13 May 2008

Dear Parents

It has been a hectic time for all with all the long weekends and holidays and for many, it has become a time where stock must be taken of the progress they have made and the time that has been lost. It has also affected us here at school and with a little less than a month left before we start with our June examinations, really a time of introspection for the educators and learners.

Staff

Parents would probably remember that Mrs du Plessis, the music educator, has retired to Bloemfontein. We have Mrs Bosman substituting while the post has been advertised. We have also advertised for a grade 6 educator, (Maths and Afrikaans) in the place of Mr Jacobs who will be leaving us at the

end of the month, while the search for a qualified Pre-School HOD still continues. The applications received will be looked at in due course and we hope to have people appointed in those positions soon.

Tuck shop

Parents might be aware of the fact that we want to outsource the tuck shop. It has been found to be making inroads into the teaching time of the staff that is presently running it where they have to still close the tuck shop after break or come out of class to receive the stock when it is delivered. It has been felt that the menu must be made healthier with more of a variety. It will however, only be done should it be viable for the school to do so.

Homework

This is still a problem with many learners arriving at school with homework not completed. It is often only about 5 sentences or 5 sums that had to be completed and it is not done. This aspect must receive attention from the parents.

Good conduct file

Each class has received a GOOD CONDUCT card which is carried around by the class captain. Each class educator could be asked to provide a signature after the class for good conduct before, during and after the lesson. Bad conduct would have a signature removed from the card.

In Foundation Phase the card has place for 25 signatures while in the higher grades the card has place for 50 signatures. Should the class get the required number of signatures, they will be entitled to a FREE PERIOD at a time determined by the register class educator in consultation with the class.  

Sport

Netball, soccer and drummies are taking place with friendly matches and competitions taking. The soccer boys have played friendly matches against Danville as well as league matches in various competitions. Netball was supposed to play against Danville but unfortunately there was a glitch in the arrangements. These matches will be played later. The drummies have already competed in two competitions and took part in Rustenburg over the weekend. On the weekend of 24 May, our school u/13 soccer and netball teams will be playing against other schools. The place will be communicated at a later date but will probably be at ISSA. 

Assessments and Examinations

Cumulative assessments have been conducted and are ongoing on a daily basis in all grades leading up to the June end of term. The examinations will take place as from 4 June until the 12 June for grades 4 to 7. Please ensure that all learners in those grades start preparing for the coming examinations.

Admissions

Please note that admissions for grade 0 and grade 1 will be conducted as from the 15 July 2008(Second day after the school opens in the third term) The results of these applications will be out at the end of September. A waiting list will also be available for grades 2 to 7 but they will only be looked at in January 2009 when topping up for all those grades must be done. All grade 7 parents must please apply early to the various institutions that they want their child to go to in 2009. A letter giving the dates for those high schools has already been sent out to all parents. Last year we had a number of parents who had not applied at any schools and still expected to get place at the school of their choice.

School fees

Parents are once again reminded to ensure that their fees are kept up to date as there are various commitments that the school has in order to keep the academic standard at the level expected by the parents. We are also hoping to start with the Bubble roof soon (±R 350 000). We have also had to pay out huge amounts (±R 40 000) to top us text books that were not returned or not adequate for our learners. We are also paying extra educators and other staff at the school. The funds are needed to continue with that as determined at the AGM with parents last year. It is thus vital that all parents ensure that their accounts are kept up to date.

Mini Olympics

The Mini Olympics will take place this Saturday with all the Foundation Phase learners and the staff of the school. Letters have gone out about this event. Please ensure that your child is on time and come and enjoy some time with them at the school. Various fun items will take place, a tuck shop will be open and wors rolls will be available. Parents are asked to bring some chairs and come and spend the day with us. 

Litter

The school yard and the outside environs have shown a small improvement after the last request to parents to ask their child to take note of littering. I would  like to thank parents for that and implore them to keep reinforcing this anti-litter campaign by the school, especially for our school, our community as well as our country.

Uniform

Parents must please note that the winter school uniform is compulsory for the second and third terms as per the policy of the school. Please ensure that your child is appropriately dressed. Please ensure all clothing is marked!!

Photos

Annual photos will be taken from 20 to 23 May 2008

Lastly, enormous pressure is being put on schools and educators to “produce results”, often without support from parents and others to fulfil this task. Educators have had to fill the roles of educator, parent, policeman, marriage councillor, social worker, disciplinarian and others, often simultaneously.  Coupled to the many challenges facing schools and educators, with learners who have no interest in schooling as well as ill-disciplined children, it has become a very stressful occupation to be in.

However, we must just persevere so I want to take solace from the words of John F. Kennedy who said, “ Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.”

Sol Plaatje Greetings

L. Bremner

Important dates

14 May  - Spelling Olympiad - English

16 May -  Grade 4 Cake sale 

17 May – F. Phase Mini Olympics

21 May – Spelling Olympiad - Setswana

23 May – Grade 3 Game reserve trip

24 May – Oost-Eind Primary and others – Soccer and netball – Issa?

28 May – Spelling Olympiad - Afrikaans

29 May – Pre-School cake sale

30 May – Grade 2 Mafikeng Orientation Trip

             - Casual Day

             - Grade 5 cake sale

04 June – Examinations start

12 June – Examinations end

16 June – Youth Day - Holiday

19 June – Parents Day – Reports – Intervention – 16:00 to 18:00

                Pre-School closes

20 June –School closes – 10:00

14 July  - Schools open – 07:45

15 July  - Admissions – Grade 0 and 1

25 July – Casual Day

             - Grade 5 cake sale

31 July  - Admissions close