E-weekly Issue 291 - 7 February 2025

Welcome

This week, there has been a real buzz around the school as we counted down to the opening night of The Sound of Music on Thursday. It truly is a whole-school effort, from the talented performers on stage to the many unsung heroes behind the scenes—stagehands, choreographers, hair and makeup artists, musicians, and sound and lighting technicians—all playing vital roles.

Personally, I can’t wait to see the girls perform tonight, and I’m thrilled that it’s a sell-out—thank you so much for your support! I’ll be at both tonight’s and tomorrow’s performances, and I look forward to seeing you there. If you haven’t secured a ticket yet, there are still a few available for the final show on Saturday—I promise it will be a wonderful way to brighten up your weekend!

Warm regards, 

Deborah Bligh, Headmistress

A Date for your Diaries...

Year 11
Coffee morning for parents at the House Cafe, Mayfield on Friday 14^th February at 8:30am.

February MUN Fun! 

Nine girls from Years 9 and 10 explored Middle Eastern issues  as delegates for the Philippines, China and South Africa at CobMUN last weekend. They sat on three committees - the Historic Committee, which debated the question of the 1947 Partition Plan for Palestine; UNHCR , debating the question of the position and treatment of refugees from countries across the Middle East; and the Environmental Committee, investigating the question of reducing virgin plastic production. An emergency debate in the middle of the day brought everyone's attention to the breaking news of Trump invading Greenland with suitable chaos ensuing. Our next conference will be Haileybury's 30^th MUN at the end of March - a three-day residential that promises to be both lots of fun and very challenging. 

"I found CobMUN a very insightful, and compelling experience, enhancing my debating skills, critical thinking skills, and MUN skills. In the historic committee we discussed the 1947 partition plan, which sparked enthusiasm, and controversy amongst the delegates." - Leyla, Year 10

"It was so nice participating in Cobham's MUN conference again this year. I had an amazing time debating in the UNHCR committee and general assembly as the delegate of China, debating and listening to different perspectives on pressing global issues." - Frances, Year 10

Mrs Kasia Kilvington

Matinee Performance of 'The Sound of Music'

Thursday's matinee performance of 'The Sound of Music' at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells was a wonderful success, allowing the audience a first glimpse at this year's Mayfield production. Bringing joy to both the local community and the next generation of theatre-goers, we were thrilled to welcome students from several local prep and primary schools, inviting Year 5 and 6 pupils to experience the magic of live theatre. 

The performance was truly fantastic, with the cast delivering an unforgettable show that captivated the young audience. The pupils were a delight, behaving exceptionally well and engaging with the story, showing their appreciation for the music and the talent on stage. 

A big thank you goes out to the minibus drivers and the dedicated staff from Mayfield who volunteered their time to provide transport for the pupils, ensuring that they could attend and enjoy the experience. This collaboration made it possible for so many young people to participate in the event, and we are grateful for their support. 

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Partnerships and Outreach 

Sixth Form Enjoy 'Evergreen' Winter Ball

Last Friday, the Sixth Form had an opportunity to let their hair down at their annual Winter Ball with Tonbridge. This year's theme was 'Evergreen' - the dining room looked stunning thanks to the creativity of the prefects, and  guests donned their finest green, gold and black outfits. The Catering Department made a delicious two course meal and guests were waited on by the tutor team and some very helpful Year 9 volunteers.  This was followed by dancing with music arranged by our very own DJ Mendes.

Events Prefect Lydia said: "I really enjoyed decorating the school for the Evergreen Masquerade it was such a fun experience and it was so lovely to see everyone enjoy it as much as I did." 

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Sports News 

Roedean Netball Block
On Saturday, Mayfield’s Senior Teams travelled away to Roedean School, with the U15s and U14s hosting. It was brilliant to see such high-quality Netball on display, with so many girls involved and representing the school in sport. Overall, there was some excellent improvement across all the age groups, and they played out some very competitive, well-contested fixtures.

The results were as follows:
U18A: 17-30 Win
U18B: 30-16 Loss
U18C: 15-15 Draw
U15A: 25-31 Loss
U15B: 22-22 Draw
U15C: 16-25 Loss
U15D: 7-13 Loss
U14A: 15-30 Loss
U14B: 22-36 Loss
U14C: 8-23 Loss
U14D: 10-12 Loss

Swimming Galas
The Swim Squad enjoyed two home galas this week, starting the week off against Burgess Hill with a resounding win for both age groups, and then moving on to a Junior fixture against Vinehall where we lost by just two points. It was great to see Senior Captain Lauren win three of her races on Monday evening and I know the Juniors appreciated her help as she came to their gala on Tuesday to help run the team. 

