SRC Portfolios 2020
The following students have been entrusted with the responsibility of the following portfolios:
The leader in charge of discipline should have an interest in the disciplining of
students and should have a broad knowledge of the school rules concerning
the discipline which includes the demerit and detention system.
Khanyisa Buthelezi- Culture
The leader in charge of Spirit & Culture will assist the Marketing team at Blouberg
International School. The Marketing leader should be outgoing, have good
interpersonal skills and be comfortable in adult company.
Alex Massyn- Sport
The leader in charge of sport should have an interest in sports and a broad
knowledge of the sporting calendar of the school, as well as the allied Extra-Mural
activities.
Audrey Lepo & Venus Chamunorwa- Student Welfare
The leader in charge of student welfare should have an interest in the health and safety of students to ensure their well being, comfort, and safety at Blouberg International. This includes the emotional well-being of students.
Katherine Lott- Secretary & Treasurer & Interact
The Secretary & Treasurer shall:
- record the minutes of all meetings;
- make a copy available of such minutes to the SRC coordinator who will, in turn, make available to the Principal.
- Ensure and keep a record of expenditures and profit of the SRC.
- Ensure that the expenditure of the SRC is utilized within the approved SRC
budget.
The leader in charge of Interact will work closely with the teacher(s) in charge of Interact to ensure a meaningful experience for the students at Blouberg International School.
Carmen de Villiers
High School Teacher
The President’s Award
We are delighted to announce our partnership with The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment (TPA). Blouberg International School will register all the Year 8 students of 2020 for the Bronze level of the President’s Award programme.
The Award offers young people skills, experience and a credible reference with evidence that a young person has shown that they are willing to prepare themselves for a purposeful future by investing in their own development. Employers look for skills and experience, but ‘formal education’ is not a substitute for skills and schooling is not a reliable signal of capabilities.’
“The Award develops each individual uniquely with achievements that cannot be measured on paper. It teaches real-life skills like work experience, interpersonal expertise and self-discipline” – Azhar Booley
It is internationally acknowledged that the completion of one or more levels of the Award suggests to an employer or a scholarship adjudicator that the individual has gone beyond the minimum in preparing themselves for the world of work and further learning, providing greater insight into the individual’s character and capacity to achieve in whatever circumstances they find themselves in.
The President’s Award creates opportunities for young people to develop their character, discover their purpose and determine their futures. The Award is designed to reward perseverance and inspire individual action through challenging, but non-competitive activities.
The Award brings together practical experiences and life skills, it builds confidence, encourages physical health and recreation; and motivates young people to engage with their communities.
There are many benefits to doing the Award. The award is gained through individual improvement and achievement, which means that disadvantaged young people and those with special needs are able to participate fully! It’s a process, not a prize. The Award is earned through regular effort, commitment and improvement.
For more information visit: https://presidentsaward.co.za/
Riaan Vosloo
High School Teacher
BIS HIGH SCHOOL INDUCTION DAY 2020
On the 14th of January 2020, we held our annual Induction Day to familiarize year 7, 8’s and new students with the school and the matric leaders for the year. The matric class guided the new recruits through team-building activities which cemented early friendships and mutual respect.
The day started at 09h00 with an introduction and warm welcome to the students embarking on the new chapter in their lives. After that, we delved straight into the first activity of the day; Team building. The students were split into four colour coded -red, blue, green and yellow- teams with two matric leaders per team and continued to spend 30 minutes on choosing appropriate team names and to get to know the members of their group.
Of course, the new students were shy at first, but it didn’t take long for them to relax their guard and have fun with their peers.
With team names and introductions complete, the first clue for a Treasure Hunt was given out and teams raced to solve it as quickly as possible; the promise of a prize igniting everyone’s competitive spirit. The aim of this game was to acquaint the students with their future classrooms and teachers whilst making it fun and inclusive for all.
After the treasure hunt and prizes were awarded (amidst loud cheering), the students were given a 30-minute break to cool down and relax. Lunch packs, which included a small water, a muffin, a hotdog and a small packet of chips, were given to each student. Music was played during the break and students could mix and chat amongst themselves and with matrics, allowing everyone to wind down and get proper rest for the next few activities.
After the break, students were given the choice to either go play a few games of soccer, which brought out a playful and competitive spirit within the students, or to stay within the senior hall and join a few rounds of musical chairs, which was fun but also exercised their coordination and concentration — both activities were a lot of fun and elicited many laughs and giggles from the students and matric leaders.
After the fun and laughter, the students gathered on the field to join a game of Red Rover. This allowed students to get some energy out of them while taking away the fear of being new to the school and allowing everyone to play together as a unit. This brought a lot of laughs and cheers when the students won to get through with the few catches.
This was followed by an official tour of the high school building and classes with introductions to their future teachers and classrooms. They were also shown their lockers and homeroom teachers.
As the morning drew to a close, the matrics took the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the students by calling individuals up and asking them a few questions about themselves. This allowed the seniors to get to know the juniors on a deeper, more personal level and established a bond of great benefit to both parties.
