Well, I know it’s a terribly British thing to talk about but today in assembly Sophia informed us that so far it has rained every day of 2026! Our move to playing on the netball courts may have been cut short on a number of occasions, but it has led to the discovery that the Sports Hall is often available during Prep lunch break and the girls are loving running around in there and practising their football, basketball, netball or simply their ability to make up games.
A huge well done to the Year 6 parents this week, who were not to be outdone by Year 5 parents in turning up to our Open Book event. It was great to see so many of you in Room 44 sharing a coffee and croissant and then packed into the classrooms sharing your daughter’s learning, progress and successes of the past half a year.
Looking ahead to next week we have assembly, lessons and activities based around Children’s Mental Health Week, where the theme is ‘This Is My Place’. Helping us reflect on where how we belong in ourselves, what are the places and who are our people that help us be at peace and feel we belong. We will reflect on our community as a place of belonging and how our Value Of The Year (Compassion) helps us to ensure everyone feels a special part of our school.
On Tuesday, we pause to reflect on Internet Safety Day and reflect on how we create safe spaces to ‘belong’ online. Later that day, we have our online parents’ evening too.
On Wednesday, we host the annual Year 5 French Breakfast with our Trust pupils and colleagues. That evening we host our in-person parents’ evening.
On Friday, be aware we are holding a charitable mufti-day in support of children’s charities supporting cancer research. Pupils are welcome to come in own clothes and by popular demand via School Council this includes PJ mufti (girls are encouraged to bring slippers to wear in the classroom but trainers or other shoes for venturing outdoors).
Believe or not, by this time next Friday we are at half term and will be officially half way through the school year!
In preparation for next week, let’s spend the weekend reflecting on this quote from Indian guru, Osho: ‘Never ask, “Who is my real friend?” Ask, “Am I a real friend to somebody?” That is the right question.
Enjoy your weekend,
Gareth Tindall
Pastoral Pause
As we look to next week’s Children’s Mental Health Week and we prepare the girls to think on the theme of ‘This is my place’, on where and how they belong, let’s reflect on these three principles:
Firstly, it is difficult to help others feel like they truly belong when you are cutting yourself off. Unforgiveness of others blocks belonging, but equally so does unforgiveness of yourself. You did the best with what you knew at the time. Forgive yourself and move forward. Although, perhaps you made mistakes – newsflash: we all do – forgive yourself and move forward.
The most effective way to build a safe place where people feel they belong is through compassion and love – so develop your communities and deepen belonging this week through showing love to others whenever there is an opportunity.
A third way to really build belonging, trust and community is through gratitude. Therefore, find ways to actively and genuinely thank people for the work they do. Start this week, but let it become a systemic practice, let it become the norm, that we seek out, identify and verbalise where people are being successful at their roles. “They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Carl W Beuchner (American writer, poet and theologian)
God Bless You, Gareth
SpringTerm, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
LAMDA & ASC 11th February 2026, Change ofVenues
Golden Book
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB Emilia C for her effort and focus in English lessons; for working hard to incorporate taught skills in her written work.
Ivy H for her well-organised and balanced argument for and against the execution of Anne Boleyn.
5HT Ottilie H and Annabella H for their use of direct and indirect speech when discussing, as the eavesdroppers in The Great Hall, the gossip in Henry VIII's court.
6RG Isla S for her consistently positive attitude towards her Maths work, tackling new concepts and working to apply these to solve problems.
Jemima H for her use of emotive language, along with key details to show the time period, shown in her evacuee letter home.
6MK Megan S and Clemmie W for their fabulous work in Maths this week where they have been discussing and solving two-step equations with growing confidence and skill.
Esme S for her wonderful enthusiasm and excitement when rehearsing for our class assembly.
Drama Stars
Year 5: Molly W for her use of facial expression and gesture when performing the opening scene from 'Macbeth'.
Year 6: Electra B for her enthusiasm and confidence when rehearsing a scene from 'The Wizard of Oz'.
Scientists of the Week
Year 5: Monica H for consistently making excellent contributions during class and her scientific write ups.
