www.notredame.co.uk

FRIDAY MAILING / 25 NOVEMBER 2016

Notre Dame School

Burwood House

Convent Lane

Cobham KT11 1HA

Tel: 01932 869990 email: office@notredame.co.uk web: www.notredame.co.uk twitter: @NotreDameCobham

Languages

Alumnae Georgia

Kyprianou on

language studies

Page 3

Sports at NDS

weekly roundup

Page 7

Music Board

Upcoming events

& Oliver review

Page 4

ND6 Chaplaincy

team present

cheques,

Teentech work-

shop Page 2

Drama Oliver!

Ticket office &

Prep forthcoming

Nativity Page 5

Early Years

News, FoND &

Diary Dates

Page 8

The Week @NotreDameCobham

Feast Day

This week began with the whole school marking the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary in the temple. In 1610, St Jeanne de Lestonnac had already begun her ground-breaking work of starting a school to educate girls. She wanted to give thanks to God for all that had been made possible. As Mary, the mother of Jesus, had always been her inspiration in accepting her life mission, she chose to use the commemoration of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, by her parents Joachim and Anne, for a very special celebratory day.

She had the girls line up two by two with candles and flowers in their hands and, accompanied by an image of the mother of Jesus, process and place these at the altar. They were an expression of the offering of themselves to do good works in their lives and echoed what

the people of Israel had done for centuries. Here are Notre Dame each year we too continue the tradition in solidarity with all the Company of Mary Foundations across the world.

We welcomed Fr Jonathan How to say Mass who reminded the girls to have and be good role models. Fr Mervyn Williams, also a governor of the school, concelebrated and many parents and friends joined us too for a celebration led wonderfully by the combined prep and senior choirs. Feast Day cookies were enjoyed by all!

Robin William’s premature death a couple of years ago ensured that his already famous speech from ‘Dead Poet’s Society’ became immortalised. The urging of his students to ‘Carpe Diem’ and to ‘make their lives extraordinary’ is a reminder to all of us to savour the moment, to enjoy what we already have and to value relationships and experiences above status and possessions. Jesus encouraged his followers ‘do not worry about tomorrow’ and as we move soon into the Christmas season with all the wonderful yet often stressful demands that can bring, we can do well to remember these wise words so as to remain calm and with everything in perspective.

2925 Followers!

IN TODAY’S ISSUE Next Week is Week B

Chaplain’s Corner—

Follow us on twitter

@NDS_Chaplaincy

Cardinal Hume Centre Donations Each year, items are collected for the

Cardinal Hume Centre which has both day facilities and a resi-dential hostel in cen-tral London helping young people, male and female, aged between 16 and 24. It is hoped that senior girls will bring in donations of warm hats, gloves, scarves, socks, toiletries and non-perishable foods such as pasta and soup to add to the boxes in each class room. Sr Anne Bayley has donated this beautifully hand-knitted blanket for the hostel.

Operation Christmas Child Monday 28th November is the deadline for bring-ing in shoeboxes for the Operation Christmas Child Appeal.

Mrs Harrison, Chaplain

Senior Carpark 4

As the All Weather Hockey Pitch and Netball-Tennis Courts are in full use, we have been converting the old courts to create additional parking space. Alt-hough the marking out has yet to take place, do use the tarmacked areas but please park responsibly to minimise in-convenience to other drivers.

Subject to dry weather it is the intention to line out parking spaces by the start of next term. Thank you for your co-operation.

