There’s now two weeks to go to the end of term and the temperature is not the only thing hotting up in the Prep School.
The rehearsals for next week’s Year 5 and 6 The Jungle Book production are in full swing, and you would not believe the tight turnaround, from GCSE and A-Level Examination Hall to Jungle scenes, that Mairlot Hall will travel through over this weekend in preparation.
My thanks to all parents who attended our meeting last Monday, we appreciate your candour, questions and support.
Last weekend’s ESSA finals went very well as did Tuesday’s Aquathlon and huge thanks go to Miss Fogwill for her huge efforts for both and for travelling the length of the country and back! It has been a hot week for Values Week with some excellent Breakeokee in the mornings, seed bombs made on Wednesday and great fun taking a drone 2025 photo on the astro onThursday afternoon. Not to mention Thursday’s Onatti production for Year 6 in a Trust Partnership event and the beautifully led Holy Communion service.
Today, Year 6 went off to Wintershall to experience ‘The Life of Christ’ and I headed off with our Senior School Silver Duke of Edinburgh pupils (and Mr. Norris) to a very hot Brecon Beacons (not words that are often in the same phrase together).
Next week sees Year 4 enjoy a Partnership Flamenco event, our chaplains will enjoy a trip to Arundel Cathedral for ‘The Good Shepherd’ service, and Year 5 and 6 will entertain us all with the Summer Production.
Wishing you all opportunity to cool down this very hot weekend, Gareth Tindall
ACTING HEAD MR FIELD
We are delighted that Mr Field will become Acting Head of St Teresa's from September. Mr Field brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to both academic excellence and pastoral care. He studied at the University of Central Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons), majoring in Mathematics with minors in Computer Science, Physics and Statistics. After completing his studies in the United States, he returned to the UK to begin his outstanding 15-year career in education. Mr Field has held a variety of pastoral and academic roles, equipping him with a broad understanding of school life. For the past nine years, he has served as a senior leader, demonstrating a strong track record in school improvement and leadership. Mr Field joined St Teresa’s as Assistant Head (Director of Studies) in 2021 before taking on the role of Deputy Head (Academic) and more recently Senior Deputy, where he has contributed meaningfully to the strategic direction of the school. He teaches Maths and Further Maths to A level and Computer Science to GCSE and very much enjoys sharing his passion for these two subjects with his pupils.
Pastoral Pause
As we head into the final full week of June, have a check on your joy-thermometer. How is it doing? Do you need to activate more of what brings you joy?
This weekend, which happens to be my birthday weekend, I am travelling to Wales with our Year 10 Silver D of E pupils for three days / two nights of hiking and camping. The chance to walk the hills and valleys of Wales, experiencing a little of Shinrin-yoku (see picture below) – will definitely bring joy and life to my heart.
Go on – get out there and feel the joy. Take a minute or two for yourself, a little of something that brings light to the soul.
God Bless You,
Gareth
Prep School News
We’re excited to welcome back the Flamenco Workshop forYear 4!
Pupils from St Teresa’s and Cranmore will come together for a fun and creative two-hour session, featuring four rotating activities: flamenco dance, paper flower making, a feria-themed story and drawing, and traditional clapping (palmas).
A total of 62 pupils will take part, working in mixed groups to enjoy this vibrant cultural experience.
Many thanks to our staff team for supporting the event!
Prep School Summer Production
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4: Olivia H for a great performance at T-Fest
Year 5: Sophia H for being a fantastic member of Orchestra and St T’s Singers!
Year 6: Anna P for amazing singing, acting and enthusiasm in Jungle Book rehearsals.
T-Fest 2025,A Magical Evening of Music and Community
What a wonderful evening we had at this year’s T-Fest! With the sun shining down and clear skies overhead, the weather couldn’t have been better for this fantastic community celebration.
It was lovely to enjoy the event in a new venue this year, which brought a fresh feel to the evening. From start to finish, the performances were truly outstanding – the girls (and boys!) all took to the stage with confidence and talent, showcasing the results of their hard work and preparation. Mrs Harris could not have been prouder of the Prep girls, whose energy and enthusiasm lit up the stage and truly captured the spirit of the evening. Guests enjoyed classic summer treats – Pimms, picnics, and plenty of ice creams – as they relaxed and cheered on the performances.
