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.
| Gr R | Gr 1 | Gr 2 | Gr 3 | Gr 4 | Gr 5 | Gr 6 | Gr 7 | |
| TERM 1 ABSENTEE % | 13.1 | 15 | 13.9 | 13.5 | 12.6 | 12.4 | 14.9 | 15.1 |
| TERM 2 ABSENTEE % | 21.1 | 22.2 | 20.4 | 22.7 | 21.1 | 21.2 | 21.2 | 22.9 |
| TERM 3 ABSENTEE % | 19.5 | 22.5 | 17.4 | 21.3 | 19.3 | 20.7 | 20.8 | 22.8 |
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
| DATE | EVENT | NOTE |
| 15.10.2024 | Grade 3 & 6 learners write their WCED systemic test | Dismissal as per normal |
| 09.10.2024 | Final meeting – parents of learners at critical risk | Affected parents only |
| 19.10.2024 | Grade R – 2025 Orientation day | 10:00 am |
| 16.11.2024 | Grade R – 2024 graduation and concert | 10:00 am |
| 05.11.2024 | Parent budget meeting | 17:00 |
| 18.11.2024 | Intersen learners- final examinations | 13:00 dismissal |
| 18.11.2024 | Parents to send all textbooks/library books to school | |
| 09.12.2024 | Class parties | 13:00 dismissal |
| 11.12.2024 | Learner final reports | 13:00 dismissal |
| 11.12.2024 | Academic year concluded for learners | 11:00 dismissal |
| 13.12.2024 | Academic year concluded for staff | 12:00 dismissal |
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
