E-weekly Issue 164

DofE Bronze Award Training and Practice weekend

The Bronze Practice is in many ways the hardest DofE expedition and has a very steep learning curve for its participants. Not only is there no point of reference, for the girls, discussions about whether to have s'mores or just marshmallows for dinner can often seem more relevant and important than navigation tips, kit lists, or fitting and packing rucksacks. That said, because of this, it is also an expedition where the girls learn a great deal about themselves and get an insight into what they are capable of.

Based at Mayfield and walking in the beautiful High Weald countryside, 40 Year 9 girls and 19 Year 10 girls took part in the event last Sunday and Monday, which saw them learning navigation, first aid and campcraft skills including cooking for themselves (and washing up afterwards). This was in addition to walking 12 kilometres each day, in quite horrendous conditions at times, looking after their own welfare, and that of their team members. 

It did seem a little unfair that, after the relative drought conditions of April and a wait of almost 12 months for the Year 10 Bronze Award girls, the training and practice expedition coincided with deluges of rain and hail of almost Biblical standards. The fact that the girls completed their expedition and were still able to laugh and smile was impressive indeed, and showed great fortitude and resilience.

It was great to see each group become a more closely-knit unit as they learned the importance of team-working and to appreciate that everyone brings different skills and abilities. So, while more work is needed on navigation skills and fitting and packing rucksacks (and possibly on remembering to turn off taps after finishing the washing-up and keeping track of one's cooking stove) before their assessed expedition in June, it was a good effort from the girls, particularly in light of the disruption to their usual DofE training because of the pandemic. 

I know there will have been some aching limbs the next day but I hope the sense of achievement will remain with them long after the pain has gone.

None of this would have been possible without the help of the staff: DofE ‘regulars’ Mr Warren, Mrs Williams and Mr Glazebrook; helpers Mrs Lawson, Mr Rich, Mrs Kilvington, Ms Staunton, Mrs Gibson, Ms Doy, and Mr Marshall; as well as those in Boarding, the Health Centre, Housekeeping, Estates & Grounds, and Catering. Thank you all.

Mrs Amanda Glubb, DofE Award Manager                             

A Level Drama Students Perform Chekhov

On Thursday 13th May, the Year 13 Drama A Level students performed a variation of monologues by Anton Chekhov for part of their assessment. Each of them portrayed complex characters, conveying meaningful performances that displayed how far they have progressed over the course. Despite the restrictions and the interruption of lockdown, the students approached the task with maturity, courage and resilience. Well done to all involved, the Drama Department is very proud of you!

Mrs Sally Gerstmeyer

Inter-School Debating

On Wednesday, Year 9 and 10 girls from our Gifted & Talented programme participated in the second round of the inaugural inter-school debate between Mayfield and Maria Fidelis Catholic School.

The girls debated whether the actions of Extinction Rebellion were justified: Mayfield was for and Maria Fidelis against. Both teams delivered accomplished opening statements, which were supremely well-researched and, at times, emotive. However, the Mayfield girls responded excellently to judges' questions and were more assured when delivering their closing remarks. They clinched the victory, setting up an all-Mayfield final.

Congratulations to Year 9 Breanna and Year 10 Cosima on their shared victory. Many thanks again to Ms Bryan for chairing the debate and to Mrs Kilvington for being one of the judges. The final will take place after Half Term, with the finalists debating the motion: 'This House believes that the use of social media by teenagers does more harm than good.' Good luck to the four debaters!

Mr Dan Smith, Outreach and Public Benefit Co-ordinator

News from the Chaplaincy

This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost. The second most important Feast in the life of the Christian church (second only to Easter, and yes, more important than Christmas!), it marks 50 days since the Passion and death of Jesus Christ, and ten days since His Ascension into Heaven. It also marks around a hundred days since it started raining in Mayfield, or so it seems…

But despite the atrocious weather recently, the brunt of which was borne by our unfortunate D of E candidates last weekend, the cricket pitch, tennis court and playing field are alive with girls running, jumping, throwing various objects as far as possible, and shouting. So much shouting… They can be heard laughing, encouraging each other, cheering, pushing themselves and each other. Their enthusiasm is infectious. And walking from the pitches back up to Main School, I listen to snatches of conversation between girls, I pick up on a few words of English in an unfamiliar accent, occasionally I get some chatter between girls in their native languages, and I marvel at the diversity of our School Community, and the fact that communication is very rarely an issue. I think of our small Confirmation class this year - only seven strong, we have a group with roots in Australia, Poland, Barbados, Nigeria and, of course, England. To me, this School is a beautiful image of Church - open, caring, and welcoming of all people from all backgrounds. Thank the Holy Spirit for teaching us so clearly what it means to be Church.

