Newsletter No 17 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Jun 2, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

JUNE CONTROL TESTS

On 7 June 2023 our grade 4-7 learners will sit for their June control tests. During this period we are imploring all our learners to make their necessary sacrifice to ensure that they are all prepared for the tests. All our learners MUST STUDY ! There is simply no direct way to elucidate this necessary action. Studying will ensure success at the end of the term.

SYNTELL DONATION

During the course of this week the school took possession of a consignment of branded school bags. This wonderful gesture was well received by all our learners who were recipients of the donation. The consignment included reflective bibs which we distributed to our prefects in order to make the learners more visible while they perform their prefect duties.

We are appealing to our learners who have received the bags to mark the bags with their name ONLY. And, to ensure that the donation is well maintained for the duration of the 2023 academic year. I take this opportunity to thank the CSI section of Syntell for their kind gesture.

GOVERNING BODY BI-ELECTION

On Wednesday the 31 May 2023 we concluded the SGB bi -election. The independent electoral officer as well as the election observer have declared the election free and completed. We are thus able to inform you that after the votes were tallied the following parents have been elected to serve on the school governing body until March 2024. After which period new elections will be held for the period (March 2024 to March 2026).We congratulate the following parents: Mr Shamiel Afrika, Mr Irefaan Martin, Mr Nizaam van Graan and  Mrs Laesha Hamman. The newly elected members will be informed about the meeting date via the SGB secretary.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.`-  Margaret J. Wheatley

Newsletter No 16 of 2023

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

60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

On Thursday the 25th of May 2023, the staff and learners commemorated the 60th Anniversary of Delta Primary School. This is the first in many events planned for the school in 2023. Our two guest speakers Imam Homes and Ps Mark Killian graced us with their presence and spoke intensely to the learners about the power of knowledge. One of our learners Jacques Van Gee related the history of the school to all our learners. The programme was supported by our school choir as well as inputs from our grade 7 boys and girls. The pictures are snippets of the day.

GRADE 4 PROJECTS

Our grade 4 learners were at it again and decorated the foyer with their beautiful projects.

LEARNER ILLNESS

The office has dealt with many cases where learners report feeling light-headed and suffering of stomach cramps. Parents, please exercise diligence and precaution when dealing with this matter. If learners, prior to coming to school, indicate that their stomach is cramping and that they feel ill, please, refer to your local doctor or the Retreat day hospital. Far too many sick learners are sent to school and it would appear that the learners have informed their parents before coming to school that their stomach or head is in pain. As teachers and staff we have been cautioned and instructed that we may not dispense any form of medication to our learners. Parents, please assist in this regard.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Thoughts become things. If you see it in your mind, you will hold it in your hand.” – Bob Proctor

Newsletter No 15 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | May 18, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

FOUNDATION PHASE SPELLING BEE

The foundation phase teachers organised the Annual Delta Primary internal spelling Bee. As of last year our teachers have implemented a set spelling lists which are given to our learners at the beginning of the term. The instruction is to memorise the words in preparation for a spelling bee evaluation. Classes of the same grade compete against one another in order to determine who the top spelling class is. The advantage of this style of learning is that the activity is inclusive as learners are able to help each other with the spelling of the words. In the same token it also addresses two values, namely, teamwork and excellence.

DISPLAY OF LEARNERS WORK

As part of a decision to celebrate the talent of learners we will be posting pictures of learner projects over a two week period. Our learners together with their parents put a tremendous amount of effort into projects which are part of the learners school based assessment (SBA). 

WIZO CAPE TOWN BRANCH VISIT TO DELTA PRIMARY

On Wednesday the 17 May 2023, the volunteers of WIZO together with the Union of Jewish Women of Cape Town visited the school and presented our school librarian a top up of much needed reading books. Parents are aware that one of the goals is to ensure that our learners have access to high quality reading material which is managed via our school library. As an extra bonus and sweet surprise the volunteers of the Union of Jewish Women also presented the school with a box of colourful beanies which will be distributed to our little ones.

The school also took ownership of a water pump that was kindly donated by Gill and Dave Raphael. It is our intention to install the water pump to be used as part of the irrigation system to utilise ground water to nourish our food garden.

PREPARATIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS 7 JUNE 2023

It is extremely important that all learners make the necessary sacrifice and prepare well for the forthcoming examinations. As of the 7th of June 2023 all learners will be dismissed at 13:00 until the end of the examination period We once again appeal to all parents and transport providers to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made to ensure that all learners are collected within 10 minutes after the end of the day. You are requested to please monitor the following:

• Learners  must study for the examination if they wish to experience a positive outcome after the examination.
• Learners must get to bed early to ensure that they are alert during the examination.
• Learners must have a good breakfast and lunch pack to fuel them for the day.
• Learners must have writing equipment for the day.
• Learners must reduce time spent on cell phones and electronic devices in order to focus while studying.
• Learners must be at school everyday of the examinations

Parents, we have a role to play in this regard. We are confident that you will take all the necessary actions in this regard .

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Some things are believed because they are demonstrably true. But many other things are believed simply because they have been asserted repeatedly—and repetition has been accepted as a substitute for evidence.”- Thomas Sowell

Newsletter No 14 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | May 12, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

ASCENSION DAY

Please be advised that approval has been granted for the closure of the school on the 18th of May for observation of Ascension Day.

MOTHERS DAY

The management, staff and learners of Delta Primary wish all our mothers a wonderful mother’s day. May you be showered with hugs and kisses.

APPROACHING WINTER

With winter fast approaching we make the following appeal and recommendations

• Learners who are displaying flu symptoms in the morning, vomiting or have upset stomachs must be retained at home and taken to the doctor. Learners must then return after they are healthy again. Teachers are not allowed to administer medication to learners. Learners are often sent to school only to be collected an hour later due to their illness, please assist in this regard.
• Many learners walk to school and arrive soaked due to the rain. Lets consider having some extra clothes so that learners can change into dry clothes when they arrive at school.
• All learners need a raincoat to keep their clothes dry.  

GRADE 3 PROJECTS

Our grade 3 had their opportunity to display their projects under the theme of insects. We thank the parents and learners for their super effort.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“ True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life, in whatever shape they may challenge us to combat – Napoleon Bonaparte

Newsletter No 13 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | May 9, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS

Well done to the parents who interacted with the respective class teachers. We take cognisance of the reality that due to work commitments certain parents were not able to meet with the class teachers. It is important that the individual parents make contact with the teacher to arrange an appointment to discuss the academic progress of their child. Teachers are contactable via the whatsapp channel as well as the message book. We would also like to encourage our tech savvy parents to utilise the email platform to communicate with the teacher. All staff members have an email address attached to their person. Please enquire by the teacher of their individual email addresses if this is an avenue of communication you would prefer.

Below find the statistics of attendance for the one-on-one parent meetings held on the 3-4 May 2023

LEARNER PROJECTS 

Our grade 2 learners really did us proud when they displayed their projects in the office foyer. Well done grade 2 !

SCHOOL UNIFORM 2023

Learners are reminded that they are required to be dressed in school uniform. Our foundation learners have responded to this call in vast majorities, displaying neat and consistent wearing of the uniform. 

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.

We do note with concern that far too many senior learners are dressed with different colour 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. 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.

EXTRA MURAL PROGRAM

The buzzword in education is constantly around the concept of holistic education. Which means, a child is given different platforms to express their competence and thereby experience success in this process of education.WE are embarking on the process of registering learners for participating in a variety of sports clubs at school. I wish to encourage our parents to assist in this regard by ensuring that each child  is registered for one of the following clubs at school

• Table tennis (Gr 4-7)

• Soccer (Gr 4-7)

• Netball (Gr 4-7)

• Dance (Gr 3-7) 

• Choir (Gr 3-7)

• Chess (Gr 4-7)

• Gardening (Gr 6-7)

• Creative writing programme (Gr 7)

• Dare to Dream programme (Gr 7)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Constantly think about how you could do things better. Keep questioning yourself“- Elon Musk

Newsletter No 12 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Apr 24, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

PARENT MEETINGS

Parents, please ensure that you have received an indication and responded to the teachers notice indicating time slots in relation to the parent teacher one-on-one meetings for term 2, scheduled for the 3-4 May 2023. We acknowledge that due to unforeseen circumstances , some parents will not be able to meet with the respective teachers. In this instance, the teachers will make contact with you to book an appointment as a matter of urgency before the end of the 2nd term 2023.

