E-weekly Issue 196

Message from Mrs Green 

Today is always a day of great excitement and emotion in the school year as we bid an initial farewell to our Upper Sixth, who go on study leave for the final preparations ahead of their A level exams. The occasion is marked by Muck Up Day (MUD), with the girls decorating the School in time honoured tradition (and tidying it all up again, which is an important life skill)!  In Assembly, the girls shared a special MUD video with the school community, featuring lots of memories of their time at Mayfield as well as messages of thanks.  Today is also the final day of lessons for Year 11 as they, too, commence their study leave, ahead of their GCSEs.  We wish all the girls preparing for examinations a successful and productive study leave period and all the very best in their exams.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we are pleased to share DD's reflections and helpful tips on dealing with negative thoughts, based upon workshops she has been undertaking with Years 9 and 10. You may also have seen our Mental Health and Wellbeing Prefects, Anna and Emily, provide an update on recent initiatives on our social media channels – if not, I would encourage you to take a look. 

We are looking forward to our latest Mayfield Theatre Company production, ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’. The girls will be performing on Thursday and Friday evenings next week, so please do come along and show your support on what promises to be an entertaining show. Tickets are complimentary but we request you book your seats so we have confirmation of numbers. Good luck to the girls with their final rehearsals.

I wish you all a lovely weekend.

Geography Trip to Birling Gap

Our Year 7 Geographers were lucky with the weather on Tuesday – grey skies and a stiff breeze later calmed to a beautiful spring day. They collected beach data to test hypotheses about sediment attrition and longshore drift at Birling Gap and Holywell, Eastbourne. The girls enjoyed a picnic lunch at the National Trust Visitor Centre – and after further data logging and identification of some Cretaceous fossils, there was time for an ice cream each before heading back to school. 

Steve Gough, Head of Geography

Performing Shakespeare regional finals

Alice, Eliza and Ioanna were shortlisted for the regional final of the national 'Performing Shakespeare Competition', which took place at Sevenoaks School earlier this week. Congratulations to all three girls who delivered beautiful performances and especially to Alice whose delightful portrayal of Viola won her the prize of runner-up.  The Head judge said that, genuinely, he had never seen such a 'persistently high standard of acting in any regional final.' Winners of regional heats will perform at the Globe Theatre in the Grand Final and we're keeping our fingers crossed that runners-up might also be called upon so that Alice might get the chance to compete once more.

Mrs Jane Leslie, English Teacher

Music concert

On Thursday 5^th May, thirteen of our Music Scholars and gifted and talented musicians gave a lunchtime concert as part of the 2022 Mayfield Festival of Music and the Arts. The recital, held in Gresham Common Room, was attended by girls, parents, staff and members of the public, and included a wide range of repertoire performed by girls across the School from Year 7 to Year 13. As well as soloists on piano, violin, saxophone, cello and clarinet there were vocal performances and two chamber ensembles; the music included jazz, musical theatre and classical music from across three centuries. The girls all performed confidently and to a warm reception, accompanied by Dr Ward and Mrs Wibberley. Thanks to Mrs Maslin for her assistance in organising the event.

Dr Matthew Ward, Director of Music

Year 12 History trip 

On Thursday 5^th May, Year 12 Historians visited the Tower of London and the Imperial War Museum. A sources workshop at the Tower complimented their Wars of the Roses studies perfectly; the girls said after that it brought the evidence they’ve been studying this year to life vividly. Their Historic Royal Palaces host was particularly impressed with the girls’ impromptu and highly knowledgeable debate about the fate of the Lost Princes, which occurred in the very rooms where the boys were last seen. We were lucky with the weather, and the girls particularly enjoyed choosing their own lunches to eat at Borough Market. The day concluded with a chance to contextualise their studies of Cold War politics in the Imperial War Museum’s Peace and Security 1945-2015 gallery.

Isabel Ewing, Teacher of History

Trip to Royal Society lecture

On the 28th of April the A-level physics students travelled to London to attend a talk on ‘The Many Universes of Quantum Materials’ given at the Royal Society by Oxford lecturer and researcher Stephen Blundell.

Our early arrival to the society allowed us to explore the displays of scientific advancements and innovations in the lobby, such as early 20th century meteorological instruments. Displayed in the middle of the room was a book containing the signatures of the original fellows of the Royal Society, with the most recognisable being Charles Darwin!

