What a Term for Foundation Stage!
What a term! We have come to the end of another exciting, fun-filled term. We started the term with an interactive morning where we discussed the importance of Numeracy and the parents had the opportunity to do Numeracy activities with the students. This new approach is informative for all. We intend on having more Interactive Curriculum Mornings with different themes, and urge parents to attend these sessions.
On Friday, 10 May 2019, for Grandparent’s & Someone Special Day. We invited our “special person” for a short concert. We made lovely Mother’s day gifts as well. Soon after this wonderful day we had a visit from the Reptile man and we had an “old-school” drive in movie night. The students arrived at school in their pj’s with their own home made box car. We watched Peter Pan while enjoying popcorn, hot dogs and some sweet treasures.
The highlight of the term was our outing to Butterfly World on Friday, 24 May 2019, where we learned about different animals and the life cycle of the butterfly. In class we enjoyed learning about Seasons, Reptiles, Creepy Crawlies and Technology. We even made a mascot for a Littering and Recycling competition.
To end off this busy term, we have created special gifts for the most important men in our lives, OUR FATHERS. We hope you all have a fantastic and well-earned holiday. Stay safe and warm.
Martie van Dyk
Reception Year Teacher
From the Principal’s Desk – 13th June 2019
Dear Parents,
We have come to the end of the second term and I am sure all the teachers are looking forward to a restful holiday.
This last term has been one in which we’ve all had our share of mountain peaks and valley lows. As a management team we aim to build strong relationships and ensure a caring and warm environment at school. Despite our best efforts, this is not always possible as we are all different, with different expectations and although disappointments may occur, we do our best to work towards a compromise.
I met with our Parents Association on the Tuesday, 4th of June, for our monthly meeting and something I find truly inspiring is the amount of passion and commitment our parents have towards our school. We are united by our goal for our school to succeed and in that aim, every parent’s positive input and dedication is deeply valued.
We had a fantastic time on Friday evening with magical entertainment from Stuart Lightbody and we are looking forward to inviting him back for another fundraiser.
I would like to thank all our staff members for their hard work and dedication this term.
Congratulations to Miss Alexia Duffield who will be getting married during the school holidays. We wish her much happiness and a beautiful day.
Sadly, we are saying goodbye to Mrs. Du Plooy, our art teacher in the High School. She is beginning a new adventure in China and we wish her safe travels and much success for the future.
To everyone who is travelling these holidays, we wish you safe travels and God speed.
Regards
Edna
Why projects, posters, models and presentations?
During the course of your child’s educational career they will be required to participate in projects, posters, models and presentations in many of their subjects. Some students prefer this method of learning, reveling in the creativity they can display, while others groan and moan about what the point is. Posters and models are not implemented just for display. They have significant value in the learning process and stimulating cognitive development. Yes, they do brighten up a classroom and provide relief from the normal assessment routine, but really, what is the point?
Projects, posters and models can have quite a positive effect on the process of learning. The advantage of these types of activities is that it promotes team work and understanding, along with facilitating creative thinking, extensive research and reading. It provides students with an opportunity to learn by doing, in turn strengthening their understanding of the concepts being explored. Students are able to visually represent the key points and while presenting, elaborate on the topic which facilitates their retention and recall of events and facts. Projects, posters, model making and presentation are also effective tools for evaluating the students’ knowledge and creates opportunities for active discussion and participation. Be it the traditional posters, handmade models or technologically advanced computer presentations it is evident that they can actively engage students in the learning process.
(credit source: The professional learning board)
The year 7’s produced models of volcanoes with Mr Alex Fraqueiro this term in their quest to find out more about our earth and what goes on inside it. This activity helped them to identify they key features of volcanoes and what makes them erupt. They produced some beautiful and physically correct models of Strato-volcanoes (composite volcanoes) and thoroughly enjoyed the learning process behind it.
Janine van Niekerk
High School Geography
The importance of exposing students to the world around us
Often we take all the nature and beauty around us for granted, rarely having the time to adequately appreciate it. For a developing mind, it is crucial to explore nature and learn about new places and things. It is natural for children to yearn for self-discovery and independence. Granting them the opportunity to experience the world around them, and what it has to offer, teaches them to explore and comprehend.
