Newsletter No 27 of 2023 – End of term 3

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Sep 28, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

TERM 3 HIGHLIGHTS

Term 3 of 2023 has been marked by unprecedented winter conditions. It was extremely cold and many parts of the province experienced adverse effects following the extended winter rains.

The school, like the seasons, also experienced huge internal changes and nuances. On the 17th of September 2023 the school hosted the 60th Anniversary celebration and the event was well planned and an awesome atmosphere of reflection was observed by the attendees. Once again, thank you to all learners , parents, assistants and staff members for celebrating this momentous occasion with the school.

Highlights and achievements experienced during the third term.

• The Mandela Day Donation to Douglas Murray and the Seawinds Senior Home.
• The Mr. and Ms. Delta pageant competition.
• The completion of grade cohort spelling bee competitions.
• The introduction of the brainteaser in the newsletter to encourage critical thinking amongst our learners.
• The introduction of a recycling initiative.
• The painting of all senior classes as part of the maintenance plan.
• The painting of our learner bathroom facilities.
• The introduction of the family strengthening program over the next 8 weeks.
• The continued excellent management of the food garden under the care of Mrs. Bettie Daniels.
• The effective management of the feeding scheme of which more than 300 learners are daily recipients.
• The continued donation of the Carmen Stevens Foundation towards our feeding scheme.
• The delivery of the curriculum and the completion of assessment under very challenging conditions.

To our parents and business partners who have continued to support the school we wish you well over this short Spring break.

DATES TO DIARISE FOR TERM 4 – 2023

LEARNER SAFETY

Given the constant threat of crime we wish to make a special appeal to all our parents and learners  to ensure that our boys and girls remain safe during the vacation. Learners must inform their parents as to their whereabouts at all times. It may also be that many learners are home while parents go to work. Please speak to our learners about safety at home.

FINAL TERM 3 BRAIN TEASER

With pointed fangs I sit and wait; with piercing force I crunch out fate; grabbing victims, proclaiming might, physically joining with a single bite. What am I?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`Learning is not child’s play, we cannot learn without pain` – Aristotle

Newsletter No 26 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Sep 14, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

GRADE 4 SPELLING BEE

The grade 4 cohort completed the annual spelling bee competition by all reports the learners had an awesome time during the process. All our stakeholders are reminded that our school engaged in the process of a spelling bee to improve the vocabulary of learners in all the grades. As a staff we are all to aware that our learners are not engaging with the written word as often as we would like them too. In order to strengthen their  prowess with the english language the spelling bee was birthed.

Grade 4 spelling bee results 1st place: 4C, 2nd place:4B, 3rd place: 4A

FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAMME 

The 21st of September 2023  marks the introduction of the family strengthening programme at Delta Primary School. The programme is a collaboration with  Social Development and Early Childhood Development Community Services and Health. The goal of the programme is to assist, support and strengthen the family unit.

GRADE 7 ENTREPRENEUR DAY

The grade 7 entrepreneur day was once again an absolute success. Parents, learners and teachers what an awesome day it was! Our learners were in their element cooking up a storm at the various selling booths. On this occasion we must compliment our grade 7`s for their splendid and positive behaviour. Every single selling booth was well organised with an assortment of treats from which the customers could choose.

BRAINTEASER

What are three things that are only sold in pairs? 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`Progress often Masquerades as trouble` – Dan Pena

Newsletter No 25 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Aug 31, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT FORMAL ASSESSMENT

Parents, as you are aware learners would have received their assessment program from the respective teachers indicating the assessment program. Learners in the foundation phase complete 100% SBA`s in class, whereas learners in grade 4-7 are given projects and tasks that are meant to be completed at home. Parents are kindly requested to ensure that learners have indicated that assistance is needed  in this regard. Our senior learners in particular require support as they search the internet and visit the library to gather the necessary information for their projects.

GRADE 7 AND PREPARATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL

Parents of our current grade seven cohort must regularly engage their children and ensure that their youngsters remain absolutely focused on the task at hand. Looking at the school calendar the grade sevens are left with 3 and half months before they bid farewell to primary school and take up their seats at the respective high schools. It is crucial that every grade seven learner realise what is at stake should they lose focus due to clowning around in class or outside of the class. Teachers will keep the lines of communication open and will require parents to reciprocate their concerns when it is communicated that a challenge or barrier is detected. Your assistance in this regard is a must and part of producing a favorable outcome at the end of the academic year.

GRADE 5 SPELLING BEE RESULTS

1st place – 5c

2nd place – 5a

3rd place – 5b

Overall winner of the spelling bee was Phoebe English. And it was quite appropriate!

CURRENT SCHOOL PROJECTS

Our ground staff is currently in the process of painting classroom walls, which over the years have become stained. The fresh coat of paint is much needed and will go a long way to ensure that learners are educated in a clean environment. Pictures to follow as the project progresses.

