What a special treat our volunteer assemblies have been since Thea S did hers and I offered it out to the girls! This week we were treated to an excellent assembly by Sofia A on government and politics. Sofia’s enthusiasm was contagious and her knowledge deep She explored with the girls the sections of our own government; how we vote; the history of voting for women; her experience of the recent local elections; and then had us experience practical voting ourselves by supplying Mrs Kearley and myself with pre-election speeches and then provided every pupil with an envelope with two stones (one marked with black ink) which we used to cast our votes – actually the ancient Greek method of voting. Great job, Sofia!
Year 5 then went straight to their third class for Adopt-a-Chef where Chef Harry was teaching them how to make bread The bread was then baked and handed out at the end of the day Delicious!
Year 5 went from Adopt-a-Chef into class photos, followed by Year 6, the results of which will be coming out to you soon, and we were glad it was such a sunny morning in a week that has included very large hailstones and thunderstorms! At the end of the day, our Year 5 parents attended the Senior Transition event looking ahead to scholarship and Year 7 – already!
Funny anecdote in reference to the storms: I supported PE in driving Senior girls to their Extra-curricular Canoe Club in Addlestone on Wednesday evening, where we were held out of the water for the first 5 minutes while a storm passed over us. I enthusiastically joined in the session, loving a good paddle but had not expected to be the first canoe to capsize and be the first person in the river! It was hilarious and the girls got a good laugh at my expense
Prior to that event, I had spent a delightful and exciting two hours on poolside at our annual Prep Interhouse Swimming Galas for Years 5 and 6. Thank you to all of you who came along and supported. Thank you to Miss Fogwill for all her organisation
We had a beautiful Ascension Day Mass on Thursday led by Mr Jakubowski and Father Charles. Mrs Gibson later led a helpful parent workshop ahead of our RSE curriculum lessons next half term
Now off to the Summer Festival (although, at the time of writing, I hope these storm clouds dissipate!)
Enjoy the weekend ahead,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
As we come to the end of another week, I have been drawn this week into reflecting on compassion once again. I am glad I have, not purely because it is our school value for the year, but because over the past 18 months it has been a recurring theme in my personal journey. The theme for me personally has been: how can we live our lives as if everything we did were driven by love
When I first began working as Head in the Prep School, I shared a small image with Mrs Johnson over a shared liking of the TV series New Amsterdam The image was of the lead character, Max, who after a significant personal trauma, found himself leading and made his mantra: “How can I help?”. I have tried to make this my goal in leadership. Whatever is brought my way, asking the question, in whatever format, how can I help?
From my first series of assemblies in Autumn 2024 based around 1 Corinthians 13 – the love passage, I had developed a thought that went along the lines of, what if we asked ourselves in everything we did, how would this look if it was driven by love What if my headship were driven by love? What if our answering children’s questions were driven by love? What if our thought lives about ourselves were driven by love? What if our actual driving were driven by love!? ��Some of us might find that one a challenge.
The smallest gesture of loving compassion can be a turning point in someone ’ s life today. What if we were to offer help to someone before they asked? What if we lived our lives driven by love? Is that not what the gospel teaches? Love conquers all There is no fear in love
God Bless,
Gareth
GOLDEN BOOK
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB
Arabella N for always being a kind and thoughtful friend. Lily J for her positive disposition and perseverance towards tasks.
5HT
Millie G and Charlotte E for the support they offered others in our class as we found a small window of time to finish sewing our Tudor banners The girls were very grateful Liel G for her amazing swimming during our Interhouse Swimming Gala this week
6RG
Sienna DN for her fantastic effort to use different techniques to create cohesion within a paragraph, shown in her superb non-chronological report.
Isla M for her fabulous non-chronological report, particularly her use of technical vocabulary when describing her creature and its life cycle
Rosie M for her superb effort when designing and creating her creature for her nonchronological report. Excellent ideas and super use of language to create cohesion within her paragraphs.
6MK
Thea S, Ellie BS and Electra B for their excellent non-chronological reports describing creatures from Pandora, demonstrating a strong use of cohesion to link ideas and develop extended, detailed sentences.
Sofia A for delivering an inspiring assembly on politics this week, which included a traditional Greek-style ballot. Her knowledge and passion were clearly evident to all, and she answered questions with confidence, clarity, and thoughtful insight
DRAMA STARS
Year 5: Lily J for her confidence and enthusiasm whilst reading through the script of 'Peter Pan'.
