Thursday 5 December……………………………A Level PE Revision Event 10:00 - 16:00
Friday 6 December……...…………………………………………Year 9 GCSE Taster Day
Friday 6 December……………………………………..Year 11 Practical Exams in Lessons
Friday 6 December……………………………………Year 7 Drama Festival 13:15 - 15:15
Friday 6 December……Friday Night Lights Netball and Hockey Tournament 16:15 - 18:30
SIXTH FORM NEWS
Hi all,
I hope you have had an enjoyable week!
Year 13 have continued to send off their UCAS Applications; congratulations for all the offers and interviews!
This week for PSHCE, the Sixth Form had a talk on ‘Families and Fertility’.
The House Captains have also been busy preparing for Inter House Arts, with many conversations in the common room about ideas.
The big event of the week has been the Sixth Form’s contribution at the Christmas Fair! The Head Girl Team organised a stall selling popcorn and sweets to raise money for Toilet Twinning. As a team, we decorated the stall and even had our own Toilet Twinning stickers and QR codes. We also sold hot chocolate and organised a silent disco. Thank you for all your support!
Have a restful weekend,
Amelia S-M (Deputy Head Girl)
BOARDING NEWS
This week in boarding has been an exciting and action-packed one, filled with a wide variety of engaging activities that brought everyone together in the spirit of fun and creativity. The girls had a blast participating in a thrilling game of laser tag, showing off their competitive sides and enjoying the challenge. It quickly became a favourite activity, with everyone getting really into the action and having a great time.
In addition to laser tag, the girls had the chance to immerse themselves in a virtual reality experience, which they found both fascinating and entertaining. They were amazed by the cutting-edge technology and had a lot of fun exploring the virtual worlds, sharing laughs and memorable moments throughout the experience.
One of the highlights of the week was a delightful cookie-baking session, where the girls worked together to mix, bake, and decorate delicious treats. It was a lovely bonding experience, and the girls enjoyed every moment of the process, from the first stir of the dough to the final touches on the cookies.
The festive season is certainly in full swing, and the girls got into the holiday spirit by decorating a beautiful Christmas tree for the school. Their creativity and teamwork made the tree look stunning, and it was a wonderful way to bring everyone together and spread some holiday cheer.
To top off the week, the girls had the chance to watch the iconic
musical Wicked at the cinema. The cozy atmosphere of the theatre added to the enjoyment, and the girls were captivated by the magical story and the amazing performances. It was a perfect way to unwind and enjoy a bit of entertainment after all the fun activities of the week.
As the holidays draw closer, the girls are eagerly anticipating their time with family, but they are also looking forward to the remaining weeks in boarding. There's still plenty of fun to be had, and everyone is excited to make the most of the time they have left together before the break. We can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring!
The Christmas Concert will take place on Monday 2 December when the following groups are performing:
Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, String Ensemble, Concert Band, Showstoppers, Sixth Form Choir and all ofYear 7.
Those taking part will have supper at school before the concert at 6.30pm.
We are delighted to be holding our Carol Service on Tuesday 10 December.
This event is compulsory forYears 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13. All Girls in Symphony Orchestra, Schola Cantorum, Showstoppers, and Sixth Form Choir are taking part and are expected to attend the Carol Service. All parents, and pupils inYears 10 and 11, are warmly invited to attend. The service starts at 18.30 and all girls attending will have supper provided.
YEAR 9 GCSE OPTIONS
EVENING
It’s that time of year again! Our Year 9 pupils are faced with the exciting and important task of choosing their GCSE options for the upcoming academic year.
Last night, at our GCSE Options Evening, they had the opportunity to explore the wide range of subjects available. They spoke with teachers, asked insightful questions, and gathered valuable information to help them decide which subjects best suit their interests and aspirations.
We wish all our pupils the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the fantastic choices they make for their future!
MUSIC SUCCESS!!
