From the Principal’s Desk, 19 February 2021
Dear Parents
It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through Term 1, with only five weeks till the holidays. This week we were able to reintroduce sporting codes after new regulations regarding sport at school were gazetted. Sport and physical activity play an integral role in a child`s development, health, and wellbeing. We therefore ask parents to encourage their children to participate in the sports offered at school.
Last year we all became overly familiar with the word ‘online’, using it in almost every sentence. The ability to do things online has it’s benefits, but it also has it`s dangers. We tend to leave our children to their own devices when they tell us they are busy online with schoolwork or the class WhatsApp group. The school has recently become aware of some of the conversations that take place on these social media platforms and we therefore urge parents to monitor their children`s devices.
Things we can do to keep our children safe online:
- Know what social media platforms your child is on.
- Be aware of age restrictions and read the T & Cs of each social media platform.
- Ensure privacy settings are secure on each platform they are on.
- Install parental control software on their devices. These apps are free.
- Ensure that screen time is limited.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mr J Harrison
Head of Academics High School
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From the Principal’s Desk, 5 February 2021
Dear Parents
“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world” – Buddha.
This week I have been particularly mindful of life’s journey. People often use the phrase ‘we’re all in the same boat’ and I believe this holds true to some extent; it’s just that our boats are all a little bit different. The way we approach life’s challenges is informed by our lived experience.
Whilst some have experienced the loss of a loved one, others are celebrating new life. Some have lost their jobs whilst others have discovered new revenue streams or embarked on an exciting new venture. There are those of us who remained isolated, finding peace and solitude in the quiet, whilst others have taken a walk on the beach and felt their spirits lift.
The experience of frustration and tiredness is a commonality at the moment; we have daily choices to make and some come easier than others. We might all be facing the same pandemic, but the way it affects each family is different. It is the same experience at school. Our teachers are affected by the pandemic, by the shifts between school-based and online learning, differently. It is difficult to be an educator during this time as the shift away from traditional teaching this year was sudden and steep. Despite all these challenges we remain, as always, resolved and dedicated to our craft.
As we celebrate “World Read Aloud Day” we encourage you to read with your children. Teach them that there are infinitely better ways to learn than from an electronic device. There is a myriad of interesting topics for us to share with our children so why not explore the options? Introduce your children to new ideas, stories, and perspectives. Reading is a wonderful pastime and invaluable family time.
“The MORE that you READ, the MORE things you will KNOW. The MORE that you LEARN, the MORE places you’ll go.”- Dr. Seuss.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend of reading!
Edna
WATCH: Year 3 student, Noma Mashazi, reads to us in celebration of World Read Aloud Day.
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