The food garden under the green fingers of Mrs. Betty Daniels has flourished and she has already started reaping produce for sale. Currently the following crops have been sown in the school garden (carrots, strawberries, onions, coriander, peas, green peppers, potatoes, cabbage,cauliflower, broccoli). The intention to supplement the feeding scheme is part of this plan. As part of scaling the project the selling of excess produce as part of a school market day.  

The recycling of bread tags and bottle tops have gained steam and we thank each learner who has responded so positively.

BRAINTEASER

Paul the Polar Bear had a birthday party, with each guest bringing five fish. A nasty little penguin stole two fish, but there were still 198 fish left. How many people came to the party?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The price of success is hard work, dedication to do the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand. – Vince Lombardi

Newsletter No 24 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Aug 25, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

GRADE 6 SPELLING BEE

On Thursday 24 August 2023 the grade 6 learners engaged in the annual spelling bee. The results of the spelling bee is indicated below.

 Results of Grade 6 Spelling competition:

Top Spellers : 

gr 6B with 13 point

Top Classification/parts of speech :

Grade 6C with 12 points

Top meaning /definition :

Grade 6C with 19 points 

Overall

1st place Grade 6b  = 28 points 

2nd place Grade 6c = 27 points

3rd place grade 6A  =  21 points

Well done to all the grade 6 educators !

RECYCLING INITIATIVE

We are encouraging all our learners to bring plastic bottle tops and the white bread tags to school as part of our recycling initiative. Further details will be communicated in newsletters to follow.

SPRING DAY CIVVIES

Be advised of our Spring Day Civvies, planned for the 1st of September 2023. Learners will also be encouraged to purchase the combo deal which will be sold at R25 as part of fundraising for the school. We are requesting that all our learners participate in this fundraiser!

BRAINTEASER

Which animal is hiding “inside” these letters: L P H N?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement`- W Clement Stone

Newsletter No 23 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Aug 17, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

GRADE 7 SPELLING BEE

On Thursday the 17 of August 2023, the grade 7 cohort engaged in the annual spelling bee. The results were as follows 1st place: 7c, 2nd place:7d, 3rd place: 7b, 4th place: 7a

The spelling bee was introduced as a co-curricular activity with the outcome of improving the vocabulary of all learners at Delta Primary. To this end the grade 7 teachers had equipped themselves well of their task and presented a positive experience for our learners.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Learners are reminded that they are required to be dressed in school uniform up to and including the last day of the term. Our foundation learners have responded to this call in vast majorities, displaying neat and consistent wearing of the uniform. We do note with concern that far too many senior learners are dressed with different color hoodies and expensive takkies while their uniform is amiss.

It would be so fantastic to see all our learners neatly dressed in school uniform as prescribed in the code of conduct. I am sure that you would agree what a beautiful sight it is to see when learners are dismissed and observers view learners in their school uniform. It is also noted that some of the learner`s uniforms require to be stitched and repaired due to daily usage. We wish to remind all our parents that the school has introduced a lay-buy system for the purchase of school uniforms. This means that parents may indicate to the school the item they wish to purchase and may then reserve the item and pay off the account over 3 months and upon completion of the payment the uniform is issued to the child. Should this be an option you wish to explore, please make contact with the school secretary either via telephone or via a message in the message book indicating your intention to do a lay-buy. 

HOMEWORK AND ACADEMICS

Homework, completing assignments and preparing for tests are absolutely crucial for academic success. We detect with concern that the ethos of completing homework, studying for tests and submitting assignments remain a challenge for a large component of our learners in all grades. The ethos of hard work must be instilled in all our learners. The pursuit for excellence must be in the conscience of every child at Delta Primary. In this regard we ask all our parents to remind their children of the reason for attending school, as we will do the same while the learners  are at school.

BRAINTEASER

The more you take away from me, the larger I become. What am I?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`When I hear somebody sigh, life is hard, I`am always tempted to ask, compared to what`–Sydney Harris.

Newsletter No 22 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Aug 10, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

WOMAN’S DAY 2023

On Tuesday the 8 August 2023 the school was able to treat all the women on staff. The guest speaker Mrs Patricia Engelbrecht shared a few inspirational words with the participants, while preparing a floral arrangement. Find pictures below 

TAXI UNREST 

It is regrettable that the taxi unrest has caused disruption over the past few days. We are urging parents who are in close proximity to the school to ensure that their children are at school as is required. However, parents and learners who reside a bit further from the school must make the decision to send learners to school on a particular day based on the safety threat posed on the particular day.To ensure that all learners do not miss out on academic work, parents are requested to make contact with teachers.

