe the violinist and I met so many new people Alex The lights were twinkling like stars and was an amazing experience I will never forget Ella It was a day I will never forget; it was so much fun and really enjoyable to spend it with family and friends Lily J

Years 5 & 6—St Teresa’s Rock Choir

As the Young Voices concert is now over, the choir will no longer meet before school on Tuesday morning. Mrs Harris is going to lead a new choir for Year 5 & 6 which will run after half term on Tuesday lunchtime at 12.45 in the Music Room. This is going to be called the St T’s Rock Choir – all are welcome!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Saskia Hall who passed her grade 1 drum kit exam with merit

Music Lessons & Instrument Hire

We still have some spaces for lessons and some instruments that can be hired from the school. If you would like to try out any instruments or need any more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Harris.

Easter Music Course 2023!

This year’s course will take place from Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th April. The course is open to girls and boys from all schools in Years 3- 6 who have passed Grade 1 on their instrument.

Please email Mrs Yalden on c.yalden@st-teresas.com for further information.

Sports News

Netball

On Tuesday afternoon, the U10 teams took on St George’s. The girls played very well and showed some great team work throughout their matches. The As and Es won, the Bs and C’s lost and the D team drew. Well done to all girls that played! The player of the matches were Stef, Pascale, Sophia C, Isabella C and Lyla S. Excellent work girls!

Hockey

The U11A and B teams took on Sutton High on Tuesday afternoon; both teams had a great time playing. They got plenty of pitch time and many of them scored plenty of goals! The As won 9-0 and the Bs won 8-0. Excellent results girls, well done! The players of the matches were Kaiah, Peyton and Sophia A well done!

Swimming

On Thursday (19th) the prep swim teams took on Notre Dame. The girls swam extremely well and demonstrated great team work throughout the gala. Swimmers of the gala were: Paris for her amazing butterfly technique, Elin S who put everything into her races and Stef v E for her commitment in all of her races. Well done! Also the U10s and U11s scored top points in their relays. Great work girls!

Fixtures (week commencing 30th January)

Tuesday U11A-E Netball V Rowan 2:30pm (H). U10A-F Football v Felton Fleet 2:30pm (H).

Friday U8 Netball v CLFS 2:15pm (H), U9 Football v Felton Fleet POSTPONED, (H) U10+U11A+B Netball v Sutton 4.15pm (H)

Saturday U11A Netball tournament @ Felton Fleet. Time TBC.

Sunday Park Run @ Reigate. 8.30am

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Flori in Year 5 who has gained an automatic trial entry to the U11’s boys and girls football team for Dorking Wanderers. The entry entitled her to go to a signing with Alfie Rutherford, centre forward, and Matt Briggs, winger. Flori loves football and has been playing for Dorking Wanderers U10 Boys and Dorking Wanderers Elite Girls since September. Well done Flori on your commitment and enthusiasm for football. Keep up the great work!

Bench Coats

This Week

As the season of Christmas draws to a close, our minds go forward to the ongoing ministry of Jesus. We skip the 40 days in the wilderness to which we will return in just a few weeks as Lent begins. Instead, we hear of the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry. It is significant that from the start there was opposition. In an echo of Herod’s persecution of the child Jesus, so his son continues the opposition, killing John the Baptist and resulting in Jesus leaving for the north and the shoreline town of Capernaum.

There Jesus has his first encounter with those who would become his disciples and, in an echo of so many other instances in Sacred Scripture, the choice is an unusual one. We may imagine what type of person is needed to become a great leader, one who will become the greatest communicator and witness to faith in Jesus. We probably wouldn’t pick an illeducated, labourer-fisherman from an insignificant and despised northern area of the kingdom. Yet that is exactly what Jesus did as he chose Peter, along with Andrew, James and John (Matthew 4:12-23). What was it about this individual that Jesus found so compelling? The clue is in the invitation, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ Perhaps it was the faithful persistence of the fisherman that attracted Jesus, perhaps the ability to face success and failure in equal measure, perhaps just the ability for hard work, or perhaps still more the ability to ‘cast out the net’ in faithful hope of the harvest. Whatever the reason, Jesus saw the unique contribution that Peter was able to give and gave him the opportunity to respond. Perhaps as we reflect on the call of these first disciples, we too can remember that the call to Peter is the same as the call that we receive. God recognises our unique gifts and talents and he invites us to employ them to build up his kingdom here on earth.

Thinking of Joining FOST?

FOST is always looking to increase its team size, especially with parents from senior school, so we can do more in terms of events and improvements for our school community! Should you be interested in assisting on an ad hoc basis or joining the FOST committee, please get in touch via email fosteffingham@gmail.com; through an existing committee member; or a class representative. Follow

Call 01372 750257

Booking System

st-teresas-equestrian.ecpro.co.uk

We are so pleased that the weather warmed up again and hope it stays that way! It has been rather cold over the past couple of weeks and it was such a shame that we couldn’t run riding lessons for a few days, but the ponies have become very fluffy!

Please make sure your child comes with enough layers to ride in! We only have a few raincoats on hand and they are limited in sizes. In the bitter weather a good coat and gloves make all the difference when you’re on a horse!

February Half Term Activities

We still have availability for the half term!

Have a look online book your spaces now!

The past week was really frozen and cold before it luckily warmed up a bit! But when it was so cold, the arena froze which meant that the horses couldn’t be ridden! Instead, the three little ponies (Bobby, Sidan and Oliver) went out on lead hacks around Ranmore Common and enjoyed the scenery!

The horse of the week is… Mickey!

~ Libby C

We wish the team the best of luck in their next competition!

Menu—w/c Monday 30th January 2023

Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.

Monday Tuesday

Prep Creamy chicken curry & rice

Main Chicken tikka masala with rice & poppadum’s

Eat healthy choice Beef meatballs in a fresh tomato sauce & wholewheat fusilli pasta

Vegetarian Vegetable & chick pea curry & rice

Freshly baked pizza slice

Wednesday Thursday Friday

Roast turkey / chicken & Yorkshire pudding

Sausage rolls / chicken wraps

Cod goujons / cod fishfingers

Pepperoni pizza slice with chef’s salad

Chef’s carvery – Roast Turkey breast with Yorkshire pudding

Puff pastry filled with locally sourced pork sausage meat

Chargrilled chicken Caesar salad

Thai coconut infused pork wholemeal rice

Chicken fajitas with peppers & red onions served with grated cheese & sour cream & chives & chef’s salad

Breaded cod fillet / cod fishfingers

Poached salmon with nut free pesto pasta & olive salad

Cheese & tomato pizza slice

Sides Rice / pasta Broccoli

Baked wedges Carrots

Fresh tomato coated pasta

Roast potatoes

Mixed vegetables

Roasted butternut squash & pea risotto

Roasted new potatoes Sweetcorn

No meat meat balls in a tomato sauce

Chips Peas

Additional Jacket potato & beans Jacket potato & beans Jacket potato & beans Jacket potato & beans Jacket potato & beans

Dessert Fruit pie & custard Choc chip & coconut flapjack slice

Victoria sandwich slice

Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher

Rice pudding with a selection of sauces

Chocolate milkshake