E-weekly Issue 284 - 6 December 2024

Welcome

This week, we were delighted to receive the wonderful news that the Catholic Schools Inspection team has rated Mayfield School as Outstanding in all areas. I shared full details in my letter to parents and guardians yesterday, but if you missed it, you can find the announcement and a link to the report on our website. In summary, the report was both inspiring and uplifting, affirming that the sense of community we cherish at Mayfield holds up to external validation.  I couldn’t be prouder of our girls, staff, and parents for showcasing all the wonderful aspects of the Mayfield community to the inspectors.

The joy continued last night with a beautifully varied Christmas Music concert. Congratulations to all involved for delivering such an accomplished performance —it was truly special and gave us all a chance to start getting into the Christmas spirit with a festive sing-along at the end!

With Christmas in mind, our much-loved Live Crib is fast approaching, with the first performance taking place on Sunday, 15th December, at 6:30pm. Did you know this year marks the 65th anniversary of Mayfield’s first-ever Live Crib? It’s a magical tradition, featuring a procession along the High Street, complete with real babies and donkeys in every performance. Please do come along—it’s an experience not to be missed!  

Today, we are also opening bookings for our whole-school drama production of The Sound of Music, which will take place over three nights at Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, in February. Last year’s production was an incredible success, and we are eager to ensure this year’s show is performed to a full house. Please do come along and support the girls—they’ve been working so hard to make this another unforgettable event.  Use code 'Mayfield25' when booking.

Next week, I look forward to meeting parents at our Parental Focus Group breakfast meeting on Tuesday, from 8:30 to 9:30am. This will be an opportunity to share your views on the school experience, provide feedback to Mr Partington on the new communication systems, and connect with staff members involved in the development of the new Friends Committee format.

If you haven’t booked yet, there’s still time! Please email my EA, Mrs. Frangella-Cramp, at lfrangella-cramp@mayfieldgirls.org—we would be delighted to welcome you.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Best wishes,

Deborah Bligh, Headmistress

In the News This Week...

Live Crib 2024

Year 10 & 11 Ice Skating Social 

Last Friday evening, over 70 Mayfield girls and staff headed to Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink for a fun and festive evening. The setting was beautiful, and the girls were in great spirits. We traveled down by coach and enjoyed some pizza for supper upon arrival. Then, the girls, along with some of their tutors and Mrs. Baker, took to the ice! The skating was impressive, the music was lively, and the stunning backdrop of the Royal Pavilion, all lit up, made everyone feel very Christmassy. It was a truly enjoyable occasion, full of smiles and, thankfully, only a few minor falls!

As always, the girls were an absolute joy to be with and impeccably behaved. After stocking up on sweets and chocolate for the journey home, everyone had a very enjoyable time. A big thank you to all the girls who participated for being so wonderful, and to the staff who gave up their Friday evening to accompany them.

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Head of Year 11 

Christmas Fairy Tale for Year 13 Drama

On Wednesday evening, Year 13 A Level Drama students were treated to a trip to London to see Punchdrunk theatre company's 'Viola's Room'. This immersive theatrical experience, adapted from a Victorian gothic short story, was narrated chillingly by Helena Bonham-Carter, whose half-whispered reading was played back to us via headphones that we wore, as we walked barefoot through the landscapes within the fairy tale. The girls thoroughly enjoyed learning more about their key practitioner (Punchdrunk) and by the end of the experience were left with a haunted feeling, showing the power of this style of theatre.

Brainy Psychologists Get Creative!

MUN Conference at Benenden

On Monday, 16 of our brilliant students took part in Benenden’s 17th Model United Nations conference, representing Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and the USA with confidence and skill. The day was filled with challenging debates on global issues such as preventing an arms race in outer space, achieving net zero in low-income countries, and the inclusion of transgender women in competitive sports, among others.

Ava in Year 12 was commended for her outstanding work as the delegate for Lebanon on the Human Rights Committee. Martha in Year 10 impressed as the youngest delegate on the Historical Security Council, skilfully representing the USA during discussions on the Cuban Missile Crisis. Meanwhile, Skye in Year 12 stepped into a leadership role as a guest chair, guiding debate with professionalism.

Frances, in Year 10, shared her experience: “I had a fantastic time on our MUN trip to Benenden as the delegate of Saudi Arabia, particularly debating on the question of 'Transgender Women in Competitive Sports'. It was a great opportunity to not only interact with delegates from different schools but to also further my skills of improvisation and public speaking in such high levels of debating.”

Claudia, also in Year 10, reflected on the event, saying, “Spending the day at Benenden was delightful. I not only learnt from others, but I also made new friends. The debates were not only packed with different views but also fun and enjoyable. At the start of my MUN journey, I was scared but today proved what an amazing experience it is, and I’m looking forward to the more important ones ahead.”

