Newsletter No 35 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Nov 14, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

AWARDS CEREMONY 

We wish to express how exceedingly pleased we are with the dedication shown by all the award recipients over the 2024 academic year. We can only wish you more of the same in 2025. Both the foundation phase as well as the intersen awards ceremony was marked by a high standard of preparation and marvelous execution. WELL DONE BOYS AND GIRLS !

We shall dedicate a special newsletter to highlight the academic  success achieved by the top performing learners in the respective classes. 

BALLROOM NEWS

We are pleased to report that the following learners have done the school proud by participating in a recent ballroom competition

• Mia Snyders – grade 4
• Caleb Jacobs – grade 4
• Kaylene Louw – grade 6

The learners are part of the Delta Ballroom Club and they practise @ the Retreat Community center on a Tuesday and Thursday. Learners who are interested to join the club are more than welcome to make their way to the venue. We congratulate our learners and wish them well for the next competition scheduled for December 2024.

FOOD GARDEN IRRIGATION PROJECT

Through a collaboration between Delta Primary and Food & Trees for Africa. Delta Primary School is a recipient of an irrigation system installation. The irrigation system allows the use of borehole water feeding through a managed system to ensure the gardens are irrigated. The installation of the system is a huge win for the school, it also allows our gardener Bettie Daniels more time to tend to other areas of the garden. We express thanks and appreciation to Food and Trees for For Africa for their philanthropic support.

Below some of the learners who received produce from the food garden.

EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDER

Parents please note that as of 13 November 2024, all learners will be dismissed @ 13:00. Please inform the transport companies so that learners can be collected on time.

IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE FOR TERM 4 – 2024

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Goal setting is the secret to a compelling future“ – Tony Robbins

Newsletter No 34 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Nov 7, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

PREPARATION FOR THE AWARDS CEREMONY – LEARNERS

On the 13 and 14 November 2024 we will be hosting the annual awards ceremony for the foundation phase and intersen phase. This event is the highlight of the year. In preparation for the event. Please note the following

• All award recipients MUST be dressed in school uniform.
• Parents must ensure that all award recipients have school shoes, which are polished and cleaned.
• Uniform must be cleaned and ironed.
• Uniforms which show signs of wear and tear must be fixed before the event.
• Girls hair must be neatly plaited and tied as per learner code of conduct.
• Boys hair must be adjusted to fit into the context of the awards ceremony
• An invite has been extended to 2x parents ONLY.

Wishing all our parents and the award recipients all of the best for next week.

LEARNERS SLEEPING IN CLASS DUE TO LATE NIGHTS

Dear parents, we are detecting that far too many of the foundation phase learners are tired due to a lack of sleep. Parents, you must ensure that your child goes to bed for the very latest @ 08.30 during the course of the school week. When learners are tired, they struggle to concentrate in class. They become frustrated because they want to sleep and then become a challenge to the teacher during class time. With the examinations in clear view, let’s apply the same level of discipline to all our children, to ensure that learners study and get to bed on time so that the school day is functional and productive.

GRADE 7 MARKET DAY

The grade 7 market day was a huge success. Thank you to the parents, learners and teachers who made the day a success.

EARLY DISMISSAL ARRANGEMENTS

Parents, please note that as of 13 November 2024, All learners will be dismissed @ 13:00. Please inform the transport companies so that learners can be collected on time.

IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE FOR TERM 4 – 2024

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Unless you change how you are, you’ll always have what you’ve got.” – Jim Rohn

Newsletter No 33 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Oct 31, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

CELL PHONES – PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY

Dear parents, learners at Primary School who have access to whatsapp and facebook are breaking the user policy guidelines (due to the age restriction). We are appealing to you as parents, who provide the cell phone and the airtime. To take charge of the usage of the cell phone and ensure that your child does not engage in cyberbullying. These acts are perpetrated in and around the home and have its negative effects at school. The contradiction is, that many of the cases we hear should never have escalated if the child did not have access to a  cell phone. Parents, you must take charge and lead by example for cyber bullying not to occur.

DELTA PAGEANT 

Parents are reminded about the upcoming pageant scheduled for Saturday 30 November 2024. Entrants to the pageant will be charged R20. Spectators will be charged R20 ( adults) and children under the age of 14 will be charged R10.

TITANS SOFTBALL CLUB

Delta Primary has launched softball in collaboration with Titans Softball Club as of Wednesday the 30 October 2024. The club will coach u-8 ( Pee-wee league) u-10 and u-12. In particular we are encouraging boys to join the club. 

LEARNER PURCHASES

The purchasing of the following items must be discouraged for the health and well being of your child:

energy drinks: lets address this serious health risk of consuming high caffeine drinks mixed with sugar and loaded with additives.

plastic guns: filled with sweet liquid. 

chips: sold in unmarked packets.

