This week there has definitely been a theme of learning and assessment about it We have completed our biannual online progress assessments in English, Reading, Spelling, Maths and Science On Tuesday, I was out of school celebrating and being commissioned following the successful completion of a course I have attended this year in Contemporary Chaplaincy. On Wednesday, many of your daughters were involved in LAMDA examinations Mike and Gael informed me that the girls performed their pieces impeccably and the examiner was very impressed. Other pupils have been busy rehearsing ahead of next week’s ABRSM examinations.
Our PE Department held our own internal Athletics competition during Games and many girls have represented the school in tennis, cricket and athletics, as well as external competitions as you will see on the Sports page.
Next week, we are looking forward to celebrating Values Week which our Prep School Council representatives have been working towards with their Senior counterparts this term The girls are already looking forward to taking part in Breakioke! Remember, Friday 19 June, we will have charity day, which is also now a mufti-day (see poster) and celebrate the end of our Year of Compassion (as our value) with stalls, party atmosphere and fun.
And finally, you will see from Mr. Field’s letter the full ISI inspection report, from which I would like to highlight a couple of comments particularly related to your daughter’s:
“In the prep school, the curriculum is carefully designed to make meaningful links between an appropriate range of subjects, enabling pupils to connect concepts and develop practical life skills. For example, pupils engage in activities such as growing vegetables and preparing nutritious meals, which deepen their understanding of sustainability and wellbeing.”
“From an early age, pupils typically demonstrate respect for one another In the prep school, they listen attentively, take turns in discussion and show a clear understanding of fairness and equality. Behaviour is typically good, and relationships are positive Leaders and staff respond appropriately to any worries raised by pupils and provide them with access to pastoral support, including counselling where needed. Pupils contribute actively to school life, for example through the school council, where they are able to express their views and influence aspects of provision”
My thanks to my staff, your daughter’s and yourselves - this truly is a wonderfully, warm and welcoming school with incredible pastoral care and learning for life.
Best wishes,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
How did you do this week with mission spark-a-high?
Tomorrow’s challenge is to tell your friends one kind thing about them when you next meet up. Not sure I would approach that in a list making way, but more in a sidle up to them and as part of the conversation compliment them on something I know they do well Try it! It’s like gold dust Watch the smile grow on their face or, as Roald Dahl pointed out in ‘Danny the Champion of the World’, in their eyes Because, ‘ eye smiles are the best’
I love the notion of a lemonade stand, but really, finding ways to give stuff for free, smiling at strangers, or simply writing a kind note to someone, these are such easy things to do in our days to make a difference in the lives of others.
And don’t forget yourself, remember:
“Sometimes doing less is more of what you need...”
"The more you have, the more occupied you are. The less you have, the more free you are " Mother Teresa
Have a free-ing weekend, Gareth
GOLDEN BOOK
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB
Eloise K and Izzy E-N for their effective use of figurative language and rhyme to create wonderful minibeast poems.
Jessie E for demonstrating great perseverance in maths, solving problems involving decimals.
5HT
Hollie G for her work in Maths this week - adding and subtracting decimals.
Annabella H for her enthusiasm in Geography this week - developing greater understanding of UK Farming.
Ottilie H for researching and presenting back to the class, information about Columbia, during MFL.
6MK
Ania S and Carys D for consistently demonstrating a mature attitude and a quiet, focused approach to their work in the classroom.
6RG
Amelia H for her fantastic attitude for building her ID project, spending time at home to create extra entries including word art and poetry.
Isla M for her attitude towards her ID project and our work this week about ourselves. Layla B for her attitude towards her work shown in her extra homework completed this week, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for dance.
5HT Writing Head’s Commendation
A huge well done to Chioma in 5H for her excellent poem about a creature this week. Chioma utilised descriptive detail and a range of figurative language to produce an excellent poem which earned her a Head’s Commendation!
Summer Term, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
Tues 16th Jun Year 6 Wintershall trip 08:45 - 17:00
Wed 17th Jun
18th Jun
19th Jun
Thurs 25th Jun
Wed 1st Jul
2nd
Collection of Pupils reminder
Please can parents be mindful that collection of Prep pupils is either 3:45pm OR 4:15pm (following study) If you are late collecting for 3:45pm please wait in the car park for girls to be brought out If you are late collecting at 4:15pm your daughter will automatically be placed in After School Care where collection is usually from the Library Entrance by the Chapel.
