St Teresa's Senior Issue 22 Spring 6 March 2026 (1)
YOUR ESSENTIAL ROUND-UP FOR THE WEEK COMMENCING 2 March 2026
This Week’s Headlines:
This week, our Year 13s have been hard at work as they take on their mock exams With preparation for their final exams in a few months in mind, I have full faith in them to achieve the results they deserve. Good luck everyone and well done for all your effort and resilience.
The pupils from all three trust schools enjoyed an amazing tour of Paris. Spirits were high as they visited Disneyland and the 56 floor Montparnasse Tower, as well as experiencing a lovely river boat cruise along The Seine. They also wonderfully sang in two concerts at Eglise Saint-Sulpice and a care home, Fondation de Rothschild.
Well done to everyone!
On Wednesday, St. Teresas School of Thaumaturgy and Sorcery, as we are also known, welcomed potential Year 7s for a magically themed induction With help from some of our Year 10s, the young witches and wizards completed puzzles using their St. Teresa’s Spellbook to help them reach their Dining Hall party. This week, the school participated in Book Week! Author of ‘Rebel Hearts’, Ally Sherrick visited on Monday, handing out signed copies and chatting with our pupils, as well as talented Author Ali Sparkes of ‘The Shapeshifter’ series on Wednesday Throughout the rest of the week our pupils engaged in a range of activities, quizzes, and more, now feeling invigorated by a fun and productive time.
On March 2nd, we celebrated World Boarding Staff Day, and I couldn’t be more proud or more grateful for the wonderful team I’m lucky enough to work with every day. I surprised everyone with flowers, chocolates, and a beautifully signed thank you card from the Boarders. Seeing your reactions was truly lovely. It was a simple gesture, but one that captured just how much you mean to them and to me.
You make our boarding houses feel like home Whether you’re offering a listening ear after a long day, keeping routines running smoothly, cheering on achievements, or creating those everyday moments of warmth and laughter, you bring heart, stability, and joy to our community.
Thank you for your kindness, your patience, your humour, and your unwavering commitment to our young people. The work you do matters far more than you often realise, and I am endlessly grateful for everything you bring to our boarding family Happy World Boarding Staff Day to the very best team — thank you for all that you do.
BOARDING ENJOYED A VIBRANT WEEKEND IN CHINATOWN & A TRIP TO THE CINEMA
The weekend began with a trip to London’s Chinatown, where boarders immersed themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavours of one of the city’s most vibrant districts Students explored the bustling streets, enjoyed all the lovely food on offer from steaming bao buns to fresh bubble tea and soaked up the lively atmosphere that makes Chinatown such a special place to visit.
For many boarders, it was a chance to try new dishes, experience a different culture, and enjoy time with friends in a colourful and energetic setting The following day, the group headed to the cinema for a well-deserved relaxing evening. Laughter, excitement, and plenty of popcorn made for the perfect end to the day.
On Sunday, the boarding community gathered to celebrate World Boarding Staff Day, a moment dedicated to recognising the incredible commitment and care shown by the boarding team every single day The celebration was made even more special when the Head of Boarding surprised her team with a thoughtful gesture of appreciation.
She arrived with an armful of beautifully arranged flowers, boxes of chocolates, and a heartfelt thank‑you card signed by the girls The staff were genuinely touched by the kindness, and the surprise created a warm, joyful atmosphere in the boarding house.
It was a lovely reminder of the strong sense of teamwork and the deep appreciation felt across the boarding community a moment that highlighted just how valued the boarding staff are, not only by the pupils they support but by one another.
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.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
YEAR 9 ENGLISH
Our Year 9 English pupils may enjoy watching The Woman in Black, currently showing at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. This atmospheric and suspenseful production offers a fantastic opportunity for pupils to experience Gothic storytelling brought to life on stage. As Year 9 have been studying Gothic Literature this term, the play provides a brilliant extension of their classroom learning and a chance to deepen their understanding of the genre Showing in the Easter Holidays
The Woman In Black | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
EST MUSIC TOUR TO PARIS
The pupils from all three trust schools enjoyed an amazing tour of Paris. Spirits were high as they visited Disneyland and the 56 floor Montparnasse Tower, as well as experiencing a lovely river boat cruise along The Seine. They also wonderfully sang in two concerts at Eglise Saint-Sulpice and a care home, Fondation de Rothschild. Well done to everyone!
U14 HOCKEY
The U14's took on SWPS on a beautiful sunny Monday afternoon. The girls played with intensity, enjoyment and freedom which was great to see. They played some great attacking hockey, scoring multiple open play goals and winning frequent short corners, winning 5-0. Goal scorers were Kaiah, Liv, Ella and Saskia. A huge well done to the team!
U16 NETBALL
U14 INTERHOUSE NETBALL
The U14 Interhouse Competition was held on Monday 23rd February The competition showcased fantastic levels of talent, teamwork and house spirit. From the first centre pass to the final whistle, every match was played with energy, determination and excellent sportsmanship. A huge well done to everyone who participated and well done to St Dominic for winning.
U18'S NETBALL
ST T’S WIN AGAINST IBSTOCK
UNIVERSITY OF SURREY CAREERS FAIR
A brilliant morning for our Year 12 students at the University of Surrey, as they had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of universities and employers, detailing them on many exciting course options and future apprenticeships Our students came back inspired and motivated about their potential opportunities and next steps.
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!
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.
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
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
Freshly Battered
Fish, Breaded
Fishcake or Fish
Finger with Ketchup & Tartare Sauce
Macaroni
Additional
Spicy Basmati Rice Steamed Sweetcorn
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Cheesy Vegetable Enchilada
Vegan Sausages with Onion Gravy Feta & Spinach Filo Pie
Cheese with a Crispy Onion Topping
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Mashed
Potatoes
Potato Wedges
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
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce or Braised Lentil Ragout
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Skinny Chips
Mashed Potatoes
Panache of Mixed Vegetables
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
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
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher