Each week I prepare resources for both the Prep School and the Senior School based on the Gospel reading from the previous Sunday. This week we were focussing on one of the most well-known verses of scripture, John 3:16-17:
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.
John wrote that God loved the world. ‘The world’ is vast, and even though we live within it, the concept of loving ‘the world’ can seem a bit abstract. What does it mean to love ‘the world’?
We can personalise the meaning of John’s writing. God loved, and loves, me. God loved, and loves, you. God loved, and loves, each person in the world – those who have lived, those living now, and those to live in the future. We are God’s world.
Furthermore parables such as the Parable of the Lost Sheep teach us that each individual one of us is uniquely precious to God. If you were the only person on the earth God would still have given his only Son, for you. We are God’s world, but we can personalise this even more: you are God’s world. I am God’s world.
What a profound and extraordinary thing on which to reflect. You are God’s world. God sent his only Son for you. I am God’s world. God sent his only Son for me.
Tooled Up is here to support children in coping with a wide range of challenges and situations. When pressures and pinch points in the year seem to pile up, what are the strategies that help us to keep perspective, stay resilient and get through?
In this week’s Wednesday Wisdom, Dr Kathy Weston considers the vital role that sleep plays in our physical and emotional wellbeing and our ability to cope. For more information, this expert webinar offers Q&As on the practicalities of children’s sleep, and we have a range of tips for helping teens get into good sleeping habits.
Different children might find that different coping strategies work for them. Our popular Coping Menu offers children a range of ideas for managing strong emotions. We have an activity for grown-ups on managing our own “wobbles”, and our Quick Guide to Anxiety contains practical advice on how to recognise anxiety in yourself or your children, and links to Tooled Up’s wealth of anxiety-related resources.
If you have school-age children you’ll know that exam season is just a couple of months away! Not surprisingly, exams can be a source of anxiety and put real demands on our coping strategies. For UK students, GCSE and A-Level exams begin in May. The Smart Reviser resource contains plenty of tips and techniques for making information stick. Parents of younger children can watch this short video on supporting exam performance, or our 30 Tips for parents on supporting exam preparation. For students preparing for school entrance exams, our Quick Guide contains a wealth of advice, information and links.
If you don’t already have one, make a calendar of all exam dates and stick it up in a visible place at home. Our 2024 Exam Planner is a perfect template. If you feel anxious, try Dr Kathy Weston’s short video on managing parental anxiety around exams.
And remember, you can always hit the support button on our website when you need help with coping.
To access Tooled Up the details are all on Firefly and can be accessed by clicking on the image above or here!
The Current FoND team has been in place for two years now and as such the time has come for a number of the team to take a step back. We are therefore looking for some new energy from the Notre Dame parent community to come on board and join the team.
Do you have some free time whether small or large and would you like to be part of a fun team that enjoy working together to enhance the experience for our girls at Notre Dame? If the answer is yes or even maybe, then please give us a shout for a non-committal chat to find out more.
Anna Sizer (FoND Co-Chair) stopped work almost 14 years ago when she became a mother and was keen to change her weekly routine. She has really loved working as a team again to plan and run events and working with the school to support the Notre Dame girls. Other members of the FoND team have been able to give time while continuing their existing jobs so whatever time you can give will work and be a massive help to FoND.
If you are passionate about the school and supporting the girls and would Iike to consider being part of the team please do give us a shout on fondchair@notredame.co.uk or come along to the next FoND meeting on 21 March to find out more.
On Monday 11th March, the U9 and U11 gymnasts competed in the Danes Hill Gymnastics Competition. The girls were well prepared and determined to perform to the best of their ability. Throughout the floor and vaulting events, every member of the team worked diligently and applied every coaching point to perform exceptionally well. The quality of their performances was outstanding!
Every member of the team did Notre Dame School proud!
U9 floor – Annabel and Grace = joint bronze
U9 vault – Annabel = bronze
U11 floor – Olive = bronze
Isabella and Athena = joint gold
U11 vault – Olive and Isabella = joint gold
Mrs Peter-Smith
PE Teacher
Netball
NSL - Surrey Storm v Celtic Dragons
Members of U10 and U11 netball teams joined some of our senior girls on Saturday night at Surrey Sports Park. They had a great night out at the Netball watching Surrey Storm v Celtic Dragons. A nice win for Surrey Storm & happy ND girls. A surprise guest for the evening was Mrs Purgavie!