Year 6: Sofia A for her wonderful use of intonation when speaking her lines
SCIENTIST OF THE WEEK
Year 5: Hollie G for her beautiful frog life-cycle diagram. Eloise K for her detailed duckling booklet.
Year 6: Layla B for going the extra mile and completing her cardiovascular questions in her own time
Charlotte T for progress in Science this week
Summer Term, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
This week you have received the following communications on SchoolPost:
Year 5 Prep School, Mr Tindall's Absence from Prep School, 18th - 22nd May 2026
Year 6 Prep School, Year 6 Leavers' Liturgy, 1st July 2026
Prep School, French Trip
Prep School, Year 6, Swim Squad update 14th May 2026
Whole School Prep School, Sports Day, 30th June 2026
Prep School, Staffing for 2026-27
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
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.
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
Shrek the Musical Jr.
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
Our Night‑Time Marathon Challenge
This coming Saturday the 16th of May, myself and a group of mums from Cranmore & St T’s will be taking part in the London Moonwalk. This is an iconic annual night time power walking charity event, organised by breast cancer charity ‘Walk the Walk. We will be attempting a marathon walk of 26.2 miles around central London through the night, to raise money for this worthy cause. Breast cancer can affect us all from a young age, not just in later life We would greatly appreciate any donations to help us cross that finish line!
Wish us luck!
Sheri Webb-Smith
Thank You from Princess Alice Hospice
We were delighted to receive a letter of thanks from Princess Alice Hospice following the donation of flowers from our May Flower Procession. They shared how much the beautiful fresh flowers were appreciated, bringing “colour and warmth” to the Hospice for patients, their visitors and staff alike. The flowers were arranged and distributed throughout the inpatient unit and public areas, where they have helped to brighten many people’s days
The Hospice expressed their sincere gratitude for the kindness, generosity and support shown by everyone involved, noting how such thoughtful gestures make a real difference in creating a welcoming and comforting environment.
Thank you to all who contributed to the May Flower Procession and helped make this donation possible
Viv W-S
Please see below some photos and a video of Viv competing last weekend for the Mid Surrey Pony Club team in their one-day event, which included showjumping, dressage and cross-country Viv came 1st in showjumping, 2nd in dressage and 6th in cross-country. Combined with the team’s overall results, they placed 2nd overall Jessica in Year 8 was also a member of the team
Art Club
Over the last couple of sessions, we have been combining watercolour and pen to create these unique mountain landscapes They are so beautiful we just had to share them.
Ar tist of the week award goes to Bea St-G Not only did she create a lovely piece but was also suppor ting others in the group who were catching up
Year 5 - Adopt a Chef
This Tuesday was the much-anticipated bread week It began with the mixing of flour, salt, sugar and water. Then the girls practised their kneading technique to bind the ingredients Once everyone had the perfect dough, they were allowed to select an additional flavour to add With a choice of chocolate chips, garlic, herbs and cheese it was a challenging decision for many - could we put chocolate and cheese together? The girls had a wonderful time and the finished bread looked amazing - so good that we ' re not sure it even made it home.
Year 6 Guacamole and Salsa workshop.
On Wednesday, the girls in Year 6 took part in a workshop to end their 'Hola Mexico!' topic, where they worked together to make guacamole and salsa. With avocado, tomatoes, onions, spring onions, coriander and a squeeze of lime, the girls chopped and mashed the ingredients to create two delicious dips They then tested them using tortillas, with many commenting on how delicious their creations were. The girls really got into the spirit of the activity, following a recipe, but also choosing how to adapt the quantities of each ingredient they would like to suit their tastes. Yum! Well done, everyone!
Sofia A Politics assembly
On Tuesday, we were treated to an exceptional assembly led by Sofia A on democracy She confidently guided us through the structure of Parliament (the House of Commons and the House of Lords), the history of women ’ s roles in politics, and the purpose of polling stations Sofia led the assembly with clarity, enthusiasm, and authority, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. The girls were highly engaged throughout, eagerly listening, participating and questioning A particular highlight was the opportunity to take part in an Ancient Greek voting method, using two stones, one marked and one unmarked, which brought the concept to life in a memorable and interactive way. Sofia’s leadership ensured a dynamic, inclusive, and thoroughly engaging experience for all - maybe a new MP in the making!