“I am extremely excited to have been selected as an oboist for the Main Orchestra of the National Children’s Orchestra in 2025. Having played the oboe with NCO over the last two years, I found being part of NCO has been an unforgettable experience that keeps getting better! Surrounded by talented musicians from across the country, rehearsals during residentials were intense but filled with joy and excitement, as everyone worked together to create something extraordinary.
Being part of an orchestra isn’t just about the music, though - it was also about making friends who shared the same passion, building a unique bond through this musical journey.
Walking onto the stage, hearing the buzz of the audience, and feeling the anticipation build as we prepared to perform was exhilarating. When the orchestra began, with the conductor guiding everyone, making the music come alive with friends was pure magic.
It’s an experience that leaves me feeling proud and inspired to keep growing as a musician. Each year I’ve grown, not just as a musician but as part of this incredible community. I am looking forward to all the residentials and performances for more memories with my fellow musicians.”
Written by Sanjana S
PARENTS’ EVENINGS
Year 8 - Thursday 6 March 2025
Year 9 - Thursday 16 January 2025
Year 11 - Thursday 6 February 2025
Sixth Form - Thursday 20 March 2025
SWAN LAKE TRIP
GCSE & A-LEVEL DANCE
As part of their GCSE and A-Level course the Performing Arts Department has arranged for Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 Dance students to attend a performance of ‘Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake’ at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on Wednesday 8 January at 7.30 pm.
Students have to experience live dance as it is a component of their written examination and this production of ‘Swan Lake’ will be an invaluable experience for the girls, and a vital part of their GCSE and A-Level work. Please complete the consent form in the link below, by Thursday 5 December at the latest.
https://forms.office.com/e/CiWc8cxsEn
Next term the Performing Arts Department and Music Department are very excited to be bringing you the fabulous, fun and wonderful 'Shrek The Musical'.
Sign-up sheets for all of the auditions and backstage are on the Performing Arts Notice Board. You can sign up for anything and everything .
Please book your audition as soon as possible and ensure you keep to the time and date you have signed up for. All of the information has been emailed to you but here is a reminder!
ACTORS
Auditions will be Monday December 2 to Friday December 6 between 1.20-2.10 in the Drama Studio M4 with Miss Hansen and Mr Melvin. You will need to prepare one of the characters in one of the audition pieces in the links at the bottom of this email Please sign up for an audition slot.
DANCERS
Miss Brennan will be holding open auditions on Monday 2 December Year 7-9 1.15-1.45 and Wednesday 4 December Year 10-13 1.45-2.10 in Mairlot Hall. You do not need to prepare anything as you will be taught a dance at the audition. Please wear leggings. Please sign up for an audition slot.
SINGERS
Auditions will be run by Mrs Yalden and Mr Graham; Tuesday December 3 lunchtime 1.30 - 2.10pm and Monday December 9 lunchtime 1.30 - 2.10pm.
Note from Mrs Yalden: You will need to audition in pairs to allow for everyone to audition. Please prepare a verse and chorus of one of the songs the character you are auditioning for in 'Shrek' sings. Please bring a backing track with you. Make sure that your backing track is ready to play when you enter the audition room. There will not be time to sort it out otherwise.
Only attend a singing audition if you want a singing role. You do not need to attend a singing audition if you just want to be in the chorus.
If you have any questions about a singing audition, please speak to Mrs Yalden or Mr Graham.
BACKSTAGE AND DESIGN
We also need stage managers, lighting designers, costume, make-up, backstage and all sorts of things so please get involved, whatever level you are. Please sign up if you are interested.
The performances are March 25 and 26 2025 so please make sure you are free on those dates before signing up!