Parents, please speak to your loved one and discourage them from buying sweet items off the street. Our tuck shop will be open as of 07:15 in the morning and learners are able to purchase treats in advance for eating during the break.

IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE FOR TERM 4 – 2024

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Boundaries are a part of self care. They are healthy, normal and necessary. `Doreen Virtue` 

Newsletter No 32 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Oct 24, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE VISIT TO DELTA PRIMARY

Delta Primary expresses thanks and appreciation to the nurse and staff as part of their visit to the school on Thursday 24 October 2024. During the visit learners’ eyes were tested with the aim of the learners being issued a set of spectacles.

DRILLING MARCHING COMPETITION

Learners at Delta represented the school with finesse and dedication on 23 October 2024 at the community facility in Lavender Hill. Delta Primary was able to snatch 5 awards in a variety of categories. We extend appreciation to Sgt Luqmaan Adams, Steenberg SAPS senior management, Steenberg CPF chair Gavin Walbrugh, the ambulance services, the neighborhood watch and the facility coordinators for making the day a huge success. To the drill squad learners we say GREAT JOB !

DELTA PAGEANT 

For consecutive years Delta Primary like other schools in our community have hosted a self-esteem pageant for learners. The coordinator Clive Jacobs, who is very    passionate about  creating enabling platforms for children,has once again partnered the school to host the annual pageant. The platform was created as a counter-balance to the negative narrative within the immediate area. The focus of the pageant is to share the message with our children, that they  can thrive amidst the numerous challenges in the community. It MUST be emphasized that the pageant has its roots in building individual self-esteem and not comparing children based on external variances. During the practice sessions Clive makes a concerted effort to build the self esteem of all the learners in the group. We are thus encouraging the Delta community to come out in their numbers to support our children and young people.

Due to logistical reasons the pageant has been rescheduled for 29 November 2024. Entrants to the pageant will be charged R20. Spectators will be charged R20 ( adults) and children under the age of 14 will be charged R10

LEARNERS AND THEIR SCHOOL UNIFORM

It is a sad sight to behold how some of our learners are dressed given that the school uniform is so easily accessible and the framework in which the school has accommodated all stakeholders creates the space for all children to be neatly dressed.We are including in this communique what all children should be wearing on a  daily basis to school.

Dear parents, let’s help our children to be well dressed on a daily basis. Their dress code negatively influences their experience at school (self-esteem). So let’s help the children.

CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October is Cancer Awareness month. This silent enemy has touched many families lives and upon reflection changed many people’s lives. We salute the survivors and remember those who have passed on. We encourage all to get tested ! The pink ribbon symbolises our solidarity with those who have been affected.

IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE FOR TERM 4 – 2024

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`The most contrarian thing of all is not to oppose the crowd, but to think for yourself` – Peter Thiel.

Newsletter No 31 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Oct 17, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

GRADE R 2025 ORIENTATION DAY

Prospective parents of grade R learners enrolled for 2025 are reminded of the upcoming orientation day planned for Saturday, 19 October 2024. Parents are reminded to be at school by 10.00 am. Be advised that the Grade R uniform will be on sale at R295 for all sizes. The uniform suppliers will be at the meeting to assist with sizing for the learners. 

SPECSAVERS

Parents, please note that specsavers is offering a free eye test and glasses for children under the age of 12 years old. Appointments can be made via an email

https://www.specsavers.co.za/book-an-eye-test?srsltid=AfmBOoruuyxVTBKQ29iscruBK3IGQLqIamconTjR0JSRYr8pWDFWOmEj

IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE FOR TERM 4 – 2024

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“All good is undone due to simple neglect and ill-discipline“ – ANONYMOUS

Newsletter No 30 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Oct 10, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

GRADE R 2025 ORIENTATION DAY

Prospective parents of grade R learners enrolled for 2025 are reminded of the upcoming orientation day planned for Saturday, 19 October 2024. Parents are reminded to be at school by 10.00 am. Be advised that the Grade R uniform will be on sale at R395 for all sizes. The uniform suppliers will be at the meeting to assist with sizing for the learners. 

SCHOOL ETHOS

Dear parents, as the final term of 2025 unfolds I wish to encourage all parents on a daily basis, remind their children, our learners, of the importance of contributing towards a healthy school ethos. Amongst the items I wish to highlight, is the importance of aerating that education is an important part of preparing for a good stable adult life. Values of respect, and general courtesy towards all  must be instilled by parents and nurtured by the teacher. The school cannot nurture a value that was not instilled by parents. To our our learners who behave well, and lets be clear they are in the majority and remind them to keep on being positive and live by our school motto – `WE STRIVE FORWARD“ / “ONS STREWE VORENTOE“

FINAL EXAMINATIONS

As mentioned in Newsletter no 29 of 2024. We are in the last term, a term which involves an examination for our grades 4-7. Our boys and girls must study and they must sacrifice if they wish to progress to the next grade. Coupled to this is focus required in the class while lessons are in progress. Clowning around in class is a waste of time and distracts from the main objective which is academic improvement and delivering quality education.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“The main objective, is to keep the main objective, the main objective.“ – Thus the question for reflection for all stakeholders and staff is : What the main objective is at Delta Primary School ?

Newsletter No 29 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Oct 3, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

WELCOME BACK

We welcome all our learners and staff back after the Spring break. We look forward to a constructive fourth term and appeal to all our parents to assist and ensure that the core business of education is prioritised in the lives of our children. Term 4 is a short term with many admin and human resource deliverables. In particular for our learners in grade 4-7 who sit for the final examinations. I wish to appeal to all our parents to please ensure that our learners are at school on a daily basis until the 11 December 2024, notwithstanding that learners do become ill and regrettably take a few days to recover. We have included below the absentee rate for all grades. An absentee rate of singular digits falls within an acceptable level. Let`s as a collective reflect on the data below.

We must also mention that there are many learners who have not stayed absent for unnecessary reasons. And we encourage them to maintain this discipline and excellent school attendance ethos.

 IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE FOR TERM 4 – 2024

FORMAL EXAMINATIONS

Our grade 4 to 7 learners sit for their final examinations as of the 18 November 2024. During the second and third term staff members noted that many learners did not prepare adequately for formal assessments. Simply put, learners did not study and this resulted in poor academic achievement. Examinations can be very stressful especially for a learner who did not put in the required effort and study time. We are appealing to our parents to remove and safely store electronic devices and mobile phones which are wonderful devices, however huge sources of distractions during the examination period.

We make a special appeal to all our parents to assist with the following areas which still remain a challenge.

• Please do not keep your child at home unnecessarily.

• Ensure that you collect your child on time.

• Speak to your child about discipline on a daily basis.

• Check that your child has the necessary writing equipment – Parent random checks of the pencil bag is highly recommended.

GRADE 7 LEARNERS

Our grade 7 learners enter the last lap of which has been an arduous journey for parent and learner. We are appealing to our parents to keep the reins of discipline tight until the learner has progressed successfully from grade 7 to grade 8.These are challenging times for our young people who are often swept away by the euphoria and anticipation of high school, and thus lose focus.

WELL WISHES TO MATRICULANTS OF 2024

The staff and governing body wish the parents of current matriculants well over the next few weeks as the matric class of 2024 prepare for the examination period scheduled to commence on the 21 October 2024. Those of us who had the experience of supporting our children know how stressful this period is for all parents. Know that you are in our thoughts and we anticipate a positive result and the conclusion of this process. Let’s support and encourage all our matriculants during this period.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.”

― Maya Angelou

Newsletter No 28 of 2024 – End of term3

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Sep 20, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

END OF TERM REFLECTION AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Term 3 at most schools is a mixture of positive, challenging and inspirational experiences. This term we experienced much of the same. Notable achievements are the continued support from our sponsors.

1. Food and Trees for Africa who continues providing training and support for our gardening  and supplying resources for the garden in a sustainable manner. Should all our strategic plans align we will install a gardening irrigation system utilising the available groundwater and the jojo tanks.
2. Margie who has volunteered her time religiously on Friday to assist Bettie in developing a sustainable composting project. The intention behind the project is to supply the school garden with organic manure on a termly basis. Thus, the school has no need to purchase bags of manure to feed the soil.
3. Our learners have once again been recipients of food supplies via the NSNP as well as identified learners receiving a food hamper from Carmen Stevens Foundation. Learners are identified and on a rotational basis the food parcels are distributed equitably. Regrettably all learners cannot benefit at the same time. We have extended our thanks and appreciation to the foundation
4. The completion of our waiting area is a notable infrastructure improvement for the benefit of the learners during inclement weather.
5. The construction of the industrial curtain rail, to ensure the implementation of curtains for our school concerts. Is also a notable infrastructure improvement and added value to the concert experience.
6. The wonderful condition of the sports field, which boosts the image of the school as a green school. The school field must be maintained so as to ensure that learners do not endure a situation where they play in the sand during breaks.
7. Access control via the presence of a security marshal is another notable security addition and assists the schools overall plan to secure the school infrastructure.

APPRECIATION TO STAKEHOLDERS

The management and staff express thanks and appreciation to our parents, business partners and community members who approach the school in a positive spirit with the aim of improving the learning experience. Your sense of commitment to ensure that the school `strives forward` is noted and appreciated.

