Student Representative Council Portfolios 2021
SRC 2021:
Back row left to right: Chloë Goldman, Tshephang Mashaba, Niklyn Pillay, Gabrielle Luyt
Front row left to right: Hope Munkondia, Karen Kambizi, Edna Lawrence (School Principal), Courtneigh Harris, Samantha Wynne
Karen Kambizi
I applied for Head girl and Culture because, I want to make a difference in the students’ lives- despite this pandemic, leaving a good legacy at Blouberg International is utterly important to me. I would like to implement great ideas that will make our school the best! With that being said, I plan to take BIS to greater heights by taking advantage of the leadership roles I have been honoured with and the help of the SRC. I would like to leave a mark at our prestigious and awesome school!
Niklyn Pillay
My name is Niklyn Pillay. I am the Head boy as well as one of the Heads of Sport of Blouberg International School. As Head boy I mainly serve the students by approaching the school with their ideas, and I try to inspire others to be greater by continuing to better myself. I also help my fellow SRC with their goals and duties. Being a Head of Sport I work on improving our physical activities and try to provide the students with the best and most exciting of sports. My goals for the year are: motivating students to have school spirit, redefining the word learning; in the minds of BIS students, and enabling the students to view school as more than just a place of education.
Hope Munkondia
DISCIPLINE
As head of discipline it is my duty and responsibility to communicate with the teacher in charge of this portfolio about the discipline of my peers. This includes being fair and opposing any and all forms of bullying, victimization and discrimination. This is an advantage to the wellbeing of the school because as a fellow student and peer to the students it makes it easier to approach and look out for them.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER
My duties as secretary of SRC involve taking minutes during our meetings, which are kept for later review and reference. As treasurer I am expected to keep record of profits and expenditures of the SRC. This is a great responsibility which I take a lot of pride in. All in all, I am super proud of both of my portfolios and I cannot wait to carry out my duties to my full potential.
Samantha Wynne
My name is Samantha Wynne, Head of Student Welfare. My plans for the school include creating a space for personal growth, engaging in helpful discussions about mental health, building a long-lasting support system for the students and making them feel heard by promoting inclusivity.
Chloë Goldman
My portfolio is Student Welfare. I wanted to be a part of this portfolio because I am passionate and interested in the wellbeing and comfort of the students at Blouberg in order to make their experience here as enjoyable as possible. Some things I wish to implement in the year ahead are Buddy systems / Support groups, more informative discussions on important topics such as Mental Health and Period Poverty, as well as introducing more clubs by popular demand such as a Debate club.
Gabrielle Luyt
As the head of discipline and sports, my hopes weren’t exactly sky high going into this year, due to Covid. However, even though we’re only a week in, great progress has already been made. Sports will resume, with a bunch of fun, new and inclusive options available for all age groups, as well as the introduction of a house cup and various ways to acquire house points. Despite the dreary situation we’re all in, this year we’re hoping to bring back and prioritize high school sport and morale.
Tshepang Mashaba
The Vision I have as the Interact Representative of SRC and the Director of the Interact Club, is to fulfil ‘service above self’. I would like Blouberg International School to host more fundraisers in 2021 to combat the problems that our under-privileged and the needy community face, especially during this Covid-19 Pandemic. It is my responsibility to empower the outreach of Blouberg International School to be a reaching hand in our community.
Courtneigh Harris
Hi, I am Courtneigh Harris and I am a part of the culture portfolio in the SRC. My main goal as culture portfolio is to improve school spirit and create a space in which students feel comfortable enough to want to expand their creative side. As a member of the SRC, my job is to be someone my juniors see as an older sibling, always there to support and encourage.
– Written by the SRC of 2021 –
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Orientation Morning 2021
Written By – Alyssa (Year 12 Student)
On Tuesday the 12th of January, we had our induction day, introducing the new students as well as last year’s year 6’s entering year 7. With the current global pandemic, induction day was done a little differently this year with all the safety measures put in place.
The fresh faces were guided through our campus by our lovely matrics. Each group of new faces were led by three of our seniors to meet all of their amazing and inspiring new teachers and become familiar in the new environment at Blouberg International. All students had an introduction to their tutor teachers.
At the end of the day, each student was given a pre-packed snack pack and all the students sat with their new friends and enjoyed their snacks. It’s safe to say that induction day went extremely well.
Written By – Hope (Year 12 Student
On Tuesday the 12th of January, the matric class welcomed new students and the year 7’s to the high school. The day started at 09:00 with a brief introduction of the seniors.
We then proceeded with separating the children in groups of 5 or 6 (in order to follow covid regulations) and we took them on a tour of the facility where they will be spending the next few years. The kids were excited and had so many questions about anything and everything. They met their teachers and got their timetables and lockers.
