You would think that after 37 years of working in some form of ‘school’ from Sunday School aged 15 – 25, to my career in education from 1992, I would not be surprised by the fact that this has been a week of learning!
I love learning, and I am personally motivated (in the ‘brings-me-great-joy’ sense) by the opportunity to share what I have learned. I have a deep-seated belief that if I can do it, anyone can do it.
This week I enjoyed learning all about sound in 4LH’s assembly. Facts that stuck are: that whales can communicate over 800km away from each other in the depth of the ocean (that is the length of Italy); Evelyn Glennie, who started to lose her hearing aged 8, can tune instruments by feeling the vibrations in different parts of her body, and yet again, that this school is awesome at class assemblies – well done, 4LH, and Mrs Hall.
I have re-learned Maypole dancing and am looking forward to the girls presenting newfound skills in skipping in time to music, while tying long ribbons in fancy patterns, to you at next Friday’s FOST Summer Festival. I bought new ribbons for the Maypole dancing in St T’s colours and had my 24-year-old son teach me how to use his sewing machine (GCSE Textiles skills coming in handy) – he did a brilliant job (wonder where he got the teaching gift from) – and I sat on Thursday night at home and stitched handles and loops into twenty ribbons! Go me, learning new skills, and successfully, without a single snag or blocked bobbin. I now know where the song ‘Wind the Bobbin Up’ originates.
I am very excited for this afternoon’s second ‘Frisbee Club’, last week was so much fun teaching the girls skills in throwing and catching with a piece of sports equipment I have loved since a toddler. If I missed telling you or talking to you about this, Decathlon has a deal at the moment for decent discs bought online (including glow-in-the-dark ones!!).
“Do not tell them how to do it. Show them how to do it and do not say a word. If you tell them, they will watch your lips move. If you show them, they will want to do it themselves.” Maria Montessori
“What the hand does the mind remembers.” Maria Montessori
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but rather the lighting of a fire." W.B. Yeats
“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” Robert Frost
Have a very happy weekend filled with sun, fun and learning new things.
Thank you,
Gareth Tindall
PS: image is of two little dudes that I whittled during the evenings this week in my newly re-discovered whittling hobby – I think I may be over-excited about the Year 4 Bushcraft trip next week and filling my active mind with plenty to do!
This week you have received the following communications
Whole School Clubs cancelled next week
Inter House Swimming Gala reminder, 12/05/25
Prep School Class Photos Reminder, 13/05/25
Mr Tindall accompanying the Year 4 Bushcraft trip, 14/05/25 - 16/05/25
Year 6 The Year 6 Yearbook Hub is now live!
Year 5 Daily PGL Updates
Year 4 -
If you have any questions please email prepinfo@st-teresas.com
St Teresa’s SchoolPost Communication System
You will have received an email last term about the new communication system which is now being used.
Go to: https://stteresas.schoolpost.co.uk/
Please remember to check your inbox, including your junk/spam, as the email may go to your junk box the first time it is sent.
If you have any questions please email prepinfo@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.
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.
FOST DATES
Fri 16th May - FOST Summer Festival
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
Pastoral Pause
Today in Meaningful May is all about finding ways to use the values which are important to you. Faith and Community are important to me so I will meet with my church buddies this evening and share stories and pray together. Kindness is important to me, so I gave a gift to a friend in need. Lifelong learning is important to me, so I have taught maypole dancing and passed on how to arc a frisbee.
Tomorrow, I will be grateful for the little things. It says even in difficult times. These are difficult times, in so many ways globally, nationally and personally we are all facing moments of crisis.
"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity," - Melody Beattie
On Sunday, look around for things that bring you a sense of awe and wonder. For the outdoorsy folk in my little readership, for the past two weekends I have hiked in Hurtwood (see map). I have parked in car parks 3, 4 and 9. Hiked Holmbury Hill and Pitch Hill – found a World War II German prisoner of war camp, found a World War II German prisoner of war camp, found a World War II spy training facility, a windmill, and a vast array of incredibly awe-inspiring views – including being able to see the coast and the glimmer or light off the English Channel.
God Bless You, Gareth Tindall
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
4 KC Scarlett S thoughtfully work, and made a great effort to include a rich variety of figurative and descriptive language. She also ensured her punctuation was accurate.
Brilliant work!
Molly W to gradients on a mountain or hill. Well done, Molly.
Charlotte E hard in all parts of the curriculum. Great work, Charlotte.
4 LH Florence D and Arabella N, using complex figurative language such as metaphors, similes, personification and alliteration. A huge congratulations to the whole of to learn your lines and the multiple positions required. A very proud moment in our week.
6 SG Jena W for her fantastic calculating of percentages using a pie chart.
Harlow G for her fabulous, organised work on pie charts.
