By Monday, staff and pupils commented on how much the ducklings had grown over the weekend. Our Science learning around animals and their habitats has certainly amped up with the very practical experience of seeing the birds hatch and grow; watching them swim and instinctively preen themselves dry; watching how much they slept and now how much they are eating and drinking – it is like they have hit teenage years already!
I started the week with an assembly akin to my pastoral pause last week and then we enjoyed Tuesday morning assembly led by Sophia D and Zoe G (Year 6) on all things sport. They did an excellent job and came attired in cricket gear – they even demonstrated dancing (in celebration of International Day of Dance on Wednesday) in cricket pads Well done, girls
Year 5 continued their journey in ‘Adopt a Chef’ on Tuesday morning thanks to Harry, it has been an excellent start to our ‘Allotments’ topic
Wednesday morning saw the last of this year ’ s class assemblies with an excellent performance from 5HT of their Topic lesson learning up to this term It was a speedy dash from the Shang Dynasty through Ancient Egypt and into the Tudor period – full of fun facts; gory details and plenty of the girls’ own writing It was a joy to see the learning journey they have been on and the girls performed brilliantly with learned lines and clear voices Well done, 5HT, and a special thank you to Mrs Hall for her leadership and support in preparing them (and the props) for the assembly.
On Thursday morning, we had our flower procession in honour of Our Lady, Mary, the Mother of Christ It was a beautiful – if not a little blowy – sunny day and the service was beautiful from readings, to prayers, to singing of Ava Maria My thanks to Mr Jakubowski for leading us for this service My thanks to you all for the flowers you provided which were donated to the Princess Alice Hospice in Esher – a worthy place very dear to many of us in the care they have provided
And today, we bid a fond but sad farewell to our little ducklings Mrs Haselden and Mrs Kearley may need especial love from you all next week as excellent ‘mother ducks’!
My thanks to your girls, our wonderful staff and you all for your support as we also (amongst all the above) hosted ISI inspectors for three days. Your support in completing surveys, your daughters in being interviewed and being themselves in all their splendour demonstrated clearly to the inspectors the true spirit of our school – its culture and ethos of compassion, community, kindness, intellect and faith!
Have a great weekend
Best wishes,
Gareth Tindall
experience more angst comes after they turn eighteen����
We parent them We nurture Treasure Love Provide Celebrate Give Share Laugh Educate Discipline and disciple Cherish Feed Pursue Raise Develop Promote Support Release
It takes all of us They say: it takes a village to raise a child Then, it also true that it would take a village to support the parents of a child
We are part of your team We are here for you and working with you for the well-being, growth, development, education and nurturing of your child – as part of your community
You and your children, alongside our staff, make this school the VERY special community of compassion, kindness, intellect and faith, that it so clearly is and has demonstrated itself to be this week
Have an amazing Bank Holiday weekend
God Bless, Gareth
GOLDEN BOOK
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB
Maddie J for her thoughtful contributions to RE discussions and responses to artistic representations of the Holy Spirit.
Eloise K for her enthusiasm and engagement in our new topic 'Allotments', and asking interesting questions.
Lulu DDNT and Florence D for their focus, effort and progress in using mapping skills to locate where in the world various foods originated from.
5HT
Leila A and Kitty N for their enthusiasm and knowledge as we discussed our new topic: allotments.
6RG
Ivy M for her fantastic contributions to discussions, particularly in PSHE and English. Thoughtful choice of language and carefully considered answers, well done.
Bea St-G for her fabulous, conscientious attitude and superb ideas shown in her Pandora work, well done.
Jessica A for her fantastic descriptions and use of a range of different sentence structures and cohesive devices to write an interesting paragraph about her Pandoran creature
6MK
Cara AS and Charlotte T for carefully written labels describing their Pandora creature, using a variety of carefully chosen phrases to add detail
Esme S for her positive attitude towards her learning and her great sense of humour which she has been displaying recently - it’s been so lovely to see.
DRAMA STARS
Year 5: Jessie E for her enthusiasm and confidence in Drama.
Year 6: Sophia D for her expression and characterisation in our first rehearsal for Wiz of Oz.
SCIENTIST OF THE WEEK
Year 5: Liel G and Jessie E for their beautiful duckling stories and drawings.
