I think, being British, I will start with the weather – not in a stereotypical complaining manner – but my own experiences as, over the past two weekends, I have walked a total of 58km in glorious sunshine and full-on March warmth having to resort to removing winter jacket and hoodie for temperature control. This week started in a similar vein and has ended with me directing Spring Concert traffic in a pouring snow / hail / wet-freezing-coldliquid-stuff storm, to scraping ice off my car this morning and Al having to grit the roads and playgrounds again. And I have loved every moment!
Amongst all our teaching and learning, we have squeezed in Hockey in Sutton, a Surrey Netball Tournament at GHS, a fun Swim gala with Manor House, the first of our residential parent evenings for Year 5 and today their Topic trip to Hampton Court Palace.
And then, amongst all of that, drum roll, we set up, rehearsed and put on a fantastic Spring Concert last night. For all those who attended, thank you very much for coming and bringing family members and friends with you – what a special time it was. From the first song (5 minutes long!) with its purposeful lyrics; powerful crescendos; playful singing-in-a-round; and perfect harmonies – I heard the audible gasp from the audience and one parent behind me literally say “Wow!” – through the remainder of the Concert every Year group, every choir, every Music club and ensemble and band were truly spectacular.
I repeated one of the phrases used in our Year 6 song introduction – every girl there was, and is, unique, but together they were, and are, REMARKABLE.
My thanks, once again, go to all the staff for their input, but especially to Mrs. Harris – how she conducts 114 girls singing a 5-minute song, with harmonies and interweaving parts to such poignant effect – Mrs. Harris you are incredible and a worker of magic wonders!! Thank you!
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Plato
“Music can change the world because it can change people.” Bono
“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.” Martin Luther
Have a great weekend,
Gareth Tindall Head of Prep
Pastoral Pause
It may have been last night’s Spring Concert or that I am daily completing the Mindful March challenges, but, I actually woke up re-energized and joyful (not simply happy – I’m talking buzzing with joy!). My daughter said to me at breakfast at 6:45am, “You’re full of energy!”. It has made me ponder deeply since she said it (it is only 4 hours later as I write), but how little does she experience me like this? How much of ourselves we give elsewhere, and homelife and home people (our people) get what is left of us after a hard day at work, meetings, events, evenings out, shopping, cooking, cleaning, driving.
THIS is why following something like the Action for Happiness monthly calendar is so helpful.
However, as a committed Christian and Head of a Catholic Prep School, Lent is more than a period of self-denial, it is a re-orientation to relating with God. This is fundamental to the JOY I am experiencing. This year I ivested in two Lent guides, one by Tim Muldoon (The Ignatian Workout for Lent) and one by Fr. Dennis Gallagher (Thy Kingdom Come: A Lenten Journey). Wow – they have helped me focus on a real, spiritual relationship and connection with Father God, and are a reminder of living naturally supernatural at all times.
Listen to this from today’s Lenten Journey:
“Doing good really matters…A life marked by an active pursuit of the good breathes the spirit of the Gospel more faithfully than a life given over to the avoidance of evil. The Kingdom of God [that place we could consciously be living in every day] is ‘a matter…of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 14:17). Let this be a prescription for our sad world.”
[square brackets and bold emphasis mine]
Righteousness is simply doing the right thing (as Anna sings in Frozen II). But doing the right thing makes us feel good – no shame, guilt, remorse or regret – just the Utter Relief of Holiness. Which leaves us experiencing a much deeper and fulfilling peace. And knowing such a deeper sense of peace brings as a direct consequence – joy. And who does not want to live there!
Enjoy this weekend’s activities of stopping, breathing, and noticing; enjoy getting really absorbed in an interesting or creative activity (I find when I do that others in the family soon follow suit – children are always watching!) – and if you are so minded, sit with God in all of this, just be present and simply invite Him in to your experience.
For next Friday 21st March’s music challenge – I highly recommend standing in direct sunshine, warmth on your face with headphones firmly in place and listen to this song: https://youtu.be/C2U7ffUM5Ec
God Bless You and enjoy another mindful week ahead,
Gareth Tindall
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Liel G contributing to class discussions well.
Molly W why she has inspired her for International Women's Day.
Sara W homework and her formal letter saying why she has inspired her for
4 LH Maddie J are collected by the pinna, travel through the various stages of the middle and inner ear, before being transformed into signals and then carried by the auditory nerve to the brain.
Ava B your learning your best effort. It is wonderful to be around such energy and excitement.
5 AB Sophia H
Jessica S Zoe G
5 KH Carys D Daisy B
6 SG Summer C are her ideas fantastic, but her illustrations are too.
Elizabeth R used to support the war effort in World War 2. Elizabeth and her group began to create a super Power Point on the use of mules.
6 MKEmily W for her impressive contributions during RE this week and her insightful understanding of the message behind Jesus washing his disciples' feet.
Eliza P and Penny C for exceptionally illustrated maps for their invented story world in English this week.
Khrystina H for incredible enthusiasm in English this week, designing the title page, story map and blurb for her storybook this week.
Year 4
Art Stars
Leila A for her independence in designing and attaching clothing for her Bayeaux Tapestry plinth figure.
Year 5 Primrose L for following instructions clearly to abstract an image of a chair, and using the space so well.
Year 6 Etta C and Holly E for their creative and unique designs for a soap sculpture, inspired by Henry Moore.
Drama Stars
Year 4 Sophia H for her enthusiastic engagement when reenacting one of Jesus' parables.
Year 5 Liberty C for her creativity and commitment when rehearsing her soliloquy from 'Romeo and Juliet'
Year 6 Eva M for her engagement and performance during the 'Alice in Wonderland' dance workshop.
St Teresa’s SchoolPost Communication System
You will have received an email before Half Term about the new communication system which is being used from this week. A letter from Dr McShane was sent out with instructions on how to start getting your messages.
Key Diary Dates:
This week you have received the following communications
Whole School Hop Skip and Jump, 28th March 2025
Year 6 Year 6 Medicals
Year 5 PGL Osmington Bay forms
Year 4 -
If you have any questions please email prepinfo@st-teresas.com
FOST Egg Hunt 27/03/25
FOST will be running their annual Easter egg huts for all the girls in the Prep School and we look forward to what will be a fun event for them!
Summer Uniform
Please may the girls in Years 4 and 5 return to school after Easter wearing their summer uniform. Summer uniform is optional for our Year 6 girls. However, they will be required to wear their winter uniform for special occasions such as Prize Giving and the Leavers’ Mass. As a reminder, the summer uniform consists of: pink and white striped dress; white ankle socks (not trainer socks); blazer and a cardigan.
After School Care is Moving Location
From Monday 17th March, After School Care will be moving location from the Lower playground to the Tech Hub and Upper Playground. All collections after 4:30pm will be from there for the remainder of the school year.
Year 6 Medicals
The school nursing team will be carrying out medicals on Year 6 pupils week commencing 21st April. Medical check-ups are important for the welfare of your daughter throughout their education. The medicals will be conducted by the school nurses and will consist of a private and confidential discussion about their health and wellbeing. We will also be checking height, weight if consented by them. You would have provided consent on the medical forms when you started the school however if you no longer wish for your daughter to receive a medical please contact medical@st-teresas.com
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 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.
On Tuesday, Mr Stephens from the Senior School came to show us some science magic in honour of British Science Week. The girls particularly enjoyed the 'Elephant Toothpaste', a mixture that glowed luminous blue and watching Mr Stephens turn water into wine!
Year 4 Science
This week in Science, Year 4 made string telephones to explore how sound vibrations travel along solids compared to the same conversation in the open air. The rain may have spoilt our fun a bit, but we still managed to carry out the experiment and had some fantastic discussions about collecting the vibrations, how they travel along the string and the job of the final cup to amplify the sound to enable our friend to hear us with greater ease.
Year 6 Science
As part of science enrichment, some of the girls in Year 6 made their own torches using a cardboard tube, a simple circuit and a peg switch.
Years 5 and 6 Art club
The girls finished their wonderful, wool wrapped scenes this week. These included sunsets, seascapes or colourful patterns and are all so individual and different. Next term, this Art club will change the day it is on, from a Thursday to a Tuesday so that more artists may join in.
Gymnastics Club
We would like to let you know that next term will be our last term running the gymnastics club at StTeresas. It would be great to see as many gymnasts as possible join us for the final 6 weeks. Please use the Clubs sign up form which will be sent out next week on SchoolPost. The club has been running at St Teresas for 14 years and is only stopping because we no longer have the Henderson Hall to use for our classes. Thank you all for your support over the years, it has been really lovely getting to know & spend time with your daughters.
Jane & Fiona
Year 6 soap sculptures
Year 6 carved into soap in their Art lesson this week, to create a sculpture in the style of Henry Moore. The girls used a range of tools to shape, carve holes and smooth the soap, but the primary tool was a potato peeler! The girls thought this subtractive process was "really satisfying and fun" to do.
Year 5 Book Scene
As an extra challenge, the girls could create a scene that would represent a book - can you guess which books Charlotte and Ania’s pictures show?
