E-weekly Issue 220 - 3 February 2023

Message from Miss Beary

I am currently at the Catholic Independent Schools’ Heads’ conference in Harrogate. This opportunity to share with other Heads the joys and challenges of working in a Catholic school is like a Day of Recollection for Heads and is immensely inspiring and affirming. Bishop Stock of Leeds celebrated mass with us this morning and was acknowledging the importance of our Catholic schools in educating and forming individuals who are not only prepared academically, but also formed in terms of values and commitment to contributing to the wider community in which they live. This cannot happen without the commitment of amazing staff who give so much more than simply their academic expertise, to ensure that our girls achieve a holistic, practical value based education; valuing and appreciating wisdom more than just knowledge.

Tomorrow we welcome in to the school all those who have offers to join us in Year 7 in 2023. The future generation of Mayfield girls are taking their first steps on the next stage of their journey. This sense of new beginnings is exciting for all of us, particularly as teachers, as we ponder the infinite opportunities ahead of these young girls. Preparing them to respond to the needs of the age and walking with them is a great privilege. These girls come from a variety of backgrounds with different educational experiences. We want them to experience an inclusive supportive community and also to share their experiences and contribute their skills and talents to our growing community.

It is all very exciting and I can’t wait to meet them and their parents! I just have to navigate the A1 and M25 to get home!

National Youth Theatre comes to Mayfield

Last Saturday, eighteen students in Years 10 to 13 took part in a National Youth Theatre workshop and audition. The audition was to determine gaining membership to the company. The morning involved three hours of drama exercises and improvisations, which was led by a practitioner from the National Youth Theatre. After lunch each one auditioned individually, having prepared a monologue beforehand. The students had a really enjoyable, fun and enriching experience. The results of the audition will be issued through the National Youth Theatre. 

Sally Gerstmeyer, Head of Drama Department

"During the morning we enjoyed a workshop including a range of exercises and games to build trust in ourselves and others. We explored how one could create a piece of drama from very few components such as a nursery rhyme, one piece of dialogue and a rhythm or song, illustrating how drama can be formed from very little constituents. After the workshop, we were given the opportunity to audition for the National Youth Theatre, where we could perform a monologue of our choice in a very comfortable setting. What I expected to be a daunting and nerve racking audition, turned out to be very fun and relaxed!"

Eloise in Year 11

Wealden Schools Partnership Debate

On Tuesday seven Year 10 girls - Skye, Alexa, Leona, Onnae, Erin, Mabel, and Dominique - travelled to Bede’s for the Wealden Schools Partnership Debating Event. Congratulations to Onnae and Alexa, who received awards for their outstanding debating performance.

Mr Paul Ferguson, Head of Politics

Inter-House Debating: Year 9

Year 9 Inter-House debates continued this week as Astor took on Glennie, debating the motion ‘This House would ban cars from city centres’. Glennie emerged victorious thanks to Cordelia and Hope and will take on Curie in the final in March. Curie recently beat Bronte in a very close debate that left the judges extremely impressed and faced with an intensely difficult decision, after debating the motion ‘This House believes that the British Museum should return the Elgin marbles’.

Mr Paul Ferguson, Head of Politics

Tea Time Talk

Last Thursday, Lucinda Bothwell, a local artist based in Ticehurst gave a Tea Time Talk about her work restoring the beautiful wall mural in Gresham. She carried out this project fifteen years ago and vividly remembered having to touch up the foliage on the trees and bushes and other elements in the painting. Some parts also needed to be re-plastered and Lucinda had to create a special blend using horsehair to match the original composition.

She went on to tell the girls about various other mural projects she has worked on, both in the UK and internationally, and some for very famous clients. Success did not come easily to Lucinda, however, and she was very open in sharing her journey to her current stage of life.  Lucinda offered a fascinating example of hard work, resilience and persistence in pursuing your dreams, and it was lovely to see the girls engaged and asking lots of pertinent questions. 

Mrs Kasia Kilvington, Head of International English, Gifted and Talented Coordinator

Weekend Boarding Trips 

Our boarders from Years 7 – 10 were out last Saturday afternoon on two very different type of trips. Leeds House (plus a few from St Gabriel’s) went to Rotherfield Pantomime to see Jack and the Beanstalk. This was the first time some of our girls had ever been to a Pantomime and they had great fun. Several of our girls were even brave enough to go up on stage! Meanwhile, Gabs’ girls were busy bouncing at Urban Jump, a local trampoline venue. There were a variety of activities for them to take part in, from gladiator type challenges to foam pits and targets. They discovered just how tiring it is to jump for so long!

On Sunday, Leeds' girls visited Temper Temper chocolate workshop where they made a lot of chocolate goodies. They learnt how to make chocolate florentines and various chocolate shapes which they decorated and took home with them. A perfect trip for a cold winter afternoon.

