From the Principal’s Desk – 2nd May 2019
Dear Parents
I trust you all enjoyed a well-deserved, mid-week break yesterday and were able to spend it with loved ones.
I have been thinking this week about the different phases, or seasons, we experience during the course of our lives. These seasons roll through every aspect of our lives, whether it be home life, the workplace or friendships. Perhaps it’s just a matter of growing older gracefully. Things which seemed of tantamount importance in our twenties are no longer an issue in our thirties and forties; our outlook on life and our goals change as we grow older and as our children grow up.
It is during holidays like yesterday that I remember, with mixed feelings, that my children have grown up and have their own holiday plans. I admit to feeling torn and initially felt relief (as my wallet is my own again) but also surprised, and a little saddened that they don’t need me like they did when they were little. This doesn’t have to be the end of an era however! The key is in planning family time differently to how we did when the children were younger; each different stage of life requires its own planning and goals. New hobbies can be explored, new ventures undertaken and, most importantly, new guidance given to our growing children.
Every season sparks a new beginning and should be treated with optimism for the potential it holds. Cherish the time spent with your younger children and find new ways of spending time with your teenagers. If you have some newly-minted adults in your home, as I do, encourage them to fly and gently, but firmly, tip them out of the nest…they will thank you one day.
“I will remain focused on my goals. Even if I have a moment of difficulty, I will not give up. I know success comes with consistency. I know that I will make it. Things will get better. No problem or challenge will stop me. Everything I deserve is coming my way.”
– Author unknown.
Please remember we have an Interactive Curriculum Morning this Saturday, 04 May 2019. We look forward to seeing you there!
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk – 25th April 2019
Dear Parents
I trust you all had a wonderful Easter break and enjoyed some special family time.
Over the past week or so, bullying at schools has been a hotly discussed topic on the news, radio stations and social media. Cyber bullying was identified as being the most prevalent and therefore, of most concern. It has become such an important discussion topic that the Western Cape Education Department is launching several programs to aid schools in dealing with cyber bullying.
Discipline is a responsibility which starts at home. As a school we need to be mindful of the differing rights and responsibilities of both students and educators, whilst at all times maintaining a positive outlook of our school. Positive discipline practices, and the role which parents play in them, are integral in providing a base on which we can expand as the student matures. However, when things go awry it is important to have the necessary support structures in place, not just for students, but for educators and parents as well. We are therefore very grateful to have Mrs. Cindy Arenstein as an addition to our team. In her capacity as a counselor she recently hosted a talk with parents about Protective Behaviours, in what was an incredibly valuable and informative session.
Our unfortunate reality is that social media is being used to lure students into detrimental, and downright dangerous, situations; cyber bullying being just one aspect of the larger problem. WhatsApp conversations, YouTube and Instagram comments are freely used to criticize and belittle others. Most of the time students are unaware that these messages can be used against them if legal proceedings arise.
We are looking into arranging various workshops and talks to raise awareness amongst our students and help them to be cautious when dealing with social media. We ask that as parents you assist us by having checks in place, in terms of the types of media the students are using and the amount of screen time they rack up on their various devices. Further information about upcoming workshops will be communicated soon.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead.
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk – 18th April 2019
Dear Parents
This week I was reminded of life’s challenges and the various forms in which they visit us. How we respond to these challenges is vital to our physical and emotional well-being. Too often we are so focused on overcoming these challenges that we fail to introspect, and it’s therefore so important that we regularly evaluate where we are at and how we are moving forward.
Introspection and honest evaluation allows us to deal more effectively with the challenges we face. It is important to take quality time for oneself and, in so doing, take the time to reflect on our own well being. If we do not take the time to reflect we are bound to become overwhelmed. If we are not self-aware, we can easily become bound in a prison of negative emotions.
