Whale Tales - Issue 10

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Whale Tales The official news letter of HERMANUS Pre Primary School

Hermanus Pre Primary Foundation through learning, friendship and fun

Tenth Edition Farewell, Baby Class

Gr.R Graduation Class of 2023

Kersmark 2024

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Uit die Hoof se kantoor For a school to receive a full registration from the Department of Education is a sure indication that all rules, regulations, and policies are adhered to.

Parents can be ensured that Hermanus Pre Primary adhere to all prescribed norms and standards.

It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we can display this most important certificate.

Baie dankie aand Enlighten Trust vir hul deurlopende ondersteuning.

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Uit die Hoof se kantoor Dear Parents, As we approach the end of the year, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and praise for yet another very successful year. We are so blessed to look back at a year filled with so many positive highlights. Our teachers and learners have worked extremely hard, and they deserve this long summer holiday.

A big thank you to all our parents, guardians and local businesses who were positively involved in all our school activities and have played a crucial role in the success of our school and aftercare. Without your donations, hard work and support we would not have been able to cope with everything.

It was with mixed emotions that I was forced to undergo a serious foot operation. To start a special relationship with learners is like running an exciting race but not being able to celebrate the immense emotions of ending it together.

What a privilege it was to leave the leadership in Michelle Swarts’ very capable hands. As you might have noticed she has strong leadership, organizational, and excellent relationship skills. Michelle has once again proved to be very reliable and responsible.

Thank you, Michelle!

Weereens is daar ook soveel hartseer aan die einde van die jaar. Om ons Graad R leerders te groet na soveel jare saam is baie emosioneel.Ons is so trots op hulle groei en ontwikkeling en gun hulle die volgende fase in hul lewe, maar gaan elkeen van hulle oneindig mis. Hul sukses en vordering sal ons met groot entoesiasme dophou.

To all our Grade R parents, or any other parent whose child will for some reason not be back next year, thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. It is a privilege we do not take lightly. May your child be so happy in his or her new school.

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

From the Principal's Office Ons neem afskeid van twee assistente. Baie dankie aan Lee-Ann en Susan se jare se hulp en ondersteuning by ons skool. Ons wens vir julle alle sterkte toe vir die toekoms.

It is with great excitement that we welcome our new secretary, Gwen Nepgen, English Grade R teacher, Tami Rundle and Grade RR assistant, Malaikah Muller. We hope that they will soon feel part of our Hermanus Pre Primary family. With their wonderful qualifications and experience, we know that they will be a great asset to our school and team.

Have a blessed festive time, have lots of fun and make many precious memories.

May we all be safe.

Yours sincerely.

Lorna Such

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Bedankings Charl and Chantell Frick, your weekly gas donation makes a huge impact on our annual budget. Thank you so much for your continued support for the “Frickkies” Pre-Primary School.

A business with an open hand and caring heart. Thanks a lot.

Hermanus Hoërskool en Laerskool Hermanus, sonder julle liefde, omgee en ondersteuning sou ons nie al die hoogtepunte en suksesse in 2023 behaal het nie. Dankie vir julle omgee harte. Mag ons 3 skole in 2024 saamwerk en mekaar ondersteun tot voordeel van almal.

CBIT delivered impeccable IT solutions to our school. They manage our entire IT ecosystem ensuring peace of mind that ALL our data is stored safe and compliant as prescribed by die POPIA act of South Africa. We thank you for your outstanding service and support.

SPAR se hulp en ondersteuning was noemenswaardig. BAIE DANKIE Bernard Van Niekerk.

THERON BROS (Pty) Ltd Manie Theron, jy was altyd bereid om op kort kennisgewing ons by te staan. Baie dankie!

Ons waardeer jou liefdevolle ondersteuning.

Die Women Action Group monitor so pligsgetrou ons werkernemers se gesondheid elke kwartaal. Baie dankie aan elkeen van hierdie dames!

Baie dankie vir julle REUSE donasies wat die afgelope ontvang is.

Baie dankie aan BUCO en PLASCON vir die skenking van kwaliteit dak verf en Roan Kok vir die voorbereiding en arbeid wat met liefde gratis gedoen is om ons hele skool se dakke skoon te maak en oor te verf. Ons waardeer jou!

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Beheerliggaam Voorsitter Beste ouers.

Uiteindelik kan ons almal ontspan, die jaar is verby!