Congratulations to all our delegates for their dedication and diplomacy!

Year 9 Enjoy Bowling Social with Tonbridge Boys

On Wednesday, we took the Year 9s to Hollywood Bowl for a social with Tonbridge School. The girls had a fantastic time and haven't stopped talking about it—some even said it was the highlight of their week. There were some impressive bowling skills on display, with many students scoring strikes. They also enjoyed some time in the arcades and, of course, getting to know some of the Tonbridge boys. The girls are already asking about the next social!

Mrs Lynette Le Riche, Head of Year 9

Students Shine in Christmas Concert

This year, we as a music department were so incredibly proud of all the girls who performed. I think we saw record numbers taking part; starting with Lower School Choir, then enjoying music from; guitar ensemble, session band, flute groups, chamber ensembles, duets and trios.

There was a wonderful programme of music performed, ranging from traditional music, to Borodin, to Kelly Clarkson. As always, the concert was sprinkled with Christmas music throughout! It also included a sneak peek of our upcoming whole school musical, The Sound of Music, as we were joined by the nuns of Nonnberg Abbey singing their Morning Prayer and Alleluia, before the orchestra transported us to the ball and finally joined together to try and find out 'How do you solve a problem like Maria?'

Of course it wouldn't have been Christmas without a sing-a-long supported by Lower School Choir, and the audience participation was top notch!

Well done and thank you to every girl and member of staff who made this concert such a heart-warming event as we head into the Christmas festivities. 

Mayfield Village Christmas Lights Switch On 

This year the Lower School Choir were invited again to join the Junior Mayfield Brass Band to sing carols on the high street for the Mayfield Christmas Lights Switch On, on Friday 29^th November. The girls had a fantastic time singing and getting into the festive mood (even if we did have to take a short break to allow a bus through the high street!). It was also great to see Elsie in Year 8 playing the cornet in her debut!

Thank you girls for a wonderful start to the season.

Mrs Lynette Le Riche, Teacher of Music

Slipping and Sliding Through Tuesday's Welly Walk

Tuesday's walk was very muddy which did not hold the welly walkers back. They slipped and slid down to the woods and back, pulled along by the dogs just like Santa's sleigh. Martyna captured the excitement of the activity (and the mud!) perfectly in her photo above.

Perhaps we need to find wellies for the dogs....!

Mrs Turner

Boarders Decorate Houses for Christmas!

Christmas has well and truly arrived in our four boarding houses, as the girls spent last weekend putting up the trees, decorating their common rooms and enjoying some festive activities organised by some of the prefects. 

Micks started their 'Christmas fun' afternoon by writing prayer intentions to be used as straw for our crib in house. We then split into teams and made the Advent Wreaths for the School Chapel and the house, decorated the Common room, made decorations, put up the tree, and spent way too long looking for the plug for the tree lights!

The Dunstan's boarders enjoyed mince pies, chocolate yule log and hot chocolate while putting up and decorating the house Christmas tree. The prefects organised a few fabulous evenings where the younger boarders could come and enjoy some bauble decorating, with snacks and Christmas music in the background, with time set aside for some Christmas karaoke if the girls fancied it. The best ones from each house will be selected in due course and prizes will be offered! 

The girls in St Gabriel's produced some beautiful decorations for the house, including paper chains, stockings and pictures of fun Christmas characters (Rudolph looks especially charming on the wall). The tree is up and the windows are covered lots of uniquely shaped snowflakes! Year 9 and 10 have also both enjoyed an evening of decorating baubles in the Dunstan's common room, along with some hot chocolate and Christmas karaoke and dancing. 

On Sunday evening, the girls in Leeds spend time decorating the Christmas tree, and setting up the nativity scene while listening to Christmas songs. It was heart-warming to see the Christmas spirit filling their hearts with joy! And since today was St Nicholas' feast day, as per tradition, we asked the Leeds girls to leave a shoe outside their rooms last night so they could have sweets put inside them. 

Year 10 Boarders Enjoy Pampered Afternoon

On Saturday afternoon, Year 10 Gabs girls enjoyed an afternoon of relaxing hand therapy. Their hands were treated to a calming soaking in warm water whilst listening to spa music, followed by a scrub and moisturising massage. They were then given the option of painting their nails or creating their own design on acrylic nails with some beautiful results.

Ms Andrianna Demetriou

Maths Christmas Competition

The Maths department are running a Christmas Dingbats Competition for all staff and students. 

Please send in your entries to Mrs Howie, or via your Maths teacher if you prefer. The competitions close on Monday 16^th December, and there will be Christmassy prizes on offer. Good luck!

Christmas Dingbats

Raising Awareness of Autism - Learning Support Quiz

I am excited to launch a small competition for teachers and students in the spirit of raising awareness about autism.

Fizzacc, a group consisting of a former teacher and six girls with autism from Southampton, have created a quiz to help us learn more about autism. I would like to invite all teachers and students to take part and test their knowledge.

To enter, simply complete the quiz and hand it to Mrs Martin by Friday 13^th December. Make sure to include your name when submitting your entry. Everyone who answers all the quiz questions correctly will be entered into a Christmas prize draw.

I can’t wait to see how many of you can get all the answers right.

Wishing you all the best of luck!

Mrs Emma Martin, Head of Learning Support / SENCO

Mayfield Christmas Card For Sale

We are delighted to announce the official 2024 Mayfield Christmas card is now on sale! Featuring a nativity scene created by Iulia in Year 13, packs of five cards are available from Andrea on reception at a cost of £5 per pack. Cash only please.

'The Sound of Music' Bookings Now Open! 

Chaplaincy News

Last Saturday evening, parishioners of the local churches and the school community came together for an evening of Taize prayer. The school chapel was lit by candlelight, as we sang new and familiar Taize chants, and prayed in silence. It was an awesome moment of quiet before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season begins in earnest. The music was incredible - arranged by Mrs le Riche, music (violin, cello and guitar) provided by Charmeine, Emma, Trinity and Audrey, with Khloe, Annette, Izzy and Mrs Vardon acting as cantors. It was a truly prayerful, peaceful and beautiful evening of prayer, which we hope to offer again in the New Year.

On Monday 18^th November, Mayfield once again descended on Ashburnham Place, as the Year 12s arrived for their annual Day of Recollection. The theme of the day was Respect, which was reflected in the warm sense of community shared by the girls throughout the day. Hannah, one of the directors of Ashburnham Place, kindly gave up her morning to lead us in an awesome session of Gospel singing (and a not-so-awesome session of Gospel dancing - Chaplains are not supposed to move like that...). Soon the girls were belting out two- and three-part harmonies, with a couple of brave soloists stepping up too!

After the Gospel workshop, we had a break, where Mayfield cookies once again triumphed over the Ashburnham cookies in a totally non-partisan taste test. Next came a quick, but surprisingly competitive, round of Bingo, before the ceilidh dancing part of the day. The Chaplain sat this part of the day out. Once bitten, twice shy...

After lunch, girls were given the opportunity to make Advent wreaths, using a variety of materials sourced from the Ashburnham estate. The creativity on display was very impressive - as was the teamwork, camaraderie and good humour evident throughout the day. Once again, the Mayfield girls were a credit to themselves and to their school, and once again we had an awesome day out, thanks to Tim, Hannah and all the staff at Ashburnham Place.

On Thursday morning, as the staff gathered to hear excerpts from the CSI Inspection report ('Outstanding', in case you hadn't heard...!) I had the privilege of offering a prayer of thanks and praise. The last few lines read as follows, and I hope they might guide our community as we continue to build upon the efforts that led to our Outstanding rating:

Remain in our hearts, Lord
And guide us in our love and service.
Help us to let our light shine before others
And lead them to the way of faith.

Amen.

Mass on Sunday is at 11:30am, and on Tuesday at 6pm. All are welcome, as usual.

Next Week's Daily Prayers

Daily Prayers 9-13 Dec
Mr Ronan Lavery, Lay Chaplain

Sports News

Mayfield Voted a Top 20 Girls' School for Cricket!
Mayfield has once again been named one of The Cricketer magazine’s Top 20 Girls’ Schools for Cricket! This recognition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our incredible Sports Department. A huge congratulations to everyone involved—here’s to another exciting summer of cricket ahead!

Find the full feature in The Cricketer magazine, available at leading newsagents now.

Netball Workshop with Britney Clarke
On Saturday, 30th November, girls in Years 10–13 were fortunate to be 'put through their paces' in an exceptional two-hour workshop led by Britney Clarke, former Netball Super League player. The session began with footwork patterns before moving on to attacking and defensive play, with a focus on contextualising techniques first and then consolidating them. The workshop concluded with some gameplay.

It was an incredible experience for everyone involved, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to have Britney inspire the girls ahead of the netball season.

Football Workshop 
On Saturday, we hosted a football masterclass that focused on various aspects of the game for the girls to develop. The session began with a technique-focused ‘academy level’ fitness circuit, where the girls used resistance bands and hurdles to work on balance, pass control, and leg strength. They also practised dribbling with cones, incorporating either a pass or a pass-and-turn at the end, and worked hard within a coloured square.

The session then moved on to shape work using the whiteboard, aimed at improving defensive and attacking positioning both on and off the ball. It concluded with an attack-versus-defense drill, allowing the girls to put everything they had learned into practice.

It was a highly beneficial afternoon, and we hope those who attended gained a great deal from the experience.

Year 11 Inter-House Football
On Wednesday, our Inter-House Football came to a close with the Year 11 matches. Whilst goals were hard to come by, it was amazing to see all of the year group on the Astro, either playing, managing their team, or spectating. In the end, Avila came out on top as winners of the tournament with a 1-0 win.

Hockey Fixtures Galore!
This week, we’ve been fully immersed in hockey fixtures, with matches taking place every day.

The first team played Burgess Hill on Monday, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw. Please see SOCS for the full match report.

U14A v Radnor House (WON 2-1)
The U14As travelled to Radnor House for their penultimate hockey match of the term. With Captain Flo sidelined due to injury, she stepped into a leadership role, warming up the team and motivating them.

The girls started strong, going 1-0 up against the home side. Brianna made some fantastic runs, connecting well with Amelia, while Adrianna was on fire in goal. Emilia, playing just in front of her, made crucial tackles to keep the team ahead for most of the first half. Radnor managed a breakaway, and although Adrianna made an impressive save, the ball was lifted past her into the net. The winning goal came from a well-worked play: Gigi sent an early ball up the line to Flo B, who made a brilliant lead run. Flo carried the ball into the D and crossed it for Katherine, who slotted it home to secure the victory.

The team heads into their final game on Saturday against Worth School full of confidence!

U13A-D v Radnor House 
Our Lower School Year 7 and 8 combined teams had a mixed set of results. Nevertheless, the progress these teams have made and their determination on game days are truly commendable. The girls were eager for a positive outcome, and despite some of the scorelines, we believe they achieved just that. Each team showed growth in their game understanding, skillfully sending balls to wide spaces to break through Radnor House’s press and defense. While many shots on goal were created, unfortunately, they couldn’t be converted this time. For full match reports please see SOCS. 

U15 v Lingfield (4-0 win) 
The U15s were ecstatic after finally breaking their goal drought and scoring not one, not two, not three, but four(!) goals! Check SOCS for the full match report on this long-awaited and brilliant win for a team that has shown tremendous growth in their game awareness and understanding.

Photo of the Week

The weather has provided the inspiration for this week's collection of photos. Thanks go to Mrs Bowles, Ms Demetriou, Ms Tomko and Mr Bidois for our beautiful photos of Mayfield and the surrounding area. 

We would love to receive submissions for future 'photo of the week' stories, taken both in Mayfield and the surrounding area. Please send your chosen photos to jtompsett@mayfieldgirls.org.

Library News

The pupil librarians in both libraries have been busy creating displays to tempt you with seasonal reads. Please feel free to borrow books straight off the displays.

From the School Shop

Billing at the End of Term
Please note that in order to get bills out to you in a timely fashion as we approach the Christmas break, all school shop bills that you will receive will only include purchases and returns from 1^st September to 30^th November 2024. Any items purchased by your daughters / wards in December 2024 will appear on your next available bill.

All purchases are made on trust by your daughter and it is assumed that you have given your daughter clear instructions or guidelines for placing items on your account. You can request a summary of purchases from the Shop at any time by emailing: sbowles@mayfieldgirls.org (taken from the Uniform Booklet – P18)

Sister Jean's Marmalade
Sister Jean's Marmalade is still available (while stocks last) for £2.50 a jar and is raising funds for Mary’s Meals. Currently all funds received by Mary’s Meals are being matched by an anonymous donor, which means if we bank £2.50 for a jar of marmalade, then the donor will match it and the total donation will be worth £5.

I also have some marmalade gift baskets for Christmas which include two pots of marmalade, a trinket tray and a basket. Pictures below of the jam baskets – these are £8 each (or a total donation of £16 will be made when matched by the donor) and all proceeds are donated to Mary’s Meals. Please note I have a limited stock of these and jam toppers and the trinket tray designs vary.

Christmas Shop
The Christmas shop is up and running. Most items are under £5, and you can purchase small gifts for family and friends. There are also festive decorations, Christmas hats, Christmas lights and Christmas cards available. We have a gift wrap service which is free(!) as Sister Jean and Sister Maria donated a large amount of Christmas paper to the shop before they left. The wrap service includes a bow and tag, and you can leave your gifts to be wrapped and collect at the next break. You can also bring your gifts in from home to be wrapped if you have bought them elsewhere. The wrap service is available while stocks last. We have Christmas cards (both handmade individual ones and packs) as well as decorative items for decorating your classroom and dormitories. There are a few small Christmas presents left in our Christmas shop that you can buy for family, friends or Secret Santas.

You can use cash or cards as well as your shop account to put items on, but please remember to have the bill payer’s permission to put items on account.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

The Wellbeing Hub - What's On This Week