I would like to take a moment to thank all those who have made this the best first year of headship that a senior leader could wish for.
• Your daughter’s have been fantastic. They are fun, creative, energetic, brave and talented. They have brought joy to all we have done and they have fully participated in the life of the school through its (and often their own) ups and downs. Girls you are spectacular – thank you!
• To you parents, for your incredible supportive attitude – every open book day the classrooms were filled, every assembly, every event – your dedication to your daughter’s education is excellent.
• To the Prep Staff – I remember hearing people say this when I joined in the Summer Term last year and (sincerely) I was dubious, but having lived and worked with you through what is normally a demanding year and this year has been even more so…it is true what has been said repeatedly, you really are the best professionals I have worked with. Your heart and soul for the girls and the school, for the learning and the experiences, for the creativity and delight in teaching, for your care and love of each individual. Outstanding work this year – thank you!
• To the Senior leaders and Governors who have supported me throughout the year – thank you!
• There are two particular thank you’s that I need to give special mention to as I do not think I/we would have got through the year in as good a shape as we have without the sterling work ethic, professionalism and dedication of Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Gibson! Thank you, ladies!
And now to the Summer Break! Have an incredible time away from school – experiential learning is the best. Discovering new places, new tastes, new hobbies, new ways to entertain your mind (preferably screen-free –definitely screen-free), new friends, old friends, time with family.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
W B Yeats
God Bless Your Time Away,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
“Repetition is the mother of memory.” As my father used to tell me, although he always quoted the Latin: Repetitio mater memoriae. So here is my Pastoral Pause reminder from last week, for the hoildays ahead.
Jump Back Up July is here. There are some outstanding challenges to give yourself and your daughter’s the time to accomplish over the Summer break. From adopting a growth mindset of ‘yet’, to getting the basics of eat, move and sleep correct, there is something for everyone to help boost a healthier, happier summer.
My personal favourites from the Calendar below are: July 7th, July 13th, July 14th (always), July 21st, July 22nd and July 27th. I like many more though and will be carrying the calendar with me throughout the summer. And don’t forget to live in the wonder of all that God’s creation has to offer.
God Bless You,
Gareth
Autumn Term, Key Diary Dates 2025-26:
Thur 4th Sept Term Starts
Mon 8th Sept Prep School Parents' Meet the Teacher, John Bosco Classrooms 17.00 - 18.00
Mon 29th Sept
National Poetry Day: Poet visit, Kimba, Mairlot Hall 11:15 - 12:15
Wed 1st Oct Mass of the Feast of St Teresa, Mairlot Hall 09:00
Thur 2nd Oct Yr. 6 Parent talk and tour of Senior School 09:00
Fri 3rd Oct St Francis’ Pet Blessing, Mairlot Lawn 08:30
Tue 7th Oct Yr. 6 Mock Entrance Examinations 09:00
Thur 9th Oct Harvest Celebration, Chapel 08:30 - 09:00 Prep School Individual & Sibling Photos 09:30 - 12:15
Wed 15th Oct Prep School Council Meeting, Boardroom 12:15 Parents Evening (Online) 17:00 - 20:00
Thur 16th Oct Parents Evening (In Person) 16:15 - 19:00
Fri 17th Oct Half Term begins 18:00
Mon 3rd Nov Term Resumes
Tue 11th Nov 11+ Prep Entrance Exams 08:30
This week you have received the following communications on SchoolPost:
Whole School Prep Sport for the Autumn Term Prep STASH Camp Pre Prize Giving - 7.00pm
Year 6 The Jungle Book Photos
Year 5 Summer holidays revision pack
Year 4 -
If you have any questions please email prepinfo@st-teresas.com
THANKYOU
Mr Tindall and the Staff at the Prep School would like to thank you all for your kind words and very generous end of term gifts. May we take this opportunity to thank you for all your support during the year and to wish you a
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4KC Olivia H
medicines and treatments in the Middle Ages for our topics on Potions and relishing whether the treatments worked or not!
Annabella H and Liel G their future teachers including their interests, hobbies and what they are looking forward to in Year 5.
Monica H their general mathematical skills to the test and were the only ones to escape the labyrinth.
4LH Maddie J
general mathematical skills to the test and were the only ones to escape the labyrinth.
Arabella N and Florence H very detailed and with beautiful handwriting as well.
5AB Sienna D
Primrose L for her informative and sensitively written leaflet about how we show respect for sacred texts.
5KH Ellie B-S and Charlotte T for their creative and descriptive improvements to a 'dull story' in English, which successfully achieved the given success criteria
6SG Holly E, Poppy E and Anna P for their dedication to their ID Project. The girls have produced the most wonderful booklets all about them!
6MK Ruby S, Avery K and Issy MS for their fabulously creative and completed ID projects.
