Business Studies Simulation Game
On Thursday and Friday last week, the Year 7 and 8 students participated in the Banango Traders Business Simulation Game run in affiliation with the Johannesburg School of Finance. This initiative is a great opportunity for students to improve and test their business knowledge by running a virtual business.
The event brought out our students’ competitive nature as they competed in teams against one another in order to generate the highest profit. Many congratulations to the teams in each year group that won and the Year 7s for making the most profit out of the two groups.
“The business stimulation taught us the importance of quick thinking and taking risks in business,” is just one of the examples of positive feedback that was received by the students.
The students undoubtedly left with a first-hand appreciation for entrepreneurs and a new, energetic enthusiasm for starting their own businesses. We definitely have a couple of budding entrepreneurs amongst this group!
Caroline Grix
High School Business Studies Teacher
Masters of Measurement
For the past two weeks, the Year 4s have been learning more about Measurement. This included Length (mm, cm, m and km), Mass (g and kg), Capacity (ml and L) and Volume.
We’ve covered the following content:
- Choosing and using metric units
- Their abbreviations
- Estimating
- Measuring
- Recording
- Reading scales and intervals
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” – Ann Landers
Students got the opportunity this week to apply their knowledge and skills that they’ve learned with some practical, hands-on activities. They had to make use of various measuring equipment such as an/a:
- Analogue kitchen scale
- Digital kitchen scale
- Digital bathroom scale
- Measuring tape
- Industrial measuring tape
- Kettle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Take a look at some of the wonderful, fun photos taken of them in action and practically applying what they have learned.
Ria du Plessis
Year 4 Teacher and Coordinator
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Budding Authors…
Story telling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world – Robert Mckee
Not everybody has the ability to write a captivating story and have it published for other people to read. However, watching a child use their imagination, which has no boundaries or preconceived ideas, is the most wonderful thing to see.
Sometimes they struggle to find the right words to start, but once they do, their power of imagination takes over. Forgotten is spelling words and punctuation. They focus on their story. Even students who may be struggling in a language, manage to put some thoughts on paper. While these stories are not necessarily worthy of being published, they are far too valuable to be missed.
When teaching Creative Writing, I tell my class that they need to paint a picture with words. We wrote a story about a sea creature this week and I gave them free reign, with no boundaries. The results were amazing.
Kim Coetzer
Year 2 Teacher
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Under The Sea
In Reception year we have been learning about all the wonderful animals living under the sea. This week, our little ones had the opportunity to come tell their friends all about their favourite sea animal. Show and Tell is an integral part of the Foundation Stage curriculum, not only does it give the students the opportunity to share some of their personal experiences and general knowledge, but it also teaches them valuable skills such as speaking with confidence and listening to their peers.
We had lots of fun learning all about the scary sharks, playful dolphins and silly crabs.
Here is what some of my students had to say about sea creatures:
“I like dolphins because they do those big splashes” – Clara Chassungo
“A dolphins has two tummies and they don’t even chew their food” – Leah Karstel
“I drew the jelly fish ’cause it’s Mrs Meyer’s favourite” – Ozioma Jangayiso (Thank
you Ozzie for such a beautiful under the sea picture!)
“The shark’s skin feels like sandpaper” – Alessio Gomes
Monique Meyer
Reception Year Teacher and Foundation Stage Coordinator
From the Principal’s Desk, 9 October 2020
Dear Parents
One of the best feelings is the glow of satisfaction that comes with reaching one’s goals. As a school we have been consistent in our hygiene and safety protocols. Whether it be the regular temperature checks and sanitizing throughout the day or continuous reminders about the necessity of social distancing, we have worked hard to keep our staff and students safe.
This week I was busy with my report on these protocols and it is with relief and satisfaction that I can report that, thus far, we have not had one positive case amongst our students. It is such a great relief to know we are all in good health! Our school is almost at full capacity and it is therefore essential that we follow the protocols with rigorous attention.
Student well-being is important to us. When they are emotionally healthy, they have the necessary foundation for academic stability and success. It is thus important that we as educators, as well as parents, are mindful of their wellbeing.
Here are a few ways we can promote student well-being:
- It is important that parents and educators check in with students and allow them to vocalize their feelings.
- Journaling their feelings is a good way of expressing how they feel, especially if they are not naturally talkative or open to sharing their feelings.
- We should equip them to be able to make choices. By allowing them to make choices, we are allowing them to take responsibility of their choices. This creates accountability in return.
- The old saying of “children should be seen and not heard” is a total no go! Children should be allowed to have a voice and express it. As adults we should teach them it is how they say things that is as important as what they are saying. Respect is key.
“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day!”- Author unknown
Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
Warm regards
Edna
Matric Dinner 2020 – A Night To Remember
The annual matric dances and dinners have evolved from being just a farewell party for matriculates, to somewhat of a ‘red-carpet’ event. It has become one of the most exciting and luxurious nights for high-school graduates, and although this year was definitely different for us, we still had the chance to feel glamorous and socialise with our friends and teachers.
From receiving our beautiful invitations, and between mock exams; the weeks and days leading up to the matric dinner were mostly spent picking out dresses, suits, shoes and accessories, and eagerly sharing pictures and descriptions amongst friends the following day. The farewell had been something that we had thought and spoken about since the beginning of the year, or even last year, and when the lockdown began, the idea that it wasn’t going to take place began to set in. The perseverance and commitment of our teachers and heads to give us a memorable farewell, despite this, is what made the evening, as well as the valedictory and the matric breakfast, even more special.