2023 gaan onthou word vir die natste winter ooit, laat-aand Sondae op die televisie, gelaai met spanning en uiteindelik die Springbokke wat die trofee omhoog hou.

Namens die Beheerliggaam wil ek graag elke ouer bedank vir julle toewyding en betrokkenheid by Hermanus Pre Primêr / Babbel en Krabbel. Julle ondersteuning is goud werd! ‘n Groot bedanking gaan uit aan die onderwysers en Juf Lorna Such en ook aan Michelle Swart wie in die 4de kwartaal waargeneem het as hoof. Julle passie en liefde vir die skool is merkwaardig, en ons as ouers het altyd die gerustheid dat ons kinders in die beste, veilige hande is. Julle verdien hierdie vakansie!

Ten slotte, ‘n voorspoedige nuwe jaar aan almal. Mag julle veilig wees op die paaie en Kerstyd geniet met julle naastes en geliefdes.

Kind regards,

Jaco van der Merwe

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

KDP Aan die einde van ‘n opwindende jaar kan ons terugkyk na ‘n geleentheid wat ons gehad het om iets in kinders se lewens te belê wat vir altyd waarde sal dra. Kinders is soos sponse en hierdie is werklik die tyd waar hulle alles opslurp wat ons hulle leer, die voorbeeld wat ons vir hulle stel, in woord en in aksie. Dit is ongelukkig ook waar dat hulle die “goed”, asook die “nie so goed” sal inneem en daarop bou.

Dit is juis daarom dat ons nou, binne hierdie vensterperiode van hul lewens, intensioneel moet wees en die regte saad saai, sodat hulle eendag daaruit sukses sal maai.

KDP het ‘n wonderlike jaar met die leerders van Hermanus Pre-primêre skool gehad waar daar bykans 180 leerders, twee maal per week, deelgeneem het. Die uitdaging van vandag is om te verseker dat kinders “bewegingsarmoede” vryspring deur die regte motoriese vaardighede aan te leer, dit op die regte manier te doen en ook genoeg daarvan te doen. Ek weet dat KDP in 2023 ‘n groot verskil gemaak het in terme van hulle ontwikkeling en voorbereiding. Deur blootstelling aan 9 verskillende sportsoorte, kon ons noodsaaklike doelwitte bereik terwyl KDP maatjies lekker kon lag en dit geniet. Vir my was die hoogtepunt van hierdie jaar om te sien hoe vinnig kinders leer en hoeveel meer hulle kan vermag, as ons geduldig is en duidelike instruksies gee. Die kinders het die hokkie-, rugby-, netbal- en tennislesse veral baie geniet en soos altyd, was gimnastiek ‘n treffer.

Ons sien baie uit na 2024, waar ons as KDP instrukteurs ons sal toespits om ons persoonlike opleiding weereens te verskerp, sodat ons die tyd wat ons met die kinders spandeer selfs beter kan benut en die impak, fisies en emosioneel, op elke kind kan maksimaliseer.

Ons is dankbaar vir elke ouer wat investeer in hulle kinders, deur deel van die KDP program en familie te wees en die wonderlike ouerondersteuning. ‘n Reuse “dankie” ook aan Hermanus Pre-primêre skool, wat KDP deel van die skool gemaak het, asook hulle besonderse fokus op die algehele, liefdevolle en omvattende ontwikkeling van elke kind.

Laastens, ons as ouers moet ook besef dat ontwikkeling van elke kind ‘n leefstyl moet wees in ons huise en dat ons slegs rentmeesters is vir dit waarmee ons toevertrou is.

Vriendelike KDP groete

Oom William Ludolff

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Babaklas Juffrou Janine, Agnetha, Kayleen en Anzel

Oh, how they've grown...

In a classroom of joy, where laughter takes flight, My daughter's excitement, a pure delight.

Teachers, the stars in her little sky, Love and care that money can't buy.

Their laughter, a melody, echoes so clear, Filling her days with warmth, drawing near.

In my absence, a comforting embrace, They step in as mothers with gentle grace.

Thank you, dear teachers, for the love you share, A second home, a haven so rare.

In your care, my daughter finds her way, Brightening each moment, like the sun's gentle ray.

-Viviers Family

Dear baby class, Arlo always looks forward to going to school in the mornings. Thank you so much for all your love and care.

