News

The Shine and Strength Programme

The Shine and Strength personal development programmes aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop greater self-awareness and personal growth. These programmes have been endorsed by the Institute of Group Leaders (IGL). In 2015, the Shine programme  achieved the Institute of Group Leaders (IGL) Gold Endorsed Programme criteria.

The target audience is girls and boys aged 11 – 17 years. We have launched this within our High School for Year 7 and 8 this term and students will participate in Shine for girls and Strength for boys respectively.

The programme is broken down into 3 units, with each focusing on achieving specific objectives. The first unit, Worth/Significance focuses on enhancing self-esteem; the second, Strength/Resilience aims to increase emotional intelligence; and lastly, Purpose/Courage encourages participants to dream and set goals for the future.

Group activities and discussions are used to help participants think critically, solve problems, and address problems of delinquency. More specifically, the activities aim to assist individuals in changing unhealthy or unhelpful thoughts and behaviours into healthy, helpful ones. The programme covers relevant topics such as self-worth, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, and personal dreams.

Shine and Strength is supported by empirical evidence through doctoral research with findings revealing that graduates of the programme are likely to make positive changes in their own lives. The key findings showed that self-esteem, emotional intelligence, purpose, and mobilisation significantly increased in participants after completing the programme. Examples include Shine graduates applying for jobs, enrolling in training or university, starting their own business, and reporting enhanced social connections.

Melinda Twycross

High School Teacher

Being In The Moment To Build Inspired Students

Becoming overwhelmed is easy as we navigate constant change. Becoming inspired and excited by the very same, allows us other opportunities. This term, the year 4’s have been online and/or in class. Every day they enter the classroom, full of expectations and open to the joy of the moment.

It is delightful to see that their education and excellence is determined by enthusiasm and encouragement. This is because of a team effort between teachers, parents and our students.

Google Meets in a hybrid class, encourage moments of magic- as we have to create moments that resonate, whether we are together or not. Most are spontaneous as we aspire to give everyone an equal chance to take part and see…

e.g. suddenly my laptop becomes a webcam for science experiments:

Our hall display reminds us of Mrs Keyser – she wanted to remind us that together we can make something beautiful, and a pinch of fun makes it great.

Who knew that our Google Hangout chats this holiday, would help us in English…

And that a lesson on French knitting at the end of last term, would become an obsession.

Together is so much better.

Mrs Carey Schoots

Year 4 Teacher

Writing About Harp Seals

This week in Year 1, we have been writing reports about ‘Harp Seals’ in English.

International Day Of Friendship

International Day of Friendship is a day to appreciate and promote friendship. It was celebrated across the world on Friday, 30 July.

International Day of Friendship promotes the idea that building friendships between people, countries and cultures can inspire peace and build bridges between those communities.

Friendship requires empathy, compassion and concern for other people. By valuing these friendships we adopt a more selfless and grateful outlook on life.

In the Pre-Reception we spoke about what we think makes a good friend, we decided that good friends…

• Help each other
• Play together
• Give friends love
• Share
• Are nice to each other
• Says kind words
• Draws pictures for one another and makes things as gifts to give each other

The students then drew and decorated a picture and gave it to an existing or new friend, they had lots of fun doing this! All in all it was a wonderful day, especially because we got to come to school in pyjamas for civvies day too.

This day can help build a more kind, caring and peaceful world!

Cindy Nunan

Nursery and Pre-Reception Teacher

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 (2^nd – 13^th 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 2^nd test match between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions. Go Bokke!

Andre

Learning About Nesting Shapes In Year 2

“Children are confident in spirit, infinite in resources, and eager to learn. Everything is still possible.”

This week in Maths class, our Year 2’s learned all about nesting shapes. Nesting shapes are shapes of increasing/decreasing size that fit inside one another. They are perfect for teaching children various skills such as, fine motor skills, coordination, counting skills, spatial abilities as well as problem solving skills.

It is wonderful to watch the students nest, stack and sort all while learning some important math concepts. When using nesting materials, students aren’t simply playing or building – they are experimenting, they are problem-solving and developing critical thinking skills.

We had some fun learning about what nesting shapes are and where we can find them in everyday life. We looked at measuring cups, cookie cutters and even some Russian dolls.

In one of our Maths lessons we got super creative and made some of our own Russian dolls. We coloured them in beautifully, paying specific attention to the detail on each one and how they would all fit perfectly into each other. What fun!