The Juniors were treated to a free swim after their gala on Tuesday. With only one age group swimming it gave us some time at the end to enjoy the pool in a more relaxed manner, so the girls had fun hunting for dive sticks and swimming through hoops before the evening finished. 

There were some great races all round and the times for the squad will be updated accordingly. 

Lower-School Netball
On Wednesday afternoon, the U13As and U13Bs travelled to Burgess Hill, with the U12B team hosting. It was great for the Year 7 and 8 girls to get the opportunity to play in a fast-paced, competitive fixture and have the chance to play in a variety of positions. There were some real positives and lots to take forward into the coming matches.

Scores:
U13A: 23-5 Loss
U13B: 23-11 Loss
U12B: 1-7 Loss

You can find the full match reports on SOCS.

Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 8^th February - Netball
2 x Senior Squads – Away vs Bede’s School

Year 9 and 10 Thrilled by 'Hadestown'

On Thursday, the Year 9 and 10 Classics and Latin girls took an exciting trip to London to see Hadestown, the musical retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Having studied the myth in class, it was a fantastic opportunity for them to see the story brought to life on stage. The production’s stunning music and captivating performances made for an unforgettable experience, and the students thoroughly enjoyed every moment. It was a brilliant way to connect their learning with the experience of live theatre!

Miss Annabel Keoghane, Teacher of Classics

Delicious Creations in Food & Nut

We have been busy as usual in Food and Nutrition over the past week. 

Year 10 were focusing on "eggs" last week, so made mini pavlovas and practiced their presentation skills. There were some beautiful plates on show. 

On Saturday morning we had Year 11 over to make cinnamon buns for some relaxation after their mock exams and in the afternoon Year 10 girls from Gabs got creative making and decorating chocolate cakes. 12 cakes went back to the boarding house, so hope they were hungry on Saturday evening!

The Year 12 Culinary Skills group were treated to a curry masterclass by one of our own chefs this week - Chet. Thank you Chet, the girls had great fun and enjoyed plating and eating their curries. 

Mrs Sue Smeaton, Head of Food & Nutrition

News From the Science Department

Biology
The Year 13 Biologists have been making model neurones this week whilst developing their understanding of the speed of nerve impulse transmission. 

Chemistry
The girls have been oxidising ethanol to make ethanoic acid (vinegar) in the Organic Chemistry class; they were looking carefully for the reaction to go from orange to green.

STEM Hero - February 2025

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025

Maths Trip to Cambridge

A group of twelve Year 11 students attended a Girls in Maths event at St John’s College Cambridge on Friday 31^st January. Andrianna describes her impressions of the day:

On Friday, we went to St John’s at the University of Cambridge, alongside Miss Vardon and Dr Reijers. We all had a fruitful and wonderful day at Cambridge despite the gloomy weather.

After a bit of driving, we arrived at Cambridge finally full of energy and excitement. We had some refreshments afterwards and everyone was busy talking with excitement and passion about Maths.

The Maths director of studies gave a brief welcome speech and then the main part of the day began! We had Emma as the first lecturer who gave us a presentation on the concepts of Differentiation and Maths Modelling. I was particularly interested in her current work for Modelling of the Oceans. She talked through different graphs and their meanings, she also introduced ‘Eddies’ as the swirling winds and turbulences. This was very exciting and interesting because we not only gained experience in Maths, but we also got some new concepts in Maths that we will encounter in the future.

After the first session, we went for a tour of St John’s. We went to the chapel, passed through several courts and over the famous Bridge of Sighs as well. The landscape and the view were amazing and we all enjoyed it so much.

After lunch we had a second session on Quantitative Research by a former student from St John’s. Shortly after that, we had our last session for that day which was the Q&A—Women in Maths. This allowed us to ask current students questions about university life and Maths learning in the future. This also gave us a chance to reflect on our own maths study path through GCSEs and look beyond to A-Levels.

In conclusion, this trip to Cambridge has broadened my horizons and also gave me a sense of university life and I look forward to studying Maths-related subjects in the future!

Other students shared their highlights of the trip:

"The first taster section on differentiation was truly engaging. Starting from the differentiation we are currently learning in Further Maths, the Cambridge student introduced us to modelling the real world. It expanded my knowledge of the applications of mathematics and inspired my aspirations for future study." – Flora

"The tour was nice, the college was absolutely amazing." – Bella

"Attending the maths conference at St John's College, Cambridge was a really rewarding experience. I really liked the Q&A sessions with students, as it gave a real insight into what studying maths at university is like and how it can open up a huge range of career opportunities." - Canice

Teatime Concert - Thursday 13^th February

Our next teatime concert will be held on Thursday 13^th February in Gresham, 16.45 - 17.45.  Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available upon arrival, to enjoy during the performances - featuring guitar, flute, violin, voice and many more. If you would like to attend and support the girls, please email Miss Allen at rallen@mayfieldgirls.org to confirm how many seats you need reserved.