LEARNER INCENTIVES

We were in a position to give the grade 1C class a hotdog on Friday the 13/09/2024 for selling the most tickets. Two of the learners did exceptionally well and sold 10 tickets within the family circle. They were gifted a music box for their efforts

Grade 1c – Deyonte Williams and Teymar Delcarme in grade 4C 

RETIREMENT

The school bids Mrs Percival on 20/09/2024. As she enters into a much deserved retirement. A collective total of 34 years in public service is reflected in service years and her contribution to the school is noted and appreciated. The school bids her well into her retirement and hopes that she enjoys good health into her retirement.

TERM 4 COMMENCEMENT

School reopens on the 1 October 2024

The dismissal times for the 1st week of school are highlighted below.

LEARNER SAFETY

The vacation period brings along a sense of relaxation and a break from the demands of our daily routine. In this regard I wish to advocate that we be vigilant with regards to the safety of our children, in particular when we are near water. Please take special care that no evil, harm or danger overcomes our children during the vacation period. Monitor their movements strictly and ensure that you, at all times, know where your child is. 

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.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR TERM 4

The following is a list of special events planned for the new term. Dates shall be communicated in the new term

• Delta Pageant
• School learner disco and combo
• Awards ceremony
• Final examinations

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Go placidly amidst the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence“ – Desiderata – Max Ehrman

Newsletter No 27 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Sep 13, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

INTERSEN PHASE POST CONCERT REVIEW

What a wonderful display of talent and enthusiasm was on show the night of the 12 September 2024. Intersen learners displayed their talents and were fully supported by all parents and the community at large. Both concerts over the past 2 weeks have once again proven that a community with a single purpose and the main goal as their focus can accomplish much as a team.

The concert has generated much needed funds as we navigate trouble waters in education at large. We particularly thank all the parents for their wonderful support over the 2 weeks parents in particular.

I also take this opportunity to thank all the role players who made this night possible: All teachers, administration staff, ground staff, kitchen staff, SAPS, Johnson Security, community members and SGB parents.

LOSS OF TEACHING POSTS

Much discourse has been aired in the public space with respect to the loss of 2400 teaching posts in the Western Cape. All parents are hereby informed that the school has also suffered the loss of 3 teaching posts for the 2025 academic year. Staff members and the SGB have been informed of the challenges associated with this reality. We are asking parents to engage in these matters as we navigate what is expected to be an extremely challenging 2025. Challenges like this can be overcome if all stakeholders purpose in their to find solutions and not focus only on the problems. Positivity and calmness amidst the storm should therefore be our watch word.

GRADE 5 TABLE MOUNTAIN CLASS OUTING

Our grade 5 teachers have reported positively on the conduct of the grade 5 learners post their Table Mountain class outing. How wonderful it would be, when our grade 5 learners display a similar character trait while in the class. Let’s address the matter of good personal discipline at every occasion with our loved ones. Cooperation between teacher and child is vital for the main goal to be achieved, namely quality education.

EARLY DISMISSAL TIMES

Parents, be advised of the early dismissal times for the new week (16/09/2024 to 20/09/2024)

TERM 4 COMMENCEMENT

School reopens on the 1 October 2024

The dismissal times for the 1st week of school are highlighted below.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`Failure is not the opposite of success, it is part of success` – Dan Pena

Newsletter No 26 of 2024

by hilton.palanyandi@deltaprimary.org.za | Sep 5, 2024 | General Notices | 0 comments

FOUNDATION PHASE POST CONCERT REVIEW

Dear parents, we take this opportunity to thank you for your wonderful support on the night of 5 September 2024. Our learners together with their respective teachers did a magnificent job on and off the stage. 

I also take this opportunity to thank all the role players who made this night possible: All teachers, administration staff, ground staff, kitchen staff, SAPS, Johnson Security, community members and SGB parents.

INTERSEN CONCERT

The Intersen concert is scheduled for Thursday 12 September 2024.

For the purpose of clarification, learners in the foundation phase who are not part of the intersen phase concert are required to pay the entry fee if they are in attendance on the night of 12 September 2024. 

Tuck shop items, hot chips, vienna and chips, cold drinks will all be on sale.

Doors open at 17:00 and parents may take their seats from 17:00. The intersen phase concert starts promptly at 18:00. Learners are required to be at school by 17:00 pm. Class teachers will communicate any special requirements within the class groups.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Parents, be advised of the early dismissal times for the new week (09/09/2024 to 13/09/2024)

ISSUING OF END OF TERM 3 REPORTS

All reports will be issued to learners on 20/09/2024 @ 11:00 am.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

`Healing can be so hard when your inner child wants love, your teenage self wants  revenge, and your current self only wants peace`- anonymous