Art Stars
Year 4: Hollie G and Kitty N for their wonderfully creative collages in the style of Laura Blythman.
Year 5: Ellie B-S, Sofia A, Clemmie W, Electra B and Amelia H for their beautifully painted representations of an animal or subject connected to "Allotments", in the style of the artist Kristy Patterson. Well done!
Medical Information
If your daughter is joining the Senior school in September 2025, please may we ask you complete this MS Form ASAP to ensure we have the correct and up to date medical information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: medical@st-teresas.com
Mrs Sarah Papageorgiou, Lead school nurse, Deputy DSL Prep and Senior School
Prep School News
A Roaring Success:Year 5 and 6 Shine in The Jungle Book!
The Year 5 and 6 production of The Jungle Book was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was transported into the heart of the jungle through a dazzling display of colour, sound, and storytelling.
The set was a visual masterpiece, lush, vibrant, and full of imaginative detail that brought the jungle to life. Equally impressive were the costumes, which were bursting with colour and creativity, perfectly capturing the spirit of each character.
The singing was truly outstanding. Every song was performed with confidence and joy, showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of the pupils. Their energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and the entire performance radiated a sense of fun and togetherness.
This production was more than just a show, it was a joyful celebration of creativity and collaboration. It also served as a fitting and heartfelt final performance for Mrs Harris, whose dedication and passion have left a lasting legacy in our school community. Bravo to all involved! Watch again it here
Prep School News
Thank you Al, Growing Green at Prep!
A huge thank you to Al for his wonderful contribution to the Prep Eco and Gardening Club this year!
The beautiful hanging baskets on the Mairlot wall were a special addition for Prize Giving, and the girls have gained so much from their time in the garden, learning how to plant baskets, pots, daffodils, sunflower seeds, and much more.
Don’t forget the Sunflower Competition!
We’d love to see how your sunflowers are growing over the summer. Please send your photos and measurements to Mrs Ridulfa or email them to prepinfo@st-teresas.com. We’ll be celebrating everyone’s green thumbs in September!
Poetry Club
The Year 4, 5 and 6 girls in Poetry Club have been studying different genres of poems and then writing their own. They have thought about who they would like to dedicate each poem to, for example, their siblings or their pets. They then put their poems together in a booklet.
Prep School Pupil News
Sewing club
This term in sewing club, the girls have been making their own worry monsters. A little friend to talk to should any worries ever bubble up inside. Their efforts were incredible - some went from knowing nothing about sewing to threading their own needle, learning a particular stitch and creating these furry little friends with some amazing details.
End of term activities
This morning the whole Prep School was split into their house groups for a fun rotation of activities. As part of this, the girls were asked to create freeze frame images of a year at St Teresa's with impressive results. Here are a few examples of what they produced.
Prep Sport
Year 6 Leavers Liturgy – A Beautiful Farewell
This week, we gathered as a school community to celebrate our Year 6 pupils in a truly beautiful Leavers Liturgy. The service was filled with heartfelt moments, as each child took part with reverence and joy, marking the end of their prep school journey.
With prayers, readings, and songs, the liturgy reflected the spirit and growth of our Year 6 class. As a special send-off, each pupil received a blessing, a cross to carry forward with them, and a copy of the beloved poem Footprints, reminding them that they are never alone on their journey.
Prize Giving
This year’s Prep Prize Giving was a joyful celebration of the girls’ achievements, talents, and growth.
We were honoured to welcome adventurer and peace activist Tess Burrows as our Guest of Honour, who inspired us with her message of courage and compassion.
The event featured musical performances, speeches, and the presentation of awards for academic achievement, progress, and Gospel values.
Special subject prizes highlighted the diverse talents across Prep School, and the Headteacher’s Plate was awarded to Avery K and Eleanor B for their outstanding contributions.
We also bid a fond farewell to our Year 6 leavers, who were celebrated for their time, effort, and spirit. Their presence will be missed, and we wish them every success in the next stage of their journey.
Thank you to all who made the evening so special. Congratulations to every one for a fantastic year!
The Prep School
Well done to every one of you for your hard work and enthusiasm in Music.
It’s been a joy to see you all grow and shine, keep making beautiful music wherever you go!
A Note from Mrs Harris
As I prepare to say goodbye, I want to express just how much I have absolutely loved my time at this wonderful school. It has been an incredible privilege to share my passion for music with such enthusiastic, talented, and joyful pupils. Watching them grow in confidence and creativity has brought me so much happiness and pride.
I’m deeply grateful to the dedicated staff for their constant support and collaboration, it’s been a pleasure to work alongside such inspiring colleagues. And to the parents, thank you for your encouragement, kindness, and the way you’ve championed the Music in the prep school.
This community is truly special, and I leave with a heart full of appreciation and the fondest memories. Thank you all.