After School Care Notice - Thursday June 18 2026 t h
Please be aware that After School Care will be held in the Prep School next Thursday 18 June and collection will be via the Front Office th
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
Year 6 Leavers’ Liturgy,
Wednesday 1 July
2026
We are delighted to invite Year 6 families to celebrate their time at the Prep School with a special Leavers’ Liturgy. The service will take place in the Chapel at 2.30pm, followed by a cream tea and refreshments from 3 30pm in the school grounds
Parents are warmly welcome to attend both. Please may you complete this form to confirm your attendance Year 6 girls should wear their winter uniform with blazers for this occasion
Prep School Sports Day, Tuesday 30 June 2026
We are delighted to invite families to join us for our Prep School Sports Day, on the Senior School playing fields.
Arrival - 12:00
Track and field events - 12:30
Finish - 16:00
We are pleased to welcome event photographers, DE Photo, who will be taking professional photographs during the day, available to purchase
Girls should arrive at school wearing their PE kit (skort and T-shirt) and do not need to bring their school uniform. Bibs will be provided.
If the weather is warm, please ensure your child has applied long-lasting sun cream before school Girls should bring a water bottle and wear a sunhat while spectating.
To help us anticipate numbers, please confirm your attendance here
This week you have received the following communications on SchoolPost:
Year 5 -
Year 6
Leavers’ Liturgy
Whole School Wanted in the Emerald City - from Year 6 Team
Fidget Toys - from Mr Tindall
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
Shrek the Musical Jr.
Molly W in Year 5 will be taking the stage in Shrek the Musical Jr. with Theatre Train today - Friday 12th June. If you would like to support her, 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
PREP SCIENCE DEPARTMENT: BREAKING NEWS
Having eaten, spun silk and grown for the last 12 days, shed their exoskeletons four times and grown more than 10 times their original size, our caterpillars are now changing! They have finished growing and this afternoon, they all climbed to the top of the cup. Once there, they will hang from the paper disk in a “j” shape under the lid. They will shed their exoskeletons one last time before they pupate (become chrysalides). The first one is half way through changing into a chrysalis as I type!
Bea and Olivia Assembly - Cooking Masterclass
Year 5 and 6 were treated to a cooking masterclass by chefs Olivia and Bea. During their assembly, they took us on a journey through cooking and baking Starting with an explanation, the chefs compared cooking to being an artist and baking to being a scientist. They then used their PowerPoint, quizzes and video clips to develop our understanding of different food; famous chefs, such as Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey; tools used in the kitchen; a comparison with cooking in China and even included a pancake recipe for everyone to try at home.
An informative, entertaining and inspiring assembly Well done Now to find a snickerdoodle cookie to try!
Football Festival Fun
Yesterday, Harrisons kicked off the football World Cup season with a delightful array of football themed fancies!
National Fish ‘n’ Chip Day
Today, is National Fish and Chips Day - but do not fear if you had other plans for dinner as Harrisons has catered the day away - see the delights we feasted on below!
Production Rehearsals
This week has been all about choreography; we ’ ve laid down the movements for most of the songs and planned the curtain call! Costumes have been checked and tried on and additional props have been sourced or designed.
is really starting to take shape as we focussed on listening to the difference between melody parts and accompaniment and the balance between the various instruments. Chamber Choir have been busy learning the counter-melody for the whole school prize giving song. This weeks favourite warm up exercise has been “Bumble Bee”.
Musician of the Week
Year 5
Jessie E - brilliant work to get those ukulele chords under your fing well done for sticking with it!
Year 6
Electra B - excellent attitude to learning your Wizard of Oz song a strong leadership in the dance rehearsals – well done
25th & 26th June 2026
Doors open 6.30pm, Show Starts 7.00pm
Life in Oz has become increasingly difficult under the watchful eye of the Wicked Witch. Rumours of flying monkeys, unexpected cackling, and an alarming shortage of green clothing have left the Ozians in a state of great concern!
To help our brave citizens prepare for the forthcoming production of The Wizard of Oz, we are appealing for any unwanted green clothing or accessories suitable for children aged 10–11:
Green tops/ t-shirts
Green skirts/ shorts/ trousers/ leggings
Green tights/ hats/ scarves
Green jewellery/ accessories
Anything else Green and wonderfully Ozian!
The more eccentric, unusual or sparkly, the better.
