Over 50 pupils from Notre Dame Prep School are thrilled at the prospect of singing live at Wembley Arena on Saturday 25^th February. It will be a dream come true for the youngsters who have won through a national competition to be selected to be the featured school stage choir for ‘Voice in a Million’ which raises awareness of adoption and fostering issues.

Now in its third year, Voice in a Million has organised major concerts throughout the United Kingdom including London’s O2 and Liverpool Echo Arenas. Notre Dame Preparatory School’s Head of Music, Mrs Julie Shaw is delighted with the news, ‘The girls have been looking forward to this event since September and so this news is such a fantastic reward for their efforts.  They are all incredibly excited about being on the main stage and are working very hard on the performance of their featured song for which they will have to remain very focused.  I must admit it is going to be quite daunting performing in front of such a large audience but we all know the concert is for an important cause uniting children with loving families and I know the girls will give their very best and enjoy themselves enormously at the same time.’

Indeed, the organisers are expecting a crowd of over ten thousand to see some of the most talented youngsters sing a challenging programme of songs. The project has previously been featured on National Television, including the National Adoption Week campaign, released a string of download singles worldwide and continuously appeared on numerous Regional Radio Stations and in the Local and National Press.

One older pupil who is familiar with the big stage and who has appeared in all previous VIAM events and who is now a member of V8, the core soloists of  VIAM,  is 14 year old soprano Sophie Plummer, a student at Notre Dame Senior School, the big sister of the Prep School. Following a meteoric rise in her public singing career, (soloist at London’s O2 Arena, double finalist of Open Mic and Britain Does Variety) Sophie, has been invited to sing U2’s Pride (In The Name of Love).  

Familiar with the classical stage; Sophie has performed at St Mark’s Basilica inVenice, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Bordeaux, Ypres Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral, St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, and most recently St Paul’s Covent Garden, Sophie seems to be taking all in her stride, thoroughly enjoying her most recent project tutoring celebrity journalist and broadcaster, Dawn Porter to sing the Blues live on ITV’s ‘Born To Shine’.

Clearly, comfortably suited to a range of music genres, the teenager was crowned the most talented act in Surrey by a panel of judges including celebrity PR Guru, Max Clifford – wowing the audiences by simultaneously playing drums and singing.

On performing such a big solo at Wembley, Sophie says that although excited to be part of a massive concert with over 7000 children in a world famous venue she needs to remind herself to keep some puff for the big U2 rock anthem which closes the show, hopefully, with everyone on their feet. ‘It’s going to be quite a show with arguably the best emerging young singers in the UK. An evening for all the family… for families.’

The Wembley show is the start of a UK tour for V8 and Voice in a Million with shows planned for Birmingham, Cardiff, and Croydon.

For further information and tickets: www.voiceinamillion.com

This exciting new partnership means that if you sell your property through Savills, they will donate £1000 from their fee to FoND.

Click here for more details

What a sensational day we enjoyed yesterday, Monday 5^th December, Archbishop Bernard Longley travelled all the way from Birmingham to be together with Bishop Kieran Conry for the blessing and opening of The Montaigne Theatre marking the first of many celebrations in this Gala Opening week.

Suzanne Ware, Governor and Chair of the Buildings Committee, the driving force behind planning and getting the various teams together for this fantastic new theatre united with Bishop Conry for the count down and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Sisters, special guests and dignitaries were treated to a wonderful performance of “Breath on the Embers” a specially commissioned play, detailing the life of St Jeanne – our Foundress.

Company of Mary Our Lady schools around the world joined with us as this unique performance was ‘live-streamed’. 400 years of history, plus modern-technology – wow! What a day, what a night!

Click here for more information about booking tickets for "Breath of the Embers" and video clips of the opening ceremonies.

On the 21st November we celebrated The Feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary. This is a lovely Feast Day, dedicated to children, which celebrates childhood and in particular, the childhood of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

Congratulations to our wonderful Prep and Senior choirs who sang so beautifully and to all the girls who read so confidently. Click on the following photograph for a full Photo Gallery:

Congratulations to Notre Dame U16 Netball team on their excellent results in the Surrey U16 Netball Tournament. The team had 5 hard matches and had to perform at their best to secure 4 wins and finish second in the group.

