Our week commenced with meeting Blind Bartimaeus and Pontius Pilate, two actors from Wintershall, who performed before the girls extracts of their roles in the ‘Life of Christ’ play put on by Wintershall every June. The girls were captivated by the performances, learned the value and power of a performance to bring a story to life and how it feels as an actor to step into the shoes of a character you are portraying.
On Tuesday, our Year 5’s Games lesson transformed into their Interhouse Hockey Tournament. The girls played with much enthusiasm and support for their house. In the end the tournament victory went to St. Benedict. Congratulations, we wait to see which house is champion in the other tournaments.
Wednesday saw a great number of Year 5 parents meet my challenge from last week and pop into school for Open Book; where they enjoyed sitting with their daughter’s and basking in the pride they have taken in their learning so far this year. Next week is your turn Year 6 parents.
On Thursday, we were treated to a delightfully entertaining assembly from Class 4KC. Parents and pupils were engaged in the fun learning around Viking history and invasion of England. From the very clear voices of each narrator, to the bouncy tunes and rhyming lyrics of songs about dragon boats and life as a Viking woman, 4KC had us swaying, smiling and laughing. Well done, girls, and a big thank you and well done to Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Pope and Mrs. Gibson for their support with the girls.
We are looking forward to the EST’s Mental Health Awareness Week next week, as well as Year 5 Netball fixtures, tennis trials, a swim gala, Year 4’s Interhouse Hockey Tournament and the Year 6 Open Book event.
“Bartimaeus, the blind man, sees better than the disciples because he recognizes Jesus by faith. And because of his faith Bartimaeus becomes the first herald of King Jesus, announcing him as the "Son of David" right before he enters Jerusalem. This, also, is your calling: to learn to see Jesus by faith so that you can proclaim the coming King in the midst of an unseeing people.”
Pastor Rob Ulmer
Have a great weekend,
Gareth Tindall Head of Prep
Pastoral Pause
Are you writing down your hopes and plans for a happier, brighter future today, the last day of Happier January. For some of us, the fact that it is the end of January is perhaps happiness enough (it’s been a long month). Yet still, I would encourage you all, from personal experience, to put down on paper, a phone note, in a diary or journal, the small steps you can take to brighten your days, your children’s day, your friends and family.
“Little by little does the trick.” Aesop
“A year from now you will wish you had started today.”
“It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward.” Chinese Proverb
And below in the Action for Happiness calendar for Friendly February you will find joyful ways to engage this coming month.
Gareth Tindall
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Annabella H for fantastic presentation of all her written work in English and in Maths for setting out her multiplication and division sums showing her understanding of these topics.
Liel G for fantastic effort with her setting description this week and for independently including adjectives, powerful verbs and adverbs whilst writing clearly using cursive script.
Sara W for writing a super setting description for English homework and for including all the success criteria we have been working on over the last few weeks especially the figurative language.
4 LH Ava B and Isabelle C and mathematical language to deepen their understanding of exchanging and remainders.
5 AB Isla S for her engagement in and contributions to our debate about Anne Boleyn's execution.
Beatrice St-G for her focus and enthusiasm during interest and demonstrating her understanding.
Rosie for her thoughtful advice to help build a happier world today, demonstrating her understanding of the parable of the Good Samaritan.
5 KH Electra B for working so positively on her return to school and catching Maths.
Ava-Skye for her enthusiasm and great contributions to our discussion about how we can live out Beatitudes in our own lives.
6 SG Bella D, Eva J, Sophia S-S and Jena W for their super hard work in Maths this week. The girls have worked so hard to understand Algebra and are even enjoying it! Wonderful effort, girls.
6 MKAmelie A and Lolita D for their emotive and realistic recounts of an evacuee's journey to the countryside at the start of WWII.
Sabina M for approaching all her learning with maturity and thoughtful concentration, always asking questions to further her understanding.
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Art Stars
Sophia H for an accurate, well-joined "clay sketch" of a person sitting, achieved in the short time-frame of 20 minutes.
Sophia C and Esther H for their creative responses to prompts to make a sculpture using different parts.
Emily W for her beautiful shading in her drawing of a suitcase, based on the author Shaun Tan.
Drama Stars
Year 4 Charlotte E for consistent effort in rehearsals and her confident performance in assembly.
Year 5 Sophia H for her continued engagement and high levels of energy in all aspects of Drama lessons.
Year 6 Penny C for taking on two different roles in a scripted scene and performing both characters confidently.
Key Diary Dates:
This week you have received the following communications:
Year 6 Yer 6 Open Book, 5/02/25, Refreshments in the Henderson Hall, 8:15. 8.30- 8.55 in the Year 6 Classrooms.