Matilda G for her consistent effort and helpfulness this week.
6 MK Khrystyna H for her fantastic calculating to answer questions involving percentages and pie charts in Maths.
Lottie F and Alexa H for their creative and informative non-chronological reports, using a variety of clauses and cohesive devices to link their ideas when writing.
Year 4
Year 6
Drama Stars
Emilia C for her creativity in performance and sustaining her role confidently.
Isabella MS, Natalia T and Krystyna H for working hard to capture the energy of the wolf cubs.
Prep School News
4LH Assembly
Learning about sound has been so fun and to be able to share it with our parents was great. We discussed how sounds are made; how sound waves travel through a solid, a liquid or a gas; the structure of our ears; and what must happen in order for us to hear. We also shared the story of Evelyn Glennie - the famous percussionist who lost her hearing at a young age but didn't give up on her passion for music. Finally, we mixed in a song and a bit of body percussion. We hope you enjoy the photographs!
Prep School News
Eco and Gardening Club
This week the girls were a huge help to Alan, the gardener, as they cleared the raised beds in the orchard of all the daffodil bulbs. It was a huge job but the girls were incredibly keen and enthusiastic during the whole process.
Last week, Stevie, Mrs Cooper's pet rabbit, loved receiving all the cavolo nero cabbage from the raised beds. He ate the whole lot apart from some that Maddie took home for her guinea pigs. Thank you, girls!
Typing's cool
Typing's Cool club is offering an advanced typing skills course for students in Year 1 to Year 6. The sessions will be held every Friday from 12:45 to 1:15 pm.
Typing's Cool teaches students to type at speeds of 40+ words per minute using the correct fingers and posture. The club combines formal techniques with the latest app games to make learning both effective and fun. Students will have the chance to ride flying skateboards, zap aliens, and win cool movie outfits while improving their typing skills.
Proficiency in typing can significantly enhance academic performance in school and exams. The cost per place is £125.00, and we accept childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare.
To apply, please contact Sarah Holt at sarah.holt@typingscool.co.uk
Prep School News
Year 5 PGL
Year 5 have had a wonderful week in Dorset! They started their adventure with a packed lunch at Lulworth Cove on the first day, followed by a cozy evening around the campfire making s'mores. Throughout the week, the girls took part on the giant swing and tried their hand at dragon boating. The sun has been shining all week, allowing them to fully enjoy activities such as orienteering, abseiling, and raft building. Some evening entertainment included a fun balloon pop activity! On their final day, the girls had a blast climbing Jacob's Ladder and engaging in some friendly competition with Laser Tag. It's been a fantastic week filled with excitement, teamwork, and lots of laughter.
Prep School Summer Production
Music News
Musicians of the Week
Year 4: Eloise K for confidently recalling facts and features of Baroque Music. Year 6: Imogen S for fantastic focus, singing and acting in our Jungle Book rehearsals!
This week as well as playing Toots, Year 4 have continued their journey through Western Music History and have now arrived at the Baroque period. The girls have enthusiastically engaged with this rich and dramatic era, playing an ensemble arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon, watching excerpts from Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, and even playing along to Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. It’s been a joy to see their excitement and curiosity grow as they explore Baroque music’s ornate textures and vibrant contrasts. Next week, we move forward in time to the Classical period.
Rehearsals for The Jungle Book are in full swing! Year 6 have now reached the sectional rehearsal stage, working in their animal groups to refine choreography, songs, and staging.
The energy and effort from the girls have been fantastic, and it’s already shaping up to be a wonderful production. Keep up the great work!
Music Clubs:
Monday
12.45: St Teresa’s Singers (Y.4 & 5)
3.45: Orchestra
Tuesday
12.45: Recorder Club (Y.4)
Wednesday
10.55: Wind Ensemble
4.15: Chamber Choir
Thursday
12.45: String Group
Friday
12.45: Rock Choir
Rock Choir Returns!
We were thrilled to welcome back Rock Choir this week, and the Music Room was buzzing with energy as we sang and danced. It was a fantastic session full of fun and positivity.
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.
We can’t wait to see even more of you there next week!
Prep Sport
Swimming
Fresh off their recent success, the U9-U11 swim squad arrived at Sutton High full of excitement and determination to build on their winning momentum. Despite a few early nerves, every age group quickly found their rhythm, racking up win after win in the individual events. It was a joy to watch the girls grow in confidence as the gala progressed, with so many stepping up to produce outstanding victories.
The U9s, who have shown incredible determination, courage, and resilience all year, continued their upward trajectory, swimming from strength to strength. With the relays remaining traditionally the toughest challenge, the girls delivered something special, with both the A and B teams storming home to claim 1st and 2nd place, each by more than half a length. What an incredible effort!
