A BUSY & JOYFUL WEEKEND IN BOARDING
It has been another wonderfully full and vibrant week in boarding, with so much to celebrate and enjoy together
At the weekend, our boarders headed off on an exciting trip to Battersea Power Station. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the train journey into London, embracing a little independence and adventure along the way. Once there, they explored the shops, enjoyed time together, and soaked up the lively atmosphere of this iconic riverside destination. The return journey was just as smooth, with plenty of chatter about favourite purchases and highlights from the day!
Sunday offered a gentler pace. Some boarders attended church, taking time for reflection, before a practical trip to Sainsbury’s to pick up essentials ready for the week ahead. The afternoon saw suitcases open and laundry underway as everyone began packing and preparing for half term
This week has also been filled with celebration and reflection in house We marked Lunar New Year with decorations and conversations about traditions and culture, embracing the opportunity to learn more about one another’s backgrounds. Alongside this, the house has been sprinkled with a little Valentine’s cheer, and kind gestures shared between boarders.
Importantly, it has also been Children’s Mental Health Week, and we have taken time to focus on wellbeing within boarding Through conversations, check-ins, and small acts of kindness, we continue to ensure that boarding is not just busy and fun, but also supportive and nurturing. Creating space to talk, reflect and look out for one another remains at the heart of what we do.
There is never a quiet moment in boarding and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
YEAR 11 POETRY
A selec tion of beautiful poems that were written by our Year 11s in their English lesson, inspired by Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers '
INTER-HOUSE DEBATE RESULTS
We are delighted to share the results of this year ’ s Interhouse Debate Competition. Across all year groups, the standard of debate was exceptionally high, and every participant should feel proud of the clarity, confidence, and critical thinking they brought to the stage.
Congratulations to our winning houses and well done to every pupil who took part Preparing a debate takes real commitment researching evidence, rehearsing arguments, and working collaboratively as a team.
Your effort, discipline, and resilience were clear throughout A sincere thank you also goes to everyone who came along to support. The energy in the room, the cheers for each team, and the respectful atmosphere you created made a significant difference.
Interhouse events thrive when the whole community gets behind them, and you certainly did
Thank you again to all involved, and well done for an excellent competition.
CHARITY TUCK SHOP
On Wednesday the Chaplaincy Tuck shop sold a number of items to raise money for Mary's Meals This was a whole school effort as the Food Club baked some Valentine Cookies and these were sold for £1 each Well done everyone. Small things with great love.
FIORELLA DE MARIA VISIT
Fiorella De Maria visited St Teresa's on Tuesday to speak to Year 7 about being an author and about a book she has written on St Maximilian Kolbe Pupils were reminded that they all have a unique gift to offer the world and that we are all called to be heroes
CAREERS TALK FROM BBC
INTER-HOUSE NETBALL IGNATIUS OVERALL WINNERS!
The Interhouse Netball Competition was successfully held on Monday 9 February for Year 9 Pink Squad. The event was organised to promote teamwork, sportsmanship and healthy compeition amongst the students. All houses participated with great ethusiasim and commitment.
The matches were played in a round-robin format, allowing each house to compete against the others. The players displayed excellent skills, coordination, and determination throughout the games. Several outstanding performances were noted during the competition, particulary from the shooters and defenders who demostrated accuracy, agility and strong defensive tactics
At the end of the competition, St Ignatius emerged as the overall winners - well done Ignatius!
U18 MAVERICKS NETBALL SELECTION
Tayla (Year 11) has been selected to play for the U18 London Mavericks Netball Performance Development Pathway This is an incredible achievement and a true testament to her hard work, dedication and talent. Being chosen for such a prestigious programme reflects not only her skill on the court but also her commitment, resilience and passion for the game Competing at this level will provide her with outstanding opportunities to develop further, challenge herself and grow alongside other talented athletes. We are immensely proud of everything Tayla has accomplished so far and excited to see her continue to thrive in her netball journey.
U13 NETBALL NETBALL
SURREY QUALIFIERS
The U13 Girls A team played brilliantly at the Surrey Netball Qualifiers, showing great determination, teamwork and competitive spirit throughout the day. The girls worked incredibly hard in a series of tough matches, demonstrating resilience and a real desire to succeed. After some closely fought games, they finished an excellent 3rd overall, narrowly missing out on progression to the next round. A fantastic effort from all players and a performance to be very proud of.
U13 NETBALL NETBALL
SURREY QUALIFIERS
The U13 indoor cricket team went into the second round at St Bede's School feeling confident, with a strong and experienced squad for the two-match series.
In the first game, we batted first and scored 93 runs The opposition replied with 67, giving us a strong start to the series. Although our innings began a little slowly, we found our rhythm by the fourth over and started scoring some great runs.
In the second game, we batted first, scoring 69 runs all out in the eight overs. We made a very strong start when bowling, with three wickets in the first over The girls continued this exceptional bowling and fielding, bowling St Bede's out within the first four overs, with the team only scoring 43 runs
A special shout-out goes to Lilia-Anna for her fantastic bowling performance, earning Player of the Match, and to Rachel for her excellent wicket keeping throughout the fixture. A fantastic all-round team performance means we progress to the third round. Congratulations!
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!
This Week
A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Reflection
Each Beatitude is both a comfort and a challenge comfort, because God is close to the poor, the gentle, the sorrowing, and the persecuted; challenge, because we are called to embody these attitudes in our daily lives.
When we choose kindness over pride, peace over anger, forgiveness over resentment, we begin to reflect the heart of Christ. The Beatitudes remind us that life is not always easy. We face challenges, but these challenges can ultimately draw us towards the one who made us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You teach us the way of blessing through the Beatitudes. Make our hearts humble and open, our actions gentle and merciful, our choices rooted in justice and peace. Bless us when the path feels difficult, and strengthen us to live as Your disciples. May our lives reflect Your Kingdom here in our school and in the world. Amen.
Monday
Soup Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day
Main Hong Kong Style Sweet & Sour Chicken
Vegetarian
Pasta Bar
Sweet & Sour Quorn & Pepper
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Sides Egg Fried Rice Broccoli
Additional
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Slow Cooked Beef Lasagne
Roasted Vegetable Lasagne
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Garlic Bread
Roquette & Balsamic Tomato Salad
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Roast Pork with Crispy Crackling, Yorkshire
Pudding, Apple Sauce & Gravy
Braised Lentil Cottage Pie with a Sweet Potato Top
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Thyme Roasted Skin on Potatoes
Sauteed Cabbage
Loaded Mexican Chicken Nachos with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Cajun Aubergine & Bean Taco with Sour Cream, Salsa & Cheese
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Freshly Battered
Fish, Breaded Fishcake or Fish
Finger with Ketchup & Tartare Sauce
Cheese and Baked Bean Turnovers
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Four Cheese Sauce
Vegetable Rice Green Beans Carrots
Skinny Chips Garden Peas
Mushy Peas (Sixth Form)
Dessert
Lemon & Poppyseed Drizzle
Salad Bar Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Australian Crunch
Salad Bar Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Apple & Berry
Crumble & Custard
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
Chocolate
Marble Cake & Chocolate Sauce
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Shortbread Biscuit