E-weekly Issue 232 - 19 May 2023

Welcome

Last evening, we enjoyed a truly magical performance of Hansel & Gretel in the Walled Garden by the Year 9s and 10s.  Outstanding individual and whole cast performances – and brilliant costumes and make-up!

Exams are well under-way – and yes! I sense a feeling of relief.  Well done to girls and staff for getting to the start line: the race will be over soon. Good luck to all for the next week of term. And then – the half term holiday!

Best wishes,
Jonathan Forster

Hansel and Gretel

This week saw Mayfield Theatre Company Seniors' production of Kneehigh's Hansel and Gretel. For two evenings the cast of 17 took us to an enchanted forest, and to a house made up of sweets and cakes within our wonderful school grounds. This retelling of the classic fairy tale had all the elements of storytelling, drama, humour and a water gun! The actors were not fazed by the challenges of working outside, and thankfully the weather held. This was a thoroughly enjoyable production and Mr Smith and I would like to congratulate the wonderful cast for their talent and professionalism. We would also like to say thank you to Lesley and James, the rest of the catering department, also Miss Clark, Miss Allen and Mrs Santo for all of their assistance and for going that 'extra mile.' I personally would like to thank Mr Smith for all of his hard work on this production.

Sally Gerstmeyer, Head of Drama Department

Drama Accolades

National Youth Theatre
In January the Drama department hosted a workshop from the National Youth Theatre for 20 students. They all participated in the two-hour event, then had the opportunity to individually audition to be a part of the long-standing company. Approximately 6,000 young people audition every year, with the company offering just 700 places. Given those odds, we are delighted that five of our students have been offered a place and now have the opportunity to join this prestigious programme. Congratulations to all the students that took part and put themselves forward to be considered. We would like to offer a special congratulations to Evie, Alice, Breanna, Eloise and Eliza for their achievement at gaining a place. 

LAMDA

In March thirty-eight students took a LAMDA performance examination, ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 8 (the Gold award). These are practical examinations that take place within school between a certified LAMDA examiner and an individual student or a pair of students. We are delighted to announce that everybody did exceptionally well, with 87% achieving a Distinction and 13% achieving a High Merit. A special congratulations to Megan and Maria for completing their Gold award and gaining such high marks. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Allen for her administrative work and the wonderful LAMDA teachers that support the students every step of the way, Mrs Watkiss and Mrs Junemann. 

Sally Gerstmeyer, Head of Drama Department

Trip to the National Archives and Westminster Abbey

On Wednesday our Year 10 Historians paid a visit to the National Archives and Westminster Abbey for an investigation into the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who they have been studying as part of their GCSE. We began the day at the Archives, learning firstly about the purpose and work of the organisation. The girls were fascinated by the story of how the establishment of the Public Record Office was inspired by a rat who ate a store of valuable unprotected documents, and even more surprised to learn that the rat’s body is still kept in storage among 12 million other boxes of documents and artefacts at the Archives!

The main focus though was on using genuine Tudor documents, including handwritten letters from Elizabeth, to explore her rule and personality in more depth. The girls were instructed on how to carefully handle the fragile, centuries-old records and tried their hand at palaeography to decipher the unfamiliar handwriting styles and grammatical structures. We were then treated to a display of some of the Archive’s most valuable Elizabethan artefacts, including her famous Tide Letter and her Great Seal.

In the afternoon we travelled to Westminster Abbey, to understand further how religion changed in England under Elizabeth I. Our tour guides helped the girls to see how the Abbey buildings have changed and what can be learnt from the evidence inside, such as the many tombs and memorials. We particularly enjoyed visiting so soon after the coronation of King Charles III and were able to identify much of what the girls had seen on television. Our tour concluded at the tombs of Mary I, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, leaving the girls with a stronger sense of engagement with their classroom learning. Thank you to Mr Meek for accompanying the trip.

Mr Warren, Head of History

Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Bronze Assessed Expedition

Last weekend, our 24 Bronze DofE participants completed their Bronze Assessed Expedition successfully in Ashdown Forest. Walking around 25kms over two days, the Bronze DofE teams navigated their way along their pre-planned routes, using OS maps and compasses. They enjoyed cooking a variety of food on their Trangias and sleeping in tents, together in their teams. Although they returned home tired and aching, there was a real sense of achievement in the air and several girls have already decided to continue with the Silver DofE Award next year in Year 10. 

We even had a birthday girl on expedition and Hope had the pleasure (we think!) of the Mayfield Staff singing "Happy Birthday" to her as she stepped outside of her tent on Saturday morning.

Each section of the DofE Award programme, whether Bronze, Silver or Gold nurtures a different combination of skills. The expedition section of the DofE Awards develops skills such as teamwork, problem solving, decision making, leadership, self-sufficiency, learning to deal with unexpected challenges as well as becoming more aware of safety and recognising hazards.

The DofE staff at Mayfield have really enjoyed working with the Bronzes and watching how they have developed their skills individually as well as in an expedition team. Thank you to Mr Glazebrook, Mr Warren, Mr Rich, Mr Marshall, Mr Turner, Mrs Bunce, Mrs Gibson, Mrs Kilvington and Miss Keoghane for supporting the Bronze DofE Assessed Weekend so it ran smoothly and successfully. 

Mrs Mary Saunders, DofE Manager

Visit to Wembley for Women’s FA Cup Final

On Sunday 50 girls travelled up to Wembley Stadium in London for the Women’s FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Man Utd. The match was a sell-out, with over 77,000 fans in attendance. Here is what the girls said about the experience:

 "The Wembley trip was a huge success with all the girls having a fantastic time and I feel the trip really 'United' us all. We were lucky enough to have a great view of the pitch, and fortunately the one goal was scored right in front of us, enough to get us out of the Sunday 'blues'! Massive thanks to Mr Walser for making the trip possible."
Rachel M, Year 12

 "It was such a good experience to be able to watch such a close game, with the underdogs Man U – who have never won against Chelsea - putting up an amazing fight. Unfortunately  Man U lost, but each team played very well and I thoroughly enjoyed going and watching the game. Thank you to the staff who went for taking us!"
Emma N, Year 12

Mental Health Awareness Week

On Tuesday morning Year 10 pupils were given a presentation on discussing and destigmatising mental health. They learned the importance of normalising conversations around this topic and were directed towards the 16 mental health first aiders that we currently have in school. Thanks to Mr Smith for delivering the presentation.

Mrs Le Riche

The Junior Mathematical Challenge

In April, all the girls in Years 7 and 8 took part in the Junior Mathematical Challenge. The Junior 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 Junior Mathematical Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience. The Mathematics Department are pleased to report that this year’s entrants received 20 Bronze, 9 Silver and 2 Gold certificates. Martha qualified for the Junior Kangaroo follow on round which takes place in June.  Well done to Martha and to all the girls who participated. 

Mrs Sally Howie, Deputy Head of Mathematics

Wave - Particle Duality Experiment

This week in A-Level Physics we have been demonstrating that electrons are waves as well as particles, one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th Century!

Sports Update

Tennis
A clean sweep of wins for our U13 and U15 Tennis teams this week against Burgess Hill. Well done to Zara, Ines, Leona & Julie who made up the U15 team, along with the U13s Anya, Lily, Emma and Kitty who all played some wonderful Tennis. We are now looking forward to hosting our Doubles tournament which is taking place tomorrow. Let’s hope the sun keeps on shining!

Miss Jones

Upcoming Fixtures

Saturday 20th May U18A, U15B, U15C, U15D Cricket vs Seaford College
Saturday 20th Diamond League Athletics
Saturday 20th Mayfield Invitational Tennis, U15A, U13A
Thursday 25th May U15A Cricket vs Bedes
Wednesday 7th June U13A-D Cricket vs Brighton College
Saturday 10th June U18A MCC

Lily B's Netball Opportunity

Everyone has someone who inspires them, some call them influences, some call them role models. For whatever reason, people are drawn to other humans that are doing work or taking actions that align with their passions and interests.

While it is great to watch your role models 'do their thing' and consume their content from afar, I am a huge proponent of proactively trying to meet these people. It is incredibly powerful, as you can see their creativity brought to life in a new way. It can also have the potential to set off something deep inside you that can propel you to take action on a thing you have been afraid to start.

This is why it was fantastic to hear from Lily B (Year 8, Netball Scholar) who travelled with her Dad to Cardiff to be the mascot for the Surrey Storm v Celtic Dragons clash match. Not only did she get to meet and train with the teams, she also got to present the match ball on the court. How cool!

Who knows, one day we might be watching Lily on a Netball Super League court!

Sophie Auer

Beading Activity

One Saturday activity last week was bead jewellery. Year 9 and 10 boarders chose lovely colour schemes, and wove and threaded beads into bracelets and earrings for special occasions.

