PREP BULLETIN 24.04.26 by EffinghamSchoolsTrust

Bulletin

Issue

1 Summer Term 24th April 2026

Dear Parents,

While the week started out with a chill breeze in the air, it is ending in Summer Sunshine and what a blessing that is Almost as much a blessing as the joy of welcoming the staff and girls back to school for the final term.

Our week has been consumed by DuckCam! I honestly think the staff have been more affected by our inaugural hatching of duck eggs this week Every time I leave the office, there is a gaggle of staff, or girls, around the duck hatching zone and an endless amount of cooing and squeals of delight My sincere thanks to Mrs Haselden for organising such a delightful, joyfilled event for the opening weeks of the Summer Term

We were also delighted to welcome Ruth Jampel back to school on Thursday afternoon, who livened up our day with her effervescent personality and enthusiasm in leading our annual workshop on Judaism

The week has ended today with Year 5 attending the first of their four sessions in the ‘Adopt a Chef’ programme, run by resident chef, Harry. Our Year 5 Maths Masterclass girls continued their termly journey deeper into the wonders of numbers and problem solving this afternoon And our tennis team had their first fixture of what is looking like a busy term of matches for them

And so the term is off to a flying start with much to look forward to in upcoming residentials and so much more

I leave you with this thought from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation this week (and timely for us in school), that whoever you are – you lead someone – so do it with warmth, even when it is hard I would say, especially when it is hard

Best wishes,

Gareth Tindall

Pastoral Pause

The experience of hatching ducks this week has far transcended the opportunity provided, or expected, for Science teaching around life cycles and animal characteristics specific to habitat

Experiencing the moment of hatching, three days in a row, watching each little duckling struggle in exhaustion to break out into the world, and the joy and exuberance of seeing all five successfully make it, has been a lesson in itself. It is a reminder that growth is rarely quick or easy, and that what is most important often takes time, patience and great effort

Life often involves moments of deep struggle. Sometimes all we can do is lie down and sleep in exhaustion, trusting that rest is not weakness but preparation Other times we just can’t help but chirp in delight at the wonder and joy around us, celebrating small victories and new beginnings. And sometimes, what we most need is to huddle close together for the company, the reassurance, the warmth, or simply just a hug as we realise that none of us are meant to hatch, or to face life, alone

“Just living is not enough one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” - Hans Christian Andersen

Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart” - A A Milne

God Bless, Gareth

GOLDEN BOOK

Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:

5AB

Jessie E for making such a super start to her St Teresa's journey. Vivienne W-S for always working with effort and enthusiasm, showing particular engagement in our new topic

5HT

Liel G for excellent enthusiasm and knowledgeable answers shown during the Judaism workshop Chioma N and Charlotte E for good instructional writing in English including diagrams on how to germinate a bean.

6RG

Isla S for her excellent effort when drawing an accurate map of Mexico; super, careful drawing and labelling.

Sophia D for her consistently superb attitude towards her Maths work; fantastic, clear working out and organised application of methods to solve problems.

Olivia L for her conscientious attitude and working hard to share her opinion and develop her understanding, particularly shown in English and Topic this week

6MK

Esther H, Rosalind D, Sophia C and Maggie M for producing excellent book reviews that were informative, engaging and thoughtfully completed over the Easter break

DRAMA STARS

Year 5: Maddie J for her confidence performance and comedic characterisation.

MUSIC STARS

Year 5: Kitty N , welcome to Music Makers and a super job taking on the xylophone bass line

Year 6: Esther H, lovely singing in our first Wizard of Oz rehearsal

SCIENTIST OF THE WEEK

Year 5: Ellie F and Annabella H for their clear and well-presented bird life cycle work.

Year 6: Esme S and Rosie M for their excellent knowledge about Evolution and Inheritance

Summer Term, 2026 Key Diary Dates:

5HT Class Assembly

29/04/26

At 8 30am in the Library

Refreshments will be served from 8 15am

Year 6 Medicals

The school nursing team have started the medicals on Year 6 pupils this week

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

Shrek the Musical Jr.

Molly W in Year 5 will be taking to the stage in Shrek the Musical Jr. with Theatre Train on 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

Flossie took part in her first ice skating competition over the Easter break and gave a wonderful performance, earning second place and a silver medal. She was thrilled with her achievement.

25th & 26th June 2026

Doors open 6.30pm, Show Starts 7.00pm

Year 5 Science

Before the Easter break, Year 5 were given the task of creating a seed that had an interesting method of seed dispersal The girls came up with some ver y imaginative designs Here are Isabelle, Florence, Leila and Charlotte's designs:

The Prep School has been alive with excitement this week following the arrival of five duck eggs on Tuesday afternoon We were delighted when, by Thursday morning, all five had successfully hatched!

The ducklings have now been named as follows:

6MK: Toby Hot Cheese

6RG: Billy

5AB: Baby Beanie

5HT: Sunny

Staff: Lady Fluffington

They have already become firm favourites with pupils and staff alike!

Judaism Workshop

On Thursday, we welcomed Ruth Jampel into school to lead an engaging workshop on Judaism The girls learnt about holy scriptures and prayers, with a particular focus on the importance of the Shema They thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on activities, including writing their names in Hebrew, and were delighted to sample some delicious challah bread It was a rich and memorable learning experience for all involved

This Week A reading from the Gospel of Luke

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognising him. When he was at table with them, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him And they said to one another,

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked to us on the road?”

Reflection

The disciples on the road to Emmaus were confused and disappointed. They did not expect hope to be walking quietly beside them Jesus does not hurry them or correct them straight away. Instead, he walks with them, listens to them, and gently opens their hearts.

Sometimes we are like those disciples God is close, but we do not always recognise him in our days at school, in our friendships, or when things feel difficult. Yet Jesus is always present, walking with us, especially when we feel unsure

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You walk beside us on the roads of our lives, even when we do not recognise you. Open our eyes to see you in our prayers, in our lessons, and in one another. Warm our hearts with your presence and give us the courage to share hope and kindness with all we meet. Stay with us, Lord. Amen.

PPORTS ORTS CCAMP AMP

SWIMMING TENNIS ARTS &

Welcome Back

Please join us at a fantastic Summer Festival for families and friends across the Effingham Trust on the 15th May from 4.15pm.

Packed with live performances, festival fun, great food and community spirit Tickets are just £5 per person, with every ticket sold helping to fund improvements to the St Teresa’s and Effingham Sixth Form site. Open to all families across the Effingham Trust

Many thanks Friends of St Teresa's

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!