A wide range of fascinating topics related to Condensed Matter Physics were discussed, from Conway’s Game of Life, used to simulate a universe with its own rules and features much like within the crystals of quantum materials, to muon spin rotation, used to study the microscopic properties and structure of a variety of materials.

Overall the trip was a fantastic opportunity to meet other Physics students and to delve deeper into the mysterious quantum world.

Charlotte, Year 12 

OC Lisa Tweedie gives Tea Time Talk

On Wednesday, OC Dr Lisa Tweedie gave a fascinating Tea Time Talk on her career in software engineering, showing the girls her route through education and varied employments, to her current role. She was honest in revealing difficulties along the way stressing the importance of resilience and learning from failure. She is passionate about talking to young women and showing them that life trajectories are often not linear and that that is not just OK, but often a positive thing, teaching us lots of valuable lessons along the way. There was a vibrant Q&A session at the end around life choices and working in tech. 

Mrs Kasia Kilvington, Head of International English, Gifted and Talented Coordinator

Sports Update

Last Friday saw our inaugural Staff v Parents Cricket fixture at Mayfield and it did not disappoint. The parents' team won the toss and decided to field first and get the staff to set a total. After a high scoring first 9 overs, the staff found themselves on 99-0 with 3 members of staff retiring. From over 10, more conservative shots were played due to more tactical bowling from the parents team. The staff managed to reach 156-1 from their 20 overs. Again the parents made a really good start to their innings and had a few people retire. The run rate was once again slowed by some consistent bowling from the staff team and due to some good work in the field they were able to restrict the parents to 144-3 and win the game by 12 runs. The game was followed by a BBQ put on by our amazing catering staff and it was a lovely way to end the event which we are hoping to turn into an annual affair. Thank you to everyone who was involved in some capacity, whether that was playing, helping, supporting or cooking. Here’s to next year! 

Seaford Block Saturday

U14B
The girls had an unexpected first foray into hard ball cricket playing away at Seaford. Mayfield lost the toss with Seaford electing to field first. Captain Anabelle opened the batting and immediately got the scoreboard ticking over with a single off the first delivery. Grace and Brooke followed on from the openers with a strong partnership, scoring a seismic 19 off 3 overs. All the girls stood up well to the pacey deliveries from the opposition bowlers and Mayfield finished their innings on 252-3. 

In the field the girls were technically well polished, with good communication and excellent backing up. Star bowler Heidi took 3 wickets in 3 over with Anabelle and Grace also taking one apiece. Despite taking more wickets and bowling fewer extras the Mayfield team could not quite contain the powerful Seaford batters who managed to finish on 284-5 after a flurry of 4s to score 15 runs off the last over.

I am incredibly proud of the way that all the girls played, attacking the ball in both the batting and fielding despite their hardball fears. Ximena in particular defended her wicket with gusto, jumping straight into hardball cricket having never played a match before.

U15A
Saturday saw our U15s make the early start and the long journey to Seaford College worthwhile with a phenomenal bowling and fielding performance. After losing the toss and being put into bat, Mayfield struggled at the start with only Hannah (Year 10) making double digits (18) as they limped towards a total of 106 in their 20 overs. A good start with the ball from Annie (Year 10) and Jess (Year 9) was backed up with some extremely impressive fielding. Then it was the Amelia (Year 9) show. She came on to bowl and finished with remarkable figures as she took 6 wickets (including a hat trick) for 12 runs off her 4 overs. This helped Mayfield get over the line as we restricted Seaford to 90 resulting in a 16 run victory. A great effort after a shaky start with the bat, top work girls!

U15B
On Saturday morning the U15B team took on Seaford College. With spirits high they attacked the game well. Fielding first the girls were aggressive, closing the ball quickly and bowling with pace and accuracy. This play gave Seaford minimal chance to run singles and really put the pressure on. Francesca fielded brilliantly taking 3 catches of the team's total of 7 wickets. When it came to bat, they played with purpose, defending the wicket well and finding the spaces to send the ball. It was a fantastic team performance and a well-deserved win.

Lingfield Lower School Block
Both the U12B and C teams and U13B and C teams enjoyed a wet afternoon of Cricket against Lingfield. The U12Cs unfortunately lost a close encounter by 4 runs and the U12Bs won by 20 runs. The U13Cs won by 2 runs and the U13Bs won by 30 runs. All the girls bowled and fielded superbly and should be commended on their commitment in the rain and wind. Player of the match: U12B – Pippa; U12C – Sienna; U13B – Montserrat; U13C – Ariel.