Ek sien elke dag uit om by juffrou en die tannies te gaan kuier by die skool wat so lief is vir my. Baie dankie vir al die moeite, lekker speel en leer!

Julle is bitter spesiaal en so geliefd, ons gaan julle mis!

Liefste tannie juffie, ek was so bly om deel te wees van die klassie...

Dit was moeilik in die begin. Baie trane wanneer ek moes bly en dan weer baie trane wanneer klassie verby is. Ons wil baie dankie sê aan elkeen van jule wat Zoë se daggies so lekker gemaak het. Dit was so ‘n gemoedsrus om te weet dat sy gelukkig is en baie mooi na gekyk word. Ons gaan julle elkeen so baie mis volgende jaar! Baie sterkte vir volgende jaar. Weereens baie dankie vir alles!!

Baie liefde, Zoë en haar mama en papa.

What a joy to complete our first year at Babbel en Krabbel’s baby class.

We’re so impressed with our boy’s development and progress. Thank you to all, Teacher Janine and the assistants, that have made such a positive impact.

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Babaklas Juffrou Janine, Agnetha, Kayleen en Anzel

Oh, how they've grown...

Babbel en Krabbel se baba klas is n liefdevolle, vreugdevolle en baie veilige omgewing om jou kind met ‘n geruste hart te los. Janine en haar span is AMAZING en het absoluut 'n passie vir wat hulle doen. Elke kind kom eerste al is daar hoeveel kinders in die klas sal daar altyd ewe veel liefde gegee word.

Thank you so much to all the wonderful teachers and after care team in our Baby Class. I will miss Janine’s fun, Agnetha’s big smile and Anzel’s kind heart. Love, Sabi Nielsen Our first year has been so much fun. Meeting new friends, lots of play and dancing and laughter. I will miss Kayleen and Nika the most. Love, Sophia Nielsen

Die beste Baba klas in Hermanus. Dit is ongelooflik moeilik vir my om die te skryf met die wete dat die klas toe maak die einde van die jaar. Die liefde en hulp wat ons van elke juffrou en versorger ontvang het ,het vir ons die wêreld beteken.

Dankie Baba klas 2023 vir Al julle liefde en omgee.

-Finley se mamma en pappa

Om iemand te hê om na jou kosbaarste besitting om te sien is altyd stresvol, maar om te weet ons het ons klein seuntjie by by mense gelos was hom lief het soos hul eie het vir ons 'n rustige hart gegee. Dit was 'n eer om ons seuntjie as deel van hierdie klas te hê en te sien hoe baie hy gegroei het in so kort tydjie. Ons sou nie ons seuntjie se eerste skooljaar oorleef het sonder hierdie span AMAZING juffrouens nie!

We are grateful for your generous love and gentle care for our Aiden. You make -Siôn se mamma en pappa school a safe space and fun place!

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Babaklas Juffrou Janine, Agnetha, Kayleen en Anzel

Oh, how they've grown...

The first class in school is the foundation for the rest of your life. We are glad to have had the best baby class for our little man to set his roots on the right path.

Ek hardloop in die oggend met oop armpies in die arms van die eerste Babaklas juffrou wat my kan vang. Dit maak my mamma se hart so bly, want sy weet juffrou Janine en tannies Anzel, Nita, Kayleen en Nika het my net so lief soos mamma en pappa en ek is net so lief vir julle!

Ek wil net baie dankie sê aan al die baba klas juffies wat my Ellïna se jaar in die skool so lekker gemaak het. Ek was so bang om haar in die skool te sit en ook moeilik om mense te vertrou, maar ek moet sê julle het my verkeerd bewys. Ek is ‘n baie gelukkige mamma en ek sal verewig dankbaar wees vir julle. Hartseer om te sien die baba klas maak klaar maar sterkte vir julle met volgende jaar, baie lief vir julle.

Little by little And day by day We have watched you learn And watched you play.

We started to love you Like you were our own But now our little ones you are all grown You Will grow So much With new teachers and fun You can do anything just reach for the sun

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Konstruksiespel saam met jou Peuter Peuters - Juffrou Lindi Om blokkies bou aan te moedig onder peuters, kan jy 'n verskeidenheid groepsaktiwiteite insluit, soos: 1. Samewerking: Laat die peuters saamwerk om 'n groot struktuur te bou. Dit kan hul sosiale vaardighede ontwikkel terwyl hulle idees deel en saamwerk.