A Roaring Success: The Jungle Book Production
Last week, the Mairlot Hall came alive with the sights and sounds of the jungle as Years 5 and 6 took to the stage for their vibrant production of The Jungle Book
Held over two evenings, Thursday and Friday, the performances were a resounding success and a real showcase of the girls’ talent and hard work.
Year 6 took on the lead roles with great confidence, delivering lines and songs with real flair, while Year 5 provided excellent support as the chorus, bringing energy, rhythm, and colour to every scene. The singing throughout was simply fantastic, and it was a joy to see how composed and comfortable the girls were on stage.
There were many surprising and standout performances, with different girls stepping into the spotlight and truly shining. The wonderful acting was beautifully supported by the impressive jungle-themed set, which transported the audience right into the heart of the story.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in bringing this production to life, from the performers to the production and set crew and staff. Your efforts made for an unforgettable experience for all.
Prep Sport
Prep Sports Day 2025
This year’s Prep Sports Day for was full of energy and great sportsmanship, with all the girls giving their best across short sprints, long-distance runs, and field events. The sprinters showed impressive speed and focus, while the long-distance runners demonstrated fantastic endurance and determination.
In the field events, the girls showcased strength and skill in the cricket ball throw and standing long jump, earning enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Due to the exceptionally hot weather, the relay races were unfortunately cancelled, but the day remained a huge success, with many personal achievements and school records broken. Above all, the PE department was particularly impressed with the sportsmanship and team morale demonstrated by each of the houses. Congratulations to all the girls for their dedication and positive spirit, true winners in every sense!
A special congratulations goes to St Ignatius, who were crowned the overall winners of the day. Their outstanding performance across events reflected not only athletic talent but also a deep sense of unity and determination. The girls of St Ignatius were especially commendable, giving their all despite the heat. Their resilience, dedication, and sportsmanship were truly inspiring and played a crucial role in securing the house’s victory.
The atmosphere was electric throughout the morning, with all houses showing tremendous spirit and support for one another. Colourful banners, cheering squads, and team chants filled the air, showcasing the vibrant community that makes our school so special.
Thank you to all students, staff, and families who contributed to making this year's Sports Day such a memorable one. Here's to another year of striving, competing, and growing together.
Congratulations once again to St Ignatius – champions of Prep Sports Day 2025!
Prep Sport
Pupil News
Arabella and Kitty N have had an outstanding football season, both proudly representing the Oxshott Royals- a team that recently celebrated a fantastic achievement as the best team in their league. Both girls have shown exceptional commitment and passion for their sport, and their achievements this season reflect their dedication and love for the game. Arabella and Kitty continue to be shining examples of what it means to be team players and sports stars in the making. Well done, girls, we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
A huge congratulations to Florence and Isabelle in Year 4, who played their very first club cricket match this weekend for Effingham Cricket Club U9s, and what a debut it was! Florence made a big impact with the bat, finishing as the team’s top scorer with an impressive 24 runs. Isabelle took on the vital role of wicketkeeper and did a superb job. It was a brilliant start for both girls, who played with real enthusiasm, energy, and team spirit. They should be incredibly proud of how they performed. Well done, Florence and Isabelle, here’s to many more exciting matches ahead!
Booking System: st-teresas-equestrian.ecpro.co.uk
For more information, please visit our website www.st-teresas.com/equestrian
THANK YOU!
You can also call direct on 01372 750257 or email: equestrian@st-teresas.com Find us on Facebook: St Teresa's Equestrian | Leatherhead | Facebook
As this academic year draws to a close and STE celebrates its 10th Anniversary, the staff would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Whether you are a regular rider with us; enjoy taking part in our fun Stable Management sessions; join us for holiday activities or pop in for ad hoc lessons, we appreciate your trust in us and for encouraging your children to experience the restorative power and joy of being around these amazing creatures.
CONGRATULATIONS
Our Open Day and Prize Giving on Sunday was a lovely event to end the year on. Congratulations not only to all our award winners but also to everyone who has had the courage to ‘give it a go’… we hope you have enjoyed the year as much as we have.
The STE Horse of 2024-2025 is… COOKIE
Reading
A reading from St Matthew Gospel
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’
Reflection
On Sunday we as a church celebrated the great feast day of St Peter and St Paul. These two pillars of the Church were both so different. Both different but both called to share in the Kingdom of God and both witnesses to the love of God. St Peter of course makes that dramatic confirmation of faith at Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asks the disciples, ‘Who do you say I am.’ That is a question each of us is asked, each of us is posed throughout our lives. Let us have the faith of St Peter, ‘You are the Christ the Son of the living God.’
Prayer
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.
"Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love." ~ St Therese of Lisieux
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.
If you have any further questions before booking please contact:
