Issue 8
Dear Parents,
Bulletin
Spring Term
6th March 2026
What a spectacular week we have had, and I do not wish to steal any thunder from content later in the bulletin, however, initially I wish to extend a huge thank you to Mrs Haymes for her excellent organisation of not simply Book Day, but a whole Book Week.
A week full of celebrating literature in all its escapism: fantastical, magical or historical detail We commenced the week with a visit from historical fiction writer Ally Sherrick with some wonderful workshops based on two of Ally’s books which fitted beautifully with our current Year 5 and Year 6 topics
Mrs Haymes ran our World Book Day assembly on Tuesday morning, where she talked about books, reading, both authors the girls will get to meet, and other competitions coming up in the week Then, later that day, every girl got to take part in their own Book Week Writing Competition, based around this year ’ s theme (St T’s theme) of Heroes and Villains
Wednesday saw a raft of quizzes, puzzles, dingbats and more with prizes for girls who completed the challenges
Thursday was such a joyful burst of colour as girls and staff came dressed in a vast array of outfits of characters from a wide range of fiction It was great to talk with girls about their characters and books they had read We had fun lessons of hot seating and character descriptive writing.
Friday’s celebration assembly included recitals of eight poems from our poetry competition winners and announcement of the writing competition winners.
Within and amongst all of that we held all our normal learning, fixtures, preparation for class assemblies and the Spring Concert which is next Thursday
Have a restful weekend – I think we will all need it for the push over the last two weeks of term!
Gareth Tindall
Class Assembly Dates 2025 - 26
25/03/26 - 5AB
29/04/26 - 5HT
At 8 30am in the Library
Refreshments will be served from 8.15am
Pastoral Pause
Have you looked ahead to this weekend in the calendar below? Tomorrow’s challenge to host a ‘story swap ’ (even if done impromptu) could be a wonderful moment in your life. Monday’s challenge to sit with someone new could spark a new best friend! And writing a thank you note to someone who challenges your perspective on life is a fantastic challenge – turning challenge into gratitude blesses both you and them.
As the picture below challenges, what would life look like for those around us if we truly scattered hope like wildflower seeds at the start of this Spring. While I am on the subject of hope and Spring – do get outside and walk, hike, jog around the local Surrey Hills this weekend, the flowerful beauty you will see bursting forth will so bless your heart and soul.
GOLDEN BOOK
Well done to all of the girls in our Golden Books this week:
5AB
Maddie J for demonstrating excellent determination and effort when ordering and comparing decimals.
Ellie F for her detailed and interesting character description of Henry VIII. Lily J for her super work on rounding numbers to one decimal place
5HT
Molly W for her work in Maths this week as we get to grips with thousandths as decimals Scarlett S for her enthusiasm during book week, from designing book covers to creating new and interesting characters, and finding book titles that begin with each of the alphabet letters.
6RG
Zoe G for her fantastic effort to use creative sentences and SHAMPOO to develop both characters and settings shown in her character creation and narrative. Well done.
Harper AS for her effort to develop her writing, using SHAMPOO and different sentence types to engage the reader. A super narrative with some fabulous imagery. Well done.
6MK
Sophia C, Rosalind D and Esther H for their excellent world book day costumes dressing up as Katniss Everdeen, Camicazi and Anne of Green Gables
DRAMA STARS
Year 5: Ellie F for working so hard to understand and learn her soliloquy.
Year 6: Anna R for her commitment and positivity in Drama lessons and Drama club.
SCIENTIST OF THE WEEK
Year 5: Ivy H and Hollie G for their excellent progress with our graph work
Year 6: Anna R for her excellent fossil research.
Daisy B for her effort and engagement with our fossils topic.
Bea S-G for sharing her existing knowledge and experience of fossils with the class.
Spring Term, 2026 Key Diary Dates:
What a fantastic array of Tudor dishes we have heard about from traditional chicken pies to jumbles. We talked about the use of modern kitchen equipment verses what the Tudors would have available to them This led on to a discussion about the preparation of food compared to the ease of a modern-day supermarket What an interesting experience this has been for all. Our thanks to the parents for their support at home - we hope enjoyed the products post production!
Last week, 6MK delivered a thoughtful and engaging class assembly all about the Second World War and the experiences of evacuees. The children spoke with clarity and confidence, sang with wonderful enthusiasm, and portrayed their characters with great sensitivity. It was a moving and informative performance that showcased both their hard work and their growing understanding of this important period in history
Year 6 have been researching Mary Anning as part of their topic on Fossils
Book Week Writing Competition
This year we introduced another inaugural competition in the form of a writing competition for Book Week The girls were challenged to spend one English lesson on Tuesday writing on the theme of heroes and villains from one of the four story prompts in our competition booklet They had five minutes to plan and forty five minutes to write their story
Mr Tindall, a previous Head of English in his career, judged all entries and picked two clear winners from each class and several Highly Commended runners-up. Each runner-up received a Headteacher’s Commendation earning ten merits for their house Each winner received a £10 Amazon voucher.
