24/01/2012
Dear Parents, Staff and boys,
With the end of the third week and the commencement of the full afternoon programme due to commence on Monday, the term is well and truly underway. I trust that all boys have settled in well and are enjoying being at school in their new classes. Thank you, also to the many parents who attended the Grade 2 and Grade 3 parents’ meetings earlier this week. I trust that you found them informative and useful.
As is the case in all organisations, success depends on effective communication. It is our stated policy that we sincerely encourage parents to contact us if there are matters of query or concern. The following summarises the procedures and lines of communication:
The first call should be made to the teacher or coach concerned for academic and sport matters or general wellbeing of the boys at school.
If the problem persists, please pursue this further but include the input of the Grade Head and Mrs. Mackinnon. For very serious matters or issues of school policy and general school management, parents are most welcome to contact Mr. Edwards.
The best way to communicate with your son’s teacher is via the homework diary or alternately by letter, phone call and e-mail. Appointments may also be set up by contacting the staff member directly or Ms Burgess in the office.
Our experience is that matters which are identified early and dealt with promptly are usually easily resolved as opposed to those that are left unresolved. In the case of unresolved matters, these have a tendency to resurface or manifest themselves in a different form becoming more difficult to resolve.
Wise words on communication:
· Say what you mean, and mean what you say, but don't say it mean! (unknown)
· Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. (Plato)
· There is all the difference in the world between having something to say and having to say something. (John Dewey)
Reference:http://www.motivational-inspirational- com/getquote.html?categoryid=12
The above also applies to any incidence where bullying (in any form) may be suspected. A comprehensive and proven bullying policy exists at this school. As indicated above, the first point of communication is your son’s class teacher. Under no circumstances should a parent approach another child in an attempt to deal with an issue – this in itself is an act of bullying as the adult is in a position of power and is usually acting in an aggressive manner without having all the facts at hand. Should you require a copy of the bully policy, please contact either Mrs. Mackinnon or myself and we will gladly pass it onto you.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Mo (Active Education coach) and his wife Tselane, on the birth of their baby boy Wenzile.
THE WEEK AHEAD
| Saturday |
28 January |
Grade 3 cricket vs St Peter's (as advised)
Grade 2 mini cricket at Reddam House (as advised) |
| Monday |
30 January |
Full afternoon programme commences |
| Tuesday |
31 January |
Music information evening (see below) |
| Wednesday |
01 February |
Invitation gala for Grade 3's (as advised) |
| Friday |
03 February |
Galas for Grade 3 (as advised) |
| Saturday |
04 February |
Grade 1 and 2 mini cricket at Bedfordview Primary (as advised) |
IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE
OFFICIAL OPENING AND BLESSING OF NEW AFTER CARE
10 February – official opening and blessing of the new after care. Parents who will be attending must please RSVP to Mrs, Schnelle. All queries can also be directed to Mrs. Schnelle (011 455-1906 or schnellem@stbenedicts.co.za).
MOMS’ BREAKFAST
18 February – an event not to miss ……… This takes place on 18 February at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club. Tickets are R150.00 each and space is limited to 250 seats. This breakfast will be filled with great food, lots of prizes, lucky draws and of course an opportunity to meet the moms of the boys in your son’s class and your son’s teacher. To book your seat please complete the reply slip on the invitation (the one you received on coloured paper), and place R150.00 into an envelope marked “Moms’ breakfast” and hand it to your son’s class teacher as soon as possible. The closing date for payment and registration is 10 February, or when all tickets have been sold. This promises to be a most exciting event, so get your reply in early. Goodie bags for all moms!!
Some of the prizes to be won include diamonds, a full bedroom suite, a wine cooler and many more….
MUSIC INFORMATION EVENING AND INSTRUMENTAL DEMONSTRATION
TUESDAY 31 JANUARY 2012: 18h30 – 20h30
Have you ever wished that you could play a musical instrument? Do you want your child to learn a musical instrument? What are the advantages of learning a musical instrument? How do you choose the right instrument to play?
These, and many more questions will be answered at the Music information evening and instrumental demonstration that will take place in the College Hall on Tuesday 31 January at 18h30. You and your son are warmly invited to join us at this event during which a wide range of orchestral and band instruments will be demonstrated by professional musicians and by boys from St Benedict’s College.
The St Benedict’s Music Department is expanding and we are excited to be able to offer extra-curricular instrumental tuition on site throughout the three schools on the campus. Further information about this service will also be available at this event.
INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Please note that individual photo’s for Grade 1-3 boys will be taken on 7 February during school hours. Individual photo’s must be pre-ordered and pre-paid. The cost is R45.00 per set. Please place the order form and the correct money in an envelope and hand it to your son’s teacher by Monday, 06 February at the latest. Printed copies of the order form will be sent home today.
Please note the following:
There is no charge for the class photo’s.
Grade R individual photo’s will be taken later in the year.
LIBRARY BAGS
Please note that all boys, Grade 1-3 are required to have a library bag – the are the blue ones with folder over flap and velcro to secure. These bags are very durable and should last for 2-3 years. The purpose of these bags is to protect the library books and prolong their life and usage. The cost of each bag is R35.00. Please pay this amount at reception and on presentation of the receipt, Mrs. Mackinnon will issue the bag. Please note that boys will not be permitted to loan books from the library without their library bag. Thank you for your support and co-operation in this regard.
GRADE ‘R’ ENROLMENT FOR 2013
If you are a current parent of St Benedict’s and have a son who you wish to enroll for 2013, it is imperative that an application form is submitted. Whilst siblings of current St Benedict’s boys will be granted preference, an application form is required. As places fill up quickly, please submit your form as soon as possible as we will shortly commence the process of offering places in grade R for 2013. We look forward to welcoming younger brothers to our school!
SCHOOL CASES
We are in the process of phasing in a new standard size school case which will be suitable from Gr R to 3. It is not necessary for you to purchase a new one as they are exactly the same design and colour as the current cases. They are however larger than the ones most boys have at the moment, so if you do choose to purchase a new case, they are available at the Luggage Corner, Entrance 6, Bedford Square.
SACRED HEART CHILD-CARE CENTRE OUTREACH PROGRAMME
The centre occupies the disused Catholic Church that was built by Oblates of Mary Immaculate and run by Father Fidgeon in the informal settlement of Dikatole. Over 100 children attend the centre in the afternoons and receive a cooked meal, homework supervision, stimulation, caring and counselling. The premises are used in the mornings as a day-care centre for preschool children. Through the dedication and generosity of various individuals this centre has become a haven where the children are safe in the afternoons, and through this support, several children are now receiving favourable reports from their school. As part of our Outreach Programme in the Junior Prep we would like to assist this centre, and have allocated a portion of our Gr 3 fundraising money from last year to provide much needed items such as stationery, toilet paper, puzzles and games. We will be handing over these items next week but would like to appeal to families who would like to assist by passing on books and toys their children have outgrown, or if they are willing to donate new items to make a difference in the lives of these children, who through this individual help can build strong foundations. Please hand items to Ms Burgess or discuss with Mrs Mackinnon if you are in a position to assist in other ways.
SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP
We are pleased to inform parents that the second hand uniform shop is up and operational. This shop has a large variety of second hand uniforms (Grade R-7), all in good condition, freshly laundered and at very reasonable prices. The shop is located near the Prep School office – please ask Mrs Stoltz for directions.
Please note that the operating hours are as follows:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 13:00 to 15:00.
CUBS
If anyone is interested in joining CUBS on a Friday from 13:30 – 15:00, please contact Sally-Anne Booysen on 074 1205773.
KARATE - Please note that Karate starts this Monday
Please phone Rob Crawford for any queries on 082 8809408.
CONFIDENT KIDS (SPEECH AND DRAMA)
Please note that Speech and Drama will be accepting application forms until the end of January. Please phone Jeanette on 082 449 2241, if you require any information.
GRADE R NEWS:
Our theme for the next few weeks: ME – I’M SPECIAL
Please send in 3 photographs of your son – one as a baby, one as a toddler (2 years), and one as he is now (+/- 5 years). Please ensure all photos are clearly marked on the back. We will return the photographs to you at the end of the theme.
Show & Tell:
Boys must talk about their three photographs e.g. this is me when I was a baby, I had just been christened ……This Show & Tell will be on Thursday 2nd February and Thursday 9th February. Half the class will speak on the 3rd and the other half will speak on the 10th February.
Please check the classroom door to see when your son’s group will be speaking.
Reminders:
1. Boys are not allowed to bring toys to school. Lunch Box contents - no chips, sweets, chocolate or fizzy drinks are allowed.
2. Please ensure that your son has a sun hat at school at all times!
Tuck will start on the 3rd February.
3. Please inform us if your son is attending speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or play therapy, and bring us the relevant reports.
4. Please send in a copy of your son’s end of year Nursery School Report, if you have not already done so.
GRADE 3 MONITORS
Our next set of Grade 3 monitors are:
3I Andrew Michaelides
3J Michael Ngwenya
3K Massimo Mordini
3L Clement Koetz
STAR OF THE WEEK
| |
|
|
| 1A |
Daniel Koen |
For excellent listening skills |
| B |
Jordan Ford |
For working with enthusiasm and diligence |
| C |
Fabio De Vita |
For being a gentleman and working diligently |
| D |
Cody Petersen |
Following instructions quickly and accurately |
| 2E |
Tshiamo Sithole |
For excellent listening skills and classroom behaviour |
| F |
Ronan Kench |
For neat, creative and beautifully presented written work |
| G |
Thapelo Makoai |
For working diligently and excellent behaviour |
| H |
Botsile Oliphant |
For being a good group leader |
| 3I |
Declan Machado |
For excellent work in Numeracy |
| J |
Ali Mirza |
For confident reading |
| K |
Sheng Guan |
For good listening skills |
| L |
Motheo Moledi |
For beautifully presented work and being responsible |
Best wishes for the week ahead,
G. Edwards
Headmaster.
GRADE 3 SPORTS NEWSLETTER
Newsletter 30 - 04 February 2012.pdf