This term we learned about all kinds of reptiles and insects and their habitats.
Inting: The Reptile man paid us a special visit at school. My class’s enthusiasm and bravery to touch and hold snakes, lizards, geckos and tortoises, to name only a few, amazed me. One of the most important things they learned was to have respect for other living things.
Outing: Butterfly World was a most enjoyable and informative experience for all the students. They especially enjoyed the bus drive, even though most of them fell asleep on their journey back to school.
Here are nine benefits of encouraging your child to attend outings:
- Outings give students an educational experience away from their regular school environment.
- They learn in a more hands–on and interactive approach than they do in the average classroom.
- The students investigate the insects, animals, reptiles and plant life up close; they can touch and interact.
- This gives children a welcome break from their normal routine, breathing new excitement into lessons.
- Learning in assorted ways can appeal to varied learning styles helping students to succeed whether they are visual or auditory learners.
- Perhaps one of the most important values of exposing the students to this is the personal development that one can experience. When challenged, an individual can experience a sense of accomplishment, self-value and confidence.
- By introducing these important experiences, a child is more willing to try new things, creating a more versatile learner.
- This can help children to develop the enjoyment of life-long learning, confidence and independence as well as respect for humankind and all creatures.
- Outings are so important for their emotional, social and intellectual growth.
Through those interactions, children will not only gain a new appreciation for what nature has to offer, but also learn about themselves. They will establish real connections with others and the world around them.
The next time you are outdoors with you little one, remember to stop and smell the roses and if you are lucky, you might find a ladybug or two…
Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception Teacher
From The Principal’s Desk – 30th May 2019
Dear Parents
For the past two weeks our students have been writing examinations and we recognize that a number of students battle with anxiety during this stressful period. I may not be a medical professional, nor any of my teachers, but we have learnt to recognize the signs of examination anxiety. Whether it be a sudden onset of tummy cramps, angry outbursts or just a general sad countenance, it is clear to us when a student is not coping with the pressure of the examination period.
I admit, I am also guilty of turning up the pressure as examinations approach. Cellphones are banned (causing many dark mutterings amongst the older siblings) and speeches of “you need to succeed” ring through the house. I have come to realize, however, that I am fueling my children’s anxiety due to my own fears. University is not always the right path for every child and a university degree isn’t necessarily a measure of success. Every child is an individual, who excels in his or her own manner. Some of the most successful people in our society did not graduate from university. Take Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates or Richard Branson for instance; their success was due to determination, creative thinking and self-belief. Not every venture that these great men undertook was successful, but they used their failures as an opportunity for growth and development.
We have a responsibility towards our children to support them in their endeavors and to manage, teach and guide them throughout their lives.
A reminder about the PA fundraiser next week with Stuart Lightbody. Child-minding services will be available at school.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Regards
Edna
High School Examination Tips
The June exams are less than two weeks away and preparation should be underway, especially for Years 10 and 12. Arguably the best way to counter exam stress is to come prepared. To this end, I have ten guidelines students can follow that will go a long way to helping them feel prepared and confident for each exam.
- Print a copy of their exam timetable and put it in a prominent and safe place.
- Compile and stick to a study timetable.
- Give yourself sufficient study time for each subject.
- Identify topics you find most challenging and, if necessary, ask for assistance from the subject teacher. Do this as far in advance of your exam as possible.
- Utilize effective study methods rather than simply reading the textbook.
- Avoid pulling “all-nighters”.
- Limit your social calendar (holidays are just around the corner and good friends will wait).
- Avoid fad diets so as to maximize energy and concentration.
- Pack the necessary equipment for each exam, including a spare pen.
- Arrive punctually for each exam.
I also encourage parents to be involved in their child’s exam preparation. We know, often from our own experience as students, how easy it is to become distracted and bored. Encourage regular study sessions with short breaks, physical activity and healthy eating. Do not be afraid to check up on your child’s exam preparation progress, even if they are in their final years of school.
