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Building a solid foundation for your child’s academic success doesn’t happen by accident - it’s the result of consistent, focused parental involvement from the start of their educational journey. While most parents know they should be involved, many are unsure what that involvement should look like to truly support their child’s learning and growth.
To help guide you, education expert Dr. Linda Meyer shares a proven framework that is both practical and easy to implement, ensuring your child has the best chance of academic success throughout their school career and beyond.
The ABCs of Learning: Proven Strategies to Boost Your Child’s Academic Performance
In today’s competitive world, academic success has become more critical than ever. The pressure to excel is growing, both locally and globally, with increasing demands for higher education access and job opportunities. While schools play a crucial role in shaping a child’s education, parental involvement can significantly enhance their academic performance. “As parents, we are pivotal in nurturing an environment that fosters learning and growth,” says Dr. Linda Meyer, MD at IIE Rosebank College. “Especially in the foundational years, we should ensure our children receive the right support to mould and cement their approach to learning and their educational journey.” Dr. Meyer emphasizes that supporting your child’s educational development doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s her framework to help parents build a strong foundation for their child’s academic success:
Create a Positive Environment
“The home environment is where a child’s learning journey truly begins. Creating a space conducive to studying is essential,” says Dr. Meyer. Beyond a dedicated study space, a positive environment extends to the emotional atmosphere at home. Encourage open communication, celebrate achievements, and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Children who feel supported are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their studies.
Academic success is not just about grades; it’s about cultivating a lifelong love of learning. When children find joy in learning, their academic performance naturally improves. “Encourage your child’s curiosity by exploring subjects they find interesting beyond the classroom. Whether through reading, visiting museums, or engaging in science experiments at home, fostering a sense of wonder helps children develop a passion for knowledge,” explains Dr. Meyer.
While encouraging children to strive for excellence is essential, setting realistic expectations is equally important. “High pressure can lead to stress and burnout, which can hinder academic performance. Work with your child to set achievable goals and break them down into manageable tasks. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, to build confidence and teach valuable time management and organizational skills.”
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Active parental involvement is key to academic success. Dr. Meyer stresses the importance of attending parent-teacher conferences, monitoring homework, and staying informed about your child’s progress.“Engage in regular discussions about what they’re learning at school and show interest in their assignments. Children are more likely to take their studies seriously when parents are involved and set clear expectations.” Maintaining open communication with your child’s teachers is also crucial. “Regularly check in with educators to understand your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. A strong parent-teacher partnership provides a consistent support system that can enhance your child’s academic performance.”
Encourage
Critical thinking is a valuable skill that extends beyond the classroom. Encourage your child to think critically by asking open-ended questions and discussing various topics from different perspectives.“Teaching children to approach challenges analytically gives them the tools they need to succeed academically and in life,” says Dr. Meyer.
Be a Role Model
Children often mirror their parents’ behaviors and attitudes, so demonstrating a love for learning and intellectual curiosity can inspire them to adopt the same approach. “Whether you’re reading, discussing current events, or pursuing a hobby, showing a commitment to personal growth can motivate your child to embrace learning and education,” says Dr. Meyer.
Encourage Emotional Well-being
Academic success is closely tied to emotional well-being. Dr. Meyer advises parents to encourage their children to develop social skills and emotional intelligence. “Teach your child how to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a growth mindset. Emotional support helps children thrive academically, as they’re better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks.” Building confidence is equally important. Dr. Meyer concludes, “Celebrate your child’s efforts, not just their results. Recognizing the hard work they put into their studies reinforces the value of persistence and dedication, helping them develop a resilient mindset and an understanding that effort leads to success.”
Parental involvement is essential in fostering a child’s academic success. By creating a supportive home environment, encouraging a love for learning, and staying actively engaged in their education, parents can provide their children with the tools they need to thrive academically and in life. With these strategies from Dr. Meyer, you’ll be setting your child up for success both in school and beyond.
As South Africa faces widespread budget challenges in the education sector, schools across the country are being forced to rethink their financial strategies.
Recently, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) announced plans to cut 2 400 teaching jobs due to a staggering R3.8 billion budget shortfall, but this is only one example of the broader financial strain affecting all provinces. Schools are now tasked with maintaining quality education with fewer resources, which makes creative solutions and efficient resource management more important than ever.
With the other provinces also grappling with severe budget shortfalls, schools must stretch their funds while reducing staff and operational costs. As head of the WCED, Brent Walters, explained in a recent circular, “the current number of educator posts in the Western Cape cannot be maintained.” This mirrors the difficulties faced by education departments across the country, as schools are being asked to navigate reduced teacher numbers and frozen recruitment efforts.