Curry & Quiz Night

RSVP - Curry & Quiz Night

Chaplaincy News

Next Tuesday we will be celebrating Bakhita House's charity day here in school. Bakhita House will celebrate their own liturgy in the chapel, before a host of exciting fundraising activities throughout the day.

Next Tuesday, the 11^th February, is also noted around the world as the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. This day marks the first apparition of Our Lady to a young girl called Bernadette Soubirous. On Thursday, February 11, 1858, fourteen-year-old Bernadette was sent with her younger sister and a friend to gather firewood, when a very beautiful lady appeared to her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle.

The woman wore blue and white and smiled at Bernadette before making the sign of the cross with a rosary of ivory and gold. Bernadette fell to her knees, took out her own rosary and began to pray. Bernadette later described the woman as "uo petito damizelo," meaning "a small young lady." Though her sister and friend claimed they were unable to see her, Bernadette knew what she saw was real.

Bernadette was to see the Lady a total of 18 times, during which time she uncovered a spring, which flows in the Grotto to this day, and relayed the Lady's request to have a Church built, and for people to come in procession.

To this day, millions of people every year continue to answer the Lady's call, to come to Lourdes as pilgrims, to wash in the water of the spring, and come to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Over seven thousand people have received some form of physical cure in Lourdes, although only 70 have been officially declared miracles- the most recent being in 2018.

When the apparitions stopped, Bernadette left Lourdes for a convent in Nevers, near Paris. She never returned to her home town, and spent the rest of her life working as an infirmary assistant and sacristan. She quickly gained a reputation for her humility, and her spirit of sacrifice. Though she died in 1879, at the age of 35, her body is incorrupt, and lies in the Convent in Nevers, 143 years later, untarnished.

Bernadette is the patron saint of the sick, of the poor, and of those who are ridiculed for their faith. Her story has led to hundreds, if not thousands, of millions of pilgrims travelling to Lourdes, and encountering Jesus Christ through the love of His mother, and through the humility and honesty of that 14 year old peasant girl, Bernadette.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Mass on Sunday is at 11:30 in the school chapel, with the community of St Thomas. The Mass has been planned and prepared by the boarders of Leeds House.

Tuesday evening sees the Holy Half Hour, between 6 and 6:30pm. All are welcome.

Next Week's Daily Prayers

Daily Prayers 10-14 Feb

Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

Photo of the Week

Both submissions this week display the beauty of Mayfield and the surrounding countryside. Many thanks to Mrs Mercer and Mrs Bunce for their fabulous photos.

We would love to receive submissions for future 'photo of the week' stories. Please send your chosen photos to jtompsett@mayfieldgirls.org.

Library News

This week began with the World Book Day assembly, outlining the events for the week as well as on the day itself, 6^th March.  A big thank you to the pupil librarians who helped create various elements of the powerpoint, selected the hymn and read the prayer, you are all stars!

As in previous years, there is an open invitation to all staff and pupils to dress up as a book character on Thursday 6^th March. A £1 donation for dressing up will be collected and sent to the literacy charity BookTrust.

There are special £1 book tokens available to all Year 7 & 8 students which will be handed to each girl in her library lesson. International English girls will receive their token from Mrs Turner. More information on the book tokens and how to use them below:

BookTrust: Getting children reading
Tuesday 11^th February is UNESCO International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Come and read about some inspiring and ground-breaking women. Books are available to borrow from lower school.

Are you a budding writer of adventure stories? The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation supports the Author of Tomorrow writing competition. Entries are open from 1^st March, closing date is 30^th April. Good luck!

Author of Tomorrow | Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation

Ms Jan Blagden, Librarian

From the School Shop

Year 13 Leavers' Hoodies / Joggers
This is a last call to students of Year 13 who want leavers hoodies or sweat tops and joggers. Samples are available in the school shop to try on for size and colour swatches to choose your colour choice as well. For the parents, the items are £29 each (including VAT) and will be added to your school shop bill. If you know your daughter is ordering these items and have not had a chance to respond to the letter, please just email me direct on sbowles@mayfieldgirls.org with your permission.

The deadline to order is Friday 14^th February. Once ordered, we regret we cannot place one off orders. We order early due to stock limits to avoid disappointment.

Sister Jean's Marmalade
A quick reminder that we have 30 jars left of Sister Jean's marmalade, and once they are sold, we will not be able to get anymore. If you want a jar (or two) please come and collect from the school shop. Each jar is £2.50 and all proceeds go to Mary’s Meals. Cash only please.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager