Greetings once again,
As we are now well into the second half of the first term and all have settled in well to the school routine and appear to have adjusted comfortably to the post second wave realities of school. Our Enrolments settled at 513 and we expect this to remain for the remainder of the year.
Of concern currently is that many pupils are arriving late and are delayed at the front office as they have to be screened and registered. This impacts on their academic time and we cannot allow extra time for tests and other assessments for late comers.
Debit orders – you are reminded to adjust your debit orders to reflect the new school fees for 2021.
Annual contract returns – Please make sure these contracts are returned with copies of parent/guardian ID documents attached
Academic improvement program
We are making a committed effort to improve and add value to the academic program we offer. We have the impact of Covid from 2020 to address as well as a general decline in academic ability. Our pupils have settled in and we are well into our term 1 testing program. Generally, most pupils are performing well but we are concerned with the level of achievements in some academic areas and are committed to ensuring that our pupils especially those in the FET phase, achieve their potential.
In order to reach this objective we are once again exploring ways to improve our academic delivery and have identified two ways to achieve this:
- Easter school for selected matric subjects (Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy, Accounting and Physical Science) There will not be charge incurred for this program and all matrics must attend.
- Extend the school day until 2.30pm from term 2
- This will be part of the school timetable and make up for deficiencies in 2020 academic program whilst adding value to the current teaching and learning program.
- It will support our academic efforts to move from good to great but also to assist weaker pupils.
- It is important that the extra time for grade10, 11 and 12 is compulsory
- Grades 8 and 9 are all expected to attend unless written permission i.e. Madressa/ prearranged extra lessons is received.
- We intend to offer support lessons to Primary School pupils during these afternoon sessions in place of an extra mural program and will communicate more on this later.
School Leaders
Our response to the pandemic has initiated a number of changes to what would be our normal routine. One of these being the announcement of our school leaders. After the implementation of a contemporary school leadership system we can now congratulate our 2021 school leaders.
Deputy Head Boy of School: Joseph Molekwa, Andile Kekana
Deputy Head Girl of School: Nazeerah Nanabava, Kealeboga Mogale
Head Boy of School: Amo Mello
Head Girl of School : Sarah Ahmed
Matric results
We are exceptionally proud of top achievers who have overcome immense challenges during the 2020 academic year to be rewarded with most pleasing results. Congratulations to Thato Mathopa, Kalin Ruder our top two achievers as well as Motlatso Mahapa, Tavaka Mhlanga and Ayaan Gangat
The 2020 academic calendar must be seen in the context of a disrupted and incomplete academic year, where both teachers and pupils had to make a transition into online teaching and learning, whilst in a strict lock down condition with limited access to resources and little possibility of training for this, essentially losing almost three months of teaching time.
Covid status
We continue to implement the full spectrum of Covid protocols. Although over the second wave we are not ignorant that we may be faced with a third wave as winter approaches and will strictly enforce all protocols.
School Operation
We have, over the last two years, structured the institution into four distinct schools:
- The ECD center (Early Childhood Development – Grade R and Grade RR),
- The Foundation Phase (Grade 1 to Grade 3)
- The Primary School (Grade 4 to Grade 7)
- The High School (Grade 8 to Grade 12)
Each school is semi-autonomous but at the same time directly answerable to the Principal and has representation on the school Executive Committee. I have appointed appropriate staff members to assume responsible roles within each school.
Uniforms
The current uniform and dress regulations remain in place until further notice. Many of our parents are finding the economic climate to be a challenge and by deferring the cost of new or replacement uniforms, we have afforded them some financial relief.
Extra-mural
Current Covid regulations still limit the type and nature of extra mural programs that we may offer and contact sport remains prohibited. We will be starting the archery program as it is compliant with Covid requirements. Other sporting codes remain suspended for the time being and we will be guided by legislation and safety as to when we can reintroduce more options. We will remain focused on the academic program for this term but will consider a gradual relaxing of sport restrictions when allowed. Archery will begin shortly but other sporting and cultural events remain suspended
Capex developments
- We have converted two impractically spaced mobile units into two extensive teaching spaces – Current renovations to the roof to counter unforeseen leaks will be completed by 12 March. The classrooms will have full IT capabilities and are a valued improvement to our campus.
- Connection of our borehole to our main water supply to cover water outages. (The water quality will be tested prior to activating full use.)
- Addition of 3 phase power supply to tuck shop to facilitate larger volumes of prepared food and quicker service
Food for thought
As always have a good weekend and stay safe
Regards
Brian