E-weekly Issue 175


Message from Mrs Green

We had a wonderful time celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus today, which started with a Mass and a blessing of St Cecilia’s Music Centre, as well as Inter-House Music, Debating, General Knowledge Quiz and Hockey. We were delighted to be joined by the Sisters from the Society, including former Headmistress Sr Jean, and former teacher and Governor, Sister Maria, who remain at the heart of the School.  

Tomorrow we are looking forward to welcoming Old Cornelians from across the generations to join in the celebrations with a Pilgrimage, Mass and special lunch. More about this next week! 

Some of you will have received a letter from the School notifying you that the NHS has been in touch about the Covid-19 vaccination programme for 12-15 year olds. Please note that your daughter must be 12-15 on the day of the vaccination and not nearly 12, or 16. 

As we approach the final week, to ensure that we are keeping our community safe, all girls have been given test kits to take home. Please could the girls test this weekend and during next week so that we are all able to spend quality time with family and friends over Half Term.

Thank you. 

Mrs Niamh Green, Acting Headmistress


Notices

Final Reminder to book Cornelian Lecture with Katie King

Please remember to book your place here for our Cornelian Lecture with Katie King, an expert in Artificial Intelligence, on Tuesday 19th October (from 19:00 – 20:00) in the Concert Hall. Katie will be talking about harnessing AI for good and how it will shape future careers. She is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group task force for the adoption of AI and has delivered two TEDx talks. 

Thank you.

Mr John Doy, Head of Sixth Form

Caedmon Presents ‘Blue Stockings’ by Jessica Swale

If you would like to reserve your tickets to watch Caedmon perform ‘Blue Stockings’ on Thursday 18th or Friday 19th November in Mayfield’s Concert Hall, please click here.

Thank you.

Mrs Sally Gerstmeyer, Head of Drama


Year 9 Residential Trip

Last week, Year 9 and their tutors travelled to the Windmill Hill PGL Centre for the first overnight residential trip of its kind.

The girls participated in activities including zip-lining, archery, and raft building, alongside the Giant Swing and Jacob's Ladder, which both proved to be very popular. Each activity was specifically designed to hone the girls’ team working and communication skills alongside seeing how they cope when their worlds are stripped back to the bare minimum for 48 hours. 

The absence of electronic devices had a pleasing effect on the year group, and it was lovely to see them making the most of the area outside their lodges for playing games. This was a great trip, and the girls and tutors alike thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

Miss Sophie Auer, Head of Year 9 

 


Year 11 Day of Recollection

On Wednesday, our Year 11 girls spent their Day of Recollection at Holy Cross Priory in Heathfield. The theme for the day was ‘gratitude’, one of our seven Cornelian Principles, and the girls discovered the numerous benefits to wellbeing that a good sense of gratitude can foster. The day began - and ended - in The Chapel and in between the girls did yoga, played games, unpacked literary quotes, watched TED Talks and made a gratitude journal. 

Here's what some of the girls had to say about their day:

"Our day of recollection was by far the best we have had in our time at Mayfield. We adored the new location and are grateful to the residents of Holy Cross Priory for offering it to us. We participated in a variety of activities, ranging from a scavenger hunt to yoga to ‘stop the bus’. It was an enjoyable yet relaxing time for us to reflect on gratitude, and how expressing it is just as important as feeling it."

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day of recollection because it united us as a year group to come together and embrace the Cornelian Principle of Gratitude. The day made us realise how many things we should be grateful for, and the enjoyable activities helped us accomplish this feeling."

Mr Ronan Lavery, Lay Chaplain


A Level English Trip to Charleston Farmhouse and Monk’s House 

On Friday 8th October, our Year 12 and 13 English Literature students had a wonderful day walking in the footsteps of Virginia Woolf. 

We first visited Charleston Farmhouse to learn about the Bloomsbury Group, and explore the beautiful modernist home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. The girls loved touring the house which was the beating heart of this amazing group of writers, painters and intellectuals. Every wall, fireplace, bookcase and available surface is a work of art! 

We then travelled to Rodmell for a picnic in the lovely cottage garden at Monk’s House. The girls were able to step into Virginia Woolf’s Writing Lodge, where so many of her works took shape. We finally enjoyed a tour of the main house, where we learned more about Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s love of Sussex and the Downs. We all agreed that it felt as if they had just popped out for a walk and would soon return to their beloved home. 

Mrs Laura Parrett, Teacher of English

 


Year 13 Trip to ‘Hamlet’

Year 13 English Literature A Level students enjoyed a theatre trip to see ‘Hamlet’ at the Young Vic last Thursday.  We all felt the buzz of London and relished the sense that ‘Theatre is Back’. The girls loved the production and commented thoughtfully on the concept, direction, and editing, including how it differed to other versions they had watched – so much so that it felt like a completely different play. We particularly enjoyed seeing a female actor take the role of Prince Hamlet.

Miss Joanna Staunton, Head of English

Year 10 and 11 Ball 

The girls had a great time dancing the night away with boys from Tonbridge School last Friday night.

The Ball was due to take place last summer term but was cancelled due to Covid. It was a lovely evening and the girls looked stunning in their ball dresses. The marquee was dressed by willing helpers from International English and everyone seemed to enjoy being at a social again.

Mrs Caroline Gibson, International English Teacher, Head of Year 10, Modern Languages Coordinator


Half Term Coding Camp

First page of the PDF file: CodingCampflier

Dr C's Electro Labs is run by our very own Dr Corvan (Head of Physics) and offers a Coding Camp experience. This requires no prior knowledge of coding but those with some experience will find a range of activities to stretch and challenge them. The Camp is an excellent opportunity to discover how creative and fun coding and electronics can be. 

The Camp will run from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th October from 09:00 - 15:30 in Five Ashes Village Hall. For more information, visit Holiday Coding Camps in East Sussex| Dr C's Electro Labs Ltd. (drcselectrolabs.com)

Dr Darragh Corvan, Head of Physics


Scholars’ Tea

It was lovely to see a good turn out from all year groups at the Gifted and Talented Teatime Talk on Tuesday - our first physical tea for some time. 

Year 13 Academic Scholars, Valeria and Victoria, delivered presentations to the younger girls on their Extended Project Qualifications, covering questions on what constitutes ‘time’ in terms of scientific principles, and whether happiness can be measured and predicted mathematically. 

Their audience asked some very probing questions with Year 10 Rebecca quizzing Valeria on how her project might have differed if she had pursued a philosophical approach rather than a scientific one. The benefits of vertical learning across different year groups are immense, and we hope that the younger scholars will be inspired to not only pursue the EPQ themselves in Sixth Form but also to engage in independent research into things that they are interested in as a result. 

The Scholars were also encouraged to engage with Scholars' Challenges that have been set up in their digital Scholars' Class Notebook, and to take advantage of opportunities to stretch themselves across and beyond the curriculum through events like the Cornelian Lecture on 19th October looking at AI and Coding.

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

 


PE Department Update

Netball League Success  
Mayfield’s new Netball League team had a great start with a convincing win against Greyhounds 1. The girls all worked seamlessly together, demonstrating good structure down the court, and an understanding of how to use ball pace to beat their opponents. This was helped by a strong partnership in the shooting circle between Iona and Alice, leading to Mayfield taking a significant lead in goals scored and winning 33-18. Well done girls!

Miss Sophie Auer, Teacher of PE


Hockey 
It has been a busy week for Mayfield girls with sports fixtures in full flow! Last week saw our first full block fixture for Lower School with seven teams from Years 7 and 8 playing against Roedean, and the U13A team travelling to a hockey tournament at Worth School. For a large proportion of the girls playing, these were their very first experiences of competitive fixtures.

The U13As thoroughly enjoyed their outing to Worth School for their first tournament together. They played nine games in total and came away with wins against Brighton College and Skippers Hill, and a draw. It was a tough and tiring day, and the girls came up against many strong prep school sides but they managed to stay close in all matches, only losing by one goal and coming fifth overall. The tournament was an excellent learning experience for our girls and we took lots of positives away, as well as many things to work on! 

Player of the tournament was our Captain Anna and a special mention must go to Sofia who played in goal for the very first time as our usual keeper was injured. 

The U15s travelled to Eastbourne last week to face a tough match but they stepped up and played some impressive hockey, building possession from the back and playing the ball out through Captain Georgia. The girls capitalised on their run of possession with a goal from Darcy. Eastbourne fought back hard and managed to score two goals in open play. However, the girls did not give up and some disciplined defending from Zara, and crucial saves from Zoe in goal, kept them in the game. Impressive stick work from Tilda and runs through the middle of the pitch from Helena meant Mayfield kept pressurising Eastbourne and managed to equalise with 10 minutes to go, Darcy scoring her second goal. The remainder of the match was tight with both sides creating chances, however neither managed to find the back of the net so the game ended with a 2-2 draw.  

In other news from the pitch, the 1st XI lost to Eastbourne and drew with Roedean in their league fixtures. They face Kent College Canterbury in the third round of the National Cup. 


Netball – Sussex round of National Schools 
Last Saturday, 30 girls travelled to Falmer University for the long-awaited return of the Sussex Round of the England Netball National Schools Competition. This event was met with great anticipation by Mayfield as it was the first time in 18 months the girls were able to play competitively.

We knew it was going to be a tough day, however all teams (U14, U16 and U19) played with great tenacity and competed with bigger independent schools, gaining draws or wins against Seaford College, Lancing, Roedean and Ardingly. It was a fantastic event and enabled the girls to set their own team baseline to work from as we move closer to the netball term and SISNA.  

