Here we are at the end of the fifth half-term of the year. Five sixths of the way through the academic year.
On Tuesday, Mr Norris, Head of EAL and teacher of English in the Senior School, wowed us all with an assembly for World Bee Day (yes, I was wearing my Winnie the Pooh tie). Mr Norris shared insanely mind-blowing facts about the complexities of bee colonies, bee communication and bee productivity. Did you know that a young bee weaves (zig-zagging) in front of the hive when it first leaves, to imprint the hive entrance location, and whether the bee flies 100m or 3 miles away it can find its way back to that exact location? Or even more incredibly, that scout bees (one of the roles of worker bees), perform a waggle dance in the pitch dark of the hive, the vibrations of which are picked up by the foraging bees which can then leave the hive and fly to the EXACT location of the flower, pollen and nectar indicated by the scout bee!! For each amazing fact given, Mr Norris showed the girls videos of his own bee hives where he pointed out to the girls the zig-zagging young bees, a waggle dancing bee, a bee being born and the other workers helping free it from its cell, the queen cell, the honey stores and so much more. Thank you, Mr Norris!
This week has also seen: the last of our end of year assessments being completed – well done, girls; Year 6 having an extremely successful, fun and enjoyable trip away in France; Year 5 completing their ‘Adopt a Chef’ programme with huge thanks going to Harry and Louise for running these sessions for us; our Year 4 and 5 pupils representing the school in swimming galas, athletics meets (even completing races in the rain) and the next Maths Masterclass event.
Painting refurbishment on the outside areas is nearing completion and the building looks stunning with its newly varnished wood cladding and freshly daubed walls. With Year 6 in France this week, we have managed to get a head start on the indoor painting refresh with 6MK’s classroom. We will then be completing the following rooms in the following order just after the half term break: 5AB, 4KC, 4LH and 6SG. While the Tech Hub is undergoing refurbishment, we will be relocating After School Care’s classroom provision to the upper corridor classrooms, however, collection remains in the Upper Playground.
"For so work the honey-bees, creatures that by a rule in nature teach the act of order to a peopled kingdom," - William Shakespeare
“That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees” – Marcus Aurelius
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and enjoyable May half term break.
Kind regards,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
As you enter the bank holiday weekend and the final week of Meaningful May, which of the challenges will you embrace wholeheartedly:
• Making choices which have a positive impact for others?
• Asking someone what matters most to them and why?
• Caring for the natural world, perhaps some action in your garden?
• Sharing an inspirational quote with someone?
• Finding THREE reasons to be HOPEFUL about the future?
Perhaps you simply need some VELLICHOR this half term –travel to some Surrey towns and villages in search of it, or perhaps seek it out in a quiet London side street…
God Bless You over this holiday period,
Gareth Tindall
Summer Term Key Diary Dates 2025:
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4KC Kitty N
the court of the Queen of Ethiopia to understand the book of the prophet Isaiah. A fabulous recount, Kitty.
Millie G
earlier in the year and for working independently through a number of problems successfully. Well done, Millie.
Ottilie H
Hollie G
Philip and the Ethiopian officer and the many ways that Paul changed and the difficulties he faced when spreading God's word. Well done, Hollie!
4LH Vivienne W
including the processes required for the change to occur.
Eloise K for her recognition and articulation of the changes experienced by Paul in our RE lesson this week.
5AB Thea BH for always listening carefully during our 'Adopt a Chef' sessions and enthusiastically contributing relevant thoughts and answers.
Jessica A for her great geography work locating the countries our food originates from.
5KH Thea S and Sofia A for their beautifully drawn and detailed posters about the PGL trip. Clemmie W for her super positivity and independence shown this week.
Art Stars
Year 4: Molly W for her carefully collaged Misty Mountain landscape.
Year 5: Ania S for an interesting, very comfortable-looking seat to reflect her personality.
Prep School News
Eco and Gardening Club
This week, the girls had a lot of fun in Eco and Gardening Club. They planted the recently emptied hanging baskets with lots of spring and summer flowering plants to brighten up the school. As there were so many plants, some of the Year 5 children joined us too and it was nice to see lots of familiar faces being so enthusiastic about gardening.
