The girls had a lovely time starting the week on Monday with a celebration of poetry led by hip-hop-influenced-performance poet, Kimba, in aid of National Poetry Day. My thanks to Mrs McGrath, Head of English, for organising and inviting Prep to take part in the workshops.
On Wednesday we celebrated the Mass of the Feast of St Therese, where Prep School welcomed everyone singing ‘Fear Not’ and completed the event leading the whole school in a very actions-based sing-a-long to ‘My Lighthouse’.
We welcomed many of our Year 6 families on Thursday for their ‘Talk and Tour’ of the Senior School including a visit around the newly refurbished Sixth Form Centre.
Finally, my thanks go to all who joined us this morning for our St Francis Pet Blessing service, led by Deacon Ian. Thank you for being willing to brave the elements. Thank you for accepting so readily the last minute change of venue – the school chapel. Thank you to the girls and parents for cramming in to the space, especially the Prep girls who ended up sat on the floor to provide extra seating for the mass of parents and pets that attended. Your dedication, patience and enthusiasm helped make the event an excellent success. The service was truly remarkable, barely a pet stirred, I want to say what a complete blessing it was, although I suspect some pet owners were working hard to maintain control.
The service was beautiful. It was a genuine blessing. It was a true delight to see the girls with their pets and parents out on the chapel lawn after the event. We are looking forward to welcoming you back to the chapel next Friday (I promise it will not be a cramped affair), for our harvest celebration. Thank you to those who have already generously supplied harvest goods for the food bank.
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
St. Francis of Assisi
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
St. Francis of Assisi
“He who works with his hands is a labourer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
St. Francis of Assisi
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received only what you have given.”
St. Francis of Assisi
Best wishes, Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
What a week of spiritual blessing we have had in school with the Feast Day of St Therese on Wednesday, where a beautiful Mass led by Father Bergin, followed by a delightful (and fun) Pet Blessing in honour of St. Francis, led by Deacon Ian. My thanks to Mr. Jakubowski for his excellent chaplaincy leadership in organising both of these moments of celebration and reflection.
As we enter Optimistic October, it’s not too late to go back to Wednesday’s challenge and write down three things you can look forward to this month. Like the quote below, let others feel the strength and warmth of your optimism. Imagine the difference you can make in your own life and the lives of those around you by exuding optimism.
God Bless your weekend and week ahead,
Gareth Tindall
Autumn Term, Key Diary Dates 2025-26:
Mon
Mon 3rd Nov Term Resumes 08:00
This week you have received the following communications on SchoolPost:
Please remember to check your inbox, including your junk/spam, as the email may go to your junk box the first time it is sent. If you have any questions please email prepinfo@st-teresas.com
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB Maddie J for her participation and contributions during discussions. Arabella N for working hard in Maths, with focus and independence. Ava B for her wonderful use of vocabulary in her character description.
5HT Charlotte E and Liel G writing in their own words, the 5 main story elements of a given myth.
6MK Esme S and Charlotte T understanding of descriptive and figurative language. They really were fantastic pieces of writing. Clemmie W for showing resilience and facing her fears this week, with real maturity
6RG Bea SG For her fantastic choice of language in her setting descriptions. When describing the snow, she wrote: A prickle made her jump with fear as a powder of eggshell white fell to the floor. Jemima H for her fantastic setting description using figurative language. She wrote: After a while, it started to snow and the snowflakes danced across the sky and tickled her tongue.
Drama Stars
Year 5: Zoe G for her dramatic performance of 'opening a door enthusiastically'. Her facial expressions and over-exaggerated movements made it very entertaining.
Year 6: Liel G and Millie G for their impressive attitudes and sensible approach to tasks.
Parents’ Evenings — 15th and 16th October 2025
Formal parents’ meetings for the Prep School will take place on to following days:
Wednesday 15th October: Online 17.00 to 20.00
Thursday 16th October: In Person 16:30 to 19.00
Please book your appointments here: https://est.schoolcloud.co.uk
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
Prep News
As we continue to develop our use of Atom Learning for Schools: Atom School, some of you have reached out to Atom enquiring about use of Atom Home, their platform to support learning for children and parents. Please find below some links shared with us by the team at Atom to support your understanding of the differences and how Atom can support learning at home.
• Atom Home Information Sheet
• A video on the differences between Atom Home and Atom School
• A short Atom Home platform demo
Changes to Bus Schedules or End of Day Plans
To make things smoother and safer, we've introduced theVectare Travel App. If you haven't registered yet, please sign up at this link: Vectare Travel using your email address from iSAMS. You can make all the necessary changes on the website.
If you need further help, please reach out to the transport team at effinghamschoolstrust@vectare.co.uk or transport@effinghamschools.org / 01372 750255.
Any end of day changes, please email your class teacher and copy in the school office prepinfo@st-teresas.com
Absence Notification & Evidence Form
A reminder to complete this form if your child will be absent from Prep due to illness or other valid reasons. To ensure accurate attendance records, please upload evidence (e.g. appointment text, letter, or email) if the absence is due to a medical appointment. Wherever possible, appointments should be made outside school hours. We will not necessarily respond to them unless there is extra information or evidence required for attendance records.
Trip/Workshop Form & Payment Completion
As part of the upcoming Prep School trips/workshops, we kindly ask that you complete both of the following steps as soon as possible:
Microsoft Online Form – This form is essential for confirming your child’s participation and providing necessary details.
Payment via Evolve – Please ensure payment is made through the Evolve system.
Please note that our accounts team operates separately within the Trust. This means that even if you have already made the payment, we do not automatically receive confirmation of it in the Prep School. Completing both the form and the payment ensures your child is fully registered for the event.
Pupil News
Vivienne Hunter Trial Achievement
We’re delighted to celebrate Vivienne’s fantastic achievement over the weekend. Vivienne competed in a Hunter Trial at the Pony Club Field in Walton on-the-Hill and proudly placed 3rd in her class! A wonderful accomplishment. Well done, Vivienne!
Prep News
Poet Visit, Kimba
We were delighted to welcome the poet Kimba into school this week to work with our Year 5 and 6 pupils. In an inspiring and interactive workshop, Kimba encouraged the girls to focus on developing their ideas and experimenting with word choices, rather than feeling restricted by rhyme. He introduced them to the creative writing tool SHAMPOO (a fun way to remember techniques such as simile, hyperbole, alliteration, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia and oxymoron), which the girls then used to spark their own imaginative writing. It was a wonderful opportunity to see poetry brought to life by a practising poet and to inspire the girls in their own creative journeys.
Safer Internet Week
This week in Computing lessons, we have been reminding ourselves of how to keep safe online. The girls had many ideas and showed great understanding and awareness of the potential risks. To follow on from this we have launched a competition to design a mascot to accompany any internet safety information in school. Please hand your mascot to Mrs Gibson by Monday 6th October.
• Design an Internet Safety Mascot for the Prep School.
• On A4 paper
• Must be your own work
• Give your mascot a name
• Think about using computers, mobiles, gaming devices as a basis.
Year 6 Pond Visit
As part of our topic on Habitats, Year 6 had a great time exploring the different habitats in the Biodiversity area. They did some pond dipping and tried to identify the different groups of vertebrates and invertebrates. They found an animal skull, some baby newts, a geode and lots of other natural treasures!
Prep Events
Music News
Orchestra
We had a super orchestra rehearsal on Monday with a full complement of musicians, instruments and sheet music. The girls learned about the importance of following the conductor and included dynamic contrasts in their playing. We will be having an extra rehearsal on Thursday lunchtime next week, ahead of our performance at the Harvest Assembly.
Chamber Choir
With apologies, there was no chamber choir rehearsal last week but this Friday we plan to polish our performance for Harvest Assembly.
Musician of the Week
Year 5 Isabelle C Well done for some lovely musical playing in our ukulele group; you were focussed and listened carefully, concentrating on tidy chord changes.
Year 6 Megan S Thank you for helping in our keyboard class, showing others the new sections and helping them to find the correct hand position.
Year 5
Year 5 have been putting the finishing touches to their ensemble performance Our Community which includes our own lyrics, tuned and untuned percussion and singing. We have been exploring music from our heritage including the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful and Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem which we compared and contrasted with a modern re-mix. The girls have also practised conducting in two time and three time. In our ukulele groups we have reviewed chords C, F and Am and practised transitioning between them quickly with different strumming patterns. We enjoyed playing along with Best Day of My Life (American Authors) and Stay With Me
Year 6
With apologies, there were no Year 6 Music lessons last week but this Friday we plan to polish our performance for Harvest Assembly which will include tuned percussion, singing in harmony and improvised scatting.
In our keyboard classes we have continued to secure our awareness of keyboard geography using the black keys and working in pairs to learn tunes by rote.
Sport News
Hockey
Message from Mrs Fogwill Development Squad, please note that if there is a Gala running, no training will take place that evening.
The U10C & D teams combined to take on Feltonfleet’s C team in a spirited and competitive match, showcasing excellent team cohesion and a fantastic work rate throughout. The players supported one another brilliantly, with Ellie F, Lulu D, and Viviene W-S all scoring superb goals that reflected the attacking confidence of the team. Charlotte E stepped up to play in goal and impressed with a string of outstanding saves, keeping the opposition at bay. It was a great display from both squads, highlighting the impressive progress and dedication they’ve shown in training.
Netball
What a match the U11A team had on Tuesday! They listened well to advice and improvement throughout the match. There was some great driving into space and defending play. The A team won 9-2, and the POM was Ivy. M
The U11B team performed well against Claremont. They made an excellent start and learnt through game play to lose narrowly 6-4. The girls have so much potential and I look forward to seeing what they will achieve during the season. The POM was Sienna D
The U11C team showed great energy and teamwork in their match against Claremont Fan Court on Tuesday. There were some excellent moments of attacking play, with two well-earned goals and strong support across the pitch. Despite a 6–2 loss, the team never gave up and played with determination throughout, showing real progress and a positive attitude.
The U11D team put in a spritely performance on Tuesday against Claremont Fan Court. The girls worked hard from start to finish. They showed good teamwork and were rewarded with a well-taken goal in the third quarter. Even though the final score wasn't in our favour, with a 3-1 loss, the players can be proud of their effort and attitude, with each quarter helping them grow in confidence and skill. The POM was Clemmie W.
GHS Aquathlon
Last Friday, the U10 & U11 girls attended the Guildford High School Aquathlon and competed fiercely in both the bronze and silver categories. Despite strong competition, the girls displayed impressive focus, determination, and excellent teamwork throughout the event. Each athlete gave their best effort, showing great enthusiasm and resilience in both the swim and run segments. Their commitment to supporting one another and staying motivated was clear to see, making it a memorable and rewarding afternoon for the whole team.
A huge well done to all the girls for their hard work and positive spirit, the future looks bright for GHS aquathlon!
Other Sport Successes
Well done Eloise B-S who played her first club netball match yesterday and scored 9 goals. Her team won and she was also named player of the match.
Fixtures (WC 6th October)
Tuesday: U11A-D Netball (H) V Manor House 2:30pm and U10 vs CLFS Hockey (H) 2:30pm
It has been a full and busy week at STE with termly lessons now in full swing. Please remember to come 10 minutes before your lesson to allow you enough time to prepare.
We are very lucky to have such lovely horses and ponies and they all have such different personalities. This summer we said a fond ‘farewell’ to the gorgeous King who has been retired back to his owner in Dorset and is now living his best life in a field with his horse buddies. We will miss King but it’s great to know that he is enjoying his retirement.
Equine Fun Facts and Quiz
Did you know that horses have the same amount of bones in their necks as giraffes? Can you guess how many bones a horse has? Please see the answer at the bottom of the page.
NSEA NEWS
National Championship Qualifiers
Sunday 28th September Felbridge Equestrian Centre
The St Teresa’s NSEA team were competing at Felbridge this weekend and now have a total of 9 teams qualified for the National Championships as well as individual qualifications across the disciplines. This is absolutely outstanding and all down to their hard work, perseverance and resilience.
80cm Showjumping
Harriet L and her pony Trevor had a clear and fast round for a second place, qualifying them individually for the National Championships.
90cm Showjumping
Amber B, Rosie C, Harriet L and Lilly S won their class against some stiff competition, qualifying them for the National Championships. Amber finished second individually as well giving her an individual qualification at this height for the Nationals too.
1M Showjumping
Rosie C and her horse flew round the tough 1M course to earn an individual qualification for the Championships.
AMAZING RESULTS
As a result of all of the team’s successes at qualifiers over the last year, they have gained sufficient points to qualify for an extra class at the Championships: The Mixed Heights Finals. This is very exciting for the team as it is the first time that they have qualified for this. It’s a real testimony to the team's success over the last year.
Claudia B on Calippo
This Week
Bible Reading
A reading from St Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Reflection
This week we focus on two major celebrations. The Feast Day of St Teresa of Lisieux and being a pilgrim of hope. St Teresa teaches us that it is through our small acts of love that we can find the risen Christ. In an ever complex world of pressure and complexity this week we had a timely reminder that God is found in the simple things. We also took pupils on a Secondary Pilgrimage to Arundel. In this Year of Jubilee the Church invites us to travel closer to God and become and become pilgrims of Hope.
Prayer
Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. Amen.
“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.” St Teresa of Lisieux
Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2025
Donate a shoebox gift for marginalised and needy families in Romania. Refer to leaflet section titled “How to pack your Christmas Gift SHOEBOX”
Drop-off in the chapel, from Monday 6th October to Friday 17th October.
Prep Clubs Autumn Term 2025
MORNING
MON
TUE Years 5 & 6, Netball Club (7.50 - 8.20, Sp. H)
(12.45—13.15)
Years 5, Forest School
Years 6, Forest School
Orchestra, by invitation Grade 1+ standard)
Years 5 & 6, Prep GK Club (Astro)
Chaplaincy Team meeting
Years 5 & 6, Lego Club
Years 5 & 6, Netball Shooting Club
Years 5 & 6, Swim Squad (7:45 - 8.30)
WED
Years 5 & 6, Prayer Group (10.55 – 11.15)
Wind Group (10.5511:15)
THU Years 5 & 6, Hockey Club (7.50 - 8.20, Sp. H)
Years 5 & 6, Chess Club
Years 5 & 6, Recreational Netball
Schola Cantorum (by invitation)
Years 5 & 6, Football Club
String Group
Years 5 & 6, Running Club (Astro)
(16.15 – 17.00)
Equestrian Riding (16.00 –17.00)
Year 6, ESTA Tennis Coaching (16.15 - 17.15)
Young Voices Choir (16.15 - 17.00, until January)
Years 5 & 6, Art Club (16.15 - 17.00)
Years 5 & 6, LAMDA Lessons (30-minute lesson between 16.15 - 16.45)
Equestrian Riding (16.00 –17.00)
Pony Stars (16.30 – 17.30)
Years 5 & 6, Drama Club (16.15 - 17.00)
Years 5 & 6, Hockey Club (16.15 - 17.30)
Equestrian Riding (16.00 –17.00)
Years 5 & 6, Ballet Dance (16.15 - 17.15)
Year 5, ESTA Tennis Coaching (16.15 - 17.15)
Years 5 & 6, Art Club (16.15 - 17.00)
Year 5, Swim Squad (15.45 - 16.45)
Year 6, Swim Squad (16.45 - 17.30)
Equestrian Riding (16.00 –17.00)
Years 5 & 6 Frisbee Club (16.15 - 17.00)
Chamber Choir
FRI
(17.00-18.00)
Year 5 & 6, LAMDA Lessons (30 -minute lesson between 16.45 - 17.45)
Years 5 & 6, Street Dance (17.15 - 18.15)
Touch Typing
Years 5 & 6, Netball Club (16.15 - 17.30)
Equestrian Riding (16.00 –17.00)
Pony Stars (16.00 – 17.00)
Schola Cantorum (16:30 –17:30, by invitation)
Menu—w/c Monday 6th October 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
Main
Vegetarian
Soup of the day
Smokey
Chorizo Macaroni
Cheese with Crispy Onions
Traditionally Baked Macaroni
Cheese
Soup of the day Soup of the day Soup of the day Soup of the day
Freshly
Battered
Pork Schnitzel Stroganoff
Pasta Bar
Sides
Additional
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Steamed New Potatoes Broccoli
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad bar
Quorn and Mushroom Stroganoff
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Creamy Tuna & Sweetcorn
Sauce
Steamed Rice Green Brans
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad bar
Braised Beef
Cottage Pie with Cheddar
Mash
Autumn Vegetable Filo
Parcels with a Grainy Cous Cous
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Vichy Carrots
Roasted Roots
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Peach
Korean
Chicken
Bulgogi
Gemistra
Greek Stuffed Peppers
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Egg Noodles
Asian Green
Stir Fry
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad bar
Chocolate
Fish or Breaded Fish
Fillet with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Cheese and Vegetable Empanadas
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Skinny Chips
Garden Peas
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad bar
Dessert
Chocolate Brownie
Jaffa Cake Traybake
Crumble and Custard
Chip Sponge and Chocolate Sauce
Cornflake Tart
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
