E-weekly Issue 215 - 9 December 2022

Message from Miss Beary

All thoughts this week are on Live Crib, or at least they are if you are a Prefect! We are looking forward to welcoming parents, girls and our local community to a proper Live Crib after three disrupted years. There have been some changes, not least that now the Middle House is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays there really won’t be any room at that Inn, but one of the joys of Live Crib is that the format remains essentially unchanged over generations. Parents are welcome to join us for mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. It will be another opportunity for us to come together to celebrate as a community, although of course if you are feeling unwell, perhaps it would be sensible to stay at home! It is always a joy to welcome back OCs, often reliving their own crib experiences, and many of them will be joining us on Wednesday. Others will be experiencing this special tradition for the first time. For some it will be the only religious experience of the season, and is a timely reminder to all of us of the true meaning and importance of Christmas. This responsibility is one that the senior girls take seriously. We now need to ensure that the weather is kind to us…. I hope to see you – but not snow - on one of the evenings!

Christmas Music Concert

On Tuesday, the Music department welcomed everyone to our Christmas Concert. 

Year 7 Choir opened with 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' - their debut in a concert at Mayfield - followed by Year 8 Choir with 'Fast Car'. We then had a stunning trio, performing Berlioz. Christina played the Harp beautifully alongside Annabel and Katie on Flute. The girls really demonstrated what can be achieved and the audience were captivated. This was followed by a complete change of direction, with the Jazz Collective performing 'bad guy' by Billie Eilish (who thought you would hear Eilish and Berlioz together!) and then a little Christmas cheer with Silver Bells, featuring solos by Mia and Pippa.

Our youngest ensemble then took to the stage! The department has had an influx of Year 7 flautists and led by Mrs Crowley, made their debut. Schola performed a sweet arrangement of 'Little Donkey' with a little twist, care of Dr Ward. With Teresa on Cello and Christina on Piano they accompanied a vocal performance of Berlioz' 'La Captive' led by Yueshi. Hopefully our younger performers were inspired by our Year 13 performers.

The Orchestra performed 'Symphony No. 41' by Haydn before the slower pace of Elgar's 'Nimrod' where the Orchestra filled the Concert Hall. They then took off again with a bright and driving 'Theme from the Avengers' which went down well with the audience. Finally, the massed Year 7 and 8 Choirs finished with a cheerful rendition of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' with fantastic actions to accompany!

Well done to all of the girls involved and thank you to everyone involved in a fun and festive concert. I also hope those that joined us, enjoyed the yummy mince pies and mulled wine! 

Mrs Le Riche

Improvisation workshop

Mayfield Theatre Company Juniors have been working diligently every Monday afternoon, building performance and collaborative skills through practical drama exercises. This all came to an accumulation on Monday when we held our inaugural improvisation competition. This consisted of the company being given 30 minutes to produce a piece of theatre based on the title 'The Announcement'. In groups of four, the mixed Year 7 and 8s performed an array of different plots and characters, whilst using a variation of dramatic techniques. Mr Smith and I were delighted to see that all six groups showed how much they had progressed in ability since the start of term.

However, it was not for us to judge the winning teams. The Year 13 Drama Prefect, Lottie, the Drama Ambassador, Phoebe and the Year 12 Drama Scholar, Yaa watched the live performances taking into consideration creativity, character interpretation, clarity and communication. Afterwards they gave useful critiques to each group, and then decided who should come in first, second and third place. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded by the judges, and all seemed to have a fun time. Congratulations to all those who took part, I was most impressed by how you all conducted yourselves and the support you gave one another. Special congratulations to the Gold medallists - Hester, India, Natalia and Lola!
Mrs Gerstmeyer, Head of Drama Department

"It was very interesting learning about the different improvisation techniques which included flashbacks, narration, humour, we also learnt how to maximize the space we had to make sure our performance wasn’t too crowded. I particularly enjoyed using flashbacks as it was hilarious.  I was very excited when our group had to perform our piece first as we had worked very hard on it! We were pleased with the positive feedback we got from the judges. Though we were very anxious to hear the results, but the wait was worth it! We were very proud of each other for receiving 1^st place, and well done to everyone who participated!"   - India

"I really enjoyed judging the competition on Monday, I was so impressed with the standard of acting from the girls having had such a short time to prepare. They were all so funny and included amazing use of theatrical devices whilst managing to remain in a certain time limit. They welcomed me so well as a judge whilst also encouraging and congratulating each other like true Mayfield girls. Well done!" - Lottie

Mayfield girls excel at MUN

Mayfield girls excelled at Model United Nations (MUN) yet again earlier this week at the 15^th Benenden MUN, as delegates for Argentina, Australia and Vietnam on a wide range of committees. In addition, there was a historic Classical Civilization Committee which Becca joined as delegate for Eretria debating the question of the regulation of the Olympic Games. For Sofia and Alice in Year 9, Honor and Alicia in Year 10 and Abigail in Year 12, it was their first external conference and they all came back buzzing. Katie in Year 11, representing Australia on the Human Rights Council, had her resolution on the question of protecting the professional freedom of journalists chosen for debate and she left at the end of the day as a commended delegate. As the Headmistress of Benenden stressed at the opening ceremony, it is more important than ever before that young people engage in the world around them and the issues it faces, and our girls are doing just that. 