The Notre Dame shooters Joanna Simpson and Kirsty Marsh scored 49 goals which was the highest of any team. They were assisted in attack by Hattie Battle (WA) and Amy Clayton (C). In defence Caitlin Moran (GK) and Olivia Barrett (GD) worked hard to allow only 32 goals in; they were assisted by Mary Harrison and Ellie McLaughlin (WD). Reserves were Alice Cadman and Hannah MacKenzie. The team qualify for the Surrey Finals on Saturday March 10th 2012.

The match results were as follows:

v Epsom College  ND won 9-7

v Tiffin Girls ND won 12-6

v Sir William Perkins ND won 12-3

v Putney High ND won 9-6

v St Catherine’s ND lost 7-10.

Once again, the FoND Christmas Craft & Gift Fair offered visitors, parents, students and staff a wealth and variety of stalls to look at and enjoy. As always, a festive buzz filled the Sports Hall which was a hive of activity from the moment its doors opened.

The Young Enterprise Team “It’s in the Bag” sold hand-made  jewellery, amongst many different and interesting items at the Fair such as jams and honey, gem stones and photo shoots, handbags and clothes and of course the Bottle Tombola, to which so many of you kindly donated on our Mufti Day last Monday.

The U14 Netball Team reached the semi-finals of the Surrey round of the National Schools’ Netball Tournament. ND U16 team finished in the top eight in Surrey.

Last year Sophie Lightowlers was a Textiles prize winner for her dress design in The Clothes Show Live. This year Sophie has again won recognition in the White Rose Dress Design Competition.

Sophie was presented with a certificate and Textiles award at an assembly this week.

Sophie embodies the qualities that are essential in a young fashion designer. “She has artistic flair, technical expertise, originality and total confidence in the merits of her clothing designs.” These are some of the traits which have caught the eyes of the judges. Congratulations Sophie, we are all proud of  you for all that you have achieved in the world of fashion.

News from the Wye Valley,

Day 4:

Another superb day in the Wye valley in glorious sunshine and clear blue sky. Today was action packed, with lots of activities, culminating in the x-factor  talent show and disco.

Emily had a good birthday with a huge birthday, and we are looking forward to Anna's birthday tomorrow.

Everyone is looking forward to seeing you all later.

Day 3:

We have had an amazing day today. Everyone went to the Dup for
kayaking and raft building. The peace at the lake was shattered by the
arrival of 53 excited girls, and the swans made a hasty retreat to the
end of the lake.

There were some very interesting raft designs, some
of which floated and some that just came apart. Kayaking was equally
exciting, with lots of fun and games and in the girls words awesome.

All the girls are now at the campfire, singing and telling jokes.

Everyone is happy and looking forward to tomorrow.

Day 2:

Another glorious day on PGL. We have all been covered in mud, jumped
and caught the trapeze, wizzed down the zip wire and done the Grand
Prix on the quad biking track.

All very tired and ready for bed and thats just the staff!

Day 1:

We have arrived safely and everyone is in good spirits. After settling
into our rooms, we had a delicious meal.

All the girls are having a
jolly good time and playing games like splat !

Everybody is looking forward to the activities tomorrow.

Prize Giving turned out to be a sensational event in which the successes and achievements of the girls were celebrated in style. 

The occasion afforded us the opportunity to reflect on the events of the past academic year and to honour those girls who received recognition in the academic, sporting and cultural spheres of school life.  It was also the time for others to reflect on their own successes and perhaps become inspired to achieve prizes next year.

The opening address was given by Mrs Suzanne Ware LLB (Hons) and Barrister at Law, former pupil and now Deputy Chair of Governors.  Mrs Ware talked fondly of her educational experiences at the school under the direction and guidance of the Sisters, citing the annual Prize Giving ceremony in particular; she remembered her last one, as a pupil in 1979, when Abba, the original group, was topping the charts.  She mused that the music of this group was still going strong, very much like Notre Dame Senior School’s impact on the lives of the young women who, year after year, move on to University and life beyond school.  Mrs Ware commented upon the values and high standards which are still evident in the school today. 

