From the Principal’s Desk

From the Principal’s Desk, 24 May 2021

Dear Parents

MORNING DROP OFF
I am very aware of the frustrations around morning drop off times. The gravel area is of concern, but is being attended to and you will see a difference soon. Next week’s newsletter will explain more.

Please may I ask that parents not get out of their cars at the “drop and go” in the main parking lot. This means we should have school bags placed strategically in the car so the young ones can easily access the bags when they get to school. If we limit each car’s stopping time, this will greatly assist the situation.

Thank you for your patience in this regard.

FEATURE PHOTO
Our main newsletter photograph features Mrs Mandy Goch. Five/Six facts that not everyone knows:

1.  She is Portuguese.
2.  She is a very enthusiastic reader and always has a book in her hand. Her favourite books include The Elephant Whisperer (Lawrence Anthony) and Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
3.  She worked for many years in a model agency, managing the careers of models.
4.  She can eat an entire large bag of NikNaks all by herself.
5.  She is a bit of a perfectionist and as a child would change clothes regularly if she spotted one speck of dirt on her outfit.
6.  Her school day starts with a laugh and ends with one.

IES CHIEF ACADEMIC DIRECTOR VISIT
Our IES Chief Academic Director, Mr Darryl Lottering, is currently in South Africa. He has been visiting Blouberg and engaging with students and teachers. He will be at school again on Monday, 24^th May.

Darryll would also like to offer our parents an opportunity to speak with him. We are, therefore, having a parent meeting on Monday, 24^th May at 5.30pm. This meeting will be limited to 50 people and there are still “spots” available. If you would like to attend this meeting, please email me at andre.swart@iesmail.com.

The meeting will take place in the Junior Hall.

WEEKLY THOUGHT: Your Attitude

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” – Scott Hamilton

This certainly makes us think about what we view as a disability, doesn’t it?

Maybe Hamilton is hitting the nail on the head.

Whenever I meet a person with a disability, it always amazes me how the individual usually (if not always) insists that they do not want to be treated as a disabled person. Their vigour for life truly is always inspiring…

Then, on the other hand, we sit with individuals who have everything going for them: youth, health, fitness, opportunities, etc., but who will find every imaginable excuse to disqualify themselves from doing certain things. In stark contrast to those who actually have disabilities, these able-bodied people display bad attitudes towards life, and it is these attitudes that will end up hampering any possibility of growth, development and ultimate success.

To grow, thrive, develop, and enjoy each of life’s precious possibilities, we need to ensure that we have the right attitude – always, and in all circumstances. Individuals who do so are the ones who will live meaningful lives and have a deep sense of purpose, regardless of their circumstances.

Do you have a disability? Before saying “No”, first make sure to check your attitude towards life.

Have a wonderful week, it is time to unpack those winter items…
Andre

From The Principal’s Desk, 13 May 2021

Dear Parents

DROP AND GO

Please be aware that the main parking area is a “Drop and Go” zone. This means that parents should not be leaving their cars unless they have parked in one of the designated parking bays. At times, cars are backed up into the road and this causes major congestion for the community around us. As with everything else, the smooth running of this system is reliant on everyone co-operating and working together. Please try to limit your “drop” to one minute only and keep the flow of traffic moving.

UNIFORM

We are currently revising our uniform policy. However, we are all aware of what is required.

Please could we ensure that our children wear the correct uniform to school. School uniform means the proper school shoes, pants/skirt and shirt. When we wear our PE kit and tracksuit, we wear takkies. Shirts tucked in, looking proud.

The hair and jewellery regulations have not changed. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our school is presented in a positive manner.

Staff are unable to enforce school pride alone. This needs to be a team effort and I therefore request that parents ensure that, when they drop students at school, they are looking smart.

This is OUR school.

The updated uniform policies will be placed on the website soon.

SCHOOL TIMES

Time management is an extremely important skill we should teach our children. I am aware of many students arriving late for school. This is quite unacceptable.

Please assist us in teaching our students that being on time means you are also respecting other people.

