E-weekly Issue 181


Message from Mrs Green 

Yesterday evening we were delighted to hold our Christmas Music Concert, with some wonderful performances from the girls - congratulations to all who took part. We will share a recording of the concert with everyone in next week's e-weekly. This week began with the Year 12 Day of Recollection at Holy Cross Priory, providing an opportunity for reflection, and this was followed by trips out to the Emmanuel Centre in London for Year 12 Biologists and to Stratford for Sixth Form Geographers. It was also a busy week of sport with our final swimming gala of the term against Sevenoaks and hockey fixtures against Lingfield.

The girls have also been busy rehearsing for next week’s Live Crib performances which we will be livestreaming on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The procession starts at 4.45pm each day and we will begin livestreaming from inside the Chapel at approximately 4.55pm - the links for these performances are below:

Monday Live Crib
Tuesday Live Crib
Wednesday Live Crib
Our Live Crib collection this year is in aid of the Cardinal Hume Centre, and, if you would like to donate, you can do so here.

Next week I will be sending out a letter regarding Covid testing arrangements for the beginning of next term which have changed due to new government regulations. These will involve international boarders taking a test on arrival at School on Sunday 9th January, and UK boarders and day girls coming into School on Monday 10th January for testing.  Day girls will need to return home following their test and come to School for lessons on Tuesday presuming they have a negative test result. Information about the testing schedule for each year group will be included in the letter.

I wish you all a lovely weekend.

Mrs Niamh Green, Acting Headmistress

Notices

Hygiene Bank Christmas Appeal
Once again we are collecting items for the Hygiene Bank this Christmas. If you would like to help support this incredibly worthwhile cause, please bring items from the shopping list below and take them to either Mr Doy, Mrs Stone or Mrs Baker’s offices.

Thank you very much.

Year 12 Sissy
 


 


News from the Friends and the Year Reps

Year 7 Dates for the Diary:
Thursday 16th December at 11:00 - End of Term Brunch at Eggs Eleven in The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells.

Year 9 Dates for the Diary:
Friday 17th December at 10:00 - Brunch/coffee at The Middle House, Mayfield.

Year 11 Dates for your Diary:
Wednesday 15th December from 09:00 –Brunch/coffee at The Middle House. 

Year 12 Dates for the Diary
Monday 13th December at 19:30 – Christmas drinks and canapés at Coco Retro in Tunbridge Wells.

The Friends


Report Harmful Content Button

At Mayfield we want to help stop the spread of harmful online content on the internet and have therefore installed the Report Harmful Content button on our website to make it more accessible for students - you will find this in the links in the Pupil Portal. The Report Harmful Content button is a process that has been launched nationwide and is a way of helping online users report harmful content wherever they go online. 

Report Harmful Content has a team of dedicated practitioners who review content and communicate with victims, offering guidance and mediatory support where needed. By following the link below you will be taken to the page which enables the report to be submitted and we encourage anybody who has been affected by harmful content online to be proactive and report it. Submit a Report of Harmful Content (reportharmfulcontent.com).

Report Harmful Content
They can review reports made about the following eight types of online harm:

  1. Online Abuse
  2. Bullying or Harassment
  3. Threats
  4. Impersonation
  5. Unwanted Sexual Advances (not image based)
  6. Violent Content
  7. Self-Harm or Suicide Content
  8. Pornographic Content


Mrs Claire Baker, Head of Lower School

 


From the Library

Mrs Julie Gabriel, Librarian


Maths Enrichment Club

On Wednesdays during A2, a keen group of Lower School girls come together to discuss interesting Maths problems with Maths Ambassadors Victoria D and Victoria B, Mr Whittle and Mr Marshall. Last week we discussed the differences between finite, infinitely countable and uncountably infinite sets, and how ordering plays a role in this. We also debated how a rope might dangle from a moving helicopter in different situations.  

