A busy week of sport since last I wrote, starting with the U10 and U11 ESSA swimming relay excellence on Saturday last; Tuesday saw three fixtures with our Cross Country Team out, U10 hockey v Notre Dame, and our Interhouse Netball competition for Year 6 - see our sports reports for more information.
On Wednesday, we held the second of our Year 6 and Year 7 transition events (last term was Mr. Breeze Trivial Pursuit Quiz) this term with a Mr. Tindall organised Team Building afternoon. The girls were divided up into 12 equal-sized teams across the two year groups and competed against each other in various fun events. My full report is later in the bulletin, needless to say, in glorious Spring sunshine it was a fantastic afternoon.
This was followed almost immediately by our Year 6 France parent information meeting where parents got to hear about all the fun activities and independence-growing initiatives that await their daughters on this year’s residential. Year 4 parents, your turn is on Monday 24th March at 4:30pm.
Today has seen the return of our annual Year 6 entrepreneur event in the form of LifeLab. Year 6 have worked hard throughout the term designing, making, costing, budgeting and more, culminating in pitching their business proposals to a panel of judges and then selling their wares at the afternoon fair. My thanks as ever to the fabulous Marie-Claire and her LifeLab team, as well as to our Year 6 teachers.
“Do the one thing you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never truly tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.”
– Oprah Winfrey, talk show host, producer, actress, author, media proprietor
“I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.” – Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO
“Trust your instincts.” –Estée Lauder, Founder
“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.”
– Michele Ruiz, Co-founder and CEO BiasSync
Have a great weekend,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
I feel like I could simply leave you with two of the photos I took from my hike last Saturday where south of Shere, midway between Holmbury Hill and Stroud Common in brilliant blue skies, I came across a burbling brook and followed it up through a pine forest. I could have been anywhere in the world, I felt lost in a magical place (on my own doorstep – practically).
Nothing can replace the opportunity to stop, with no distraction, be alone with your thoughts and feelings; your past, present and future; your beliefs – to breathe, to re-orientate life, to recharge, to refresh. Whatever that looks like for you. For me it is most definitely out in creation – beauty, awe and wonder. For you it will be something – possibly the same, often not, we are all unique.
However, a word of cultural comment, we are all so familiar with the constant, fast-paced noise of this culture that silence can seem daunting. To be alone can appear overwhelming. To be without a device can feel unnerving – what if someone needs to… - what if… what if…
What if this is exactly what you need? What if switching off from the constant noise is the best medicine to heal your broken, hurting places? What if time alone strengthens your inner world, your resilience and gives you time to think and settle and come back stronger?
Keep going with Mindful March – fight to get back your peace of mind, patience, kindness, joy, laughter, friendships, heart. One step at a time. One daily challenge.
God Bless You and enjoy another mindful week ahead, Gareth Tindall
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Olivia H variety of fluency questions, including problem solving with great independence.
Annabella H and home and for her continued improvement with her TTRS assessments. Great work!
Florence E discussions and explaining her method of working out improper and mixed fractions. Well done, Flo!
4 LH Ellie F with great independence.
Eloise K who is always so positive.
5 AB Thea BH
5 KH Cecily P Electra B interesting Reading Record.
6 SG Anna P born for the role!
Lily B taught. Lily is always considerate of the views of others and has the most wonderful knowledge of the Bible.
6 MKSabina M for her excellent attitude to learning across all subjects; her enquiring mind and her confidence and desire to ask questions to further her understanding.
Sophie B for her excellent creative writing in English; creating her blurb and writing the first two paragraphs of her opening chapter - I was literally hanging off the edge of my seat!
Year 4
Art Stars
Vivienne W-S for her super chain-mail outfit, fitted snugly to her Bayeaux Tapestry plinth person.
Year 5 Liberty C for a wonderfully creative, fun and really interesting chair, which she constructed very quickly and made to reflect her personality.
Year 6 Khrystyna H for her beautifully formed soap sculpture in the style of Henry Moore.
Year 4
Drama Stars
Monica H for her confident performance whilst teaching us all about the life of Florence Nightingale.
Year 6 Summer C for showing such positivity in rehearsals for The Jungle Book.
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:
Whole School Summer Term Extra Curricular Clubs
Prep Sport, Summer Term
Reminder for LifeLab, 21st March
Reminder for Hop Skip & Jump, 28th March
Year 6
Year 5
VE day celebrations, 27th March
France Trip Information
U10 & U11
Pre-Season Tennis Training - 22nd April (Invite Only)
U10 & U11
Pre-Season Tennis Training - 22nd April (Invite Only)
Year 4 -
If you have any questions please email prepinfo@st-teresas.com
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 Has Moved
On Monday 17th March, After School Care moved 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
Atom Learning, Easter Live Lessons - 14th—17th April
Atom Learning free holiday live lessons are back! The sessions focus on the skills, strategies and confidence needed to excel in 11+ reasoning tests. Download the timetable here
Prep School News
Hampton Court Palace
Last Friday, Year 5 set out on a crisp but sunny day to visit Henry VIII's home, Hampton Court Palace. They took part in a workshop, 'Investigating Henry', where, despite feeling confident they knew everything about the famous Tudor monarch, they discovered even more about him and found themselves questioning what they thought they knew!
They also visited King Henry's state rooms, including the impressive Great Hall, built in honour of Anne Boleyn, and got to sit at the King and Queen's table. The palace kitchens were a popular spot to investigate, not least because of the warming roaring fire! They were also fortunate enough to get a sneak peek into the Chapel and admire the replica of King Henry's crown. It was a fabulous day and Year 5 were a credit to St. Teresa's.
Prep School News
Year 6 and 7Team Building
On Wednesday 19th March, on a beautifully blue-skied afternoon, Year 6 and Year 7 met on the school playing fields for the second of our inaugural transition events. Last term we had a fun quiz organised by Mr. Breeze in the form of a trivial pursuit game. This term, Mr. Tindall organised an afternoon of team challenges to pit the girls against each other and the clock.
All 110 girls were split into even teams mixed across the two year groups and given a team number. They then completed a carousel circuit of challenges. The challenges were:
Pipeline Panic: running a tennis ball down a series of half-drain pipe sections across a set space as many times as they could in the ten minutes provided – Team 7 managed 7 crossings!
Crossing the Lava: using five square carpet tiles the team had to cross the field area, but beware of throwing down the mat and not having a foot on it or it would flow away (aka Miss Brown or Mrs Hall would take the mat leaving nine girls to stand on four mats, or three!)
Human Knot: standing in a circle the team randomly joined hands and then had to unknot themselves in ten minutes. Do not be fooled – without letting go of a hand – not all groups succeeded and some managed to tie themselves in worse knots!
Bench Balance Order: holding number cards 1 – 9 in random order, the girls then had to re-organise themselves numerically without stepping off the bench. Once they completed this hilarious challenge successfully, we then flipped the bench and they had to try on the thin beam, testing their true balancing prowess.
Shape Shifter: given a rope, the team members had to be touching it with both hands and make the shape the leader shouted out. Sounds simple – except that when they were ready to begin making their shape (after group discussion) they then had to slide their blindfold over their eyes and work in absolute silence!
Code Breaker Challenge: a challenge for the mind in cracking a maths puzzle, a Caesar cipher, an alphabetical challenge and word association to crack the code. Well done to Group 4 for the fastest time on this one.
After much enjoyment, fun, laughter, competitive challenge and good sportsmanship, we congratulated the girls on working seamlessly together. Group 5 were applauded for being the ‘Giggliest’ group, Group 7 the fastest, Group 4 the fastest problem solvers, and Groups 3, 8 and 11 the best all-round communicators over the majority of challenges.
My thanks to all the Year 6 and PE Department staff who helped make the afternoon so much more fun for the girls, and to Mr. Breeze for his ongoing support as we team up this year to forge more connection and relationship growth for to enhance our Prep and Senior transition.
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4
Florence E-N for a fantastic performance with String Ensemble.
Year 5 Maggie M for her hard work and great performance in Orchestra.
Year 6 Khrystyna H and Sabina M for their fantastic composition and duet in keyboard lessons.