Our special guest, Sister Laura Schiaroli ODN, member of the European team of the Company of Mary Our Lady, took up Mrs Ware’s theme after distributing the prizes.  She spoke of the difficult situation in Albania, particularly following the wars, and how hard it was for the people to rebuild their lives after some of the unspeakable violence that had affected the country.  The ‘Rainbow School’ built in 2004 in Tirana, marked a new beginning and fresh start for the children whose lives had been in turmoil.  Students from Notre Dame Sixth Form, along with other young people from our sister schools in Europe, have been working and teaching in the Rainbow School during the summer holidays since 2004. This has proved to be both character-building and often a life-changing experience.

(Click here for Sister Laura's whole talk)

The Head Girl’s Vote of Thanks clearly displayed the confidence that she has developed over her years at Notre Dame.  Emma Taylor thanked Mrs Suzanne Ware for her address and for all that she has done for the school in her roles as Deputy Chair of the Governors and Chair of the Buildings Committee, referring to the almost completed Montaigne Theatre, and the improved facilities and refurbishments that have taken place in the Senior School during the summer holidays. She thanked Sister Laura and all of the Sisters for all that they continue to do for the girls and the Notre Dame community.   Emma saved her final and special thanks for the teaching staff, sometimes overlooked or taken for granted. She said that the students, including Emma herself, would not become the accomplished young women they are, ready and well prepared for university, without the care, inspiration and motivation of their teachers.

Please be aware that gas works and essential road works are affecting Cobham and coach routes 4/5, 2 and 7. Follow link to letter for more information.

Congratulations to our Upper Sixth girls who have achieved  a 99% subject pass rate at A Level and of these 89% were graded A* - C.

In this difficult year in which Universities are demanding higher than ever A2 entry level grades for courses, we are pleased to announce that the majority of Upper Sixth Notre Dame students have gained admission to their first choice University.

Ten percent (10%) have been successful in gaining places at Oxford University.  At present half of the Year group will take up places at the prestigious Russell Group of Universities.  We are waiting ‘adjustments’ to the offers made before final figures can be released.

During the summer holidays 10 girls from Year 5 undertook a Bikeability Level 2 course on which they learned the skills necessary to cycle safely on public roads.

Year 8 went to Westminster Cathedral, to finish off a great year in Theology in which they have been using the Cathedral as a basis for their studies.

Before the trip, Sister Patricia commented on how the girls' artistic and spiritual literacy has grown during the year. This was evident in the interest the girls showed in the talks, the enthusiasm with which they engaged in the different activities, and the reverence and respect which they showed towards this special building and those who were worshipping there.

We started off in the impressive Cathedral Hall where the Cathedral Historian, Patrick Rogers, gave a talk on how the Cathedral came to be built and the previous use of the land. The girls were then split into three groups to partake in a carousel of activites.

While Mr Rogers took one group on a tour around the Cathedral, another group scaled the 300 foot Bell Tower to pause for thought while gazing out across the London sky line. The third group engaged in the production of some prayerful art inspired by the beautiful mosaics of the Lady Chapel. An opportunity to attend a lunchtime Mass on the Feast of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher was a fitting complement to a very inspiring day.

Year 7 Step into the Great Tower of Dover Castle and are transported to a world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition!

Year 7 made their annual trip to Dover Castle on Monday 20th June. The visit enhanced the girls’ understanding of the topics covered in History this year. They visited the keep and experienced the vibrant colour and opulence of one of medieval England's most important castles. From the roof of the castle the girls were able to look out across the Channel and imagine the invasion of King Louis during the reign of King John. They were also able to see the chapel built by Henry II, which was dedicated to Thomas Becket. The girls accurately described the quarrel between the King and the Archbishop, resulting in Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral. Their accounts were so detailed and interesting that other visitors to the site stopped to listen and learn.

Pupils in Year 7 were able to discover 2,000 years of history at Dover Castle by visiting the Roman Lighthouse and the Church of St Mary-in-Castro, the second oldest Church in England. The Wall Walk gave the History Department the opportunity to tell the girls about the drama of the Dunkirk Evacuation. They saw where Operation Dynamo, the desperate rescue operation, was masterminded, and visualised the small pleasure craft making the perilous journey across the water to France. It was a great day and the girls should be highly commended on their secure knowledge of the Middle Ages.

Very shortly after all the pupils in Years 7 and 8 had added the final full stop to their examination paper on Friday 12th of June, eighty of them took to the coaches, bound for the PGL camp at Osmington Bay in Dorset, amidst excitement levels bordering upon fever pitch!