A huge thank you to Alan for buying and setting the club up for the girls.
Prep School News
Year 5 'Adopt a Chef '
In our final, 'Adopt a chef' session, we were taught about etiquette and the value of good service when eating at restaurants. After laying our tables and adding a beautifully folded napkin as a finishing touch, we learned how to be excellent waiters and customer, through role play.
Prep School News
Year 6 France Residential
Year 6 have had a fantastic week in France, filled with adventure, learning, and fun. From team and a visit to a chocolate factory, to exploring WWI memorials and walking through historic trenches, the girls embraced every moment with enthusiasm and respect.
They also enjoyed a sunny day in Le Touquet, practicing their French at the local market and relaxing with lunch on the beach. Evenings were filled with laughter, including a memorable campfire singalong.
The girls have been a credit to the school throughout; curious, kind, and brilliantly behaved. We’re incredibly proud of them!
Prep School News
National Numeracy Day
On Wednesday, it was National Numeracy Day! This year, the theme was 'The Money Edition' and the day began with an assembly on the history of money. Did you know that the pound is the oldest currency still in use today? The girls have been set a competition to draw and describe their dream job and how they expect to use numbers and other elements of Maths within their job. All entries to Mrs Ridulfa please.
In class, the girls have been participating in a Times Table Rock Stars Battle, which continues over half term and they have been carrying out different activities, including having fun learning a dance. Some of the girls in Year 5 also practised their budgeting skills by using a calculator and planning a weekend trip!
The National Numeracy website has lots of useful tips on how to talk about money with children, how to develop confidence with money and maths in general.
Further information can be found here: https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numeracyday
Prep School News
Mr.Tindall’s Wing Walk
On Sunday, Mr Tindall took to the skies literally! as he completed a thrilling wing walk to raise funds for Morgan’s Mission and NeST, two causes close to his heart. Strapped to the top of a bi-plane, he soared through the air to help fund vital research into Nephrotic Syndrome.
In Monday’s assembly, Mr Tindall shared videos and photos of the experience with pupils, inspiring everyone with his courage and commitment to making a difference.
If you’d like to support his fundraising efforts, donations can be made here: Gareth's fundraiser for NesT in support of Morgan's Mission
First Holy Communion
We are planning a celebration for the girls who are making their First Holy Communion this year. If your daughter is, please can you complete this online form letting us know the Parish and the date of the First Holy Communion Mass so that we can plan the school event accordingly.
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.
The remaining date for the Summer term is: Prep School Prize Giving, Thursday 3rd July, 19.00 to 20.00 We would be grateful if you could keep this date free so that all girls can be present at this important event.
Prep School News
Prep School Summer Production
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4: Viv W-S – excellent recall of Baroque Music facts, well done Viv! Year 5: Eloise B-S – Excellent singing in Chamber Choir and fantastic focus in class.
We’re thrilled to share a special moment from Westival, the festival recently held in Dorking. Among the highlights was a truly memorable performance by Sophia C, who took to the stage alongside her dad for a beautiful father-daughter duet. Their heartfelt performance captivated the audience, showcasing Sophia's incredible vocal talent. left smiles all around. Well done, Sophia! we can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next.
We are proud to share news of Ania in Year 5, who is making a beautiful contribution to the music ministry at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Fetcham. Ania supports Sunday Masses with both her voice and violin. Earlier this year, she began singing psalms from the ambo as part of the children’s choir. Her clear and confident voice has received many compliments from parishioners, and she now holds the honour of being the youngest psalmist on the rota. In addition to her singing, Ania regularly plays the violin during Communion Hymns. Most recently, in the absence of the organist and with very short notice, Ania stepped up to lead the hymns for the congregation with her violin. We’re incredibly proud of Ania’s dedication and courage. And we hear she had great support from her Y5 class Moomin too!