The concert ended with a wonderful Effingham Trust performance of Land of Hope and Glory bringing the evening to a rousing close.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make T-Fest such a success. It was a heartwarming reminder of the strength and spirit of our community.
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
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.
Prep Sport
Aquathlon
On a bright and energetic morning at school, the U9–U11 girls took part in an exciting Aquathlon, combining swimming and running in a true test of endurance, determination, and team spirit The girls rose to the occasion with fantastic energy and enthusiasm. From the moment the first swimmers hit the water, it was clear they had come prepared. Each participant tackled the swimming leg with confidence and strong technique, transitioning smoothly into the running section where they showed real grit and determination. Whether racing over short or longer distances, every girl gave her absolute best – pushing herself and cheering on teammates throughout. The event brought together our younger and older athletes, with the U9 girls showing impressive courage in their first Aquathlon, and the U11s demonstrating leadership and a great competitive attitude. The transition from pool to track was handled brilliantly by all, and it was wonderful to see so many smiles at the finish line – not to mention a few sprint finishes that added to the excitement!
U9Tennis vs Notre Dame
On a very hot afternoon, our U9 tennis team took to the courts for a friendly fixture against Notre Dame. Despite the heat, the girls showed brilliant energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship throughout a full afternoon of tennis matches. The fixture was played in a relaxed, friendly format with the focus on participation, enjoyment, and building match experience. The players rotated partners and opponents, allowing everyone to play lots of games and test their skills against a range of styles. From the very first serve, it was clear that the girls had come to play! There were some fantastic rallies, confident serves, and great moments of tactical play as they battled through the sunshine with big smiles and great determination. Water bottles were kept close at hand, and plenty of shade breaks helped keep spirits high despite the heat. The girls not only impressed with their tennis skills but also with their support for one another and their respectful attitude toward their opponents. Laughter, learning, and lots of lovely rallies made for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on court.
Pupil News
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.
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.
As a reminder, SOCS can be accessed through the St Teresa’s Senior Sports page: St Teresa's Effingham | Sports Home Here you will be able to access fixtures for the day, alongside the Sports Calendar which can provide you with all the sports fixtures weeks and months in advance.
If a team sheet has been published for a particular fixture, the blue ‘person’ symbol will be available to click on. Simply click on the blue symbol next to the fixture to access the team sheet.
Prep Sport
IAPS Swimming Finals
The IAPS Swimming Finals are always a highlight of the swim calendar, and this year was no exception, with high expectations of qualifying. It was announced that Isla had qualified for the finals.
Isla was our only individual qualifier for the finals, an incredible accomplishment in itself, especially considering she earned her place in the most competitive event of all , front crawl, which saw over 180 girls competing from schools across the country. Qualifying alone was a major achievement, and Isla approached the finals with dedication, focus, and her signature determination.
The finals were held at the prestigious London Aquatics Centre, an inspiring venue worthy of the occasion. After weeks of hard training, Isla gave it everything in her race, showing not only her skill, but also great composure under pressure. She delivered an outstanding performance to finish 12th overall in the country, an incredible result at such a high level of competition.
Isla’s hard work, resilience, and sportsmanship make her a shining example of the values we celebrate at our school. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievement, and we can’t wait to see what she goes on to accomplish next year. What a year it’s been for the Prep swimming squad and Isla has certainly led the way with pride and excellence. Well done!
Prep Sport
ESSA National Finals
The U11 ESSA squad, Zara, Bella, Elizabeth and Jena, made their way to Sheffield Leisure Centre for the hotly anticipated ESSA National Finals, a phenomenal achievement, having qualified among the top 30 schools in the country out of over 200 schools competing for the spot.
The girls had trained with determination and focus in the lead-up to the weekend, and arrived buzzing with excitement for the challenge ahead. Spirits were high on poolside, with Mrs P on the microphone and classics like the Macarena and YMCA booming through the speakers, sparking a poolside dance with all competitors that perfectly set the tone for a fun, competitive day.
Following a solid warm-up, the team faced a long wait before their event: the 4x25m Medley Relay. Positioned in a favourable lane, the girls knew a top 8 finish would secure a place in the A Final, while a top 16 spot would qualify them for the B Final. They rose to the occasion, swimming a brilliant heat to finish 9th overall, heartbreakingly missing out on the A Final by just 0.02 seconds.
Despite the heat and the fatigue setting in, the girls dug deep and brought their best to the B Final. Showing impressive resilience and team spirit, they swam their hearts out to secure 14th place in the country, an outstanding result and a testament to their commitment and teamwork. What an incredible achievement for our U11s. We are beyond proud of each and every one of them for their hard work, positive attitude, and brilliant performance on the national stage. Well done, girls! A perfect finish to the undefeated U11 team in the school gala programme.
Booking System: st-teresas-equestrian.ecpro.co.uk
For more information, please visit our website www.st-teresas.com/equestrian
STE and Values Week
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 part of Values Week, the Equestrian Centre hosted a ‘Pat-a-Pet’ session on Thursday lunchtime, which was organised by Mrs Sladen. Not only were there horses to make a fuss of but Dr McShane’s two guinea pigs, Basil and Bert, had a star turn and provided stiff competition for the students’ attention.
Equestriran Lunch Club
STE is also delighted to be partnering with Mrs Sladen to provide an Equestrian Lunchtime Club for the rest of this term. We hope to be able to continue in the Autumn Term.
Register for the Autumn Term now
Interested in riding or joining our Pony Clubs?
Join us on 29th June for a special 10th Anniversary Open Morning from 12pm-2pm. Find out more about what we have to offer and register your interest for the Autumn Term before spaces fill up.
Enjoy Anniversary cake, bubbles, tea and snacks as well as ridden displays and demonstrations. Please register your interest by sending an email to the address above.
NSEA News NSEA National Championships Qualifiers
Sunday 15th June at Felbridge Equestrian Centre
The show jumping teams were out jumping at qualifiers for the NSEA National Championships in October.
The 70cm team (Electra B, Florence B & Harriet L) came second as a team and Harriet L came third individually which is a team and individual qualification for the Nationals.
The 80 cm team (Lottie B, Harriet L, Lilly S and Olivia S) rode an extremely challenging course and came 4th as a team and qualified for the Plate Championships.
The 90 cm team (Claudia B, Electra B, Chloe B and Antonia S) came second as a team qualifying them for the Nationals and Antonia S won the whole class individually, gaining herself an individual qualification too.
Electra B, Harriet L & Florence B
Booking System: st-teresas-equestrian.ecpro.co.uk
For more information, please visit our website www.st-teresas.com/equestrian
Reading
A Reading from the Book of Proverbs
The Wisdom of God cries aloud:
The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded, before the oldest of his works. From everlasting I was firmly set, from the beginning, before earth came into being. The deep was not, when I was born, there were no springs to gush with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I came to birth; before he made the earth, the countryside, or the first grains of the world’s dust. When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there, when he drew a ring on the surface of the deep.
Reflection
Our value for this year across the Trust is Community. To be Unified, to live in unity with one another is so very important. God of course is perfect Unity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we too bare the image of God. We were made for unity and find our happiness when we are unified one with another. Our Christian journey is therefore a journey towards Unity. Unity to God and Unity to one another. In a world that seems ever more fractured by war, let us be people of Unity.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one, we pray to you for the unity of Christians, according to your will, according to your means. May your Spirit enable us to experience the suffering caused by division, to see our sin and to hope beyond all hope.
Amen.
"The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being." ~ Pope John Paul II“
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
Menu—w/c Monday 23rd 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 Soup of the day
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Freshly
Main
Vegetarian
Pasta Bar
Garlic and Herb Chicken Breast with Cesar Salad
Homemade Chickpea Falafels
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy
Pesto Sauce
Smoky Beef
Chilli, Crushed Tortillas & Sour Cream
Mediterranean Roast Vegetable & Bean Wrap
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Chicken Arrabiata
Sauce
Sides
Additional
Steamed New Potatoes Broccoli
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Tomato Rice Green Beans
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
Miso Glazed Aubergine Steaks
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise
Sauce
Steamed Rice Asian Greens Prawn Crackers
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Chocolate
Battered Fish or Breaded
Fish Fillet with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Cheese and Potato Pasties
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Macaroni
Cheese
Skinny Chips Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Dessert Banoffee Pie
Nutless Bakewell Tart
Fresh Fruit Platter
Cookie Tray
Bake
Chocolate Brownie
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