A Week of Musical Inspiration!
Last week, Year 4 and Year 5 were treated to two extraordinary musical experiences. Year 4 had the unique opportunity to visit the chapel and watch Mr. Charles Thompson, one of our singing teachers, as he rehearsed for his upcoming concert with the Senior School. He generously took time to speak with the girls, sharing his passion for music and showcasing three fascinating early keyboard instruments: a clavichord, a piano from 1782, and a spinet a domestic version of a harpsichord. The girls were captivated as he demonstrated each instrument, explaining their history and distinct sounds. Their curiosity led to many insightful questions, and Mr. Thompson delighted them further by playing and singing, bringing history to life through music. Meanwhile, Year 5 was fortunate to attend part of the Senior School Music Festival, where they enjoyed performances from the Grade 7 and above class. The students listened to a wonderful variety of instruments, including the oboe, violin, piano, and flute, each played in different genres and styles. It was a truly inspiring experience, showcasing the remarkable talent within our school community.
How lucky we are to be surrounded by such exceptional music and musicians!
Rock Choir Coming Soon!
Calling all potential pop stars! Get ready to sing your hearts out because Rock Choir is launching on Friday lunchtimes after Easter!
Whether you're in Year 4, 5, or 6, this is your chance to belt out some amazing tunes, have a blast with friends, and feel like a rock star! No auditions just bring your energy, enthusiasm, and love for music! Join us in the Music room and let’s make some noise! See you there!
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
Prep Sport
Netball
The U11A&B netball team had fantastic matches against Cobham Free School on Friday. Although both teams lost 0-6 and 10-4, the teams performance was commendable, with all players showing excellent effort and determination throughout the game. There was great teamwork and communication on display, particularly in the way the players worked together to move the ball through the court. The defence was solid, and the attacking plays were strong, showing good vision and quick passes. Well done to Dayna and Penny who were names Player of the Match for some fantastic play throughout court! Great work to all girls who were involved in the matches.
Hockey
Year 4 had their annual interhouse hockey tournament on Friday 14th March. The four teams were set for a competitive tournament. Points were awarded for the team with the best warm-up, celebration, team spirit and of course the results of the matches. It was great to see so many of the year group working their socks off and leaving everything out on the pitch. Special mentions must be made to all of our goal scorers today which were Kitty N, Zoe G, Laiyla A, Emilia C, Florence D, Ava B, Lulu D, Monica H, Florence H and Olivia H. Thanks to their efforts there were plenty of goals throughout the tournament. After 3 games each Ignatius and Dominic were tied on 14 points with Benedict on 11 points and Francis on 10. This meant that Ignatius and Dominic would play one another in the final with Francis and Benedict facing each other for third and fourth place. The finals were played in excellent spirit with Dominic coming out victorious alongside Benedict Well done to Monica H, Lulu D, Isabelle C and Molly
Fixtures (Week Commencing 24th March)
Saturday 22nd March: 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
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
Gymnastics
On Friday, the Y4 and Y6 gymnasts travelled to St Catherine's for a gymnastics competition against St Catherine's, Rowan, Wimbledon and Longacre. The girls competed in vault and floor. The girls held their nerves well and performed their routines with poise. Every member of the St Teresa's team remembered their floor routine perfectly and the whole team completed their routines in the correct order (and were the only teams to do so). Their vaults were performed with determination and the landings were executed well. Special mentions go to Scarlett S who was awarded a gold medal in floor and to Amelie A who was awarded a bronze medal for her floor routine. The whole team should be proud of their performances and they should be commended on their commitment and preparation. Well done!
Swimming Relay
On Saturday, March 15th, our U11 and U10 swimmers took part in the highly anticipated Prep Surrey Relay Competition. This event is a highlight of the season, offering teams the chance to qualify for the next round and compete against the best schools in the country.
The U10s competed as our ‘B’ team, using this experience as valuable practice for next year. While they were not eligible to qualify, they faced one of the toughest challenges of the competition, strict judging. Many swimmers fall foul of the rule requiring one hand and one foot to remain against the wall at take-off, but our girls rose to the occasion. They put in a fantastic performance, finishing 7th in the 4x25m medley relay and 9th in the 4x25m freestyle relay. Their effort and determination were outstanding, and I’m excited to see what they can achieve next year.
Before highlighting the A team’s achievements, I want to take a moment to commend all our swimmers for their dedication. This term has been packed with extra training sessions, numerous galas, and big competitions, yet the girls have embraced every challenge with determination and enthusiasm.
Our A team, Elizabeth, Bella, Jena, and Isla, arrived on Saturday ready to compete, carrying the spirit of their teammate, Zara H, who was sadly unable to join. In the 4x25m medley relay, they faced a tough heat but executed flawless takeovers, securing an incredible 3rd place overall. The excitement continued in the 4x25m freestyle relay. The team knew that to earn another medal, they would each need to swim a personal best and break the 1:09 barrier. As the first heat rolled in at 1:09, the pressure was on. Then, in the final heat, the girls found an extra gear, delivering a phenomenal 1:08, setting a new PB! A tense wait followed before the announcement confirmed it, St T’s had claimed another 3rd-place finish! We couldn’t be prouder of this incredible achievement. This result marks a major success for St T’s, and now we eagerly await news on whether we’ve qualified for the regional round.
A huge congratulations to all our swimmers and a heartfelt thank you to the parents for their unwavering support. Well done, team!
Prep Sport
A
Reading from the Gospel of John:
None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Reflection
Let us pause and remember that Lent is a period of sanctification, an old fashioned word that means to be put aside or made holy. This Lent and as we approach Easter I really encourage you all to reflect on your life and to ask yourself is there something you can give up or something you can take up that will help you become the best that you can be. Blessed Carlo Acutis who is to be canonised this April understood the pressures we all feel but he also recognised that only in Jesus can our hearts find the peace we so desperately seek.
Concluding Prayer
Let us pray
God our Father, we give thanks for the season of Lent. Give us the honesty to recognise what we need to change in our lives. Help us to make choices in our lives that make space for You. And guide us to become the good person you created us to be. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Last week of termly riding lessons
This has been the last week of our termly riding lessons before the Easter holidays.
Next week will be the STE Interhouse Dressage Competition for those riders who are taking part. The winners will be announced at the end of the week (29th/30th March) with points being awarded to each of the relevant school houses.
Rosettes will be presented at the start of the Summer Term. We wish all our riders the very best of luck!
Easter Holiday Activities
Due to the popularity of the Pony Mornings, we have opened another slot on the morning of Wednesday 2nd April. We can also offer shared lessons for those who are interested. Please contact the office for more details.
Rosie
This gentle pony arrived at STE last weekend.
Age: 20
Height: 14.2hh
Colour: Bay
Arrival at STE: March 2025
This very sweet and cuddly pony has settled in very well at STE and has now been added to our Council Licence so can now be used as one of our riding school ponies. We hope to be able to use her in lessons very soon.
Age: 21
Height: 13hh
Colour: Dun
Arrival at STE: February 2025
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
Bambi
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 24th March 2025
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Week 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Soup
Soup of the day
Main Pepperoni Pizza
Pasta Bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Honey Roasted
Chicken & Vegetable Korma
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Gammon with Stuffing & Gravy
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Freshly
Panko Crumbed
Chicken Katsu
Vegetarian
Sides
Additional
Margherita Pizza
Potato edges
Corn on the Cob Cesar Salad
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Paneer & Spiced Root Vegetable
Dhal
Naan Bread
Pilau Rice Green Beans
Jacket Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Spicy Sausage sauce
Battered Fish or Jumbo Fish
Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Dessert
Rice Pudding with a Selection of toppings
Chocolate Rice Crispy Square
Herb Roasted
New Potatoes
Steamed Carrots
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Apple and Pear
Crumble with Custard
Chilli Cauliflower
Leek and Potato Bake with Crunchy a Top Sticky Sweet
Steamed Rice
Sautéed Asian Vegetables
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Selection of Easter Themed Desserts
Macaroni Cheese
Skinny Chips
Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Fresh Fruit
Platter
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
