It has been a busy few weeks with plenty of activities, fixtures, trips, lessons, events and last minute changes (last week) to stir into the mix.
I have to say I am so proud of you and your girls for the way you have handled everything, supported the school and come through it all with gentle conversation and a smile
Yesterday evening felt like the culmination of that community and school spirit. While we could only share a snapshot of the year (for the full review you would have to wade back through these bulletins), we have certainly accomplished much. Much learning and progress. Much competitive challenge in many fields (not just the sporting arena) Much fun experiences in trips to theatres, historical sites, outdoor pursuits venues and so many more Much experiential learning (which I find the most powerful)
Your girls have shone throughout as brightly inquisitive, engaged and engaging, friendly and polite, cordial yet competitive, gregarious and well-mannered, intentional and inclusive. They embrace and embody the ethos of the school and they are truly a delight to be around (nearly all of the time ������ - late night tears on residentials discounting)
And as I have reflected many times before - this year is going to whizz by - well here we are Saying goodbye to the academic year 2025 - 2026. Year 6 pupils moving on to become moody secondary pupils who will only grunt at me as I pass them in Senior School - when ordinarily they would have smiled, said hello and chatted to me or asked a question It’s alright girls - we understand you ’ ve moved up to big school Year 5 girls becoming Year 6 and our last group.
I am very excited to see in next year and to see just how special we can make it for your daughter’s. Embracing all the opportunities that come our way - like this year ’ s spontaneous, voluntary, pupil-led, passion-based assemblies!
As Paul said last night: let’s keep moving our tiny drops passionately and powerfully and making a difference to all those around us
Have an incredible and well deserved Summer break with your families
Best wishes,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
As the school year comes to an end, I found myself drawn back to the Action For Happiness calendar for this month: Jump Back Up July.
As is always the case with my writing, I talk honestly about where I am at and hope it resonates with some of you out there I can’t be the only one feeling this - surely - is generally my thought process So here goes
I am exhausted It is - I know - partly a result of being stretched thinner this half term without my SLT team - who I always knew carried a huge amount of the work and made it all look so easy As our wise class reps observed on sports day - I have been juggling away this term!
I acknowledge too that I am also always willing to, raring to and happy to help. The motto of Max Goodwin from the TV series ‘New Amsterdam’: “How can I help?” is literally true of me. But as Mrs Gibson pointed out earlier in the year - it comes at a cost.
So, I find myself drawn back to the Action For Happiness calendar. This month encourages us all to: take a small step to overcome a worry; think in growth mindset terminology; be willing to ask for help (ooh, that one smarts a little); pause, breathe, feel your feet firmly on the ground So many helpful daily tasks to do
Let’s make a pact - let’s agree here and now, together, that we will put into practice each challenge for the rest of this month So today - ask for help, and tomorrow, find something to look forward to
Have a great holidays,
Gareth
GOLDEN BOOK
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB
Vivienne WS for being a wonderful 'buddy' to a visitor. Maddie J for her hard work and determined approach to converting units of measurement.
5HT
Zoe G for the positivity and enthusiasm you demonstrate across all your learning. Charlotte E for the quiet determination you have and your creativity with your writing.
6MK
Rosalind D, Cecily P, Clemmie W for their excellent and engaging self-directed ID projects which have been creatively put together and organised.
6RG
Olivia L for her consistently conscientious approach and her fantastic effort in every task, shown recently in her ID project
Sophia D, Bea SG and Rosalind D (6MK) for their FANTASTIC Maths mystery challenge Super creative ideas and some excellent application of mathematical concepts
Thank you - I still can't believe that the culprit was the person given in the answer!
SCIENCE STARS
Lily J in 5AB for her wildlife investigation skills and research into a family of field mice!
Anna R in 6MK for her excellent questions and knowledge about healthy lifestyles.
Well done girls!
Autumn, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
Key Dates 2026
The key dates for the Autumn Term are:
Start of Term: Thursday, 3 September
Whole School Open Morning: Friday, 11 September
Half Term: Saturday, 17 October to Sunday, 1 November
End of Term: Friday, 11 December
We wish you all a very relaxing and enjoyable Summer Holiday Break!
Music Exam Results - Summer Term
Congratulations to our Prep pupils who showed amazing ability and skill by all passing their music exams:
Piano
Initial - Zoe G
Grade 1 - Sara W
Cello
Grade 1 - Charlotte E
Guitar
Grade 1 - Isabelle EN
Singing for Musical Theatre
Grade 2 - Daisy B
Singing
Grade 1 - Olivia H
Grade 2 - Florence D & Florence EN
Megan S played in a tennis club championship at Epsom RAC at the weekend, in the upper age group (U14), and came runner up!
Megan was presented with her trophy. She was absolutely thrilled, and we ’ re ver y proud of her.
t h
Ivy M came 11 in the High Jump at the National Preparatory Schools Athletics Championships.
Ivy jumped a ver y impressive 1.15 metres.
Harrisons Does It Again
Thursday 2nd March marked the 21st theme day for the girls at St Teresa’s in this academic year! What a truly remarkable, inspirational, enthusiastic, fun and hardworking catering team we have. The menu and dessert table was created by the pupils via a Microsoft form sent to all pupils. And Harrisons brought their desires to reality in style.
This Week
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew
Who do you say I am
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he put this question to his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets ” “But you, ” he said, “who do you say I am?” Then Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Christ,” he said, "the Son of the living God.”
Reflection
Over the past year, we have encountered Christ in many different ways: in our lessons and friendships, in moments of success and challenge, in acts of kindness, prayer and service. Like Peter, we are invited to recognise who Jesus is and to give thanks for His presence in our lives.
The end of a school year is a time to look back with grateful hearts We thank God for the gifts we have received, the people who have supported us, the lessons we have learned, and the opportunities we have had to grow in faith, knowledge and character.
End of School Year Prayer
Loving Father,
As this school year comes to an end, we thank You for all the blessings You have given us
Thank You for our teachers, support staff, families and friends.
Thank You for the lessons we have learned, the challenges we have overcome, and the memories we have made
Like St Peter, help us to recognise You more clearly and to follow You more faithfully.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
“Everything is grace. ” – St Thérèse of Lisieux.
Get interested in Catholic Social Teaching
Pope Leo’s New Encyclical Explained
Open Morning & Prize Giving
It was lovely to welcome so many new faces to our Open Morning on Sunday. The STE team put on a beautiful ridden display on Mouse, Charlie, Rosie and Cookie. Congratulations to all this year ’ s prize winners and to all our riders for their perserverance and progress this year.
The winner of the Best STE Pony/Horse of 2026 is.... RED!
PPORTS ORTS CCAMP AMP
SWIMMING TENNIS ARTS &
Mon - Wed £55 per day*
*see booking details for skateboarding
Canvasof Inspiration
Collage and paint an inspirational quote on canvas
Advanced skills touch-typing club
Thur 17 Sept – 3 Dec 2026; 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: £132.00 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
WEEK COMMENCING 31 AUGUST 2026
Soup
Main
Beef Burger, Locally Sourced Post Hot Dod or Cajun Chicken Drumsticks
Vegetarian Homemade Bean Burgers
Soup of the Day
Freshly Battered Fish or Jumbo Fish Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