Anthony Madigan, Estates Manager

Follow us on twitter @NotreDame_ND6

A workshop for those interested in a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Teentech, Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, Wednesday 16th November 3.30-5.00pm. A group of Sixth Form girls took the opportunity to attend an interactive session at Teentech Surrey especially designed for those students interested in STEM industries. There were exhibitors and speakers from over 30 companies explaining the science and technology they work with. The speakers gave insights into their personal career paths and routes into a career in STEM. There were lots of opportunities to discover more about the latest technology, as well as quizzing lots of scientists and engineers about what their jobs involve. Teentech is run by SATRO, for more information on careers in STEM please contact the following organisations: http://www.satro.org.uk. Other websites worth looking at: Stemettes set up in response to the declining number of women at all levels across the STEM sector in the UK, inspiring girls to join the ranks in a growing sector of importance, (www.stemettes.org). For science generally; FutureMorph (www.futuremprph.org), Your life (www.yourlife.org). Chemical engineering, www.whynotchemeng.com Physics, Think Physics (www.thinkphysics.org), careers from A level Phyiscs (www.physics.org.uk)

Mrs Franco

Science—Follow us on twitter: @NDS_SCIENCE Chemistry Trip to UCL The Sixth Form enjoyed an inspiring series

of lectures at UCL this week. #chemistryinaction

Presentation of Fundraising Cheques

This week we had the opportunity to present cheques to the organisations for which we fund raised last year. Mrs Chris Wynn, National Community Fundraising Manager, received

£2,597.25 on behalf of the Red Cross Refugee Appeal. Sr Patricia, Sr Nieves, Mrs Delamere and Mr Madigan, trustees of ODNs Cobham, received £3,247.35 on behalf of the Company of Mary Our Lady project in Nicaragua, Redes De Solidaridad. Their cheque also included monies raised from the Rich Poor meal which will provide meals for children at one of their schools in Africa.

These amounts were raised through a variety of events such as donut sales and a disco and also include some of the monies raised by RAG week (the other part of which was donated to the 6th form chosen charity, The Children’s Trust) and the sponsored swim.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported these fundraising efforts.

Chaplaincy Team 2015-16

AS level and GCSE Examination Certificates Presented

www.notredame.co.uk

FRIDAY MAILING / 25 NOVEMBER 2016

Languages—Follow us on twitter: @NDS_LANGUAGES Alumnae Georgia Kyprianou, writes about her language studies:

After leaving Notre Dame four years ago I went on to complete a BA in Modern Languages at the University of Southampton (French, Spanish and Russian). Languages were always my forte at school, much helped by the guidance and fantastic teaching I received from all the language teachers at that time. I am regularly in touch with Mrs McVay and Miss Claveau who continue to take an interest in my progress and are still giving me invaluable support and advice, even though I left Notre Dame in 2012!

A career as a professional interpreter has been my goal since Year 9 and continued to be so throughout university. At present I am training to be a Conference Interpreter on a Masters course at the University of Manchester. Looking back over the years it's hard to believe the journey I've had in seeing the dream become the reality; who could have predicted that a simple "bonjour" and "hola" were the first steps towards my career? I have been training as an interpreter since September and am due to graduate in the summer with the hope of working for big institutions such as the EU and the UN, which is what the Masters course is preparing me to do. The course is tough, particularly when I have to do simultaneous interpreting, where you really have to think on your feet, but it is exciting and very rewarding. Needless to say, and as clichéd as this might sound, nothing is impossible if you believe you can do it, so my advice to current students is dream big!

Food & Nutrition—Follow us on twitter: @NotreDame_FOOD Y8 have been busy in the food room making spaghetti bolognaise

Mrs Anderson

Dina Wows the crowd with her Arabic Singing Dina had a great experience representing Notre

Dame and taking part in fund raising for the charity ‘Save the Children’ at Guildford College this week. Dina was awarded a certificate of achievement given by the head of international learning studies department for singing two solos in both Arabic and English and for her help in raising money for the charity! (click on the collage to hear her singing in Arabic)

ND Sisters meet Olympic Gold Medallist Team GB Hockey—Sophie Bray

Ella & Aoife play for the Old Cranleighans Hockey Club and on Sunday were involved in a training session with Sophie! The girls told her all about the Hockey now starting at Notre Dame School & the amazing new floodlit All Weather Hockey Pitch!!