LEARNER DISCIPLINE

We have detected based on previous observations that certain learners respond differently based on the prevailing contextual conditions. As an example when there is violence in the community a minority of learners display anti social behavior which can negatively affect the social harmony in the class and on the playground. If you have noticed a similar trend in the home, it is our recommendation that you have one-on-one with your child to ease any possible anxiety that learners may experience. We are all too aware that some of  our learners are exposed to unsavory situations which they ought not to be exposed to given their developmental age.

BRAINTEASER

 A teacher says that there are fewer than 30 students but more than 20 in a classroom. The children can be divided into groups of two, three, four, six, and eight with no leftovers. How many students are there?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you“ – Steve Jobs

Newsletter No 21 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Aug 4, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

RESULTS OF MR AND MS DELTA MODELLING SHOW

On Saturday the 29 July our learners participated in the Mr. and Ms. Delta Primary competition. We take this opportunity to congratulate all the participants for a stunning event. Thanks and appreciation to all the parents who assisted and supported their children on the day of the event. Numerous sponsors were made the day possible and they are listed below: The Stellenboom team, Councillor Kevin Southgate, GNT, Fabian Richter Jones, Steenberg Pharmacy, Grassy Park Pharmacy, Nu legacy Craig Basson, Michelle Jackson, Spice Centre, Southern Hills Roomaney Store and Caylim Hendricks

The results were as follows

Mr and Ms Delta senior: Jordan Isaacs, Qahira holmes

Mr and Ms Delta junior runners up:Chad Cornelius, Zarah-Lee Wildeman

Mr and Ms Delta junior: Jiyaad Latief, Lea Plaatjies

Mr and Ms Delta junior runners up: Maleq Mentor, Carla Hendricks

Mr Photogenic:Jordan Isaacs

Mr photogenic: Zayd Cupido

Ms Photogenic: Nabeelah Goodwin

Mr Personality senior: Kamva Motlhanke

Mr Personality junior: Imaad Abdurahman

Ms Personality and 2nd princess : Faith Davids

Best effort: Samuel Lester

Best Dress: Riaan Anthony

WOMEN`S DAY – 9 AUGUST

Wishing all women attached to Delta Primary School a splendid day as we celebrate Women’s Day on Wednesday the 9th of August 2023.

BRAINTEASER 

What is always in front of you but can’t be seen?

The first learner who is able to provide the  correct answer must make their way to the Principal’s office to collect their prize.(only 1 prize will be awarded)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“The younger generation doesn’t want equality and regimentation, but opportunity to shape their world while showing compassion to those in real need.“ – Margaret Thatcher

Newsletter No 20 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Jul 27, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

MANDELA DAY OUTREACH

On Wednesday the 26 July 2023, prefects and teachers handed over much needed non-perishable items to Douglas Murray and Montagu Senior Home respectively. Seniors and the directors of the organisations received the collected food items and expressed their gratitude and thanks to all the parents, learners and teachers.Through this outreach we have instilled in our learners the importance of our collective social responsibility and highlight the need to care for our seniors. As a school we have also demonstrated one core value, namely appreciation. We once again thank each parent,learner and staff member for their heartfelt contribution.

MR AND MRS DELTA

On Saturday all roads lead to Delta, as the school prepares for the Mr. and Mrs. Delta modelling extravaganza. Tickets are on sale at the cost of R10 (Primary school learners), R20 (Adults and High School learners). Gates open at 10.00 am and a tuck shop will be operating as well as the sales of boerewors and fast foods.

SALE OF `AIRPOPS` IN THE COMMUNITY

We alert our parents to the sale of `air pops` a nicotine based smoking device which is often sold to minors at certain tuck shops. We encourage all parents to have a talk to all our learners about this matter. The name `air pops` creates within the mind of young children that the device is somehow similar to a lollipop (which is a sweet). Clearly as adults we can see the potential health risk for young people in general. Include a picture below as reference 

STUDENT BRAIN TEASER

A word I know has six letters, remove one letter and twelve remains. What is it? The first learner who is able to provide the  correct answer must make their way to the Principal’s office to collect their prize.(only 1 prize will be awarded)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change“ – Dr Wayne Deyer 

Wayne Walter Dyer was an American self-help author and a motivational speaker. Dyer completed a Ed.D. in guidance and counseling at Wayne State University in 1970. Early in his career, he worked as a high school guidance counselor, and went on to run a successful private therapy practice. Wikipedia

Newsletter No 19 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Jul 20, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

WELCOME BACK

We welcome all our learners and teachers back after the school vacation. We look forward to a constructive term three and appeal to all our parents to assist and ensure that the core business of education is prioritised in the lives of our learners. We have once again emphasised to all our learners the importance of being well disciplined while at school. We appeal to our parents to speak to each individual learner about positive behaviour at school.

We are halfway through the academic year, and learners have received two consecutive end of term reports. Learners must spend their time reflecting on their report and come to the inevitable conclusion that sacrifice is required if they wish to be academically successful. 

LEARNER ATTENDANCE

Daily learner attendance in general must be addressed by all concerned. We are deeply concerned when the data reflects increasing poor attendance in all our classes across the cohorts. We are appealing to all parents to ensure that our children are at school every single day without fail, barring ill health or due to special circumstances. 

IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE

Please be advised that our dates are subject to change due to context and stakeholder engagement. Should any changes to the dates be required you will be informed timeously. 

LEARNERS AT RISK MEETINGS

Be advised that teachers will be making contact with individual parents to set up meetings in relation to learners who are academically at  critical risk. This meeting will be in the form of a one-on-one meeting with identified parents to discuss how to collectively ensure the identified learners  progress to the next grade.

MANDELA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Dear parents, we celebrated Mandela Day on the 18 July 2023. As part of our celebration, we have resolved to reach out to two senior citizen homes in our community. Name, Dougla Murray and Montagu Senior home. As a school community we intend to make a collection of non-perishable items by Friday 21 July 2023. In order to manage this process we have divided the class groups as follows.

Donations per grade

Grade R-1 (baked beans and pilchards)

Grade 2-3 (peas and spaghetti)

Grade 4-5 (sugar and flour)

Grade 6-7 (pasta,soup,tea and coffee)

The intrinsic lesson behind this initiative is to instil in our learners that community outreach is an important part of our social responsibility. Coupled to this is the  teaching of caring for seniors in our community. It is our sincere desire that as a school community, all stakeholders support this initiative.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of. Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.“ – Nelson Mandela

Newsletter No 18 0f 2023 – End of term 2

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Jun 22, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

TERM 2 HIGHLIGHTS

While taking the time to complete the end of term reflection, I considered the amount of individuals who play such a vital part in making our school function effectively and with a level of sophistication. The amount of moving parts within the school has over time increased substantially, however amidst the many challenges the school is still able to fulfil its mandate of providing quality education for each child. It is indeed an honour and privilege to be a team member amongst individuals who share the same thought process. Which is, to create and provide our learners with a sensible and acceptable standard of education and to fight off the fetters of mediocrity in all its forms.

 So, in starting this reflection I express appreciation to each staff member, assistant and business partner for their loyal commitment to this wonderful organisation.

• The appointment of the food gardener has assisted the school greatly to ensure that our food garden continues to yield the necessary produce. I note that some of our learners have opted to be part of the food garden project. This is indeed wonderful and we will continue to encourage our boys and girls.
• The offering of extra-mural activities was well received by all our learners and it reminds all stakeholders that our learners need a holistic experience at school.
• The kind donation of library books, beanies and an irrigation pump for the food garden was graciously received during the second term from WIZO and The Union of Jewish Women of Cape Town.
• Class teachers were able to engage our parents to discuss the business of education.
• Our vulnerable learners were treated to a warm meal on a daily basis by dedicated personnel in the kitchen.
• Appreciation and thanks to Carmen Stevens Foundation for their continued support of our kitchen. Their monthly donations arrive at the school over and above what is supplied by the feeding scheme. Currently the school accommodates 420 children as part of the feeding scheme. Any child may participate as part of the feeding scheme programme, as they currently do.
•  The 60th anniversary assembly for all our learners was held on the 25th of May. Our two guest speakers , Ps Mark Killian and Imam Holmes did a sterling job reminding our learners that education brings light to spaces of darkness.
• Syntell`s kind donation of school bags to learners was well received and we were able to assist those learners who were in desperate need of a school bag.
• The school hosted spelling bees in various formats in each grade during term 2.The spelling bee allows  many learners to engage with vocabulary and spelling as well as part of an incidental learning experience while  being part of a team.

REPORTS

Our learners will be issued with reports on the 23rd of June 2023. A parent or responsible adult may collect the report of a learner who is absent on the 23rd of June 2023.Reports of learners who are absent must be collected from the deputy office from 08.30 – 12.30 (only). When receiving the term 2 reports, parents are encouraged to read through the report. Give praise where it is due and  remedy the identified areas of need.

SCHOOL VACATION AND SAFETY

Given the constant threat of crime we wish to make a special appeal to all our parents and learners  to ensure that our boys and girls remain safe during the Winter vacation. Learners must inform their parents as to their whereabouts at all times. It may also be that many learners are home while parents go to work. Please, speak to our learners about safety at home.

HIGHLIGHT FOR THE 3RD TERM

Preparations are currently underway for the Mr and Mrs Delta modelling showpiece. The models have been taken through their paces throughout the term. A provisional date of 29 July 2023 has been earmarked for this event.

SCHOOL REOPENING 

School reopens on the 18th 0f July 2023. Please be advised that all learners will be dismissed at 13:00 for the period 18 July – 20 July (term 3) to accommodate staff, phase and grade meetings.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect` – Mark Twain