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
BRONZE -YEAR 9
Training Day: Saturday 1 March at St Teresa's (with Year 10)
Practice Expedition: 14-15 June 2025
Qualifying Expedition: 13-14 Sept 2025
BRONZE -YEAR 10
Training Day: Saturday 1 March at St Teresa's (with Year 9)
Practice Expedition: 17-18 May 2025
Qualifying Expedition: 7-8 June 2025
SILVER -YEAR 11
Training Day: Sunday 29th September 2024
Practice Expedition: Friday 4th - Sunday 6th October, 2024
CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES
PARENT PORTAL
To access the parent portal simply CLICK HERE, you can also find a link to it at the bottom of our school website https://st-teresas.com/
The parent portal gives you access to many useful tools! Some of these are:
• Your child's weekly merit total
• End of term reports and grades
• Easy access to the wellbeing hub
• Ability to modify your personal details
If you experience any difficulties whilst using the parent portal, please alert our IT Support Team at the following email address: techsupport@st-teresas.com
E-mail: equestrian@st-teresas.com
Call: 01372 750257
Booking System
st-teresas-equestrian.ecpro.co.uk
Visit our website www.stteresas.com/equestrian
Or find us on Facebook “St Teresa’s Equestrian”
I’m sure everyone will join with me in wishing Katherine Sayer well as she moves on to pastures new at the end of this week. Katherine has been an invaluable asset to all at STE and I know that she will be sorely missed. I will be taking up the reins next week and hope that you will all bear with me as I get up to speed with all the systems. I’m very much looking forward to working with you all and supporting your children in their riding endeavours.
Rachel Orme-Smith
Dates for the 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.
FUN FACT: ‘The Flehman Grimace’
Minnie provided entertainment this week with some interesting facial expressions. Interestingly this is known as ‘The Flehman Grimace’ and is when a pony/horse curls back their lips in order to catch interesting smells wafting through the air. A second pair of olfactory organs sits just below the floor of the horse’s nasal cavity and are known as vomeronasal organs. So not just a silly face!
Unfortunately due to safety concerns resulting from Storm Bert a decision was taken for the NSEA riders not attend the competition last weekend.
This Week
This week we saw the celebration of Thanksgiving, an annual secular feast, ostensibly celebrated in America, but with increasing resonances across the globe. Most of us will be familiar with the traditional account of how a group of persecuted individuals, known as the Pilgrim Fathers, left England on the Mayflower and other ships, and travelled to the New World - what we now know as the USA - in search of religious freedom and new, unknown opportunities. Following their arrival in 1620, and after a perilous journey where many died, they then faced challenges of weather, famine, disease and strained relationships with the indigenous population. However, after the hardest of winters, where the new colony continued to mourn the loss of many members, the group, supported now by compassionate original inhabitants, gather to give thanks, with a meal of local fare. And so the tradition of Thanksgiving arose.
We have a local link to this foundation story with one of the original travellers on the Mayflower being William Mullins, who lived in Dorking and whose house, on West Street, is now a delightful café, stands to this day.
It is clear that the origins of Thanksgiving are contested, what is not is that those earlier settlers immediate response to their arrival was to stop and give thanks to God. This, more than any other, is surely the point of this feast. It serves as a timely reminder that we all to often take God’s free gifts for granted. Perhaps this week we can take time to give thanks for what we have received and join in with the spirit of the original Thanksgiving, wherever that may have been.
MENU
Week 3
Soup Soup of the day Soup of the day Soup of the day Soup of the day Soup of the day
Main Chicken Katsu Curry Pepperoni Pizza
Pasta Bar
Vegetarian
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Honey Roasted Gammon with Stuffing & Gravy
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Roasted Pepper, Chicken & Chorizo Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Chicken & Vegetable Korma
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Freshly Battered Fish or Fish
Cake with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Four Cheese Sauce
Sides
Additional
Sticky Sweet Chilli Cauliflower
Dessert
Steamed Rice Sautéed Asian Vegetables
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Coconut Rice
Pudding with a Mango Compote
Margaritta Pizza
Leek and Potato Bake with Crunchy a Top
Paneer & Spiced Root Vegetable Dhal
BBQ Pulled Mushroom Bap
Potato Wedges Corn on the Cob Cesar Salad
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Chocolate Cookie Tray Bake
Herb Roasted New Potatoes Cauliflower Cheese
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Apple and Pear
Crumble with Custard
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