Ski Racing in Flaine

Last Friday, Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Whitby took ski girls to Flaine, in the French Alps, to compete in the British Schoolgirl Ski Races 2023. The girls spent the weekend race training with a specialist ESF race instructor before the competition began on Monday. It was the first time the races had taken place since 2020 and the conditions were perfect.

Monday morning kicked off early with the Giant Slalom event. Darcy, Mayfield's ski scholar, had a frustrating first run when she caught a pole and a ski came off - however she set the bar with her second run and secured a top 10 time. For the remaining girls it was their ski racing debut and they all managed two clear runs on the Giant Slalom course.

In the afternoon the Parallel team event took place. Our three Year 11 racers - Darcy, Mathilda and Helena - knocked out Wimbledon in the first round with a convincing win. The next round saw them up against Woldingham, who were ahead after the first two racers had finished their runs, but Darcy pulled it back to take the win on the line and the trio were through to the quarter final of the races for the first time! They were sadly beaten in the quarter final by a very strong Aiglon College team, a British school in Switzerland. 

Day two was the turn of the Slalom, the more technical event of the races. All the girls put up a good first run, with Siena close to a minute and competing well. Darcy again secured a fast time and was in contention for a podium position. For the final race of the event Sonya improved on her first run time, demonstrating real commitment and bravery. Darcy, first down in an impressive time of 46 seconds, had to endure the entire rest of the second run before her well-deserved podium place was confirmed!  In the afternoon the girls were all able to go for a free ski with their teachers and enjoy the snow and sun before returning for the prize giving in the evening. 

Many thanks go to our volunteer gate judges and also to Mr and Mrs Whitby for all their hard work and support. And a special mention for Amelia in Year 7, who travelled with the team as a reserve to attend the training and support them on race day - all good preparation for next year when she will be old enough to compete for the school! 

Mrs Fletcher 

The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge

On Wednesday, students from Year 9, 10 & 11 took part in the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The problems on the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.

Here are the first five questions from this year’s challenge:

Well done to the girls who took part; results will be back in March.

Mrs. Sally Howie, Deputy Head of Mathematics

STEM Club

In STEM club, Elizabeth, Christina and I have been working on some experiments using an interferometer set up with a laser, often used on University Physics courses. The interferometer allows you to split a laser into two beams which then come back together to produce a pattern.

Some of the experiments we have conducted include: finding the wavelength of the laser light by adjusting the beams and observing the change in the pattern; seeing how the pattern changed when a candle was placed under the laser, making the green rings move with the flame.

In 1848 a Physicist called Fizeau created an experiment to measure the speed of light that we are going to try and recreate. The experiment involves a rotating cog that, at a certain speed, alternately blocks the light from passing through. This allows you to find the light’s frequency and hence speed, which is a really important constant in physics.

Charlotte, Upper Sixth

News from Froghole Farm

As the days grow longer, there are more opportunities for the Year 12 students who visit Froghole Farm to see how the farm runs. This week Farmer Guy Brickell gave them a tour of the machinery that he uses. They learnt how the tractor has evolved over the decades to become more efficient and even had an opportunity to test their driving skills! Guy explained how farming has changed and about the impact of global warming and fuel prices and how diesel is likely to be replaced with hydrogen to address these issues.

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Sports Update

Swim Gala vs Sevenoaks
On Monday we travelled to Sevenoaks for a Swimming Gala and despite a depleted squad (injuries and illnesses), the girls swam really well. A special mention must go to Sarah (Year 13) who in Mrs Whitby’s absence, helped the staff massively by contributing towards the organisation of the team on the day. Special mentions also to Kitty (Year 8) who swam up with our seniors and didn’t look at all out of place and Maria U (Year 9) who took on her first individual medley and not only swam well but also really enjoyed the experience. Well done girls, you should be proud of how you swam.

U15 Lady Taverners Cricket
Wednesday saw a return to Cricket with the U15 Lady Taverners indoor tournament. Unfortunately, due to the national state school strike, it ended up just being us and Bede’s left in the tournament, so we played a best of 3 series. The first game didn’t go to plan and after setting a below par score, we were not able to hold Bede's to a low score. The second game was like watching a completely different team. We had energy, we were more alert and set a bigger total. However, again we were unable to get over the line and Bede’s quality shone through as a very good side. Special mention to Jess (Year 10) who retired in two of the three games, bowled well throughout and captained well. Unlucky girls, there is always next year.

Netball
U14 A vs TWGGS
Lost 12-18
Players of the Game:  Sofia and Maggie

U14 B TWGGS
Won 15 -8
Players of the Game: Ana and Cordie

The U13A-D and U12 A-C teams went to Lingfield on Wednesday.