Mrs Kasia Kilvington, Head of International English

Festive Food

Year 12 Culinary Skills Girls have been getting in the Festive Spirit making Cinnamon Snowflake Bread!

Mrs Sue Smeaton, Head of Food and Nutrition
 

Sports Update

Christmas Hockey Fun

'It’s the most wonderful time of the year' 
This week saw one of the most highly anticipated events in the calendar - Christmas Hockey Fun - take place. Both the Lower School and Senior Squad girls are divided into festive teams and offered the opportunity to play in a mini tournament, 'dressed to impress' with their interpretation of the Christmas theme. A fantastic effort was made, bringing both laughter and joy to the lessons. 

Winners 
Year 13 v Year 12 - Year 13 Sheperds (featuring Mrs Nixon in goal) 
Year 8 - The Elves 
Year 7 - The Christmas Trees 

We are looking forward to seeing what Year 9 and 10 have in store for us next week. 

Worth the fixture       
On Saturday, five teams played their final game of the season in a block fixture vs Worth. The 1XI, 2XI and 3XI all played at home with the U15 and U14 teams travelling away. The results are below and you can find the match reports on SOCS. Every single girl who has played this season should be so proud of the progress they have made. 

1^st XI 3-2 (W) MOM - Poppy S
2^nd XI 0-0 (D) MOM - Maria U  
3^rd XI 1-0 (W) MOM - Zara G
U15A 2-0 (W) MOM - Ines E 
U14A 1-0 (L) MOM - Anna H

Miss Emily Starr, Director of Sport

Mayfield retain County Team Title

On Saturday, Mayfield’s Equestrian team retained their East Sussex county open team title and Ella took the 1.10 Individual title. Fleur was second in the novice class and narrowly missed qualifying as an individual. Lots of our younger riders were stepping up a gear & also in the grass roots regional finals on Sunday. Overall, some good performances in the freezing weather! 

Leeds House Christmas Party

Last weekend, Leeds House celebrated the Season of Joy in our annual Christmas party.  All the boarders joined in with gusto and enjoyed games and treats in the festive atmosphere of our courtyard.

St Dunstan’s Festive Fun

On Friday evening, the girls in St Dunstan's enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner provided by the catering team, followed by a festive quiz written by Head Girl Elizabeth. Miss Tompsett was promoted to Quizmaster, with Miss Ruival and Miss Taylor taking on the tough task of marking and judging performances. There was singing, laughing, and a little friendly competition. It was a very close result, and two teams had to go to a tiebreaker - a dance off! One of the Year 13 teams came out on top, earning themselves a yule log prize. A great time was had by all.

Year 9 Bowling Social with Tonbridge 

On Friday, Year 9 had their first social with Tonbridge Boys School. They went to Hollywood Bowl in Tonbridge, which offered the perfect vibe for the girls and their new friends to enjoy two games of bowling whilst enjoying their favourite snacks and drinks. However, the fun did not stop there as they also took over playing in the amusements, where some head-to-head Mario Kart driving, and competitive air hockey took place. A great time was had by all and we are already looking forward to the next social in the new year. 

Christmas in Gabs

This weekend Christmas came to Gabs, as the girls spent Saturday morning making delicious Yule Logs in Food and Nut followed by some decorating of the House on Sunday. The tree is up, decorations are in place and there seem to be fairy lights everywhere! Amongst the festivities we found time for a trip to the Fitness Room, swimming, badminton and a rather chilly walk in the woods in Rotherfield accompanied by dogs Kodi, Pickle and Tilly of course.

Mrs Pippa Whitby

Ronan's Reflection

This Sunday is known as ‘Gaudete Sunday’ in the Church calendar. ‘Gaudete’ is Latin for ‘Rejoice’. This weekend we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, to represent joy. And there are many things for which we can be joyful right now - the fact that Live Crib is returning in all its glory (26 angels, 5 babies and one donkey later…);  the fact that this Sunday we have the privilege of welcoming Olivia Jane Burns into the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism; the fact that Santa Claus tells me that most of the Mayfield girls have made the Nice List… Joy is everywhere, if we just pause and take time to look for it.

