BOARDING WELCOME BACK
It has been wonderful to welcome our boarders back after the break The house feels complete again with laughter in the corridors, chatter over supper, and a renewed sense of energy as we head into a vibrant half term together.
The grounds themselves seem to have joined in the celebration. Daffodils and snowdrops are bursting through with perfect timing, and even the sunshine has made a few welcome appearances to greet the girls' return. It feels like spring is gently nudging us forward.
Over the next four weeks, we have an exciting programme of trips and activities chosen by the girls themselves—that everyone is looking forward to. From outdoor adventures to creative workshops and local excursions, the coming month promises plenty of opportunities to explore, unwind, and make new memories.
Here’s to a joyful and lively half-term ahead, filled with friendship, fun, and the first signs of spring!
PUBLIC SPEAKING TEAMS
On the same night our Sixth Form debating team competed in the Rotary Senior Semi Finals at Junior Merrow School near Guildford. Our team comprised of Isabella (Chairperson), Finlay (Proposer) and Malia (Opposer). They argued the motion that 'Narcissists can be effective leaders.' Isabella won the best Chair prize. Overall, our students gave an outstanding performance but were narrowly beaten by St-John's; owing to their exemplary debating, they have been invited to the final competition which will be held in Reigate on Saturday 28 March and we applaud them! th
LUNAR NEW YEAR & DEI ASSEMBLY
This week, our school celebrated Lunar New Year 2026 – the Year of the Horse, with a vibrant and informative assembly led by our DEI Ambassadors. Pupils were introduced to key traditions such as the Chinese zodiac, the symbolism of the horse, and the joyful customs that mark the star t of the lunar calendar
Throughout the week, pupils engaged in a series of hands on and creative ac tivities inspired by the festival as well as the assembly. Pupils explored traditions like lion and dragon dances, lucky red decorations, red envelopes, and the significance of family reunions. In tutor time pupils created Lucky Horseshoe crafts, linking the Year of the Horse theme to a fun and meaningful ac tivity. And on Thursday we had a special Lunar New Year buffet menu showcasing festival foods such as dumplings, fish, and other symbolic dishes representing prosperity and good for tune.
UK INTERMEDIATE MATHS
CHALLENGE
uge co g atu at o s to ou ea 9 a d ea 10 pup s w o ece t y too pa t t e UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC). The IMC is a nationally recognised competition that stretches problem-solving, logical thinking, and mathematical creativityand our pupils rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Overall, we had 36 participants across both year groups, with 12 achieving either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award. These included: Katharine (Best in School - Gold), Ruoxi (Best in Year 9 - Silver), Kaitlyn (Gold) and Ines, Chloe, Gabriella, Katarina, Lucy, Anais, Ophelia, Sanjana and Eva achieving Bronze. Two of these pupils, Katharine and Kaitlyn, have been entered into the follow-up round - the Pink Kangaroo - taking place on the 19th March. Well done to everyone involved for representing the school so positively and embracing the opportunity!
1 XI MATCH AGAINST SWPS
IAPS SWIM QUALIFIERS
On Tuesday, St Teresa’s proudly hosted the IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) Swim Qualifiers for the very first time, welcoming six schools for an afternoon of high-quality competition With several teams travelling from London, the excitement began building well before the first race, and the buzz on poolside was electric as swimmers, coaches and supporters prepared for a fantastic gala.
The standard of competition was exceptionally high, with races closely contested across all age groups St Teresa’s U10 and U11 teams delivered outstanding performances, demonstrating not only impressive skill and determination but also superb team spirit. Every race was fiercely fought, and the evenly matched nature of the competition made for a thrilling spectacle from start to finish.
The girls performances were the culmination of months of hard work and commitment from our swimmers Throughout the year, pupils have attended early morning training sessions and after school sessions, consistently demonstrating resilience and focus in the pool. Their dedication to improving starts, turns and finishes was evident in every race, and their positive attitude towards training has been instrumental in their success. It was clear to see how much progress had been made since the start of the year
Hosting the IAPS Qualifiers was a tremendous effort from the entire St Teresa’s community and it was a proud moment for the school to stage such an important fixture in the swimming calendar.
We now face a nervous wait to hear whether our swimmers have done enough to secure qualification for the finals in June at the London Aquatics Centre St Teresa’s looks forward to building on this success and hopes to continue hosting this exciting event in the years to come.
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!
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR EXAMS
Please take note of the the next parent webinar on how you can help your child prepare for exams on 3 March 2026 at 6pm. rd
Click here to Register
A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that come from the mouth of God.’”
Reflection
Lent has now officially started, well it did last week on Ash Wednesday. Perhaps we see Lent as a difficult time, a time of testing and hardship. Yet Lent truly is a time to grow in freedom. To loosen and cast away those many things that can bind us, entrap us and trick us. Lent is about turning our hearts to the one who loves us and to align our lives once more with His Grace.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
You entered the solitude of the desert not to display power, but to reveal the depth of Your love a love that refuses every false promise and every distorted image of God.
Grant us, O Lord, a heart that listens before it speaks, that seeks truth before comfort, that chooses fidelity over the easy path
When we are tempted by noise, by distraction, by the illusion of self-reliance, draw us back to the simplicity of Your word.
In the Name of the Father ...Amen.
Soup Soup of the Day Soup of the Day Soup of the Day
Main Chicken & Vegetable Korma
Vegetarian
Paneer & Spiced Root Vegetable Dhal
Pepperoni or Spicy Chicken & Jalapeno Pizza
Margaritta Pizza
Chicken Katsu Curry
The Cheshire Cat’s Pink Beet Soup Soup of the Day
Freshly Battered
Mad Hatter’s Pie Party (Chicken and Bacon or Braised Beef)
Pasta Bar
Sides
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Cheesy Pesto Sauce
Naan Bread Pilau Rice
Spiced Greens
Additional Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Mixed Potato Wedges
Corn on the Cob Cesar Salad
Jacket
Potato & Baked
Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
Sticky Sweet Chilli Cauliflower
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bacon Carbonara Sauce
Queen of Hearts Jam Tarts (Goats Cheese and Red Onion Jam)
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Bolognaise Sauce
Fish, Breaded
Fishcake or Fish
Finger with Ketchup & Tartare Sauce
Teriyaki Glazed Aubergine in a Steamed Bun
Pasta with Tomato & Basil or Four Cheese Sauce
Steamed Rice
Sautéed Asian Vegetables
Jacket
Potato & Baked Beans
Freshly
Baked Bread
Salad Bar
The White Rabbit’s “I’m Late!” Root Vegetable Medley
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 Unicorn Sponge
‘Rocky Road’ Cookie Tray Bake
Apple and Pear
Crumble with Custard
Items in Italic - Sourced from F Conisbee’s, our local butcher
Selection of Themed Desserts
Chocolate Rice
Crispy Square