Greetings Parents and Friends
The term is rapidly drawing to a close and I am very pleased with the developments we have made in so many areas. Improvements in and around the campuses are being completed, the Covid pandemic has been effectively controlled at school, and academic progress is evident. However, some negative impact of the pandemic remains and as a school we have to address shortfalls in the academic performance of our students. We must not, however, become complacent regarding the Covid protocols as sadly other parts of the world and especially Europe are experiencing the third wave and cities like Paris are going into full lock down again.
Please be aware of the following dress regulations and school day changes for term 2.
- Dress Regulations
For safety reasons we need to be able to identify our pupils on the playground during break and after school. For this reason we will start phasing in the school uniform and the following will apply from the start of term 2.
a. Normal school uniform (with appropriate hair styles) or
b. School golf shirt or cotton shirt, blue jeans (no torn jeans), black or blue pants or tracksuit. Denim shorts or skirt, school track suit top/matric jacket.
c. If wearing the tracksuit top, any jersey may be worn underneath during cold weather
d. Closed shoes. - School times
For Grades 8 to 12, the school day ends 2.30pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday 1.30 for sport and culture and Fridays 12h00 as normal. Starting from term 2. This in effect will add 6 school days to the calendar
a. This change will be part of the school timetable and make up for some deficiencies in 2020 academic program whilst adding value to the current teaching and learning program.
b. It will support our academic efforts to move from good to great but also to assist weaker pupils.
c. The extra time is compulsory
d. All pupils expected to attend unless written permission i.e. Madrassa/ prearranged extra lessons is requested and exit permits are issued.
e. No new work will be covered for Grade 8 and 9 during afternoon lessons. This is reserved for important enrichment and/or revision.
Staffing
It is with much sadness that we say farewell to Mrs. Marx who is leaving us after many years of service to the Foundation Phase. She is moving to the Free State to be with her family. I would like to thank her on behalf of all the pupils she has taught over the years, and on behalf of all our parents, for the hard work and dedicated service she has given to us and for the kind and loving manner in which she taught her pupils. Ms. Lilly Labuschagne will be replacing her as a Grade 1 teacher.
As always, have a safe weekend and enjoy the break on Monday
Warmest regards
Brian