Joanna Staunton

Ronan’s Reflection

On Tuesday, the Year 8 students travelled to Ashburnham Place in Battle for their annual Day of Recollection.

It was a new experience, and a different style of day, to say the least. We spent the entire day outside in the warm sun, learning to see, hear, feel and taste, just a little bit differently. Foraging with Miles, art with Rachel, and walking barefoot with Tim all taught us the importance of looking more closely at things, and of becoming quiet so that we might become aware of everything that is going on around us.

In the kitchen gardens, some girls were armed with spades and sent off to collect earthworms, while others set to work making a rhubarb chutney; one activity was designed to demonstrate how much is going on beneath the surface, hidden and unseen, the other designed to take simple ingredients and create something rich and delicious. 

Though He wasn’t spoken about much during the day, God certainly made His presence felt, in a gentle and quiet way. At the end of the day I was left with two gifts - a sunburned head, and a newfound respect for Creation. On my way home from Ashburnham Place I found the words of St Francis’ ‘Canticle of Creation’ coming back to me:

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God,
to you belong praise, glory,
honour and all blessing.

Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation
and especially for our Brother Sun,
who brings us the day and the light;
he is strong and shines magnificently.
O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon,
and for the stars
which you have set shining and lovely
in the heavens.

Be praised, my Lord,
for our Brothers Wind and Air
and every kind of weather
by which you, Lord,
uphold life in all your creatures.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful to us,
and humble and precious and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom you give us light in the darkness:
he is bright and lively and strong.

Be praised, my Lord,
for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us,
bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds
and flowers of many colours.

Be praised, my Lord,
for those who forgive for love of you;
and for those
who bear sickness and weakness
in peace and patience
- you will grant them a crown.

Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death,
whom we must all face.
I praise and bless you, Lord,
and I give thanks to you,
and I will serve you in all humility.

- St. Francis of Assisi

Mass on Sunday is at 11:30am as usual. All members of the Mayfield community are welcome to attend. Mass returns on Tuesday evening at 6pm, following Fr Patrick’s recuperation.

Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

Next week’s Menu

W/c 22nd May

Mayfield Day 2023 - Please Register now!

You are warmly invited to celebrate Mayfield Day with us on Saturday 24th June. If you haven't already confirmed your attendance then please do so by completing the form below:

Registration form for Mayfield Day

From the School Shop

Please can we remind all parents, guardians and students of the following:

1. Please name all items, including ear pod cases, Apple pens / pencils, electronic stylus and iPads and laptop computers. Apple offer a laser service for naming when you purchase their equipment which is a very effective way of ensuring devices can be easily returned to the correct owner.
2. Use a Sharpie where possible to name items.
3. If an item can be synced to your device and you are given the opportunity to name that device i.e., Sue’s EarPods, please do this.
4. All electronic items should have a serial number or electronic serial number. Please make a note of this somewhere safe.

Please see below the items handed in to lost property this term. If they are not claimed by half term, we will dispose of them or sell them for charity. 

Year 11 & 13 – Second Hand
Please make sure you have uniform for Prize Giving / Sports Day which is on Saturday 24th June – including your house polo. If you have any other items you wish to send back to the School Shop for second hand, please note the following:

1. All items must be in good condition, have no holes, rips, broken zips, or stains and not be faded.
2. Please make sure all the items are the current uniform and washed and ironed.
3. We do not take back white shirts, swim caps, hockey socks.
4. You may leave the names on items; we can remove these for you.
5. If you are in doubt, send it all in and what we cannot take for second hand we will recycle for you.

Items taken in will be credited to your school shop account straight away. Please make sure all items you wish to sell are with us by the last day of term.

Name Tapes
If you are leaving us, and you used the naming service, please come to the school shop and collect any surplus name tapes towards the end of term. Thank you.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

Mayfield Festival Concert Programme – Tickets are free for those aged 25 and under

During the midsummer weekend of 23^rd – 25^th of June 2023 the Mayfield Festival will present a short concert programme in the delightful surroundings of St. Dunstan’s Church, Mayfield.

The programme gets underway on Friday the 23^rd of June with Rachmaninov – Soul in Exile.

Then, on Saturday the 24^th, the Australian-born pianist, Joseph Havlat, will give a recital.

The programme closes on Sunday the 25^th with a performance of Will Todd’s Mass in Blue in celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the work.

For full details of all events please visit www.mayfieldfestival.co.uk