What a full thirteen weeks of school life it has been from our first Monday ‘Meet the Teacher’ event through a rained on ‘Pet Blessing’ moved into the Chapel, followed by the lovely Harvest Festival assembly; successful Entrance Exams and Scholarships; parents’ evenings; 6RG’s whole class assembly; celebrations of Anti-Bullying Week, Odd Socks Day and Maths Week; whole school trips to the Winchester Science Centre and the Polka Theatre; countless fixtures in Swimming, Hockey, Netball, Gymnastics and more; ABRSM music examination merit and distinctions, Schola Cantorum girls singing Evensong at Chichester Cathedral, our very own Prep Carol Service…without mentioning the 341 hours of teaching and learning and 324 hours of extra-curricular activity!
A huge well done to all the girls for their successes, achievements and progress across the term.
A massive thank you to you all for supporting your daughter’s in attending every homework, match and school function fully – it is much appreciated.
My thanks to my staff for their professionalism, care and positivity.
“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost l uggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.” Maya Angelou
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” J.R.R. Tolkien
"Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world." C.S. Lewis
"For to us a child [was] born, to us a son [was] given... and his name [still is and always will be] Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Wishing you all a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
Imagine the joy, happiness and blessing you will bring to yourself if you but follow some of the final weeks of ‘December Kindness’ challenges from ‘Action For Happiness’. Notice the movement is called ACTION for Happiness, YOU have to take action. Make a decision to meet the challenge.
Tomorrow – see how many people you can smile at.
On Sunday, share a memory or inspiring thought with a family member. Next week, actually say hello to your neighbour (I know you live in Surrey, but try it!); on Tuesday, look to say something positive to everyone you speak to, regardless of their mood; have gratitude Wednesday; Thursday ask for help; Friday – reach out to someone who is alone or isolated. You can read and act on the rest. I guess the challenge for me is how to remember to do them daily without opening this image, or printing it and having it only up in one place – my solution, set alarms on my phone for each day’s challenge – ooh, that’s a good challenge to make the rest of my December even more joyful for me by making it more joyful for others.
Remembering that my saviour was born – joy to the world – and every opportunity to share the joy he has given me in some of the ways listed above and below, as well as sharing His joyful gospel news. Well, ‘tis the season to be Merry – very!
God Bless You,
Gareth Tindall
Key Dates 2025 - 26
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 dates are as follows:
Spring Concert Thursday 12th March, 18.30 to 19.30
Prep School Prize Giving Thursday 2nd July, 19.00 to 20.00
We would be grateful if you could keep these dates free so that all girls can be present at these important community events.
Wed
Wed 11th Feb Parents’ Evening - In Person, John Bosco Classrooms 4.30 - 7.00pm
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB Eloise K for her fun and effective Christmas riddle about a snowman. Emilia C for her fun and creative cinquain poem about mince pies!
5HT Leila A for fantastic, creative, out
Zoe G for a beautifully constructed long riddle poem with rhyming couplets and utilising key literary skills in SHAMPOO.
Liel G for great riddle poems with cleverly constructed complex clues for the well seasonally-related objects.
6RG Olivia L for fantastic effort to use feedback to develop her writing and an excellent non report using several different techniques to show information. Jessica A for persevering and working hard on her non and conjunctions to develop cohesion in Liberty C for her effort to research and organise ideas in her non-chronological report. Some super information!
6MK Electra B, Eloise B-S and Cara A-S for their exceptional religious icon paintings depicting Mary. Their work demonstrates both creativity and a deep understanding of the symbolism explored in class.
Drama Stars
Year 6: Jessica S, Jemima H, Harper A S, Ivy M for their Titanic performance.They used a range of different styles and techniques to produce a very effective scene.
Scientist of the Week
Year 5: The whole ofYear 5 for their Solar System Projects!