Schools are now tasked with maintaining quality education with fewer resources, which makes creative solutions and efficient resource management more important than ever.
In this financially challenging environment, Everything School offers a unique opportunity for schools to not only streamline their procurement process, but also generate additional funding by getting real cash back, in the form of School Bucks, with every order fulfilled. 1 School Buck = 1 Rand, making it easy for schools to maximise the value of their spending. Schools can then re-utilise their School Bucks when purchasing goods through Everything School. During these tough financial times, maximizing the value of every Rand is more important than ever. Schools can easily accumulate School Bucks. For example, by simply ordering pre-packed 2025 stationery packs for learners, schools can earn more than R50 000 in School Bucks -a critical financial boost in this time of austerity.
These School Bucks can be used to purchase essential items like 2025 learner and teacher diaries, customised workbooks, or yearbooks - all of which would otherwise place further strain on already tight budgets. Alternatively, schools can save their School Bucks for larger future purchases, such as modular classrooms or branded uniforms, ensuring that their procurement efforts support both immediate and long-term goals.
For example, by simply ordering pre-packed 2025 stationery packs, schools can earn more than R50 000 in School Bucks.
With staff reductions and fewer resources, schools are under enormous pressure to manage operations more efficiently. The challenge of sourcing suppliers, comparing costs, and securing the best deals has become a significant burden for already stretched school administrations.
Everything School simplifies this process by offering a one-stop solution for all procurement needs. From workbooks, school bags, educational toys, and classroom supplies to modular classrooms, sports equipment, and school furniture, Everything School handles everything under one roof, allowing schools to focus on what matters most—education.
According to an expert from Everything School, “Schools are in an increasingly difficult situation. With fewer staff and limited budgets, it’s becoming harder to manage procurement effectively.” That’s where we come in. With our extensive network of suppliers and expertise in school procurement, we ensure that schools receive the best value for every purchase - all while earning valuable cash-back rewards.
Any school enquiries can be sent to info@everythingschool.co.za
Everything School is your ultimate partner, just like our name suggests.
Each transaction not only fulfils everything and anything your school needs, but also earns you valuable School Bucks.
Connecting schools with the right providers.
CONTACT US TODAY TO GET STARTED!
Well done to all of our Stirling athletes who took part in the first round of the Border Biathlon season. Biathlon consists of a run and a swim.
Our
Massive congratulations to Stirling’s Spelling Bee team that came 1st at the SACEE Interschool competition! Well done to Tatum Classen, Luniko Booi, Omphile Motimele & Illungile Dlovu.
Well done to Inathi Mbengashe, Sinothando Zuma, Liyema Mbanya, Jenna Clarke, Ilke de lange, Josey Mauer, Addyson Stanton, Lewa Mzimane, Zimi Ngwendu, Khazimla Nomnganga who are part of the Phoenix Majorettes Team who won the Senior Eastern Cape Champion of Champions league. Addyson was awarded Senior Majorette of the year and Ilke, Josey and Zimi were awarded their SAMCA Colours.
All of the best to Rebecca Schenk, Mischka Sam, Olivia Berndt, Marin Vine and Katelyn Schropfer and coach, past pupil Ms Wendy Buitendag, who are in Peru to represent South Africa in the World Aquatics Junior Artistic Swimming Championships. Fly our flag high, ladies.
Congratulations to Chris Lombard who was selected to represent the Border Region at Nationals for Cross Country.
Marissa Rademan and Emma de Lange took part in the Engineering Graphics and Design category, representing the BCM district in the Eastern Cape 2024 Technical Skills Vocational Competition sponsored by Sasol and the Kagiso Trust. Marissa came 2nd and Ms Moss came 2nd in the teacher section. They will both be representing the Eastern Cape at the National competition in Johannesburg at the UJ Conference Centre.
As Laerskool Ooskus Gimnasium is ons hierdie maand nege maande oud. Ons het ons eerste seisoen van wintersport met trots afgesluit. Ons is ou-Laerskool Nahoon en Laerskool Grens wat saamgesmelt het en is nou die enigste Afrikaanse skool in ‘n 300 kilometer radius.
Netbal: o.13A Span
Ons is baie trots op ons nuwe skool en baie trots op Afrikaans. Hierdie is foto’s van ons o.13 A-spanne (hokkie, netbal en rugby) in hulle spoggerige Ooskus Gimnasium sportdrag!
Hokkiedogters: o.13A Span
Rugby: o.13A Span
Baie geluk aan die volgende leerders wat verkies is as leerlingraad vir 2025.
Selborne College takes great pleasure in announcing our newly elected Head Prefect and Custodian for 2025, Liam Hansen. Congratulations Liam, and all the best as you lead our Selbornians in 2025.
The 2024 SA Schools Squash Top 10 Rankings have recently been announced. We congratulate our Selbornians on their rankings.
We congratulate three of our Grade 9 golfers who have been selected to represent the Border Men’s Golf Team at the Men’s Interprovincial Tournament! This event will take place from 15 - 20 September 2024, at Stellenbosch Golf Club. Being selected for the Men’s Team at such a young age is an incredible accomplishment!
Feint & Margin A4 32Pg R4,90
Feint & Margin A4 48Pg R5,99
Feint & Margin A4 72Pg R6,50
Irish & Margin A4 72Pg R6,99
Unruled A4 72Pg R6,99
Quad & Margin A4 72Pg R7,99
A4 Feint & Margin
Speckled 17mm
Nature Study Feint & Margin A4 72Pg R13,90
Jotter Feint & Margin A4 72Pg R5,99
Jotter Unruled A4 72Pg R5,99
Feint & Margin A5 72Pg R4,90
Irish & Margin A5 72Pg R4,90
Unruled A5 72Pg R4,90
Hard Cover Feint & Margin 1Q A4 96Pg R12,99
Hard Cover Feint & Margin 2Q A4 192Pg R19,99
Hard Cover Feint & Margin 3Q A4 288Pg R25,50
Seven of our soccer players have been selected to represent various Border High School Soccer teams at the upcoming IPT, being held in Durban from 22-26 September 2024.
Congratulations to Mackenzie Goss, Eva Moore, Sarah Barratt and Kara Batting on their selection to the Buffalo City Water Polo u.16 Girls IPT Team. We wish the girls, their teammates, coach (Mr Josh Allderman) and manager (Ms Wendy Stegmann), all the best for their IPT taking place in December.
Biathle/Triathle
Liam Chetty has qualified for selection to the South African Modern Pentathlon Association’s Biathle Team, which will be competing in the World Biathle & Triathle World Championships in Egypt on the 10th of October this year. We wish Liam and teammates all the best for the championships.
Congratulations to Isabella Fourie for qualifying for selection to represent the 2024 Eastern Cape Juniors Sports Shooting Team. Isabella qualified in first place in the juniors section.
She will be competing in the South African Sport shooting, Conservation, Hunting Association [SASCHA] Interprovincial at the Border Hunting Shooting Range from 20-21 September 2024.
This year, the Triple Gold award was introduced at the ELFEST Art Eisteddfod. With over 1 000 entries in the exhibition, only eight Triple Golds were awarded. Hudsonians Ave Bacela and Aobakwe Kola were among the first learners to ever receive this prestigious award. They attended the ELFEST Winner’s Concert at the Guild Theatre where their artworks were on display. Well done on this outstanding achievement!
Congratulations to Grade 9 learner, Khunga Nobuya, for achieving a double gold award at the Queenstown Eisteddfod. Khunga received her award for the Xhosa Dramatised Poem Category for Grade 9-10 learners.
14 of our learners recently represented our school at the annual World Scholar’s Cup competition hosted by Merrifield College.
What is the World Scholar’s Cup? It is an international academic programme which has more than 50 000 learners participating from over 60 countries worldwide. The aim of the WSC, (as it is more commonly known), is to teach learners interesting, ‘not-taught-in-school’ subjects, and to find common ground between people of different backgrounds. The competition tests participants’ general knowledge, writing, debating and public speaking skills and offers learners the opportunity to meet new friends.
A number of our learners won medals in their categories while Issa Dabiri in Grade 8, won the Debate Champion in the Junior Division and came second in the Champion Scholar Junior Division, and Qukeza Zimba won the School Top Scholar Senior Division award for Hudson Park High School. We would like to congratulate our learners on their awards achieved at this prestigious event.
Thank you to Mr Knickelbein and Ms Rothmann who accompanied the learners to Merrifield for the competition.
Clarendon Primary Chamber Choir participated in the national ATKV-Applous choir competition finals in Cape Town. They won the ‘Primary Schools Open’ category with an 83% Gold award.
Our Grade 4 learners participated in the Merri Mix Maths afternoon at Merrifield, teaming up with learners from other schools to tackle exciting maths challenges. They had so much fun, made new friends and showcased their skills! A huge thank you to Merrifield for hosting such a fun event.
Our Equestrian Team consisting of P. Powell, S. O’Connor, P. Hartwig and L. Schultz competed in an Interschools event hosted at the Border Equestrian Club on Saturday 27th of August. They received several rosettes on the day for the various disciplines as well as placing 2nd overall.
Everything School is your ultimate partner, just like our name suggests. Each transaction not only fulfils everything and anything your school needs, but also earns you valuable School Bucks. Our products include, but are not limited to:
Congratulations to the following learners who were selected to be a part of the Grade 12 RCL.
Congratulations to Kiyara Campbell and Tori Voke who were selected to represent the Women’s u.18 Water Polo Team and participate at the World Aquatics Women’s u.18 Water Polo Championships in Chengdu, China!
The capping ceremony was held on Saturday (7 September) where Kiyara and Tori received the National colours and blazers by Alan Fritz (President of Swimming South Africa).
Leila Schenk took part in the SA Champs on 9 & 10 August and was part of the Eastern Cape Team.
Leila came 3rd in Biathle and received the Bronze medal for Girls u.17.
She has made the selection criteria and has been selected to be a part of the SA Modern Pentathlon Association’s National team to participate at the UIPM 2024 Biathle/ Triathle & Para Laser Run World Championships in Egypt from 10 – 13 October 2024.
Our Chamber Choir (De
participated in the Western Cape Virtual
in July. They received very positive comments from the adjudicator, and a score of 97% - Cum
the
• Isobel Botha - Top 10 u.14
• Sasha Earl - 5th u.19
• Kate van Biljon - 3rd u.16
The Junior One Act Plays were held on Wednesday 21 August. The theme was "A Fish Out Of Water with the Genre being ‘comedy’.
The MC's for the evening were: Landa Faku and Liyakhanya Cola.
The Adjudicator: Jen Bryson Moorcroft
Congratulations to the following learners for their awards:
• Best Leading Actress: Sbulele Nata in 'The Ceramic Duck'
• Outstanding Supporting Actress: Alyssa De Wet in 'The Ceramic Duck'
• Rising Star Actress: Qonda Ngxazisa in 'What A Day'
• The most Notable Bit Part: Enisa Tambulu (Will It Work), Zinga Mgwebi (A Jump In Time), and Lathitha Mbizeni (Will It Work)
• Original Costume Design: A Different World (Limi Dekeda and Siyasanga
• Best Director: Leila Herman and Lindy Van Vuuren for 'The Ceramic Duck'
• Most Creative Set Design: A Different World (Limi Dekeda and Siyasanga Ndhlovu)
• Standout Script: A Different World (Limi Dekeda and Siyasanga
• Best Play: The Ceramic Duck
Congratulations to Jiyana Timothy who was selected as one of the Top 25 artists in the country for the Junior Portrait Award competition! Her artwork was exhibited at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Cape Town.
Hudson Park athletes showed up in full force to support the Oxford Striders Little Sole 5km race, a special event for athletes 13 and under. Sponsored by Astron Energy Eastern Cape, the winning school with the most participants walked away with R10,000- and with over 50 athletes, Hudson Park was the clear winner! In the boys’ race, Kungobabalo Sishuba took third place overall, and in the girls’ race, Erin Weimann claimed first! Well done to all our participants!
Hudson Park Primary is bursting with pride as over 600 learners earned top honours at the Buffalo City Drama Eisteddfod! With 21 triple golds, 34 double golds, and 27 golds, our passion for drama truly shines under the expert guidance of Mr. Morgan Lands.
The following athletes represented the Eastern Cape at the South African Biathle and Triathle Champs on 9 - 10 August. A special shoutout to Mrs Sherelle Smith, who has been selected as the Eastern Cape Team Manager. Go team!
Congratulations to these future leaders - we are very proud of you all! “Leadership is an action, not a position” - Donald McGannon
Congratulations to LillyAnna Campbell (Gr. 1) who took part in the royal Academy of dance class exam in May and has now received her certificate and badge for achieving 80-100%. Just keep dancing.
Congratulations and the best of luck to those who will compete in the National Championships later this month and then in the World Championships in London in September.
Blake will compete for Kumite Individual, Kumite Team and Kata and travel with the SA Shotokan Karate Federation. Lilyfontein is proud of you!
Rebecca Heger, Gr 5 is ranked as the top Pony Dressage Rider in the Eastern Cape for the 23/24 Season.
Congratulations Rebecca, we are very proud of you and your trusty steed, Navarre Simon.
Our u.9 Hockey girls played in a festival at Clarendon recently and won all three of their matches! Well Done - TEAMWORK makes the DREAM WORK!
Our Lilyfontein Equestrian Teams did us so proud at the Interschools Equestrian competition. Our Lilyfontein Senior Equestrian Teams came 1st and 2nd, with our Lilyfontein Junior Equestrian Team coming 3rd!Look at the sea of rosettes.Thank you to Tyra Whittal and her team for organising an amazing event.
Everything School is your ultimate partner, just like our name suggests.
Each transaction not only fulfils everything and anything your school needs, but also earns you valuable School Bucks.
Connecting schools with the right providers.
CONTACT US TODAY TO GET STARTED!
