From The Principal’s Desk, 13 May 2021
Dear Parents
DROP AND GO
Please be aware that the main parking area is a “Drop and Go” zone. This means that parents should not be leaving their cars unless they have parked in one of the designated parking bays. At times, cars are backed up into the road and this causes major congestion for the community around us. As with everything else, the smooth running of this system is reliant on everyone co-operating and working together. Please try to limit your “drop” to one minute only and keep the flow of traffic moving.
UNIFORM
We are currently revising our uniform policy. However, we are all aware of what is required.
Please could we ensure that our children wear the correct uniform to school. School uniform means the proper school shoes, pants/skirt and shirt. When we wear our PE kit and tracksuit, we wear takkies. Shirts tucked in, looking proud.
The hair and jewellery regulations have not changed. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our school is presented in a positive manner.
Staff are unable to enforce school pride alone. This needs to be a team effort and I therefore request that parents ensure that, when they drop students at school, they are looking smart.
This is OUR school.
The updated uniform policies will be placed on the website soon.
SCHOOL TIMES
Time management is an extremely important skill we should teach our children. I am aware of many students arriving late for school. This is quite unacceptable.
Please assist us in teaching our students that being on time means you are also respecting other people.
Students should be dropped off no later than 7:45am in the morning. Please assist us in this regard.
IES CHIEF ACADEMIC DIRECTOR VISIT
Our IES Chief Academic Director, Mr Darryl Lottering, is currently in South Africa. He will be visiting Blouberg on Friday, 14th May and also Monday, 24th May. In addition to this, he will be assisting the staff with our “clean-up operation” on Saturday, 15th May.
Darryll would also like to offer our parents an opportunity to speak with him. We are, therefore, having a parent meeting on Monday, 24th May at 5.30pm. This meeting will be limited to 50 people. It will work on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you would like to attend this meeting, please email me at andre.swart@iesmail.com.
The meeting will take place in the Junior Hall.
FEATURE PHOTO
Our main newsletter photograph features Ms Bronwen Nuthall. Bronwen is a born and bred Capetonian who has lived in the Table View area all her life. She has teachers on both her mom and dad’s side of the family. Bronwen obtained a BEd (Foundation Phase) at CPUT in 2003 specialising in ECD and Special Educational Needs. She has been teaching for 17 years and has spent 10 of these years at Blouberg International School. Bronwen has taught 4 different grades namely Grade 1, 2, Reception and Pre-Reception. She now has 12 years of experience teaching Reception Year and believes that there is something special about teaching this age group. It is very rewarding to observe the student’s growth over their Reception Year knowing she had a part to play in preparing them for “big school”. She maintains that a students’ personal growth and independence remains the most important part of the Reception Year. A child’s Emotional Intelligence is a far better springboard for success one day no matter their academic IQ. In her personal life she likes to be creative and make cards and gifts for others by knitting or crocheting. She is very much involved in her church and is passionate about facilitating Divorce Care 4 Kids at View Church Milnerton.
Fun facts about Ms Bronwen Nuthall:
- Ms Nuthall is the only teacher to still be in the same classroom (Room 9 at the Junior Campus) at Blouberg International School, since taking occupation of the classroom in 2012.
- Ms Nuthall is one of a twin and is “Aunty Bonnie” to her twin brother’s twins (also a pigeon pair).
- She speaks 3 languages, namely English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa.
- Ms Nuthall started writing children’s stories at the age of 8. She has a published poem, ‘Beautiful Time’. The several unpublished children’s stories she has written since childhood have often been given away as gifts.
- She is rather obsessed with all things feline and her long lost cat, Shmeegles is on her screen saver of her school computer. She often apologises to parents in advance for potentially converting their child to a “cat person” and for any future pets that may be named after her Shmeegles.
- Ms Nuthall loves to sing and dance, although she may not be an expert at any of these.
- Joining Run Walk for Life was the best decision she made in 2020 and she recently completed her first 10 km, which was a personal best achievement for distance and time.
Thank you for making a difference in so many students’ lives.
WEEKLY THOUGHT: Choices
“Short cuts make long delays.” – J. R. R. Tolkien
These are true words which we will do well to remember when it comes to the many decisions, we make every day…
As humans, we usually opt to do things the “quick & easy” way. Unfortunately, we often only realise our error in doing so when it is too late.