Students should be dropped off no later than 7:45am in the morning. Please assist us in this regard.

IES CHIEF ACADEMIC DIRECTOR VISIT

Our IES Chief Academic Director, Mr Darryl Lottering, is currently in South Africa. He will be visiting Blouberg on Friday, 14^th May and also Monday, 24^th May. In addition to this, he will be assisting the staff with our “clean-up operation” on Saturday, 15^th May.

Darryll would also like to offer our parents an opportunity to speak with him. We are, therefore, having a parent meeting on Monday, 24^th May at 5.30pm. This meeting will be limited to 50 people. It will work on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you would like to attend this meeting, please email me at andre.swart@iesmail.com.

The meeting will take place in the Junior Hall.

FEATURE PHOTO

Our main newsletter photograph features Ms Bronwen Nuthall. Bronwen is a born and bred Capetonian who has lived in the Table View area all her life. She has teachers on both her mom and dad’s side of the family. Bronwen obtained a BEd (Foundation Phase) at CPUT in 2003 specialising in ECD and Special Educational Needs. She has been teaching for 17 years and has spent 10 of these years at Blouberg International School. Bronwen has taught 4 different grades namely Grade 1, 2, Reception and Pre-Reception. She now has 12 years of experience teaching Reception Year and believes that there is something special about teaching this age group. It is very rewarding to observe the student’s growth over their Reception Year knowing she had a part to play in preparing them for “big school”. She maintains that a students’ personal growth and independence remains the most important part of the Reception Year. A child’s Emotional Intelligence is a far better springboard for success one day no matter their academic IQ. In her personal life she likes to be creative and make cards and gifts for others by knitting or crocheting. She is very much involved in her church and is passionate about facilitating Divorce Care 4 Kids at View Church Milnerton.

Fun facts about Ms Bronwen Nuthall:

• Ms Nuthall is the only teacher to still be in the same classroom (Room 9 at the Junior Campus) at Blouberg International School, since taking occupation of the classroom in 2012.
• Ms Nuthall is one of a twin and is “Aunty Bonnie” to her twin brother’s twins (also a pigeon pair).
• She speaks 3 languages, namely English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa.
• Ms Nuthall started writing children’s stories at the age of 8. She has a published poem, ‘Beautiful Time’. The several unpublished children’s stories she has written since childhood have often been given away as gifts.
• She is rather obsessed with all things feline and her long lost cat, Shmeegles is on her screen saver of her school computer. She often apologises to parents in advance for potentially converting their child to a “cat person” and for any future pets that may be named after her Shmeegles.
• Ms Nuthall loves to sing and dance, although she may not be an expert at any of these.
• Joining Run Walk for Life was the best decision she made in 2020 and she recently completed her first 10 km, which was a personal best achievement for distance and time.

Thank you for making a difference in so many students’ lives.

WEEKLY THOUGHT: Choices

“Short cuts make long delays.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

These are true words which we will do well to remember when it comes to the many decisions, we make every day…

As humans, we usually opt to do things the “quick & easy” way. Unfortunately, we often only realise our error in doing so when it is too late.

Instead of just choosing between various options when making decisions, let us consider Tolkien’s advice and realise that the “shortcut” could very well be (and often is) the long and tedious way to take.

I am reminded of someone who once remarked: “If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well!” May this be our attitude towards life and its challenges.

Let us be ready to face each challenge head-on and do what needs to be done to resolve it, even if it takes more time and effort than some other “easier” solutions might promise. By choosing to do things right the first time, you will be saving yourself and others some serious heartache and trouble in the long run.

Have a brilliant weekend of personal growth – make sure to invest in yourself – it is a worthwhile investment!

Andre

From the Principal’s Desk, 22 April 2021

Dear Parents

Thank you to all the many parents who joined us for our parent meeting on Tuesday. Your interest and support is much appreciated. A recording has been sent out for those who were unable to attend. I will be sharing a google form during the course of next week and will appreciate your input and honest feedback. In the meantime, I remind you of our school’s mission statement. It is important that we remain aware of this so that we can align our vision and goals accordingly and ensure that we are consistent.