Ellie F for her write up about our separating mixtures experiment and her attitude toward Science this week.
Year 6: Clammie W for her excellent explanation of how shadows are formed.
Sienna D-N for working so hard on her excellent shadow diagrams.
Artist Stars
5AB Florence D has created a strong and inventive line and colour work based on the artist Hundertwasser. She has produced a highly effective design in colour, using deep and relevant colour combinations. She worked well independently.
5HT Sara W has shown a passion for the subject and enjoyed creating her own version of a variety of Hundertwasser paintings. She has developed some of her own imagery by looking closely at the reference pictures and interpreting the idea behind the art.
6RG Jemima H has taken great care to achieve all the key learning points in her oil pastel work based on a David Hockney landscape. She has shown an excellent focus in observing how Hockney blends colours to create a variety of effects, from highlighting where the sunlight falls onto a tree, to using muted tones in the background.
6MK Thea S has shown a high level of skill in her Hockney art using oil pastels to create a landscape from a reference picture. She has matched the colours carefully and applied mark making techniques with energy and accuracy.
Pyjama Mufti Day for Charity - 13/02/26
On Friday 13th February, we’ll be joining the Senior School to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust and Missio. Pupils are invited to arrive in their cosiest PJ’s and bring a £2 donation to help us raise funds for these charities.
Hug-in-a-mug: Hot chocolate will be served at breaktime for all pupils.
Key Dates 2025 - 26
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.
These dates are as follows:
Spring Concert, Thursday 12th March, 18.30 to 19.30
School Production, Thursday & Friday 25th & 26th June , 18. 00 to 19.00
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 community events.
Class Assembly Dates 2025 - 26
25/02/26 - 6MK
25/03/26 - 5AB
29/04/26 - 5HT
At 8.30am in the Library
Refreshments will be served from 8.15am
FOST 2nd HAND UNIFORM SHOP
Submission forms are under FOST 2nd hand uniform on the St Ts website: Second-hand Uniform Shop
REMINDER: CASH or CHEQUE only please for the foreseeable future.
Open Fridays 8.30am-9am and First Saturday of every month 10:30am 11.00am by appointment only:
Please contact Wendy or Camilla: Fostuniform@gmail.com
Year 6 RE, Feeding of the 5000
This week, Year 6 explored one of the miracles of Jesus: The Feeding of the 5000. Pupils reflected on the significance of this event and expressed their thoughts and feelings through artwork inspired by the Christian artist Hannah Dunnett.
Using her style as inspiration, the children created thoughtful and expressive pieces that capture both the key moments of the miracle and their personal responses to its message of generosity and faith. Here are some wonderful examples from 6RG
Year 6 Science
In Science, Year 6 have been making and using periscopes as part of our topic about light. They learned that they can see over and around things whilst staying hidden so that they could spy on each other. Watch out! They've taken them home now!
A Huge Well Done to Jessica S!
We are delighted to celebrate Jessica S in Year 6, who showed incredible determination, kindness and resilience last weekend while supporting her friend Amy in a demanding charity challenge.
Jessica joined Amy on Box Hill, walking around 7 kilometres and climbing the hill five times to help keep Amy motivated throughout the 48 hour event. By Monday morning, her legs were understandably a little sore, but Jessica remained proudly upbeat, knowing she had contributed to something truly meaningful. Throughout the challenge, supporters worked in shifts to make sure Amy was never alone, and Jessica played a wonderful part in that team effort. Her enthusiasm, positive spirit and willingness to help demonstrate exactly the qualities we value so much in our pupils.
The challenge, which has already raised over £9,150 for the Dylan Strong Foundation, will directly support the children’s cancer ward at the Royal Marsden.
Photo notes:
• Pic 2: Jessica (right) with her dad, ready to tackle the climb.
• Other photos show the progress of the challenge Jessica helped support – from the early laps to the final ascent reaching the height of Everest.
We are incredibly proud of Jessica for her commitment and compassion. She represented our school beautifully and made a real difference.
