I hope our Year 5 parents (particularly those with twins) have had a restful week while their daughters have been away with Mrs Baker, Mrs Hall and myself on the Year 5 PGL residential trip at Osmington Bay, Dorset. More about that in the following pages.
My thanks to Mrs Gibson and Mrs Johnson for holding down the fort while I've been away.
I hear Year 6 continue to make strong headway in their Hola Mexico topic and related work in English around the planet Pandora. They are also working extremely hard on their lines and staging for next half term’s production of The Wizard of Oz
Mrs G would like to congratulate the girls who were invited to join the Senior School music ensembles last term Amelia H has joined the Symphony Orchestra on cello and Sophia C and Ania S are playing violin with the Senior String Ensemble. This week we enjoyed their first performances of the more advanced repertoire Well done, girls!
We are looking forward to next week and being back in school together for the week, before Year 6 head off on their French residential trip the following week
Please note the diary dates later in this bulletin Notably, class photos on Tuesday and then end of term dates for the production and prize giving There are transition events for Year 5 parents to consider for Year 7 scholarship application, and Year 6 moving up day to prepare for life in Senior School.
I find myself reflecting similarly throughout these bulletins across the year, but there are 7 weeks of school left for this academic year. 35 days!
Wishing you all a sunny and peaceful weekend ahead.
Best wishes,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
This week, for me, has been filled with supporting young people on school residential Many people wonder at how teachers do these sort of trips looking after other people’s children 24/7, counting all the time (do I still have them all!), calming tears, encouraging involvement, challenging mindsets and creating opportunity for growth
I love it! What a privilege to help a child find new depths of courage, conquer fears, foster teamwork and move another step along the road to independence.
It is a joy in teaching to be entrusted with other people’s dear children and to interact with your pupils outside of a classroom environment The relationship dynamic shifts subtly from educator to mentor Leading children into new opportunities, to learn new skills and find fresh passions
Really, we should all embark on a residential once a year. A place where we go with friends and others, make new friends, have great fun, learn new things, challenge ourselves and enjoy adventures together. Where we grow our character, personality, ability to be challenged and achieve new victories in new experiences
Naturally, a little sunshine, sea breeze and nature aids the process
My personal Summer challenge is to ride my motorbike to Norway, experiencing a new place, seeking beauty, kayaking ffords, hiking and camping.
What will you challenge yourself with this year?
God Bless, Gareth
GOLDEN BOOK
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
6RG
Zoe G for her excellent writing, attitude and super resilience when faced with a problem to solve.
Amelia H for her fantastic resilience to balance her classwork and extra curricular activities, doing well with both, well done.
Jessica S for her excellent effort on her writing about her Pandoran creature
6MK
Sofia A and Anna R who produced careful, well organised research for their fact files about the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico. They selected relevant facts, showed a clear understanding of the environment and presented their information neatly and logically
Megan S for demonstrating careful effort and a growing understanding of how to read, interpret and draw line and dual‑bar graphs in Maths this week. She has become more confident with the key skills and is applying what she has learned accurately
DRAMA STARS
Year 6: Esther H for waiting so patiently to rehearse her scenes. Thea B-H for her foresight and thoughtful contributions to rehearsals.
MUSIC STARS
Year 6: Jessica A thank you for such strong singing and leadership skills in Chamber Choir
Charlotte T well done for learning the song words for Dorothy, Dear
SCIENTIST OF THE WEEK
Year 6: Amelia H, Jemima H and Eloise B-S for their excellent research about exoskeletons
Summer Term, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
This week you have received the following communications
Year 5
Year 6
Prep School, Year 5 PGL daily updates
Prep School, Wintershall - Life of Christ, 16th June 2026
Whole School Prep School, Class Photos reminder, 12th May 2026
Prep School, Inter House Swim Gala Reminder, 13th May 2026
Prep School, Year 5 and 6 RSE information evening, 14th May 2026
Prep School, Forest School dates and assessment
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
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.
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
Class Photos, Tuesday 12th May
Please can pupils come into school wearing school shoes and white socks
Year 5 pupils should wear summer uniform, including cardigans and blazers
Year 6 pupils should wear winter uniform, also with cardigans and blazers
Key Dates 2026
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.
The remaining dates for the Summer term are: Summer Production, Thursday 25 & Friday 26 June 2026, 18 45 to 20 00 th th
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 events
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
Year 5 PGL Residential
This year our Year 5 residential saw us return one final time to Osmington Bay, Dorset Following a stop off at the idyllic Lulworth Cove for lunch and ice creams on the beach, we made it to the PGL centre.
