E-weekly Issue 217 - 13 January 2023

Message from Miss Beary

Welcome back to everyone.

 While it is always a joy to be back, this week has not been without its challenges. As you know, Wednesday provided many of them as the whole school adjusted to a day without electricity. This was immensely tiresome, to put it mildly, not least for the Kitchens who had to provide lunch for everyone with the power cut half way through their preparations. Suffice it to say that no one went hungry, but there were some innovative and festive sandwich fillings. The girls were resourceful and resilient: Chemistry tests took place by candlelight and Ceramics coursework continued with head torches, as everyone just adapted and got on with whatever they were doing in a slightly different way. In the boarding houses, takeaway pizza and board games were a more than acceptable alternative to evening study.  In retrospect, the experience was not without some benefits.  Not only was it a useful reminder that it is possible to learn without a computer (how soon we forget!), but also that there is value in looking at things from a different perspective, and there are still some benefits to ‘old fashioned’ approaches!  Over the last month we have been without both water and power, luckily not at the same time, but at least we are not living in a war-zone. If these experiences help the girls, and indeed all of us, begin to understand and give even the glimmering of an insight into other people’s suffering, then it was a valuable experience. Having said that, I sincerely hope that the generators keep working until the electricity board have fixed the fault. Sunday is the anniversary of Cornelia Connelly’s birthday, so I am relying on her!

Lower Sixth Geography Trip to Stratford, East London

The Lower Sixth Geographers enjoyed a day out of the classroom on Wednesday, investigating urban change in Stratford, and comparing the Olympic Park and East Village to the older parts of Stratford. They spent time interviewing members of the public about their views of how Stratford has changed and assessing the environmental quality of the area. They saw how the Olympic legacy has brought much change to the area including attractive parkland and desirable apartments as well as the growth of various businesses in the area. They also considered issues of sustainability in the design of the new developments.

Mr Christopher Adams, Head of Geography

Jess selected for County Hockey Squad

Jessica in Year 10 has been selected to represent her county as part of the U15 Sussex Hockey squad. She trialled with them before Christmas and was chosen to attend the assessment phases, before being notified of her selection for the final squad over the holidays. Jessica is a keen sportswoman and represents Mayfield in Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Tennis and Athletics. In Hockey last term she made her debut for our 1st XI and she also plays for Crowborough Hockey Club. Congratulations Jess, we hope you are very proud! 

Mrs Georgina Fletcher 

A New Take on Reading Journals

Girls in Lower School have been using their Reading Journals to record their responses to the books they have read during their fortnightly library lessons. There has been a wide variety of work expressing reactions to the different titles read. From biographies of characters, to redesigned front covers, art as an emotional response as well as honest reviews of the narrative. Some amazing work so far, I look forward to sharing more this term.

Ms J Blagden, Librarian 

STEM Hero

Our incredible STEM hero to start the year is Hertha Ayrton - an amazing role model who made brilliant discoveries, invented a variety of products and was a pioneer for women scientists!

More information on Hertha Ayrton

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Teacher of Biology and STEM Coordinator

Sports Update

Senior Netball Pre-Season
On Sunday, the Senior Netballers had the opportunity to take part in a two hour pre-season Netball session to blow away those Christmas cobwebs. This included a fantastic strength and conditioning circuit led by Miss Jones, followed by taking to the court for some skills and drills. We did not manage to get as much game play in as desired as the darkest cloud rolled in over the hills and the hail and rain disrupted play. Nevertheless, the girls were able to end the session with some reflection and personal goal setting ahead of the new season.

Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 14 Jan - 2nd, 3rd & U16A Netball vs Lancing College
Monday 16 Jan - Swim Gala vs Benenden
Tuesday 17 Jan - U14A & B Netball vs Burgess Hill
Thursday 19 Jan - U15A, B & C Netball vs Burgess Hill
Saturday 21 Jan - U18 A, B & C, U16A & B, U15A, B & C & U14A, B & C Netball vs Eastbourne College

MESSy Food Waste Tips

Our latest tips are from Analyse, Jasmine, Selina and Holly in Year 9:
A good way to dispose of your food waste at home is by composting. Composting is an easy and sustainable way to ensure your waste does not end up in landfill, and you get something from doing it. You can lay your compost over plants to enrich your soil and provide moisture. You can compost by collecting your excess vegetables, fruit, egg shells and more (no meat) in a compost bin where you let it decompose. Composting is a very sustainable and resourceful way to get rid of food waste, and it is very easy.

More information about composting

Ronan's Reflection

This weekend sees the celebration of Cornelia Connelly’s birthday, January 15^th. We will celebrate with Mass on Sunday at 11:30am - all are welcome, in person or online, as the Mass will be streamed on YouTube.

Join Sunday's Mass

Perhaps we might take a moment this weekend to get to know Cornelia a little better, and even to (try to!) model ourselves on her saintly behaviour. What few retreat notes (private spiritual writings) that remain, give a remarkable insight into Cornelia’s character. It quickly becomes clear that she valued three things above all: charity, humility, and the will of God. During one retreat, dated April 1876 (3 years before her death in 1879), she examined herself on her charity:

1.  Have I allowed any feelings of dislike to grow up in my heart, to anyone?
2. Whenever I have perceived such feelings, have I immediately made an act of charity saying “O my God, I love you, and my neighbour as myself, for love of you”, or a Hail Mary for the person?
3. Have I made it an especial point to do as many acts of personal kindness as I could, either in words or action?
4. Have I been the first to apologise for any want of humility? Or charity? Remembering Our Lord’s words “Love one another as I have loved you.”

As a birthday gift to Cornelia, why not take a few moments this weekend, individually or as a family, to ponder the questions above, and commit to trying to “Love one another as I have loved you”. I’m sure she’d love it!

Tuesday evening Mass will be at 6pm. Again, all are welcome. Have a wonderful week.
Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

Lunchtime Vocal Recital - Helen Charlston

Parents, staff and students are all warmly invited to attend the recital on Wednesday 25 January at 1.45pm, given by mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston in the Concert Hall.  Helen is a rising star in the music world, a current BBC New Generation Artist in demand for vocal recitals and opera. She is an incredible talent and we are very fortunate to be able to host her for the recital, which will be 45 minutes long. Tickets are available from the Mayfield Festival website below.

Book your ticket

Dr Matthew Ward, Director of Music

Next Week's Menu

Menu w/c 16th Jan

News from the Friends of Mayfield

Burns Night Supper - Last chance to buy tickets

The School Shop

Welcome back after the Christmas Break.

Exams
As we move into the exam period, please let me know if there is anything you think we need to carry in the school shop to help with revision and the actual exams. We do carry some small button batteries for calculators – please note if you are bringing your calculator for me to replace the battery, you need to do this at least 24 hours before your exam.

Lost Property
See photos below - these items have largely been handed in over Christmas. If you think anything is yours please come to the school shop to collect it. All items left by half term will be sold for charity or disposed of.

Hoodies
There will be letters going to parents and guardians with regards to Celebration hoodies for Year 11 and Leavers Hoodies / Joggers for Year 13. Please make sure that you come and try on items for sizes in the school shop and pick colours. We need a selection of 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd choice of colours and the replies by the deadline set in the letter as we know there are disruptions to the supply chain. If we order early we have a better chance of getting everyone’s first choice of colours. Please note permission must be received from parents and guardians to purchase these as they will be added to your bill – there will be a link in the letter to click onto and send permission. Please note there is no price raise - cost is £26 per item – this is the same cost as the last few years.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager