From the Principal’s Desk, 29 July 2021
Dear Parents
As some of you may know, International Friendship Day is on Friday, 30 July. The idea behind the day, which was proclaimed by the UN in 2011, is that friendship between people, cultures, and countries has the power to inspire peace and build bridges between communities. I believe that there is no better time than right now, to celebrate those close to us and show gratitude and support for our peers, friends, family and staff.
This day is a great opportunity for parents, students and educators to share in the spirit of human solidarity.
“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
PYJAMA DAY
Friday, 30 July is “Pyjama Day” at Blouberg International School. Students are encouraged to pay R10 and come to school in their PJ’s. They have also been selling candy floss @ R10.
This is a matric farewell fundraiser.
Events like these create energy and positivity on campus and is good for our wellness and mental health. Let’s enjoy the day within all necessary protocols.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference” – Nelson Mandela
ONLINE LEARNING
We move into the next 2-week period at BIS
Monday, 2 August – Friday, 13 August
Hybrid Teaching
We are mindful of the fact that statistics show that there is still an increase in Covid cases in the Western Cape and we will therefore continue with hybrid teaching during the first two weeks of August. We will not have any extra-curricular activities during this period, but we sincerely hope that from 16 August we can re-introduce extra-curricular activities. Additional academic lessons may be scheduled by various teachers during this time.
I request that parents inform the respective class/tutor teachers of their choice for the next two weeks (2nd – 13th August). Once a choice has been made, we expect students to stick to that choice for the duration of that period. It becomes very disruptive and disorganised if students do not stick to their choice. Please could you let teachers know by the end of this week so they are prepared for Monday.
I am aware of a number of students who believe online learning is optional. Online learning is no excuse for students not to attend classes. It is normal school. Please assist all students in maintaining their full commitment.
“Stronger together”
FEATURE PHOTO
Our main newsletter photograph features Mrs Charlotte (Charlie) Cronje. Charlie is one of our Year 1 teachers and started at BIS in 2018.
She believes a cup of tea makes everything better!
- Charlie was born in Kent, England, and she obtained her BSc Degree in Psychology. After working with psychopathic men with personality disorders she went onto pursue a Masters in Social work.
- She loves trampolining and was captain of the Trampolining Club at Liverpool University.
- She enjoys travelling, but camping is a family favourite.
- Her favourite film is ’The Sound of Music’ closely followed by ’Mary Poppins’.
- She plays the trumpet and enjoys playing in the Cape Town Concert Brass Band. (CTCBB).
- She likes to hike. She completed the 3-peak challenge in England which involved walking the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours and she would like to try the 3-peak challenge in Cape Town.
Wow, certainly an interesting life! Thank you for being a ray of sunshine at our school.
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to our IT teacher, Mr Gemayel Kroukamp, on the birth of his son, Sebastian Jacobus. We trust that he will be an incredible blessing in your life.
WEEKLY THOUGHT: Pain and Suffering
“The climb might be tough and challenging, but the view is worth it. There is a purpose for that pain; you just can’t always see it right away.” – Victoria Arlen
This is what Wikipedia has to say about Victoria Arlen, the lady who made the above statement:
“At the age of eleven, Arlen developed two rare conditions known as transverse myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. This was an extremely rare scenario, and Victoria quickly lost her ability to speak, eat, walk, and move at all. She slipped into a vegetative state from which recovery was highly unlikely. Arlen spent nearly four years “locked” inside her own body, completely aware of what was going on, but unable to move or communicate. Doctors saw little hope of survival and believed recovery to be improbable.
In 2010, after almost four years, Arlen started re-learning how to speak, eat, and move. In June 2012, after a world record-breaking performance at the U.S. Paralympic swimming trials, Arlen qualified for the London 2012 Summer Paralympic Games. In London, she won four medals as a proud member of Team USA – one gold and three silvers.”
Our challenges may not be as severe as those faced by Victoria Arlen, but they can often feel like insurmountable mountains.
When looking back on our own lives and seeing the countless times when pain and suffering birthed new and exciting things, we can take courage in the following:
- There is always hope;
- We will leave stronger than we started;
- We are not alone – there are others going through tough times too.
May we encourage others who are facing difficult circumstances, the same way in which we confront and handle our own pain and suffering. Who knows, maybe someone else will encourage us too. That’s what community, family, hope and life are all about!
Have a great weekend, stay warm, enjoy the Olympics and the 2nd test match between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions. Go Bokke!
Andre