2. Temaverwante bouprojekte: Integreer temas in die bouaktiwiteit, soos 'n kasteel, dieretuin, of stad. Dit kan die verbeelding van die kinders aanmoedig en 'n kreatiewe dimensie tot die aktiwiteit voeg.

3. Tydlimiete: Stel 'n tydtoekenning in vir spesifieke bouprojekte. Dit moedig nie net doelgerigtheid aan nie, maar skep ook 'n opwinding om binne 'n beperkte tyd iets te voltooi.

4. Boukompetisies: Organiseer vriendelike kompetisies tussen klein groepe kinders. Dit kan 'n bietjie gesonde mededinging aanmoedig en hulle entoesiasme verhoog.

5. Probleemoplossing: Integreer uitdagings wat probleemoplossing vereis, soos 'n wind wat die struktuur dreig om te blaas. Dit moedig kritiese denke aan terwyl hulle oplossings saam bedink.

Onthou om 'n omgewing van aanmoediging te skep en hulle prestasies te prys om selfvertroue te bevorder.

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Fantasy Play Teacher Caitlin Fantasy play, also known as imaginative or pretend play, holds significant importance for our little one’s development, here is why...

Fantasy play stimulates creativity and problem-solving. Children create scenarios, use symbolic thinking, and experiment with different roles and situations, enhancing their cognitive abilities. Through fantasy play, children learn to cooperate, negotiate, and share with others. They develop empathy by taking on different roles and understanding diverse perspectives.

Pretend play allows children to express and process their emotions in a safe and controlled environment. It helps them cope with feelings, fears, and anxieties. Children also expand their vocabulary and communication skills by describing their imaginative scenarios and interacting with others during play.

When children engage in pretend play, they often take on roles of authority or responsibility, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem. Through fantasy play, children can also explore and learn about different cultures, traditions, promoting cultural awareness.

Imagination has no boundaries, allowing children to explore and learn about the world around them in a fun and creative way. This is a vital component of childhood development, contributing to cognitive, social, emotional, and creative growth, as well as providing a safe space for children to explore and understand the world.

The following are just few examples: Playing shop-shop – carrier bags, toy foods, kitchen set Dress up dolls and teddys – old jewellery, old dresses/clothes, shoes Driving cars – toy cars/ outdoor bikes/ police/ firetrucks Playing doctor – doctor set Playing school-school – books, crayons and paper Wild animals – toy animals/act out the animals Chef – serving food/’making’ food

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Tweet Klassie 2023 Juffrou Simoné Hierdie jaar het ons elke dag geniet in die Tweet Klassie. Van Potjiekos dag tot lente vier deur lente sop te maak. Ons het geleer om sirkels en lyne te trek, legkaarte te bou en om liedjies te sing en gediggies op te sê.

In die Tweet Klassie het ons geleer om ons maatjies en ander se gevoelens te respekteer en om woordjies te gebruik wanneer ons ietsie wil sê of vra.

Ons het ons vingertjies se spiertjies mooi sterk gemaak deur klei te speel, te skeur en te plak, prentjie te maak en het lekker met die deeg gespeel waarmee ons brood gebak het.

Ons het selfs lekker aktiwiteite gedoen soos om blomme te skep uit ‘n bak water, ‘n tuin te omskep in ‘n bakkie met blomme wat ons gepluk het uit ons tuin. Ons het selfs geleer van die see. Ons kon nie as ‘n klas see toe gaan nie, so ons het ‘n plan gemaak en die see klas toe gebring.

Dit was ‘n jaar waar die kleintjies baie kon leer uit die aktiwiteite wat aangebied was en selfs net deur vry te speel issoveel sosiale vaardighede aan geleer.

Wat ‘n lekker 2023 jaar was dit nie in die Tweet klassie nie! ‘n Jaar wat ons vir altyd sal onthou.

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Geseënde Kersfees!

Juffrou Enrika en Juffrou Theona

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Ons het 'n heerlike kerspartytjie gehou om die jaar op 'n hoë noot af te sluit. Dankie vir 'n fantastiese jaar, maatjies. Ons gaan julle baie mis en ons weet sommer dat julle 2024 net so baie gaan geniet.

Lekker vakansie hou!

Liefde, Juffrou Lindie en Juffrou Susan

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Sand play: A gateway to both fun and learning.