At the end of the morning, they were given some water and a healthy but delicious snack box. In conclusion, the day was an absolute success and the children were so happy to be beginning high school. As a senior, I was proud to be a guardian to the kids and I can’t wait to see them grow and mature.
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A Special ‘Thank you’ After A Challenging Year
One thing, on which we can all agree, is that this year was tough and none of us want to see another year like it again.
We thank you for your support and trust during this difficult time and commend our students on their steadfastness and fortitude this year, especially with regards to online learning.
I would also like to thank the high school teachers who have worked tirelessly in the best interests of the students.
I wish every parent, student, and teacher a blessed 2021 and we look forwards to seeing you in the new year.
Please stay safe and have a joyous festive season.
Julian Harrison
Head of Academics – High School
(Photo: High School students dressed up for the last day of school Civvies Day)
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Stem and Leaf
One of ways of representing data is called a “Stem and Leaf”. The name is derived from the structure of the presentation. The “stem” is the top row of numbers, and the “leaves” are to be read vertically.
Our high school Mathematics students have been studying this unique method and how it is used in real life.
In many parts of the world, public transportation is ingrained in the routine of people’s lives. Every day, people use trains and buses to travel from home to work or from home to school—and back again.
In some parts of the world, Stem and Leaf diagrams are used to indicate arrival and departure times in a more clear and easy way to interpret.
This is just another wonderful example of how Mathematics is used to improve our every day lives.
Hebert Tapfuma
High School Mathematics Teacher
From the Principal’s Desk, 4 December 2020
Dear Parents
Amid much uncertainty, I wish to reassure you that as we are ending off this term, we are already planning for Term 1 of 2021.
We will continue to provide our children with the best education during this time.
We lost 0 days in academic time and could proudly celebrate our students last week at the prize-giving ceremonies. You will continue to receive excellent education and thorough communication from the school.
Our high school students finished their last examinations on Wednesday, 02 December and the teachers are currently preparing their results.
Our last day of school will be on Wednesday, 09 December and holiday care will resume until the 18th of December. Holiday care will also start on 04 January 2021 for the new academic calendar year.
We will communicate the 2021 school opening and closing times with you by next week.
UNIFORM STORE INFORMATION
Please note the Hatrick online store will be closed for orders from 18 December 2020 to 6 January 2020.
- For orders placed after 11 December 2020 at 12h00 to get your order before 2020 ends, please select the courier to home/specified address. If not, your order will only be delivered to the school in the week starting 11 January 2021.
- For orders placed between 6 and 8 January 2021, please note if you select delivery to school, the order will arrive at the school in the week starting 11 January 2021.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.
Kind regards
Edna
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The President’s Award Achievement – Well Done Marco!
The 2020 academic year began with an exciting opportunity for Marco De Mattos when he enrolled for the International Programme for Youth Development, more commonly known as The President’s Award.
Life took an unexpected turn with the advent of Covid 19 and the subsequent national lockdown. This was an incredibly difficult time for parents, teachers and especially for students who had to adapt quickly to the medium of online learning.
However, this Year 8 student would not allow any of these challenges to stand in his way and, despite the disruptions of lockdown, managed to complete all the requirements for a Bronze medal. Marco is the first student at BIS to achieve a Bronze medal in the President’s Award and we are all incredibly proud of him.
Since enrolling in the programme, Marco has acquired a ream of new skills, such as cooking and sign language. He served his community by handing out free hand sanitizer and followed an exercise regime, making sure he remained fit and active. On top of all of this, he also completed an ‘adventurous journey’ as prescribed in the requirements for a Bronze award.
Congratulations again to Marco for setting such an aspirational example for his peers.
Riaan Vosloo
High School Teacher
Chemistry
At BIS students can choose Chemistry as a subject from Year 9. This provides students with a unique opportunity to have more variety in high school as Chemistry and Physics can be taken separately instead of as a single subject. Students can choose between Chemistry and History and between Physics and Art. This often results in some interesting subject combinations such as Chemistry and Art or Physics and History.
After a long period of online lessons, it is exciting to have the Chemistry students back in the classroom. Since BIS is privileged to have a well-equipped science laboratory, Chemistry practicals can now take place again.
This term the Year 9’s have been revising electrochemistry and enthalpy changes, whilst the Year 11’s have been revising chemical equilibrium, Hess’s Law and Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions.
Philippa Gogh
High School Chemistry Teacher
“Success doesn’t come to you; you go to it” – Marva Collins
The Year 6’s wrote their final Exams for the year this week. It was a long, grueling process, however, they have finally made it to the end. Miss Nel and myself are both incredibly proud of the effort and dedication that the Year 6’s have put into each of their Progression Tests.
As the Year 6’s take on the daunting task of entering the High School next year, here are a few tips that may be useful:
- Pursue activities you really enjoy.
- Work hard.
- Be yourself, no matter what.
- Take care of yourself.
- Ask for help.
- You are loved.