U12 A
Lost 3 - 20
Players’ Player: Fo, Coaches’ Player: Brianna

U12 B
Lost 2 - 16
Players’ Player: Benedicta, Coaches’ Player: Valentina

U12 C
Lost 0 - 6
Players’ Player: Lucia, Coaches’ Player: Dilys and Layla

U13A
Lost 11 -28
Players’ Player: Deborah, Coaches’ Player: Lily

U13B
Lost 9 -15
Players’ Player: Kitty, Coaches’ Player: Tallulah

U13C
Lost 2 - 20
Players’ Player: Lucia, Coaches’ Player: Amelia

U13D
Lost 3 - 20
Players’ Player: Jess, Coaches’ Player: Sophie

Full match reports on SOCS

Upcoming Fixtures:
Saturday 4^th February
U18A & B vs Roedean
U16A & B vs Roedean
U15A-D vs Roedean
U14A-D vs Roedean

Tuesday 7^th February
U15A SISNA
U14A SISNA

​Thursday 9^th February
U15A & B vs Bedes

Duke of Edinburgh's Awards

Mayfield’s latest Silver DofE Awards Holders Charlotte, Katie and Phoebe received their Silver DofE certificates and badges this week. 

Charlotte and Katie earned their Silver DofE Award by volunteering for 6 months, helping in their boarding house. They improved their riding skills and coordination for their physical section. Charlotte also spent 6 months improving her piano playing for her skills section, achieving her Grade 5 Piano, whilst Katie showed a high degree of commitment to her flute playing and gained her Grade 4 Flute. 

Phoebe volunteered to help her elderly grandfather, keeping him company and comfortable. Her assessor reported that she not only met her goals but she more than exceeded her goals in making her grandfather happy and content throughout the day. She really enjoyed her ballet lessons and rowing for her other sections and improved immensely in both. Phoebe is currently working through her Gold DofE Award and I hope to update Mayfield News on her progress in the future. 

The girls enjoyed the challenge of their Practice and Assessed Expeditions and were great team members. Well done to all three girls.  You have shown commitment, compassion and determination amongst many other skills as you worked through your Silver DofE Awards. 

Mrs Mary Saunders, DofE Manager

Ronan's Reflection

On Thursday, we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple. The fourth Joyful Mystery, and the third revelation in the Gospel of Luke of Jesus as the Christ child. Forty days after Christmas, the day is perhaps better known as Candlemas Day.

During liturgy this week, I recalled the first time Mrs Lavery and I brought our daughter to Mass. I recalled our nervousness around nappies, feeding, what would we do if she had a tantrum, and what about the worst case scenario - nappy breach? In the end, we needn’t have worried. Lily was welcomed into the community with joy and celebration. Not as joyful as Simeon or Anna, perhaps, but there was no mistaking the fact that Lily belonged. I think there’s a little echo of Candlemas every time we bring a young person into the House of God, especially that first time. It is a holy moment.

Jesus was welcomed without reservation into the Temple. In a world in which he would be rejected, reviled, taunted and murdered, he would always find comfort in God’s house. As will we. No matter what, you will always find a welcome in God’s house. You will always find acceptance in God’s house. You will always find peace in God’s house. Come, rest, and remind yourself of who you are in God’s eyes, for you are precious, and you are loved, and you are perfect.

Perhaps this weekend, we might make an extra effort to visit a church - even just to stop in and pause for a few moments. To rest in the presence of God, and to remember that he loves you now, as you are, and he welcomes you with open arms.

If you can make it, you are welcome to visit the School Chapel at 5pm on Saturday, for a quiet vigil Mass, or join us on Tuesday at 6pm for last Mass of this half term.

God bless,

Ronan

World Book Day

Romance in the Library

Book Promotion

Friends' Quiz & Curry Night

Please find below the flyer for our next very popular and exciting event to be held in School on Saturday March 4, 2023. You can book tickets as of today using the ticket tailor link below. 

Curry quiz night tickets

From The School Shop

As we approach half term and the start of mock exams, a reminder that we carry study aids in the school shop. If you think there is something we should be carrying that would help you revise please let me know on sbowles@mayfieldgirls.org

Hoodies Year 11 and 13
The celebration hoodies for Year 11 and the Leavers’ hoodies and joggers for Year 13 will be ordered on the first day after half term. Letters for permission were sent to guardians / parents on 18th January and a reminder on 26th January. Permission to put the cost on your accounts needs to be received by the 17th February and ALL girls that want one need to order by the time they leave for half term.

If it is easier you can send permission or ask for a copy of the style, sizes and colours available by email – please contact me on sbowles@mayfierldgirls.org

Once the order has been placed we are unable to order one offs for anyone that has forgotten or changed their mind and now wants one, as the cost is dependent on a bulk order of 50 plus. Many apologies. We order early to try and avoid disappointment as supplies run out quickly and there are lots of schools ordering these products, so delivery times can get stretched if left too late.

Lost Property
Below are pictures of lost property still in the School Shop. These will be disposed of, or sold for charity, if not claimed by half term as we have had most for a while. If you think anything is yours, please either email me or come to the School Shop to collect.