Teacher Hettie

Sand is a fantastic medium for sensory exploration. Children can engage their sense of touch and smell as they run their fingers through the grains, feeling the texture and taking in the earthy aroma. Children experience different textures, temperatures, and even sounds as sand grains move and collide.

Sand play is also an excellent way to promote physical development. Building sandcastles, digging, and molding shapes with sand help children develop their gross motor skills.

Fostering Creativity: The sandbox is a canvas for creativity. Children can craft intricate landscapes, build structures, and let their imagination run wild.

Manipulating sand tools like shovels, buckets, and moulds encourages hand-eye coordination, a crucial skill for various tasks.

Small, intricate movements are required when children build with sand, which in turn enhances their fine motor skills. It's a subtle yet essential aspect of their development.

Sand in a tray is also a fantastic fun way of drawing patterns, numbers or pictures with their fingers and allows children to unleash their creativity.

Calming and Relaxing: Sand play isn't just about stimulation; it can also have a calming and relaxing effect. It's particularly beneficial for children who may be feeling anxious or nervous.

In conclusion, sand play is a versatile and accessible tool that can benefit children of all ages, making it a valuable addition to any playtime routine. So, the next time you see a sandbox, encourage your child to dive in and explore the wonders of playing with sand.

And remember: MUD IS FUN, IT WASHES OFF!

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

KERSMARK 2023 Juffrou Shani In my klas moes ons al weke voor die tyd ‘n kersboom “countdown” op die bord doen. So kan mens net dink hoe die opgewondenheid gegroei het!

Maar toe is dit so: Kersmark 2023 het uiteindelik aangebreek. ’n Dag wat verseker onvergeetbare oomblikke vir die ouers én leerders gemaak het.

Na ‘n rowwe, reënerige begin, was dit ‘n heerlike dag.

Van stalletjies waar jy sommer solank kersgeskenke kan koop, maats van ons skool wat hul entrepreneurskap vaardighede toets met hul eie stalletjies en lekker kermis-kos tot ‘n baie lekker geesaangedrewe “oldschool” TOUTREK KOMPETISIE en papsopnat ”colour run”!

Dit was beslis een vir die boeke! Juffrouens het nie om gegee om op ‘n Saterdag te werk nie, want daar was nie één kind wat nie ‘n yslike groot glimlag op hul gesiggies gehad het nie. Of dit nou die lekker dag of die massiewe spookasem was, wie sal ooit kan raai!

Dankie aan elke liewe een wat bydra gemaak het tot hierdie super suksesvolle fondsinsameling. Ons waardeer elkeen wat ons skool help bevorder.

Ons kan nie wag om volgende jaar wéér so prettige dag te hou nie... Kom ons hoop net vir beter weer volgende Desember!

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Idees vir Kersfees aktiwiteite ...wat fynmotoriese vaardighede kan bevorder!

Die belangrikheid van fyn motoriese ontwikkelingFynmotoriese ontwikkeling is die vermoë om die kleinspiere in die liggaam, veral die hande en vingers, te beheer. Elke dag word daar van ‘n kind verwag om take met kleinspierbewegings te verrig, soos teken, inkleur, verf, knip, sowel as knope vasmaak – maar die grootspiere moet eers ontwikkel voordat die kleinspiere aan die beurt kan kom. Die ontwikkeling van die spiere begin by die skouers, dan elmboë en dan die hande en vingers. Die ontwikkeling van fyn motoriese vaardighede help kinders om dinge te doen soos eet, skryf, voorwerpe manipuleer en aantrek.

Voorbeeld aktiwiteite:  eken of knip die vorm uit van ‘n kersfees kierie (candy cane) en laat jou kind dit vol skuifspelde pak.

T Teken ‘n groot Kersfeesboom op papier, selfs buite met bordkryt en laat jou kind dit met allerhande voorwerpe versier. Om dit meer uitdagend te maak, kan hulle wasgoedpennetjies of tangetjies gebruik om die voorwerpe op te tel. Laat jou kind verf, inkleur, knip, skeur en plak. Dit skep nie net die geleentheid vir kinders om kreatief te wees, te eksperimenteer en te beplan nie, maar dit skep ‘n geleentheid vir hulle om hul vingerspiertjies te oefen en te versterk! ‘n Paar antwoorde toe Juffrou hulle vra waaroor Kersfees gaan.

-van Liewe Jesus.

-Liewe Jesus verjaar.

-Liewe Jesus verjaar in die ‘Christmas’ daggie.

-Oor versierings en jy kan versierings op jou boom sit. Jy kan jou boom opslaan en jy kan vir Kersfeesvader ‘n briefie skryf oor wat jy wil hê.

-Oor Jesus se geboorte.

-Dat kinders presente kry en dat Jesus gebore is.

-Dat Kersvader bokkies het wat kan vlieg.

Dink jy Kersvader het ‘n belangrike werk?

-Ja, want hy is Kersfeesvader.

-Dit is mooi van hom dat hy presente gee.

-Ja, want hy maak almal bly.

-Ja, want die kinders wil presente hê.

-Ja, hy kom in die aande en hy sit presente onder die boom.

JESAJA 9:5 Want ‘n Kind is vir ons gebore, ‘n Seun is aan ons gegee; en die heerskappy is op sy skouer, en Hy word genoem: Wonderbaar, Raadsman, Sterke God, Ewige Vader, Vredevors.

Geseënde Kersfees aan almal!

Juffrou Lelanie en Juffrou Crystal

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Thank You! Teacher Anneri

Dear Parents of 2023, As the school year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've embarked upon together with your amazing children. It has been a year of growth, laughter, and discovery, and I am truly grateful to have had the privilege of being your child's teacher.

From the first day of school to the present moment, I have witnessed each child's unique personality shine through.

The growth I've seen in their social, emotional, and academic skills has been nothing short of remarkable. It's heartwarming to think about the strides they've made and the bonds they've formed with their classmates.

In our classroom, we've celebrated successes, big and small.

From counting to ten to creating beautiful works of art, your children have impressed me every step of the way. Their enthusiasm for learning has been infectious, and it's clear that their curiosity knows no bounds.

Teacher Willene and I want to express our deepest gratitude to you for entrusting us with the important task of guiding and teaching your child. Your support and collaboration have been invaluable, and I appreciate the open communication we've maintained throughout the year.

Working together, we've created a positive and nurturing environment where your child could thrive.

As we say goodbye to this school year, I encourage you to take some time to celebrate your child's achievements and the wonderful journey we've shared. Each child has contributed to the warmth and joy of our classroom, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

I want to wish you and your family a fantastic festive time filled with laughter, relaxation, and quality time together.

Thank you for being such an integral part of our preschool community. I look forward to hearing about the continued successes and adventures of your child in the years ahead.

Love, Teacher Anneri and Teacher Willene

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

A day in the life of a preschool teacher Teacher Michelle Kids say the darndest things! So often we hear this, but we as teachers surely get to hear quite a bit!

During the year we have many discussions and chats on the carpet with our children. This is always a fun time, and we certainly hear some interesting stories. Of course, we only listen with half an ear, because if daddy really broke his back yesterday, he wouldn’t have been able to drop you off at school this morning, now, would he?

During the year we had our Concert: Dancing through the decades. Our class’s decade was the fifties. It was quite fun listening to music from this era with the children and to hear their comments. This music sounds funny. That’s too slow.

That’s too loud. That’s too fast. We can’t dance to this. My Oupa listens to this. I was so happy to hear a little girl say, “I love this music - My dad plays this all the time”.

Learning to dance like the people did in the fifties brought a lot of laughter and a whole lot of blank stares. But enthusiasm soon built up when Teacher Melisha and myself also got stuck into the moves. And then Elvis appeared. This brought up the question: who is Evis? Of course, I had to explain that he was just the best thing ever. And I can proudly say that I now have a few enthusiastic Elvis impersonators in my class. Boy, do they have the moves!

Soon after the concert we learnt about Dinosaurs. During this theme we learnt a lot of new vocabulary and big words, such as fossils, extinct, meteor, etc. During one of our discussions, a child casually mentions: “My dad says that Elvis is also extinct. Is that true, Teacher?”

One day at story time, I read a story called: Vain Dorothy-Jane. Thinking this would be a great lesson teaching story about how our looks don’t matter, but rather our kind, caring actions, I thought I’d first ask if they understand what the word vain means. A boy eagerly put up his hand and said “I know, I know. Vain means wine in Afrikaans.”