In the past we have investigated the Monty Hall problem, probed the prime numbers and their relationship with encryption, and delved into decision theory to decide how best to play different lotteries amongst many other interesting problems.  

Maths Enrichment Club is open to girls of all abilities in Years 7 and 8 interested in discovering Mathematics beyond the classroom. The helicopter question, which stumped even the Maths Ambassadors, is included below.

Mr Magnus Whittle, Teacher of Mathematics



 

Answer: The correct answer is b because the ratio of tension, weight and air resistance are equal going down the rope.


STEM Hero for December

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Teacher of Science and STEM Co-ordinator


News from the Chaplaincy

The School community is invited to Adoration (Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament) every weekday during Advent. Adoration will take place in Chapel every A1, from 13:45 to 14:05. Everyone is welcome and you can stay as long as you want.

Thank you.

Christingle
This weekend, as part of our preparation for Christmas during this advent season, the boarders took part in a Christingle making activity. We shared what our different customs are at this time of year in terms of celebration, food, gifts and so on from around the world. 

Christingle means ‘Christ’s Light’ and it is a symbol of the Christian faith. Lots of churches hold Christingle services around Christmas time. The custom of giving out lit candles in these services began in Germany in 1747 but it wasn't introduced to the Anglican Church in England until 1968. Christingles are made up of different parts, each one being there to remind us of something. The orange represents the world.

  • The candle reminds Christians of Jesus, who is the light of the world.
  • The red ribbon goes all round the 'world' and being the colour of blood, reminds Christians that Jesus died.
  • The four cocktail sticks could have either of two meanings; the four seasons or the four corners of the world.
  • The sweets (or sometimes dried fruit) remind Christians of God's gifts to the world including kindness and love.

The girls made their own Christingle and then learnt a little about the ecumenical Christian community in Taize in France and their very simple music. They learnt the simple chant Ubi Caritas which you can listen to here. We then went to our beautiful chapel at dusk with our Christingle candles for a brief service during which we sang this song. 

Our Christingle service was to support the work of the Children’s Society

The girls were a delight to be with. We wish everyone at Mayfield a happy and blessed Christmas. 

Mrs Gaëlle McGovern, Head of Religious Studies



Gospel Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent
Luke 3:10-18 – What must we do?
In this Sunday’s gospel, we once again return to the figure of John the Baptist who, as we heard last Sunday, was preaching a baptism of repentance/conversion across the region of Jordan. In Luke’s gospel this Sunday, John the Baptist is repeatedly accosted, and the same question demanded of him by tax collectors, soldiers and others: “What must we do?”

There is a clear sense of urgency, almost desperation, in this question. The soldiers ask: “What about us? What must we do?” John responds honestly, and decisively, to their questions. He tells the tax collectors they must take no more than their proper rate, and he tells the soldiers to be content with their pay. To us all he commands, “If anyone has two tunics, he must share with the man who has none, and the one with something to eat must do the same.”

But who is John the Baptist to tell us what to do?

John is not the Christ, the Messiah, who is to come. He makes this clear: “I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals.” John’s words are uncompromising regarding his own unworthiness; it is said in the Talmud that a disciple must do everything for his teacher that a slave would do for his master, except untie the strap of his sandal.

But despite his own unworthiness, John is nevertheless the one chosen to prepare a way for the Lord. He urges people to turn their lives and their very selves towards God, and he gives us concrete advice about what we must do: we must be fair; we must not steal; we must not intimidate others; we must help those in need.

John, who is not the long-awaited Messiah, nonetheless teaches us and guides us. We, like John, are also called to teach and guide others. And, like John to the tax collectors and soldiers, we are called to speak out when we see others do wrong.

When people ask us, “What must we do?”, we do not fall silent out of fear of our own unworthiness. We answer, like John, despite knowing and acknowledging we are far from perfect.

Miss Kathleen McCulloch, St Dunstan’s Assistant Housemistress  


Gabs Girls Get Glittery

Christmas arrived at St Gabriel's House last weekend. After a relaxed Sunday morning with a late brunch, the girls got involved in decorating the House, baking Christmas biscuits and watching a Christmas movie. This is all ahead of our annual Christmas Party tonight, complete with party games, a quiz and some yummy food. 

Mrs Pippa Whitby, St Gabriel’s Housemistress and Teacher of PE

 


Leeds House Christmas Party

Leeds House boarders had a wonderful time enjoying games, gifts, lot of laughs and a scrumptious meal at their Christmas party last weekend!

Miss Petra Kotesovska, Leeds Housemistress

 


Deck the Halls…

Miss Ainsworth would like to say “thank you” to her Lower School ‘elves’ for helping to decorate the Christmas tree in the Music Department so wonderfully. We have named the tree ‘Cecilia’, after the building of course!

Miss Jessica Ainsworth, Music and Arts Administrator

 


Equestrian News

Many congratulations to our Year 7 team of Mimi, Emelia, Sophie and Charlotte, who won the Southeast Grass Roots Regional Show Jumping team Championships at Felbridge last weekend.

Congratulations also to Flo B who won the Riding Squad Pilates Ball Christmas Challenge. Flo managed to balance on the ball for one minute 10 seconds whilst catching another ball. None of the other riders could get anywhere near her time!

 


PE Department Update

Swimming Gala with Sevenoaks School
To finish off this term’s swimming galas, the squad swam at home against Sevenoaks School on Monday of this week. With another large squad swimming, we had more depth than the Sevenoaks team and were delighted to have a win in the Inter/Senior combined age group. Unfortunately the Junior team did not come out on top this time and had their first loss this term. However, as always, some new PBs were recorded by a variety of girls.

It is important to highlight not just the outstanding first places some girls achieved, but also the progress that some of our girls have made this term, most notably Year 7s Amelia and Freya who have both consistently shaved seconds off most of their best recorded times each gala, and Year 8 Maria who is proving herself to be an excellent Junior Captain - organising her team efficiently and really leading by example.

We are looking forward to a lot more swimming next term. 

Mrs Pippa Whitby, St Gabriel's Housemistress and Teacher of PE


Lower School Hockey
Last week saw Years 7 and 8 combine to form three teams in a fixture against Vinehall. All the girls played extremely well, working with players they have only trained with before. It was a great opportunity for them to showcase their teamwork and ability to adapt to the players around them. The A team sadly just missed out on winning, however the depth across the teams showed as the B team won 3-1 with goals from Erin and Emma, and the C team won 3-2 with goals from Claudia and Valeria.  


U14
The U14 team has played two matches this week and took their first win of the season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Worth. The girls have worked tirelessly all season and the rewards are now starting to show. They played some outstanding hockey making Worth work hard for the ball. Congratulations to both goal scorers Willow and Ruby.

They also played a closely fought match against Lingfield with both teams having chances in front of goal and competing fiercely. The team pulled together and produced a brilliant defensive performance, regularly turning over the ball from the press then attacking with speed. It was fantastic to see all their hard work pay off with a well-deserved win 2-1. 

We cannot fault the effort and hard work these girls have put in and we are all so proud of them.

The rise of the U15A  
What a week for the U15A Hockey team! On Thursday 2nd December they played their first match of the week against TWGGS and saw the defence implement everything they had been working on during training. Their structure was outstanding and made it difficult for TWGGS to gain possession of the ball.  Nevertheless, after a 0-0 half time, TWGGS came out strongly and broke away in the first few minutes of the second half to score the first goal. Mayfield put on a strong performance to keep the intensity high and won a short corner, which saw Hannah finish the set play by slipping it in on the post. The final score was a draw 1-1. The opposition’s Player of the Match was Georgia. Congratulations!