25th & 26th June 2026
Doors open 6.30pm, Show Starts 7.00pm
This Week A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
As they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were still staring into the sky where he had gone, suddenly two men in white were standing beside them, and they said, “Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.”
Reflection
The Ascension of Jesus is not about absence, but presence transformed Christ does not abandon his disciples; rather, he enters fully into the glory of the Father so that his saving presence may extend to all places and all times.
When Jesus ascends, he completes his earthly mission, but he entrusts its continuation to the Church. The disciples are told not to remain gazing at the sky, but to return to Jerusalem and wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Ascension therefore marks a turning point: from being followers who watch, to disciples who are sent
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Lift our hearts beyond fear and doubt. Strengthen us to be your witnesses in the world, bringing hope where there is despair, truth where there is confusion, and love where it is most needed. Send us your Holy Spirit, that we may continue your mission with courage, and live each day with our eyes fixed on heaven and our hands ready to serve We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Orchestra
This week we had a full complement of musicians and instruments - hurray! It was lovely to welcome Charlotte E to the orchestra and Ania S had fun swapping her violin for the piano part. Well done, everyone.
Chamber Choir
This week we split into small groups and sang our Gospel round in a circle varying the texture whilst focussing on togetherness. We also enjoyed exploring alternative repertoire for the prize giving ceremony.
Music Makers
Our Xylo-Choir’s version of music from the film How to Train Your Dragon is starting to take shape as we split into two part harmony. We’ve also been thinking about how to hold the beaters and strike the bars to get the best sound.
sician of the Week: r 6 - Olivia L and Ivy M h for truly impressive character development in our production rehearsal.
Year 5 - Jessie E and Ellie F
oth for such helpful partner work and kindness in our ukulele class.
School Production
Both Year 5 and Year 6 have been working hard to learn the songs for the school production. This week, Year 5 have been focussed on learning harmonies. Year 6 have been looking at articulatio posture, characterisation and communication when they sing. All the songs and backing tracks are available on Teams and the girls are encouraged to practice at
U10&U11 Interhouse Swimming
The standard of swimming throughout the gala was incredibly impressive, with every girl demonstrating both skill and determination in the water From the moment the first races began, it was clear how much effort and practice had gone into preparing for the event. Across all strokes- freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke The girls showed excellent technique and confidence Many displayed strong starts, while others impressed with their steady pacing and resilience, pushing themselves right through to the finish It was particularly encouraging to see the progress the girls have made, with noticeable improvements in both speed and efficiency compared to previous events Relay races were especially exciting, with seamless handovers and great teamwork adding to the energy and atmosphere around the pool. Equally admirable was the sportsmanship shown throughout the morning. The girls not only focused on their own performances but were genuinely supportive of one another- celebrating successes and encouraging those who found races more challenging. Overall, the gala was a wonderful showcase of talent, hard work, and team spirit The girls should be extremely proud of their efforts in the pool, as they represented their houses with enthusiasm, determination, and grace.
PPORTS ORTS CCAMP AMP
SWIMMING TENNIS ARTS &
Horse welfare
Other regular checks that our horses have at STE are visits from the dentist, chiropractor, physiotherapist and farrier. We also have the horses weighed to ensure they are a healthy weight. When they were last weighed, some of the Senior students came to learn more about what the process involves.
Model horses
The horses enjoyed being models last week when Delasalle Saddlery came in to carry out a photoshoot using our horses for an article in Pony Magazine. We think Red looked very handsome with his plaited mane.
A proper saddle check is an essential part of responsible horse ownership. A poorly fitting saddle can cause pain, muscle damage, and behavioural problems, affecting both the horse’s comfort and performance. Regular saddle checks help ensure even weight distribution, freedom of movement, and overall wellbeing, allowing the horse to work happily and safely.
All the ponies/horses at STE have regular saddle checks and were delighted to be models for the day.
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
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 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 18 MAY 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 Soup of the Day
Main BBQ Chicken or Pepperoni Pizza
Vegetarian Margherita Pizza
Mexican Turkey Fajitas
Pasta Bar Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Grilled Halloumi & Mediterranean Vegetable Stack
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon
Carbonara Sauce
Roast of the week with Yorkshire Pudding, Stuffing & Gravy
