This Week’s Headlines:
What a wonderful way to end the term. The Festivities began on Tuesday with our Senior School Carol Service, a truly uplifting evening that highlighted the musical talents of our pupils and set a warm, festive tone for the days ahead It was also the day the school announced my appointment as the official Head of St Teresa’s a tremendous honour, and one I am delighted to embrace!
As the week continued, the school was alive with creativity as Interhouse Arts rehearsals took place through Wednesday and Thursday. The enthusiasm, teamwork and sheer effort shown by our pupils were evident throughout, and it was a pleasure to see each House preparing with such commitment.
By Friday, the festive spirit was in full swing. The Interhouse Arts performance was a fantastic showcase of talent, followed by the ever-popular Staff Panto, which brought plenty of laughter to the hall. Our Christmas Lunch was, as always, a highlight complete with a much-loved array of desserts and we ended the day with a reflective Advent Liturgy, drawing the term to a thoughtful and meaningful close.
It has been a joyful and memorable week, and I wish all our families a peaceful, happy Christmas and a well-earned rest
Mr Field
BOARDING NEWS
We wrapped up our final weekend of term in true festive style! The boarders enjoyed a brilliant Christmas Pantomime – Snow White. It was absolutely hilarious and thoroughly entertaining for all.
The girls dressed up beautifully for the Boarders’ Christmas Party, where we indulged in an amazing spread prepared by the Harrison’s team. Steak, chicken, nachos, chocolate brownies everything was delicious
The evening ended with a special prize-giving by the Head of Boarding, celebrating the girls’ good behaviour, hard-earned merits, and of course, the Boarder of the Term – well done, Maria!
To finish, we sang our hearts out with some unforgettable karaoke. What a fantastic evening we all had!
Merry Christmas everyone - from the Boarding Team
CAROL SERVICE
A huge thank you to the Music Department for organising such a wonderful carol service. I’m sure all who attended will agree that it was a fantastic performance from start to finish, with everyone singing beautifully!
MUSIC EXAM RESULTS
Well done to everyone who did their music exams recently. You all did incredibly well and should be highly proud of the results you achieved!
Piano
Grade 5 - Arabella C - Merit
Violin
Grade 8 - Gabriella DPG - Distinction
Grade 8 - Felicity H - Distinction
Harp
Grade 4 - Alana E - Distinction
Flute
Grade 3 - Eleanor B - Merit
Grade 5 - Felicity S - Merit
Clarinet
Grade 5 - Mia Q - Distinction
Singing for Musical Theatre
Grade 5 - Amelia D - Merit
Singing
Grade 3 - Jane H - Distinction
Congratulations to everyone!
CHRISTMAS CAKES
Year 8 decorated some beautiful cakes this week in their ft h l l b W th were much appreciated at 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
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!
Happy Christmas!
The STE Elf has been very busy this past week helping out around the yard He hopes that some of you will come and join us over the Christmas holidays for some festive fun on our Pony Mornings. We have a number of spaces in the week commencing 15th December. Please do email equestrian@st-teresas com if you are interested Otherwise we look forward to seeing you in the new year and wish you all a very restful and happy Christmas break.
NSEA NEWS
Grassroots Showjumping Qualifier
Felbridge Equestrian Centre Poppy E went to Felbridge Equestrian Centre on Sunday with her pony Betty for the Grassroots Showjumping qualifiers being held there.
The Grassroots section of the NSEA is aimed at those riders just starting out in their competitive career, and is an opportunity for them to gain competitive experience whilst still learning their craft. Despite the howling wind and rain and an enormous field of competitors, Poppy came third in the 60cm class! This not only qualifies her for the Regional Grassroots Championships but also the Grassroots Festival at Hickstead in August.
This is a fantastic achievement for Poppy so please do join us in celebrating her success.
This Week
Bible Reading
A reading from the Book of Isaiah
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Reflection
The Incarnation is the story of God seeking us out drawing us together, meeting us as we are where we are in all our different difficulties and struggles. Healing our wounds and restoring us to who we are called to be. The word became flesh. In humility God’s love reaches down to us. “Behold I knock”. Everything is changed. This Advent make space for Jesus. His Love is the only thing that will fill our aching hearts.
Prayer
God of hope
Be with us as we wait in anticipation of your coming.
God of peace
Still our hearts and minds that we may hear your word
God of joy
Saviour, Son of God, Word made flesh, Emmanuel, God here with us
Come among us now and make your home in us. Amen.
"Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society."
~ St Francis of Assisi
Week 1
Main Hong Kong Style
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Slow Cooked Beef Lasagne
Vegetarian
Sweet & Sour Quorn & Pepper
Roasted Vegetable Lasagne
Roast Pork with Crispy Crackling, Yorkshire Pudding, Apple Sauce & Gravy
Loaded Mexican Chicken Nachos with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Pasta Bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Sides Egg Fried Rice Broccoli
Additional
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Braised Lentil Cottage Pie with a Sweet Potato Top
Freshly Battered
Fish, Breaded
Fishcake or Jumbo
Fish Finger with Ketchup and Tartare Sauce
Cajun Aubergine & Bean Taco with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Cheese and Baked Bean Turnovers
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Four Cheese Sauce
Garlic Bread Roquette & Balsamic Tomato Salad
Thyme Roasted Skin on Potatoes Sauteed Cabbage
Vegetable Rice Green Beans Carrots
Skinny Chips Garden Peas Mushy Peas (Sixth Form)
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Dessert Lemon & Poppyseed Drizzle Australian Crunch
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Apple & Berry Crumble & Custard
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans Freshly Baked Bread
Salad bar
Chocolate Marble
Jacket Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly Baked
Bread
Salad bar
Cake & Chocolate Sauce Shortbread Biscuit