In Spanish, the girls have been enjoying interviewing each other using question words and answers in the target language. I have been impressed with the girls' pronunciation and flair for performing in front of the class. Some pupils have interviewed as themselves, while others have chosen to be Taylor Swift, Mrs Baker or even Henry VIII! All in
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4
Year 5
For their amazing performance at the Spring Concert!
For their amazing performance at the Spring Concert!
Year 6 For their amazing performance at the Spring Concert!
Monday
12.45: St Teresa’s Singers (Y.4 & 5)
3.45: Orchestra
Tuesday
12.45: Ukulele Club (Y.5 & 6)
Wednesday
10.55: Wind Ensemble
4.15: Chamber Choir
Thursday
12.45: String Group
Music News Continued
Prep School Spring Concert
Last night, Mairlot Hall was filled with music, energy, and a fantastic audience for the Prep School Spring Concert. It was wonderful to see the hall packed with families and friends, all there to support our talented performers. The girls truly sang, played, and danced their hearts out, showcasing a range of musical genres and styles. From the enchanting harmonies of the choirs to the fantastic playing from the ukulele group, orchestra, wind band, and string ensemble, every performance was a testament to their hard work and passion for music.
A highlight of the evening was the audience participation song, which brought smiles all around our young performers were absolutely thrilled by the enthusiasm in the room!
A huge well done to all the girls for their incredible performances, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along and supported them. What a talented bunch
Prep Sport News
Swimming
On Thursday, St Teresa’s had the honour of hosting the inaugural Effingham Trust Gala, a landmark event that brought together the U9-U11 squads from St Teresa’s, Cranmore, and Manor House. Excitement filled the air as the young swimmers prepared to showcase their skills, with parents enjoying live commentary and music from the amazing Mrs P! With over 90 girls and boys competing across a variety of swim events, the gala was a true celebration of community, teamwork, and determination. After last week's disappointment the Year 6 swimmers showed incredible resilience, bouncing back from their previous gala to get back to winning ways, a testament to their hard work and perseverance. The Year 5 girls fought hard to win some key races, delivering a fantastic squad performance. Their determination and continuous improvement were evident in every event. They have bonded so well as a team, always supporting and pushing each other to be their best. Their team spirit was truly inspiring. A special mention must go to the Cranmore Year 5 team who were outstanding, showcasing impressive swimming skills. Their relay performance, in particular, was flawless, demonstrating precision, speed, and seamless teamwork. Meanwhile, the Year 4s continue to go from strength to strength, winning some incredibly close races. Their progress since the start of the season has been remarkable, and with further coaching, the potential for this team is truly exciting.
While St Teresa’s emerged victorious, the real success of the gala lay in the spirit of participation, resilience, and community. It was lovely to see not only the students competing but also the incredible support from parents and guardians. The viewing gallery above the pool had never looked so busy!
A huge congratulations to all the swimmers for their incredible performances, and a big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success. We now look forward to hosting the Prep and Senior event in the summer term!
It’s a Fish Out
The U11 squad competed in the annual It’s a Fish Out Lifesaving competition at Dorking Leisure Centre. The event featured 24 intense three-minute rounds across seven different challenges, with points accumulated throughout the competition. Having won a trophy for the past two years, expectations were high, and the girls were determined to continue their winning streak while enjoying the experience.
The competition started with some nerves, leading to a few early mistakes. However, the girls showed incredible resilience, refusing to let setbacks affect their performance. They fought back hard, steadily improving and securing top scores in several events.
Out of 24 competing schools, St Teresa’s finished in an impressive 2nd place with a total score of 94, just four points behind the winners! It was a remarkable comeback, highlighting the team’s determination, perseverance, and skill. Their achievement is even more impressive given their extremely busy swim schedule, which, alongside extra training, showcases the huge dedication not only from the girls but also from their parents, whose support is invaluable. A special thank you goes to Klara J for her dedication to the swim department, especially her passion for lifesaving. She is an outstanding role model, and the support from the Johansson family on the day was greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all the girls on a fantastic performance!
U10 Interhouse Netball
On Tuesday the Y5s competed in their Interhouse Netball Tournament. Energy levels were high and team spirit was in abundance. There was some great netball played and some epic shooting.
Results are as follows:
1st place - St Benedict
2nd Place - St Francis
3rd Place - St Ignatius
4th Place - St Dominic
Special mentions go to:
Player of the Tournament - Electra B for outstanding work rate.
Sportsmanship award - Sophia A for celebrating the success of others and praising her team mates.
Highlight of the tournament - Daisy B performing a sweep in the shooting circle.