If you’d like to read more about the challenge or donate, visit: Amy's hiking the height of Everest for The Dylan Strong Foundation
This competition aims to 'encourage students globally to creatively embed their Maths learning in a meaningful and engaging context through creating short maths story picture books'.
Winners will receive a cash prize of £100, and their school will also receive £100.
More information can be found here: https://www.mathsthroughstories.org/competitions.html
Past winning and shortlisted entries for 2025 can be found using the link below. Further examples can be found on the website.
https://www.mathsthroughstories.org/ymsa2025.html
The deadline for entry is 13th March to allow entries to be submitted by the closing date and entries should be sent to c.ridulfa@st-teresas.com
Please check the submission guidelines as there are clear rules about how the story should be presented. Support documents to aid planning are also available on the website.
Good luck!
Mrs Ridulfa
Music News
Orchestra
The orchestra continued to work on Waltzing Matilda this week, carefully contrasting the different rhythmic patterns. It’s been lovely to see the growing confidence of our newer members.
Music-Makers Club
A wide range of performance rehearsals this week, ranging from Jemima H and Mrs G. playing a flute duet, Arabella N singing a solo and Ivy H, Lily J and Millie G collaborating on drumkit, guitar and piano. Throw in a few cups and a spot of singing and it makes for a wonderfully uplifting lunchtime!
Chamber Choir
We experimented with a new skill (for all of us!) this week: rapping! This required plenty focus on pronunciation, annunciation and articulation. Everyone dived in with fearless enthusiasm: well done, Chamber Choir!
Musician of the Week
Year 5 Florence H well done for offering such wonderful descriptions of the music we listened to, and for adding in some musical terms too.
Year 6 Ania S and Carys D thank you for preparing and sharing your piano duet in class.
Year 6
Year 5
This week Year 5 have been listening to piano music composed by Liszt; Funeral Prelude and Mephisto Waltz were pre-recorded and Consolation No. 1 was performed live by Mrs G. They considered the contrasting styles of each piece, describing the musical features and including some appropriate musical vocabulary. In the ukulele classes, the girls have experimented with different strumming patterns and attempted faster chord changes.
Year 6 have been rehearsing their audition songs for the Wizard of Oz production; auditions will take place on Friday 13 February. They have also chosen and started to learn their repertoire for the Spring Concert. In the keyboard classes, some of the girls have continued to practise reading and playing notations around middle C, whilst other have consolidated their learning of the first 10 notes and enjoyed the opportunity to play on the piano, noticing how different it is to a keyboard.
Sport
News
Year 6 Interhouse Hockey
Despite the rain pouring down, the U11 interhouse hockey match was packed with energy, smiles and brilliant effort from start to finish. The wet conditions made things tricky underfoot, but that didn't stop the players from giving it absolutely everything.
All teams showed great determination, chasing every ball and supporting each other well. There was some excellent passing, brave defending, and a real willingness to keep playing positively even as the rain got heavier. The goalkeepers worked hard in slippery conditions. While attackers kept pressing and creating chance. A great effort from everyone involved, proving that a bit of rain can’t dampen enthusiasm or teamwork. Well done to all players for an enjoyable and spirited interhouse tournament. Well done to St Benedict for winning the interhouse hockey tournament!!
Netball
Unfortunately the U10 netball tournament was cancelled due to the weather. While it was disappointing not to be able to play the scheduled matches, the girls made the most of the situation with a productive indoor practice session instead. The girls showed great attitude, staying positive and focused throughout. The session worked on core skills such as passing, footwork, movement and teamwork with lots of energy and enthusiasm on display.
Winter Olympics
Make sure you tune in to watch the Winter Olympics this weekend!
Pupil News
If your daughter has completed any sporting achievements outside of school, the PE department would love to hear about them. Please email Mrs Hitchman with a short description and photo to a.hitchman@st-teresas.com
Fixtures (week commencing 2nd February)
• Tuesday 10th February U11A-D Netball V Downsend and Danes Hill (H) 2:30pm
• Thursday 12th February U10&U11 Swim Gala V Rowen & Manor House (H) 3:45pm
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.
