The week commenced with an amazingly powerful production of Hamlet by the Young Shakespeare Company, which has inspired many girls from Year 4 up to look into Shakespeare’s life, plays and poetry.
The girls have braved the elements this week in their Netball and cross country fixtures. Well done to Emilia C for an excellent 4th place run at St Cat’s on Tuesday evening, just pipped at the line for 3rd place by a sprint finisher. Girls from Year 4 to Year 6 also took to the pool in a Trust-based swim gala against Cranmore on Thursday – see our Sports Reports for fixture results.
It was such a delight to see EVERY girl in Year 4 sitting with a parent, or two, on Wednesday morning for their Open Book event, sharing with their daughter’s the work they are proud of and have enjoyed so far this academic year. These parents have set the bar high for our Year 5 and Year 6 parents in the coming two weeks!
I very much enjoyed sitting around the boardroom table on Wednesday lunchtime sharing lunch and updated thoughts, ideas and concerns with our Spring Term School Council representatives. I look forward to raising their concerns with staff and seeking to fulfil more of their desires and ideas in future weeks.
Today, 38 girls from Year 5 and Year 6 left school for the O2 Arena in London, where they are taking part in the Young Voices choir event. They gave us an amazing rendition of one of their songs in celebration assembly this morning – I wish them all the best – enjoy the moment, girls!
I hope all our girls involved in the Year 7 Senior School Offer Day tomorrow enjoy super-sleuthing to find Bert on this blustery January weekend.
"Winning doesn't always mean being first. Winning means you're doing better than you've ever done before." –Bonnie Blair (American Speed Skater)
Have a great weekend,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
As we draw to the end of Happier January, or Jolly January (as one girl wanted to rename it), which of the 7 challenges this week will you truly take to heart. I have recently spoken with a couple of people about re-framing thoughts about themselves and expressing them positively instead of negatively (Monday’s challenge); Tuesday’s challenge makes for an excellent conversation starter and will release plenty of endorphins; smiling at people is a challenge for everyday and not just next Thursday; and we should all spend a little time next Friday jotting down our hopes and some small steps to take us there.
One wellbeing challenge I will be logging this weekend is the Big Garden Birdwatch. What a beautiful use of an hour, to sit with your daughter in peace and calmness, spotting the birds that frequent your garden space to help the RSPB.
Enjoy a happy weekend and let the stormy, blustery weather blow your cares away.
Gareth Tindall
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Charlotte E for fabulous presentation and accuracy during column multiplication this week.
Millie G for fabulous understanding of circuit breaks in Science and how to fix them.
Zoe G for fabulous descriptions in English when describing a setting and for her understanding of electrical circuits using scientific vocabulary.
4 LH Sophia H and Florence H wonderful imaginations created unique places, and you used exciting vocabulary to describe them to me.
5 AB Layla B for her super effort in adding fractions, during Maths lessons.
Sienna DN for her use of ISPACED sentence starters and empathy to write an effective descriptive passage of a journey into Tudor London.
Harper A-S for her effective use of secondary sources to develop her knowledge about Henry VIII and Anne of Cleeves.
5 KH Esther H for her perseverance shown in Maths, giving up extra time to ensure she understood and being determined to do her best.
Cecily P for her thoughtful RE comparison of Jesus and Moses, which was beautifully illustrated.
6 SG Elizabeth R for settling in to 6SG beautifully. She also learnt all of her lines (and the dance) for our class assembly in only two weeks!
Matilda G for her wonderful manners, especially when greeting her teachers each morning.
Eva C for approaching 2025 with increasing confidence, attention to detail and a wonderfully positive attitude.
6 MKSybella J for her excellent retelling of Jesus' miracle curing the Official's son which was beautifully illustrated too.
Zara H for making a great start to the new term and attempting all her work with care and great enthusiasm
Isabella MS for her excellent short story 'The Glowing Marshmallow Mystery' which she has entered into the ISEB Time to Write Competition.
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Art Stars
Isabelle E-N for her carefully drawn soldier, taken from the Bayeux Tapestry, using the grid method and negative space.
Layla B for her excellent attitude and effort to undertake different drawing exercises to represent a chair.
Sabina M for her sensitive drawing of a teapot using a range of tones, based on an image by the artist Shaun Tan.
Year 4
Drama Stars
Flossy H for working so positively during a group task recording a version of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Year 5 Maggie M for her contribution to discussions and strong group work skills.
