E-weekly Issue 218 - 20 January 2023

Message from Miss Beary

This week we marked the anniversary of Cornelia Connelly’s birth in 1809. As with most celebrations, there was cake.  In fact, we had individual cakes with pictures of Cornelia in edible icing. (This looked amazing, although I have to admit was a little disconcerting to eat!)

Many of you may have observed with a wry smile the recent news article that now eating cake is bad for your health. At a time when we are all tightening our belts, it seems particularly curmudgeonly to deny such small pleasures. The idea that eating cake at work - or at school - could be equated with passive smoking and should be similarly vilified to me seems ludicrous. To ban cake - and celebrating - for everyone just because an individual might over-indulge does not seem to me to be the sign of a civilised or compassionate society. As with many things in life, eating cake in moderation is good, to excess is bad. Self-control is a lesson we all need to learn at some point: sooner rather than later. Enjoying cake as part of a balanced diet with appropriate exercise is to be commended. More importantly: celebrating together over food - be it sharing everyday achievements with friends at lunch, or major events as a school community - is a reflection of our faith and a fundamental part of Mayfield life. We shall continue to encourage girls to eat wisely and well, and cake will be consumed with relish and unashamedly!

Year 11 Pyjama Day

Year 11 held their charity day today. They invited pupils and staff to donate £1 to be able to attend school in their pyjamas - a good way to keep cosy on this cold January Friday. During the A1 slot, Year 11 ran stalls including face painting, thrift sale, guess the sweets in the jar and a pic and mix stall. They have worked hard to organise this event and would like to thank everyone for their support. All money raised will go towards this year's school charity - the Sandra Jones Centre. The total sum raised will be announced next week.

Ms Eva Garcia Claramonte, Head of Year 11

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

Sports Update

U18B & U16A Netball vs Lancing
Last Saturday saw the opening fixtures of the Netball season, with Mayfield coming out on top in two matches against Lancing. Both matches were played with enthusiasm and helped to truly dust off the Netball cobwebs.

The U18B game finished 31 - 5 to Mayfield. The player of the match was Bella D and coaches’ player of the match was Grace T.

See full match report on SOCS - U18B

The U16A game finished 26 - 5 to Mayfield. The player of the match award was shared by Helly and Tilda E and the coaches’ player of the match was Georgia S.

See full match report on SOCS - U16A

Sadly Lancing were unable to bring over their U18C team, so our girls played an internal training game against the Mayfield Squads.

Unfortunately our mid-week fixtures were postponed due to the icy conditions.  

Swimming
On Monday our swimmers headed off to Benenden for the second time this season. It's always a friendly and fun gala with much talk of the pizza and brownies to come afterwards. The girls certainly deserved their post gala tea, swimming well against their opponents, especially those who swam up an age group in various races - Anna, Elsa and Valentina. Although the Senior and Inter Squad did not come out on top this time, the results were close. The Juniors however did something truly exceptional – winning every single race of the gala! They all contributed to this, and I know that Kitty was very proud of how well all of her team swam. The next gala is away to Sevenoaks School on Monday 30th January, where we hope to see them swim just as well as this gala.

Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 21st January – Netball: U18A, B & C, U16A & B, U15A, B & C, U14A, B & C vs Eastbourne College
Wednesday 25th January – Netball: U13A, B,C & D, U12A, B, C & D vs Roedean
Thursday 26th January – Netball: U15A & B vs Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School

Congratulations
British Rowing recently held The Festival of Indoor Rowing, a virtual challenge. Sophie P in Year 13 won two gold medals! Her first gold was in the women's 4 minute race and her second in the Sixth Form 1 minute challenge. A fantastic performance!

Meeting with Local Parish Councillor

Last Friday Lower Sixth Geographers had the chance to talk to a local parish councillor, Patricia Balfour. The discussion was a fantastic opportunity to find out more about Mayfield for their study of their ‘local place’, focusing on the changing character of the village. The girls learnt about local planning issues, the planning process, life in the village and how the School forms an important part of the local community’s life and employment.

The Geography department is always looking for opportunities to talk to those with particular interests that might further enrich the girls’ studies and would love to hear about any new contacts for this and other parts of the curriculum.

Mr Christopher Adams, Head of Geography
cadams@mayfieldgirls.org

Battle of the Bands

Last Sunday saw Battle of the Bands raging in Leeds House. The girls - dressed for the occasion - sang and danced to their favourite songs and amazed and entertained everyone with their talents. 

Petra Kotesovska, Housemistress, Leeds House

Year 12 International English Outing

Last Saturday, a small group from the Year 12 International English class were taken to have afternoon tea in a beautiful and very traditional British hotel called Horsted Place, near Uckfield. 

"As international students, we enjoyed sampling typical cakes and English tea with milk. We were keen to experience this traditional aspect of British culture and enjoyed scones, sandwiches, Battenberg cake, and brownies. We particularly liked the scones with cream and jam and the lemon posset desserts! It was a really nice afternoon and one to remember."

Giulia, Year 12

Ronan's Reflection

Pope Francis' prayer for the month of January is for educators. Let's spare a moment to pray with His Holiness for the teachers and all the staff (educators in their own right) of Mayfield who constantly go the extra mile to care for our girls. As 'workers, not the master builder', they continue to educate and form the incredible young women of the Mayfield community. 

God bless them all. 

Pope Francis' prayer intention for the month of January

Mass on Sunday is at 11:30am, and Tuesday is at 6pm. All members of the Mayfield community are welcome. 

The Wateryard Group Presents: 'Female Transport'

This play is being performed in Mayfield’s Concert Hall during February half-term.

The play follows the voyage of six women convicts being transported as punishment to Australia in 1807, brutally managed by their imposing jailer Sarge. The voyage takes six months, and their treatment is harsh. However, there is much humour amongst the women as they forge friendships and alliances to help survive the ordeal.

The play includes adult themes and language and is suitable only for 15 years and older.

Book your tickets

Drop off 

Please may we ask that you do not drop off your child in the no parking zone outside the primary school – we have had a number of complaints. Please instead enter the School grounds and use a parking bay to drop off your daughter. Thank you.