E-weekly Issue 298 - 25 April 2025

Welcome

It has been lovely to see the school once again filled with the joyful noise of our students this week. I have been impressed with Year 12 who began their internal examination series today and with our Year 11 and 13 students who have returned focussed, determined and positive in the run up to the summer examinations.

This week, we were deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. We have taken time to remember him in special liturgies, and the Mayfield flag will fly at half-mast until after his funeral on Saturday.

I would also like to share some exciting news about two of our recent leavers. Former Head Girl Lizzie Von Halasz (Class of 2024) will be travelling to Bolivia in May to help construct a footbridge with Engineers in Action. She will support efforts to provide safe access to essential services for the rural community of Chunchuli Alto. Lizzie is raising funds to cover the bridge costs – you can find out more and support her here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-a-bridge-in-bolivia-with-engineers-in-action

This Sunday also sees the return of the iconic London Marathon, and we’re incredibly proud of Harriet Onions (Class of 2024), who is running in support of Demelza Hospice Care for Children. You can read more and donate to her cause here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/harriet-onions-1726425880580

Best of luck girls!

With warmest wishes,

Deborah Bligh, Headmistress

In the News This Week...

Mayfield Girls Shine on the Slopes of Val di Fiemme

The recent ski trip to Val di Fiemme, Italy, was a resounding success for the 24 Mayfield Girls from Years 7 to 11, accompanied by four dedicated staff members. This adventure not only provided an opportunity for the girls to hone their skiing skills but also fostered camaraderie and created unforgettable memories. 

From the moment the group arrived in the picturesque Val di Fiemme, the excitement was palpable. The stunning alpine scenery set the stage for a week of almost empty slopes and the most hospitable family-run hotel.  

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, the girls quickly progressed, whether beginners or confident skiers. Each day brought new challenges and achievements, with the girls mastering various slopes and techniques. The evenings were spent in the hotel, exploring the local walks and shops and playing board games or with Mr Ferguson’s quiz! The trip was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to bond with peers from different year groups. Shared experiences, laughter, and teamwork were the hallmarks of the week.  

The accompanying staff played a crucial role in the success of the trip. Their dedication to the girls' well-being and their enthusiasm for the activities ensured that everyone had a positive and enriching experience, so huge thanks must go to them for giving up their holidays! 

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Partnerships and Outreach

Cricket and Netball Sports Tour to Dubai

On 26^th March we took 25 girls over to Dubai for a Netball and Cricket Sports Tour. Some fantastic sporting talent was on display as Mayfield won six out of eight of their cricket fixtures, with the netball players winning two out of four fixtures. The softball team won four from four! The netball players went a step further and attended the Abu Dhabi netball tournament where our A team won overall, which was an incredible achievement. 

Away from the sports fixtures the girls enjoyed some down time at the hotel and the beach, and had the opportunity to explore all that Dubai has to offer, visiting Atlantis Waterpark, Dubai Mall, Desert Safari and even the top of the Burj Khalifa! The girls were brilliant ambassadors for Mayfield throughout the tour and staff and girls alike thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was a great way to end our netball season and welcome in our cricket season.

Mr Jordan Walser, Teacher of PE

Schola Trip to Vienna

Our action packed trip to Vienna saw the girls singing in three beautiful churches, visiting five museums and putting in impressive step counts walking around the beautiful Austrian capital. The Schola girls sang two concerts to packed venues - our first at the Stephansdom including the European premiere of Sir James MacMillan's 'Let us Love One Another', written for the School in 2021. Both that concert and the second under the dome of the beautiful baroque Peterskirche were to large and appreciate audiences. On the Sunday we had the privilege of singing Mass in the incredible late nineteenth-century Votivkirche. 

As well as these performances, we had the opportunity to enjoy the architectural and artistic wonders of Vienna, including the Schoenbrunn Palace ("Austria's Versailles") and the Belvedere, which houses Gustav Klimt's iconic painting "The Kiss". We also visited museums in the apartments of Beethoven and Mozart, learning about their lives and music, and the hugely entertaining and informative 'Haus der Musik' which included not only rooms dedicated to great Viennese composers, but a musical staircase, a miniature theatre where we could enjoy a virtual concert, and an interactive orchestra which allowed the girls to 'conduct' the Vienna Philharmonic in classics such as the Radetzky March or The Blue Danube. 

Although the weather was not always as beautiful as it might have been, we enjoyed exploring the ancient and imperial city, and on Sunday evening an hour or two at the famous Prater amusement park, during which the rain mostly held off.

A very busy few days, but it proved to be a trip that offered many memories and incredibly valuable musical and cultural experiences for all, staff and students alike.

Easter Spanish Landmark Competition

Year 8 students dedicated some time during the Easter holidays to produce an artistic piece or culinary project based on a Spanish historic landmark which they pretended to see from their windows. They also wrote a description and history of the building in Spanish and enjoyed recreating a part of their chosen building. 

Submissions included a cake in the shape of Park Guell in Barcelona or La Giralda de Sevilla; Janie recreated el Patio de los Leones in the Alhambra Palace using a 3D printer and painting the building by hand. Well done to Janie, Amelie, Edith, Alice and Hei Bo for their brilliant recreations.

Mrs Maria Criado, Head of Spanish

Curry & Quiz Night - Friday 9^th May

Our curry & quiz night is fast approaching! If you have yet to book your place, please do so using the link below.

Book your places here

Chaplaincy News

Please take note that, moving forward, Sunday Mass in the school chapel will begin at 11am instead of 11:30. All members of the Mayfield family continue to be welcome to join us. Holy half hour begins again Tuesday evening at 6pm. 

Wishing you all a happy and holy summer term!

Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

Library News

The library is hosting a sale of stock in need of new homes. There will be a mix of fiction and non-fiction from both libraries. It will be held outside the Hub on Thursday 1^st May  (next week!) so do pop along and see if you can give a book a new home. There are no prices as such, just what you would like to give - although a guide of 50p minimum would be appreciated.

After a section of carpet was replaced in the main school library last summer, there was the question of 'what to do with the old piece?'.

In the spirit of recycling, it has been cut into door mat-sized rectangles which can also be purchased at the Book Sale for £5 each.

The money raised will be shared between the library and the school charity.

Ms Jan Blagden, Librarian

Photo of the Week

This week we have been admiring the beautiful flowers that appeared during the Easter holidays, adding another splash of colour to the school grounds!

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