Hockey Success for Talia

Congratulations to Talia A who has, for the third year in a row, been selected for the Surrey Lions Squad

Prep News Congratulations to Dina S who was awarded a certificate by the Children’s Trust for singing in their fundraising event, an International Day at Guildford College on 23 November. Dina sang two solos, in Arabic and in English. (see page 3)

Feast Day Mass

Congratulations to all the girls for their lovely singing in the Feast Day Mass which featured the music of the St Bernadette Mass. The wonderful singing from the infants and from the combined choirs really enhanced the occasion.

Carol Service

You are all warmly invited to our Whole School Carol Service on Monday 12 December at 7pm in the Sports Hall. All girls in Years 3 to 8 will be involved as well as the Notre Dame Singers, Chamber Choir and Senior Orchestra. Prep girls should arrive and go to their form rooms at 6:15pm. Refreshments will be available for parents from 6:15pm outside the Sports Hall. Girls should be dressed in winter uniform with tights, blazers and feast day ribbons.

Christmas Rehearsals for Instrumentalists

Ensembles performing in the Carol Service include: Percussion Club, Flying Strings, Fledgling Strings (Year 3 and up only), Concert Band, Brass Group, Flute Group. Girls should bring in their instruments for rehearsals on the following days:

Wednesday 7 December

Friday 9 December

Lestonnac Choir Trip to Sunrise Senior Living, Esher

On Thursday 1 December the Lestonnac Choir will be singing to the Residents at Sunrise Senior Living, Esher. The visit will take place during school time in the afternoon, transport will be by minibus and the girls will be back in time for the Swimming Gala at 4pm. Letters have come out regarding this already by email so please return the permission form as soon as possible. Please send girls on the day in winter uniform with tights, blazers and feast day ribbons.

Christmas Soirees Tuesday 6 December

Mr Mitchell and Miss Porter will be giving Christmas Soiree concerts for their pupils on Tuesday 6 December. The guitar concert will be at 2:10pm and the Flute concert will be at 4pm. Parents are very welcome to attend. The concert will be in the Chapel.

ABRSM Dates

Tuesday 29 November Rehearsal Day for instrumentalists (not pianists)

Tuesday 6 December Exam Day

Mrs Shaw

DANCE Ballerina of the Week is Harriet G (Y10)

Mrs Thomas

Senior News Oliver!

The prep school were treated to an afternoon performance of Oliver, this week, with full cast and live band.

The girls rose to the occasion with their fabulous acting, dancing and singing; and I know that audiences will be thrilled by the high standards on offer. The live band will be directed by Mr Black, with a band of 6 musicians including: violin, flute, piccolo, clarinet, bass guitar, drums and percussion. Many of the band members belong to the school’s team of visiting instrumental teachers:

Mrs Keeley, Miss Porter, Mr Sweeney, Mr Lole and Mr Ivanov are all playing superbly well! This is an ideal opportunity for you and your daughter to hear and see live music in action as part of a musical theatre production. Please come along to support the cast this Friday night, or either of the two shows on Saturday. Tickets are available on the school’s website.

ABRSM

Only two weeks to go before this term’s round of ABRSM examinations! Please ensure that your daughter is hard at work preparing for next week’s practice day and the actual exam day on December 6th. The key to success is daily practice on each part of the examination. If your daughter would like any extra help with this, then please send her along to see me and I will go over anything with them so they feel confident and fully prepared.

Feast Day Mass

The sports hall looked splendid on Monday morning for the Feast Day Mass celebrations. Both the Junior and Senior choirs were in attendance and they sang beautifully throughout the service. Many positive comments were received from the priest, sisters, parents and in teachers in attendance. Please pass on my thanks to your daughter for their commitment, effort and excellent work in making this day such a success.

Mr Black

MUSIC BOARD Follow us on twitter: @NotreDame_MUSIC

www.notredame.co.uk

FRIDAY MAILING / 25 NOVEMBER 2016

Prep YEAR 1 & 2 NATIVITY

ALL girls to have their ballet leotards, TIGHTS (white or pink) and ballet shoes for the Nativity.

Please bring in on MONDAY 28th NOVEMBER.

YEAR 1 & 2 NATIVITY:

Yes Folks the time is nearly upon us….

Your Children should now be word perfect! Please keep practicing their lines at home.

You are invited to come and watch the “Strictly Stars of the Future” perform their Nativity on Friday 2nd December in THE MONTAIGNE THEATRE

Please Note: This performance will commence at 9.45am. There will be refreshments in the dining room from approx 9.15am

Please Park in Car Park 1 and Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Blue Dining Room.

Miss Fletcher

Senior

Oliver! Huge congratulations to the very talented cast and crew of this outstanding production!

If you haven’t got your tickets yet then please visit the booking page:

https://notredame.fluencycms.co.uk/Theatre-Tickets

Good luck for the next three performances ladies!

Montaigne Theatre on the following dates -

Friday 25th November at 7:30pm

Saturday 26th November at 2:30pm

Saturday 26th November at 7:30pm

#Breakaleg

Miss Graham

DRAMA Follow us on twitter: @NDS_THEATRE

Click on the collages to see the full photo gallery

READING MATTERS @NDS_LIBRARY

Prep Library News

Chatterbooks Club

Who is your favourite author? Most children say authors such as J K Rowling, Michael Morpurgo, David Walliams and similar. Can you name an author of non-fiction books? No? We decided to investigate some of these unsung heroes of children’s books at this week’s meeting. The girls spent some time busy with the Match the Author Selfie to the Shelfie Game and found it extremely tricky indeed. It was fascinating to see what type of books these authors enjoy in the comfort of their own home and gave us the opportunity to talk about which non-fiction books would find their way on to our shelves.

Next week we will start getting into the festive spirit and will be looking at our favourite Christmas books.

Using books to stimulate interest in Science and Engineering

Each year the Royal Society celebrates the best books that communicate science to young people through their Young People's Book Prize. The Prize aims to inspire young people to read about science and promotes the writing of excellent, accessible books for under-14s. This year’s winner was announced this week and is How Machines Work by David Macaulay published by DK. This lovely book uses the story of a sloth making a difficult journey to introduce children to the idea of creating solutions to problems – exactly what engineers do. It is now on its way to our library shelves!

The girls in Year 2 may have been asking even more questions than usual this week. During their library visit they enjoyed listening to the story of Ada Twist Scientist a brilliant picture book about a small girl who persists in asking her parents questions as she tries to make sense of the world around her. This is one of a wonderful series of books encouraging children to follow their passions and interests written by Andrea Beatty and illustrated by David Roberts.

Mrs Thompson

Senior Library News

Writing Competitions The National Literacy Trust is a national charity dedicated to raising literacy levels in the UK and they believe that ‘taking part in writing challenges and awards can have a lasting impact on pupils' attitudes, motivation and enjoyment, which in turn can help to boost attainment and support them to reach their full potential’. As part of their ongoing work to support schools, the

Year 3 Hockey v Downsend

A huge well done to all the Year 3 girls from a very proud teacher! Year 3 played in their first hockey match on Friday 18th against Downsend School. The girls put all their skills and hard work together producing 2 wins out of the 3 teams. I can only hope the girls enjoyed the experience and I am very excited to see them develop over the years!

U11 Netball v Tormead

The U11A and B teams visited Tormead on Tuesday 22nd November, were both teams put in great performances throughout. The A team won their game 8-2, playing fantastic netball and very much working as a team, thank-you to Sophia for playing WD in the A team. The B team has a very exciting game which ended 7-6 to Tormead and the girls never gave up, showing grit and determination.