We were discussing the seasons one morning and comparing how different the seasons are to each other with regards to clothes we wear, weather, food we eat, etc. As a recap at the end of our discussion, I asked if anyone could tell me something about Spring. One little boy shot his hand up and told us all it was a little piece of metal that could bounce.

There are so many more examples of the darndest things that children say. I am so grateful that we get to experience the innocence of children’s thinking and eagerness to learn. If only we could all have a good laugh at ourselves every now and then.

What a happy place the world would be.

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Kreatiwiteit!

Juffrou Anke

Wat is kreatiwiteit? Volgens die internet word dit beskryf as volg: “die gebruik van verbeelding of oorspronklike idees, of die neiging om te genereer of idees te herken. ” Kleuters en jong kinders is natuurlik kreatief. Daarom is hulle ons grootste onderwysers! ‘n Kind se vermoë om kreatief te dink bevorder nie net emosionele en geestelike gesondheid nie, maar kreatiewe vryheid is noodsaaklik om kinders te help om besluitnemingsvaardighede, selfvertroue en onafhanklikheid te kweek. Juis daarom is dit belangrik om aan kinders genoeg geleenthede te bied om aan aktiwiteite wat hul kreatiwiteit ontlok, deel te neem.

Die belangrikste hulpbron wat kinders benodig is tyd, spesifiek vir ongestruktureerde en verbeeldingryke spel. Hulle het nie vervaardigde speelgoed nodig nie. Hier volg ‘n paar eenvoudige kreatiewe aktiwiteite wat hul kreatiwiteit sal inspireer.

Ruim vir jou kind ‘n spesifieke plekkie in waar hy of sy kreatief kan wees.

Valideer en geniet jou kind se kreatiwiteit deur hul kunswerk te vertoon.

Daar moet geen oordeel wees op enige iets wat jou kind skep nie. Daar is geen slegte of goeie of regte of verkeerde manier om dit te doen nie. Elke kind verskil en kan dus goed doen soos hulle dit sou doen op hul manier.

Wanneer julle ‘n storie lees, vra jou kind wat dink hulle kan hier gebeur of wat wil hulle graag hê moet gebeur?

Fantasiespel. Weereens, dit hoef nie gekoopte klere of items te wees nie. Maak items uit bokse, deel van die kreatiewe proses. Ou klere, hoedens, krale en skoene maak wonderlike fantasiepel moontlik.

Gee jou kind verskeie keuses. Byvoorbeeld, die kleure van hul klere of van hul kamer, of kos wat hulle wil kook, en hul keuse van verjaarsdag partytjies. Hierdie is baie belangrik vir selfbekragtiging.

Geniet elke oomblik van die proses saam met jou kind!

Bronne: Baba en Kleuter, Impak Onderwys

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Gradeplegtigheid

Die Graad R leerders het 21 en 22 November hul gradeplegtigheid-sertifikate tydens ‘n spoggeleentheid ontvang. Elke klas het sy intieme gradeplegtigheid gehad, wat ‘n baie spesiale aand vir elke Juffrou en haar klas gemaak het.

Die leerders het spesiale items voorberei vir die geleentheid en Juffrou kon ‘n kans kry om al die leerders en ouers in hul klasse te bedank vir hul wonderlike ondersteuning en samewerking deur die jaar.

Hermanus Pre Primêr personeel het weereens almal saamgewerk om ‘n onvergeetlike aand vir die Graad R leerders te voorsien. Hulle was na die gradeplegtigheid by die skool verras met ‘n lekker partytjie en die ouers kon gesellig saam kuier en spesiale foto’s neem saam met hul kinders.

Graad R’e van 2023, ons is lief vir julle, trots op julle en wens julle alle voorspoed toe met jul laerskoolloopbaan.

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Class of 2023

DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 10

Belangrike Datums Important Dates January

February

17 - Skool heropen / School opens

12 - Gr R & Gr RR Fotodag

March

16 - Kleintjies Fotodag 29 - Manne-aand

*dates are subject to change

Birthdays January

2 - Michelle Swart 8 - Geraldine Plaatjies 14 - Anzel Nel 16 - Agnetha Aploon 31 - Enrika van Zyl

February

3 - Janine van Niekerk 29 - Gwen Nepgen

May hope, joy and peace embrace you in the Christmas Season, and may it flow in all its abundance into the New Year.

March

1 - Willeene Matinka 19 - Rozanne Yeoman 25 - Mariska Briers