The ever-consistent U10s quietly went about their business, securing an emphatic win their biggest margin this year. Once again, their A and B teams dominated the relays, finishing first and second by a huge distance. With the U11s left to swim, there was a chance for St Teresa’s to complete a clean sweep, and they didn’t disappoint. This exceptional squad, who have only lost one gala all year (by a single point), maintained their superb form by winning every race of the evening. To top it off, both their A and B relay teams also finished first and second, sealing a whitewash across all relays.
This gala was truly unforgettable and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and team spirit the girls have shown throughout the season.
A special mention and best of luck to our U11 ESSA team as they head into the next round this coming weekend, we are all cheering you on!
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.
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.
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. Keep an eye out for the sign up forms over the next few weeks.
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
MAY HALF TERM & SUMMER RIDING ACTIVITIES
Book before the 24th May for 10% discount with code SUMMER25
As well as the ever-popular Pony Mornings/Afternoons, this Summer and May half term we have a number of new activities
Group lessons for beginners and novices
In groups of no more than four, riders will be taught by one of our highly experienced BHS-trained coaches and matched to a pony/horse who will suit their ability and size. Time is spent before the lesson familiarising the rider with their pony and teaching them the key points of handling and leading a pony, understanding and responding to the pony’s behaviour, as well as how to safely mount and dismount. Riding time will be 50 minutes.
Pony Disco Mornings and Pony Disco Two Day (non residential) Camp
Incorporating music into riding is a fun way to improve riding skills and to learn school moves by helping riders to find rhythm and harmony with the pony. Riders will have just over an hour of riding time, with time spent warming up in the Arena before the dressage begins. Riders will also spend time grooming, tacking-up and preparing the ponies to be ridden, as well as untacking and cleaning tack.
BHS Stage Ride Safe
This course is perfect for those riders who would like to gain the confidence and skills to ride safely on the roads and in other common public areas. Riders will learn how to plan routes and prepare to ride their horse confidently on off-site hacks. The course is part theory and part ridden, culminating in the BHS Ride Safe exam. The Course is recognised in the Highway Code and recommended as best practice. The course will take place over the following days in July from 1-3pm: Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Friday 18, Monday 21, Wednesday 23 Exam date: 24 July – 1-3pm
BHS Stage 2 Refreshers sessions
These sessions are designed to be refresher lessons for those riders who are preparing for their BHS Stage 2 exams. They are part of a series of five two-hour sessions, held every Wednesday at 1pm at STE. It is not necessary to attend them all, so you can choose which sessions you think will be most beneficial to you. There will be a maximum of four people per session.
Reading
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them,‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side.The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again,‘Peace be with you.
‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’
After saying this he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’
Reflection
As I sit and write this week’s Chaplaincy Pages the Conclave has just started. I am sure that as you read this a new Pope will have been chosen. Chosen by God and chosen for His Church. It is quite a job, quite a role, quite a vocation. May he be a person of peace and be full of God’s Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus
Help us to live in the joy of Easter and to carry this joy to others.We pray for our new Pope. May you guide and bless him in his role. May he reveal your face to us and strengthen us in the pilgrimage we are on.
CPA & FOST
Invite you to a fun filled ‘Big May Fair’! A celebration of our schools and community – don’t miss the biggest event of the season! Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit!
Tickets only £5 per family and can be purchased from: www.tickettailor.com/events/cranmoreparentsassociation/1666988
Let’s make memories together at St Teresa’s May Fair
Menu—w/c Monday 12th May 2025
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Week 1 Monday
Soup
Main
Soup of the day
Vietnamese
Stir Fried Pork with Pak Choi & Sweet Chilli Dressing
Crispy Panko
Vegetarian
Pasta Bar
Sweet Potato with Curry Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy
Pesto Sauce
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Jerk Quorn and Vegetable Ragout
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Spicy Tuna and Black Olive Sauce
Steamed
Sides Egg Noodles Broccoli
Additional
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Vegetable Rice
Corn on the Cob
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Sausage
Wellington with Onion Gravy
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Prawn, Chorizo & Chicken Paella with Homemade Focaccia
Smokey
Vegan Sausage Roll with Onion Gravy
Butterbean and Vegetable
Spanish Stew
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Chicken Arrabiata Sauce
Mashed
Potatoes
Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Freshly
Battered Fish or Jumbo Fish
Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Spring
Vegetable and Goats Cheese Quiche
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Four Cheese Sauce
Skinny Chips
Green Beans Carrots
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Garden Peas
Mushy Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Dessert Chewy Flapjack
Banana Sponge with Custard
Assorted Ice Cream
Double Chocolate Cake Biscoff Cheesecake
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
