E-weekly Issue 244 - 13 October 2023

Welcome

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

On Tuesday (World Mental Health Day) nine of our pupils volunteered to attend an Anti-Bullying Ambassador training workshop. This was led by The Diana Award Programme facilitators who provide young people with the skills of how to raise awareness of bullying behaviour within their community. The award has a strong peer-to-peer focus and is headed up by our wonderful Deputy Head Girl and Mentoring Prefect Urenna.

Mayfield is extremely proud to announce that we now have 14 trained Anti-Bullying Ambassadors amongst our community, who will be introducing themselves over the coming weeks.

Frances and Nana (Year 9), Sophie and Maggie (Year 10), Onnae, Alexa and Alicia (Year 11), Amelia, Julia, Ayo, Kseniia, Izzy and Cesca (Year 12), and Urenna (Year 13).

As part of the award, the school is able to gain badges that demonstrate our commitment to anti-bullying across three key areas; Inclusion, Wellbeing and the Community.

The team have decided that the first badge they will be working towards is the Wellbeing Badge, as this will align perfectly with the opening of the new Wellbeing Centre later this school year. The team will be launching events and initiatives that encourage positive wellbeing and kindness within the school community. We are hoping that working towards this badge will also strengthen the peer-to peer support systems within the school.

Miss Sophie Auer, Deputy Head of Middle School

Year 9 Residential at Blackland Farm

On Thursday 5th October, Year 9 headed off to Blackland Farm for the annual Year 9 residential trip but with a twist. This year we camped! Our Year 9s braved a one-night adventure in the unspoiled Sussex countryside and got to enjoy all the benefits of the great outdoors. 

They took part in six different activities (abseiling, crate stacking, Jacob’s Ladder, teambuilding, archery and air rifle range) during the day and then as night fell had s'mores around the giant fire pit. A trip that was full of fun, laughter and screams!

To say I am proud of every member of Year 9 is an understatement. Resilience and confidence are hugely important life skills that will help the girls succeed both in school and in life in general and this residential offered unparalleled character building moments in a safe and structured setting. There were so many opportunities for the girls to identify their own character whilst positively navigating new environments. 

Miss Sophie Auer, Deputy Head of Middle School

Celebration Mass for Miss Beary

On Saturday we held a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate Miss Beary’s time at Mayfield, followed by a drinks reception in our beautiful grounds. It was a day to remember, with the Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard Moth of Arundel and Brighton.

Sixth Form Arts Trip to Oxford  

Last Friday a group of Arts students embarked on a trip to Oxford for an exciting residential weekend of museum visits and other cultural excursions. The pupils were taken to the renowned Ashmolean and the Natural History Museum and Pitt Rivers Museum.  On Saturday the girls were treated to evensong at Christ Church, witnessing the installation of Peter Moger as Sub-Dean, having earlier enjoyed a trip around the vintage market in George Street. The girls had an opportunity to visit Queens College, where an Old Cornelian kindly showed us around the grounds and facilities.

Yolanda McFadyean, Ceramics Teacher

Cornelian Lecture

On Tuesday evening Dr Claire Dunican, post-doctoral research fellow at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine gave a fascinating talk to our girls about her career in academia and her work on Malaria. Dr Dunican gave an excellent insight into her route into university, through her Masters and PhD, giving a real flavour of what life as an academic in one of the world's leading universities is like. She was then able to share some of her research findings on the asymptomatic presentation of Malaria, using her expertise in Bioinformatics, as well as highlighting the international and interdisciplinary nature of such work, working with colleagues in Ghana, Gabon and fields such as engineering and computer science.

Mr John Doy, Head of Sixth Form

Tea Time Concert

Our first Teatime Concert of the year was a great success, with performances from girls across the School, both new to Mayfield and experienced musicians. With a mixture of vocal, keyboard, string and woodwind performances the audience was treated to music of a high standard which promises well for the coming year. The girls can be very proud of their performances and we look forward to more musical successes in future.

Dr Matthew Ward, Director of Music

Sports Update

Junior XC Team Qualify for Regionals
The Junior cross country team competed in the Sussex round of the English Schools' Cup at the start of the week. This took place at the foot of the South Downs in Brighton on a warm sunny morning against strong competition. The team consisted of six pupils from Years 7 and 8 who ran amazingly, with all of them finishing in the top half of the field, in particular Emily 7th, Amelia 8th, Gigi 9th and Charlotte 12th. 

We were delighted to find out after the event that the Mayfield team came in 1st place for their age group, qualifying for the Regional round of the event, which takes place in November.  

Hockey Update
Another full week of Hockey matches saw our U13A team beat Lingfield, a draw against TWGGS for our U15A team, and some narrow losses for the rest of the teams. The girls are improving week after week and are looking forward to their final round of matches before the half term break.

U16A V U18A Netball
The U16A and U18A teams went head to head in an internal Netball match last Saturday. Despite the U16s defending well and gaining lots of turnovers, the seniors soon found their stride and showed their true class on the court and came out with a well-deserved win. Miss Auer and Miss Jones would like to give a shout out to all those who played and are excited for what Netball season will bring!

Swimming Update
A week last Wednesday the Inter and Senior Swimming Relay Teams took part in their first competitive event of the season, travelling to Horsham for the County round of the Swimming Relay Championships. Both teams did really well – congratulations to all who took part.

Pippa Whitby, PE Teacher

On Monday this week, the full swimming squad travelled to Benenden for their first away gala this season. It was great to see lots of girls participating in the gala, including several girls who competed for Mayfield for the first time. Although the Inters and Seniors didn't come out on top this time, the girls did a brilliant job, with the Inters missing out by a couple of points, and the Seniors up against a very strong Benenden team. A special mention to Junior and Inter Captains Valentina and Kitty, who both won their 100 IM race and 50m Fly, as well as Senior swimmer Mia, who was so close to winning both 50 free and 50 fly races. Perhaps the best race though was Junior 25m Freestyle where Valentina, Sally and Benedicta came in 1st, 2nd and 3rd! We are looking forward to more galas coming up this season.

Senior Captain Zoe

Flo
Congratulations to Flo in Year 11, who placed 5^th at the Horse of the Year Show this week!

Jill Barker, Director of Riding

Emilia
Emilia was skiing again last weekend in the final round of the London & South East regional race series. Having stepped up to the U14 category this season, the competition was very tight. Emilia has improved throughout the season and rose to the occasion, beating her two key rivals into second place in the race. She then won two of her three head to head races, securing 2nd place overall.

Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 14th October: Hockey V Brighton College: Senior A & B, U15A & U14A
Tuesday 16th October: Netball V Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School: U14A
Wednesday 17th October: Hockey V Sutton Valence: U13A & B, U12A & B
Thursday 18th October: Football V Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School: U13A

European Day of Languages

Two weeks ago, the Modern Languages Department celebrated the annual European Day of Languages (26 September), with a variety of language-based activities throughout the week. 

Each day the girls were treated to a different European dish at lunch time, and during break times they were able to enjoy modern day songs from different countries, played through the e-signage screens in the communal areas of the school.

Those with a creative flair could choose to enter the T-shirt design competition run by the Council of Europe for next year's official European Language Day t-shirt.

During tutor times there were variety of fun activities for the girls to participate in, giving them the opportunity to discover new things about languages as well as the benefits of learning them.

Throughout the week the e-signage screens displayed interesting and little-known facts about European languages, and these formed the basis of the online quiz which was sent round to all girls at the beginning of the week. The winners of the prizes were Nicole (Year 12), Ariel (Year 10), Tiaa (Year 9) and Alice (Year 7). Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who took part and helped to raise the awareness of the importance of learning a language.

Maria Criado, Head of Spanish

Ronan's Reflection

Last weekend I had the privilege of welcoming everyone to a Mass of Thanksgiving for Antonia Beary. I wanted to share my thoughts with those of you unable to attend...  

‘Off the Rails’

On Sunday afternoon the boarders were able to indulge in a little bit of retail therapy, as we hosted 'Off the Rails' pop up shop. Set up in the Courtyard, the girls were able to come in and browse through the Y2K and 90's vintage and designer brands. Lots of fun and excitement was had by all ages, trying on and buying new outfits. We look forward to inviting everyone back next term!

Mrs Robertson, St Michael's Housemistress

Year 10 Boarders’ First Aid Course

Last weekend, the Year 10 boarders were given an opportunity to learn some basic first aid skills, including the use of bandages and resuscitation. They had opportunities to try out their newly learnt techniques on each other and Steve the Resuscitation Dummy!

Christopher Adams, Head of Geography

This Week in Food and Nut…

This week in Culinary Skills girls produced a homemade tiramisu. This was a complete "no cheat" recipe! They made their own sponge fingers and custard to sweeten the mascarpone cream. If you fancy having a go yourself the recipe is in "The Mayfield Recipe Book" (available for £5 from Andrea on Reception)

Meanwhile, Year 10 have been making some amazing shaped bread rolls this week.

Mrs Sue Smeaton, Head of Food and Nutrition

Library News

October is a poetry filled month. Last week was National Poetry Day and this week we are anticipating the Mayfield Poetry Festival and Eisteddfod on October 18th.

Our Book of the Week in Lower School, The Girl who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson, has been chosen by librarian Mylana; in Main School, Holly Jackson’s latest murder mystery, ‘Five Survive’, was chosen by librarian Freya.

An Invitation to a Talk on Raising Resilient Children

We are delighted that Alicia Drummond, founder of Teen Tips and The Wellebing Hub, will be joining us on Wednesday 8th November to talk to parents about raising resilient children.

Alicia’s talk will explore the four pillars of resilience, the role of risk in building resilience, and how parents can create environments which give children the qualities and skills they will need to overcome the challenges and vicissitudes of life

The talk will start at 18:30 and be followed by drinks and nibbles.

All parents and guardians are welcome.

Please RSVP here

From The Friends

Year 7
Coffee morning, 10^th November, 9am at Sussex Country Gardener.
Christmas Dinner  at The Ivy, Tunbridge Wells - poll votes needed by 13 November (date TBC).

Year 8
Christmas drinks, Wednesday 29th November at the Middle House, from 7pm.

Year 10
Christmas dinner, 1^st December at the Middle House in Mayfield. Deadline for booking is 20th October.

Year 13
Christmas drinks, 6^th December at The Middle House, from 7pm.

Memorial Mass for Sr. TJ and Sr. Daphne

A memorial Mass for Sr. TJ and Sr. Daphne will be held in the Chapel at School  on Saturday 21^st October. TJ and Daphne were both much loved members of the Mayfield community. Please join us to celebrate their lives. Mass will begin at 4.30pm followed by refreshments.

Please contact Narelle at oldcornelians@mayfieldgirls.org, or call 01435 874674 to register your attendance.

From the School Shop

Sr. Jean’s Marmalade
Please see below from Sister Jean.

"You might like to know that marmalade sales have fed 18 children for a year."

Please remember to come to the school shop or send your money in via your children for any jars you want. £2.50 a jar (cash only as this is given direct to Sister Jean by the shop), and as you can see it has made such a difference to 18 children that might not get the meals they need.

Christmas is coming, why not buy some for Christmas hampers or small stocking filler gifts?

Bra Bank
Coco in Year 12 has initiated a fantastic new recycling / charity. Against Breast Cancer’s bra recycling scheme takes your unwanted bras and through their network of bra banks, raises vital funds for pioneering breast cancer research. The same bras also help to support women in low-income countries, where bras are often expensive and therefore not accessible to all women. For every tonne of bras collected, Against Breast Cancer receives £700 to fund their research!

The bra bank is located in the school shop, and it would be so great if we could fill it up! Ask your family if anyone has any they need recycling too and bring them in and just pop them in the bra bank – located just inside the door of the school shop.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

Next Week's Menu

Menu w/c 16/10