Athletics
Another Saturday Diamond League Athletics match saw a group of Mayfield students travel to Hurstpierpoint College. Some were competing for the first time, while for others it was a chance to try to improve on their previous performances. We were very impressed by the quality of the Year 10s and their ability to perform in several different events. The relay team narrowly missed out on 3rd place to Seaford College despite a great run. In the Junior age group we had good performances in the Triple Jump, 100m and 800m.

The sunny weather of Saturday did not stay with us for our second trip of the week to Hurst with the Year 7 and 8 students for their annual prep schools meet! On a wet and windy day the students put in a sterling performance against 16 other Schools. The Javelin and Shot Putt were strong field events for us and despite running into a headwind the 300m runners placed well. The students were very supportive and encouraging towards each other despite feeling very cold and damp! 

Chloe wins Kent U15 Trophy

Congratulations to Chloe, who plays rugby for Tunbridge Wells U15s - they won the Kent Cup Final on Bank Holiday Monday at Medway RFC against the Crimson Roses. 

Success for Jess at Sevenoaks

Jess had an amazing weekend performing at Sevenoaks. She won awards in all of her four solos: 1st Lyrical; 2nd Modern; 2nd Hip Hop; & 3rd Acro. But even more impressively, she was awarded the “Miss Junior Inspirations” prize as the best overall dancer across all categories in her age group. All of this means she now goes on to perform four solo dances at the National Finals at Blackpool in January. Congratulations Jess!

Maypole Dancing at Mayfair festival

Last weekend, Mayfair - the Mayfield village festival - took place, with boarders from Leeds House and Gabs in attendance. Both houses had a stand, with activities ranging from splat the rat (!) to cake sales to pom poms and bracelets. The highlight though was the maypole dancing and the girls from Leeds performed their routine beautifully. 

Farm Club

In Year 12 Farm Club at Froghole Farm this week students walked out across the fields to bring the dairy herd in for milking, correctly identifying the different breeds to farmer Guy Brickell. They fed the pigs with the whey that is a side-product of local Mayfield cheeses made by Alsop & Walker (www.alsopandwalker.co.uk). The Oxford Sandy & Black piglets feasted on some spare milk - all eleven of them! The next task was to spread clean straw bedding for the calves, when one squeezed through a gap in the pen to join another group. Herding the right calf back was tricky as small calves move surprisingly quickly so this took some teamwork. The students then helped lash a sheep hurdle to block the gap and prevent more great escapes.

Culinary Skills Masterclass

Last week our Director of Catering and Head Chef gave Year 12 Culinary Skills students a "Masterclass" in fish preparation. 

They filleted and skinned a whole plaice, made a fresh fish stock to make a veloute sauce and used local wild garlic and seasonal vegetables to plate up a restaurant quality dish. Fishtastic! 

Mrs Sue Smeaton, Head of Food and Nutrition

Food presentation skills

Year 10 Food and Nutrition students have been practicing their plating and presentation skills, by using their homemade meringues to impress! How did they do?

Gospel reflection: John 13:31-33,34-35

This Sunday’s gospel is a reminder to us of the love we should bear one another. Jesus’ command to us is simple, but its simplicity masks the very great task he is giving us. Love one another, says Jesus, as I have loved you. Simple enough, surely?

But it is not always so easy to love one another. We often have deeply held opinions and beliefs which divide rather than unite us. In life, it is sometimes easier to hate than it is to love. And as Jesus repeatedly reminds us, we are called not only to love our friends but our enemies too.

This Sunday Jesus urges us to walk in his footsteps and to follow his example. What example is that? What love is it that Jesus has shown us?

It is a love which surpasses our comprehension. Jesus Christ died for love of us – his love is selfless and sacrificing. His love is merciful too: he forgives his persecutors; he forgives St Peter’s threefold denial of him; he forgives us our manifold faults and failings.

It is not a simple undertaking which Christ is calling us to this Sunday. Indeed, it might be the greatest, most difficult task imaginable. We will fail time and time again to love each other as Jesus loved us; yet still we must attempt to follow his example. In doing so, we reveal ourselves to be Christians, true disciples of Jesus Christ: “By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (Jn. 13:35).

Much of our news these days seems to be dominated by a rhetoric of anger and hate. There is a little talk, even amongst Christians, of love and mercy. The model of Christ, amidst such animosity and spite, seems to have been lost. This Fifth Sunday of Easter let us once again turn towards Christ, our guide and our shepherd, and let us try and mirror his merciful love in our own lives.

