Our Year 11 pupils have continued with their Mock Exams, approaching them with focus and maturity. We are proud of the resilience they are showing and appreciate the support from staff in ensuring the exam period runs smoothly.
Tuesday saw two groups of girls travel to take part in the Dorking Rotary Public Speaking Competition. Both teams represented the school admirably, demonstrating confidence, clarity and strong teamwork. We are especially pleased to congratulate one group who achieved second place with their thought-provoking motion, “Homeschooling is more effective than traditional schooling.” A fantastic achievement and an excellent example of our pupils’ communication skills in action.
On Thursday, spirits were lifted with our much-anticipated ‘Indoor Beach Day’ themed lunch Pupils enjoyed a tropical selection of pulled chicken sliders and pineapple halloumi burgers, followed by an assortment of fun, beach-inspired desserts It was a welcome splash of colour and cheer during a rather grey week, and our thanks go to the catering team for creating such an enjoyable experience
That evening, we were pleased to welcome families to the Year 9 Parents’ Evening It was a valuable opportunity for positive conversations between parents and staff, focusing on progress, next steps and how best to support pupils as they continue their journey through Key Stage 3
While it has been a quieter week overall due to the exam timetable, it has been encouraging to see pupils remaining engaged, supportive of one another, and making the most of the wider opportunities on offer
Mr Field Saturday 24 - Sunday 25
SPRING TERM GROUP SESSIONS
ESTA is delighted to be accepting bookings for group lessons during the spring term. Sessions will run from Tuesday 6th January through to Friday 27th March (11 weeks).
Group sessions will run at the following times:
Y5 - Wednesdays @ 4:15-5:15pm
Y6 - Mondays @ 4:15-5:15pm
Y7&8 - Tuesdays @ 4:30-5:30pm
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 spring term!
STE Term - Week 2
Both the yard staff and horses are welcoming the arrival of milder weather Freezing conditions can lead to the surface of the Arena freezing which means that the horses cannot use this area for exercise. With the thaw, the yard staff have been spending time lunging the horses to improve their fitness and expend pent up energy.
Lunging a Horse
Lunging involves working a horse in circles around a handler using a long line. It’s important in developing horse fitness, discipline and performance. It is a key skill for those who work with horses to learn and is a core skill taught in BHS courses.
NSEA NEWS
Congratulations
Berkshire College of Agr iculture , Sunda y 11 Januar y 2026
Despite the freezing cold conditions, the 80cm Eventers Challenge Team (Rosie C, Harriet L and Lilly S) rode exceptionally well to achieve a clear round each in the 80cm class, securing a win as a team. This was followed by stunning individual results, with Lilly S placing second, Harriet third and Rosie sixth. This means the St Teresa’s NSEA team now have 70, 80 and 90cm teams as well as several individuals qualified for the NSEA Eventers Challenge Championships at Hickstead in May, Well done team – this is a great achievement!
This Week
This week we focus on the Baptism of Jesus.
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Reflection
The story of Jesus reminds us that each of us has a divine vocation. A calling if you will. At Jesus’ Baptism we see that the Trinity is present: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Baptsim of Jesus also reminds us that we are beloved by God. We bare the image of the Trinity within us. Let us this year seek to work and move within God’s Spirit.
Prayer
Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed Him to be Your Son, anointing Him with the Holy Spirit: grant that we may be faithful to our call as Children of God, listening to you, guided by Your Spirit, to fulfil our unique and definite purpose. Amen.
Soup
Main
Vegetarian
Mild Beef Chilli Con Carne served in a taco & dips
Piri Piri Turkey with Pitta Bread, Baby Gem and Homemade Sauces
Locally Sourced
Oven Baked Pork Sausages with Onion Gravy
Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie
Pasta Bar
Mixed Bean & Quorn Chilli
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy
Feta & Spinach Filo Pie
Freshly Battered Fish, Breaded
Fishcake or Jumbo
Fish Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Sides
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Pesto Prawn Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Spicy Basmati Rice Steamed Sweetcorn
Potato Wedges Macho Peas Rainbow Slaw
Mashed Potatoes Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Braised Lentil Ragout
Macaroni Cheese with a Crispy Onion Topping
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Steamed New Potatoes Broccoli
Skinny Chips Garden Peas Mushy Peas (Sixth Form)
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Additional
Freshly Baked Bread Salad bar
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Dessert
Rice Pudding with a Selection of Toppings and Sauces
Fruity Flapjack
Apple Filo Pie with Custard
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
Chocolate Brownie Fresh Fruit Friday