I wish students all the best for their exams and I hope that they have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Sheila Marais
High School Teacher
FS GRANDPARENTS AND SOMEONE SPECIAL DAY 2019
The Foundation Stage celebrated Grandparents and Someone Special day on Friday, 10 May 2019.
The grandparents and special people were invited to have tea, coffee and treats before they made their way into the hall for a mini-concert, which was opened with a beautiful song by the senior choir. This was followed by songs and poems, which were presented by the Foundation Stage students from Nursery, Pre-Reception and Reception. Afterwards the grandparents and special guests made their way to the classrooms where they were presented with a special gift from the students. Most of the students then went home to spend some quality time with their loved ones.
It is said that it takes a village to raise a child and this is certainly very true of the grandparents and other special people, such as close family members and friends. They offer essential support to parents and play a key role in shaping the lives of young children. They also fill the gap and help take care of children when their parents are not able to be there. With a lot of wisdom and life experience, they always tell the best stories that children can really learn many life lessons from. This is why we love to celebrate our Grandparents and special people in our lives.
Bronwen Nuthall
Reception Year Teacher
Interactive Curriculum Morning Term 2 – Key Stage 1
The Interactive Curriculum morning is a series of presentations covering different topics each time. All primary school parents are urged to attend these sessions as this is a vital platform for teachers to guide parents through the Cambridge curriculum.
On Saturday, 4 May, Year 1 presented the Cambridge English curriculum to parents. I had the opportunity to present and discuss information about reading. The importance of reading cannot be emphasised enough. Parents and educators need to make every day reading a high priority. Reading enhances a child’s vocabulary, cultivates a vibrant imagination and ultimately helps them understand how to read and write. By reading aloud to children you are helping them comprehend various topics about the world and every day life form multiple point of views. This teaches them to think outside of the box and to reach conclusions by using more complex and creative methods.
Charlotte Cronje
Year 1 Teacher
KS 1: Problem Solving In Numeracy Counts
In Cambridge Primary the skills taught in numeracy, and most importantly problem solving skills, will apply to all learning areas throughout a student’s life. Problem solving is an interactive and fun way for the students to learn numeracy and apply new concepts taught. It produces positive attitudes and love towards numeracy. It teaches thinking, flexibility and creativity.
We encourage our students to teach each other how they got to their answer, their understanding of the concepts and how they apply it to other learning areas at school.
We rather ask the question: “How many ways can we solve it?” It is opportunity for them to learn from each other which promotes holistic development.
Our students are encouraged to use strategies of their choice and then solve their problem on their white boards so that we can identify the different techniques used.
My class loves problem solving, here are some pictures of them solving problems in class:
Ms Tayla White
Year 1 Teacher
‘Karneval’
From the German Classroom,
We recently discussed the question “Wo wohnst du?” (Where do you live?) with the Year 5 and 6 students and were introduced to some children living all over Germany.
The children in Köln (Cologne) have recently celebrated carnival. Carnival time in Germany is one of the most popular traditions celebrated across Germany. It is known as ‘Karneval’, ‘Fasching’ and ‘Fastnacht’, depending on the region. It begins officially on the 11th November at 11:11 am in Cologne and lasts until “Ash Wednesday” the following year. Around this time, a few weeks before Easter, the processions and parties also welcome the spring and celebrate the end of a long, cold winter.
These processions include dressing up in costumes and a having decorative floats that go through the towns with lots of music and dancing. Everyone is on the street and the children especially enjoy all the sweets that are handed out during the parade. ‘Krapfen/Berliner’ (jam doughnuts) are a typical food enjoyed especially at the carnival time.
We decided to celebrate the ‘Karneval’ with our own party in class by adding some masks and other props and singing a modern carnival party song called ‘das Fliegerlied’ (The aeroplane song). The year 5 and 6 students were easily able to learn the words to the song and enthusiastically took part in doing the actions. For a little moment we felt like we were a part of the Carnival fever happening in Germany.
Frau Kerstin Pani
Primary School German Teacher
‘das Fliegerlied'(The aeroplane song) websites:
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