After an uneventful journey we arrived at Osmington Bay, where we were met by our effervescent reps, suitably dubbed Pinky and Perky, who duly took the girls under their wings and showed them around the site. After a rather rowdy night in some of the chalets (!) we rose to take part in the day’s activities, on what was a gloriously sunny morning (more on the weather later…). The girls were divided up into seven groups and took turns participating in a range of activities that included raft building, dragon boat racing, archery, problem solving, orienteering and the adrenaline-inducing catwalk and Jacob’s Ladder, where the participating girls registered as mere dots, as they were so high up in the heavens! After a day of flat out action, then dinner and evening entertainment, silence fell over the camp site much, much earlier than expected, and we prepared for a similarly eventful day on the morrow…

‘Torrential’ would be a good start to the list of adjectives but it doesn’t quite contain the essence of what we awoke to! ‘Howling gale’ adds a further dimension that brings the reality closer, but it, too, falls wide of the mark! The fact that the appalling weather persisted the whole day made the girls’ undaunted spirit and determination to enjoy themselves, come what may, all the more impressive. They soldiered on, some blue with cold, at times chanting what sounded distinctly like “When the going gets tough…”, whilst the staff were at times driven to amending the opening line of a certain hymn to sing, “ Saint Jeanne, where were you today?”

Mercifully, the sun returned on Monday and a full morning’s activities could conclude a highly entertaining and enjoyable trip. A sincere congratulations to all the girls who took part; their behaviour was exemplary –you were all a real credit to your families and to your school. Our thanks go to the staff who accompanied us – Miss Dudgeon, Dr Fenton, Mrs Thomas, Miss Wills and Miss Adams – for their support, encouragement  and professionalism. Particular thanks go to Mr McClenaghan and Mr Griffin who organised and led the whole trip.

Wild West Fete 25th June 12 to 4pm, free parking All welcome! Games and activities for all the family including rodeo bull, trampolines, bouncy castles, pony rides, tombola, tex mex food, icecream, retail stalls and licensed bar. 

Come and help raise funds for the fit out of the Montaigne Theatre (opening Autumn 2011)

On Thursday 12th May, a small group of Year 9 and 10 pupils represented Notre Dame at Claremont Athletics Competition. All girls put in a tremendous effort, and we had some fantastic results

including:
1^stin the Year 9 800m: Isabelle Stewart. Double 3rd in the Javelin and Discus: Sophie Plummer.
3^rdin the Year 10 800m: Hannah Stockton.
Well done to all girls involved.

On Thursday 19th May, the Year 7 and 8 girls represented Notre Dame at the same athletics competition at Claremont. All girls performed extremely well to achieve the following results:
1^stin Year 7 High jump: Victoria Larkin
1^stin Year 7 300m: Claudia Edwards
1^stin Year 8 Discus: Hannah Burvill
1^stin Year 8 Shot: Alicia Graham
1^stin Year 8 Long jump: Gabriella Staples-Griffin
2^ndin Year 8 100m: Emma Cook
2^ndin Year 8 Hurdles: Jemma Sharman
2^ndin Year 8 300m: Gabriella Staples-Griffin
2^ndin Year 7 Javelin: Claudia Edwards

The final race of the competition for the girls proved to be the most exciting of the evening. The Year 8 4x100m relay team put in an outstanding performance to win the event by 0.23 seconds finishing in a time of 1.00.57. 

The relay team consisted of: Francesca Back, Jemma Sharman, Gabriella Staples-Griffin and Emma Cook.

In the final results and out of the 6 girls’ schools Notre Dame Year 8 Team finished 1^stwith Gordons and Claremont behind us and the Year 7 Team finished equal 3^rdwith Claremont.

BlueBelles Fun Day photographs have been uploaded.

Click HERE to view them

Congratulations to the Prep girls on their excellent music results.

See Music News for individual results:

Congratulations to our Head of Music Mr David Smith and the magnificent cast of Prep 3 & 4 on a brilliant production.

Click on the photo to go to the gallery

On Friday 18th March, Year 10 GCSE Art students took part in a day trip to Brighton as a recording and research activity to form the basis of a 3D sculpture project about the seaside.

We arrived in Brighton in the morning and began by walking along the seafront to the West Pier taking in Brighton Fishing Museum and Public Art pieces along the front. Students recorded their journey by taking photographs of any interesting textures, surfaces, architecture and built forms that could be developed into a sculptural design. We then headed back to the Palace Pier where we stopped for a much needed warm up with snacks and hot chocolate. On the pier, students took the opportunity to draw architectural details of the pier structure and also the fairground rides. Drawing on the pier was much trickier than was first thought and some pencils were accidentally dropped into the sea.

We had lunch on the pier and students had the opportunity to play on amusements or go on fairground rides. By this point it was raining heavily and the students, although wet, persevered and struggled in the rain to view the Brighton Pavilion. Once inside, everyone was amazed by the opulent details and use of colour in the various banqueting suites and rooms for entertaining. It also gave us a chance to dry out as we had got caught in the rain. In the music room, students were able to stop and produce an A3 drawing of a particular aspect of the room. Working underneath the golden dome, students were spoilt by their choice of subject matter as light fittings, columns and fireplaces were highly decorative in their detailing. When we left the building it had stopped raining and students were able to photograph the domes and Minarets of the Pavilion’s architecture. Although we got wet in the rain, students were in good spirits on the way home with a rich variety of recorded material to use in the project.

We welcomed Mrs Fiona Harris last Thursday, a representative from the European Commission, who came to the assembly in the chapel.

The House Captains decorated the chapel with European flags and the assembly began with enthusiastic songs about Europe performed by Anna Scott, Chae Hyun Kim. Claudia Edwards, Elena Ferguson and Joanna Wrigglesworth.

Mrs Harris delivered a presentation on the variety of job opportunities offered by EU Institutions and the benefits that the knowledge of a second language could give on the modern job market. 

Mrs Harris’s speech culminated with the presentation of the prizes, provided by the European Commission, to the winning teams of the Interhouse Europe Quiz .

On Wednesday 16^thMarch, the Under 12 A + B netball teams competed in the Elmbridge Tournament, hosted here at Notre Dame.

The A team began the afternoon with a closely contested match against Heathside which resulted in a 6-6 draw. They followed this up with two good wins against Rydens (9-0) and Claremont (5-1). In their last match they came up against a very strong St George’s College team and although Notre Dame put up a determined performance, it was St George’s who were the convincing winners. These results meant that Notre Dame finished in joint second position with Heathside, but just missed out on the runner’s-up position due to goal difference. The team were: Lily Cahalane, Claudia Edwards, Elena Eustace, Amelia Cook, Maria Sarang, Jacqueline Clark and Niamh Paterson Moody.

The B team began their tournament in convincing style, displaying good teamwork and determination against Rydens B to win 11-0; they followed this up with a 4-0 victory against Claremont B, before losing out to St George’s B 1-5. The team’s two wins meant that they finished up as runner’s-up. The team were: Tegan Joiner, Joanna Wrigglesworth, Leonie Lerch, Alana O’Connell, Amber James, Lara Allpress and Naomi Johnson.

Up Up and Away!

Congratulations to our wonderful Infants who sang their songs and recited their poetry so beautifully. What a wonderful way to start a Friday morning!

Thanks also to our wonderful band who accompanied them! Nick Rye, Peter Lole, Mr Smith and one of our parents Jim Cregan

  Photogallery

Professor Hal Sosabowski presented his Bigger Bang! Chemistry Show on Monday 14^thMarch. This was a chemistry extravaganza of experiments, explosions, colours and lights.

Professor Hal is Professor of Public Understanding of Science at the University of Brighton.

He delivers his Bigger Bang! Show each year at the Brighton Dome to an audience of 3000 people. He has appeared on television in the Ministry of Mayhem programmes and recently launched the International Year of Chemistry at the Houses of Parliament with science minister David Willets.

The bigger bang show is an explosive fun and colourful science show demonstrating the power of chemistry and will launch National Science and Engineering week at Notre Dame. This will be followed up with a series of lunchtime science activities and challenges organised by science staff to celebrate and promote science within the school. Head of Science, Anushka Ponniah, has recently recruited members of the 6^thform to be science prefects who will work with the girls during Science week and on a number of science projects in the future. Activities on offer include experiments in chemical luminescence, dissection of the eye in biology and the spaghetti bridge construction in physics. The science prefects are all studying science A levels and will act as role models helping younger students with their understanding of science; encouraging them to continue with their studies beyond GCSE.

Year 10 recently had a day off timetable to consider future possible careers – here is what they thought…....

On the 16^thFebruary Year ten took time out to learn about team skills and leadership. The day was hosted by Jonathan from  ISCO Inspiring Futures. Activities ranged from sales skills to logic, giving the year group a thorough insight into the World of business and prepare us for possible career options in the future.

Each person was given a role which reflected a position in a company. They varied from Managing Director, Environmental director, Manufacturing Director, Sales, marketing and Financial. Each group took turns presenting their business accolade; the first task was T-Shirts, followed by creating a fair-trade product, which not only educated us about the origins of Fair-trade but also the procedure which is followed before products reach the shelves.

What with the growing concern about climate change and human rights, this day was mainly centred on what we could do to help build a better future in business and society. Most of our Faitrade products were made of either organic or re-usable material. Our products included: Natural Beauty, Just Wellies, Groovy Smoothies, Equalitea, Cuppa, and many others.

Overall the day was highly productive but in true Notre Dame style we managed to make hard work fun and enjoyable. We grew in stature and confidence as we development our creative and entrepreneurial business skills! What a day!

Congratulations to our Youth Speaks team of Dorothy Robertson, Natasha Raymond and Madison Sharp who got through to the District Final of the competition taking place next week. 

The girls had very strong opponents, but rose to the occasion magnificently!

On Saturday Mrs Marsh and Miss Wills took 5 Senior School pupils to represent Notre Dame at the National Schools Swimming Finals in Stockport.

All races were relay events and our combined Year 8 and 9 team qualified for both the Junior Freestyle and Medley Relays. The girls involved were Tilly Prowse, Hannah Burvill, Imogen Boffin, Lucy Sessions and Gabriella Staples-Griffin. During the qualifying round in November, the girls qualified as the 2nd fastest team in the country for the Freestyle relay and the 10th fastest for the Medley Relay. At the final round of the competition, the girls had to make it through a gruelling round of heats in order to successfully gain a place in the final. The girls swam fantastically well against immense pressure and tough opposition and qualified 2nd fastest for both relay events going into the final. In the Freestyle final the girls remained focussed and swam so well to gain the Silver medal. The girls in this event were: Tilly Prowse, Lucy Sessions, Imogen Boffin and Hannah Burvill.

Due to the extremely fast performance the girls produced in the Medley heats, the final event proved very exciting. The following girls put in an amazing effort, all swimming in personal best times to gain Bronze medal in the final: Hannah Burvill, Tilly Prowse, Lucy Sessions and Gabriella Staples-Griffin. The parental support for this event was outstanding and really helped create an exciting and supportive atmosphere. Both Mrs Marsh and Miss Wills are extremely proud of the girls’ efforts to gain the 2nd and 3rd  fastest times in the country. The medal positions were: Freestyle 1st Millfield (1.57.37), 2nd Notre Dame (1.59.46), 3rd St Albans High (1.59.75); Medley 1st Plymouth College (2.10.79), 2nd Millfield (2.11.23), 3rd Notre Dame (2.12.49). WELL DONE GIRLS!

Two senior pupils sang solos at the Voice in a Million show on Tuesday February 1st at the O2 arena.

Gemma Macafee sang a rendition of “I will always love you” whilst Sophie Plummer, the Senior School music scholar, performed “Ave Maria”.
The Prep School choir supported our students in front of an audience of 12,000. Sophie Plummer is the 2010 winner of the Open Mic MUZU.TV award.
Tamara Paine, Year 8, also appeared at the O2 involved with her group “Showdown Theatre Arts”.

