Newsletter 23 September 2020
Dear Parents, Friends and Staff
As term 3 draws to its close, one may pause and reflect on the road we have travelled these last few months. Without doubt our resilience, empathy, fortitude and patience have been tested to limits we did not know we have. I take no small measure of pride in the effort put in by students and teachers to get us to the point of delivering and executing a rigorous whole school evaluation program. My respect for all is massive and ongoing.
Exams
The examination results have revealed some impact of the pandemic which is to be expected. Do not lose heart if the academic results are not what you anticipated for the students. For most, this was their first examination program since November last year and coupled with the challenge of online and interrupted learning, it goes without saying that there would be some negative impact. The results do give us direction and focus for term 4 and I anticipate a general overall improvement in all subjects between now and the next assessment program
Routine term 4
Although now in level 1 of the shutdown, we are not about to make any significant changes to our routine nor, our protocols. I am mindful that we must be vigilant at school with the ever present threat of a second wave looming on the horizon. There may well be a few very minor adjustments to our internal operation but these will be communicated to the students at the start of term 4.
Dress Code
As we will continue with the current arrangement regarding dress code for term 4, I ask that parents are vigilant regarding the dress and appearance of their children as we move into summer. It is expected that all students dress appropriately and girls especially avoid dress styles that may be inappropriate
2020 Grade 12 Dinner and Valediction
This year has been nothing short of forgettable and unmemorable for our senior students due to the pandemic wrecking any plans for traditional celebrations. However, we will be hosting a formal farewell dinner for the group where we hope to celebrate their school years and the hope of a brighter year with joy and optimism. We will make this a very, very special occasion and Mrs Voges and Miss Cachalia are pulling out all the stops to make this to happen. This will take place on the 12th October following the traditional snake walk and lock ceremony.
The annual 2020 Matric Valediction for Matrics, MECS staff and parents on the 13th October at 1.30.
Important Information: Admissions and enrollments
Grade 4 – 10 Assessment date: 12 October, 8h00
Assessments for learners from grade 4 to grade 10 will take place on the 12th of October. Please be advised that all Covid 19 protocols must be followed regarding sanitizing, social distancing and the wearing of masks and make the necessary arrangements for stationary as well as lunch if you are bringing learners to be assessed for admission to the school.
Reapplication notice
Students who do not meet the promotion requirements at the end of the year will be required to reapply for admission in 2021. The reapplication forms in this regard will be included with the school reports or where necessary emailed to the appropriate people.
Parents with accounts in arrears and not in good standing may be required to reapply for their children at the beginning of 2021
Notice of removal of students
Parents who intend removing their child/children from the school at the end of 2020 are requested to please to notify us in writing of their intention to do so before 7 October. (Please refer to your contract with the school in this regard)
Gr 12 Final Matric Examinations
The 2020 Matric class begin the national senior certificate examinations on 15 October we wish them all the very, very best of luck in their endeavours and are hoping for more than pleasing results.
Return of Floating trophies
The winners of the floating trophies given out in 2019 are reminded to please return these trophies to the office as soon as possible
Jubaweni Excursion
Please note that as the Jubaweni excursion was cancelled as a result of the shutdown, we have had to reschedule the event to early 2021. Grade 7 parents who have paid for this trip will receive a credit on their school accounts in November. Those with accounts up to date will receive an EFT payment for the outstanding funds.
2020 Yearbook digital photographs
Due to the impact of the Covid pandemic and in an effort to reduce costs, we have decided this year to produce a digital flip book as a yearbook for 2020. Please be reminded that if you do not wish photographs or images of your child/children to be in the yearbook, to contact us in this regard before the end of October
Reduced online capacity next term
I need to remind parents that as our return to school participation is now approaching more than 90%, we will not be offering the usual online teaching next term but rather a much reduced online support
for learners who need this. It is evident that the vast majority of our parents are more than content with sending their children back to the school and are comfortable with the safety protocols that we have in place.
Welcome back Mrs Nastasha le Roux
We would like to welcome back Mrs Nastasha Le Roux who returns from maternity leave to take up the role of Life Science teacher for Grades 8 to 12. Mrs Le Roux is a popular teacher and her absence has been missed.
Congratulations
On behalf of the staff and parents and students of MECS, we would like to congratulate Mrs Christelle Joubert on the arrival of her baby daughter.
General notices
Ms Marine Swanepoel will continue to teach the Grade 4B class until the end of the year. We thank her for her effort and commitment here
23 September Foundation Phase will have their Heritage Day dress up
School closes 10am Wednesday 23rd October
Important dates for term 4
| OCTOBER | ||
| 5 | MONDAY | SCHOOL STARTS |
| 9 | FRIDAY | Reports to learners |
| 12 | MONDAY | Last day Grade 12, (Gr 12 Snake Walk & Lock Ceremony) Gr 12 Dinner MECS New Applicants Assessment Tests Gr 4 – 10 8h00 |
| 13 | TUESDAY | Gr 12 Prize Giving |
| 14 | WEDNESDAY | Gr 12 Block |
| NOVEMBER | ||
| 3 | TUESDAY | Gr 7 – 11 Exam Starts |
| 5 | THURSDAY | Gr 4 – 6 Exam Starts |
| 13 | FRIDAY | DIWALI |
| 25 | WEDNESDAY | Exam Ends |
| 27 | FRIDAY | LAST DAY F/PHASE |
| 30 | MONDAY | PROMOTION MEETING |
| DECEMBER | ||
| 3 | THURSDAY | School Ends |
Enjoy the break and stay safe
Brian