We started Children’s Mental Health Awareness (CMHA) week with an assembly around the power of resilience with a story by Avril McDonald titled: The Wolf’s Colourful Coat. In the story, mean things are said to Wolfgang and initially he hides himself away. However, he listens to wise advice; shares his worries with Wise Owl (aka a trusted adult); rejoins his friends in playing outdoors; and when confronted by one of those individuals who was mean to him, where Wolfgang has the power to be kind, Wolfgang learns the essential life-skill that choosing the right or kind thing in the face of fear is called ‘Being Brave’.
Our wonderful Senior prefect wellbeing team led our assembly on Tuesday morning, introducing to the girls the CMHA theme for this year: Know yourself, Grow Yourself. Using characters from the popular film ‘Inside Out 2’, the Prep girls were encouraged to always consider the emotions inside, not to dismiss strong emotions or run from them, and that we can feel several differing emotions at the same time. The wellbeing team returned later that day to lead 6MK in a lesson of understanding more about the range of emotions we can all feel through a fun treasure hunt activity.
This week has also seen the commencement of tennis trials first thing in the morning, it was exciting to see so many girls keen to hone their skills and work hard for the opportunity to represent the school in the near future.
On Wednesday, Year 6 parents also met my challenge to attend Open Book and it was lovely to see the girls sharing all the work they are so proud of so far this year. We hope the Open Book events have provided you all with a wonderful view into your daughter’s work life in the classroom and all her learning. We look forward to discussing progress further in next week’s parents’ evenings.
May I take this opportunity to wish all 180 of you attending the Prep Valentine’s Ball this evening, an absolutely wonderful time!
“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” - J.K. Rowling
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” - Louisa May Alcott
Have a great weekend, Gareth Tindall
This week you have received the following communications:
Whole School Book Week: 3rd - 7th March
Year 6Year 5 Spellings
Year 4 -
Please contact the School Office if you need copies of any of this information prepinfo@st-teresas.com
Pastoral Pause
How was your tea-break with a friend on Tuesday? If you did not manage to give yourself and a friend that opportunity, why not message them right now and organise it. And if you combine this with Thursday’s encouraging challenge to contact an old friend you can achieve two days’ challenges in one go – I believe Stephen Covey calls that a ‘Win-Win’.
You have all completed today’s task over the past few weeks by coming in to school for Open Book and showing an active interest in your daughter’s class work. But why not engage in a simple exercise of actively engaging with her in something of interest and joy to you this weekend?
As we head into the last week of this half term, let us all spend the week ahead focusing on being kind rather than being right. What difference might that make in our personal emotions?
What difference could that make in our relationships? What difference will that make in our world?
God Bless, Gareth Tindall
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Hollie G for using fabulous Maths vocabulary during our new topic Length and Perimeter and for super cursive handwriting and presentation in all her written work.
Molly W and presenting their kenning to the class using fabulous feeling, expression and tone as well as being heard with clear voices.
4 LH Lulu DDOT
clues and escape the power station this week in Science. You put your knowledge to the test.
Florence D
verbs created an atmospheric poem, plus your chilling performance, would make the Vikings proud.
5 AB Amelia H
Ivy M for showing remarkable resilience and applying tremendous efforts across all subjects this week.
5 KH Esme S for her imaginative description of Tudor London.
Charlotte T
Anna R for her brilliant responses in RE lessons and for demonstrating great resilience.
6 SG Lily B for her wonderful propaganda poster. Lily took so much care with this and created a fantastically persuasive poster.
Jasmine N for her perseverance with her Anderson Shelter fact file. Despite missing two of the days, Jasmine was determined to catch up on the missed work and went above and beyond to do so.
6 MK Imogen S and Lottie F for their fantastic work in English and Topic producing an informative leaflet about how to use gas masks and researching and presenting their findings about Anderson Shelters in an engaging way.
Etta C for working with greater concentration and focus enabling her to produce some excellent work.
Art Stars
Year 4
Kitty N and Zoe G for their accurate drawing of part of the Bayeaux Tapestry using the grid method.
Year 5 Isla S for her creative and controlled use of wire to create a mini garden.
Year 6
Eva C for her original idea to portray a child being evacuated in WW2, and excellent use of shading and texture.
Drama Stars
Year 4 Florence D for working positively with her group, showing kindness to others and showing strong performance skills.
Year 5 Eloise BS for her confident performance of the role of Bottom from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
Year 6
Liberty B for her entertaining facial expressions whilst learning the dance for 'The Bare Necessities'.
Key Diary Dates:
Book Week, 3rd—7th March 2025
Book Week is fast approaching, and we have lots of exciting, educational activities planned!
We are extremely excited to welcome Iszi Lawrence who will be visiting us on Tuesday 4th March. She will be leading a whole-school presentation, followed by interactive workshops for Year 4, 5 and 6.
If you would like to purchase one of Iszi’s books for your daughter to receive during book week, please purchase it from our Evolve store by Thursday 13th February 2025.
Thursday 6th March: Book character dress-up day! This year, we are inviting all girls and staff to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.
Friday 7th March: Alice in Wonderland Dance Workshop. Choreographers will be running exciting workshops which will create a link between books and dance.
Prep School Spring Concert, Thursday 13th March
Mr Tindall and Mrs Harris would like to invite Prep School Parents to our Spring Concert in the Mairlot Hall on Thursday 13th March 2025 at 6.30pm
Refreshments will be served from 6.00pm
Parents’ Evenings — 12th (on line) & 13th (in person) February 2025
Formal parents’ meetings for the Prep School will take place on the 12th and 13th February 2025. A letter has been sent out with further information, including booking details, and the booking portal is now open.
Clubs—W/C 10th February 2025
Due to parents’ evening, the following clubs will not be running on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th February:
Wednesday
Poetry Club Chamber Choir
Thursday
Year 5 & 6, Swim Squad
Year 4, Art Club
Years 5 & 6, Art Club
Years 5 & 6, Introduction to British Sign Language
Years 5 & 6, Drama Club
After School Care will run as usual until 6.00pm.
5KH - Class Assembly
Parents of girls in 5KH are invited to join us for their class assembly on Wednesday 26th February 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.
Prep School House Emblem Competition
This morning we were delighted to award the prizes for the House emblem competition. Mrs Gibson and the House Captains enjoyed looking at the entries and it was really difficult to choose the winners. Congratulations to Primrose (St Francis), Jessica A (St Dominic), Avery (St Ignatius) and Florence D (St Benedict) for their winning designs. These images will be transformed into emblems with the help of Mrs Halliwell.
Year 4 Cake Sale
Four intrepid entrepreneurs from Year 4, approached me at the end of last term with an idea to raise money for a cause dear to their hearts. They have witnessed the chopping down of trees to make way for roads and at the top of Beech Avenue for light, and were gravely concerned about the impact on the future. Their decision was to form an alliance and approach the Headmaster to do something about it. They proposed a bake sale. Since that time they have met weekly with Mr. Tindall in serious meetings including minutes and actionable points. They have each responded conscientiously and have taken the actions required.
The above poster is the culmination of their joint efforts and their final actionable task (other than baking more than 200 products for the sale). They have taken into account allergies in the school and are preparing appropriate baked goods for everyone’s needs.
A massive well done to Ava, Ellie, Ivy and Maddy – please support them by bringing at least £2 on Friday 14th February to purchase, at morning break, a baked good (slice of cake, cupcake, cookie) and raise money for the National Trusts Tree Planting Project.
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
Year 6 Open Book
We were delighted to welcome parents to the final Open Book Morning for Year 6 this week. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to share their learning, reflect on their progress, and celebrate their achievements with their family members.
Eco and Gardening Club
This week, the girls in Eco and Gardening carefully cut the bird seed cakes out of the cups using a knife, which was harder to do than expected, but the girls persevered and managed independently. Afterwards, they hung up the bird seed cakes on the trees or placed them on the tree branches carefully to help feed the birds during this bitter winter weather.
Year 6 Science
Last week, the children made periscopes using cereal boxes and mirrors. This week, they tested them and spied on each other. They found that they could see over and around things and stay (almost) hidden!
Year 4 Art
Year 4 were challenged to create quick clay studies of a figure. They had to decide how their person's pose would reflect a particular expression by the way the hands, legs, chest and different parts of the body could be placed. First of all, the girls practised making different reactions to sculptures on a plinth, as if they were sitting transfixed, or in shock. These were then translated into clay. In addition, the girls had to learn the technique of joining clay so that it does not fall apart when dry. This was a huge undertaking, in a short period of time, and the girls' rose to the challenge brilliantly. Next week, they will study an artist who exhibits figures on plinths, and then go on to make sculptures of figures within the Bayeaux Tapestry.
Year 5 Art
In their Art lessons, Year 5 are exploring the theme "Take a Seat". They began by undertaking different drawing challenges of chairs and then examined the work of Yinka Llori. This week, they were tasked with trying to interpret a given prompt. The process of making can be challenging for a number of reasons, and this mini challenge was to help practise and prepare overcoming problems such as how to attach items or how to translate an image in their head into reality. Year 5 rose to this challenge in a single lesson, and so much creativity, experimentation and ingenuity was demonstrated. Next, they will begin to create their own mini chairs, which will aim to reflect their personalities.
Mental Health Week
Our wonderful Senior prefect wellbeing team led our assembly on Tuesday morning, introducing to the girls the CMHA theme for this year: Know yourself, Grow Yourself. Using characters from the popular film ‘Inside Out 2’, the Prep girls were encouraged to always consider the emotions inside, not to dismiss strong emotions or run from them, and that we can feel several differing emotions at the same time. The wellbeing team returned later that day to lead 6MK in a lesson of understanding more about the range of emotions we can all feel through a fun treasure hunt activity.
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4
Ottilie H for performing so well in the class assembly songs and working hard in Music lessons.
Year 5 Sofia A for fantastic singing in class and being an all-round musical superstar! Keep it up, Sofia!
Year 6 Zara H for her wonderful singing, infectious enthusiasm and excellent dance moves!
The Music Department is in full swing as we prepare for our highly anticipated Spring Concert on 13th March. With each year group singing their own song and whole school performances too we are looking forward to seeing every single girl shining on the stage!
The evening will also feature performances from our orchestra, string ensemble, chamber choir, St. Teresa’s Singers, and ukulele club, creating a diverse and exciting program. We can't wait to share the hard work and passion of our musicians with friends and family mark your calendars for what promises to be a memorable night!
Year 6 are auditioning next week for their show ‘The Jungle Book’. We are so excited to discover our new stars of the stage! This is your chance to shine and show off your talents Year 6, so make sure you rehearse with confidence and enthusiasm. Whether you sing, act, or dance, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage. Good luck to all auditioning we know you’ll be amazing!
YoungVoices Choir, January 2025
Monday
12.45: St Teresa’s Singers (Y.4 & 5) 3.45: Orchestra
The U9A team fought hard in a tough match against City of London Freemen's, ultimately losing 10-6. Despite the loss, the team showed remarkable spirit, with standout performances in the shooting circle. The girls showed great teamwork, bringing the ball down the court and using great positioning. Well done to Millie, who received player of the match for her outstanding effort in the defensive circle. Well done to all the girls for representing the school and giving it their all!
The U9B team faced a tough loss despite putting in a strong effort throughout the match. Leila A was named player of the match for her excellent defence and leadership on the court. Although the result wasn’t what they hoped for, the team showed great teamwork and will look to build on this performance in future games.
The U9C team faced a strong City of London Freemen's team on Friday. They worked extremely hard and stayed positive throughout the match. Unfortunately, Freemen's were the stronger team and won 16-3. Well done to Florence H for being awarded player of the match.
The U9D team played in an exciting match. They performed some fabulous overhead passes, and their pass and move down the court was unstoppable. Unfortunately, they were unable to make accurate shots on goal and were defeated 5-0. Congratulations to Annabella H for being awarded player of the match.
The U10A team put in a strong performance against St. George's with some fast drives and great interceptions. The work rate and team spirit were exceptional. Unfortunately, St. George's had a slight height advantage in one quarter, and we lost 9-4. Congratulations to Bea SG for being selected as player of the match. This team should be commended for their phenomenal progress this season. Keep up the hard work!
The U10B team faced a hard-fought match, with the final score ending 4-6 in favour of St. George's. Despite strong movement and effort to get ahead of their players to receive the ball, the team struggled against St. George's solid defence. Olivia L was named player of the match for her determination and work ethic throughout the game. The team showed great effort but ultimately couldn't break through the strong defensive setup.
The U10C team had a tough game against St. George's on Tuesday. All the girls worked extremely hard and made some impressive turnovers in the defensive circle. Unfortunately, the girls lost 8-0, with some sharp shooting from the other team. Congratulations to Liberty C, who was named player of the match. Well done to all the girls involved; you all represented the school well.
The U10E team put in a great effort in their match, showing real determination and improvement as the game progressed. The first half took some time to warm up, with the girls adjusting to the pace of play. However, in the second half, they found their rhythm, working well together as a team and demonstrating some excellent netball skills. Strong defensive work from Thea and Isla helped to keep the opposition at bay, while Esther controlled the center court with confidence and composure. In attack, Sofia maintained great positioning, creating valuable opportunities. Rosie and Jess capitalized on these, each scoring a goal in quick succession. Unfortunately, St. George's strong first half secured them the win. Well done on a fantastic effort from the girls.
For any questions
Prep Sport News
Last Tuesday Year 5 competed in interhouse hockey, spirits were high, and goals were flying in!
Extra points were given to Dominic for their warmup, while Francis and Ignatius gained points for their
In the end though, with some great attacking play and quick goals, Benedict won the tournament. Francis and
The players of the tournament, both getting voted player of the match in two games, were
As a reminder, SOCS can be accessed through the St Teresa’s Senior Sports page St Teresa's Effingham | Sports
Here you will be able to access fixtures for the day, alongside the Sports Calendar which can provide you with all
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
Well done to Elizabeth E in 6MK who represented her swim club at the Surrey Counties on Saturday!
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 10th February)
Tuesday: U11A-E Netball v Freeman's (A) 2:15pm
Wednesday: IAPS U10-U11 @ Cranmore
Friday: U9A-D Netball v St Catherine's (H) 2:30pm
Bea St G and Sophia D.
This Week
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, when we remember Mary and Joseph bringing the newborn Jesus to the Temple, bring to a close the season of Christmastide.
We remember the great words of the prophet Simeon. He had spent a whole lifetime faithfully in the Temple, waiting for the day when the Messiah would be revealed. Finally,in his old age, he set eyes on Jesus and exclaimed, in the prayer that we now know as the Nunc Dimittis, that his eyes had now seen the salvation of the world, the light to enlighten all peoples.
Artists had often reflected this moment with a clear depiction of light emanating from the Christ Child, reflected in the face of Simeon. The example here by Gelder shows Simeon’s thankful, grace-filled face now radiant with that light.
The artist Holman Hunt extends this idea with his famous ‘The Light of the World’ - an image that many will have seen in St Paul’s Cathedral. It shows Christ, now an adult, bring that light, the light of joy, hope, peace and love to us. It depicts a moment when Christ knocks on the door of our heart. Of course, the deliberate omission is a door handle. God’s invitation is always there. There is nothing that we can do to ever stop that invitation being offered. But it will only be fully revealed if we respond by opening the door. Will you open that door?
Interhouse Dressage 2025
Our termly riders will have received an invitation to take part in the STE Interhouse Dressage at the end of March. These are the key details for those who are interested.
When?
Monday 24th - Saturday 29th March 2025
Who?
It is open to all termly riders: internal Effingham School Trust riders and external riders.
What?
It is designed to be a fun way for riders to experience the competitive side of the sport whilst building confidence and providing a focus for their weekly lessons.
There are three different ‘classes’: Equitation test (recommended for Grades 1-4) Walk and trot dressage test (recommended for Grades 4-7) Prelim dressage test (recommended for Grades 7-10)
Days/timings?
Riders will be assigned a day and time on 17th March from one of the following:
Monday 24th, 16:00 – 19:00 - Dressage tests
Tuesday 25th, 16:00 – 19:00 - Dressage tests
Wednesday 26th March 16:00 - 19:00 - Equitation test
Thursday 27th of March, 16:00 – 19:00 - Dressage tests
Friday 28th of March from 16:00 – 19:00 - Dressage tests
Saturday 29th March from 10:00-14:00 - Equitation test
What do you win?
There will Rosettes awarded for those placing 1st – 6th within each class. Rosettes will also be awarded to all those for participating.
What to wear?
Smart, clean and tidy dress code is required.
What does it cost?
There is a minimal entry fee of £10 per entry
How do I sign up?
Please email equestrian@st-teresas.com to let us know if your child would like to take part and what their availability is by 12 February.
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
FOST DATES
Friday 7th Feb - Prep Valentines Ball Fri 14th Feb - Valentines chocolates for seniors Fri 28th Feb - Thank Fost it's Friday coffee morning
Sunday 9th March - Year 9 Air hop for St Teresa's and Cranmore (Please contact FOST for more details)
Thurs 27th March - Easter Egg Hunt for Year 4, 5, 6 and Year 7
Fri 16th May - FOST Summer festival planning meeting – All/any help welcome
FOST 2nd HAND UNIFORM SHOP
Submission forms are under FOST 2nd hand uniform on the St Ts website: Second-hand Uniform Shop
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: Please contact Wendy or Camilla: Fostuniform@gmail.com
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
Menu—w/c Monday 10th February 2025
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Week 3 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Soup
Soup of the day
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Piri Piri
Main
Pasta Bar
Vegetarian
Mild Beef Chilli Con Carne served in a taco & dips
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Turkey & Bacon Pie
Locally Sourced Oven Baked Pork Sausages with Onion Gravy
Chicken with Pitta Bread, Baby Gem and Homemade Sauces
Soup of the day
Freshly
Battered Fish or Breaded
Fish Fillet with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Sides
Additional
Mixed Bean & Quorn Chilli
Spicy rice Steamed Sweetcorn
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Dessert
Citrus Drizzle Cake
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Roasted Pepper, Chicken & Chorizo Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil
Macaroni
Feta & Spinach Filo Pie
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Cheese with a Crispy Onion Topping
Steamed new Potatoes Broccoli
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
White
Chocolate & Cherry Shortbread
Mashed Potatoes Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Apple Filo Pie with Custard
Potato Wedges Macho Peas
Rainbow Slaw
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Chocolate Brownie
Skinny Chips
Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Fresh Fruit Friday
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