U11 v Downsend
A lovely afternoon of netball for Year 6 against Downsend on Tuesday. The A Team (pictured left) PoM was Emily L as voted by the opposition.
Mrs Tomlinson
Acting Head of Prep PE
Fixtures
Please do check SOCS for the Spring Term fixtures and events.
(you should have been sent your password from the school office)
Outside School Sporting News
We love to hear about your daughters' achievements in sport outside school. Please do share any photos and news with us and we will include it in the Friday Mailing! (email lplummer@notredame.co.uk)
Mrs Tomlinson
Acting Head of Prep PE
Senior Sports Board March 15th 2024
Football
U13 A and B Trip to St George's Park
Last weekend the U13 A and B teams headed off to the home of the FA - St George's Park National Football Centre, Staffordshire.
What an Epic weekend we had! The U13As came 2nd in the Challenge Cup with Flora R getting the most valuable player award! The Bs came second in the Plate play offs! We enjoyed a Hydrotherapy session and played Futsal!
Thank you to the girls for being so great!
Click on the collage above to see the full gallery on Firefly
Miss Paul
Director of Sport
Swimming
ND Swim Team on a Roll!
On Monday 11th March Year 7- year 10 A and B team competed against Priors field. ND won 93 points to 72 points.
On Tuesday 12th March Year 7 A, B, C and D team competed against Gordons school. ND won 74 points to 46 points.
Well done Team ND on excellent swimming in both galas!
Miss Brownett
Swimming Teacher
Hockey
U13 A and U12 B v Rosebery
U13 A v Rosebery
We started the game really well, moving the ball around with real quality and soon we were rewarded with a short corner, but their goal keeper made several really good saves. We continued with the pressure and Martha was able to calmly follow up on a rebound to put us in the lead, 1-0. We continued to apply the pressure making it really difficult to outlet with our excellent marking and soon Hettie doubled our lead.
At half time we spoke about continuing to keep up the good work on the press, and to keep the ball moving to space and to play less through the middle. We started the game well and Hettie was able to get herself a second goal. Rosebery worked hard on beating our press and through a really skillful carry from their midfielder finished off with a great strike that went in off the inside of the far post. The game evened out a little more after this and through a really speedy winger and another great strike they were right back in the game at 3-2. The girls focused in and dug in to ensure their passes connected and they made the most of their chances but the Rosebery goal keeper was having a blinder! Finally from some excellent pressure from Arina who won the ball off their centre back and beat the GK in a 1 on 1 to make the final score 4-2 to Notre Dame. MVPs went to Charis and Chloe.
Mrs Jelley
Head of Hockey
U12B Vs Rosebury
The girls secured a very good victory against a strong Rosebury side. We started the half well and were able to move the ball on nicely out of areas of congestion and use the left and right side of the pitch to our advantage. We managed to score our first goal from a very well and set routine from a short corner, Olivia slapping the ball far post for Florrie to hit first time in the goal. At half time we spoke about wanting to move the ball on quickly and our reaction to turnover needing to be more effective to prevent their midfielders passing the ball down the middle of the pitch. With a great reaction and execution from our press, our second goal came from some very swift skills from Emilia and a slot past the keeper in the bottom right corner. With the help of a solid defence form Florrie and Lexi with Penny in goal making some crucial saves we were able to keep a clean sheet and the final score remaining 2-0, we were very happy with the girls' efforts and performance.
Miss Holder
Hockey Coach
U14 A v St T's
The U14 A Team had an away match against St Teresa’s on Thursday. St Teresa’s had more of the play in the first half but ND stepped up their play in the second half, creating some good link up play and more attacking opportunities, with the whole team working hard for one another. Although St Teresa’s won, ND can feel pleased with their performance, particularly in the second half, as they took on board the advice given at half time and came out as a stronger and more cohesive unit.