Saturday 4th December  
What a performance!!! The U15A team had the game of the season and should be very proud of their performance. They were well formed, and their structure yet again was outstanding. I am so proud of the mental resilience the team has demonstrated this season, by constantly striving to not only play for themselves, but to also be the best they can be for the team. Mayfield played the ball around and implemented again the minor points of feedback from their previous game. The girls scored an impressive eight goals and conceded 0 and the final score 8-0. Well done to goal scorers Tilda, Sophie, Hannah, and Darcey. The opposition’s Player of the Match was Tilda.


Senior Teams
The 1XI and 2XI both took on Worth School on Saturday and played brilliantly. They showed grit and determination, working for each other off the ball and supporting that with good passing play to create chances in front of goal. It was a lovely opportunity for the girls to demonstrate how much progress they have made since the start of the season, and for the Year 13s in both teams, a lovely set of games to end the season with. 

The 2XI came away with a 0-0 draw despite having chances on goal and the 1XI drew 1-1 with a fantastically well struck short corner from Liv, and incredible agility, skill and reactions displayed by Rachel in goal. Manon showed a mature presence in the centre of the pitch, distributing the ball wide where she was supported with excellent positioning and work rates from Victoria and Valeria. Grace demonstrated effective closing down skills, pressuring Worth’s forwards to rush decisions and Dii Dii displayed place and accuracy linking the midfield to the forward line with precision. Running hard and creating space to play into was our most effective form of attack and Jemima demonstrated this well. Milly was able to use her experience and calm composure to turn over possession and launch the attack from the back.

Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Nixon are so proud of all the girls and how hard they have worked this season, and the resilience they have shown against tough opposition all season. We wish all the Year 13s the best of luck in their future Hockey endeavours and are excited to see what next season brings. 

Mrs Emily Nixon, Teacher of PE and Year 11 Tutor


OC News

We are delighted to announce that OC Camilla Le May (Class of 1992) is showcasing her work at the ‘Africa’ exhibition at Rountree Tryon Galleries in Petworth from 25th November to 11th December 2021. For further details please click here.

Dr Marie-Sophie Reijers


News from the School Shop

Account Information for Parents/Guardians
Please note that the invoices you receive from the School Shop at the end of this term will run from 1st September to 30th November 2021. Any purchases made from the School Shop in December 2021 will appear on next term’s bill in April 2022.

Santa Hats
We have a small number of Santa hats available in small, medium or large, for £1.25.

Mayfield Pyjama Bottoms
The Mayfield pyjama bottoms that were ordered have now arrived and been distributed. We have a small number of extra pairs for sale in various sizes, and in either green and red tartan, or navy with white stars. We also have complementary plain white or navy t-shirts for £3.25 each. If you would like a pair, pop along to the School Shop to see if we have a suitable size, or you can order some and we will have them for the start of next term.

As always, please remember to have the bill payer’s permission before you put anything on your School Shop account.

Thank you.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager


Calendar

Date Time  Event
11/12/21 12:00-16:30 Boarders ice skating and shopping trip to Tunbridge Wells
12/12/21 11:30-12:30 Sunday Mass, Chapel
12/12/21 14:00-18:00 Live Crib rehearsal
12/12/21 19:00-20:00 Holy Hour, Chapel
13/12/21 08:20-08:55 Presentation Assembly
13/12/21 13:40-14:30 GKQ Final - Round 1
13/12/21 16:45-18:00 Live Crib, Chapel - Lower School
14/12/21 16:45-18:00 Live Crib, Chapel - Years 9 and 10
15/12/21 14:00-16:30 Lower School Christmas Party
15/12/21 16:45-18:00 Live Crib, Chapel - Years 11 to 13
15/12/21 19:00-21:00 Prefects' Supper
16/12/21 12:10-13:40 Christmas Lunch
16/12/21 14:00-14:30 Charity Event - Staff Choir Carols
16/12/21 17:00-17:45 Inter-House Song Rehearsals
17/12/21 11:50-13:00 Inter-House Song Competition - Concert Hall
17/12/21 13:00-13:00 Term ends
     

Reminders

Car Park
A one-way system now operates 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 – 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