CURRICULUM MATTERS

See below the changes as of 2023, in relation to school based assessment (SBA)

Implications are listed below

a) continuation of the mid-year/June controlled tests in Grades 4−9;

b) a controlled test in Grades 4−6 for the end of the year; and

c) a reintroduction of the end-of-year full-scale examinations in Grades 7−9 for all subjects.

d) The content of the controlled tests must be based on work done stipulated in the Recovery ATPs (Annual Teaching Plans). In principle, the June controlled test should cover work from Terms 1−2 and the end of year-examination should cover work from Terms 3−4, unless the subject ATP specifies inclusion of content from other terms.

STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION

It is extremely important that all our learners accept that regular school attendance is vital in order to consistently improve academically. We wish to highlight that all learners must be at school for the 5 days as required by the SASA. We are also aware that certain actions must be followed in order to enhance the process of learning throughout the child’s school career.

• Regular checking and signing of books and completion of homework and assignments.
• Ensuring that learners get to bed on time.
• Ensuring that learners arrive at school on time.
• Ensuring positive communication between parent and teacher.
• Interacting with the teacher on academic matters.
• Ensuring that learners are well groomed on a daily basis.
• Reminding our children that school and learning is an important part of developing into a citizen that can contribute positively to our society.

SPUR TREAT

Our Top collectors were treated on Wednesday the 26 April at school with a Mc Donald`s Meal. The pictures below give some indication of their levels of excitement.

GRADE R AND 1 PROJECTS

The Grade R and 1 learners proudly displayed their projects on Monday 24 April 2023 in the school foyer. The projects were under the banner of “ MY FAMILY TREE“. The pictures below reflect their stunning works of art.

LIBRARY COMPETITION

Learners in grade 6 and 7 recently competed in the reading competition hosted at the Retreat Public Library on Tuesday the 25 April 2023. Our learners walked away with some prizes. Pictured from left to right back row (Mrs N August and Jamie- Lee Adams) front row from left to right (Danielle Paulse, Shaniqua van Wyk, Zackery Blankenberg, Tamia Esau and Jacques Van Gee). Shauniqua Van Wyk  ended the competition in second place receiving the award for Afrikaans reading. Each learner received a goodie bag for their sacrifice on the day.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela.

Newsletter No 11 of 2023

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

PARENT MEETINGS

Parent meetings have been arranged for 3-4 May 2023. Regrettably due to the unpredictability of load shedding both sessions will be arranged as afternoon sessions i.e from 13:00 to 16:00. All parents are encouraged to approach their employer for time off in this regard. Class teachers will be sending available time slots which will allow some leeway for parents to propose suitable times for the one-on-one meetings. In this regard please be reminded that there are on average 38 learners per class whose parents have different daily routines and that each parent may not necessarily get the time they wish on a personal level. Therefore we urge all parents to be accommodating in this regard.

GRADE 6 OUTING TO THE AQUARIUM

Our learners thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the aquarium. We have received a good review as our boys and girls were good ambassadors for Delta Primary.

DATES TO DIARISE – UPDATED

EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES

Our extramural programme is scheduled to commence as of the 2 of May 2023 ( logistical arrangements). Learners will be able to participate in any of the following activities.

Parents must please ensure that learners in all grades purchase a (white sweater and shorts) or the Delta Primary senior playsuit  in the coming weeks so as to ensure that our boys and girls are neatly dressed when engaging in extra mural activities. Learners will not be allowed to register or participate in a code if they are not neatly dressed on the day of the sporting event.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit `- Aristotle

Newsletter No 10 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Apr 13, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

WELCOME

We welcome all our learners and teachers back after the school vacation. We look forward to a constructive term and appeal to all our parents to assist to ensure that the core business of education is prioritised in the lives of their children. Please, examine and discuss the contents of the first term report with your child, giving praise where deserved and encouragement where needed.