Year 6
Elizabeth R for showing such confidence in her Drama lessons and her first St Teresa's class assembly.
Key Diary Dates:
Open Book Dates 2025
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.
Please use the links below to confirm your attendance: Year 5 - 29/01/25 https://forms.office.com/e/RfKQw831NB Year 6 - 05/02/25 https://forms.office.com/e/8WFBSqVHEy
Refreshments will be served in the Henderson Hall from 8.15am 08.30 - 08.55am in the Year Group Classrooms
4 KC Class Assembly
Parents of girls in 4 KC are invited to join us for their class assembly on Thursday 30th January 2025 at 8.30am in the Henderson Hall
Refreshments will be served in the Henderson Hall from 8.15am
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 remaining two 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.
Parents’ Evenings
Meetings for the Prep School will take place on the 12th & 13th February. A letter was sent out yesterday with further information, including booking details. Bookings will open on 28th January 2025 at 7pm.
FOST 2nd Hand Uniform Shop
Submission forms are under FOST 2nd hand uniform on the St Ts website.
REMINDER: CASH or CHEQUE only please for the foreseeable future. Open Fridays 8.30am-9am and First Saturday of every month 10:30am 11.00am by appointment only: Fostuniform@gmail.com
Second-hand Uniform Shop
Please contact Wendy or Camilla
Year 4 Open Book
We were delighted to welcome parents to the first Open Book Morning of the year. Our Year 4 girls were able to proudly share their hard work and we look forward to welcoming the other year groups over the coming weeks.
6 SG Class Assembly
On Thursday, the 6 SG class performed a beautiful assembly focusing on our School Value of Community. The girls each set a New Year's Resolution which benefits the community. There was a wonderful selection of resolutions and all of the girls have already taken amazing steps to achieve their intentions. The class worked so hard to remember and perform their lines, collaborating in breakout groups to come up with actions for their speaking parts. In addition to this, the girls danced beautifully and enthusiastically to the High School Musical classic 'We're All in This Together'. Well done, 6 SG, for such a fantastic performance.
Young Shakespeare Company: Hamlet workshop
On Monday afternoon, the Prep School were treated to a performance of Hamlet. The whole school sat entranced as the tragedy unfolded before their eyes. The cast of four were eagerly supported by girls from all year groups as they took on roles from Horatio to The Players. It was wonderful for the pupils to hear the original language of Shakespeare alongside detailed explanations by the cast.
Join the Big Garden Birdwatch!
Our Eco and Gardening Club would like as many families as possible to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend.
Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousand of nature lovers take part, helping to build a picture of how our precious garden birds are faring.
The girls watched a video during assembly today, explaining that they need to spend one hour this weekend watching the birds in their gardens and record the ones that land there (even if it is none at all). They can then submit their results on line via this link. You will also find a guide to the different kinds of birds that you might spot in your garden.
We’d love to see some photographs of the girls in action to include in next week’s bulletin.
Eco & Gardening Club
In Eco and Gardening Club, the girls have made bird seed cakes to help the birds during the cold weather. We used lard, birdseed, grated cheese, bread crumbs, oats and raisins and will hang them up on the perimeter of the playground once they have set. This is something your daughters could make at home if they wish using this link: https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/diy/how-to-make-fat-cakes-for-birds/
The Dog House
Could you provide a loving home for a rescue dog? The Channel 4 series, The Dog House, is looking for those seriously considering bringing a rescue dog into their lives and willing to share their reasons for doing so.
To apply, please follow this link: The Dog House | Channel 4 or email thedoghouse@fivemilefilms.co.uk
For more details or any questions, please contact Jacob Lloyd at 0117 405 6350
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4
Arabella N for consistently working hard and a wonderful attitude to learning!
Year 5 Carys D for being an all-round musical superstar and a wonderful performance in assembly.
Year 6 Dana M for increased contribution to Music class and a fantastic performance in class assembly.
Year 5 & 6Young Voices Choir
As you read this, our talented Year 5 & 6 Young Voices Choir are performing at the O2 Arena a truly unforgettable experience for all involved! This fantastic experience is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication, and we’re so proud of them! Look out for next week’s newsletter, where we’ll share all the highlights and plenty of photos from their big moment on stage.
Music
This week, Year 4 dived into the wonderful world of the orchestra and its instruments. The children had the exciting opportunity to try out a variety of instruments, sparking lots of curiosity and giggles along the way. They were amazed by the size of the double bass even though it wasn’t even full size! and the trumpet proved to be quite the challenge!
The room was filled with laughter as everyone gave it their best shot to make a sound.
It’s been a fun and musical week, with plenty of new discoveries and a deeper appreciation for the magic of the orchestra!
Monday
12.45: St Teresa’s Singers (Y.4 & 5) 3.45: Orchestra
Tuesday
12.45: Ukulele Club (Y.5 & 6)
Wednesday
10.55: Wind Ensemble
4.15: Chamber Choir
Thursday
12.45: Recorder Club (Y.4)
12.45: String Group
Prep Sport News
U9 Netball vs St Catherine’s
U9A&B Netball Teams battled hard but were ultimately defeated in both games. From the outset, St. Catherine's proved to be a formidable opponent, displaying excellent teamwork. While the scoreline was difficult, both teams showed plenty of heart and resilience. Defensively, they worked hard to prevent further goals. Eloise K and Olivia H were nominated as Players of the Match for their exceptional defensive skills, tireless work on the ball and creating many scoring opportunities. Well done, to all the girls who played in the matches.
The U9C Netball team had a fantastic game against St Catherine's on Friday. The team worked extremely hard bringing the ball down the court and feeding into the shooters. All girls brought great energy to the match and were very encouraging. Unfortunately, the girls lost 4-2. Well done to Florence E-N for receiving Player of the Match, with some great defensive work and being such a supportive team player.
The U9D Netball team secured a brilliant 3-1 victory with outstanding teamwork and determination. They linked their passes beautifully, moving the ball quickly and effectively down the court. Their high work rate was evident, with every player giving their all in attack and defence. Ivy and Annabella both scored well-taken goals, showing great composure in the shooting circle. The team spirit was fantastic, with constant encouragement and support among the players. Ottilie was deservedly named Player of the Match for her excellent defensive work and relentless effort throughout. A superb performance! Well done, U9D!
U10 Netball vs Manor House
The U10A Netball team drew 4-4 against Manor House in a fast-paced match. Both teams displayed great energy throughout, with Zoe earning Player of the Match for her impressive speed on court and strong teamwork. While the team demonstrated fantastic work rate, they need to focus on staying calm in attack and more accurate passing in future matches. Despite a few challenges, the team showed excellent determination and effort, maintaining a high energy level throughout. Well done to all players for their hard work!
The U10B Netball team won 8-2 against Manor House in an epic match. The team displayed adaptability as they were able to keep up their performance throughout the game as their positions were rotated. There was some fantastic work defensively by all the girls, who chased after every ball and marked their opponents tightly resulting in them getting a number of tips and interceptions. Sienna was awarded Player of the Match for her impressive goals scored and energy on court. Well done to all players for their hard work!
The U10C Netball team engaged in a nail-biting netball match against Manor House. The final score was a close 5-4 in favour of Manor House. The players exhibited exceptional skill, especially in creating space and executing accurate passes, making the game exciting from start to finish. Isla S stood out with her outstanding performance and was named Player of the Match. Well done to all the players for their dedication and excellent sportsmanship!
The U10D Netball team had a tough game against Manor House, losing 9-3. Despite the score, the girls showed great effort and teamwork. Everyone worked hard, and although the result wasn’t what we hoped for, there were plenty of positives to take away. Sophia was named Player of the Match for her excellent defensive play and leadership on the court.
The U10E Netball team played an excellent match, showing impressive teamwork and skill throughout. From the outset, the team dominated possession, with Esme making some exceptional overhead passes that helped keep the ball moving quickly down the court. The players in defence were on top form, making some crucial interceptions to stop Manor House from getting the ball close to the post. We created plenty of shooting opportunities, with the team showing great determination in front of goal. Despite having the majority of possession and more shots on target, the match took an unfortunate turn in the last second, when Manor House managed to score, securing a narrow win. Though the result was disappointing, the team should be proud of their performance, especially in terms of possession and defensive play. Esther was named Player of the Match.
Prep Sport News
Cross Country
On Saturday the 18th took on the challenging and hilly course at the Surrey Schools Primary Cross Country Championships in Reigate. With steep inclines, technical descents, and a tough overall course, the athletes were put to the test. Both teams demonstrated outstanding perseverance and determination throughout the event.
The U9 and U11 cross country teams delivered impressive performances at St. Catherine’s School on a crisp winter’s day. Both age groups faced a challenging course, but showed great determination and team spirit throughout. Well done, to Emilia C in the U9 race, who delivered an exceptional performance. Her strong effort inspired her teammates and was a standout moment of the event. Overall, both the U9 and U11 teams showed resilience, supporting one another and finishing with great effort. Well done, to all the girls who raced in the event.
SOCS
As a reminder, SOCS can be accessed through the St Teresa’s Senior Sports page St Teresa's Effingham | Sports Home
Here you will be able to access fixtures for the day, alongside the Sports Calendar which can provide you with all the sports fixtures weeks and months in advance.
If a team sheet has been published for a particular fixture, the blue ‘person’ symbol will be available to click on. Simply click on the blue symbol next to the fixture to access the team sheet and use the password stteresasteams
Pupil News
If your daughter has completed any sporting achievements outside of school, we would love to hear about them. Please email the Prep PE department with a short description and photo to PrepPE@st-teresas.com.
Fixtures
(week commencing 27th January)
Friday 31st January -U9 Netball vs CLFS (H) 2.15pm Friday 31st January Afterschool Training: U11 Hockey Training & U9/U10 Netball training
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.
This Week
A Reading from the Gospel of John
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him,“They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her,“Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants,“Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them,“Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.
Reflection
The turning of water into wine is a the first miracle mentioned in St John’s Gospel. It is a moment that foretells of the Eucharist. The changing of the ordinary into the extraordinary. When the Divine enters into our world everything is changed. As we go through this week let us be open to God’s Spirit that is all around us. And let us not be afraid to bring all our problems, what ever they are to the one who can transform.
March Merriness
Annual Interhouse Dressage for all Monday March 24th— Thursday March 27th 4pm-6pm
Don’t be put off by the title: our Interhouse Dressage is designed for all riding levels and abilities from lead-rein to advanced.
Plans are being put in place and instructors are already speaking to their termly riders to take part in this fun annual event at the Equestrian Centre.
It’s an opportunity for St Teresa’s riders to earn points for their house but is also open to all of our other termly riders.
This is designed to be a really fun event and is a great opportunity to win a much coveted STE rosette.
Half Term Lessons
If your daughter would like some extra lessons in preparation for the Interhouse Dressage, we have availability on the following days and times. Please email or book directly on our website.
Monday 17th at 11.15am
Wednesday 19th half hour slots: 1pm-3.15pm
Thursday 20th at 2.30pm
Equestrian Scholars
The next sport, tennis and equestrian scholar workshop is on Tuesday 4th February with a very exciting speaker lined up for you. Ricky Skene, the Founder of Talented Athlete Academy, is coming in to speak with you and your parents/guardians on the ever important topics of Time Management, R&R and Mental Health and Wellbeing.
The workshop will run from 5.45 - 6.45pm in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre.
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: St Teresa's Equestrian
Menu—w/c Monday 27th January 2025
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Week 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Cantonese Corn
Soup
Soup of the day
Main Chicken
Rogan Josh
Soup of the day
Pasta Bar
Vegetarian
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Creamy Chickpea & Spinach Curry
Slow Cooked Beef Lasagne
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Roasted
Pepper, Chicken & Chorizo Sauce
Roasted Vegetable Lasagne
Garlic Bread
Sides
Additional
Steamed Rice
Broccoli
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Roquette& Balsamic
Tomato Salad
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Soup Served with Traditional Milk Bread
Gong Bao Chicken Or Spicy Prawn
Noodle Stir Fry
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon
Carbonara Sauce
Vegan Ginger & Soy Fried
Broccoli & Pak Choi
Egg Fried Rice
Garlic Asian Greens
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Prawn Crackers
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Black Sesame & Dark Chocolate
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Loaded Mexican Chicken
Nachos with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Cajun
Aubergine & Bean Taco with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Vegetable Rice
Green Beans Carrots
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Freshly
Battered Fish or Jumbo Fish
Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Four Cheese Sauce
Vegan Frankfurters
Skinny Chips
Garden Peas
Mushy Peas (Staff)
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Apple & Berry
Dessert Shortbread
Chewy Flapjack
Cookies or Matcha & White
Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate Marble Cake
Crumble & Custard
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
The course is suitable for players from Grade 1 up to Grade 6 and is open to children from Year 4 to Year 9.
The programme will include:
String Orchestra
Swing/Jazz Band
Full Orchestra Rehearsals
Sectional Rehearsals
General Musicianship
Recreational Time
Further details can be obtained from: Mrs Caroline Yalden, Director of Music c.yalden@st-teresas.com Mon 14th - Thurs 17th April