- Learn to manage your time.
- “Let’s eat, Granny” vs “Let’s eat Granny” – Grammar saves lives!
- Don’t be afraid to make new friends and lose old ones.
- You will use Math after school!
- The teachers aren’t your enemies.
- Make the most of every experience.
- Don’t forget how funny you used to find your KS2 teachers.
- “A lot” is two words.
- Miss Nel and I will be here whenever you need anything.
We have no doubt that the Year 6’s will go on to accomplish great things in the future and we cannot wait to see the amount of growth that is going to happen for each student! WE BELIEVE IN YOU!
What are the Year 6’s excited about for High School:
“We will be learning new subjects” – Maia Davies
“We will be taking part in ISA” – Treasure Daniel
“We could choose our own languages” – Alessio Lemme
“I am excited to leave early during exams and be more independent” – Iviwe Matakata
“I am excited about looking up to new people” – Saumya Maharaj
“I am excited to learn new things and to be more responsible and independent in my learning” – Faith Chivaka
Brittney Hakime
Year 6 Teacher
How to Prepare for Exams
Exams can be stressful. Taking time to prepare for your exams can make them much less stressful and enable you to focus better. This article contains advice on how to prepare for your exams.
One should not attempt to study without first knowing what papers you will write each day. Knowing the date of each exam will enable you to plan your study time and ensure that you have enough time to revise for each exam. Download and print your exam timetable and put it on display in a prominent spot to help you stay on track.
Compiling a study timetable will help you to manage your time. Find out what you need to study for each exam and ensure that you give yourself plenty of study time for each subject. Be prepared to adapt your timetable should something unexpected occur.
Prepare a space to study that is comfortable and free of distractions. Try to avoid studying on your bed, as you may fall asleep! Turn your phone off, put it in another room or, if you don’t wish to do this, set your WhatsApp status to ‘studying’ so that friends will know that you will take a little longer to get back to them because you need to focus.
Varying subjects and study techniques will help you to avoid boredom. Try summaries, flash cards, key words, mind mapping and mnemonics. It is okay to use a variety of techniques, as some are better suited to particular types of content than others. If you have been making study notes throughout the year and have found them to be effective, use them to give yourself a head start.
Using the correct exam technique and being able to finish your exam within the allocated time are also very important. Practicing past papers will help you to master both, and will also help you to better understand what the examiner will be looking for. The CIE website and PapaCambridge are good places to look.
I wish you all the best for your exams and I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Sheila Marais
High School Teacher
Year 7 ScienceBiology
The subject ScienceBiology is the amalgamation of three different areas of science namely: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. During each term we cover work from all three areas.
Biology is the study of living organisms where we delve into the structure of cells and how they are arranged to ultimately form different organisms. We look at how these organisms are adapted to live in different habitats and how human activities are impacting fragile ecosystems. Lastly, we discuss the concept of species and the systems that biologists use to classify organisms into different groups, based on features they have in common.
Chemistry is the study of chemical substances that form the Earth and our Universe. We learn about the different states of matter and the changes occurring in the particles of matter when it changes from one state to another. Next we compare the differences between metals and non-metals, as well as studying the properties of different materials such as plastic and glass. Another interesting area of Chemistry is investigating material changes. We studied acids and alkalis and did a practical investigation on the effect they have on substances called indicators. Red cabbage juice is an example of an indicator which changes to different colours, depending on whether it is added to an acidic or alkaline solution. Students had to make their own red cabbage indicator in class and add it to a variety of unknown solutions. They had to observe the colour change to find out whether a solution was acidic (pink/red colour), alkaline (green/blue colour) or neutral (purple colour). Much fun was had and students unexpectedly stumbled upon neutralization reactions when they added the acidic and alkaline solutions together at the end of the experiment and saw the colour change back to purple. We ended the Chemistry section of the book by studying the different types of rocks and minerals that make up the Earth and how different processes can weather them away over time. When certain types of rock weather away they reveal the fossils of organisms that lived millions of years ago. These fossils tell cryptic stories that gives a glimpse of what life on Earth was like in the distant past.
Physics is the study of nature and properties of matter, energy, and forces. Students investigate forces in a variety of practical ways. One practical challenge was for students to lift a plastic container using only rice and a chopstick. Thanks to the force of friction between the rice and chopstick, students were able to achieve the seemingly impossible. We continued delving into the world of Physics by discussing different stores of energy as well as energy changes. Energy does not disappear, but simply changes from one form to another. The last part of Physics covered in Year 7 investigates astronomy and how far we have come in our understanding of our planet, solar system and galaxy. It gave us a true sense of how tiny we are in the universe when comparing the size of Earth to some of the largest stars discovered so far.
ScienceBiology takes students on a very diverse educational journey and lays the foundation for all three areas of science on which to build in future years.
Marlene Feltoe
Year 7 ScienceBiology Teacher