The second term is one of two examination terms for grades 4 to 7 learners. Learners should apply themselves to ensure that they keep books up to date, complete tasks, homework and come to school ready to learn. Learners who sacrifice time  and apply themselves can expect a good report at the end of the term. Staff members have engaged in several meetings as we reflect on the past term and gear up towards delivering on the curriculum.

With regards to curriculum matters, we wish to urge all our boys and girls to focus on the task at hand and make the necessary sacrifices to achieve better results in term 2. Our school value of EXCELLENCE must be seen in the things we claim as a school. Excellence is our core value, then boys and girls, we must demand of ourselves to constantly improve academically.

CELL PHONE POLICY REMINDER

Learners are discouraged from bringing cellphones to school. Should a learner require to have a cell-phone due to a transport arrangement, this must be communicated to the office. The cellphone must be handed – over at the Principal office. The secretary will place the cell- phone in an envelope, clearly mark the envelope with the learners` name and grade and return it to the child at the end of the day. No human resources will be directed to the investigation of a lost or damaged cell phone if the cell phone policy has not been adhered to.

HOODED TOPS

As we are approaching winter, please be reminded that hooded tops are not part of the official school dress code. Learners are discouraged from wearing such clothing items to school. Please, assist in this regard by ensuring that all our learners are neatly dressed for school.

PARENT MEETINGS

We have planned our parent one-on-one meetings for the month of May, in order to communicate information pertaining to specific grades. All parents will receive timeous notification in this regard.

SYSTEMIC RESULTS

Find below the 2021 Systemic results for the grade 3 and 6 class of 2022

Following our staff briefing, we have identified areas for development and improvement which we intend actioning in term 2. We are also detecting a general sense of apathy amongst some of our learners in relation to scholastic improvement. Simply put, some of our learners simply fail to study, do homework and make the necessary sacrifices to improve scholastically. We are encouraging all parents to engage their children around the value of education and zone in on areas that require attention. Teachers are a valuable resource and we request that you seek their assistance where required.

DATES TO DIARISE

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“All the scholastic scaffolding falls, as a ruined edifice, before one single word — faith.”― Napoléon Bonaparte

Newsletter No 9 of 2023 – End of term

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Mar 30, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

END OF TERM REFLECTION

We are grateful that amidst the prevailing  context we were able to do the work of educating our learners. Notwithstanding individual instances of misbehaviour, the vast majority of the learners have conducted themselves extremely well and we are proud of them. Some of our learners needed a hard talk from the teacher and the parents to ensure that they understand that discipline is the foundation from which all other wonderful things are able to emanate, namely: good grades, a wonderful daily experience at school, a sense of achievement etc. In this regard let’s keep on encouraging and holding our learners accountable for their behaviour and their actions in spite of the challenges. This process is encapsulated as part of the growth mindset value espoused in the WCED vision for schools.

The school celebrates 60 years of excellence and it is our intention to focus on the positive impact this fine school has had on thousands of lives. The founding fathers of Delta Primary School laid the foundation of excellence in 1963, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we aspire to achieve the schools vision as contained in the school`s motto: ‘We strive forward’, ‘Ons strewe vorentoe’.

SCHOOL VACATION AND RETURN DATE

Learners and staff go on break as of 31 March 2023 and return on Wednesday 12 April 2023.Be advised that learners will be dismissed at 13:00  on Wednesday and Thursday and at 12.20 on Friday (the first week of school).

RAMADAN

At the time of the release of newsletter No 9 of 2023, many community members will be engaged in the Month of Ramadan. The school community of Delta wishes each child and parent well over this holy period.