U11 Surrey Netball Tournament
The U11 netball team took part in the Surrey Netball Tournament on Wednesday. The girls all played extremely well for their first experience at a Surrey Tournament. Although they were unable to secure a win in any of their matches, there were many positives to take away from the tournament. The team showed determination, teamwork, and resilience throughout, and their performance highlighted some key areas of improvement. Throughout the day the girls made big improvements in the defensive circle by marking the shot and going for rebounds. Overall, the girls had some fantastic matches and represented the school extremely well.
Hockey
The U11B team played Sutton High on Tuesday, showing strong determination from the outset. The team created several promising opportunities early on but struggled to convert them into goals. Matilda G was exceptional in goal, making a series of crucial saves to limit the scoring. Despite their efforts, the team was unable to capitalise on their chances, and the match ended without a win. Nevertheless, the team showed great resilience, and Zara H was awarded player of the match for her relentless work rate.
The U11C hockey team put in a fantastic performance against Sutton High, which resulted in a 3 played brilliantly as a team, showing superb determination and teamwork throughout the entirety of the match. It was a really close game with end-to-end action, with both teams replying quickly after their opponents scored. The girls showed great resilience and fought hard until the final whistle. A huge well done to Lily B for being named Player of the Match and a fantastic effort from everyone - well done, team!
Saturday 22nd Marc h U10 Football Tournament @ Claremont (A) 9-11.30am
Tuesday 25th March: U10A-E Netball v Freemans (H) 2.30pm
Tuesday 25th March: U11A + U11BCD mixed teams Hockey v Cranmore (H) 2.30pm
Friday 28th March: Hop Skip Jump TIMINGS TBC
Friday 28th March Afterschool: U11 Netball Training & U9/U10 Hockey training
Bible Reading
A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus said to his disciples, 'Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men's admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
Reflection
The season of Lent seems to go beyond our natural inclinations. To give things up, to go without. Yet Lent, this six week time of preparation is a time of renewal. A time to take stock of our lives. To think about giving up anything that is perhaps drawing us away from God and to take up things that can draw us closer to the one who created us. In our modern way of life , much can distract us from the divine that resides in us and who speaks to us. This Lent, take time to listen to the voice that reminds us we are loved, we are made in His Sacred image and we have a purpose.
Prayer
Lord,
In this holy season of Lent, may we turn back to you with all our hearts, in prayer, in fasting, and in giving alms to the poor; that our sins be forgiven and our hearts mended.
Amen
"Pray, hope and don't worry. Anxiety doesn't help at all. Our Merciful Lord will listen to your prayer." ~ St Padre Pio
Interhouse Dressage, Monday 24th—Saturday 29th March
Thank you to all our riders who are putting in so much work in preparation for the Interhouse Dressage in just over a week’s time. It promises to be a lot fun and a great experience for all. We have now finalised the schedule and those taking part will have received an email with details of timings and what to expect. Please do let us know if you haven’t received this.
Easter Holiday Activities
(Monday 31st March to Saturday 19th April)
There are lots of Pony Mornings/Day Camps and Private lessons to choose from over the Easter holidays. If you would like a shared lesson, rather than a private lesson, please email the office. Bulk booking discount
If you would like to book a series of three 45-minute or three 30-minute private lessons, we are offering a discount of 10% for the Easter holidays. Please click on the ‘Tokens’ button on the Ecpro homepage (st-teresas-equestrian.ecpro.co.uk) to purchase the token. You can then book your three lessons. Difficulty booking?
Pony Mornings run from 9.30am –12.30pm and are open to all abilities. Pony Camps (9.30am-3.30pm) are for those with some experience of walk/trot. Please note that if you are ungraded on our system, or below a Grade 2, you won’t be able to see the Day Camps. Please contact the office by email if your rider is able to walk and trot but isn’t able to book on the system.
Holidays
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
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 17th March 2025
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Week 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Soup
Main
Pasta Bar
Soup of the day Soup of the day Soup of the day Soup of the day Soup of the day
Sweet & Sour Turkey Noodles
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Sticky Teriyaki
Vegetarian
Sides
Additional
Quorn & Aubergine
Steamed Rice Broccoli
Slow Cooked Beef Lasagne
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Roasted Pepper, Chicken & Chorizo Sauce
Roasted Vegetable Lasagne
Garlic Bread
Roquette& Balsamic
Tomato Salad
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Roast Pork with Yorkshire Pudding, Apple Sauce & Gravy
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Loaded Mexican Chicken
Nachos with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Braised Lentil Cottage Pie with a Sweet Potato Top Cajun Aubergine & Bean Taco with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