Both the U14 and U16 teams finished in sixth place. 

The Senior Netball Team had a busy and intense day, playing a total of 12 games! Despite coming up against very strong netball sides, the girls kept their heads and did not let results or fatigue affect their positive attitude. I am extremely proud of the determination and resilience shown throughout the day. A special mention goes to Tilly for playing every game, and for putting in some excellent performances. Also, a big ‘thank you’ to our Captains Amelie and Diidii for leading the team so well. This is a team with a lot of potential, and we look forward to seeing them more regularly on the court after Christmas.  

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Sport

 


 


News from the School Shop

Swimming Hat Issues 
It has come to our attention that swimming caps seem to be ripping at the seams. If this happens please do not throw away the cap – please bring it into the School Shop and we will exchange it free of charge for a new one. This is very important as we have an issue with the quality of the new caps and need to return faulty ones to the manufacturer. If your cap has already ripped in the first three weeks of term and you had to buy another one, please email me at sbowles@mayfieldgirls.org and I will credit your account if you were charged for the replacement one.  

This applies ONLY to caps sold over the Summer holidays 2021 and this term. Caps sold prior to this are the heavier latex materiel and are not faulty. 

Lost Property 
Please see below pictures of lost property currently in the School Shop. If you think any of the items are yours, please come to the School Shop to claim them. Many of these items were left in School last term and anything unclaimed by Half Term will be sold for charity. 


New in the School Shop 
We are now stocking SARGOBY swimming hats which are suitable for girls with braids or very long and thick hair. They have extra room in the cap for your hair and cost £12.00 each. Please come to the School Shop if you would like to have a look and to see what size you are.

We are also now selling battery-operated alarm clocks, and have a large range of handmade cards for all occasions. The cards cost £1.50 and come with an envelope.

Christmas Ted Competition  - Last Call!
Please ensure you return your entry form for the Christmas Ted Competition to the School Shop by Half Term (Friday 22nd October at 15:30) or email your entry to sbowles@mayfieldgirls.org as the design will be created over Half Term. 

All you have to do is think of a Christmas/Winter-themed scene featuring the Mayfield Teddy that we can re-create in the School Shop, and either describe or draw your design using the application form here.  We will create the design and provide any props that are needed. 

The prize for the winning idea is a £10 voucher for a shop of your choice and a box of chocolates.  

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager 


Calendar

Date Time  Event
16/10/21 10:00 - 17:00 OC Reunion, Pilgrimage and Mass
16/10/21 17:00 - 18:00 Evening Mass - Chapel 
17/10/21 09:30 - 18:00 Boarders trip to London
18/10/21 All day Year 8 Cross Curricular Day - Codes
18/10/21 08:20 - 08:55 Whole School Assembly
18/10/21 19:30 - 20:30 Yoga for Dunstan's Boarders - Dance Studio
19/10/21 08:30 - 18:00 Year 11 Sixth Form Taster Day
19/10/21 13:00 - 14:30 Year 12&13 Friends Welcome Lunch - Courtyard
19/10/21 19:00 - 20:00 Cornelian Lecture - Katie King - AI
19/10/21 19:00 - 20:00 6th Form Online Chemistry Lecture
20/10/21 08:30 - 12:30 Year 7-11 - Flu Vaccinations
21/10/21 All day Year 11 Art Mock
21/10/21 16:50 - 20:45 Year 12 Parents' Evening
22/10/21 All day Year 7&8 Charity Day
22/10/21 14:30 - 16:30 Lower School Sponsored Walk for Children in Need
22/10/21 16:30 - 16:30 Half Term begins
     

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 wait for your daughter in the line of traffic but park in a space and wait for her there.
Thank you.

Absences
If your daughter is going to be absent from lessons, 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 abunce@mayfieldgirls.org
Please do not come into School unless by appointment.
Thank you for your understanding.


Mayfield Social Media Accounts


For up to date information on School events and activities:

Instagram: 
Mayfield School - www.instagram.com/mayfieldschool
Geography - www.instagram.com/mayfieldgeographers  
Mayfield Library – https://www.instagram.com/mayfieldgirlslibraries/

Facebook:
School - www.facebook.com/mayfieldgirls
Alumnae - www.facebook.com/OldCornelians
Spark - www.facebook.com/MayfieldSPARKCamps

Twitter:
Mayfield School - @Mayfieldgirls
Mayfield Geography - @MGeographers
Mayfield Economics - @MayfieldECON
Mayfield Food and Nutrition - @MGFoodandNut
Mayfield Music - @MayfieldGirlsM1
Mayfield Drama -@DramaMayfield
Mayfield STEM - @MayfieldGirlsS1
Mayfield Careers - @MGCareersDept

Mayfield Sport - @Mayfield_Sport
Mayfield Spark Camps - @MayfieldSPARKCamps                                   
Mayfield Library - @MGLibraries