Below are the results – a huge well done to all participants and a special well done to our runners-up and winners
Highly Commended:
5AB: Eloise K & Florence D, 5HT: Hollie G & Molly W, 6MK: Sofia A, Elose B-S, Esther H, Carys D & Electra B, 6RG: Olivia L, Zoe G, Isla M & Jemima H
Winners:
5AB: Kimberley C & Ivy H, 5HT: Zoe G & Chioma N, 6MK: Sophia C & Rosalind D, 6RG: Sophia D & Jessica A
Poetry Competition
Just prior to the half term break we announced a new Prep School competition leading up to Book Week based around performance poetry. Every girl in the Prep School was challenged to memorise a poem of suitable content and length, then they had to learn it off by heart and turn it into a captivating performance The competition was held last week in English lessons, where girls performed their selected poems fantastically from a wide range of poets This morning the eight chosen finalists (two from each form) performed their poems for the whole Prep School
What a treat it was! From Year 5 we had a poem about homework from Chioma; Humpty Dumpty going to the moon from Leila; the classic Ahlberg ‘Please Mrs. Butler’ from Lily and a poignant ‘Adventure Inside’ from Eloise In Year 6 our finalists presented two poems about birds with captivating performances by Olivia of Hardy’s ‘The Robin’ and Thea’s interpretation of Eve Merriam’s ‘Three Birds’ Ros performed Michael Rosen’s poem ‘Toothpaste’ with the same exquisite poise and timing that the author himself would be proud of But stealing the show this morning was Daisy with a brilliant performance of Roald Dahl’s ‘Scorpion’ Well done everyone for your participation in this inaugural performance poetry competition and a special well done to our finalists
Book Week 2026
Book Week 2026
Book Week 2026
ST TERESA’S IS TAKING PART IN
Count your plastic for one week from 9 to 15 March
Thousands of people from households, schools and communities across the countr y will take par t in the UK’s biggest peoplepowered investigation into household plastic waste
By taking par t in The Big Plastic Count, you’ll help gather impor tant evidence to show the true scale of the crisis – and to tell the government we need them to produce less plastic. Since our last campaign, the UK has elec ted a new government – one that says it’s serious about tackling plastic waste
Orchestra
We were a little short of musicians and instruments at our orchestra rehearsal this week so we concentrated on performance directions, voicing and playing alternative parts - just in case we need to be flexible on concert day.
Chamber Choir
The most “joyful” of rehearsals as we organised our sta and fine-tuned the cues and entries
Music Makers
More stagecraft rehearsals and really tuning into one another as we discussed the magic and the risks of performing a capella!
Year 5
Musician of the Week:
Year 6 - Jemima H and Layla B - well done for creating your super spooky keyboard duet
Year 5 - Monica H - thank you for being so helpful in our ukulele group
We had a super rehearsals of our performance pieces again this week. 5AB have also been working on their assembly songs whilst 5HT explored Liszt’s composition techniques using keyboards. We were able to bring the mixed class ukulele groups together for a full rehearsal ahead of next week’s Spring Concert.
ar 6
njoyed working with all the Year 6 girls in preparation for heir Spring Concert performances next week n keyboard some groups have learnt to play Summertime and Set Fire to the Rain, also giving us the opportunity to compare performances by two great divas: Ella Fitzgerald and Adele.
St Catherine’s Cross Countr y
Our Year 6 team put in a brilliant performance at the St Catherine’s Cross Country. They faced a strong and competitive field but showed excellent focus and attitude from start to finish The girls ran with determination, supported one another brilliantly, and fully embraced the experience A great effort from all who raced well done!
U10 Netball
On Tuesday 3rd March, the U10s travelled to Tormead for their netball fixtures It was a glorious afternoon in the sunshine, and all four teams played some excellent netball throughout
The A team played a very close game, with both sides showing great determination. The players of the match were Kitty and Monica.
The B team also enjoyed a competitive and tightly matched fixture All the girls played really well, and it was great to see them so versatile in all positions The player of the match was Chioma
The C team enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of netball, taking part in a triangular fixture. The girls listened brilliantly to feedback throughout, working cohesively as a team to create numerous goal scoring opportunities It was wonderful to see their confidence grow with every match
U10 Gymnastics
Well done to all the girls that participated in the gymnastic competition on Wednesday morning. The girls had to practise and perform a short routine and then take part in vault Everyone performed their routine excellently Annabella came 4 in the floor and 5 in the vault th th
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
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
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!