SPORTS BOARD PREP @NotreDame_SPORT

National Literacy Trust run exciting campaigns and competitions every term, the purpose of which is to inspire children to get involved in activities to improve their literacy. One of the competitions they advertise is the

Young Writer Awards where students are asked to put their own spin on the story and create their own piece of fan-fiction. http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/schools_teaching/competitions There are many other useful sites which include details of competitions and magazines looking for stories and articles. They include: http://www.booktrust.org.uk/prizes/ http://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/competitions-for-children/childrens-writing-competitions/ https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/other.php The Young Writers website also includes yearly ‘rolling’ competitions such as: Ghost Stories – Open to all young writers aged up to 18 years old. ‘Whether you've written a spine-chilling tale packed full of suspense, or a ghostly story that's actually quite funny, we'd love to read it!’ (Maximum 250 words) Pets Poetry – ‘Write about your pet, your favourite animal or create a creature! Perhaps you'd like to write from an animal's point of view or about conservation? We can't wait to read your animal-inspired poems!’

Short Story Competition

During Library lessons we have been focussing on a short competition for Years 7 – 9. The theme is ‘winter’, the stories need to be approximately 500 words and have a start middle and end. The deadline is Monday 28th November and there will be prizes for the winning entries. There have been some amazing mind-maps and ideas and we look forward to reading the finished stories!

Mrs Finch

www.notredame.co.uk

FRIDAY MAILING / 25 NOVEMBER 2016

Year 7 & 8 Sponsored Swim Well done to all the girls in Years 7 and 8

who participated in the annual sponsored swim on Monday 14th November – Friday 18th November 2016. Funds raised will support two charities:

The Company of Mary Our Lady in Haiti which sends charitable donations directly to the development and aid of projects,

In addition, the school is also supporting Great Ormond Street.

Last year we raised over £3,000 - may we thank you in advance for your continuing support in our efforts to raise

money for charity. Miss Mulcahy

Netball

On Wednesday the U12 A + B teams had matches against Manor House. Both teams displayed excellent teamwork and versatility and enjoyed the challenge of playing different positions, with the A team winning 20 – 4 + the B team 23 – 2. Also in action were the U15 A + B teams playing against Kingston

Grammar School; the A team were involved in a very closely fought + competitive game and just managed to stay ahead to win

by 15 goals to 14. The B team had a good 10 – 6 win, with the defence in particular playing very well. Well done to everyone involved in the matches.

Upcoming Hockey Training

It has been exciting to start lunchtime hockey training with the senior girls + we also have some after school sessions planned before the end of term:

Wednesday 30th November – Years’ 7 + 8 training after school (4.15 – 5.30pm)

Thursday 1st December – Year 9 upwards lunchtime training (1.30 – 2.00pm)

Wednesday 7th December – Year 9 upwards training after school (4.15 – 5.30pm)

Thursday 8th December – Year 9 upwards lunchtime training (1.30 – 2.00pm)

Thursday 8th December – Years’ 7 + 8 training after school (4.15 – 5.30pm)

Friday 9th December – Years’ 7 + 8 lunchtime training (1.30 – 2.00pm)

If you wish to be considered for teams or just want to give hockey a go, please do come along, everyone is welcome.

Senior Fixtures Calendar Mrs Marsh

SENIOR @NotreDame_SPORT Players of the Match went to Maddy Shaw and Daisy Parry.

Well played to all girls, their next match is on Tuesday 29th November against St Catherine’s @ ND.

Last Week of Term 5th- 13th December

Please note that NO sports clubs or after school clubs run by Mrs Purgavie will be taking place from the 5th December until the end of term. The girls have worked extremely hard this term and with many other school events deserve to enjoy Christmas festivities.