Team: Michelle E, Elsie F, Emelie G, Isla G, Maya H, Ester J, Lucy M, Kitty M, Leah P, Grace P, Tallulah R, Francesca S, Freya S
Miss Dudgeon
Netball
U12 A B and C v Tormead last Wed
A Team
U12A – Lottie W, Harriet F, Isabella H, Emma F, Lexi H, Bella M, Bella K, Alice C, Jessica S
Our U12 A squad have been a phenomenal squad all year, working hard in training, applying the learning in matches and being role models for the school at all times. A really tough match against Tormead saw us level at half time 5 – 5. Tormead had a really strong third quarter and that was the only difference between the two teams with Notre Dame experiencing their first loss of the whole year 12 – 15. This was a very good performance with all 9 players on court again.
There is so much to be proud of with this squad and how they have worked together all year and embodied the values of Notre Dame.
MVP as voted by the opposition: Lexi H
U16A and B v Howard of Effingham
U16A
Co Captains Alexia W/ Ciara S, Rebecca H, Sofia M, Rebecca P, Zahara, Amelia Sri
A very competitive match against Howard with players having to play out of normal position due to player illness. The team showed great flexibility and adaption in their court positions winning the last quarter.
U16B
Captain Evie H, Lara D, Emma M, Poppy, Chloe, Jess, Dot P
Our U16B team played well against another good Howard side, being very much in the match until half time. Some outstanding defence by the whole team meant the GA and GS for Howard were put under a huge amount of pressure. Although the team didn’t take the win it was one of their best defensive performances of the season.
MVP’s as named by the opposition were Emma M and Jess.
U15A v Freemen's
Netball Shooting Competition
Wednesday 13 March was semi-final day after weeks of our fun shooting competition (although many of our players were taking it very seriously!!). After some intense pressure for the girls to 'shoot' the circuit with plenty of observers, I am delighted to announce our 6 finalists for the Final next week on 20 Wednesday:
Year 11: Ellie D
Year 10: Chloe C, Julie D B (pictured right)
Year 8: Steph J, Florence S
Year 7: Emma F, Isabella H (pictured left)
Results next week in Friday Mailing on 22 March 2024. Good luck to all 6 girls!
Europe Netball U17 Championships in Gibraltar 7 to 11 March.
In my world volunteer role as Regional Director for Europe, I was again in Gibraltar for the Europe Netball U17 Championships involving 10 of our member countries including England, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, UAE, Israel, Gibraltar, Isle of Man and Switzerland.
An intense weekend of netball across two venues on the Rock being used as a trial event for the Netball World Netball Youth Cup 2025 which takes place in Gibraltar from 19 - 28 September next year saw England emerging winners of the Champion Section and Netball Northern Ireland taking gold in the Challenge Section.
As a volunteer in our sport we wear many hats; this event saw me on the Appeals Panel (3 people who can hear any objections or appeals from a member country at any time during the competition) as well as co-commentator for the livestreaming matches which all went out around the world. (I commentated on 5 matches over the weekend) as well as making my personal observations on the venues, logistics and event to report back to World Netball. My son is convinced all my netball trips are 'holidays'!
It was a great visit and a successful event despite the horrendous weather which meant our flight to Gibraltar couldn't land on Thursday so we were diverted to Malaga and 6 hours later we finally arrived on the Rock! Just a normal day in international netball dealing with 'what if' scenarios!
Mrs Hook,
Head of Netball
Fixtures
Please check SOCS where all of the sports fixtures can be found!
Outside School Sporting Success
We love to hear about your daughters' achievements in sport outside school. Please do share any photos and news with us and we will include it in the Friday Mailing! (email lplummer@notredame.co.uk)
Water Polo
Huge congratulations to Alice who plays in a London Water Polo team and on Sunday they won the U18 London league.
This weekend Alice is travelling with the Penguins Team to Grantham to compete in the U17 Water Polo Nationals where she’ll play teams from across the UK.
Good luck Alice!
Miss Paul
Director of Sport
Senior Easter Gymnastics Camp 2024
Leatherhead and Dorking Gymnastic Club
Avorians Junior Tennis Camps
Performing Arts
Senior Music Board March 15th 2024
Music Scholars Concert
Thank you to eight ND music scholars for delivering such wonderful performances at the Scholars Concert. All of these talented performers will be showing off their skills yet again at the Easter Concert which takes place next Tuesday 19th March at 5.30pm in the Chapel. Also thank you to Mrs King, Mr Whiting, and ND parents for taking the time to support these young performers.