Miss Kathleen McCulloch, St Dunstan’s Assistant Housemistress

Notices

Year 12 Parent meet up
A dog walk around Scotney Castle on Monday 16 May at 10.30am.
Coffee in the cafe afterwards. RSVP to Meredith Porter at portermeredith@hotmail.com

Year 7 Lunch
Lunch at The Middle House, Mayfield, Friday 20 May at 12.30pm.
RSVP by Fri 13th May to either Helen Hunt (helen.l.hunt@gmail.com) or Caron Williamson (caron77@hotmail.co.uk)

Year 9 meet up
Year 9 are planning a dog walk and coffee/ breakfast on Fri 27th May. 
Meet at 8.30am, lower car park, for walk (with or without dogs)
Then 9am onwards at the Middle House for breakfast - all welcome.
Please let Fiona (fiona@telcheck.co.uk) or Heather (heathermphillips@hotmail.co.uk) know if you plan to come along.

The Friends' Peacock Ball - Saturday 18th June

The Friends of Mayfield Peacock Ball will be taking place on Saturday 18 June - please book your tickets using the link below - it promises to be a fantastic evening and a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a School community. 

Book tickets for Peacock Ball 
If you would like to donate an auction item or smaller gift for the Wishing Tree please contact Susie Pepper at susiepepper10@gmail.com.

Come and watch Mayfield Theatre Company Seniors

Next week, on Thursday and Friday evening, Mayfield Theatre Company Seniors will be performing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Please come and support the girls in what promises to be an entertaining production.
Book tickets

From the School Shop

Lost Property
If I have named lost property, you will have received an email asking you to collect it from the School Shop. Lost property is also listed on the School Shop door. Current lost property items are shown below. If you think an item is yours, please come to the school shop and collect it. All items still with us at half term will be donated to charity or disposed of.

Mayfield Pyjama Bottoms
We have the Mayfield Pyjama bottoms back in stock in all sizes. They come in red or green tartan or navy and white stars and have the Mayfield crest embroidered on them. We also have a small selection of Mayfield Pyjama Shorts as well. Please come to the school shop where you can see them on display and if you want try them on for size.

Exams
We carry a selection of revision aids in the School Shop such as flash cards, post-it notes, highlighters, small white boards etc. If there is anything you think we do not stock for exams that would be useful, please feel free to drop me a line at sbowles@mayfieldgirls.org to see If I can source it for you.

CALCULATORS – If you have battery calculators and you are unsure or know the batteries need changing, we have some button and AAA & AA batteries available. Please bring your calculators to the School Shop at least the day before. The tiny screws on the backs of the calculators are fiddly to get out, so you will need to leave it with me. Please do not leave it to the morning of the exam as we may not have time to be able to help you.

House Points
Please do not forget to bring me your empty (and clean) shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel bottles if they have tops that are removable. You will get 3 environmental house points for every one you bring. We will then recycle them in the shop where you can buy bulk shampoo, conditioner & shower gel. Again, for every purchase of the bulk product you buy you get 3 environmental house points.

Year 11 & 13 - Second Hand
Once you are on study leave and have a reduced need for certain parts of your uniform, if you wish to sell this back to the School Shop for second hand, please do the following:
1.       Please make sure you have uniform for Prize Giving / Sports Day which is on 25th June – including your house polo.
2.       Make sure all the items are washed and ironed. If we must launder them, we will consider the item a donation as we will need to cover the cost of laundering them - this includes ironing them.
3.       Please make sure they are the current uniform. We do not take back obsolete uniform or that with the old logo on it.
4.       All items must be in good condition, have no holes, rips, broken zips, missing buttons or stains and not be faded.
5.       If you are in doubt, please send it all in and what we cannot take for second hand we will recycle for you.
6.       Items taken in (and not sent for recycling) will be credited to your School Shop account straight away. Therefore please make sure all items you wish to sell are with us by the last day of term. After July 8th, any items received if you are leaving, will be considered a donation as your account will be closed. For those moving into the Sixth Form, if we receive items after term has ended or even the Autumn 22 term, we will credit you on the next available bill run.
7.       For Year 11 – please remember to keep your House Polo, sport bag and any sport kit you know you will need for next year. If you are unsure of your sport choice yet, please keep all your sport kit and then bring items you will not need to me in the Autumn term once you have chosen your sport.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager