The Good Times School Newspaper Constantia-Kirstenhof March 2014

Competition Competition Page Page 6 6

Top 10 TopTo10 Do’s To Do’s in CTinPage CT Page 8 8

South Peninsula High School Inter-House

Raoul Owens of theInternational American International School of Cape Town Raoul Owens of the American School of Cape Town

‘Things I The Never Learned in High Roll!

School’ LetLetThe Good GoodTimes Times Roll!

An engaging and confident Simon Mantell Things I Never Learned in High School: Mantelli’s Biscuit Factory. shared his story advice with • How to do taxes The intro speaker, Jonathan Jacobs, from A chanceAglimpse chance glimpse of a grainy of acut-out grainyfrom cut-out a local fromHout a localWe Hout recognise We recognise the necessity the necessity and theand possibility and the possibility of abudding closeof a close young entrepreneurs.

• What taxes are the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Bay paper, Bayposted paper, on posted Facebook on Facebook in March, in brought March, brought it and harmonious it and harmonious community. community.

We also We acknowledge also acknowledge that that “Find a gap in the market. You must have • together Howall to vote Skylar Connects, personal mantra, all together in a massive, in a massive, blindingblinding flash.

The flash. teaching The whose teaching it lies with it lies ourwith children. our children. thick skin, your pride your pocket.

• Anything to do banking though made up ofyears small words, together around the around world; thewith the world; live the music livevenue; music the venue; years theof Theof Good The Times GoodisaTimes a vehicle is aputfor vehicle encouraging forinencouraging better better Start early and no job must be beneath • How to buy a car or a home packs a punch: “If it is to be it is up to publishing; publishing; a great afriendship; great friendship; years inyears design in and designcross-cultural and cross-cultural & community & community based interaction based interaction and a and a I sure am gladand I know the me!”spoke of the formation a Youth sales;But photography sales; photography parenting; and parenting; these seemingly these seemingly way forofway families for families to you.” catch to a glimpse catch a glimpse of what is of going what is ongoing on Mantell believes that the future of close South Pythagorean Theorem. chapter in the Chamber of Commerce that disparatedisparate life events, life literally events, literally came together came together to createto create within their within own, their and own, surrounding and surrounding schools, schools, in the in the close Africa rests onafield. the youth. He explained I stumbled across thisthat statement online scholar something something that has been has hovering been hovering on will the include outskirts on the outskirts of representatives. of community community and further andafield. further that though his dream to have pasta recently and as a pupil-teacher-parent I Founder of SA Teen Entrepreneur our imaginations our imaginations for years.for years.

Our firstOur issue first was issue published was published in June was in of June this year ofa this for year for chainstore, he began by washing cars. had to laugh. In essence it’s true and has Foundation, Lydia Zingoni spoke of the twelve theprimary twelve primary and highand schools high in schools Hout Bay. in Hout Both Bay. Both “If one “If cares deeply cares about deeplyassomeone about or something or something Eachare small step towards bigger been for as farone back in education I can someone space and space newspapers and newspapers offered area move free offered of charge freethe ofto charge the to the new, new, throws onethe athrows kind of a brick’ energy kind of out energy intoout theinto the “What go through life isis sought find, but itone does negate ‘brick by schools and schools support anddream. via support the local via you the community local community isinsought filled with opportunities.

You’ve got to approach to a full education. world, and world, “fruitfulness” and “fruitfulness” is drawnisin.” drawn in.” in order in to order cover to print cover costs. print costs. look and be aware.

I believe South Africa It makes a strong point though, especially The second The issue secondsaw issue popularity saw popularity quadruple quadruple and the and the Mary Ann Mary Shaffer, Ann Shaffer, The Guernsey The Guernsey LiteraryLiterary and and is pregnant with opportunity.” in South Africa Potato where finding a job after the importance of instilling a culture of demand demand in other in communities other communities became became apparent, apparent, thus thus Peel Potato PiePeel Society.

Pie Society.

We bring the in important ofour very She graduation is by no means a given. And this entrepreneurship in young we arepeople. very we are happy veryto happy beneed reaching toto be reaching you, this, you,our inidea this, very to thearea. our schools. stressed the for the to become is the so, partAnd where I’m always wondrously And The so, Good The Times Good was Times born. was A born. collaborative Aneed collaborative firstyouth issue first in the issue Constantia-Kirstenhof inentrepreneurship the Constantia-Kirstenhof area.Just as we encourage the Green Clubs’ veggie active in start-ups.

“We want to be a part led to where I need to be. platformplatform for community for community schools schools to interact, to interact, share and share How andwonderful How wonderful then thatthen we’re that able we’re to welcome able to welcome you to you to gardening for food production, so too must of this, we want the youth to start things, While researching an article for a blog, I learn through learn through the medium the medium of a school of a newspaper. school newspaper.

A The A Good TheTimes Goodand Times wishand youwish a happy you aholiday happy at holiday the at the encourage scholars to start want people with ideas. itsame can only stumbled newspaper across the name Wade newspaper dedicated dedicated to Bruce the upliftment to theofupliftment ofwethe community of the community sameBut time.

Rest time. up,we Rest read up, up and readbe upsafe. and If beyou’re safe.afternoon Ifgoing you’re going entrepreneurial clubs.

The fundamentals be done by people with an entrepreneurial the Entrepreneur Incubator Academy, who through through communication communication and sharing. and sharing. away, happy away,travels. happyIftravels. you’reIfstaying you’rebehind, staying enjoy behind, ourenjoy our of starting/running a and business canitto be learnt background.” invited meWe to the ‘Awaken the Giant in You We all share all a common share a common passion and passion vision and forvision the future. for the future. beautifulbeautiful city and city surrounds and surrounds and make it amake point a do point at to do at in everyday situations.

Simon Based at the Centre, Breakfast Series’, the Vineyard From allFrom our different allhosted our at different backgrounds, backgrounds, we recognise we Cape recognise a Town leastScience aoneleast activity one from activity ourfrom suggested our suggested ToAsDo list!

To Mantell Do list! starters, have the children hoststo workshops, Hotel bycommon the SA Teen in Entrepreneur common desire indesire most, if most, not all, if individuals nottheall,foundation individuals to live The liveGood Theoffers Times Good said, isTimes aforlocal is anewspaper local newspaper about stock our about our and run their own tuckshops. online resources and hosts an annual Teen Foundation.

The theme for the morning in harmony in harmony and experience and experience joy; to thrive joy; towithin thrive our within beautiful our beautiful community. community.

It’s aboutIt’s allabout the good all the times; goodpast, times; past, more visit teenentrepreneur. was ‘Bigcommunities Dreams Young’ andthethesocial Olympiad among otherandFor communities and Start contribute and contribute to toEntrepreneur thefabric socialwithin fabric within current and current future, and future, it isinformation and unapologetically it is unapologetically ‘Ra-Ra’!‘Ra-Ra’! events. co.za keynote speaker was Simon Mantell of which we which live. we live.

Here’s toHere’s an awesome to an awesome 2014! 2014!

“South Africa is pregnant with opportunity”

Constantia Primary School AdvertisingAdvertising Content & Content Layout & Layout Brooke Irving Brooke Irving Jess MorganJess Morgan brooke@thegoodtimes.co.za brooke@thegoodtimes.co.za jess@thegoodtimes.co.za jess@thegoodtimes.co.za 082 467 3659 082 467 3659 082 777 3024 082 777 3024 www.thegoodtimes.co.za www.thegoodtimes.co.za Published byPublished GT Mediaby GT Media Tel: +27 (0)21 Tel: 790 +27 0664 (0)21 790 0664

Constantia Constanti Waldorf Waldorf SchoolSchool

Paul du Toit50c - AnFeeding International HoutSoBay Super Hero!

Hangberg Project: Many Heroes!

Photo courtesy Deborah Saint

A Place to Call Home: Little Angels Paul du Toit, local Houtof Bay father brings hope to the children Hangberg to Danielle(18) and Josh(16), (above,

By Kiara Worth photo Rohrig)more husband and At five by in Gregor the afternoon, than 100 highly acclaimed international artist, children sit amongst the playground of has created a unique for himself Little Angels, waitingposition to be fed.

Within in the international art community.

At minutes, bowls of steaming and nutritious home, as abroad, he is a quiet, amusing stew are delivered into their eager little and humble man. Behind serenity and hands, accompanied with atheslice of bread gentle inspiration that he exudes, lies the and a cup of juice, and a feeding frenzy heart of a man who has given tirelessly begins. For many of the children, most of of himself to amazing that whom are under the age ofinitiatives six years old, occur around the country and the world this is their one guaranteed meal for the benefitting underprivileged in day, and as the bowls are lickedchildren clean, their South Africa.

Paul, despite his meteoric tummies full and their faces smiling, they riseoff in to theplay artwith world, maintained his run theirhas friends. strong sense of social responsibility and is This is the Hangberg 50c Feeding constantly involved in the upliftment of the Project, operated from the Little Angels community.

Paul has been involved in fundraising initiatives for Zip Zap for many years, just the other day designing an artwork wrapping a rare bottle of wine that was

early childhood development centre for underprivileged children in the township of Hangberg, Hout Bay. Operating out of three simple Wendy houses on a small plot of land, Little Angels was started in 2011 by community leader and social worker Liezel Matthews, who recognised the desperate need for childcare in her community.

“There are high levels of substance abuse, criminality, domestic violence and HIV/ AIDS in Hangberg,” says Liezel. “Children are always the most affected and here we try to get them off the streets and give them the love and education they deserve.”

With a heart of gold and a spirit of conviction, Liezel and her three volunteer teachers, all auctioned off at an event.substance (Right). abusers, of whom are reformed However his involvement back now care for 60-80 childrengoes everyday, further to The Art of Rock Events started providing them with basic childcare, in 2010. A blending of talents to delight the education, and hope in an otherwise senses, the fundraising evening combines desperate situation. Working closely with PaulHout painting live, with musicians and the Bay Christian Social Upliftment Zip Zap performing.

The first event Organisation, Child Welfare, local police featured Parlotones second, in departments, and the and local the Health Centre, 2012, Freshlyground, with Paul painting they both monitor and ensure that care is furiously right in front the audienceThey and given to children in theofcommunity. the painting being auctioned off later.