Music Clubs:
Monday
12.45: St Teresa’s Singers (Y.4 & 5)
3.45: Orchestra
Wednesday
10.55: Wind Ensemble
4.15: Chamber Choir
Thursday
12.45: String Group
Friday
12.45: Rock Choir
Thankyou to Rosalind D or playing the piano so beautifully in the celebration assembly this morning.
Reminder forYear 6 Parents
If your daughter will be leaving in September, please remember to inform her instrumental teacher(s) directly. This also applies to any girls who do not wish to continue learning their instrument in the senior school.
Early notice helps our music staff plan for the new academic year and ensures a smooth transition for all involved. Thank you for your cooperation.
Rock Choir Returns!
We were thrilled to welcome back Rock Choir. 4
Rock Choir is a drop-in club open to all year groups, held every Friday lunchtime there's no need to sign up, and everyone is welcome to join whenever they like.
Prep Sport
Tennis
St Teresa’s hosted Notre Dame for a friendly tennis fixture, with players from U9, U10 and U11 taking part in what was an enjoyable and competitive morning of sport.
For many of the U9 players, it was their very first tennis match, and they showed fantastic enthusiasm and maturity. Impressively, they managed and scored their own games, practising line calling and developing their communication skills with their opponents in a respectful and sporting manner.
The U10 matches featured a great mix of competitive spirit and strong rallies. Some very high-level play was on display, with matches resulting in a range of wins, draws and losses for both schools. All players showed resilience and sportsmanship throughout.
At U11 level, a number of experienced players led the way with confident performances, while others embraced their first match experience with courage and determination. There were some very close contests and plenty of positive tennis played.
Players of the Day were awarded to Eliza P, Dana M, Clemmie W, Sophia D, Ava B and Scarlett S for their effort, attitude and all-round performance.
Well done to all involved for a brilliant morning of tennis!
Athletics
St Teresa’s U9 and U10 athletes had a fantastic day representing the school at the QuadKids District Athletics Competition, showing incredible energy, determination, and team spirit throughout the event. Each athlete took part in one throw, one jump, one short-distance sprint, and one long-distance run, making it a true test of all-round athletic ability. The girls rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and gave their very best in every event. Highlights of the day were: Kitty N – 3rd place in the 75m sprint, Scarlett – 2nd place in the 75m sprint, Zoe G – 1st place in the 75m sprint, Olivia L – 1st place in the 75m sprint and Ivy – 1st place in the high jump. These outstanding results reflect the dedication, talent, and hard work of our athletes. The day was filled with cheering, encouragement, and strong performances across the board. A big well done to all the girls who took part – your effort, teamwork, and positive attitude truly stood out.
Fixtures
Monday 2nd June: U9 Tennis v Hawthorns (A) 3:30pm
Tuesday 3rd June: U11 Cricket v Notre Dame (H) 2:45pm and U10 Tennis v Feltonfleet (A) 2:30pm
Tuesday 17th June: U9-U15 St T's Aquathlon- 9:30 start
Tuesday 17th June: U10 Tennis v ND (A) 4:15pm
Friday 20th June: U11 Tennis v CLFS (A) 4:15pm
Friday 20th June: U9 Cricket vs St Cats (A) 2:30pm
Prep Sport
Pupil News
We are incredibly proud to share that with great enthusiasm and determination Thea took part at the GHS Aquathlon last week. Competing in the Olympic distance event, Thea demonstrated outstanding athleticism and perseverance, securing an impressive 3rd place out of 10 competitors. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Thea was the youngest participant in her race the only competitor from Year 5, going up against older students from Years 6 and 7. Her performance is a testament to her dedication, courage, and sporting spirit. Well done, Thea!
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.
STASH – Summer Sports Camp
STASH will be going ahead this year and will start on Monday 7th July and finish on Friday 11th July. It will be open to all children in Years 4-6.
Please use this link to register: STASH 2025 - Summer Sports Camp
For any questions related to Prep Sports, please contact the Prep PE email at PrepPE@st-teresas.com or reach out directly to the specialist teachers.
HalfTermTennis Camps & Private Coaching
ESTA is excited to be running 4 days of tennis camp over the May Half Term from Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th May at St Teresa’s.