I wish to encourage you, as we are on the verge of a long weekend, to take time to reflect on where you stand, both emotionally and physically. Let’s embrace positivity this long weekend and each take some much needed time for ourselves. Take a deep breath and relax; rejuvenate and reflect on the important things in life other than commitments and responsibilities. Too often, in chasing future success, we forgot about the present. Remind yourselves this weekend to laugh, be joyful and enjoy the precious wonder of life. We cannot get back time ill spent.
Have a wonderful Easter break with your friends and family and if you are travelling, be safe!
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk – 11th April 2019
Dear Parents
Welcome to the second term of 2019! I trust you all had a wonderful break and are ready to plunge straight in to what promises to be a busy term. Easter is also just around the corner and with the slew of public holidays this month, we’ve got a few four-day weeks ahead of us.
During the week of the 15th to the 18th of April we are hosting a Book Week for Foundation Stage to Key Stage 2 and on the 4th of May we are looking forward to hosting another Interactive Open Morning.
“In good schools there is a great deal of fun and laughter, but also a great deal of seriousness, honesty and fairness. There is a kind of security; sense that growing up is something to be enjoyed, not merely got through. There is a feeling of safety and an immense variety of outlets, as if you are surrounded by a thick, firm hedge inside which is a world of beckoning activities and interests.” – Michael Oakeshott (British philosopher)
I’d like to welcome Ms. Sonia Terblanche to our school as the Junior School IT teacher and we are excited about the Robotics Programme she is putting in place for our Junior School students. The addition of Ms. Terblanche to our team enables Mr. Kroukamp to devote all his attention to the High School’s more advanced Coding and Robotics Programme, as well as his Computer Science classes.
I’d also like to welcome Miss Caroline Grix to our High School staff and I am certain she will valuable addition to the Business Studies Department.
This term promises to be a challenging one, but as our students continue to grow academically, so do they grow emotionally and socially, better preparing them for the world beyond our walls.
I would like to congratulate Michael Schoots for achieving the Top Achiever SA Cambridge award for the AS level Business Studies exam in November 2018. This is the second year in a row that one of the Blouberg International students win the Top Achiever for Business Studies and we are super proud of their achievements.
Audrey Lepo also won the Top Achiever SA Cambridge award for French IGCSE.
Well done to both students and teachers who relentlessly encouraged and assisted them in their studies.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend with family.
Kind regards
Edna Carolissen
“I would like to congratulate Michael Schoots for achieving the Top Achiever SA Cambridge award for the AS level Business Studies exam in November 2018. This is the second year in a row that one of the Blouberg International students win the Top Achiever for Business Studies and we are super proud of their achievements.
Audrey Lepo also won the Top Achiever SA Cambridge award for French IGCSE. Well done to both students and teachers who relentlessly encouraged and assisted them in their studies.” – Ms Edna Carolissen (BIS Principal)
From the Principal’s Desk – 21st March 2019
Dear Parents
“Your relationships can only be as healthy as you are.”
– Neil Clark Warren
We have reached the end of the first term and I cannot believe how the days and weeks have flown by. My goal for this week was to thank each and every one of my staff for their dedication, support and hard work. Nothing we do is insignificant and every small action contributes to the greater whole. I therefore wish to thank everyone, from our administrative team to the cleaning staff, for their efforts this term.
I was reminded this week of the truth in the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Every one of our dedicated staff, on a daily basis, has the opportunity to shape and positively affect our students.
In order to take care of others, we have to take care of ourselves and I’d like to leave you with an extract from the book ‘25 Ways to Win With People’ by John C. Maxwell.
- Recognize your value
- Accept your value
- Increase your value
- Believe in your value
Winners are valuable and when we embrace our own value we are able to ignite this in others. I value my staff, our students and parents and wish you all a wonderful holiday.
We would like to wish Mr Craig Radnitz all the best in his new venture. He has been a valuable and dedicated staff member to BIS and will be sparky missed. May the new team in the UK be supportive and welcome him with open arms.
Those of you who are travelling, may you travel safe and return well rested.