(See also run a youth leadership program for bottom teenagers, left, photo by Gregor young who help Rohrig.) the children Involved in the Rock Girl & Safea Spaces with their studies and provide social Campaign, other have network thatPaul goes(and deep16into the artists) community. created benches symbolising Rock Girl’s As Little Angels began to take shape, Liezel idealsrealised of creating women soon that safe even spaces thoughfor they were and girls in the city and surrounds (See providing education and care, children bench above right.)

Paul also worked with the children of Red River Primary School teaching painting techniques and how to make instruments out of sticks and old sponge.

were suffering from malnutrition and regularly did not have the food they needed to survive. She appealed to the members of the ‘Hout Bay Organised’ Facebook page, and the response was overwhelming.

Lee Warren, Ellen Nortje, Annie Mercer, Helen Hays, Kerry Shrimptom, and Margot Martherus decided to champion the cause,

“Hout Bay we are in awe!” forming the Community Logistical and Planning team. Together they made an appeal to local restaurants and businesses to start the Hangberg 50c Feeding Project.

They began by providing sandwiches and fruit to children on a Saturday and to avoid Paulcreation has worked on five projects with the of hand-out mentalities, they Nelson Mandela (seen below) the asked the parents of the children towith pay 50c, resultant art pieces being auctioned off hence the name of the Project. As support for the Nelson Mandela Foundation and from the community grew, it was only 46664.months before they began providing three Paul collaborated with toArchbishop healthy and nutritious meals more than Desmond Tutu on a one a kind book 150 children three times a of week. that was auctioned inawe!”

America “Hout Bay, we are in saysbenefitting Lee. “We The Lunchbox Fund, an organisation cannot thank you enough. Your supportthat has feeds hungry children Southchildren Africa. and changed the lives of soinmany Paul’s wine (top second left) sold we hope thatcooler this project will continue to for R15 000 benefitting The Light from grow from strength to strength.”

Africafar, Foundation. closer to home, Thus the feedingAnd, project is supported Paul and Anthony Stroebel of Bay Harbour by local businesses Pakalolo, Posticinos, Market organised a group of local school Bugattis, Deli Delish, Spiros, Ragafellows, children to help make Hout Bay more Kitima, Caturra, Home Heros, and Luigis bright & beautiful by painting murals along and Pescarne who will soon be involved. the street outside the market.

I could go on, but in short, here is a local dad making a difference and in full colour too! A true hero in my book.

Photos courtesy Paul du Toit Facebook.

Holiday Entertainment 31 MARCH - 5 APRIL Join our interactive show daily at 11am at the V&A Waterfront and meet Sam the Seagull FREE GOODIES when you join our Sky Riders Kids Club

Cape Wheel For more information visit www.capewheel.co.za

SuperSpar Hout Bay, has provided freezers, gas cookers, storage space, rolls and ingredients for soup made by Urban Nosh; Shoprite Checkers is looking into creating employment opportunities for the community; and OK Mini Mart provides consistent donations of bread. Numerous individuals have volunteered their time to make deliveries and help feed the children.

There has also been international support from KLM Airlines and Sonepar Germany who are helping to provide a fence.

While the support has been overwhelming, the need is still great. Little Angels has very limited infrastructure, and with no electricity, no kitchen, no proper ablutions, no outside shelter and very little land and space, caring for the children – whose numbers grow on a daily basis - is still challenging.

“We are appealing to local business owners and philanthropists to please support this project,” says Liezel. “Our needs are great, and only by working together can we work to create a better society. This is a place called home for a lot of children, and we need help to keep this beautiful family of ours going.”

For more information about the program, please visit: www.littleangelsincapetown. wordpress.com and www.facebook.com/ groups/681298261920310/ or contact Lee Warren directly at leewarren@hotmail.com or 076 041 4974.

FREE

DecemberIsland Holidays New Year’sDestination Eve - Family Friendly Outings Intaka a and ‘Must-Do’ for Schools Not sure what to do with your kids during the December holidays? We are here to help! We found some wonderful activities that your kids will love (and you will enjoy too) as well as some great New Year’s Eve suggestions.

Get Outdoors

Take full advantage of the summery weather and spend as much time outdoors as you can – here are 3 outings that are perfect for those stunning sunny days:

Intaka Island, the jewel in the crown of Century City in Cape Town, is a 16ha environmental wetlands conservation area rich in birdlife and indigenous flora and more recently home again to Grysbok.

Intaka which means bird in Xhosa is a unique example of nature conservation and property development co-existing in Photo courtesy josna.wordpress.com harmony and for mutual benefit.

Strawberry Picking - R44 between When development of the Century City Stellenbosch anditSomerset West site began in 1996 was largely covered This really is fun for the whole family – no matter the age group, picking strawberries at the well-known Mooiberge Farm will not disappoint. Grab a basket, get picking and then enjoy your delicious handpicked strawberries at home with cream or ice cream.

Tel: 021 881 3222

Photo courtesy intaka.co.za

Intaka Island – Century City

Who would’ve you take by invasive alien thought vegetation andcould comprised ferry across a lake to an island in the aa number of degraded wetlands, formerly middle as of the Century City? Well, if you’d like known Blouvlei. to experience something very assessment few other The environmental impact places inwhich Cape Town can offerdevelopment then this is (EIA) preceded it. Intaka Islandthat has aa multi-purpose beautiful selection of recommended nature flora andbea created rich birdinlife with aof 2km path, reserve the–centre Century you and kids can stroll around at your City.

Theyour developer decided to do this both owna pace exploringtoallconservation it has to offer.and to as contribution Tel: 021 6889 and functional wetland create an552 attractive for the precinct. Intaka Island, which

Get Cultural

Cape Town has so much to offer when it comes to learning about our culture and learning about the world – here are 2 activities that are sure to teach both you and your kids something new (and it’s lots of fun too!):

received Voluntary Conservation Status from Cape Nature in October 2006, is the result.

Photo courtesy Llandudno Primary It now covers 16ha, half of which comprise The Science Centre – some Cape of theTown last remaining ephemeral 370B Main Road, Observatory (seasonal) pans of their kind in the world.

With workshops duringand the are school Thesedaily are highly protected not holidays and loadsbuttocansee do,from the open to the public be and viewed Science Centre is sure keep child a distance.

The other 8hatoare the any “working (and adult)consisting captivatedofwith wetlands” fourtheir waterexhibits ponds and experiments. which serve as a natural purification system Tel: 021 300 3200

Get Celebrating

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to be in bed by 9pm on New Year’s Eve. Here are a few options for parents with kids 6 - 8 years and older:

Get ready to battle in 2014

Photo courtesy sa-venues.com

The Company Gardens and the Iziko Museum Planetarium Photo courtesy capetowndailyphoto.com

Deer Park Café – 2 Deer Park Avenue, Vredehoek This outing is perfect for the parent who wants to sit back and relax while the kids run around. With a playground just outside the café, it is an ideal place to go for lunch with friends and family AND your kids.

Tel: 021 462 6311

Pack a picnic and start your day off sitting in the gardens, feeding the squirrels, and then head on over to the Iziko Museum when your kids are fed and happy. The museum is wonderful for all ages as there is so much to see - from whalebones and dinosaurs to crystals and wild animals. The planetarium has shows throughout the day, so you can even end your outing off with a relaxing viewing of the stars.

Tel: 021 481 3900

Photo courtesy sa-venues.com

Kirstenbosch Botanical New Year’s Eve Concert

Gardens

Photo courtesy runnersworld.co.za

for the water in the 8km of canals which

New Eve Sunset link allYear’s aspects of Century City. Hike at Delvera The working wetlands are teeming with

This would be more for older kids bird life – about 120suited bird species can be (10 +) due the hiking.

Spend the seenyears at any onetotime - and indigenous last ofAbout the year taking an unforgettable plantday life.

177 species of indigenous hike the mountain. the top including it’s time plantsupoccur within theAt wetlands for snacks and and toare watch extremely rarechampagne species which on the the sun on list.

2013! For more information call Redset Data 021 4352 The 884 construction of an Environmental Education Centre was completed in 2010 and an Energy Classroom was added in 2013 to help meet growing demand for the facilities.

Intaka Island plays host to a range of visitors from pensioners to corporate training functions and birthday parties. It has become a firm favourite with school groups, with educational programmes, which complement the curriculum, on offer for all ages from Grade R to Matric.

To more info or to book contact Melissa at Melissa@intaka.co.za / 021 552 6889.

Host your own party!

Going out and joining the rest of the world can be tricky when you have very young kids, so why not bring the world to you?

Get some friends together, buy the bubbly, get some snacks and you are ready to welcome in 2014 in the comfort of you own home!

This is possibly one of the most magical ways to enter the New Year – with amazing music, the natural surroundings, the happy We’ll be sharing more December crowd, and a yummy picnic – what more holiday tips and outings on our could you ask for?

Facebook and Twitter pages, so keep This year the artists performing will a look out and you’ll be sure to have What is it and how does it work? include Goldfish, Yoav, and Tailor.

For a super, fun-filled holiday! literature The Battle of the Books, which has run for the past 6 years, is an inter-schools more information call 021 761 2866 Kindly contributed by Klara Loots. quiz (currently only for high schools), held in April on World Book Day.

It is run purely on the passion of encouraging literacy and a love of reading amongst youth by its founder, Patsy Geach,the current librarian at Bergvliet High School.

It is a unique event that provides a platform for teens who love reading to get together and pool their knowledge in a vibrant, competitive and fun environment A school enters a team of 5 pupils, from lower and higher grades. (Entry fee: R 100) There are 10 categories with 10 questions in each category. Each question is read aloud to the teams and the audience by the quiz master for 2014, John Maytham.

The teams have the opportunity to discuss the question amongst themselves and decide and collaborate on an answer,which they then write down.

The answers are supplied by the quiz master at the end of each category. It is wonderful for the audience to be able to watch the teams huddling together debating heatedly in whispers!

Does the audience participate?

No, it is strictly for the official teams to discuss and submit their written answers, but throughout the evening the quiz is opened to the audience and questions and spot prizes are given out .

What are the prizes?

First prize: R 5 000 for the library of the winning school plus a R 100 Readers Warehouse voucher for each pupil on the winning team. Prizes are also awarded to second through to fifth placed teams.