Fixtures until end of term

Tuesday 29th November- U11 A and B Netball v St Catherine’s @ ND

Thursday 1st December – Swimming Gala v MHS @ ND

Friday 2nd December- GHS Annual Splash and Dash @ GHS

Monday 5th December – Rearranged Year 4 Hockey Tournament @ Downsend 2:30-3:30pm

England Hockey Visit- Monday 5th December We are very excited to announce that on Monday 5th

December Hannah MacLeod will be visiting ND to run a 2hr session with Year 5 and 6 girls. If you would like your daughter to take part please ensure you return the reply slip. Letters will be sent out via Intouch and put on Firefly.

Prep Fixtures Calendar Mrs Purgavie

Swimming Gala v St Hilary’s The individual races were close with us sharing the points with St Hilary’s in 7 of the first 11 races. It was in the relays that we showed our depth and strength and the final score was an impressive Notre Dame 148 – St Hilary’s 102.

14 girls achieved a new best time. In Year 3 new PB’s from Mia Lily (BR) & (FC) and Serena (BR), in Year 4 new records from Alexia (FC), Lila (BK), Grace G (FC) &(BR), Olivia (FC), Ciara (FLY). Year 5 Esme (BR), Hannah V (BK), Ashleigh (FLY) and Ellie (FC). Finally Year 6 Emily (BK) & (FLY), Darcey (BR) and Jeebin (BR). The swimmer of the night was Year 3 - Mia Lily, Special mention to Serena, Year 4 – Grace G, Special Mention to Alexia – an amazing Gold Standard Front Crawl Time. Year 5 Sophie L for the last leg of the Medlay Relay, Special Mention to Hannah V. Year 6 Swimmer of the night Darcey A, new Breaststroke time and Special mention to Emily – another great Gala with 2 new records.

Many thanks to the team for their help and to all the supporters. The Captains did a great job motivating the team and they certainly lead by example, well done to all the girls another great win.

Gala v Manor House Next Thursday 1st December is a gala against Manor

House, this gala will not involve all the swimming squad girls so please collect your daughter at the normal time if she is not involved in the gala. Letters have gone out for the gala today.

Advance warning, there will be no Infant or Junior Swimming Squad on Tues 6th Dec, Thursday 8th Dec or Tuesday 13th December.

Swimmer of the Week 1W Dolphins - Isobel H; 1W Starfish - Jamie K

2S Dolphins - Emelie G; 2S Starfish - Grace C Mrs Jones

DATES FOR THE DIARY

EARLY YEARS (NDEY) Follow us on twitter: @NotreDame_EY

This week Butterflies have had great fun learning about Penguins!

25 Nov First Performance of Oliver! 7.30pm Snr

Year 12 Snr Maths Challenge at Surrey University ND6

26 Nov Performance of Oliver!

Matinee 2.30pm and Evening 7.30pm Snr

30 Nov—9 Dec Y11 Mock GCSE Examinations Snr

1 Dec Lestonnac Choir Care Home Visit to Sunrise

Senior Living Esher 1pm—3.50pm Prep

2 Dec Infant Nativity—Refreshments from 8.45am for a

9.45am start Prep

3 Dec FoND Movie Afternoon and evening Prep

6 Dec Christmas Concerts:

Guitar (Mr Mitchell & pupils) 2:10-2:50pm

Flute (Miss Porter & pupils) 4-4:45pm

Year 12/13 Parents’ Evening 4.30—6.30pm ND6

8 Dec Early Years Christmas Celebration from 10am

NDEY

9 Dec Year 8 Parents for Coffee & Mince Pies 8.45am

Snr

12 Dec Prep & Senior Carol Service—7pm School

13 Dec End of Term at 12Noon School

14—20Dec ND6 Ski Trip to Austria ND6

5 Jan Staff Inset Day

6 Jan Staff Inset Day

9 Jan Year 7 Entrance Examinations

10 Jan TERM STARTS School

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS!

FoND Follow us on twitter:

@NotreDame_FoND

Hot Chocolate Time!

Come and enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate

every Friday from 3.15pm in the Prep School play-

ground!

Current amount of supporters: 41

Donations to date: £464.84