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk – 14th March 2019
Dear Parents
Every year our school’s three house teams compete against each other in sport. The students wear their team colours with pride and trumpet their war-cries enthusiastically across the field of battle.
We feel, however, that our three houses deserve a central role in our school’s consciousness, rather than being carted out only for inter-house sporting events. We want to remind our students of the importance of cooperation and team spirit and see them embody the ethos of their particular house.
A challenge was presented to parents to design the crests for the three house and we thank all the families who accepted the challenge and submitted creative and inspirational designs. The designs submitted by the Miller family were chosen and we extend our heartfelt thanks for their efforts and enthusiasm in taking up the challenge.
On Wednesday, the 13th of March, we unveiled the three crests, Bodiam, Leads and Windsor, in our school foyer. The houses are named for three castles in England.
The lion of Windsor is symbolic of the strength inherent in a pride; the elephant of Bodiam, the unity of family and the rhino of Leeds reminds us of our own resilience, our ability to overcome challenges and survive.
I would also like to thank Miss Yvette Fourie who came up with this brilliant idea to encourage comradeship amongst our students. Her valuable contributions to our school is evidence of her passion and commitment.
It was heartwarming to see the surprise and excitement on the students faces as they walked into the foyer on Wednesday morning and spotted the crests. I am sure these crests will engender greater enthusiasm and commitment towards the three houses and I am looking forward to seeing the houses develop a greater role and significance in our school community as the year continues.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk – 7th March 2019
Dear Parents
On Saturday the 2nd of March we had the first of three Open Days for 2019. Our SRC members welcomed prospective parents and took them on a tour of the school’s facilities. It was with pride that I placed prospective parents into the care of our SRC members; the maturity and enthusiasm they displayed whilst taking the parents around the school was the best marketing I could ask for.
Yovesh Naidoo, our current Head Boy, delivered a heart-warming speech, offering parents a glimpse into his experience of our school. I was struck, observing our students, by how well-mannered and mature they were. The caliber of students at our school is our greatest asset and I was reminded of this on Saturday. Mature, polite and well-adjusted students are a credit to their parents and their school.
Successful parenting is surely the appreciation and implementation of boundaries from a young age. As adults, I think we often take boundaries for granted, mistakenly believing that they are simple to establish and apply. As we remind our children about important boundaries as they develop, so should we be reminded of our own boundaries and their application in our daily lives. Boundaries and routine are very important from a young age; we have a great opportunity, daily, to build the foundations for our children and set the boundaries which they crave and desperately need. If we build the foundations in their young lives, they will develop into young adults who naturally exude kindness, respect, responsibility and other beautiful characteristics. The key is that it always starts with us parents.
Children need boundaries. They will push against them, fight them and push just that little bit more, but with perseverance and time will come acceptance and gratitude. Boundaries make children feel grounded and when they have routine, and know what is expected of them, it brings calm to an otherwise often chaotic world. They face daily challenges and we can assist them by making things easier through the routines we set and the boundaries we establish.
“Children raised with good boundaries learn that they are not only responsible for their lives, but also free to live their lives any way they choose, as long as they take responsibility for their choices. For the responsible adult, the sky is the limit.”
-Henry Cloud
Regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk – 28th February 2019
Dear Parents
It has been a busy first term thus far and it has been lovely to hear positive feedback from parents and students and know that growth is definitely taking place.
This coming Saturday, the 2nd of March, we are having our first Open Day for 2019. The response to our marketing of this event has been incredibly positive and we are looking forward to welcoming prospective parents and students to our school. Teamwork produces positive results and I am extremely grateful to my staff, as well as some of our students, who are collaborating to promote our school on Saturday.
The Heads of the IES schools had a collaboration meeting this morning where were able to identify areas of growth in our various schools and do some benchmarking as well.
I am reminded of a quote which has always inspired me:
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”
-Author unknown
As mentioned in my newsletter last week, construction of the cricket pitch commenced this week and the progress is satisfying. Unfortunately, however, due to climate and weather predictions, we have had to push back the completion date for the project. The cement is going to take longer to set than first anticipated but I am certain the wait will be well worth the end result. During the upcoming March school holidays, construction will start on the gravel parking area below the library. This will ensure that, come winter and rainy days, we all have a safe and accessible place to park.
I hope you all enjoy some wonderful family time this weekend.
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk – 21 February 2019
Dear Parents
“The bottom line is that you are the one who is creating your life the way it is. The life you currently live is the result of all of your past thoughts and actions. You are in charge of your current thoughts and your present feelings. You are in charge of what you say and what you do. To be more successful, all you have to do is act in ways that produce more of what you want. That’s it, It’s that simple!” – The success principles: Jack Canfield.
Last Friday, the 15th of February, we had our ISA sports day at the Swartland Hoërskool in Malmesbury. Our students had phenomenal spirit and made us proud in every event they participated in. As is normal during sports days, one or two athletes sustained injuries and we had to improvise by having reserves run in their stead. One of the highlights of the day was the relay event for the under 15 boys. During this event we had a reserve run who ensured that we won the race! When he took off from the starting line, I could not help but wonder why he had not been participating the entire day as he was clearly a trained and talented athlete. When I asked the student after the race why he had not been participating the entire day, he responded, “I was fearful Ma’am! I did not think that I could do it.” I realized that there are probably more students who talents are hidden from us because they are afraid to enter, afraid of failure. This is the case with so many of us at times. We fear failure, disappointment and rejection and hence we do not even try.
The above quote from Jack Canfield challenges me daily to do more, be more, strive for more and succeed according to my own strengths. May it challenge each and every one of you to strive for more in your daily lives. Let us all challenge our fears as we never know what hidden talents lie beneath the depths and we all deserve the chance to let those talents shine.
Our new jungle gym was completed on Tuesday the 19th of February and we opened it up to the Foundation Stage this morning. What an amazing experience to see the excitement on the faces of the students and hear the gratitude in their voices.
We will start construction of the cricket pitch this weekend and we ask all students and parents to bear with us during this time as the pitch will not be available next week.
Onward and upwards we go as we continue to grow from strength to strength. Thank you for all your support on this journey!
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk – 14th February 2019
Dear Parents
I would like to thank all parents who joined us for the Interactive Curriculum Morning last Saturday. As Ms. Kiley and I walked from around the different venues, observing all the different classroom activities, we were thrilled with the atmosphere of excitement and joy that enveloped the school. The positive feedback we received from parents, coupled with numerous inquiries about next year’s event, has us planning for 2020 already.
This past week has proved to be very productive with regard to the various projects taking place around the school and anticipation is rife among students and teachers. Most noticeably, our faithful old jungle gym has been dismantled and already a new one is rising in its place.
A touching moment for me this week was when Kiara Macey, one of our year 7 students, came and shared her memories of the jungle gym with me. She shared her sorrow at seeing the jungle gym coming down as she met her first friend at BIS whilst playing on that jungle gym. She went on, sharing all her wonderful memories of the jungle gym, and spoke of how her memories of her junior school days hold a secure place in her heart. Our interaction filled me with such warmth and reminded me of how some of our simplest experiences can be our best.
I believe that schools are more than just ‘places of learning’, they are communities where students build memories and create bonds which sustain them into adulthood. As teachers, it is a privilege to witness, and be part of, our students’ formative years and I’m certain that the new jungle gym will be home to many more such memories.
A reminder for high school students and parents that our ISA Inter-schools sports day is taking place tomorrow at Swartland High School in Malmesbury. We are holding thumbs that our high school students will bring home the Spirit Cup again this year! The bus will depart at 5h30 am strictly from the school premises.
Please remember to pack in lots of water and hats as protection against the sun. We are looking forward to participating tomorrow and cheering our athletes on to success.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.
Best regards
Edna