Instead of just choosing between various options when making decisions, let us consider Tolkien’s advice and realise that the “shortcut” could very well be (and often is) the long and tedious way to take.
I am reminded of someone who once remarked: “If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well!” May this be our attitude towards life and its challenges.
Let us be ready to face each challenge head-on and do what needs to be done to resolve it, even if it takes more time and effort than some other “easier” solutions might promise. By choosing to do things right the first time, you will be saving yourself and others some serious heartache and trouble in the long run.
Have a brilliant weekend of personal growth – make sure to invest in yourself – it is a worthwhile investment!
Andre
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Looking At Natural Elements In Poetry
This term in English, we have been looking at poems that showcase how poets use words to create a timeless flow of water.
Our poetry lesson started off with students adding the following conceptions to our classroom Poetry Wonder Wall:
- How would you define poetry?
- What concepts do you already know that are used in poetry?
- What would you like to know about poetry?
Thus far, we have looked at poems written by modern poets and historical poets. The poems have all been centered around the theme of water. Students have spent time analysing these poems, identifying poetic devices and comparing them to one another.
With the recent UCT fire, students had the opportunity to apply their understanding of poetry and create poems that focused on the natural element, fire.
Their brief was to create a poem focusing on the element of fire, using what they have learnt in class as well as applying an end rhyme scheme.
It was amazing to see the creativity that was displayed by the Year 6s.
Here are a few examples of their work:
Yes, I am the burning fire, watch my orange flame
They really think that they can beat me, but I will win the game
I am the red rapid riot, the newest talk in town
I can’t believe the fire fighters are here, I think I’m going down
Yes, I am as orange as the sun
But now I can’t have as much fun
The men in red are hosing me down
But now I’ve burnt some of the town
Yes, I was a burning flame
But the water has won once again
I feel really bad, I said with a lisp
That I burnt the mountain to a crisp.
Written by: Juliette East
I see a dark cloud looming over the mountain
Fire trucks coming, spraying water like a fountain
The orange colour is a deep reminder
That there is a fire, and it will be dire.
Plants getting taken as captive
As they’re not proactive
People looking for places to go
As they come close to the inferno
As the fighter’s fight the fire
Everyone has a deep desire
For the fire fighters to stop the fire
So that it won’t end in dire.
Written by: Dumisani Ngono
Enormous, golden flames light up the ebony black sky
Spreads in the forest, turns everything to ash and hurries down
All my trees burnt to death; it was alarming I don’t lie
Shocking shrieks and shouts gave an unpleasant sound
Sizzling and whizzing like a snake
Tons of charcoal smoke rises up high
Burns all the poor animals as well as the fish in the lake
Birds start to fall instead of fly
Thick pipes with long necks try to wash it away
Helicopters swishing and swaying like a tree
The flaming fierce fire will not be put out today
But altogether we can put it off and be free
Books and documents in the great library burnt into ash
This was definitely not a desire
Frightening flames did it in a flash
Oh, what a horrible fire!
Written by: Sanam Srikewal
Katherine Nel
Year 6 Teacher
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High School German
Did you know that German is the most widely spoken mother tongue in Europe? It is also spoken in many German-speaking communities around the world, including South Africa. An impressive 1000 German companies are world leaders in their business. When it comes to science and research, Germany is also right at the front of the pack. In the last 100 years, more than 70 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to Germans, solely in the field of natural science and medicine. It is also a popular place to study; German degrees are highly valued by employers worldwide.
Not everyone realises the doors that German can open – be it in business, science or education, not to mention gaining access to the rich cultural heritage of original German literature.
The Cambridge syllabus aims to foster not only a knowledge of the language but also to create cultural awareness and sensitivity. This is an invaluable skill to have and makes for well-rounded, empathetic individuals with a broad outlook on life.
I have included some snapshots of this term’s German classes.
Renate Yotti
High School German Teacher
Art & Design In Year 1
Art is a lot of fun, especially in Year 1. We encourage our students to explore, create, mix colours and use their imagination when it comes to our Art and Design lessons.
They use their little fingers to manipulate various art materials in class using their fine motor skills. As they paint, colour, glue and cut their fine motor skills are developing which in turn enables them to do more things independently from feeding themselves to tying their own shoelaces.
It is so important for children to be able to express themselves and be creative in their own way.
Charlotte Cronje
Year 1 Teacher
Here are some of the fun creations and artwork our children have made:
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InterSEK 2021
InterSEK 2021
InterSEK is a competition in which SEK/IES schools from around the world compete against each other in a variety of tasks. The ongoing pandemic meant that the 2021 event had to be held virtually. Blouberg was one of 23 schools to compete in this prestigious event, which ran from 3 to 7 May.Ten High school students were selected to participate in the various events: Daniel Moodie, Shaylee Brandt, Jagadish Mohanty, Shameek Singh, Oswald Pieterse, Catherine Fortuin, Angelic Lossy, Remofilwe Shuping, Samia Naidoo and Adithya Maharaj. There students were briefed before the school holiday and preparation began in earnest upon their return to school. Blouberg participated in 9 events, namely Programming, Virtual Chess, Mathematical Photography, Creating Songs, TikTok Video, Escape Room, Artistic Photography, SEKscience and A Look to the Future.
We are proud of the fact that our students made it to the final round of several events. Daniel, Shaylee and Jagadish won 3rd place in both Programming 1 and 2. Catherine Fortuin was a finalist in the Mathematical Photography and Remofilwe Shuping was a finalist in the Artistic Photography.
Our students shone even in events in which they did not place. I feel that special mention should go to the team that participated in the SEKscience with their fingerprint experiments, as well as the team that participated in A Look to the Future, who designed a robot able to dispense hand sanitizer. The chess players played 9 games of chess one after the other, even managing a few wins. Such concentration is admirable indeed.
Remofilwe Shuping and Angelic Lossy looked amazing dressed in traditional attire for the opening ceremony. Their video even made it onto the highlights of the closing ceremony.
I have no doubt that Blouberg shall continue to go from strength to strength. This round was good. Next round will be even better!
Sheila Marais
High School Teacher
Winners of 3rd place in the Programming Event! Photo left to right Jagadish Mohanty Shaylee Brandt Daniel Moodie
Winners of 3rd place in the Programming Event! Jagadish Mohanty Shaylee Brandt Daniel Moodie
Finalist Artistic Photograph Entry by Remofilwe Shuping Year 9
Finalist Mathematical Photograph Entry by Catherine Fortuin Year 9
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Announcing the First BIS Exceptional Eisteddfod Experience (Grade 1- Grade 13)
It is with great excitement that we are offering an internal Eisteddfod at BIS this year.
Eisteddfod literally means a sitting (eistedd = to sit), a reference to the hand-carved chair traditionally awarded to the best poet in the ceremony during the first Eisteddfod in 1176 in Wales.
An Eisteddfod offers a chance to build confidence and skills through performing to an audience, and provides helpful notes from expert adjudicators from outside our school. Whether you can sing, dance, act, recite or play an instrument, it’s a unique opportunity to meet others in the same field and compare performances.
Performing in an eisteddfod gives participants:
- A goal to work towards.
- Greater focus to their practice.
- Expert feedback from external experts – the comments being more useful than the marks.
- Performance experience – because of COVID, the opportunity to perform to an audience has been restricted. An internal Eisteddfod offers a chance to play to a group of people, while maintaining correct procedures.
- A chance to build confidence and skills.
- An opportunity to see and share with others taking part.
The “rating” of the candidate is then expressed in different “levels” of awards (diploma, gold, silver, bronze, etc.), which indicates the candidate’s progress in terms of his own knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to the particular genre.
We would like to encourage our students to take advantage of this great opportunity.
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” ― Peter Pan
Year 5 Effective Studying Workshop
This term is a big one for the Year 5s. It marks the first year of upper primary school – and with it, the dreaded June exams! Exams don’t necessarily have to be stressful though – after all, they are intended to help us by showing us where we are confident in our work, and where we still need some help. Through preparing thoroughly for exams, we can focus more on their benefits, rather than on the stress they can cause – and so our Year 5 Inting this term focused on just that.