We enjoyed three days of challenge through a variety of experiences including: orienteering, dragon boating, vertical challenge course, survival skills, giant swing, learning to ride a ripstick, abseiling, laser tag, climbing, air rifle shooting and many more team building games, songs and challenges
The unspoken challenges of handling success and failure, managing tiredness from long days, continuing to navigate friendships and coping with all of the above while being away from home, is why we run residentials under the care and guidance of our teachers and with reputable companies like PGL
We all agree that we have had a great few days Declared by my colleagues as the best residential they have attended to-date. My thanks to Sian, our PGL group leader, to Joe and his team who cared for us well and have built a centre were togetherness is a dream they constantly pursue.
Enjoy the photos!
25th & 26th June 2026
Doors open 6.30pm, Show Starts 7.00pm
This Week
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Reflection
Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that Christianity is not first an idea or a moral code, but an encounter with a person. In Deus Caritas Est, he wrote that “God has made himself visible: in Jesus we can see the Father.” In Christ, God steps into our human lives, walks our paths, shares our struggles, and prepares a place for us where love has the final word.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, walk with us in our studies, our friendships, and our daily choices. Teach us to see the Father in your words and actions, and to reflect your love in the way we treat one another. Inspired by St Thérèse of Lisieux, may we learn to follow you in small ways, doing ordinary things with great love May we remember that everything is grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
SPORTS NEWS
U11A Cricket V Downsend on Tuesday 5 May th
The U11A hardball cricket team played their first game of the season in a pairs format, and it was an excellent start for everyone involved. The players showed great enthusiasm, focus and teamwork throughout the match, working well with their partners and supporting each other at all times. For a first game, the standard of batting, bowling and fielding was very encouraging, with all pupils contributing positively Everyone should be extremely proud of their efforts – they represented themselves and the school brilliantly. A fantastic first outing and a really promising foundation to build on POM - Zoe and Sophia U11B-D
Cricket
The U11B-D team enjoyed a fantastic match where the emphasis was firmly on participation, development, and fun. All players had the opportunity to practice both their batting and bowling skills, showing great enthusiasm and effort throughout the game
There were some promising performances with the bat, as players grew in confidence and applied what they have been working on in training Likewise, the bowling showed improvement, with better accuracy and determination on display from the whole team. Most importantly, the team spirit was excellent, with everyone supporting each other and playing with smiles on their faces A big well done to the D team for securing the win- a great reward for their effort and teamwork
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.
PPORTS ORTS CCAMP AMP
SWIMMING TENNIS ARTS &
NSEA News
Coombeland Equestrian Centre
Sunday 26 April th
The NSEA team had some amazing results at the Championship Qualifiers on 26 April. th
Combined Training
Harriet L, Lilly S, Olivia S and Rosie C formed our two combined training teams competing at preliminary dressage and show jumping heights from 80cm to 1M. In combined training, the horses and riders are judged first on their dressage and then go on to a show jumping round, the penalties from both being combined for the final result
The intermediate team won and the open team came second. These are not only fantastic results in themselves but it means both teams have secured their places at the National Championships in October.
In the individual sections, Lilly came third in the 80cm, Rosie won the 90cm, Olivia came third in the 90cm and Harriet fourth in the 1M. These results give the girls individual qualifications in addition to the team ones for the Championships.
Regional Points League Showjumping
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. Rosie C also rode a fantastic debut clear round on her new horse Blue, finishing 8 overall - a great result. rd t h t h
Open Morning
28 June
10am-11am th
Youareinvited...
Join us for light refreshments in the beautiful grounds of St Teresa’s School to find out more about the opportunities we offer to Effingham Schools Trust pupils.
Meet our experienced team
Learn about our programme of activities
Cuddle our beautiful horses
Watch a ridden demonstration
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 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 11 MAY 2026 TH
MENU
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 Vietnamese Stir Fried Pork with Pak Choi & Sweet Chilli Dressing
Vegetarian
Pasta Bar
Crispy Panko Sweet Potato with Curry Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Seafood Linguine
Steamed Vegetable Rice Corn on the Cob
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Creamy Red Pepper & Tomato Lentil Sauce
Mashed
Potatoes
Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Spring Vegetable and Goats Cheese Quiche
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Macaroni Cheese
Green Beans Carrots
Skinny Chips Garden Peas
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Dessert Biscoff Cheesecake
Double Chocolate Cake
Assorted Ice Cream Banana Sponge with Custard
Oreo Rocky Road
Thank you to Harrisons
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Harrisons for the fantastic themed lunch on Tuesday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The vibrant menu, colourful presentation and attention to detail created a wonderful atmosphere and gave the children a fun and memorable lunchtime experience. We would also like to thank the kitchen staff, we are very grateful to the whole team for going the extra mile.