COLLECTING LIST WINNERS

During these challenging economic times, we acknowledged the loyalty of our  parents who  selflessly contributed to ensure that the collecting list remains an important income generating stream in term 1. The parents who contributed understand that if not for the benefit of their own child, a less fortunate child is supported via the fundraising project. We are especially proud of our learners who went the extra mile to collect R 150 and more so as to be entered into the lucky draw. Whether you have won a prize or not, know that we are extremely proud of your excellent effort over the past few weeks. The winners in the various categories are listed below

CARMEN STEVENS WINE ESTATE

The school was once again in the fortunate position to offer identified learners on a rotational basis a small food hamper over the Easter weekend. The management expresses thanks and deep appreciation to the Carmen Stevens Foundation, who has continued offering their support to Delta Primary. The partnership with Carmen Stevens has its genesis during the height of the COVID pandemic and has continued from strength to strength. This term we were able to assist 50 families.

WESTERN PROVINCE ACHIEVEMENT

We congratulate Skyler Lewis a grade 5 learner at Delta Primary who obtained his Western Province colours for serving. This young man is riding the waves of success. We will watch this space closely for updates on his achievements.

GRADE 6 KIRSTENBOSCH VISIT

On Thursday 30/03/2023 grade 6 learners were accompanied to Kirstenbosch as part of their Science lesson. See pictures below

GRADE 4 BRIDGING CLASS

The concept behind the grade 4 bridging class, is to prepare identified learners to respond to the demands of the intersen phase as they have moved from  grade 3 to grade 4. The learners were engaged in a dictionary activity when the pictures were captured. The bridging class focuses on the gateway subjects i.e Mathematics and Literacy.

BOOK CHARACTER DAY

Learners in the foundation phase held the annual book character day with a cake sale. We spotted Elsa, Spider-Man, Minions, Princesses etc

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 and guardians as to their whereabouts at all times. Learners making their way to the beach or near water activities are also reminded to take extra precaution as accidents around water happen so quickly.It is the season of braais and open fires, we urge all our boys and girls to practise caution. It may also be that many learners are home while parents go to work. Please speak to our learners about safety at home.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“ Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events and weak minds discuss people“- Socrates

Newsletter No 8 of 2023

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Mar 16, 2023 | General Notices | 0 comments

FOUNDATION PHASE FUN DAY

It was with huge excitement that the foundation phase learners engaged in the fun day on Saturday the 11 March 2023. The learners and parents had a most enjoyable time with the music and the fun day activities. Our parents came in full support of their children and made sure that their little ones gave their very  best by cheering them on in each event.

To all the parents and family members who were present, thank you to all for the wonderful sportsmanship and camaraderie observed on the day.We have included some memories of the day.

THE IMPORTANCE OF READING

It cannot be aerated enough, the importance of our learners to  read on a regular basis. We have observed many learners in all grades struggling with very basic reading skills. In most of the cases the learning barrier can be changed with consistent reading in class and at home. We therefore wish to implore all our boys and girls as well as our parents to encourage every child to read every single day ( Monday to Friday). 

It is a sad observation to see wonderful boys and girls who struggle academically, simply because they did not make the sacrifice to read more often. It is a life skill that if left unattended will come back to harm the academic development of any child. Parents, please speak about this in your family time.

HUMAN RIGHTS WEEKEND

Parents are reminded that we will have an extra long weekend as of the 17 March 2023. Learners are at home on the 20-21 March 2023 and return on the 22 March 2023 (Wednesday). Normal dismissal times will apply for the day.

ADMISSIONS 2023/2024

This is a gentle reminder to all parents that admissions for 2023 opened on the 13 of March 2023. We are therefore encouraging parents who wish to enrol their learners in grade 1 and 8  for 2024 to ensure that they register online as soon as possible.(the link below may be cut and paste into your web browser for easy access)

https://admissions.westerncape.gov.za/admissions/admission.sm_admissions_tracking.login_page

Our current Grade R parents are reminded to confirm that their child will be taking up their place in grade 1 , 2024 by filling in the reply slip supplied to your child.

COLLECTING LISTS 2023

We are encouraging all our boys and girls to finalise their collecting lists 2023 as the closing date is drawing to a close.(30 March 2023)

All learners have been issued a collecting list as part of our major fundraising effort for term 1,to raise much needed funds for the school. This year we have tweaked our collecting list to include the following prizes.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`If you can conceive it in your mind, then it can be brought to the physical world.` – Bob Proctor