2 Gold, 1 Bronze and a new Championship record!

Last week seven girls from Years 7, 8, 9 and 13 represented Notre Dame at the Surrey Schools Swimming Individual Championships. Each event was 100m and the competition was very strong. All girls who entered swam fantastically well and we ended up bringing home 3 medals. Lara Allpress (Year 7) came 3rd in the Lower Junior 100m Butterly and Tilly Prowse (Year 9) came 1st in the Junior 100m Butterfly. Hannah Burvill (Year 8) won the Junior 100m Frontcrawl in a new Championship record of 59.22 secs, and has also been picked to represent Surrey in the County Individuals event coming up in March. Congratulations should be given to the rest of the girls who also swam extremely well: Alicia Thonet, Phoebe Singer, Imogen Boffin and Alicia Graham. Good luck to the Year 8/9 team who will be swimming for a medal at the National Schools Finals next week-end in Stockport (Tilly Prowse, Hannah Burvill, Imogen Boffin, Gabriella Staples and Lucy Sessions).

Notre Dame wins Best Team at Youth Speak.

On Tuesday 25 January we had the privilege of representing Notre Dame School at the annual Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition held at the Civic Centre, Esher, in front of a large audience, including the Mayor of the Borough of Elmbridge, Councillor Barry Cheyne. Our speech entitled “The day the music died … or survived?” was introduced by Dorothy Robertson, Chairperson. Natasha Raymond, Speaker, gave an interesting and engaging speech about music through different eras; whether it has survived to the modern day and if the likes of Bob Marley and Elvis Presley still inspire today‟s artists. Madison Sharp then proposed the Vote of Thanks.
During the interval we heard from President Malcolm Finn who told us about some of the work of the Rotary Club. Since 1985 polio eradication has been one of their main aims, working with organisations such as the WHO and UNICEF. Today polio is present in only four countries around the world and in a joint venture between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rotary Club it is hoped that immunization campaigns in these developing countries will eliminate polio once and for all.
Before the results were announced the judges gave feedback on each individual competitor. It was quite daunting waiting for our names to be called and to hear what they had to say about us, but fortunately all the comments were favourable and constructive. We were thrilled when the final result was announced – a unanimous decision from the judges, Notre Dame had won Best Team, retaining the shield for the fourth consecutive year!
Of course this would not have been possible without the advice and encouragement of Mrs Johnson who has spent many hours preparing us for the event. Thank you, Mrs Johnson. Thank you also to Mrs Williams, Mrs Cochrane and Mrs Lewis for being there to support us on the night.
Dorothy Robertson

Our Prep 6 Cross Country girls certainly put Notre Dame on the map at the Surrey Schools' Cross Country Championship!

18 top schools and lots of club runners were represented in the U12 category - here are our results: 

Tabatha (2nd), Lucy (8th), Josie (17th), Ella (22nd), we won the competition with a total of only 49 pts! Emily B finished 30 (great achievement for her) and Brianna came 105th - this being her first x country race.

This is the highest achievement so far in our school's cross country history!
We are so proud of them.....and are now looking forward to the Nationals in March!  

Oh what a night! MANY MANY CONGRATULATIONS to all Junior girls and Music staff on a fantastic night. All would agree that it was a very special way to start Christmas.

Record number of Sixth Form Students receive University Offers, including from Oxbridge.

Although university admission is becoming ever more competitive our girls continue to stand out from the field with their well crafted personal statements. Our girls have received a multitude of offers from the Country's leading  universities such as Exeter, Leeds and Nottingham. Our congratulations and best wishes go to our 3 Oxbridge candidates who have all been invited to attend interviews which start this week.

It is with deep regret that I have to announce that Shirley Morton passed away peacefully late on Sunday 21st November.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Shirley Morton was for many years Head of Learning Support before her retirement in the summer.

The cast of Godspell are currently working very hard in rehearsals for this year’s Christmas Production,

which will be held at the Walton Playhouse from Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th December.

Godspell was written in 1970 and is based on the parables in the gospels of St Matthew and St Luke. It is a light-hearted musical about the meaning of faith set to a vibrant musical score by Stephen Schwartz. Originally written to be performed by a small cast, our large cast of 32 students from Year 8 to 6th Form are on stage throughout the show in our ‘play within a play’ setting, as a school group who encounter a charismatic workshop leader who inspires them to physically relate each parable in song and dance. Please come along and support all your friends in the show.

NOTRE DAME PREP CHOIR ARE ‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE’…
and are featured on the new Voice In A Million ‘Smile’ Album - Released 13th Sept.

Every member of the 5,200 choir that took part in the Voice In A Million concert at the O2 Arena in January, is included on the Album and named in the Sleeve Credits.

Voice In A Million’s ‘Smile’ album features evocative wartime and contemporary songs, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and our present day heroes - those brave young men and women fighting a very different war in Afghanistan.

Donations from the sale of this album go to The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust & The British Forces Foundation.

It is available from Tesco, HMV and Amazon.co.uk

We are honoured to be receiving a visit by Lord Dholakia on Friday, 5^thNovember. He is coming to talk to our Sixth Form Pupils as part of the “Peers in Schools” programme set up by the House of Lords.

More about Peers in Schools

The Peers in Schools programme operates in all regions of the UK sending Members of the House of Lords into schools and sixth-form colleges to talk to young people about the work and role of the House.

Since the programme’s launch in 2007, Members of the House of Lords have been visiting schools and sixth-form colleges across the UK to help support the teaching of the citizenship and social studies curriculum (KS 4 & 5), and encourage other groups of students to learn more about politics and Parliament.

The scheme was devised and is managed by Baroness Hayman, the Lord Speaker, as part of the House of Lords outreach programme, which aims to raise awareness of the role of the House of Lords and encourage people to get involved in politics.

Prizegiving turned out to be a sensational event in which the successes and achievements of the girls were celebrated in style. 

The occasion afforded us the opportunity to reflect on the events of the past academic year and to honour those girls who received recognition in the academic, sporting and cultural spheres of school life.  It was also the time for others to reflect on their own successes and perhaps become inspired to achieve prizes next year.

Congratulations to all of the Junior girls

on a wonderful celebration of all that has been achieved this year. Prizes were awarded across the year groups and special awards and cups were presented to our wonderful Prep 6 girls.

The summer concert was full of beautiful singing, wonderful orchestral playing and it finished with a bang from the percussion group!

The Prep 6 girls then enjoyed a delicious lunch outside on the terrace with their families and friends before presenting the school with a tree which was planted in the garden infront of the Summer House.

Finally, each girl received a special Year Book full of all of their memories!

For a full photogallery please click HERE

Congratulations to the following girls on their music examination results:

A Al-Turki  Violin Gr 1   113 Pass
C Barton   Piano Gr 1   139 Distinction
E Bertie    Violin  Gr 2   107 Pass
F Black     Violin  Gr 2   100 Pass
F Black     Singing Gr 2   123 Merit
M Black    Descant Recorder Gr 1   108 Pass
E Brown   Piano    Gr 1    130 Distinction
H Evans    Violin  G 1     105 Pass
K Fahy-Spada  Piano Gr 2   117 Pass
L Glover   Violin Gr 2    103 Pass
M Hagger   Flute  Gr3   126 Merit
J Hillard   Piano Gr 1   107 Pass
E Hogarth   Flute Gr 2   108 Pass
J Hughes   Cello Prep Test Pass
J Jung    Singing Gr 3   128 Merit
I Lepone   Singing Gr 1   137 Distinction
Aisling Madden   Violin Gr 2   112  Pass
Aoife Madden  Violin Gr 2   108  Pass
S Mauer    Singing Gr 2   136 Distinction
A McInerney   Piano Gr 2   121 Merit
J Moussarie   Piano Gr 3   116 Pass
Elizabeth Ooms   Violin Gr 2   112 Pass
Elizabeth Ooms   Piano Gr 3   111 Pass
Emiette Ooms   Piano Gr 2   118 Pass
A Scott   Piano Gr 2   128 Merit
M Singh   Singing Gr 2   124 Merit

Today the Junior Department had the opportunity to explore learning in areas not usually experienced in the classroom. 

Years three, four, five and six were posed puzzles and challenges which required thought processes different from the norm, therefore encouraging them to think laterally and work together as a team.  This was a wonderful experience and one which everyone, staff and girls, thoroughly enjoyed.  In the afternoon the Prep 5s and 6s welcomed visitors from other local schools; together they played puzzles, tackled obstacle courses and worked in teams at initiative exercises.  The final group of the afternoon worked out how to balance twelve nails on a thirteenth.  Could you do this?  Ask your daughter and she may tell you how it's done…

Dominic Marshall, our Head of Theology in the Senior School,

is running the London Marathon this April in aid of the Cardinal Hume Centre. CHC is a charity who works for the homeless and badly-housed in London which the Year 12s have selected to be the special focus of the Senior School fundraising this year.