The Emerald City is not known for its restraint!
Please do not buy anything new! We are hoping to make use of items that are already lurking in wardrobes, dressing-up boxes and forgotten corners of cupboards. As costumes may be altered or repurposed, we cannot guarantee that donated items will be returned.
If you have any suitable items, please send them into school by Monday 15 June. The Ozians thank you for your kindness and generosity.
With thanks,
Mrs Giannopoulos and Mrs Gibson
SPORTS NEWS
Pupils news
Well done to Isla Skidmore who came 12th in the country at the ESSA finals on Saturday. This is an increbile achievement and we are so proud of you!
Insert photo from MEL
Well done to all the girls who took part in Tuesday’s internal athletics event! It was fantastic to see so many of you competing across a range of events and gaining valuable experience of an athletics meet. The day left the PE staff feeling incredibly excited and looking forward to Sports Day!
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.
This Week
A reading from the Gospel of John
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
Reflection
Jesus says,“I am the bread of life… whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
These words can seem difficult, but Jesus is clear: he is not offering just a symbol he is giving himself fully Christ gives Himself Fully to us, let us also give ourselves to Him.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, Bread of Life, You come to us in the Eucharist not as a symbol, but as a living gift of your very self. When we hunger, feed us When we are weak, strengthen us. When we feel lost, remain with us.
Amen.
Get interested in Catholic Social Teaching
Pope Leo’s New Encyclical Explained
Autumn Term availability
Priority booking for EST pupils
We have a number of spaces for riding lessons and non-ridden BHS Stable Management sessions in the Autumn Term EST pupils are given priority booking and are entitled to a 10% discount on ridden lessons. A termly package of ten lesson with discount is £648.
More information can be found on our website or you may like to join us for our Open Morning on Sunday 28 June from 10am-11am, where you can ask questions, meet the horses and staff and watch a ridden demonstration. th
If you would like to attend, please RSVP via this link.
To register your interest in lessons, please contact: equestrian@st-teresas.com
Welcoming EST pupils
STE is here for all Effingham Schools Trust pupils, parents and staff to experience and enjoy and is not just for termly lessons. We welcome everyone to come and ‘stroke a pony ’ and take time out from your busy days.
This year has been particularly enjoyable for the students, staff and horses with the popular extra-curricular ‘Saddle-up Club’ on Thursday lunchtimes, as well as enrichment sessions for Departments at the school For the last two weeks we welcomed the Year 7s for English enrichment for their Chaucer studies, learning about the types of horses that were used in the Medieval era. This week the Year 9s will also be visiting to learn about horses in the Victorian era.
Throughout this year we have also enjoyed sharing our love of all things Equestrian with the Manor House pupils. It’s been wonderful watching the pupils grow in knowledge and confidence. This week Year 2 were with us for the first time and we ’ re looking forward to seeing them for the rest of this term.
Open Morning
28th June
10am-11am
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
Please RSVP by 12 June th
PPORTS ORTS CCAMP AMP
SWIMMING TENNIS ARTS &
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 - Wed £55 per day*
*see booking details for skateboarding
Canvasof Inspiration
Collage and paint an inspirational quote on canvas
AT CRANMORE SCHOOL
THURSDAY 18 JUNE, 9.30-11AM
Join us for a Magical Morning at Forest School!
Step into the wonders of nature for a morning of outdoor learning, woodland exploration, and hands-on adventure in our beautiful setting. Our experienced team will guide children through a safe and enriching Forest School experience that encourages curiosity and a love of the natural world. Refreshments will be provided.
Come dressed for the outdoors and ready for adventre - we can’t wait to welcome you!
CRANMORE
EVERY FRIDAY 8.30-10.30
Come and enjoy fun activities with your child in our Nursery and meet other parents. Refreshments provided.
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)
WEEK COMMENCING 15 JUNE 2026 TH
MENU
Week 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Soup Soup of the Day
Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day
Whole School BBQ
Main BBQ Chicken or Pepperoni Pizza
Vegetarian Margherita Pizza
Pasta Bar
Sides
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Mexican Turkey Fajitas
Potato Wedges
Sweetcorn
Cesar Salad
Additional Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Dessert Chocolate Brownie
Grilled Halloumi & Mediterranean Vegetable Stack
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon
Carbonara Sauce
Roast of the week with Yorkshire Pudding, Stuffing & Gravy