For it was in the Upper Room, 2000 years ago that the Holy Spirit came upon the men and women gathered (or hiding!) there, in the form of tongues of fire, gave them the gift of languages, and sent them out to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to all, not just a select few. That day, Pentecost, is considered the Birthday of the Church. The Holy Spirit inspires us to and indwells in Community and Togetherness. The Holy Spirit equips us with the tools, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, to carry out the most important job we can ever be given: “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News.”

Mr Ronan Lavery, Lay Chaplain

PE Department Update

News from the Crease
Despite the rain, Cricket fixtures continued this week for Mayfield’s U13A, U14A and U15A teams against Cranbrook.  There were strong performances all round with fantastic batting and bowling seeing Mayfield taking a triple win.

The U15As won by 10 wickets with outstanding bowling from Year 10 Liv.
The U14As won by 39 runs with help from Year 9 Helena and what Miss Starr described as her ‘Big Sixes’.
The U13As won by 53 runs and only conceded five runs.

Year 8 Julie was voted ‘Player of the Match’ by Cranbrook due to her fantastic batting, and Year 8 Mia took four wickets in a row, making her the most successful bowler of the game.

Mayfield’s Athletes were back in action at their first meet of the season for the Diamond League Athletics Tournament at K2 in Crawley on Saturday. We took a squad of Year 9, 10 and 12 girls with us and they made a big effort in their first competition for two years.

There were notable performances from Year 10s Liv and Iona in the Javelin, Year 10 Rachel in the shot put and discus, Year 9 Lydia in 300m, Year 9 Fran in 1500m, and Year 9 Mathilda in High Jump.

We are looking forward to them competing again this weekend and after Half Term.

Miss Sophie Auer, Teacher of PE

Mayfield Census 2021

Here are this week’s results from the Mayfield Census 2021!

Mrs Sally Howie, Teacher of Maths

From the School Shop

Final Chance to Collect Lost Property!
Please see below the items of Lost Property that are still awaiting collection from the School Shop. If you think any of them are yours, please come and collect them. These items have all been in the E-weekly before and have been in the School Shop for a while, so they will be sold or donated to charity after Half Term if they are not claimed before then.

Second-hand uniform
Please remember to bring your unwanted uniform to the School Shop for us to sell. All uniform must be washed and ironed, and any uniform that is dirty or needs ironing will be considered to be a donation as it cannot be sold. We do not accept white shirts, socks, or uniform with the old logo (i.e the Mayfield logo without a cross), Year 7 and 8 book bags, obsolete styles (i.e the older style school coat), or equestrian items. Any uniform that cannot be re-sold will be donated to Mary’s Meals or the Clothing Bank. Please remember to keep your House polo and sports kit for the Sixth Form.

Year 11: As most of you will be returning for Year 12, any saleable uniform that arrives after the end of term will be credited to your Autumn Term 2021 School Shop account. If it arrives before the end of this term, anything saleable will be credited to your Summer 2021 School Shop account.

Year 13 and other leavers: If your items arrive after the end of term on 2^nd July, your School Shop account will have been closed and we will be unable to credit you so your items will be considered a donation. Please ensure you give them to me in a timely fashion.

Thank you.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

Invitation from Mayfield Cricket Club

SPARK Camp 2021
 

Booking for our Summer SPARK Camp is now open! Follow the link to book your place today: Summer SPARK Camp 2021

Mrs Lynette Le Riche, SPARK Camp Manager

Reminders

Car Park
You will have noticed a new one-way system in the Car Park.  To ensure that traffic flows freely and for safety, please do not to wait for your daughter in the line of traffic but park in a space and wait for them there.
Thank you.

Absences
If your daughter is going to be absent from lesson, please email absence@mayfieldgirls.org

Contacting Staff
If you need to contact a member of staff, please do so by email. If you do not have the member of staff’s email address, School emails follow this format: first initial and surname@mayfieldgirls.org  e.g ngreen@mayfieldgirls.org
Please do not come into School unless by appointment.
Thank you for your understanding.

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