When and where does it take place?

23rd April 2014 (World Book Day), 7pm, Bergvliet High School, Firgrove Way, Bergvliet For more information contact Patsy Geach on pgeach@bhs.org.za or 021 712 0284.

long have you been at Where were you born?How Pretoria, South Africa Where did you study? AISCT? I have been here for three years.

Normal Teacher’s Training College, Pretoria Where have taught before?

What was your favourite subject at you school?

German I have taught at North Jakarta Who was your favourite teacher (including what they International School in Indonesia taught)?

Community High School in My German teacher, Mrsand De Klerk What is your favouriteAnn day Arbor. of the week and why?

Saturdays, I can laze about…

What star sign are you?

What do you love about teaching?

Sagittarius IDescribe love that(briefly) I get to tell stories teaching all day. I love to learn from my a special moment? students.

Also,anI love to egg share mywith lovemy forKindergarten learning.

I orchestrated Easter hunt class Do have any interests and Vern passions? andyou organized thatother the class puppet, (a vulture) was Iwaiting am very passionate abouttree: fashion, trends, for them in a nearby “Theyart, were super popular excited culture, music, sports. when they saw and him playing in the tree shouting: Vern in for real!!”

Zina Scimemi-O, American International School of CT Henriette Griebenow, AISCT. Where were you born?

Where were you born?

Scotland Harrow,did Hampshire, England Where you study?

Where didof you study? & UCT University Strathclyde Loughborough of subject?

What was yourCollege favourite Education Ancient Greek Language What was your favourite subject?

Physics & Sailing Who was your favourite teacher? Mr Mecklejohn, our Who was your favourite teacher? mad French teacher.

Ron Jarman (Maths) Which is your favourite day of the week and why?

Which your favourite day of the week and why?

Friday - is weekend approaches!

Everyday neware andyou? exciting.

What starissign Leo What starmoment sign arewhile you? teaching?

Scorpio elevated to eagle.

A special A special moment When a Grade Onewhile child teaching? said “I hope when my child is in During a lesson girl said that magenta is the Grade One, you on willcolour, be her one teacher.” colour that she feels when she blushes.

Margaret Maxwell, Herzlia Constantia Primary Edward Fox, Constantia Waldorf School.

Where were you born?

Cape Town Bredasdorp Where didyour you favourite study? UWC Who was teacher?

What your favouriteMy subject?

Ms Dewas Wet, (History). mom, English. Van Der Spuy, (Afrikaans) (Art),Mrs Who wasmoment your favourite teacher?

A special while teaching?

Mr 2000, Kirkland (English) In Nelson Mandela visited Yourschool favourite dayour of the week?if our to ask principal Friday.

I get to put my feet andinrest thefollowing next two days. he could enroll hisupgrandchild gr8forthe year.

What signphotographer are you? Sagittarius.

As thestar school I was also at the meeting, and A special heard moment teaching? therefore ourwhile principal say to him: “Of course, Mr In September I gotforms the opportunity to fill meet Mandela Mandela, here1993 are the you need to in.Mr But I must in person when he aaddressed the staff and parents from warn you that we do thorough background check, to ensure schools inthe andfamily aroundhas Mitchell’s at Glendale High. I no-one in ever beenPlain to prison!”

Mr. Mandela was teaching Westridge High the time.

That will laughed until at tears ran down hisatface.

He donned our remain school asupporters’ highlight inhat myand life.went to address the staff and pupils.

What an incredible honour for all of us!

Elizabeth van Niekerk, Bergvliet High School.

Sjaene Van Wyk, Bergvliet High School.

Where were you born?

Johannesburg Where were you born?

Where did you study?

Cape Town Bloemfontein Where did youTeachers’ study? Training College.

Johannesburg College of Education What was What was your yourfavourite favouritesubject? subject Maths at school?

Your favourite teacher?

Maths & Home Economics Mr Steyn (Maths) Your favourite teacher? Mr. Maree Your favourite day of the week?

What star sign are you? Sagittarius Saturday because I can socialise and seek out my favourite A special moment while teaching? coffee shop A breakthrough moment with a child is a special moment! If What sign are you? Virgo I have star to choose a special time it was 9 years ago when my A special moment while teaching: a Grade 4 teacher: Grade 3 class spent very free momentAs making craft jewelry, The unexpected hugs as well as special and sincere notes serviette holders and placemats. We then had a huge market with pretty drawings I so often receive from my pupils day and donated the money to the Chaeli Campaign which telling me beginning “You’re the teacher ever”Today and being was at the of best its development. it’s a stopped thriving in public places by past pupils to have a friendly chat. organization and my class were part of its initiation!

Laetitia Hilder, Kirstenhof Primary School Stella Lazarus, Herzlia Constantia Primary School.

week?

Where were you born?

Where were you born?

Kingsbury Hospital in Claremont Port Elizabeth Where did you study?

Where did you study?

Cape Town Training College in UWC Mowbray and UCT What was your favorite subject?

What was your favourite subject?

Geography & English Everything about primary school.

Who was your favourite teacher?

Who was your favourite teacher?

Mr Brown (English) Many of my BPS teachers.

Which is your favourite day of the Your favourite day of the week?

Friday Assembly, I enjoy meeting together with all the Friday: Itand hasenjoy the promise of two wholetodays of doing fun children their contributions our assemblies.

things.star sign are you? Virgo.

What What star sign are you?

A special moment whileLeo. teaching: As Principal of my A special moment while teaching? “old” primary school I enjoy seeing past pupils coming in to I received e-mail from an ex-learner me for enrol their achildren.

Meeting “children”who whothanked have gone on to becomeon doctors, musicians, actors and on makesin one impacting her life.

She has become veryso successful her realize studies.the importance of one’s work.

Lynette de Beer, Principal, Bergvliet Primary School.

Jacqueline de Kock, Bergvliet Primary School.

Where were you born?

Where were you born? Pretoria Cape Town Where did you study? UCT & Cape UCT Town Teachers College What was your favourite subject?

Literature Biology & History Your favourite teacher? teacher? Ms YorkeMitchell (Lit)(Latin) & Ms Diamond (Hist) Mrs Wilcox What star sign are you? Leo Your favourite day of the week?

Your favourite day of the week?

Each dayIt’s is always differenta relief and each day has and work bad inhas it.

Friday. to know thatgood a week’s There is no specialcompleted day. I do, however,like as Ito can been successfully and you can weekends look forward a read undisturbed. break.

A special moment while teaching? teaching: IAll don’t think thatwhen I cankids single out any one particular those times surprise you with offers tomoment do the in my teaching careerthat as there have many in the 31 when years chores and projects no one elsebeen wants to do.

Also that I have been teaching.

Each classone’s you teach forms a bond students produce work way beyond expectation. with you and you have special moments with them all.

Karen Dreyer-Stempels, South Peninsula High School Kelsey Brynne Hendry, Kirstenhof Primary School

Where were you born? Cape Where were you born?

Where were you born? Durban Where were you born? Cape Town Town Where did you study?

Marianhill, KZN Where were you born?

Cape Town Teachers’ College Where did you study?

Where did you study? UWC Where did you study? University Cape Town What was your favourite subject?

Cape Technikon What was your favourite subject of Natal and UNISA Where did you study?

Biology as I enjoy learning about What was your favourite subject? at school? Geography What was your favourite subject?

CPUT animals and plants.

GeographyYour favourite teacher?

Who was your favourite teacher?

English Who was your favourite teacher?

Mr Hope (Geography). He madeWhat was your favourite subject?

Mr Batt (Afrikaans) Your favourite teacher?

Phys Ed & Mowbray My Std 2 teacher, Mrs van der What star sign are you? Leo geography come alive.

Pat Meyer (History) Merwe, she was strict but fair.

Which is your favourite day? Who was your favourite teacher?

Your favourite day of the week?

Your favourite day of the week?

Which is your favourite day?

(Woodwork) Saturday it is a time that I get to spend with the people Me. VogesFriday Thursday, because it’s before Friday. because the week’s tasks have been completed and Friday as my class goes to computers in the last hour of the I love. I often find I have time onWhich a Saturday to releflect. is your favourite day? an exciting weekend lies ahead.

A special moment while teaching? day! They love computers and I have a shorter day.

What star sign are you? Libra Wednesday. I have no extra murals on that and it’s What star signday are you?

Libra Coaching at amany smaller school we are often the underdogs.

A special moment while teaching?

I have special A special moment while teaching? halfway through the week and Aa special nice gentle downhill moment while run teaching: Endless special moments Matches takeone on a was Davidwhen vs. Goliath scenario.. In this although and rewarding moments! The most recent There are many. A student had been a few days. She untilsick thefor weekend. in the library watching the magic of books and reading taking had practiced spirit wasconcerned high, I had I received an email from a pastwepupil, who had hard just and beenteamwas very thatgiven she couldAnot write the test that day. special moment while teaching? hold of children. appointed as deputy head boy atthe a prestigious boy’s schoolThe boys team very little chance. shared none of my fears My response to her was that no Westcott one had died, whichwas really Primary recognised for Note: outstanding in Cape Town, thanking me for and the positive hadan amazing Editor’s Frances ANA is retiring at the end of this year, and won theirinfluence game It Iwas against changedachievement her perspective and she brightened up and said results, my class out performed all my friends’ classeswould at like tot hank her for all the all at Westcott Primary on him and for my part in making him who he is today!

I am “Can Ilife givelessons. you a hug?” all odds and I was taught valuable That day neighbouring schools. years of service and wish her well for the future. so proud of him. reminded me not to underestimate young people.

Tracey Coetzee, Sweet Valley Primary School.

Alison Philander, Waldorf Constantia School Westcott Primary Frances Hanekom, Westcott Primary School Rob de Villiers, School.

Edward O`Sullivan, Sweet Valley Primary School

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Six Aliens and a Quirky Robot Need Your Help

Six aliens and their quirky robot visit Earth the ensemble cast each have a rich history from ‘Alieon’. and their stories and characters grow They do scientific research, get into throughout the episodes. trouble, generally muck about and drink a Our goal is to inspire a love and respect for lot of tea... all Sciences, for music and for all forms of Sponsored

by ALIEONS? Facebook, the IDC’s new research report “Always Connected: How SO WHAT IS life. and Social Media aKeep is episode, filled with info-nuggets.

We ASmartphones Sci-fi adventure following teamUsofEngaged” In every thegood Alieons (named after encourage you visiting to read the 25 page report, but for on the move, boiled it down alien explorers Earth. theirthose planet Alieon in we’ve the constellation of for you.

No pretty pictures graphics below,Orion) but there are overwhelming definitely some dangers on the report, Each episode is a blend oforstory, humour face and so check it out! (https://fb-public.app.box.com/s/3iq5x6uwnqtq7ki4q8wk) and surreptitious learning. challenges with courage, intelligence, The educational element of each show humour, MacGyver style tricks and of 25% of and people surveyed recall thecourse last time their phone wasand notgadgets. close them. is• bit-sized integral to cannot the storyline marvellous ships • Today, halfteachy of the or total US population uses smartphones. without feeling repetitive.

(All sets and ships are physically made and • In 2013, U.S.much Smartphone Users is projected be characters 181.4 Million which is 57.3% of ALIEONS is very about relationships; propstoand - handmade) the population.

WHO IS IT FOR? • Within the first 15 minutes of waking up,This 4 outisofa 5show smartphone owners are checking for the whole family. their phones.

It’s not frenetic or violent, we have aimed • 79% of respondents have their phone on or them for all but up to 2 hoursand of their to near create something cool, exciting rich waking day.

• 49% of respondents feel connected when using text/message application on their Smartphones.

• From Monday to Sunday, 84% of respondent’s time is spent on phone communicating via text, email, social vs. only 16% on phone calls.

• Men are 75% more likely than women to seek out application on Facebook using their Smartphones.

• People check their smartphones on average 150 times per day.

in detail.

Made for both girls and boys to enjoy, ALIEONS has strong, smart and friendly female and male lead characters. The educational element mainly suits early scholars, 6-8 years old, but the show really is made to be enjoyed by all ages because we know how it feels when they ask you to sit and watch with them: hence no squeaky voices, repetition or annoying music, but rather appealing characters residing in a beautifully crafted world living out original story lines .

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Alieons The Series Hasn’t Been Made Yet. As of March 2014, we are finishing up nearly three years of pre-production.

The trailers we are releasing indicate what the show will look and sound like.

Although we originally intended the series for release via a traditional television network, the growing potential of crowd funding presents us with the opportunity to develop ALIEONS independently, which We took a survey over in our office and found that it was closer to a whopping 75% of us appeals to us as we will be enabled to create that could not recall the last time our phone was not close by. I suppose we have the “I need it for work” excuse, but still. Do a survey among your friends and family and see how many people can remember when last they went out without taking their phones along.

Courtesy of www.mosio.com

Out & About

the show we would like to share with you instead of following a corporate agenda.

We are planning to launch a KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN… We have brilliant Rewards to share!

The Goal: ~ Make the first 6 episodes of Alieons and see where it goes from there. ~IF YOU’D LIKE TO SEE ALIEONS MADE, PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PROJECT ~ Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, subscribe to our website: www.alieons.com If you like this, please tell your friends and family.

We’ll let you know when the KICKSTARTER campaign begins, so you’ll be able to back the project and get hold of the special edition series and releases as well as unique ALIEONS objects and art.

If you wish to contact us via email: info@alieons.com

Romy Southey, Grade 12, AISCT

Matric Art, Constantia Waldorf.

Earth – we are having a HUGE 10th B’EARTHDAY PARTY. Nicola Jackman – founder of The UP and one of GLAMOUR’s WOMEN of the YEAR for 2013 says; “This is such a special milestone for us, we have really grown UP, we used to UPlift just 100 children and now with the ever-growing interest in our work, we bring consistent joy to over 3500 children every month. It’s the most awesomely YAY experience to see how sharing JOY effects everyone, the giver, the receiver and all who witness the exchange.”

On December 16th 2013 – The UP is creating CAPE TOWN’s FIRST EVER PUBLIC B’EARTHDAY PARTY… Families will be able to simultaneously support The UP’s amazing work, whilst Tarryn Phillips, Grade 10, Bergvliet High. having a HEAP of fun travelling a miniworld at Kronendal Primary School.

music & dance” Tickets are R50p/p (for all ages & remember the fee includes your donation to THE UP – ensuring UP’s 10th year is the largest JOY outreach ever) Travel the world & support the growth of JOY, play loads of games & win prizes for best dressed, fastest travelling group and other spot prizes. Tickets available on QUICKET (group booking discounts available).

On arrival your friends or family group will receive a group passport & then you will be able to explore the 13 different countries and enjoy all the bonus entertainment too.

Celebrate 10 years of sharing and growing JOY & let’s raise FUN and FUNDS for the UP and envision love & joy growing around the world!

Mask by Michaela, Grade 7, Bergvliet Primary.

Venue: Kronendal Primary Hout Bay Time: 10am – 5pm

About The UP - The UP is a Not for Profit Organisation 122-357 NPO, founded in 2003. They are an arts for health humanitarian company, committed to bringing UPliftment and extra emotional care to sick & traumatised children in communities, homes & hospitals. Sharing joy sUPports the children’s well-being & recuperation. For almost 10 years they’ve been actively building, sharing and inspiring joy… “Care Clowning, laughter, play, our kindness – caring for one another – that’s UP; WE are all joy catalysts creating a healthier happier humanKIND.” (www.theup.org.za) Nicola Jackman is an award winning actress, voice artist and joy Catalyst. With over 20 years professional acting experience, including 3 years in Isidingo and numerous stage & film productions.

Currently she’s one of the key voice artists in ZAnews, where she voices Helen Zille, Lindiwe Masabuko, Lady Gaga, Yolande Visser, Deborah Patta, Michelle Obama and many more. As a joy catalyst, she’s been playing seriously at inspiring people to enjoy life, step out of their stressful limiting behaviour and become “yay-saying, solution orientated beings”. (www.nicolajackman. com)

Gabi Vaughn Grade 7, Sweet Valley Primary.

Hannah Bam, Grade 2, Westcott Primary.

Tess Attwood, Grade 7, Kirstenhof Primary.

Loren van der Merwe, Grade 12, South Peninsula High

International with a Worldwide View!

Article by Luciana Paz and Yann Picquet Everyone at the American International School of Cape Town is considered international; we are able to interact with people from different places around the world and build friendships that can last forever. Although this may sound cheesy, it’s completely true.

International students travel and develop a more cultural background. We also experience customs and traditions from different countries. We have friends from all over the world, and some from countries most people have never heard of. Being an international student gives us many advantages for overcoming obstacles. For

instance, many students become adaptable to change from moving from country to country.

In addition, these experiences allow us to be more open minded concerning other cultures. International schools give students a worldwide view. When students arrive at an international school, they enter

with a narrow way of thinking and leave with a more open view. South African students are also considered international due to their interaction with students from other countries. International schools are wonderful to be a part of as everyone receives each other kindly and does things to make each other’s lives more comfortable.

National Athletic Champions Hiking for the President’s Award

Article by Luciana Paz, Juan Cavagna, Juan Picquet and Laura Jacke The American International School of Cape Town is proudly being represented by three national athletic champions. Bruce Lee plays golf while James Wallinder and Nastassja Krampe lead their karate teams.

Bruce Lee (pictured right) will represent South Africa in the Callaway International Golf Competition in Illinois. Bruce is in Grade 8 and has been playing golf for ten years. He has a handicap of 7. He learned to play golf in South Africa when his parents moved here from China. Bruce joined the South African golf team and was already doing competitions by the age of seven. Last year, Bruce went to America and won the Callaway International Tournament. Bruce obtained a green card to attend all future US tournaments, thus no longer needing to do the qualifications in South Africa.

James Wallinder (pictured left)looks like a normal student, but after school he is a karate master. At only 14 years old, he competed in two national, regional and world championship tournaments. With all these trophies, one can say James is an experienced, dedicated and flawless athlete.

Since he was four years old, James has been practicing the art of Karate. When he got his blue belt, he specialized in the Kimura style of karate and continued until he earned his black belt. To date, he has achieved 2nd place in the 12-13 year old

division nationally. This trophy allowed him to get to the World Karate Competition the following year when he competed for four days and won 2nd place. In 2013 he competed again in the National Karate Competition and achieved 3rd place. This year he went to the regional competition for the first time and was crowned the Karate Ki in the 13-14 division of the Western Cape. James has plans to compete in the Olympics one day.

Nastassja Krampe (centre) has been elected to go to Shukokai World Championships in Sun City this upcoming year. This exceptional student and athlete won the nationals and came 2nd in the previous World Championship, making her confident to aim for 1st place in her upcoming competition. Although she says she is somewhat nervous, she knows that with her two hours a day six days a week of training she will be more than prepared. Nastassja is currently competing in the 16-17 age division and is in the process of mastering the karate styles of all styles and traditional karate. Last year she went to Dubai for the International Open Event and participated in national and regional competitions for all styles and Shukokai. At this pace she too may be looking at a shot at the Olympics.

These three AISCT students love what they do and are really passionate about it. We wish them all the best in their upcoming competitions!

Article by Nezar El Kaissi At the American International School of Cape Town (AISCT) students participate in the President’s Award, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This is a program designed for high school students to participate in activities that will push them out of their comfort zones. This award contains four components: giving community service time, learning a new skill, participating in a sport and taking an adventurous journey. In the month of November seven AISCT students and two teachers went on 24 kilometre hike from Cape Point to a campsite and camped overnight to complete the adventurous journey component. On the journey students were expected to cook food and be responsible for maintaining enough fluids

throughout the two days. The time it took to complete the hike was eight hours, starting at 8:00 a.m. and finishing at 5:00 p.m., taking longer than originally expected. All the students enjoyed the hike; many of them describing some of the scenery as stunning and found the mountain climbing part of the trail the most fun.

At the end of the hike, all the students were relieved to get back to using their technology again, but all thoroughly enjoyed it and all look forward to doing it again if they choose to advance to the next level of the President’s Award after completing the other three components. This was the first hike for the Award that AISCT has ever planned and was definitely a success. They are already planning and looking forward to another hike in the future.

Fulfilling Promises at the Wynberg Haven Shelter!

Article by Agnes Ezekwesili On Saturday, March 1, a group of high school students from the American International School of Cape Town participated in a service learning project at the Wynberg Haven Shelter, one of the many Haven Shelters all over Cape Town which houses homeless men and women. People from all walks of life, who have found themselves in unfortunate circumstances, turn to these shelters for a helping hand. Pious, the manager of the Wynberg Shelter, and other volunteers help these people get work and

ultimately back on their feet while giving them the means for survival.

We went to the shelter for the first time a few months back and brainstormed some ways to improve and help the shelter. On March 1, we returned prepared to fulfil our plans of painting and making the residents lunch. We started with painting four stoops that Pious showed us needed to be touched up, but we enjoyed painting so much that we ended up painting the two gate posts and even the mailbox! Many of us had never done such large scale painting before,

Instaddiction!

Writing piece by AISCT Senior Girl The other day, I caught myself thinking something that forced me to put my life into perspective. During my TA (teacher’s assistant) elective, the toddlers I teach (who are usually incredibly cute) were somehow extra-adorable that day. They kept giggling and being silly, and I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, this would make a great Instagram post!” As soon as I thought it, I realized that I had fallen into an addictive pool of social media. Instead of appreciating the beautiful moment, I was thinking about how many “likes” I could get from taking a video of it.

I had become subjected to the rein of social media.

Much like heroin or cocaine, websites such as Facebook and Instagram are incredibly addictive – especially for the youth of today. With teenagers who can’t go a day without checking their Facebook or an hour without checking their cell phone, it is safe to say that there is a swarm of young addicts in our society. Because social media is so widely accepted – unlike cocaine - teens and pre-teens are even more susceptible to addiction. Parents buy their children iPhones; they don’t buy their children drugs. Even worse, there appears to be an unspoken rule that “if it isn’t on Facebook, it didn’t happen.” This leaves the youth with the constant need for gratification of their normal lives, because if nobody posted a photo of you at the party,

American International School Print Run Sponsored By HOUT BAY MANOR:

but we caught on quickly. When there was nothing left to paint, we washed up and headed to the kitchen.

We had brought some sandwich ingredients and made tuna mayo, polony and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, and Nutella sandwiches. We all had a really great time serving the people of our community and are looking forward to our next visit to the Wynberg Haven Shelter.

Visiting the shelter was a privilege for all of us. We all have a duty to aid our community and by giving the little that we do, we get were you even there? Thus, lives revolve around social media as opposed to just being lived.

If you’re feeling like you should delete your Facebook account and throw your laptop in the ocean, that’s not what I’m getting at.

Social media can be wonderful. It can link people together from all over the world. It can maintain relationships. It can even be the cause of great success.

However, I do believe that the amount of time a person spends using social media should be limited and that checking Facebook should never be a necessity. Just make sure that if you ever find yourself thinking, “This needs to go on Instagram” rather than simply enjoying a moment, reevaluate what you want to get out of life and don’t let social media limit your happiness.

much more in return. I know that I for example, learned a lot from this trip.

Not only did I find out how to paint on an industrial scale, which will definitely help me in the future, but I also learned that small things can make a big difference.

We honestly did not paint much, but the little we did in the few hours we had really brightened up the place. A fresh coat of paint lifted the ambiance of the shelter. If everyone in the community gave something small, imagine the huge change that we as a community could make.

Class of 2013 Achieve Excellent Matric Exam Results

Bergvliet High achieved an excellent 99% pass rate in the 2013 National Senior Certificate exams. 190 pupils passed the exams with 80% of them achieving bachelor’s passes. This being the best result in terms of bachelor’s passes for 7 years up by 10%.

Jason Arnold achieved first place in the grade with 8 distinctions at an 88.4% average. He was closely followed by Malcolm Hillebrand, Caryn Vorster and

Douglas Newton with 6 distinctions. Chloe Pells, Carl Stanfliet, Emily Pells, Kiara Michalos and Christina Pretorius achieved 5 distinctions each.

Bergvliet High’s Music and Visual Art programmes once again produced outstanding results firmly cementing their place as the top subject departments in the District. Visual Art achieved 10 distinctions (out of 25) with Music achieving 7 out of a possible 15 pupils. Consumer Studies,

Afrikaans, Business Studies, Life Sciences Maths and Physical Science all produced significant numbers of distinctions.

90% of the Class of 2013 achieved an average over 50% which represents 171 pupils. This means that pupils across the spectrum of academic ability have achieved at the potential.

This is testament to the role of Bergvliet High School as a community school that not only consistently delivers excellence

but also looks after those pupils who may struggle academically by helping them to achieve excellent results too. A fact too often overlooked in the fanfare about the top achievers.

The staff worked long and hard and should be commended for producing another set of outstanding matric results that compare with the best in the country.

Stephen Price, Principal

Leah Michaels Attends Honeywell Leaderships Challenge Academy in USA core competencies of the program consisted of the following five categories: • Purposeful Leadership • Effective Communication & Presentation Skills • Critical Thinking • Integrated Planning • Team Trust & Cohesion We participated in the following activities to recognize the five concepts as tools and to utilize these tools to affect change and achieve a desired end, by participating in the following challenges.

In February 2014, Bergvliet High student Leah Michaels in Grade 11, attended the Honeywell Leaderships Challenge Academy at the US Space & Rocket Centre in Huntsville Alabama, USA. Full report: “I was part of a prestigious group of students from 30 countries and 26 US states and territories. I completed a 45 hour training course involving principles of space exploration, science and maths as applied to the US Space Program to learn Leadership Skills in science, technology, engineering and math. The

1. High Rope Challenge – to push one’s personal boundaries by facing our fear of heights, and to motivate our individual team members.

2. Low Rope Challenge – to test leadership and communication skills as well as efficacy.

3. Aviation Challenge – we used simulators to fly the F-18 Hornet fighter jet and the Space Shuttle that tested skill, self-confidence, focus, courage, self-control and co-operation.

4. Space Challenge – I was part of Mission

Control as an EVA (Extravehicular Activities Officer) that flew the Space shuttle to deliver a satellite into orbit.

5. Engineering Design Challenge – we had to build a thermal protection system and a model rocket to assist with critical thinking and integrated planning with engineering concepts.

6. Public speaking – to communicate with diplomacy and tact and to be assertive when communicating.

We received lectures from NASA Scientist,

Astronauts and Engineers.

As a graduate of the US Space Camp I am now, in the words of author, speaker and pastor John C. Maxwell:

“A Leader that knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”.

My participation was made possible by the kind and generous sponsorship of Lwandle Technologies”. Article by Leah Michaels.

Welcoming the New Grade 8s

Inter-Schools Athletics: 20 Gold; 11 Silver; 7 Bronze

Bergvliet High School took part in the Inter-Schools Athletics event in Bellville.

Joshua Rhode won the U15 Long Jump, 1st in 100m Hurdle, 1st in 100m.

Nathan Botes 1st place in 100m, Boys U15 1st place in Shot Put Juanito Manuel 1st place in 200m, 1st place 100m Stefan Hoffmeister 1st in 100m, 1st in 200m, 1st in the Boys U14 : 100m Nathan Botha Boys U19 1st place High Jump, 1st place 400m Timia September 1st Place 100m, 1st place 200m Ammaarah Tregonning 1st place Long Jump Junaid Baker 1st place 200m, 1st place 800m Craig Hunt 1st place 400m Mikhail Naylor 1st place 400m Denique Meyer 1st place Long Jump Kristin Clarke 1st place Shot Put

Bergvliet High School Print Run Sponsored By SA GOLF INSTITUTE:

Short on words: Huge on Implementation

Bergvliet Primary School has a motto which is short on words, but huge in its implementation – “SERVIMUS”- We Serve.

Throughout the decades of our 64 years of existence, the school’s learners have been actively involved in the life of the community of which it forms an important part.

During the course of the last, and extremely busy, term of 2013, BPS children participated enthusiastically and generously in a number of upliftment projects.

As part of our HIV/Aids Day awareness

campaign, which the BPS community commemorated on Thursday, 21 November 2013 by encouraging learners to wear red clothing or a red ribbon, and also on Friday, 22 November when we handed over a large collection of toiletries and other everyday necessities collected by our school for Beautiful Gate South Africa.

A representative of this organisation visited our Friday Assembly to receive the gifts. Beautiful Gate is situated in Lower Crossroads where they provide crucial family support to the community, working in conjunction with other NGOs and Government to address the impact of HIV/ AIDS on the lives of people faced with the daily struggle of ill-health and poverty. We were overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit of loving concern exhibited by our school families in their huge response to this appeal.

As a last outreach project for their primary school careers, our 2013 Grade Seven learners decided to prepare individual love boxes for the residents at the Douglas Murray Home for the Aged in Retreat. The beautifully decorated boxes filled with toiletries, sweets and other treats, were taken to the home by our Grade Seven Educators, where these special gifts were received with great pleasure and appreciation.

On the last day of school for 2013,

Wednesday, 04 December, large numbers of Bergvliet Primary School learners left school without their shoes! This was due to our response to an appeal for donations of school shoes from the Cape Town Refugee Centre. It was fun to go home barefooted (with permission, of course), but it also provided insight for our learners into the reality of life lived without shoes – NOT always fun.

At the end of each term we hold a Lost Property Sale where unclaimed, unmarked lost items of uniform, sports equipment and lunch containers are sold very cheaply. The proceeds of these termly sales are given to the Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO) who do wonderful work for neglected and abused animals in the townships of Cape Town. This organisation also receives donations of petfood from Bergvliet Primary School – when learners are found to be using their cellphones during the course of the school day (which is in contravention of school rules) they are required to provide two large tins of petfood as a forfeit for the return of the phone. This is a very positive way of ensuring that rules are observed. At the end of Term 4 - 2013 BPS was able to donate R835.00 to ARO. During the Fourth Term of 2013 Bergvliet Primary School supported St Michael’s Children’s Home in Plumstead and the

Cape of Good Hope SPCA by holding a Civvies Day on Friday, 25 October 2013.

The R5.00 donation per child wearing “civvies” amounts to a very useful sum of money, which was shared between these two organisations. Our learners also filled a box with donations of pet toys, especially balls, collected for the SPCA. Thursdays are Sandwich Days at Bergvliet Primary School. For many years we have sent sandwiches to the learners at Zeekoeivlei Primary School on Thursdays – this outreach project is consistently and enthusiastically supported by our school family – some families prepare a whole loaf’s worth of sandwiches each week.

At Easter time each year the learners at Bergvliet Primary School collect Easter eggs on behalf of the Lions Club of Bergvliet’s Easter Egg Drive. This is also a long-standing project at our school, which always receives tremendous support from all our learners notwithstanding the differing religious faiths represented at BPS. We are so very fortunate to have parents, families, learners and friends of Bergvliet Primary who never let us down when we appeal for assistance of one sort or another – we are true to our motto – a school with hearts overflowing with generosity and concern for others.

“Camp Out” Fundraiser as Popular as Ever

A highlight of the Term 1 at BPS each year is the ever-popular fund-raiser “Camp Out”.

There are always disappointed learners as we are simply not able to fit the entire school family in their tents on the South Field of the school! The weather accommodated us very kindly on Friday, 07 February as parents pitched tents, expertly and not-so-expertly, and children splashed about in the school pool, skate-boarded and roller-bladed on the

asphalt, watched movies and danced to vibey music. The healthy, outdoor experience was an ideal time to bond with new classmates and for parents to make friendships too. A Potjiekos Challenge on Friday had competitive parents cooking, and a hearty breakfast in with fellow campers on Saturday, wrapped up the week in the best way possible. We raised an incredible R 28 007.50, ensuring the success of next year’s Camp Out adventure.

Green Club Prepare for the Fun Run Fund-Raiser BPS Garden Club members preparing for their stall for the Fun Run with Food, Games & More Fun Fund-raiser held on Saturday, 15 March 2014.

Members of the Garden Club have developed sustainable habits for life as well as the ability to nourish and nurture plants with confidence – a great asset, once learnt, never forgotten.

The Garden Club have been planting water-wise succulents around the school premises, as well as extending the protea planting drive, in an effort to make the school gardens sustainable.

These green-fingered youngsters sold herbs and succulents that were grown at school, as well as other donated plants, from their stall at the Fun Run. We would like to thank the Garden Club for beautifying our school, and all those parents, children and teachers who supported them and other stalls on the day.

Bergvliet Primary School Print Run Sponsored By RATANGA JUNCTION:

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A Brief History in Pictures!

In 2010, Constantia Primary celebrated its centenary in high style with assorted special events. Seen here at the Centennial Dance is the school’s management team from left: Mr. S FRANS (Principal), Mrs. B Sias (HOD), Mrs. C Rooi (Treasurer), Ms. S Bruce (Ass.Treasurer) Mr. CJ Cloete (HOD). Below right is our school secretary, Mrs. G Muller.

This term we say a sad farewell to our wonderful principal, Mr. Sam Frans (pictured left). Thank you for all your hard work and enthusiasm, we will miss your presence here. You have played a vital role in the lives of so many of our children. We wish you well for the future. Above, the staff can be seen enjoying a lovely breakfast in honour of Mr Frans’ birthday on 10 March this year.

Above and right are pictured the children having fun at the Intermediate Phase SOS Camp held last year. Pictured below are the winners of our Inter-House Sports Day held at Buitenverwachting Farm on 7 February 2014. Go Blue House!

Left and above are photographs from our Valentine’s Day Programme. Above, shows Zintle reciting a beautiful Valentine’s poem.

Constantia Waldorf: Education towards Freedom Constantia Waldorf Primary School

Primary education in our Waldorf school focuses on preparation for life in the broadest sense and creating a love for life-long learning. The teacher seeks to integrate intellectual and artistic work, so that the child’s head, heart and hands are addressed. This is done by using all the senses through feeling, thinking and experiencing. This is further supported by a three to four week main lesson of two hours that occur at the start of every day. Children are at their most attentive this time of the day and therefore an in-depth exploration of a topic can occur.

The children’s enthusiasm can be seen in the quality of their self-made books.

The primary school class teacher stays with the same class from Class 1-7, thus allowing a deep bond to form between teacher and child as well as intimate knowledge of an individual’s learning processes.

The teachers are interested in the children as individuals and seek to answer the questions of how to establish within each child his or her own high level of academic excellence as well as how to call forth enthusiasm for fellow human beings and respect and reverence for the world.

Practical subjects such as handwork, woodwork and music are viewed as essential and are covered in a rhythmical pattern together with other subjects such as Mathematics, English and second languages.

By Sonya le Roux, Primary School Teacher

Constantia Waldorf High School

In the midst of current global difficulties pertaining to climate change, the economic crisis, fraud at the highest levels, the rising crime rate and the erosion of the sense of outrage, the negative effects of technology and the loss of traditional norms and values in society, how can we bring to the idealistic adolescent a sense of hope and the trust that Goodness, Beauty and Truth will prevail?

The broadest of the great themes indicated by Dr Rudolf Steiner are: the world is Good (for the 3 – 7 year old child), the world is Beautiful (7 – 13) and the world is True (13 – 18). Thus the focus is on allowing the child of 3 – 7 years to develop physically in a healthy way, without neglecting the intellectual and emotional spheres. During the Primary School years, the emphasis is on the affective or feeling sphere, again without neglecting the physical and intellectual. During the High School years, the rich curriculum and innovative teaching methods address the whole human being, working to develop clarity in thought, balance in feeling and conscience and initiative in action.

The High School curriculum was developed according to age and meets the adolescent at the deepest level. It reflects the various themes explored during the PS years, so that there is a deep recognition of the feeling engendered in Grade 6, say, with the History taught in Grade 10. Every year has a particular emphasis. As an example, in Grade 11 the story of a young man during the Middle Ages going on a journey to “find himself” – an epic and archetypal tale – is studied in book form (“Parzival” by Wolfram von Eschenbach ). During this time the Grade 11”s spend a week hiking – following a special “secret” route – discussing the story and its meaning in the evenings. The extra Mathematics in this year, for example, is Projective Geometry (exploring infinity). The Grade 11 year also brings the “Social Practical” experience – a full two weeks working at an institution where people less fortunate are being cared for (a retirement centre, a shelter, a paediatric hospital, a sheltered employment workshop, etc.)

Subjects studied throughout the High School by all pupils are English and Drama, Art and Music, Leatherwork, Woodwork, Metalwork and Technology,

Afrikaans/Xhosa (or another language), and the other subjects – History, Mathematics, Life Science, Natural Science, Physics and Chemistry. Most of these subjects are taught as a “Main Lesson” for two hours each morning for three to four weeks so that the topics can be explored in depth. This rotation of many subjects brings about a sense of anticipation in the pupils – “What is our next Main Lesson?” They create their own books which are usually works of art, with illustrations and their own handwritten, individual notes.

A unique form of movement, Eurythmy, which expresses music and the spoken word through specific exercises, is taught throughout, in addition to the usual Games/Sports lesson.

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In Grade 9 the entire class performs a Shakespeare play which has already been studied in a Main Lesson. In Grade 12 two or three plays are performed by the entire class.

The Waldorf Curriculum culminates in an extensively researched project by each pupil, which is documented and presented to the public at a “gala” evening. Specialisation in subjects for the NCAPS final examinations is left until Grade 11 and the final examinations are written at the end of the extra year, Class 13. Results at the Constantia Waldorf School are always very good indeed following a rigorous testing schedule which more than compensates for times spent on examinations in previous years at other schools.

Our task at Constantia Waldorf School is not to produce adults who emulate us in the way they think, view the world and plan for the future. Rather we must allow the children in our care to develop as fully as possible - uniquely – so that each can bring to the world not a repetition of today’s scenario but a new response to the problems of our world and the courage to follow his or her own unique destiny.

By Louise Elliot, High School Teacher

Charlie Hempe’s Surprise 60th Birthday Celebration Charlie Hempe is Herzlia Constantia’s School Driver and Caretaker. Charlie celebrated his 60th birthday at school and was surprised to enter the hall and see the entire school including all the pre-primary children and Charlie’s wife and family. Geena Joffe baked a cake for Charlie.

Combined Annual Fund-Raiser: Bay City Cycle Tour

We hosted our combined annual fundraiser with Hebrew Order of David (HOD) on Sunday 23 February. The Bay Cycle Tour 2014 was a huge success There were close to 2 000 cyclists and the reports are positive in terms of our management of the race. There is no doubt that when parents work together with teachers on a school project it builds a sense of community.

Some of the marshal points were really

challenging however the parents loved their involvement and enjoyed the challenge of guiding and hydrating the cyclists. Thank you to all our dedicated Herzlia Constantia Primary maintenance staff, parents and our amazing teachers who woke up before sunrise on the morning and came to make the Bay City Cycle Tour a huge success.

It was hard work and we appreciate your commitment to our school.

Grade 6 Market Day Talented Steelband!

We had the most brilliant Market day initiated and planned by the Grade 6 children. It is evident that our new Grade 6 teacher, Ms Haller, is of exceptional calibre by the manner in which these children were supported and guided in their projects.

The stalls were original, the plans were thorough, the products were high quality, the presentations were exciting and the sales were profitable for all the children and their outreach/charity (as 10% of profits go to a cause they choose).

Every Thursday late afternoon our school comes alive with the wonderful musical sounds of the Steelband taught by Mr David Wickham. The core focus of the project is to provide quality music education and to develop the discipline and listening skills required for playing in a band. Our musicians play with passion and skill and we are so proud of them when they give live performances at the Waterfront Amphitheatre.

Inter-House Weekend Inter-House Athletics

Athletics day for both the foundation and intermediate phase took place on Friday 28 February. We separate athletics day as the younger children have fun athletics and team building relays and the older children participate in more competitive races. To make this work we have the two athletics meetings back to back and it is a highlight for our children.

The success is evident as nearly all the children participate in many of the races.

The house spirit was electric and the children sang house songs all morning led by their newly elected grade six house captains. Undoubtedly the highlights of the day are the tugof-war when the whole school participates and the parents-teacher relay which includes our field staff and security officers.

We had a really successful Inter-house weekend at Herzlia Constantia for the grade 6 children from all three primary schools. The programme is developed and run by the Jewish Life and Learning team in conjunction with the Grade 11 pupils who serve as the camp counsellors. Well done to the team who masterminded the event and kept the grade 6 children on a tight constructive programme. The team spirit and excitement that filtered through to the children is the real stuff that makes for positive lifetime memories.

Herzlia Constantia Primary School Print Run Sponsored By STAR DOT TOYS:

PTA Hosts ‘Welcome Back to School Picnic’

On Friday, 31 January 2014, the Kirstenhof Primary PTA hosted this year’s “Welcome Back To School Picnic”. The evening was well-attended with an estimated 1 200 children and parents enjoying themselves on a warm, still evening under the new sportsfield floodlights. Parents and children socialised and played games while sharing a snack or three under the stars. It was a great evening.

Western Province Trials WESSA - Eco-School’s Award

Five of our chess players played in the Western Province, Southern District Trials, on the weekend of 7 and 8 February. Four of our players have been selected to play in the Western Province closed trials. They are Andrew Schrönen, David Person, Idris Smith and Hasan Smith. We wish them well in the forthcoming trials being held in March.

Last year Kirstenhof Primary registered for “Eco-Schools” (run by WESSA) and started a very successful paper recycling project, for which we’ll soon receive our first EcoSchool’s Award. We started the project because we realized that the school wasted great quantities of paper every day. Most of the school’s waste is generated by paper off cuts, old worksheets, cardboard and used exercise books. Now instead of dumping the paper in the bin, a box is placed in each class for the waste paper. Once a week our Eco-Club learners weigh the boxes to see which class recycled the most waste. They sort the paper which is then collected by Oasis, a non-profit organization that use the funds generated by recycling to earn income for people with intellectual disabilities. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! We are wasting less paper and helping those in need. The learners also benefit greatly - they love being involved and it teaches them valuable life skills.

Baden Powell’s Birthday Valentine’s Day Sharing

Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies wore their uniforms to school in commemoration of Lord Baden Powell’s birthday.

Back row: David Noble; Marc Noble; Jemma Morris; Erica Schrick; Connor Winter.

Middle row: Ethan Williams; Kyla Aird; Chloe Aird; Cameron Tromp; Keagan Stotesbury; Kiara Winter. Front Row: Emily Riseborough; Luke Shadford; Luke Giliomee; Rowan Carberry; Gabriella Willemse; Shannon Burridge.

Kirstenhof Primary pupils chose to share their love on Valentine’s Day by wearing red and bringing soup or two minute noodles for those less fortunate than themselves.

Representing South Africa Western Province Cricket Left, Ronin Fairfull and right, Jarod Fairfull were invited to the judo trials in Pretoria on 7 February. A South African team, who are to participate in the Ippon Trophy in Antwerp in May this year, was chosen. Both Jarod and Ronin made the team. Jarod achieved 1st position and Ronin, 2nd.

The twins also participated in the National Ranking Event which places the players on the ranking list for the South African Championships in Port Elizabeth in June this year. Jarod took gold and Ronin, silver.

Cameron Fraser was selected for the U11 Western Province Cricket Team (Cameron was U10 when selected) to take part in the Inter-Provincial Cricket Tournament held in Worcester during the December holidays.

Cameron did extremely well, scoring 119 against Gauteng. He followed that by taking 6 wickets for 11 runs in the next game against Boland. He was subsequently chosen as the best batsman at the tournament.

All the Different Plant Parts Kirstenhof Inter-House Gala

The Grade 2 children have been learning about plants this term. One of the things we learnt was that we can eat different parts of plants. We already knew that plants have roots, stems, leaves and flowers and we wanted to know which part of the plant we were eating when we ate certain foods.

The children were divided into groups and given various vegetables such as carrots, radishes, celery, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower. They had to sort the veg into the correct groups and record which part of the plant gets eaten. Once this was complete, they tasted each raw vegetable and recorded what they thought of the taste. Many were surprised to find that they actually preferred the taste of the raw vegetable to the cooked version. This was a lovely interactive lesson and the children thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mathew Brougham Cook & Amber Sneddon holding the Swimming Trophy with principal, Mr C Barham.

Brent Hendricks holding the Spirit Trophy and Jodi Beckman with principal, Mr C Barham.

The Inter-House Gala was held on 28 January. All houses were in high spirits.

The swimmers swam very well and Cullan Larkin, from Blue House, broke three records. Green House was awarded the Swimming Trophy and Blue House the Spirit Cup. Red and Yellow House will have to put on their fins next year. Four brave parents participated in the parents’ race cheered on by their children on the

other side of the pool. The final and muchanticipated event was the teachers’ race.

Our adventurous teachers swam a relay against the top Grade 7 swimmers. The teams were equally matched and it ended in a draw. The second race was a fun race with pool noodles. The male teachers came out tops, with the boys not far behind. The girls swam away from the female teachers who came a sinking last.

Grade 7 Camp

Grade 7 Camp

The Grade 6’s had a fantastic time in Stellenbosch. They took advantage of the wonderful sunny weather and completed many water tasks. Some of the group tasks that they were involved in were crab hunting, a muddy obstacle course, cleaning polluted river ponds, hiking and an animal show, where some learners got to hold and show off the animals.

The Grade 7’s spent four fun-filled days at Wortelgat, Stanford. They experienced different activities and types of accommodation at the Stables, Gecko Bush

Camp and the Outdoor Camp. Activities included archery, kayaking, rock climbing, balancing, the “drum with water” relay in the mud and others where your skills and logic were tested. Highlights of the camp were the lifeline hike in the dark, making a group potjie with their own special ingredient, the singing and acting around the campfire and not forgetting, sleeping on the uneven ground under the stars. The children were exhausted after such a happy and memorable camp. According to many of the pupils, “it was the best camp ever”!

Fun at Grade 5, 6 & 7 Camps

Grade 5 Camp

Grade 5 Camp

Grade 6 Camp

Grade 6 Camp

Kirstenhof Primary School Run Sponsored By FULLCIRCLE WELLNESS:

Our Top 20 Matric Achievers for 2013 South Peninsula matriculants of 2013 obtained a 100% pass rate in the NSC examinations, with 199 students writing the examination and 85% obtaining a bachelor pass. Eight students obtained an A pass and there was a total of 163 subject distinctions with four candidates getting six distinctions.

The school achieved the highest ranking in the District South for its pass rate and bachelor pass rate. SP was placed 6th in the province for schools who obtained 100% passes and having the highest number of candidates, and 19th for schools who have 100% passes and the highest bachelor rate.

SP’s top achiever in 2013 was Aqeelah Adams, with six subject distinctions. She was honoured by the WCED as a top 40 provincial achiever. At least10 of the top achievers at SP have accepted the R35 000 scholarship offer from Stellenbosch Aqeelah Adams, SP’s top student 2013 University.

Exciting UCT Dance Project Eastern Cape Exchange

Jordan Vandayer.

Michaela Loots and Adrienne Du Plooy.

Two of SP’s grade 12 Dance Studies students, Jordan Vandayer and Adrienne Du Plooy, have been chosen by the New World Dance Theatre (based at UCT School of Dance) to be part of its Contemporary Dance Youth Training Programme. Auditions for this programme were held on 8 February and involved a group of 75 dance hopefuls from across the Peninsula. The group will be working with professional dancers Celeste Botha and Marlin Zoutman every Saturday until July,

culminating in a showcase of their work on 25 July.

Three other dance students, Crystal Fink, Michaela Loots and Zoe Jurgens, have also been chosen to work with student teachers and other professional dancers at the UCT School of Dance Training Programme.

The Grade 12 Choreography Evening will be held on 7 March in the SP school hall.

The choreography pieces of matric Dance Studies students will be showcased at this event.

Jordan Vandayer and Crystal Fink.

A group of three teachers and eight students from Mahanyaneng Junior Secondary School in the Mount Fletcher District (Eastern Cape) spent a week at SP during February.

This was part of a new exchange programme established last year when a group of SP teachers and students visited Mahanyaneng in August.

The schools hope to maintain contact and strengthen ties in the years to come. Both schools agreed that there was much to learn from each other and that the visits were mutually enriching.

The group spent time at the school, visiting classes and interacting with peers. They also visited places of interest in Cape Town during their short stay.

Grade 8 Orientation 2014 New grade eights at SP were treated to an exciting display of experiments, explosions, and chemical wonders by a dynamic member of the Mobile Science Centre at their Orientation Day earlier this year.

Inter-House Athletics a Huge Success

Inter-house athletics revealed a host of new sportsmen and women who put their talents on display during the annual inter-house athletics competition which was held at the school on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 9th and 10th February.

The two days proved to be a huge success as many new stars made their appearance.

The event was won by Kendal House who held the lead from the very first “pointsto-date.”

U19 Cricketers Going from Strength to Strength

Raafieq Isaacs, Man of the Match.

South Peninsula High School plays in the midweek league of Western Province Youth Cricket. Many of the boys play for clubs on a Saturday. Our team generally performs very well in the midweek games, and this year, thus far, has been no exception.

To date, we have played three games, winning all of them handsomely. The games are played according to the 20/20

format. We have beaten Wynberg Boys, Bergvliet and Portlands High Schools. The match against Wynberg Boys was played at SP, while the other two were played away.

In the first match SP batted first, scoring 132/7 in their 20 overs, and then bowled Wynberg Boys out for 105, thereby winning by 27 runs. The victory against Bergvliet was even more convincing. Once again, SP batted first, this time scoring 178/6 in their 20 overs. They restricted Bergvliet to 94/8, winning by the huge margin of 82 runs.

The Portlands match proved to be another one dominated by SP. Batting first once more, SP scored 178/9, and again bowled and fielded well, restricting Portlands to 111/4. SP therefore won by 67 runs.

As far as individual performances go, one name stands out – that of Raafieq Isaacs.

Raafieq was the top scorer in all three matches, scoring 24 against WBHS, 74 against Portlands, and, against Bergvliet, an incredible 110 not out, scored in a mere 61 balls. His innings included eight 6s and nine 4s. Raafieq, a Grade 11 pupil and captain of

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the side, is also a very good fast bowler. He has performed consistently for the school from Grade 8, and has represented Western Province at U/15 level. There is a very good chance that he could be selected this year again. Against Portlands, he and number 3 batsman Mujtabaa Hartley (31) had a partnership of 116 runs. Of the bowlers,

Uthmaan Gassiep and Tyler Ridder have both taken three wickets in a match.

On the whole, the entire squad has impressed with its discipline and commitment, both on and off the field, and there is every indication that South Peninsula’s U/19 cricketers will go from strength to strength.

By B Saunders.

Sweet Valley Primary ‘Builds’ a New Chapter

Sweet Valley Primary School has a proud history of producing outstanding art, music and drama students, all of whom receive a firm artistic or cultural grounding from their teachers, during their years at this school.

With our staff turning any hint of talent into master performers and our students ready to ‘become all that they can be’, our art, drama and music departments have grown from strength to strength. This has led to our offering many more musical

instruments than before and producing more budding performers and artists than had been previously show cased.

With this explosion of new talent, it was often found that these future professionals were sometimes learning in venues that weren’t the best classrooms. Because there were so few music rooms, some children had to be taught in garden sheds or under the stairs.

The drama children had to practise from time to time on the field in the middle of Mr

O’Sullivan’s rugby practice if there wasn’t an available venue.

And so without any convincing at all… the plans for a brand new Arts and Culture Centre were drawn up and given the golden stamp of approval by Mr Ryan, the Headmaster, to be built without delay.

The new building is a double storey: on the upper level there are 9 small classrooms where children may learn to play nearly any musical instrument of their choice, a spacious music classroom where children experience classroom music and a waiting area, for those awaiting a lesson.

Downstairs includes an art room, 2 drama rooms (that can be opened into one large

space, with a stage), a kitchenette and ablution facilities for boys and girls.

The music teachers moved out of their old music classrooms on the 16th October 2012 so that building of the new Arts and Culture Centre could commence.

The Grade 7’s of 2012 were only too happy to assist in demolishing the old music classrooms.

The first music lessons that took place, inside the new building commenced on Friday, 15 November 2013.

Our Music Staff consists of 4 full time and 6 part time staff. Mrs Debbie Parkinson is Head of Music ( top left). Mrs Horn- Botha (absent), is Head of Arts and Culture.

Spoiling the Staff: Valentine’s Day

Janey Cogan(Art Teacher), Candice Williams (Drama Teacher), Jane Foster (Head of Drama).

Well Done Literature Quiz Teams

Headmaster, Ian Ryan, spoilt the staff for Valentine’s day on 14th February. When the staff ended the school day on Friday, 14th February the staffroom was decorated in Red and White and the table was arranged with delicious cup cakes and sparkling red grape juice. All the staff wore either red/pink and white to school that day.

Holly Marsden, Greg Orpen-Lyall, Mrs Senogles (Librarian), Reece Mc Minn, Gryffin Newlands.

On Friday, 14 February, Sweet Valley entered the Cape Town Literature Quiz which is part of the “Kids Lit World Championships”.

35 teams took part. Our 1st team won the Cape Town Finals. The team members Holly Marsden, Greg Orpen-Lyall, Reece Mc Minn and Gryffin Newlands went through to represent Cape Town in the SA Finals. The winning teams from all over SA, gathered on Saturday, 15 February, at Grove Primary for the SA finals. Our team was placed 5th in the SA finals. Well done to the team. Mrs Senogles, librarian at Sweet Valley Primary was very excited with the team’s achievement.

Inter-House Sports Day: Protea Triumphant

events where the Grade 4-7s competed in High Jump, Long Jump and Shot Put. Sweet Valley has produced outstanding athletes in High Jump and Long Jump over the years and this year new records were set again.

Ruby Behrens jumped an incredible 1,44m in the Girls U12 High Jump beating the old record by a massive 7cm. Protea House took the early lead after the field events.

The track events took place in the afternoon.

The 52nd annual Inter-house Sports day took place on 25 January. On this day the three school houses, Erica (yellow), Protea (green) and Disa (blue) competed in a number of track and field events. The

In the end, Protea House took the honours.

It was their first victory since 2006. Erica took second place followed by Disa. Erica was awarded the Spirit Cup. Katie-Rose Powell and Gary Allen were awarded the Victrix and Victor Ludorum trophies respectively. It was a day filled outstanding achievements and fierce competition enjoyed by all the athletes, parents and staff of the school.

morning kicked off with the traditional Big Brag where the three houses strut their stuff in the special morning assembly to create some “gees”.

The competition kicked off with the field

Western Cape Athletics Championships Inter-House Gala Trophy Winners Sweet Valley participated at the Western Cape Athletics Championships which took place at the Dal Josaphat Stadium in Paarl on 8th March.

Katie- Rose Powell (left in pic), won the gold medal for the u13 Girls High Jump and Ruby Behrens (right in pic), won the bronze medal for U12 Girls Long Jump.

Sweet Valley Primary School Print Run Sponsored By DELISH RESTAURANT:

Sweet Valley held their annual gala on Friday, 21 February.

Disa House won.

The Junior Victor and Victrix winners were Roan van Heerden (Protea House) and Hannah Cromhout (Erica House).

The Senior Victor and Victrix winners were Nathan Haskins (Protea House) and Francesca Guy (Disa House).

A Wonderful Week of Valentine’s Wishes

Grade 2’s showing off their beautiful cards.

Miss Tatum Smith, Grade 2, and Mrs Vivienne Keet, Grade 3, in a Circle of Love.

Westcott Primary School in Diep River was abuzz in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day and on the day itself.

The Grade 7’s raided their toy cupboards, as well as their treat cupboards, and made crackers which they sold from their classroom windows at break time to raise funds for their end of year present to the school.

The Grade 2’s made cards for their moms.

It was awesome to see their fine-motor coordination while paper tearing to fill a heart on their card.

The Grade 4’s learnt how to write a set of instructions in recipe format in Afrikaans, how to make icing sugar and decorate heart shaped biscuits. On Friday the 14th, they were given the opportunity to ice and decorate biscuits.

The school librarian, Mrs Rona Souter, got

the pupils to fill in their favourite novel and the author on a heart-shaped piece of card. She spent hours cutting them out and displaying them in a heart shape on the wall, with the help of Mrs Bergstedt, a parent. Mrs Souter wanted to find out what the children loved reading and now, using funds which the Governing Body has provided, she will source any books that are not in the library. She also sourced books that are currently in the library about “love” and displayed them for the pupils.

Classes visiting the library during the week, were read some pages of the novels displayed to entice the children to take them out and read the rest of the story.

In assembly on Friday the 14th of February, Riaan Gous in Grade 7 read from the Bible: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 verse 4-8. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous

Daniel Bergstedt, Jaimie Bergstedt, Hannah Przygonski and Gemma Liberty.

or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.”

These verses tie in beautifully with Westcott’s value hand, where pupils are encouraged to be responsible, loyal, honest, compassionate and show respect.

The children as well as the staff were shown a short video clip about the history

of Valentine’s Day. A song was sung by a group of Grade 7’s while others moved hearts on a whiteboard into 2D shapes, much to the delight of the teachers, as a quick Mathematics lesson was given during assembly.

All the children were encouraged to wear red and white. Even some staff members joined in the festivities. At the end of the day staff members were treated to a Valentine’s Day lunch to celebrate a job well done for the week. All in all a beautiful celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Our House Captains for 2014 A New Librarian for Westcott

Back row: Karl de Kock, Joshua Diedericks, Todd Fortune.

Front row: Nicole Druchen, Zoe Bedasie, Gabriella Ferreira.

Chloe Taylor and Grace Drew listening attentively to a South African novel read to the class during their library time.

On Friday the 24th of January, Westcott Primary School in Diep River announced their house captains for the year.

Jupiter House: Zoe Bedasie and Joshua Diedericks.

Venus House: Nicole Druchen and Karl de Kock.

Westcott Primary School in Diep River is delighted to welcome their new librarian to their family. Mrs Rona Souter has already become popular with the children as she is actively engaging the children and encouraging them to love books.

Mrs Souter has spoken to many teachers

Mars House: Gabriella Ferreira and Todd Fortune.

Their duties include organising netball, volleyball, soccer and cricket matches amongst the houses as well as running their house on Sports’ Day. Westcott wishes them well for the year ahead.

asking them what their themes are for the term then sourced and displayed books in the library as well as sending books to their classrooms. When each class arrives she shows them the available books and encourages them to broaden their knowledge.

Our Compassionate Peer Helpers Tolerance on Anti-Bullying Day

Erin van Wyk, Timothy Roux (co-ordinator and leader) and Rejane Rasool.

Cayden May, Taryn Ah-Shene, Gemma Liberty, Emily Borez, Hannah Przygonski, Gisele Davids

On Friday the 31st of January, Westcott Primary School announced their peer helpers for the year. These children were specifically chosen for their compassion and for their ability to sort out minor playground issues. They will wear bibs at break time for easy identification. Learners have been encouraged to find children to sort out minor issues before running to the teacher on duty. Congratulations to these leaners.

The 31st of January was Anti-Bullying Day in South Africa. Westcott Primary School in Diep River spoke about and acknowledged anti-bullying in their assembly.

The Grade 4A class had spent the week in

groups preparing to perform an Afrikaans “liedjie” in class.

This activity developed new friendships and taught us a better understanding of and tolerance for each other.

Grade 3’s Learn About Pirates Surfing: A New Extra-Mural

Left to Right : Megan Nicholson, Alyssa Bento, Erin Van Wyk, Jenna Peterson, Hannah Kruger, Maghjabeen Allie, and Demi Bento. (Dominic Coetzee not in picture) Chelcie Eadie

The Grade 3B’s with Mrs Vivienne Keet, their class teacher.

Timothy Luiz in Grade 3 not only dressed up, but brought his own loot to school.

The Grade 3’s at Westcott Primary School in Diep River have been learning about pirates as part of their English theme. The school librarian took Walt Disney’s quote: “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island,” to heart by setting up a treasure chest filled with books about pirates for the pupils to enjoy. On Friday the 21st of February, the Grade 3’s as well as their teachers, dressed up as pirates. During the day, their teachers were “kidnapped” and the children had to find and rescue their teachers.

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Westcott Primary School in Diep River has started the year off with a surfing team. Miss Chelcie Edie (a learnership teacher at Westcott) is helping to coach these learners to become surfers on a Saturday morning at the Roxy Surf School in Muizenberg. Westcott wishes them luck and hopes when the surf tournaments start that their team will be ready to compete!