Year 7 Compositions
Yr7 Dice compositions are taking shape. Looking forward to hearing them being performed soon!
Mr Hodgson
Prep Music Board Friday March 15th
Faith and Music Assemblies
3L
Congratulations to 3L on their lovely Faith and Music Assembly this morning which was on the theme 'Learning to Listen and Share'
The playing, singing and readings were all so lovely!.
All of the musicians and readers were recorded, and these can be seen on Firefly by clicking on the collage below:
Please note the date for your daughter's class Faith & Music Assembly. All parents are welcome to celebrate these special assemblies with us.
Friday 10th May 4BW
Friday 17 May: 4F
Mrs Shaw
ABRSM Results Spring 2024
Congratulations to our talented musicians! All the candidates have passed! Thank you to all their teachers!
Please click on the image above to see the results on Firefly.
Mrs Shaw
Dancers of The Week March 15th
Prep Dancers of the Week March 15th
Street Dancers of The Week
L-R: Amelia, Chloe and Jamie
Well done to our ‘Dancers of the Week’ for working so hard in their clubs this week.
Mrs Cesar
Library
Prep Library March 15th
Today, we welcomed Rosie Hill from Rosemary Hill Books to our school. She hosted another very successful Book Fair. Girls in Years 1 – 6 visited the fair with their teachers and the Early Years children attended after school with parents or guardians. The Lytton Parlour was buzzing all day with children recommending books to others and children excitedly choosing new books to dive into.
Rosie brought along a fabulous variety of books including fiction, non-fiction and her ever popular Kawaii: How to draw books, there was something for everyone.
Science Reading Challenge
The buzz about the Science Reading Challenge continues! The girls have been enjoying diving into the non-fiction books and sharing fabulous facts. The challenge will be ending on Friday 22nd March.
Pictured below are this week's certificate winners for completing the Science Reading Challenge!
Mrs Kewley
Prep Librarian
Senior Library Board March 15th
International Women’s Day was celebrated on Sunday 9th March and the theme for this year was Inspire Inclusion.
“When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.”
“Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.”
“With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn't country, group or organization specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality.”
The first International Women’s Day was held in March 1911.
“International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.”
IWD is one of the most important days of the year to:
celebrate women's achievements
educate and awareness raise about women's equality
“Everyone, everywhere can play a part in helping forge gender equality. From a wide range of IWD campaigns, events, rallies, lobbying, and performances - to festivals, parties, fun runs, and celebrations - all IWD activity is valid. That's what makes IWD so inclusive.”
The IWD website is full of information about the history and significance of the occasion, how to get involved and the Missions which they support including …
British Science Week
In the Senior Library we have many resources promoting STEM subjects in the recently launched STEM corner. The Sixth Form Science Prefects look after the area; arrange (and judge!) the lower school Science Projects.
We are always expanding our collection of books for students. Recently we acquired ….
30 Tutorials in Chemistry "provides a highly effective bridge between school and university level chemistry. It gives erudite introductions to key elements of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry that will be of use to scientists ranging from curious school students, to undergraduates, and to researchers looking to refresh their knowledge. The author links the theory of chemistry to the real world by carefully chosen examples and images. The writing style is concise and jargon free and the book helps to demystify the key principles of topics such as quantum mechanics. The passion of the author for the subject shines through the book, which has the potential to inspire countless young scientists." Professor C Schofield FRS, University of Oxford
World Book Day – Prize Winners!
Best costumes go to…
Zahara S, Lara D, Katie B (3 bears) Emilia and Mira D and our 6th Former Peter Pan crew – Kaja, Lara, Sasha, Millie, Eva, Holly, Abi and Alice.
Prize for ‘Reading in Interesting Places’ competition goes to Penny E
Best ‘decorate a door’ was 10SD, 9CB and 7JW.
‘Best dressed’ Department
Well done MFL and runner-ups the Pastoral Team …
Best dressed awards
Go to Mr Russ, Mr Mac, Mrs Pratt, Mrs Comber and Mrs Kenworthy.
Thanks to Covid lockdowns and strike action, alumna Emanuela Nigrelli needed plenty of resilience and determination to navigate her university years at Exeter. But now, with a First in History under her belt, she’s beginning an exciting career in law…