Siobhan Hendry

Year 2 Teacher

Back To School Is Cool!

After 3 long weeks of fun, fun, fun.

Our holidays are over and done.

Time to go back to school

And yes, this can be very cool!

A week of online learning you see.

(It’s really not for you and me)

But 3MG took it in their stride,

And oh my heart will burst with pride!

Each student on time every morning

Although, there was a little yawning.

Heaps of energy and full of beans!

Excited and very chatty it seems!

Lots and lots of holiday news,

A race to talk and share ensues!

But hang on Year 3, there is time to tell

Please hold your tongue and do not yell.

First a cube you must design

And then you’ll have your chance to shine!

On each face, you should draw

A holiday snap of what you saw

And when you’re done, a turn you’ll get

To roll your cube and then you’re set!

To tell us about that holiday snap

A chance to chat and chat and chat!

And when your news has come to an end,

You’ll have to listen to your friend!

Mandy Goch

Year 3 Teacher

Sing Along Learning

This was our rendition of a counting song…

Lights, Camera, Action!

On this past weekend, we held our casting and workshop that was done in preparation for Blouberg International School’s production of Bar & Ger by Geraldine Aron for the 25 – 27th August 2021.

This will be a dinner time show. So bring a packed dinner for you and your companions.

At 9 o’clock on Saturday morning, we gathered outside in the parking lot and because of the gentle heat from the bright sun and crisp wind, we decided to  practise outside in the gorgeous weather. We started off  with a couple of exercises to help warm our bodies and voices. The exercises included warm ups to loosen our lower and upper bodies – from the tips of our toes to the stretching of our tongues. Thereafter, we proceeded to utter random words and phrases by using our diaphragms to help project our voices so that our teachers, who were standing near the middle of the field could hear us. Finally, after lots of repeatedly thrown words and fully worked out diaphragms, we were ready to start reciting our lines!  Finally, we could practise like the talented thespians we knew ourselves to be.

We were then split into groups of two by which each were given a number of pages to practise. We were encouraged to share with helpful feedback with one another before meeting with our instructors, who sat waiting patiently. Throughout the performances, each respective group received constructive criticism and advice from the directors to help us improve our performance and feel more in tune with the characters we were portraying. The means to project out voices is a huge factor in order to reach the audience members, particularly those who will be sitting at the back of the theatre. Afterwards, we took a break to recuperate our energy with pizza and cool drinks – this was such a special treat from our teachers. By enjoying the delicious and cheesy pizza, and fizzy drinks, we were able to get to know each other better and form stronger bonds that helped us feel more comfortable with one another, which contributed to making our acting ability to feel more natural.

Thereafter, we got back to work where we switched up team members, continued flipping pages during practise and carried on with the day. Just before we were about to head to our separate ways and return home, we all lay down on the field for one last exercise that was conducted by Ms. Kerswill. Through calming instructions we were guided into what felt like a tranquil world wherein  our bodies and minds became relaxed. In addition to sitting up from our peaceful minds, we bid farewell with a calm and pleasant mind set. All in all, it was a lovely end to a hard days work.

On Sunday around 9 am once again, we found ourselves back at the parking lot of the school. The cold, crisp, morning air sent shivers down our spine and the minute the junior hall was offered as shelter, we raced through the side door and welcomed the warmer area with open arms. We resumed with the workshop starting with a few warm up exercises, before splitting off into our pairs to finish the last few pages of our script. Everyone embraced the emotions of their characters, and we were slowly becoming more and more in touch with the characters we were playing. The relationship between ourselves and our respective characters had eventually taken form – that is having become immersed into our characters . This could be comparable to being a small seed like having slowly grown until we blossomed into something special – we would not just portray the character, but instead be the character.

Throughout this workshop, we were able to achieve a better idea of the play and our characters, as well as feel the nervous excitement that always happened at rehearsals. We hope that everyone will come to experience the curtain rise for this play at the end of August and eventually realize the fruition of our efforts and hard work that we had put into practise. We have certainly learnt a lot over the past weekend and cannot wait to perform in this play, be it in front of an audience, or live streamed. We are ready and excited to share our hard work with everyone. We hope that you will support us by coming to watch the exciting, incredible, emotional, remarkable and heartfelt production of Bar and Ger!

Written By:

Jean-Marie Schoots

Year 11 Student / Bar and Ger Cast Member