Mission Statement – Blouberg International School aims to empower all its students to become educated, lifelong learners, by teaching the English National Curriculum together with Cambridge International Education in a caring, dynamic, creative, encouraging and nurturing environment.

FEATURE PHOTO

Our main newsletter photograph features Ms Yvette Fourie. Yvette started at the school in 2006, as a Year 2 teacher. After a few years she moved over to Pre-Reception and then for 4 years as a class teacher she taught Year 3. She loved being a class teacher, however her passion is sport and she knew that being the Head off Sport was what she wanted to do. In 2019 she took the position of Head of Sport. She is passionate about her school and it is her vision to build a great sporting culture within the school and provide our students with top class coaching in all sports. She is extremely proud of all our sport stars.

Did you know that Yvette:

• Loves reading crime novels about serial killers and has a bookcase full (300 books).
• She is very scared of spiders!!!!
• She was born in Botswana and spent most of her childhood on their family farm.
• She loves studying and has completed a number of courses and diplomas in education.
• Her dream is to foster a baby rhino.

LONG WEEKEND

Parents are reminded that this weekend is a long weekend, with Monday, 26 April (School holiday) and Tuesday, 27 April (Freedom Day) being no school. School will re-open on Wednesday, 28 April at the normal time.

WEEKLY THOUGHT: Perseverance

“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” – Newt Gingrich

Too often we think, “Well, I truly have persevered a great deal – it must be time for a break.” Or maybe this sounds more familiar: “I have persevered for such a long time now; I am sure that success is imminent.”

For those of us that think perseverance is reflected in these statements, Gingrich says: “Nope, you may not be there yet.”

True perseverance is to “keep on going on” long after you think you have done enough, waited long enough, and worked tremendously hard…

In the trying times we face worldwide and in our country, we need the perseverance Gingrich is referring to. Things might even get worse before getting better. We must prepare ourselves for this, buckle up, roll up our sleeves and persevere.

If you know you’re heading in the right direction, keep on walking, do not be deterred, do not rest, do not change course, and don’t slow down. Keep going. Persevere.

Have a brilliant weekend, don’t give up…ever!

Andre

From The Principal’s Desk, 16 April 2021

Dear Parents

Thank you so much for the warm welcome to Blouberg International School. It was wonderful to be greeted by so many students and parents on Tuesday and I was immediately touched by the smiles and warmth. I look forward to a wonderful time at the school and getting to know you all better.

FEATURE PHOTO

Our main newsletter photograph features Mr Julian Harrison. Julian has been with the school for nearly 10 years and currently holds the position of High School Academic Head and is, most certainly, the glue that holds the High School together. For those who do not know Julian very well, here are 5 facts about him.

• He holds a degree in dietetics.
• He is a qualified architectural draughtsman.
• He hates flying and therefore does not fly anywhere.
• He is part of a bowls team who have been the champions for the past 2 years.
• He is a true South African – He has braaied EVERY DAY since January 2021.

Thank you, Julian, for your commitment to the students, staff and the school.

OUR VALUES

Please be reminded of our school values. Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Responsibility, Leadership, Excellence & Stewardship. We use these values to ensure that our students become responsible adults who will make a positive difference in our country.

It will be appreciated if you could use these same values, at home, while parenting your children.

Together, we make a difference.

ONLINE PARENT MEETING

We have scheduled an online parent meeting for Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 6.30pm. The meeting is an opportunity for me to introduce myself to you. It would be great if you could join me for 30 minutes.

Please use the following link: meet.google.com/upe-rdgk-pdb

I look forward to spending time with you.

Every week I will be sharing a WEEKLY THOUGHT with you. I find these very interesting and often they lead me to improving what I do. I trust you will enjoy them too.

WEEKLY THOUGHT: Thinking Clearly

“The first step to think clearly is to question what we think we know about the past” – Peter Thiel

In response to this statement by one of PayPal’s founders, most people will remark, “Much easier said than done.” But Thiel’s view is 100% correct.