France Trip, Parent information evening, 19/03/25, 16.30, 6SG/6MK Classroom.
Year 5
Tudor Topic and recipe's.
5KH Assembly, 26/02/25.
PGL Parent information evening, 12/03/25, 16.30, 5AB/5KH Classroom.
Year 4
Bushcraft Parent information evening, 20/03/25, 16.30, 4KC/4LH Classroom.
Please contact the School Office if you need copies of any of this information prepinfo@st-teresas.com
Year 6 Open Book 5th February 2025
This is an opportunity for your daughters to show you their books and their classrooms.
Refreshments will be served in the Henderson Hall from 08.15am 08.30 - 08.55am in the Year Group Classrooms
Please confirm your attendance here: https://forms.office.com/e/8WFBSqVHEy
Parents’ Evenings — 12th (online) & 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.
Year 5 Open Book
We were delighted to welcome parents to the Year 5 Open Book Morning this week. The Year 5 girls were able to proudly share their hard work and we look forward to welcoming Year 6 parents next week.
4KC Class Assembly
During assembly on Thursday, St Teresa's was invaded by some vary fierce Viking raiders from Scandinavia The girls acted, sang and projected their voices with gusto and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you girls for such a wonderful performance!
Lunar NewYear
On Tuesday 28th January, Prep School were treated to a visit from our Senior School Prep Prefect, Elizabeth M, who led our assembly all about the Lunar New Year. Elizabeth shared the traditional story of how the Chinese New Year calendar was created, as well as talking through the cultural practices that people celebrating the New Year take part in. We watched a festive dragon dance, where the dragon dancers wove in and around each other and leaped up poles in celebration of the New Year. Elizabeth finished with the Year of the Snake (2025) and some famous people born in that year –I believe the takeaway from our Prep girls, heard commented on throughout the rest of the day, was that Taylor Swift was born in the Year of the Snake!
In addition to this, the next day, Elizabeth and her excellent team of volunteers returned at break time with resources and supported a large group of Prep girls in making red and yellow lanterns in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
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
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4
Zoe G for working so hard on the Class assembly songs and singing so beautifully in St T’s Singers
Year 5 Jessica A for fantastic singing in Class and Chamber Choir – you are a superstar.
Year 6 Eliza P for an amazing start to Chamber Choir – well done, Eliza!
Year 5 & 6Young Voices Choir
Last week, the Young Voices Choir had an unforgettable experience performing at the O2 Arena, joining forces with over 8,000 other children from across London and beyond. The atmosphere was electric as the girls sang alongside MC Grammar and Tommy Blaize, a familiar face from Strictly Come Dancing. They also got the chance to showcase their dance moves with the high-energy Urban Strides crew. From start to finish, our choir gave it their all, singing their hearts out and moving to the beat with enthusiasm. But it wasn’t just their talent that stood out Mrs. Harris and the accompanying adults were incredibly proud of their impeccable behaviour throughout the journey and at the venue. Their professionalism and positive attitude truly represented our school in the best possible way. A huge thank you to the Young Voices Choir for a fantastic evening filled with music, joy, and unforgettable memories!
Here’s what some of our choir members had to say about the experience: I loved all the glitz and glamour! (Matilda G)
It was really fun and exciting; the dancers and special guests were so inspiring and I’m really grateful that I got to go. (Jasmine N)
I particularly enjoyed the dancers and the lighting; they were perfect for putting in the sparkle that makes Young Voices so special. (Harlow G)
My favourite part of the trip was walking into the colossal arena when we arrived it was an astonishing sight! All in all the day was amazing but the night was even better! (Sophia C)
I nearly lost my voice from all the cheering and singing. I’m so glad I went and would love to go again next year! (Rosalind D)
Thursday 12.45: Recorder Club (Y.4) 12.45: String Group
Prep Sport News
Swimming
On Thursday, 23rd January, the U9-U11 swim squad made their way to Cranmore for the annual swim gala, where they put their hard work and determination to the test. The girls have been working tirelessly in recent weeks, honing their sprinting technique, refining their starts, and perfecting their finishes. The improvements were remarkable, and their efforts were on full display throughout the competition.
The U11s continue to impress, remaining undefeated this year. Their incredible form is a testament to their dedication, and the girls’ willingness to experiment with different events has only contributed to their success. It’s been exciting to see how versatile and resilient this group is, and with more competitions on the horizon, I can’t wait to see what these talented swimmers will achieve next.
The U10s have also made significant strides, with their confidence growing immensely throughout the term. Beyond just swimming, the girls have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and teamwork. With their continued belief in themselves, I’m certain they will turn those hard-earned second-place finishes into victories in the near future. The U9s showed the most improvement this year, with some incredibly close races where every millisecond counted. One highlight was Kitty N’s outstanding breaststroke relay leg, where she closed a 5-meter gap to bring home the win in dramatic fashion. It was a moment of sheer determination and teamwork that truly showcased the girls’ courage and perseverance.