On Wednesday, 16th of September, the Class of 2020 had their matric dinner at the Gorgeous George rooftop restaurant. From the moment we stepped into the building we were treated, and felt like absolute royalty. Each matric student proceeded to make their own elegant entrance in their beautiful dresses and classy suits, being served extravagant welcome drinks and compliments going all around. Two photographers attended to us throughout the evening, capturing the memories being made and snapping gorgeous individual and group photos. We were treated to a mouth-watering 3 course meal of various options, which did not disappoint. Sharing memorable moments from over the years, whilst eating and taking pictures was definitely something I think we will all remember.
The spectacular evening could not have been what it was without the hard work and dedication of Miss Pryor and Mrs de Villiers. On behalf of the Matric Class of 2020 I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for everything they did to make it a memorable evening, in spite of the interesting final year we had.
Katherine Lott
Year 12 Student (Class of 2020)
Be Kind To Yourself!
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” – Roald Dahl
It’s that time of the year again where tests and exams are starting. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure we feel as parents, teachers or students. We all want our children, students and class to do well, but it can be an extremely stressful time which makes it very easy to self-critique.
Do you ever catch yourself talking down to yourself? I know I do. We often motivate, encourage and compliment others – we should do the same for ourselves! Being your own best cheerleader is a much better choice than being your own best critic. When negative thoughts about yourself come into your head, quickly refocus to a positive thought about yourself. See your strong points and be proud.
According to the blog ‘Coffee Cups and Crayons’, figuring out how to be kind to yourself is trickier for children than it is for adults. Encourage your child to really think about things that help fill them up inside, not just 5 fun things they like. Talk aloud things you’ve noticed to help them start thinking in the right direction. Say things like, “I notice how happy and peaceful you get while you are colouring.” or “Dancing really brings a smile to your face.”
Older children may struggle with this even more. Life gets pretty busy for them and they may not know at first what they can do to be kind to themselves. Give them a day or two to brainstorm and “try out” some ideas to see what resonates.
5 Simple Ways To Be Kind To Yourself for Children:
- Find something you love. Whether it’s a passion for football, baking, running or reading – engaging in a fun hobby can be one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves.
- Talk about the good things. Ask each person in your family to say one good thing about their day. This helps us to identify and focus on positive experiences from the day.
- Lend a helping hand. Helping others can be a great way to show kindness – and it can make you feel good too! Help your little brother get dressed, clean up your books, help mom wash the dishes or set the dinner table.
- Be kind to your body. Eating healthy foods, like fruits and veggies, and being active by riding bikes, kicking a ball or playing on the playground are all ways to show our bodies kindness. Getting lots of sleep is important too.
- Encourage yourself. Go me! It can be easy to say unkind things about ourselves when we make a mistake or do not do well on a test. Instead, try saying encouraging things like “At least I won’t make that mistake again!” or “I just need to keep practicing and I’ll do better every time.”
Year 4 Teacher
Traveling With Barnaby Bear
In Geography this term, the Year 1’s will be traveling with Barnaby Bear to various countries across the World. His first destination was London, England.
The Year 1’s learnt how far Barnaby had to travel to get to London. He used many different modes of transport to get around to all the famous landmarks, like an airplane, the London Tube, a Black Cab, and a red double-story bus. It made me think of the movie ‘Planes, trains and automobiles’.
Barnaby sent us a postcard telling us about all the landmarks he visited. He first took the tube to London Paddington Station, where his famous friend ‘Paddington’ was found. There he saw hundreds of people playing music, drawing and shopping. This made Barnaby Bear miss home, so he had to call his mum from a red telephone box. This cost him a pretty penny!
Barnaby took a cab and went to the Palace, where he saw the Queen and her famous Yeomen. The students had a good giggle at their silly outfits. He rode the London Eye and felt really ill. He saw the Millennium Dome, Big Ben and the Tower Bridge. Barnaby watched for hours how the bridge lifted for boats to pass through.
Barnaby just had to visit the monument erected to remember the Great Fire of London, to prepare the students for Year 2. His last visit took him to St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was largely destroyed in the Great Fire.
It was starting to get cold and rainy in London, as it is autumn there now. Barnaby really found it difficult to decide what he needed to take with him, so our Year 1 students helped him pack his case for the journey before he left. I certainly know that he was dressed right for the weather that awaited him.
We are looking forward to the next leg of his journey, where he will continue in London and look at art, culture, dress and food of the people that live there.
Wendy Menton
Year 1 Teacher
Under The Sea
Using our shared ideas, we started our investigation discovering life under the sea. We used books and online research, including videos and information to gain new knowledge about sea animals.
The Aquarium is a great way to teach students about the animals under the sea. We went on a virtual tour with Blippi to the Aquarium. We discovered facts about sea animals, the purpose of coral and a very important topic, pollution. We learned that the oceans cover 70% of the Earth and that it is our responsibility to protect the oceans.
Here are a few things that we can teach our students to do in order to help protect our oceans:
- Buy recyclable products
- Pick up any litter
- Stop using plastic as much as possible
For art, we created beautiful pictures to represent our knowledge and understanding and in numeracy we had to colour in a rainbow fish following a colour code.
This week has taught us we can all make a difference, no matter how big or small.
Martie van Dyk
Pre-Reception Teacher
Two Oceans Aquarium Outing 2020 – High School
On Tuesday the 10th of March the year 9 to 12 Biology and Business students, together with the 9 and 10 Geography students, visited the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Among the most interesting things that were discovered was that fish have their own personalities, such as the fish that loves cuddles! About Yoshi the turtle who was released back into the wild 2 years ago after 20 years in captivity and has since traveled a record breaking 37 000km!
We learned how the marketing team at the aquarium aim to not only promote the aquarium to attract customers, but also how they use this platform to communicate about causes that are close to their heart. A few causes they mentioned were sustainable fishing, single use plastic and environmental sustainability.
Another interesting fact is that South Africa ranks as the 3rd most bio-diverse country in the world.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is truly a magical place with so many treasures to enjoy!