Dear MECS Parents
Facebook(Use the link to connect)
Our Facebook Page is active and interesting and continues to celebrate our ongoing activities
Planning for 2019
As the year draws to a close, we are looking earnestly at details of the 2019 Calendar and already allocating dates and times for critical academic functions. The 2019 ISASA Heads meeting and the 2019 IEB Matric teacher user group meetings are in place along with many other important events. Please keep an eye on the calendar which is on the website and which contains all the information regarding dates and events for 2019.
SGB Meeting
The last SGB meeting for 2018 was held on Wednesday. The meeting was fruitful and positive and points to ongoing growth and improvement at the school. Here are some points of interest that I would like to share with you
- Finances – Our financial position is health and robust. However, we are still in a situation that requires careful and prudent financial management. It does mean that there is a small surplus to allow for general improvements to the ground and buildings and to the academic operation of the school. We will be updating textbooks, installing air conditioners in a number of classrooms and renovating the play area of the foundation phase
- Staffing -I am happy report that we only have one departing staff member who is taking up a promoting post at a local school. We are in the position to make a suitable replacement and will advise you shortly as to the appointment.
- Enrollments – the number of applications and enrollments into the school continues to grow and we are confident that we will easily reach and even exceed are target numbers for 2019. This situation is exciting as it supports the continued growing interest in the school and ensures its sustainability.
I would like on behalf of the parents, to thank the members of the SGB for giving of their time and expertise to assist and support the school.
Important Dates
Tuesday 13 November – a staff learner counselling session for selected learners as part of our ongoing bullying awareness program
Friday 9 November – Grade 7,8,9 Examinations Start
Bicycle Raffle
On Thursday, we were able to announce the winners of the most tickets sold and hand over the prizes at assembly. Thank you to all the leaners who sold tickets and a big thanks to the organisers of the raffle.
Congratulations to the winners – most sold 1st Place Tumiso Khotsa and in second place 2nd Neo Mashshi
Grade R Science Expo
A group of our Grade R learners took part in a science fair on Thursday. I am proud to announce that we achieved first prize for mathematics and second prize for science at the event. Well done to the learners, and thanks to the teachers who accompanied these learners and a special thanks to former principal Mr Lubbe for his involvement.
Grounds and buildings
As already mentioned we have planned renovations to the Foundation Phase play area scheduled for December and this will include a change in the drop/collection access to the Foundation Phase to make this process safer and more efficient.
We have also completed the paved area in the quad and are adding a small garden to this area. Thanks to Mr Foord and the ground staff for this addition to the school.
Foundation Phase Dino Expo
Our entire Foundation Phase we able to visit the Dino expo in Polokwane and really enjoyed the day out and the visit.
Archery
We recently participated in the Inter school Archery Tournament held at Krugerpark Laerskool. MECS has only been participating in Archery as a school sport for 4 months and achieved third place in the school section. All 16 learners and their parents enjoyed the event, and as a school we would like to thank Centreshot for organising this event. Thank you also to Janlee, to Banie the coach, everyone who served as officials, teachers, as well as Krugerpark Laerskool for the use of their field. The tuck-shop provided by Educor was much appreciated. We look forward to the next event.
Important notice
Whilst we always encourage positive interaction between parents and the school, it is important to make sure that formal contact between parents and teachers is structured, coordinated and recorded. Please assist us in making sure that you follow the procedure below when see to make contact with staff at the school.
- The request is made through the principal’s office
- Reasons for the meeting a clearly stated
- Meetings take place after school hours
Your cooperation here will be appreciated.
Food for thought.
Fred Jenkins was a senior manager of a successful company that turned over millions of pounds and employed hundreds of people.
One day, Fred was working late into the day on an important project. He felt tired and stood up from this desk to stretch and yawn. “Maybe a drink will pick me up,” he thought to himself.
The office canteen had been shut for many hours and his only option was to try the vending machine several floors below him. When he reached the vending machine he realised he only had pound notes in his pocket. He flagged down a passing young junior employee and asked him, “Do you have change for a £5 note so I can get a drink from the machine?”
The young man said cheerfully, “I think so, let me take a look.”
Fred drew himself up stiffly and said, “Young man, that is no way to address a senior executive of the corporation. You need to show more respect! We’ll start all over again. Do you have change for the machine?”
The junior employee swiftly came to attention and said, “No sir, Mr. Jenkins I do not!” He then turned on his heel and walked away leaving Fred bemused and with no way of getting a drink to quench his thirst.
It’s easy to forget that you might have the right to say something but how and when you say it is critical to what happens next.
It’s vital that you respect everyone, even if you are very senior to them. Failure to do so might mean others will not make any effort to help you at all!
Have a good weekend
Brian