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
Golden Book
Ordering photographs in time for Christmas Delivery
Gillman & Soame photographed your daughters earlier this term. If you’d like your photos in time for Christmas, please place your order as soon as possible. If you’ve lost your login details, contact Gillman & Soame at action@gillmanandsoame.co.uk or 01869 328200, quoting your child’s name and the security password stteresasgby2025
Thank you for ordering promptly!
Open Book Dates 2026 - 26
We will be holding Open Book Mornings for each Year Group starting in the Spring Term. This is an opportunity for your daughters to show you their books and their classrooms.
Year 5 - 28/01/26
Year 6 - 04/02/26
Refreshments will be served from 8.15am 08.30 - 08.55am in the Year Group Classrooms
Class Assembly Dates 2025 - 26
25/02/2 - 6MK
25/03/26 - 5AB
29/04/26 - 5HT
At 8.30am in the Senior Library Refreshments will be served from 8.15am
Shackleton Project
This week, Year 6 were treated to a special lesson led by a guest teacher, 'Miss S'. Our very own resident Shackleton expert, Jessica, ran a session for the other girls, supported by Esme, Bea and, when planning, Rosie. Jessica shared her knowledge of Shackleton and also some information about a friend of her family and his expedition to recreate Shackleton's journey. She prepared her own PowerPoint and answered many questions about life in Antarctica and the expeditions. Well done, Jess!
Religious Icons
The girls in Year 6 have been exploring the symbolism of religious icons. Building on this learning, they designed and created their own representations of Mary.
Year 6 DT Board Game Project
This week, Year 6 have combined creativity and strategy in an exciting project linked to their Frozen Kingdom topic. Pupils began by exploring and evaluating a range of board games to understand what makes them fun and engaging. Inspired by their research, they designed and developed their own unique games, carefully planning rules, themes, and layouts.
Once their designs were complete, the children brought their ideas to life by creating their own game boards and components. To finish, they swapped games with another group for play-testing and evaluation, giving constructive feedback to help refine their creations.
It’s been fantastic to see teamwork, imagination, and problem-solving skills in action, well done, Year 6!
Holly and Molly designed fantastic posters on how to stay safe in the for their recent Science topic.
Computing
This half-term, Year 5 have been learning to create vector drawings using the Vision app on Office 365. Their final task was to produce a design for a Christmas card. The results were very impressive and there was clear evidence of how they had developed their skills.
Moon phases
On Thursday in Science, Year 5 learnt about the phases of the Moon and recreated these using Oreo cookies!
Year 5 Museum of Egyptology
As a culmination of all Year 5's learning about Ancient Egypt during their 'Pharaohs' topic, the pupils held a spectacular 'Museum of Egyptology' in the library. Here they displayed all the amazing projects they had been working on for the past 3 weeks. Each project was unique and ranged from pyramids made out of polystyrene, 3D sculptures to some gruesome canopic jars. Parents and staff were invited guests who enjoyed asking questions and learning lots of wonderful facts about Ancient Egypt.
Year 5 Science Solar System Projects
Year 5 have excelled themselves by showing their learning about the solar system in a variety of creative ways. Thank you to all parents who came to see our display.
Whole SchoolTheatreTrip:
The Firework-Maker’s Daughter
On Wednesday afternoon, there was great excitement as the Prep school headed off to the Polka Theatre for a magical performance of 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'. We were treated to a wonderful retelling of the story that everyone had read in class. The small cast of 5 actors brought the story to life with skilful use of props and costume changes. The final firework display could have rivalled any outdoor event as the entire audience gasped in wonder. Thanks go to FOST for supporting this fantastic treat!
A BigThankYou to Harrisons Caterers!
Music News
ABRSM Music Exams
Congratulations to the following girls for their fantastic results in last weeks instrumental exams. Well done to you all!
Sofia A (Grade 1 Clarinet), Jemima H (Grade 1 Flute), Florence E-N (Grade 2 Violin)
Ania S (Grade 3 Piano)
Carol of the Bells
Over the past week all classes have had the opportunity to create their own versions of Carol of the Bells featuring variously chime bars, xylophones, glockenspiels, bucket drums, boom-whackers, ukuleles, piano and flute. There was also much fun to be had gathered around the Christmas Tree.
