What a delight it was to commence the week with Wintershall actors, completely in character, performing the stories of the prodigal son and the woman who washed Jesus’ feet. Both scenes fit well with our RE curriculum for Year 5 and 6, and it is more poignant to reflect on the story when it is lived out before you. Needless to say, Year 6 are now looking forward to meeting the actors again when they attend ‘The Life of Christ’ in June.
On Tuesday, Mrs Ridulfa led a fun assembly looking at all the days that were being commemorated on that day (as she does every day with her own class). The girls learned about: National Cheese Lovers Day; Penguin Awareness Day; National Coffee Break Day and Take A Walk Outdoors Day – if you are keen to explore more days – like today, National Pie Day, follow the link here: National Holidays on January 23rd, 2026 | Days Of The Year
Year 6 are well underway with their business plans and ideas in their teams for LifeLab and we have exciting news that the four judges for this year’s Perfect Pitch have been finalised. We are looking forward to seeing the result of their efforts in the entrepreneurial fair on the 20th March.
And today, our very excited Young Voices choir embarked on their trip to the O2 arena in London for delightful afternoon and late evening of song and entertainment. We look forward to hearing how it all went.
Next week, we invite Year 5 parents into school first thing on Wednesday morning for their Open Book event, where you can spend time perusing your daughter’s learning with her proudly pointing out and explaining her favourite and best pieces of work.
And somehow, by the end of the week, we will be at the end of January already! On that note I leave you with the wisdom of Lao Tzu:
‘Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.’
Whatever you have been holding back on that you wanted to do this year – this weekend is the time.
Have an awesome weekend,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
The three images above speak in to the Lao Tzu quote on the front page. Why are we waiting to start dreaming? Why are we shelving the dream and using the everyday busy-ness of life as the excuse behind procrastination. Perhaps the first step on that journey of a thousand miles is to ‘invest in yourself’ – attend that course, go on that walk, block out that time, just start drawing, painting, typing, writing, mapping out, meeting, discussing, applying – whatever it is – take that first step this weekend. And…if you need to ask for some help to achieve this, then know, that is not weakness on your part – it is the first sign of strength that you believe in yourself, in your dream, in your project, in making a difference in your life, your children’s lives and your world.
I’m so excited for you to take action and go for it!
‘Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it.’ – Johann Wolfgang (German poet, writer and scientist).
God Bless You, Gareth
Spring Term, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
Wed 28th Jan Year 5 Open Book Morning, Prep Classrooms
08:15 - 09:00
Wed 4th Feb Year 6 Open Book Morning, Prep Classrooms 08:15 - 09:00
Fri 6th Feb
FOST Prep Valentine Dance, Dining Hall 18:00 - 20:00
Mon 9th Feb Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week All Week
Tues 10th Feb Safer Internet Day Al Day
Wed 11th Feb Year 5, French Breakfast, Cranmore 09.30 - 10:30
Tue 10th Feb
Parents’ Evening - Online 17:00 - 20:00
Wed 11th Feb Parents’ Evening - In Person, John Bosco Classrooms 16:30 - 19:00
Fri 13th Feb Half Term begins End of day
Mon 23rd Feb School resumes
Tues 24th Feb IAPS Swimming Qualifiers
Thu 5th Mar Prep School Dress up for World Book Day All Day
Mon 9th Mar Visiting Author - Joel Arcanjo Afternoon
Wed 11th Mar Year 5, Parent Meeting for Osmington Bay Trip, Year 5 Classrooms 16.30 - 17.00
Thu 12th Mar Spring Concert 18.30 - 19.30
Wed 18th Mar
Wed 25th Mar 65AB Class Assembly 08.15 - 09.00
Thurs 26th Mar FOST Egg Hunt TBC
Fri 27th Mar Hop Skip & Jump 08.45 - 09.30 End of Term 16:00
This week you have received the following communications on SchoolPost:
Year 6: Year 6 Science Reminder, Monday 26th January 2026. Year 5: Prep School, Year 5 Parents’ Information Evening Slides Year 5 Open book, Wednesday 28th January 2026
Whole School: FOST Valentines Dance, Friday 6th February, 6.00 – 8.00pm, Year 5 and 6 Production of 'The Wizard of Oz' , 25th & 26th June 2026
St Teresa’s SchoolPost Communication System
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
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB Eloise K for excellent use of vocabulary to write a detailed description of Tudor London.
Vivienne W-S for working with great focus and effort during Maths lessons and for applying her knowledge of the times tables to answer fraction questions.
5HT Zoe G for her dedication and hard-work as she mastered long multiplication this week.
Millie G for showing a natural ability with long multiplication and therefore embarking of the challenges set with great enthusiasm.
Sara W for a fantastic description of Tudor London demonstrating multiple writing skills within a short piece. It really transported me back in time.
6RG Rosie M for her consistently conscientious attitude shown particularly this week in her narrative writing and her work on ratio and scaling.
Ivy M for her beautifully illustrated storyboard of the miracle of the healing of the official's son.
6MK Electra B for thinking carefully about problems in Maths, spotting and correcting errors.
Cara H for her excellent participation in Maths this week where she has demonstrated focus and enthusiasm when spotting connections and patterns during our work on ratio.
Anna R for her increased improvement in participation this week where she has confidently offered her ideas and shared thoughtful suggestions during class discussions, particularly during PSHE.
Drama Stars
Year 5: Chioma N for excellent participation in all aspects of the lesson, expressing her self confidently.
Year 6: Rosalind D for showing a wide range of skills when creating the characters from The Wizard of Oz.
Scientist of the Week
Year 5: Florence D for her understanding of insulators and conductors. Annabella H for her beautifully neat scientific write ups.
Year 6: Megan S & Layla B for their excellent engagement and practical investigations into
Artist Star
Year 5: Kitty N we have been working on an optical illusion piece and she dedicated three weeks to completing hers, showing great patience and skill.
Message forYear 6 Parents
Please remember to confirm your decision regarding your Senior School offer by completing the relevant section in your Applicaa parent account by the deadline date of Friday 30th January 2026.
Key Dates 2025 - 26
As outlined in the Parent Handbook, and reiterated at the Parent Welcome Reception, there are four 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
School Production, Thursday & Friday 25th & 26th June , 18. 00 to 19.00
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.
Open Book Dates 2025 - 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
25/02/26 - 6MK
25/03/26 - 5AB
29/04/26 - 5HT
At 8.30am in the Library
Refreshments will be served from 8.15am
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
Don’t Forget to bring in a cereal box to school to make a periscope in Science on Monday 26th January.
In Assembly on Tuesday, the girls were invited to take part in the Young Mathematical Story Authors (YMSA) competition. This competition aims to 'encourage students globally to creatively embed their Maths learning in a meaningful and engaging context through creating short maths story picture books'.
Winners will receive a cash prize of £100, and their school will also receive £100.
More information can be found here: https://www.mathsthroughstories.org/competitions.html
Past winning and shortlisted entries for 2025 can be found using the link below. Further examples can be found on the website.
https://www.mathsthroughstories.org/ymsa2025.html
The deadline for entry is 13th March to allow entries to be submitted by the closing date and entries should be sent to c.ridulfa@st-teresas.com
Please check the submission guidelines as there are clear rules about how the story should be presented. Support documents to aid planning are also available on the website.
Good luck!
Mrs Ridulfa
Music News
Orchestra
This week we continued our work on Yesterday (The Beatles). We added more parts and looked at the rhythm, phrasing and voicing in more detail.
Music-Makers Club
It was lovely to hear Florence D, Ellie B-S and Jemima H performing in our music-makers club this week. We are looking forward to hearing them play in assembly soon. The other small ensembles have been busy rehearsing their chosen numbers.
Chamber Choir
A fun rehearsal, exploring Joyful, Joyful using a cappella call and response techniques and exploring the contrast between slow, lyrical phrases and a more up-beat presentation.
Year 5
Musician of the Week
Year 5 Chioma N, Ottilie H and Leila A, well done for such an expressive and collaborative music composition with imaginative use of different instruments. Year 6 Electra B, I am so impressed by your determination in our orchestra rehearsals. Thank you for the extra practice time you put in!
Following a listening exercise, encouraging Year 5 to recognise and recall different melodic and rhythmic patterns, we moved on to a composition project. Working in small groups, the girls created unique sound motifs using and combining different instruments including ukulele, keyboard and percussion. In the ukulele groups we continued to integrate our five chord sequence into popular tunes including Counting Stars (One Republic) and Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi).
Year 6
Year 6 have started to learn the two songs for the Year 6 production auditions and worked in groups to discuss what they might need to consider in the audition process. They produced lots of super ideas, centred around vocal techniques, character presentation, memory and confidence. The song words and backing tracks are available on Teams. In keyboard lessons, some groups have started to work with both hands, whilst other groups have extended their note-reading range.
Sport News
Football
Netball Shooting Club,Tuesday Lunchtime, 12:45pm
Everyone welcome!
It has been great to see so many girls attending netball shooting on a Tuesday lunch. We work on different things every week and play some fun shooting games.
The U10 football team played against Manor House on the 20th January. The team had been practising their football skills in PE lessons and were looking forward to playing a competitive match. The team played 2 five a side matches winning them both 2-1. Kitty and Arabella N played with style, both scoring goals. Scarlett S also put in a tireless effort bagging herself a goal. The two teams both came together to play a 7 a side match too which St Teresa's won 3-0. The team showed excellent work rate in both defence and attack. It was great to also see the team put their dribbling and passing skills into practice. Congratulations to Arabella N and Scarlett S for their player of the match awards.
Interhouse Competitions
We have interhouse hockey and netball coming up this term. Please make sure that for interhouse hockey your daughter has her shin pads and mouth guard, without these items they will be not able to take part.
Pupil News
If your daughter has completed any sporting achievements outside of school, the PE department would love to hear about them. Please email Mrs Hitchman with a short description and photo to a.hitchman@st-teresas.com.
Fixtures (week commencing 19th January)
• Tuesday 27th January U11A-D Netball V Freemans (A) 2:30pm
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. St Teresa's Effingham | Sports Home
This Week
This week we focus on Peace.
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
The Beatitudes
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Reflection
As we turn on the news we can often be confronted with a world that is not at peace with itself.A world that is broken and full of disorder.Yet Jesus reminds us that God comes into our world to reorder it back to the good, back to God. Our human hearts are made for peace and are restless until they rest in Him. Let us seek this week to build relationships, to bring peace to the places we inhabit.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the true King of peace. InYou alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict.
Bring unity to troubled nations.
LetYour glorious peace reign in every heart.
Prep Clubs, Spring Term 2026
MON
TUE
WED
Years 5 & 6, Netball Club (7.50 - 8.20, Sp. H)
Years 5, Forest School
Years 6, Forest School
Orchestra, by invitation Grade 1+ standard)
Years 5 & 6, Hockey Goal Keeping Club
Years 5 & 6, Netball
Shooting Club
Year 5, Tennis Squad practice (Invitational only, after half term)
Spring half term and Easter touch-typing courses for 7 – 16s
St Joseph’s Primary School, Kingston KT1 2UP
Monday 16 – Thursday 19 February 2026
Monday 30 March – Thursday 2 April
Sessions run 10:10 – 12:15 pm daily (Full day care/ sports camp available)
Learn how to touch type 40+ words per minute with 95% accuracy. Using correct fingers and posture, touch typing is far more productive for schoolwork and exams.
Beginners, improvers and advanced typists are warmly welcome. We mix formal technique with the latest app games to make learning to type fast, fun and effective.
Flip crazy skate ramps, zap aliens and collect superhero movie rewards while learning an amazing skill. Typing proficiency will significantly boost your child’s academic attainment in today’s digital world.
Prior to setting up Typing’s Cool, Sarah Holt worked as a teacher at Weston Green School and Nick Holt was a secondary school Head of English.
Cost: £176.00 per place OFSTED registered - childcare vouchers accepted 10% discount for siblings/ bring a friend Duke of Edinburgh skills assessor
Apply at www.typingscool.co.uk or contact sarah.holt@typingscool.co.uk
Advanced skills touch-typing club
Friday lunchtimes 12:45 – 1:15 pm
Typing’s Cool teaches touch typing to 40+ words per minute with 95% accuracy, using correct fingers and posture. Typing proficiency significantly boosts school and exam attainment in today's digital world.
Beginners, improvers and advanced typists are warmly welcome. We mix formal technique with the latest app games to make learning to type effective and fun.
Flip flying skateboards, zap aliens and collect cool movie outfits while learning an amazing skill.
Club fee: £146.00 per term.
Save 25% by paying with childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare. Contact us for details.
To book a place email: sarah.holt@typingscool.co.uk
Prior to setting up Typing’s Cool, Sarah Holt worked as a teacher at Weston Green School and Nick Holt was a secondary Head of English. We are both passionate about helping all pupils fulfil their learning potential.
Nick and Sarah Holt, Typing’s Cool Ltd, School House, St Joseph’s Primary School, Kingston KT1 2UP 07812 632238; sarah.holt@typingscool.co.uk; OFSTED reg no. EY473171; www.typingscool.co.uk
Menu—w/c Monday 26th January 2026
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
Soup of the day
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Soup of the day Soup of the day
Main Hong Kong Style Sweet & Sour Chicken
Vegetarian
Pasta Bar
Sweet & Sour
Slow Cooked Beef Lasagne
Quorn & Pepper Roasted Vegetable Lasagne
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Sides
Additional
Egg Fried Rice Broccoli
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Roast Pork with Crispy Crackling, Yorkshire
Pudding, Apple Sauce & Gravy
Loaded Mexican Chicken Nachos with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Braised Lentil Cottage Pie with a Sweet Potato Top Cajun
Aubergine & Bean Taco with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Freshly
Battered Fish, Breaded
Fishcake or Jumbo Fish Finger
Cheese and Baked Bean Turnovers
Dessert
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Lemon & Poppyseed Drizzle
Garlic Bread
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Thyme
Roasted Skin on Potatoes
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon
Carbonara Sauce
Vegetable Rice Green Beans
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Four Cheese Sauce
Skinny Chips Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Apple & Berry
Australian Crunch
Crumble & Custard
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Chocolate Marble Cake & Chocolate Sauce
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Shortbread Biscuit
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