Meet Chuffy
We are so pleased to welcome a beautiful new horse to the stables who is on loan to us from a local owner
Chuffy is now our biggest horse at STE at an impressive 17.2hh. He is also the ‘baby’ of the stables, being a mere 11 years old. He is a gentle giant and we are all quietly in love with him The yard staff say it is ‘like having a giant labrador’ Chuffy’s breed is Anglo European This is a relatively new breed which is known for horses that perform well whilst maintaining good temperaments.
Chuffy certainly seems to tick all the boxes. Whilst Chuffy waits for his licence to be used as a school horse, you ’ re welcome to come and say ‘hello’.
Summer Term Opportunities
If your child is interested in riding, the summer term is a great time to learn, with longer days and (hopefully) more clement weather.
We have the following slots available: Wednesday 5pm Thursday 4 30pm Friday 6.15pm
Please email equestrian@st-teresas.com if you are interested.
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light .And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
Reflection
The Transfiguration is one of the most beautiful moments in the Gospels Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain away from the noise, the crowds, and the pressures of daily life. And while He is praying, something extraordinary happens: His face shines like the sun, His clothes become dazzling white, and the disciples suddenly see Him as He truly is glorious, divine, and radiant with the love of God. First, the Transfiguration reminds us that God reveals Himself when we make space for Him.
Jesus goes up the mountain to pray. It’s in that quiet moment that the disciples see His glory. In our own lives filled with schoolwork, friendships, challenges, screens, and noise we must make time for God, give ourselves time of silence and stillness as it is in these moments God speaks to us
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You were transfigured on the mountain, shining with the glory of God’s love Help us to find moments of quiet where we can listen to Your voice.
When school feels busy or life feels heavy, remind us that You walk with us and that Your light is never far away.
Fill our hearts with courage, our minds with wisdom, and our words with kindness. Teach us to see Your presence in our friends, our teachers, and in everyone we meet today.
May Your light guide our choices and shine through everything we do. Amen.
Wednesday 18 March 6:00pm-8:00pm St Teresa’s School RH5 6ST
Or click HERE
Topics to include:
• How to grow Faith in our modern world
• Acedia (the spiritual vice you didn’t know you had)
• How AI and how social media is making it worse?
• Does St Francis still have anything to teach us?
Donations welcomed on the day going towards:
Running the event
Radio Maria Franciscan Friars of Renewal
FOST NEWS
A huge thank‑you to Mr Tindall from all the FOST reps.
Although the Valentine’s Dance was a couple of weeks ago, we wanted to take a moment to recognise the fantastic support he gave on the night. He kindly volunteered to stay late as we needed a member of staff and a first aider, and he was there before, during and after the event He even helped arrange a changing room for the girls. It truly went above and beyond the call of duty.
The Year 5 and Year 6 parents especially the class reps — are incredibly grateful for his help and commitment
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
Monday
Soup Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day
Main
Mild Beef Chilli Con Carne served in a taco & dips
Vegetarian
Pasta Bar
Sides
Mixed Bean & Quorn Chilli
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Pesto Prawn Sauce
Spicy Basmati Rice
Steamed Sweetcorn
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Additional
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Piri Piri Turkey with Pitta Bread, Baby Gem and Homemade Sauces
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Potato Wedges
Macho Peas
Rainbow Slaw
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Locally Sourced Oven Baked Pork Sausages with Onion Gravy
Creamy Chicken and Leek Pie
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy Feta & Spinach Filo Pie
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Mashed
Potatoes
Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Braised Lentil Ragout
Freshly Battered
Fish, Breaded
Fishcake or Fish Finger with Ketchup & Tartare Sauce
Macaroni
Cheese with a Crispy Onion
Topping
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Skinny Chips Garden Peas
Mushy Peas (Sixth Form)
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Dessert
Rice Pudding with a Selection of Toppings and Sauces Fruity Flapjack
Apple Filo Pie with Custard
Chocolate Brownie Fresh Fruit Friday
Make Mother’s Day extra special with a beautiful, seasonal bouquet.
Mother’s Day – 15th March
Mums love flowers! A beautiful bunch of seasonal blooms will brighten her day. Order your fresh flower bouquet for Mother's Day delivery and get £10 off by using code MD10.
We will choose the best blooms on the day for your gift just let us know Mum's preference: Bold, Pastel, Neutral or just let us choose for you We deliver in and around Surrey to postcodes KT, GU, RH, TW, SM & SW Use code MD10 for £10 off