The timings are:
Y2-4 @ 9-12pm
Y5&6 @ 1-4pm
Y7-11 @ 1-4pm
Camp days are priced at £40 with a 10% discount applied for the full week. Private coaching is also available from 4pm each day.
We look forward to seeing your children on court over half term!
We are looking forward to some exciting matches and seeing you all at the courts!
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 | Leatherhead | Facebook
Manor House and Cranmore Reception visit to STE
There was a lovely atmosphere at STE on Friday last week, when the children from Manor House and Cranmore Reception visited. The ponies all really enjoyed the grooming and the children were so gentle and careful in their handling. Through a ’hands on’ experience they learnt more about ponies and what is involved in their care.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Bobby was also lucky enough to get his own special trip over to the main school at St Teresa’s for a bit of pampering, as part of Mental Health Week. Many studies have shown that interaction with horses can help alleviate some of the symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. At STE we always welcome visits from the students, staff and parents who would like a break in the day to stroke a pony and have a bit of time out. So do come and visit us!
BHS Changing LivesThrough Horses
STE also offers the BHS programme, ‘Changing Lives Through Horses’. This BHS initiative has already helped over 2000 disengaged young people gain key life skills and tools to support their future careers. The sessions are designed to build skills that are linked with the National Curriculum but in a setting very different to a classroom. STE offer these sessions as care and handling of the horses, rather than as ridden sessions. Six core values are the focus for the sessions: Communication, Confidence, Relationships, Teamwork, Responsibility and Perseverance.
If you are interested in these sessions, please do get in touch.
NSEA NEWS
Good luck to our eventing teams competing in the NSEA Eventers Challenge Championships this weekend and our show jumping teams competing in the Inter-County and Hickstead Elite championships. You’ve got this!
Reading
A Reading from the Gospel of John
Jesus said:
‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me. The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father. The Father and I are one.’
Reflection
Pope Leo XIV’s motto: In Illo uno unum” (“In the one Christ we are one”), recalls the words of Saint Augustine in a sermon, the Exposition on Psalm 128, explaining that “in the one Christ we are one”.The image of the pierced heart on his Coat of Arms speaks of the heart that is pierced with God’s love. Pope Leo XIV has continued to call for the Church to be united to Christ and to one another. In this way we will be a sign for the world.
Prayer
Faithful God,
You guide us on the path of life and your goodness is our constant companion. Be with our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV, in his service of the Church. Fill him with the power of your Spirit, the peace of your presence and the compassion of Christ. Amen Amen.
FOST SUMMER FESTIVAL
A huge thank you to FOST for hosting such an incredible May Fair on Friday. It was a truly packed event, with so much to see and do from delicious food and fun games to a delightful petting zoo.It was a wonderful way to mark the end of this half term, and we are so grateful to all the stallholders and volunteers who helped make the event possible.
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
Menu—w/c Monday 2nd June 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
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Freshly
Pasta Bar
Smoky Beef
Chilli, Crushed Tortillas & Sour Cream
Mediterranean Roast Vegetable & Bean Wrap
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy
Pesto Sauce
Garlic and Herb Chicken
Breast with Cesar Salad
Sides
Additional
Tomato Rice Steamed Sweetcorn
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Homemade
Chickpea Falafels
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise
Sauce
Steamed New Potatoes Broccoli
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Chicken Burger Bar
Choice of Crispy Battered or Grilled Piri Piri
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Cajun Wedges
Rainbow Slaw Sweetcorn
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Tonkatsu Pork
Battered Fish or Breaded
Fish Fillet with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Miso Glazed
Aubergine Steaks
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Chicken
Arrabiata Sauce
Steamed Rice
Asian Greens Prawn Crackers
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Cheese and Potato Pasties
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Macaroni Cheese
Skinny Chips
Garden Peas
Mushy Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Dessert
Chocolate Brownie Nutless Bakewell Tart
Fresh Fruit Platter
Chocolate Cookie Tray Bake
Banoffee Pie
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