We trust that the students had fun and made a few more friends within their peer group! We hope that they enjoy their year and that they know the matrics are there to help them through the new chapter in their lives.
Jianicia Meintjes (Year 12)
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From the Principal’s Desk, 23 January 2020
Dear Parents
“Your present circumstances do not determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein
The beginning of every academic year brings a familiar set of challenges. One of these challenges, affecting both parents and students, is that of a child attending school for the first time. The struggle to adapt and the need for reassurance, until they become used to the setup and daily routine. A daunting challenge for new students and their parents, but one we are well prepared for. We are available and ready to assist in whichever capacity best suited to the student, parent or staff member. It may be as simple as asking a parent to stay a little longer in the morning, just until the student settles.
Rest assured that we are equipped with the patience, endurance and kindness to assist our little ones overcome this initial challenge.
Another recurring challenge is impatient, inconsiderate behavior in the car park and drop and go areas. I urge every parent please to be mindful and not hold up traffic or park in the drop and go area. Everyone is in a hurry but a little kindness and respect goes a long way. Should you wish to walk your child to class, please park your vehicle in the designated bays. When you are in the drop and go zone, please be aware of other vehicles wishing to exit and give them the space to do so.
CAMBRIDGE TOP ACHIEVERS REWARD
We received the Cambridge Top Achievers Awards yesterday and are very proud to announce that Sreeja Chinthala achieved the Top in South Africa award for Business Studies AS level. Audrey Lepo won first place in the world for a High Achievement in French.
Well done to both students!
REMINDER
This Friday, 24th January, the PA is hosting a movie night. We are looking forward to seeing all our families at this exciting event.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Edna
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From the Principal’s Desk, 16th January 2020
Dear Parents
Welcome to the 2020 academic year! We are all excited about this year and the changes, both aesthetic and academic, planned.
We received our matric AS results last week and are very happy to announce that 29 of the 32 students who wrote passed matric. 16 students passed with matric exemption.
TOP IGCSE STUDENT 2019!
Chloe Goldman wrote 8 IGCSE subjects in which she obtained 6 A* and 2 A’s. A total of 8 distinctions! We are exceptionally proud of her and are looking forward to more such achievements in her AS levels!
A total of 22 distinctions were achieved across the various subject areas. Top marks were achieved in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, First Language English, English Literature, Spanish Foreign Language, German Foreign Language, French Foreign Language and Music.
We wish to congratulate Ms. Alice Pryor on her excellent teaching skills in English First language. A total of 6 Distinctions were obtained for First Language English and 5 Distinctions for English Literature. Her dedication to her students and her love of the subject area is clearly displayed.
Just a reminder that we are starting renovations on the downstairs bathrooms on Monday, 20th January and request that you remind students to use the bathrooms upstairs. Foundation Phase have a brand new hopscotch-themed play area and the students are thoroughly enjoying the colorful spaces.
Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 have a Parent Information Evening on Thursday, 23rd January and we are looking forward to an enjoyable and informative evening.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead.
Regards
Edna
How to Prepare for Exams
Exams can be stressful, especially if you are unprepared. This article contains suggestions that will help you to be more organized and feel more confident.
In much the same way that you wouldn’t try to find a new place without first getting its location, so you shouldn’t attempt to study without first knowing what papers you will write each day. Download and print your exam timetable and put it on display in a prominent spot. This will help you to plan ahead and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Compiling a study timetable will help you to manage your time. Ensure that you give yourself plenty of study time for each subject. Be prepared to adapt your timetable should something unexpected occur.
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.
Finally, prepare a space to study that is comfortable and free of distractions. Try to avoid studying on your bed, as you may fall asleep! Set your WhatsApp status to ‘studying’ so that friends will know that you may take a little longer to get back to them because you need to focus.
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 & 8 Boot Camp 2019
Camp At Buffalo Drift
After dinner the students enjoyed an evening hike and later, after hot-chocolate and fire-singed marshmallows, the students were packed off to bed after a busy and fulfilling day.
On day two, the teams faced off over an obstacle course and learnt the value of teamwork, determination and the necessity of packing extra socks. Muddy but cheerful, they emerged from the course, even convincing a teacher or two to brave the mud.
Soaped and showered, the afternoon activities commenced and the day wore on. As the shadows lengthened, the four teams battled for points and the coveted title of ‘winning team.’ Leaders emerged and friendships cemented, as the students laughed and battled their way to glory. Dinner was a serious affair that evening after a day of such high-energy activities and after a round of ‘hide the lantern’, it was time for bed. Silence came early to camp that night as the excitement of late night chatter was overcome by sore feet and drooping eyelids.
Morning saw a flurry of packing and clean-up operations. Awards were announced and the winning team celebrated. Thanks were said, hands shaken, and the students herded onto the bus for the return journey. The camp was a great success, and congratulations must go to our year 7 and 8 students for their perseverance, good humour and team spirit.
When I first arrived at camp, I thought I would have no fun at all, and that everything would be too difficult. But after getting to know the team and doing activities such as the obstacle race, I realized that sometimes things that seem hard at first can actually be a lot of fun. I really enjoyed this camp, even if some tasks were challenging I learned that everything you do is better when you do it as a team.– Catherine Fortuin
Camp with the Year 8’s was a day I had been waiting for. I was not expecting to bond with the year 8’s. The year 7 boys got pranked (including me) by the year 8’s and the teachers crawled through muddy water on the obstacle course. We played many games like capture the flag and stalk the lantern. What I learned was that being with year 8’s was fun, we made many friends and close blonds. I hope next year we will bond as well with the grade 7’s.
– Themba Ngono
We are already looking forward to more adventures at next year’s camp!
Janine van Niekerk
High School Teacher
Theatre Of Dreams – Invitation To Perform At The Fugard Theatre
Both excitement and tension were high during the auditions held last week for Blouberg International’s production of Shakespeare’s dreamiest play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Though casting was challenging, as we have so many incredibly talented students, we are happy to announce our performers and crew members:
CAST “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
EGEUS: Vincent Chamunorwa
HERMIA: Kazimla Dyakalashe
LYSANDER: Niklyn Pillay
DEMETRIUS: Mpumelelo Mgidi
THESEUS: Tyler Hanning
HIPPOLYTA: Altesse Cimbalanga
HELENA: Savana Tardieu
PHILOSTRATE: Chinonye Muoka
The Fairies – Inhabitants of the wood
OBERON: Jéan Marie Schoots
TITANIA: Azande Dube
PUCK aka Robin Goodfellow: Pontsho Gomba
PEACEBLOSSOM; Shannon Gill
COBWEB, Cheyenne Kyle
MOTH, Caitlyn Brandt
MUSTARDSEED: Jianicia Meintjies
FAIRIE: Lisa Tuwe
FAIRIE: Courtneigh Harris
FAIRIE: Jessica Smith
The Rude Mechanicals – Actors
PETER QUINCE: Philade Luthango
NICK BOTTOM: Landelwa Maqanda
FRANCIS FLUTE: Vallarie Fodson
ROBIN STARVELING: Athena Thomas
TOM SNOUT: Siobhan Smorenburg
SNUG: Taylor Anne Galheto
The Backstage Crew
Daniel Marriage
Zhenni Lu
Rifqah Price
Ayanda Gumede
Gift Ike
Ben Cimbalanga
Ethan Cawcutt
Caden Leonard
This production is a fantastic occasion for BIS students to gain exposure on a professional stage, as it will form a part of the Shakespeare School’s Festival held in March 2020 at Cape Town’s historical Fugard Theatre.
There will also be an opportunity for two students to train with media and publicity professionals before they represent our production and run the PR process within our school and the community.
We look forward to preparations with our wonderful cast!
For more information on the Shakespeare School’s Festival, visit www.ssfsa.co.za
Mr Riaan Vosloo and Miss G Kerswill
High School Teachers
CAMBRIDGE ART & DESIGN
Art programs encourage students to be creative and use their imagination as much as possible. As this increased emphasis on creativity happens, children cherish new ways of thinking about the world in general. Needless to say, art programs are a critical aspect in helping students to magnify their understanding of their place in relation to the rest of the world they live in.
Additionally, students are also capable of developing an understanding and appreciation for different cultures, which can translate to an increased sense of tolerance and social acceptance.
The Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design syllabus aims to encourage a personal response by stimulating imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. Students gain confidence and enthusiasm as they develop technical skills in two and three dimensional form and composition, and are able to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile forms. They also learn how to develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions. An ideal foundation for further study, Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design also develops a greater awareness of the role played by the visual arts in society and in history, broadening cultural horizons and individual experience.
The Cambridge International AS and A-Level Art and Design syllabus considers expression and communication. Students gain an understanding of visual perception and aesthetic experience, and the ways in which art and design creates a language of its own. Most of the work for this syllabus is practical or studio based, so that students can develop their abilities of observation and analysis of the visual world, sensitivity, skill, personal expression and imagination. They also learn how to relate their skills to an enhanced knowledge of their own cultures, past and present, as well as an appreciation of practical design problems.
Students are often asked to “think outside the box” in terms of problem solving. Art programs encourage novelty and nonlinear thinking, skills that can be used not only in academic settings but in the professional world as well.
Riaan Vosloo
High School Art Teacher
High School – Term 4 2019
Welcome back to the fourth and final term of 2019
A warm welcome back to all high school students and their parents. It is finally upon us, the fourth and final term of 2019. One of these days the holiday jingles will echo noisily throughout the shopping centres and that’s when one realises that the end of the year has arrived. Before we reach that stage however, we have a busy and important term ahead of us.
Whilst the majority of our students were enjoying the last two days of their holiday, our Year 10 (IGCSE) and Year 12 (AS/A Level) students began their final external examinations. The Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level examinations run from the 30th of September to the 15th of November 2019. We wish all our students the best of luck during this time and urge them to prepare as thoroughly as possible.
We also congratulate the newly elected SRC for 2020. The role of the SRC is very important in the high school and we look forward to working with them.
Good luck to all the students and parents in this final stretch of 2019.
Mr J Harrison
Head of Academics