First, we practiced setting up a timetable to organise our studying, fitting in all the work we need to study, without having to cram and stress. Organising our time is the first step in combating exam stress – it breaks the work into manageable chunks, and shows us that we actually do have time to fit in everything we need to. After all, how does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time, of course!
We also spoke about preparing ourselves, inside and out, to make sure that we are in the best frame of mind for learning. The first step to doing this is making sure that you are healthy, so your brain can function at its best. This means enough food, water, rest and exercise – after all; healthy body, healthy mind! Speaking of the mind, we practiced the power of positive thinking. We made positive mantra cards to remind us of our goals, and how amazing each of us is. We also learnt a few grounding exercises, for when the stress does get a bit much – or for when our brain seems to be running in circles.
Finally, we looked at some study techniques, thinking about various ways of studying (and trying a few out while we were at it). Whether you enjoy studying by organising your notes into mind maps, or by teaching your teddy bear how to multiply and divide, it’s a good idea to have a few different study methods in your study toolkit.
Above all, we learnt that when it comes to studying for exams, everyone is different. What works for one of us might not work for another – and part of developing into an independent learner is figuring out what works for you. Hopefully all our Year 5s are a few steps further on that exciting journey!
Hannah Kirkaldy
Year 5 Teacher
The Importance Of A Mother
While getting the Year 3 students to make their Mother’s Day cards and record a special message, it really brought it home to me how important a mother really is.
The students were so excited to make the card and discussed amongst themselves what their mother’s favourite flower is, what they love to do etc. It was so difficult for them to decide what made their mother so special. They had so many amazing reasons why their mom was special to them.
I looked around the internet to find the perfect way to explain how important a mother is, and I found something written by Dr. Ashock Verma. I really found his explanation true and profound in so many ways.
He wrote:
“Mother stands for someone unique:
M – Motivator and the Modulator of her kids
O – Omnipotent & Omnipresent for her kids
T – Teacher – she is the first & foremost teacher
H – Helper – she helps her kids in every way
E – Explorer – she explores the hidden talent in her kids
R – Reliable – she is the most trustworthy & reliable person”
There is really no other way to explain the importance of a mother than what he wrote. Being a mother is such an extraordinary gift, one that keeps on giving. I hope that your Mother’s Day was just as special as mine.
Wendy Menton
Year 3 Teacher
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Year 2 ICT Lesson Fun
“The mind, once enlightened, cannot again become dark.” – Thomas Paine
In ICT class, our Year 2 students have been having some fun learning about algorithms. In computer science, programming and mathematics, an algorithm is a sequence of instructions.
They received some instructions to follow on how to create a robot. Some of the instructions included drawing the head, face and body of a robot as well as creating a fun background and even more importantly – giving their robot a name!
The students learnt how they can use algorithms to describe ordinary activities in our everyday life. For example, we can consider a recipe as an algorithm for cooking a particular food. This will help them to understand how coding works when we code games and programs.
At this stage, the students are using the iPads to create some algorithms on Grok Learning by building their robot on the iPad.
Year 2 Teacher
The Benefits Of Gardening For Children
In the Foundation Stage we have decided to grow our own little class gardens in planters outside our classrooms. Gardening offers so many fun and interesting opportunities for the students and teaches them invaluable lessons.
They learn about the different types of flowers, vegetables and herbs and what they need to help them grow. It also offers an opportunity for the children to learn about different shapes and colours, etc.
Gardening engages all sorts of senses. They can feel the texture of soil, seeds, flowers, etc. They get to smell all the beautiful flower scents and see all the colourful petals. It also helps develop hand-eye coordination as well as physical strength.
If children grow their own vegetables, they gain a keen interest in eating them. Growing vegetables not only teaches them the hard work that it takes to grow them but also a sense of achievement! Growing any sort of flowers or vegetables requires daily attention and care. The students take turns to water their little gardens. They quickly learn if they are not watered regularly and taken care of they won’t flourish.
We have seen here at school, gardening is a good way to teach responsibility. The students are learning to be patient while waiting for their flowers and vegetables to grow. They need to remain engaged in the process and keep looking after their flowers and vegetables even when there are no clear results, but the anticipation makes the moment their flowers or vegetables sprout even more exciting!
Cindy Nunan
Nursery & Pre-Reception Teacher