So this weekend, why not wear something pink to remind yourself to be joyful, and make the effort to look for the joy around us. The poem below gives us some ideas of where to begin:

Gaudete

Because Christmas is almost here
Because dancing fits so well with music
Because inside baby clothes are miracles.
Gaudete

Because some people love you
Because of chocolate
Because pain does not last forever
Because Santa Claus is coming.
Gaudete

Because of laughter
Because there really are angels
Because your fingers fit your hands
Because forgiveness is yours for the asking
Because of children
Because of parents.
Gaudete

Because the blind see.
And the lame walk.
Gaudete

Because lepers are clean
And the deaf hear.
Gaudete

Because the dead will live again
And there is good news for the poor.
Gaudete

Because of Christmas
Because of Jesus
You rejoice.

(Brad Reynolds)

Mass this Sunday is at 11:30am - all are welcome. Due to Live Crib, there will be no Tuesday evening Mass this week.

Emmaus Group
In recent times, a number of students have indicated a desire to, or expressed a curiosity about, pursuing the next step of their faith journey.

For some, this might mean choosing to be baptised. For others, it simply means having the opportunity to explore and ask questions about their faith, and the teachings of the Church.

Beginning in January, we will be hosting an ‘Emmaus Group’, which will take place each Thursday A2 during the Spring Term. The name ‘Emmaus’ reminds us of the journey that must take place, and the role Jesus plays in breaking open and explaining the Scripture to us. While the group’s primary purpose will be to prepare young people to receive the Sacrament of Baptism around Easter, the simply curious, who aren’t yet ready to make a commitment, are also very welcome. There will never be any pressure put on any young person.

Please, over the Christmas break, consider having a conversation with your daughter, and ask her if she’d like to try out this club - whether or not she wants to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Sessions will take place in a relaxed, informal, atmosphere, with an emphasis on learning about one’s relationship with God and taking ownership of your own faith life. There will be no charge for this club, although there will be lots of hot chocolate and Kahoot quizzes.

Hygiene Bank Collection

"Hi all, thank you so much for all the donations to the hygiene bank so far I just wanted to remind you that next week is the last week to donate! Let’s try and get as much as possible as the amount of donations often fall around Christmas – last year we were one of their only donators – I’ve attached a picture of our donations from last year where we raised 80 kg!"

CAFOD Christmas Coffee Morning

Come and join us on Saturday 17th December from 10.30 am -12.30 pm  in the Courtyard at School. Enjoy tea, coffee, mulled wine and mince pies by the warming log fire. There will be the popular bottle tombola stall, chocolate tombola, grand raffle and much more.  All proceeds go to CAFOD

Christmas Cards

Finally, Christmas cards featuring the artwork of Fiona in Year 13 are now available from Andrea in Reception, costing £5 for a pack of five. Please do pop in if you would like to buy any cards.

Sister Jean’s Marvellous Marmalade

Sister Jean has been busy making marmalade, which can be purchased from the School Office for £2 per jar (cash only please). All proceeds go to Mary’s Meals. Money raised is currently being matched by charitable funding, until the end of January.

News from the Friends of Mayfield

Mayfield Dog Calendar
A huge thank you to all of you who sent in such delightful pictures of your dapper doggies for the calendar. It has been a pleasure to see them all! The winner of the chocolates is Lana in Year 8 for her sweet picture of fluffy Ollie with his cuddly toy. Watch out for the Mayfield Dog Calendar when it comes out next year! 

Upcoming events
Year 12
Christmas coffee, Friday 16 December @ 10.30 am, The Middle House (in the lounge).
Please let Laura (laurascriven@btinternet.com) know if you plan to attend.

Year 10
End of term brunch/coffee and cake, Friday 16 December @ 10.30am, The Middle House.
Please let Fiona know if you plan to attend on 07742 279264.

Year 13
Christmas dinner, Wednesday 14 December @ 7pm, The Middle House.
If you would like to attend, please contact Sheenagh (sheenagh68@yahoo.co.uk) or Meredith (portmermeredith@hotmail.com)

Burns Night Supper

From the School Shop

Sports Bras
These are now in stock in the school shop. The APTUS Sports Bra is specially designed to support girls’ bodies during sports. This is the first sustainable, fully reversible sports bra, developed specifically for use at school.

Lost Property
Latest lost property pictured below, please collect from the school shop if any items are yours.

Shop Closure
The school shop will not be open on the last day of term – Friday 16th December. Please can you ensure that you have everything you need from the shop by Thursday 15th December – we will shut at 3:30pm.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Holidays.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

Menu for Next Week

Menu w/c 12th Dec