Overall, the swim gala was an exciting and successful event for the whole squad. From the U9s to the U11s, each swimmer gave their best effort, and the spirit of teamwork was evident in every race. I’m so proud of the progress the girls have made, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow and succeed in the coming months. Great things are ahead for this incredible group of swimmers! Well done, everyone!
Cross Country
The U11-U15 Cross Country teams delivered fantastic performances at the GHS cross country relay. Despite the challenging wet and slippery conditions. From the outset, they showed great determination and teamwork.
The U11 team set a strong pace, navigating the muddy course with confidence. The U13 and U12 squad followed, keeping their focus and powering through the rain to maintain a competitive position. The U15 team finished the race with incredible resilience, tackling the tough conditions head-on. Their collective spirit and hard work were evident, and they can all be proud of their efforts on a tough day for racing.
Fixtures (week commencing 3rd February)
Monday 3rd February
Tuesday 4th February
Wednesday 5th February
Thursday 6th February
Friday 7th February
Friday 7th February
U10 & U11 Tennis Squad Trials 7.45am @ ESTA
U10A-E Netball @ St Georges (A) 2.15pm
U9 Tennis Squad Trials 8am @ ESTA
Swimming Gala vs Notre Dame (H) 4.00pm
NO Year 5 & 6 Swim Squad due to the Gala
U9 Interhouse Hockey
Afterschool: U11 Netball Training & U9/U10 Hockey 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 Mark
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
"You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Reflection
This week we reflected on Leadership and on the need to develop leadership skills. Each one of us has been given a gift by God, each of us has been given a specific purpose. As we approach the end of this week let us learn to recognise a little more the gifts that we have been given and think of ways we can use these gifts for our community. Monday 27 January marked the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Let us pray that the Hope and Peace of Christ grows in us and spills over into the communities we are apart of.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart.
It’s been another interesting week weather-wise with all the challenges that the storms bring. Our ponies take it in their stride and have been enjoying the extra pampering they get when the girls have their Equitation sessions.
There’s lots of excitement about the forthcoming Interhouse Dressage in March, so we all look forward to being able to practise as much as possible in the Arena. More detail will follow about what the girls will be doing within their category .
Holiday Activities
Spring into Easter
We have also just opened up our Easter holiday lessons and activities for booking on EC Pro. In response to requests from parents, we are offering Pony Day camps as well as Pony Mornings. The Day camps will run from 9.30am until 3.30pm. As there are only four spaces in each session, please book early to avoid disappointment. The days are:
NSEA NEWS
Friday 4 April
Friday 11 April
Saturday 12 April
Friday 18 April
Saturday 19 April
After weeks of cancelled events due to the stormy weather, the NSEA team got out of ‘the gates’ with a flying start.
On Saturday the team travelled to the Berkshire College of Agriculture to participate in qualifiers for the Eventers Challenge Championships and in Show Jumping for the National and Plate Championships…. and what a day it was.
With huge congratulations to the whole team, particularly: Rosie C who won her 80cm EC class and gained qualification for the EC Championships at Hickstead in May. Rosie also came 8th in both her 80 and 90 SJ classes, qualifying her for the Plate Championships at Addington in October.
Electra B, Florence B and Harriet L (our 70cm Show Jumping team) who came second in their class, qualifying them for the Nationals at Addington in October. Well done team!
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
Menu—w/c Monday 3rd February 2025
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Week 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Soup
Soup of the day
Main Pepperoni Pizza
Pasta Bar
Vegetarian
Sides
Additional
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Honey Roasted
Katsu Style Turkey Noodles
Gammon with Stuffing & Gravy
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Roasted
Pepper or Bacon
Carbonara Sauce
Margherita Pizza
Potato edges
Corn on the Cob
Cesar Salad
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Sticky Sweet Chilli
Cauliflower
Steamed Rice
Sautéed Asian Vegetables
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Spicy Sausage sauce
Leek and Potato Bake with Crunchy a Top
Herb Roasted New Potatoes
Steamed Carrots
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Freshly
Chicken & Vegetable Korma
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Battered Fish or Jumbo Fish
Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Macaroni Cheese
Paneer & Spiced Root
Vegetable Dhal
Naan Bread
Pilau Rice Green Beans
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
BBQ Pulled
Mushroom Bap
Skinny Chips
Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Dessert
Rice Pudding with a Selection of toppings
Chocolate
Cookie Tray Bake
Apple and Pear
Crumble with Custard
Chocolate Rice
Crispy Square
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
Unicorn
Sponge
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