Year 5 have added to the learning tree this term and we are looking forward to adding more blooms as we enter into the Spring term.
Girls would like to join any of these music activities should please let Mrs G know.
Sport News
Santa Fun Splash
Last Friday, our U10 and U11 swimmers attended the festive Santa Splash swim event. The girls arrived bursting with Christmas cheer, dressed in seasonal attire that lit up the hall. Before the first race had even begun, they were dancing, laughing, and spreading holiday spirit to everyone around them. It was the perfect way to kick off a Christmas-themed gala!
Conditions at the pool were toasty, but the heat didn’t stop our swimmers from performing brilliantly. Every swimmer gave her all in the water, showing fantastic technique, determination, and team spirit. Their effort and enthusiasm were reflected in a series of strong swims.
On the way home the girls commented that we should definitely host our very own Santa Splash Gala next year with the whole squad.
Well done to all the girls for representing the school. A great afternoon of festive fun and fantastic swimming!
Happy Christmas!
The STE Elf has been very busy this past week helping out around the yard.
He hopes that some of you will come and join us over the Christmas holidays for some festive fun on our Pony Mornings. We have a number of spaces in the week commencing 15th December.
Please do email equestrian@st-teresas.com if you are interested. Otherwise we look forward to seeing you in the new year and wish you all a very restful and happy Christmas break.
NSEA NEWS
Grassroots Showjumping Qualifier
Felbridge Equestrian Centre
Poppy E went to Felbridge Equestrian Centre on Sunday with her pony Betty for the Grassroots Showjumping qualifiers being held there.
The Grassroots section of the NSEA is aimed at those riders just starting out in their competitive career, and is an opportunity for them to gain competitive experience whilst still learning their craft. Despite the howling wind and rain and an enormous field of competitors, Poppy came third in the 60cm class! This not only qualifies her for the Regional Grassroots Championships but also the Grassroots Festival at Hickstead in August.
This is a fantastic achievement for Poppy so please do join us in celebrating her success.
This Week
Bible Reading
A reading from the Book of Isaiah
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Reflection
The Incarnation is the story of God seeking us out drawing us together, meeting us as we are where we are in all our different difficulties and struggles. Healing our wounds and restoring us to who we are called to be.The word became flesh. In humility God’s love reaches down to us.“Behold I knock”. Everything is changed.This Advent make space for Jesus. His Love is the only thing that will fill our aching hearts.
Prayer
God of hope
Be with us as we wait in anticipation of your coming.
God of peace
Still our hearts and minds that we may hear your word.
God of joy
Saviour, Son of God,Word made flesh, Emmanuel, God here with us
Come among us now and make your home in us. Amen.
"Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society." ~ St Francis of Assisi
Spring Term Group Sessions
ESTA is delighted to be accepting bookings for group lessons during the Spring term.
Sessions will run from Tuesday 6th January through to Friday 27th March (11 weeks).
Group sessions will run at the following times:
Y5 - Wednesdays @ 4:15-5:15pm
Y6 - Mondays @ 4:15-5:15pm
Performance Group (invitational) - Wednesdays @ 6:15-7:45pm
Please contact Kirsti to book your child’s place at esta@effinghamschools.org
ESTA also offers private coaching for adults and children throughout the week.
We look forward to welcoming everyone on court during the Spring term!
Prep Clubs, SpringTerm 2026
MON
TUE
WED
Years 5 & 6, Netball Club
(7.50 - 8.20, Sp. H)
Orchestra, by invitation
Grade 1+ standard)
Years 5, Forest School
Years 6, Forest School
Years 5 & 6, Hockey Goal Keeping Club
Years 5 & 6, Netball
Shooting Club
Year 5, Tennis Squad Practice (Invitational only, after half term)