Year 6: Olivia L and Electra B for their research about exoskeletons
Summer Term, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
Summer Term, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
Thurs 2nd Jul Prep School Prize Giving, followed by Refreshments on Mairlot Lawn 18:30 - 20:00
This week you have received the following communications on SchoolPost:
Year 5
Prep School, Final PGL Communication
Whole School Prep School, Inter House Swim Gala - 13th May 2026
Prep School, Class Photos, 12/05/26
Prep School, Club cancellations, 7th & 8th May 2026
Prep School, Mr Tindall's Absence from Prep School, 5th - 8th May 2026
Message for Year 6 Parents
Please complete all of the forms in the new starter information pack, and the induction information, in your Applicaa parent account by Monday 1st 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
Year 6 Medicals
The school nursing team will be starting the medicals on Year 6 pupils on the 11 May th
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
Summer Uniform
Please may the girls in Years 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
Molly W in Year 5 will be taking the stage in Shrek the Musical Jr. with Theatre Train on Friday 12th June. If you would like to support here, please follow the link below to book your tickets
Follow Shrek, a lovable (if slightly grumpy) green ogre whose quiet swamp is suddenly filled with fairy tale misfits To win back his home, he joins forces with a bold Princess Fiona and a quick witted Donkey
Ivy M
The NSEA team had some amazing results at this Sunday's qualifier at Coombelands Equestrian Centre Ivy M rode super fast clear rounds on her pony Teddy to come 3 in the 80 cm and 4 in the 90cm Both these results gain her individual qualifications for the RPL Championships at Hickstead in August.
Last Thursday marked our first extended Forest School Club after school, and the girls were full of excitement. Although many were already experienced participants, we revisited the key rules together while they enjoyed their snack. The children particularly enjoyed learning practical knots for shelter building, including the clove hitch and elephant knot, and began constructing a Bug Hotel using pallets, bricks, leaves, sticks and other natural materials found on site. We ended the session by identifying some of the plants and trees around the Forest School area. The children were enthusiastic throughout, listened carefully, and fully embraced the “freedom” of child-led learning.
Year 5, Adopt a Chef
In our first ‘Adopt a Chef’ session, after designing our chef’s hat, we learned about how important food is, where it comes from and the importance of shopping locally We also looked at the five senses and the different areas of taste that our tongues detect Tasting different flavours, listening to different sounds and feeling textures was a great way of waking up our senses! We tasted sweet, butter, salty and sour foods The lemon was a shocker for most of us!
In our second Adopt a Chef session, we learned how to cut different foods in fun and safe ways We looked at the colours, textures, and tastes of each ingredient Then, we made a yummy and healthy salad! We worked together to chop, mix, and create a salad full of bright colours and delicious flavours Afterward, we packed our salads and took them home to share with our families
5HT Class Assembly
On Wednesday 29 April, 5HT took their turn to impress parents with the breadth and depth of their learning through their class assembly th The girls performed a whistle-stop tour of the Shang Dynasty, Ancient Egypt and the Tudor period Parents were dazzled with tales of trade routes and ancient mythical stories, including Zoe’s ‘How avalanches came to be’; they were wishing they hadn’t eaten a pastry when the girls entertained them with how ancient Egyptians mummified a body; they were entertained with a reenactment of the Battle of Bosworth Field and Sara’s description of Tudor London. The girls then sand a Capella to finish the assembly It was a true spectacle and entertaining performance by the girls Well done, 5HT
Flower Procession
On Thursday morning, we processed from Prep School around Mairlot Hall to the fountain of Mary outside the main Mairlot entrance
Here we laid our flower donations at the foot of our statue of Mary and Mr Jakuboski led the Prep School in a service in honour of Our Lady
The girls, accompanied by Mr Tindall on guitar, sang ‘Ava Maria’ beautifully in the warmth of deep morning sunshine and blue skies Our Year 6 Chaplaincy Team supported brilliantly with Gospel readings and a Psalm reading Your flower donations were then carefully packed into boxes and delivered to the Princess Alice Hospice in Esher, where they will brighten the rooms of the patients in their care A number of staff and school family have personal stories connected with with gifts of love.
Ducklings update
Our ducklings have doubled in size and are VERY fluffy! We have grown used to a constant 'cheeping' sound in the background of every lesson and will sorely miss our little fuzzy friends They have enjoyed swimming every day, often several times, in their little pool and have almost outgrown their enclosure. The lovely Sam came to collect them today and they were very excited to meet a few more ducklings and chicks in the van on their way back to the farm We have deliberately chosen a small ethical company for this project and all of the ducks will return to the main flocks at the farm, where they are pasture reared in a traditional, low intensity farming style The ducklings have brought so much joy to staff and students and it has been a wonderful opportunity to see our learning about life cycles come to life.
Summer Term
Break and Lunch time fun
25th & 26th June 2026
Doors open 6.30pm, Show Starts 7.00pm
This Week
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.”
Reflection
Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, not a distant ruler or a voice that shouts from afar, but one who knows, guides, and protects. A shepherd walks with the flock, stays close, and never abandons even the weakest or most lost.
In a school community, this reminds us that we are never alone. Christ walks with us in lessons, friendships, challenges, and worries. He leads us not by fear, but by trust, calling each of us by name.
Pope Benedict XVI taught that Jesus is the shepherd who “knows each of us personally and gives his life so that we may have life in abundance.” Following the Good Shepherd means learning to listen for his voice in conscience, in prayer, and in how we care for one another. St Augustine reminds us: “We are the sheep of God’s pasture, but we are also called to care for one another with love.”
Closing Prayer
Jesus, Good Shepherd, guide us when we are unsure, protect us when we are afraid, and help us to care for one another with kindness and patience
May we always trust in your voice and follow you in faith and love. Amen.
Orchestra
How lovely to welcome evereyone back to the first orchestra rehearsal of this term during which we revisited Yesterday by The Beatles, working on tricky rhythms and watching the conductor carefully
Chamber Choir
What better way to start the term than learning three unaccompanied songs, merging them in three p y p g together an impromptu a capella performance!
Year 5
Music Makers
With rehearsal space at a premium and glorious weather, our Music Makers Xylo-Choir practised outside in the sunshine, learning music from the film How to Train Your Dragon.
Musician of the Week:
Year 6: Sofia A thank you for such eloquent and thoughtful insights into the winged monkeys’ song.
Year 5: Lily J thank you for showing such kindness and support to the newest member of your class in ukulele lessons.
Year 5 have started to learn the ensemble parts for the school production Most interestingly, we examined the differences between the opening number and the final item. We discussed the musical devices used to achieve the different mood, story and purpose for each song.
Year 6
Year 6 have plunged straight into learning the performance numbers for the Wizard of Oz. Already this term we have rehearsed every song, considering it’s place in the wider n arrative and noticing how the style of the music complements the characters and story f eatured in each song.
Summer Sports Club
Please encourage your daughter to join us for sports club during the week! We have had great numbers at the cricket bowling on a Tuesday lunchtime and Cricket club on a Wednesday lunchtime but EVERYONE welcome!
Monday: U10/U11 Tennis Club 4:15-5:30pm
Tuesday: U10/U11 Cricket Bowling 12:45pm & U10 Squad Training 12:45pm
Wednesday: U10/U11 Cricket Club 12:45pm & U10/U11 Football Club 12:45pm
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
Fixtures (Week commencing Monday 4 May 2026): th
Tuesday 5th May, 13:45 U11A Cricket v Downsend School (Away)
Tuesday 5th May, 14:15 U11B-D Cricket v Downsend School (Home)
PPORTS ORTS CCAMP AMP
SWIMMING TENNIS ARTS &
NSEA NEWS
Surrey County Championships (Parwood Equestrian Centre)
We are thrilled to announce that the dressage team (Lottie B, Molly M and Antonia S) won the Surrey County Championships on Sunday 29th March. They will now represent Surrey in the Inter County Dressage Championships at Hickstead in May as well as qualifying for the NSEA National Championships in October.
Antonia S won the Surrey County title in the Novice Dressage
Eventers Challenge (Felbridge Equestrian Centre)
Saturday 11th April
Molly M was riding in her first EC competition for the team and did a lovely clear 70 cm round, qualifying her for the Hickstead Championships in May
Lilly S was competing at 90 cm and won the class! This gives her an individual qualification to add to her previously gained team qualification at this height.
With all qualifiers for the Hickstead Championships now over, STE is delighted to say that we have received the most qualifications we have ever achieved This is all down to the girls’ dedication and skill and the support of their team Manager, Lucy Collins
Eventers Challenge Championships
We have teams at 70cm, 80 cm and 90 cm qualified as well as individuals County Championships Dressage
Our team is qualified to represent Surrey and Antonia S is qualified to do so as an individual County Championships Show Jumping
Our 80 cm and 1M teams are qualified to represent Surrey and Antigonie Sullivan is individually qualified at 1 10 too Hickstead Elite 1M Championships
Our team has qualified
HALF TERM TENNIS CAMPS & PRIVATE COACHING
ESTA is excited to be running 4 days of tennis camp over the May Half Term from Tuesday 26th to Friday 29th May at St Teresa’s.
The timings are:
Y2-4 @ 9-12pm
Y5&6 @ 1-4pm
Seniors @ 1-4pm
Camp days are priced at £40 with a 10% discount applied for the full week
Private coaching is also available from 4pm each day
Please contact Kirsti to sign up or for more information by emailing esta@effinghamschools.org
We look forward to seeing your children on court over half term!
SUMMER TERM GROUP SESSIONS
ESTA is delighted to be accepting bookings for group lessons during the summer term Sessions will run from Tuesday 21 April through to Friday 3 July (10 weeks). st rd
Group sessions will run at the following times:
Y5&6 - Wednesdays @ 4:15-5:15pm
Y7&8 - Fridays @ 4:15-5:15pm
Y9&10 - Fridays @ 5:15-6:15pm
Performance Group (invitational) - Wednesdays @ 6:15-7:45pm
Boarders' Group - Tuesdays @ 6:15-7:15pm
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 summer term!
MON
TUE
WED
Years 5 & 6, Cricket Club (7 50 - 8 20, Sp H)
Orchestra (Grade 1+ standard - all orchestral instruments)
Years 5 & 6, Cricket Bowling Club
Year 5 Tennis Team Training (Invitational only)
Years 5 & 6, Lego Club
Years 5 & 6, Swim Squad (7 45 - 8 30)
Years 5 & 6, Prayer Group (10 55 – 11 15)
THU
Years 5 & 6, Athletics Club (7.50 - 8.20, Field)
FRI Years 5 & 6 Swimming, Open to all (7 45 - 8 30)
Years 5 & 6, Cricket Club (12 45– 13 15)
Years 5 & 6, Football Club (12.45– 13.15)
Schola Cantorum (by invitation)
Years 5 & 6, Chess Club
Years 5 & 6, Athletics Club, Track (12 15-12 45)
String Group (Grade 1+ standard - all string instruments)
Music Makers (open to all)
Equestrian Riding (16.00 –19.15)
Year 5 & 6 Tennis Club (Open to all, 16:15 –17:30)
Years 5 & 6, Art Club (16 15 - 17 00)
Years 5 & 6, Drama Club (16 15 - 17 00)
Equestrian Riding (16 00 –19 15)
Pony Stars (16 30 – 17 30)
Years 5 & 6, LAMDA Lessons (16.15 - 16.45)
Equestrian Riding (16 00 –19 15)
Years 5 & 6, Ballet Dance (16 15 - 17 15)
Year 5 & 6, ESTA Tennis Coaching (16 15 - 17 15)
Years 5 & 6, Forest School (15 45 – 17 15)
Years 5 & 6, Art Club (16.15 - 17.00)
Year 5, Swim Squad (15 45 - 16 45)
Year 6, Swim Squad (16.45 - 17.30)
Equestrian Riding (16 00 –19 15)
Year 5 & 6, LAMDA Lessons (16 45 - 17 45)
Years 5 & 6, Street Dance (17 15 - 18 15)
Chamber Choir (open to all)
Touch Typing
Year 6 Tennis Team Training (Invitational only)
Years 5 & 6, Baseball (16 15 - 17 00)
Years 5 & 6, Cricket (16 15 - 17 30)
Equestrian Riding (16 00 –19.15)
Pony Stars (16 00 – 17 00)
Schola Cantorum (16 30 –17 30, by invitation)
CRANMORE
EVERY FRIDAY 8.30-10.30
Come and enjoy fun activities with your child in our Nursery and meet other parents. Refreshments provided.
Friday 24 April 2026 - It Must Be Spring!
Friday 1 May 2026 - Mini Music Festival
Friday 8 May 2026 - Mini Gardening Club
Friday 15 May 2026 - Jungle Adventure
Friday 22 May 2026 - Mini Beast Exploration
Friday 5 June 2026 - Water Play
Friday 12 June 2026 - Garden Treasure Hunt
Friday 19 June 2026 - Mini Sports Day
Friday 26 June 2026 - Teddy Bears’ Picnic
WEEK COMMENCING 4 MAY 2026 TH
Week 3
Soup
Main
Vegetarian
Pasta Bar
Sides
Additional
MENU
Monday Bank Holiday Tuesday Cinco De Mayo
Roasted Poblano Soup with Homemade Nachos
Smokey Beef Chilli
Crushed Tortillas & Sour Cream or Pulled Chicken Enchiladas
Smokey Quorn Burritos
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Seafood Linguine
Mexican Rice
Street Style Slaw
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Chocolate & Chilli
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day
Chicken Burger Bar
Choice of Panko Breaded or Grilled Pork Piri Piri
Grilled Halloumi and Pineapple Burgers
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Creamy Red Pepper & Tomato Lentil Sauce