St Teresa's Effingham | Sports Home
Prep Clubs, Spring Term 2026
MON
TUE
WED
Years 5 & 6, Netball Club (7.50 - 8.20, Sp. H)
Years 5, Forest School
Years 6, Forest School
Orchestra, by invitation Grade 1+ standard)
Years 5 & 6, Hockey Goal Keeping Club
Years 5 & 6, Netball
Shooting Club
Year 5, Tennis Squad practice (Invitational only, after half term)
for 7 – 16s, St Joseph’s Primary School, Kingston KT1 2UP
Monday 16 – Thursday 19 February 2026
Monday 30 March – Thursday 2 April
Sessions run 10:10 – 12:15 pm daily (Full day care/ sports camp available)
Learn how to touch type 40+ words per minute with 95% accuracy. Using correct fingers and posture, touch typing is far more productive for schoolwork and exams.
Beginners, improvers and advanced typists are warmly welcome. We mix formal technique with the latest app games to make learning to type fast, fun and effective.
Flip crazy skate ramps, zap aliens and collect superhero movie rewards while learning an amazing skill. Typing proficiency will significantly boost your child’s academic attainment in today’s digital world.
Prior to setting up Typing’s Cool, Sarah Holt worked as a teacher at Weston Green School and Nick Holt was a secondary school Head of English.
Cost: £176.00 per place OFSTED registered - childcare vouchers accepted 10% discount for siblings/ bring a friend Duke of Edinburgh skills assessor
Apply at www.typingscool.co.uk or contact sarah.holt@typingscool.co.uk
Advanced skills touch-typing club
Friday lunchtimes 12:45 – 1:15 pm
Typing’s Cool teaches touch typing to 40+ words per minute with 95% accuracy, using correct fingers and posture. Typing proficiency significantly boosts school and exam attainment in today's digital world.
Beginners, improvers and advanced typists are warmly welcome. We mix formal technique with the latest app games to make learning to type effective and fun.
Flip flying skateboards, zap aliens and collect cool movie outfits while learning an amazing skill.
Club fee: £146.00 per term.
Save 25% by paying with childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare. Contact us for details.
To book a place email: sarah.holt@typingscool.co.uk
Prior to setting up Typing’s Cool, Sarah Holt worked as a teacher at Weston Green School and Nick Holt was a secondary Head of English. We are both passionate about helping all pupils fulfil their learning potential.
Nick and Sarah Holt, Typing’s Cool Ltd, School House, St Joseph’s Primary School, Kingston KT1 2UP 07812 632238; sarah.holt@typingscool.co.uk; OFSTED reg no. EY473171; www.typingscool.co.uk
Menu—w/c Monday 9th February 2026
Hot lunches include a selection of family favourites and suitable alternatives for children with allergies and intolerances.
Week 3
Soup
Main
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Soup of the day
Piri Piri
Mild Beef Chilli Con Carne served in a taco & dips
Vegetarian
Pasta Bar
Mixed Bean & Quorn
Chilli
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Pesto Prawn
Sauce
Spicy
Basmati Rice
Turkey with Pitta Bread, Baby Gem and Homemade Sauces
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon
Carbonara Sauce
Potato
Wedges
Locally Sourced Oven
Baked Pork
Sausages with Onion Gravy
Cantonese
Corn Soup
Served with Traditional
Milk Bread
Gong Bao
Chicken or Spicy Prawn
Noodle Stir Fry
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Mashed
Potatoes
Ginger & Soy Fried Tofu
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Egg Fried Rice, Garlic Asian
Greens.
Soup of the day
Freshly Battered
Fish, Breaded
Fishcake or Jumbo Fish Finger
Macaroni
Cheese with a Crispy
Onion
Topping
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Skinny Chips
Sides
Steamed
Sweetcorn
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Additional
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Dessert Apple Crumble with Custard
Macho Peas
Rainbow Slaw
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Vegetable
Spring Rolls
Prawn
Crackers
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Banana Spring
Garden Peas
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Fruity Flapjack
Fresh Fruit Platter
Rolls with Toffee Sauce or Matcha & White
Chocolate
Cookies
Valentine
Themed Desserts
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