Most of us find ourselves working in the same careers, living in the same towns, and applying the same patterns of thought which we’ve known for decades. But what if where you live and what you do are no longer satisfying or sustainable, leaving you emotionally, mentally or financially at risk…What then?

Thiel suggests that we press “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” (at least to an extent) in our thinking and ask ourselves the following:

• Are all my assumptions about life correct?
• Am I on the right road?
• Do I have the expectation that this road will lead somewhere?
• What new innovations are realities today that were not around a couple of years ago?
• Can I use these technologies to my benefit?

Thinking is a lost art, but it is one of the most worthwhile and essential exercises any human being can engage in. After all, we have been given the wonderful ability to use our minds!

But we must not only think – we need to think CLEARLY.

May Thiel’s advice bring us all to the point where we can start the process of thinking clearly.

Have a brilliant weekend, make time to just sit and think.

Andre

From The Principal’s Desk, 19 March 2021

Dear Parents

As I was packing up my office and making the final preparations for my new journey, I was reminded how many times I have had to deal with procrastination.

Procrastination: – “The action of delaying or postponing something.”

In all honesty, I should’ve filed a few things earlier in the week.  However, my delayed tidy-up did reveal wonderful reminders of my time at Blouberg International: students’ artwork, pictures of concerts, class photos etc.  These will all become part of a memory book I have started compiling.

I don’t believe procrastination is always a bad thing.  Bruce Grierson writes that sometimes it means you are putting something off to make time for your passion instead (Psychology Today). He also suggests that it can give you a change of energy.  Another psychologist, Fuschia Sirois, says procrastination can be about something bigger, like self-doubt.

Students often procrastinate before exams, leaving studying until the very last minute.  This has serious repercussions when they find themselves unable to cover all the term’s work the night before the exam.  In this example, self-doubt creates negativity and anxiety.  In the workplace, procrastination has much the same effect, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet our deadlines.

The question is, why do we put things off for another time?  Why not complete the task as soon as it arises? This would create a sense of accomplishment and avoid feelings of guilt and anxiety.  This week, I am not putting off anything for a later date.  I am enjoying my time with the students and spending quality time with my staff.  Then lastly, I am packing away files and books in order to make space for Andre. No more procrastination, but rather taking on tasks with a goal-oriented and positive mindset.

“I am taking care of my procrastination issues; just you wait and see!”-  author unknown

I hope that last sentence gave you a good chuckle!

Have a super weekend and enjoy quality time with those special to you.

Kind regards
Edna

From the Principal’s Desk, 12 March 2021

Dear parents

As the term is drawing to a close, I find myself reminiscing about my nine years at Blouberg International.  I have extremely fond memories of my time spent here and when I think about the students, past, present and future, I see achievement, greatness, and opportunity.

Blouberg International School is a family: a group of staff, parents and students which has expanded over the years. I have seen students matriculate and further their studies. I have seen primary students grow into high school students. I have seen little ones, Reception, or Pre-reception students I once towered over, grow into tall and confident young men and women. I have seen teachers grow and achieve the goals they’d set for themselves.

I have seen this school grow!

In my heart there is much pride as well as humility.  There is gratefulness and satisfaction. There is so much I will miss about this journey and so much I am proud of.

Blouberg International’s board, staff and students will always have a special place in my heart, and I look forward to visiting in the future to celebrate future successes.

As parents, you can rest assured that the school will continue to flourish and be in good hands.  The best is yet to come.

Next week our primary school will have verbal feedback meetings and the high school will start their test week.

I wish all our high school students the best of luck for the test week and wish to encourage them to stay focused and come to school well prepared.  Proper planning prevents poor performance!

I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.

Kind regards

Edna

From the Principal’s Desk, 26 February 2021

Dear Parents

As you may be aware, the school has a full robotics programme from Pre-reception to Year 6 in the primary school.  In the high school we teach more advanced and age-appropriate planning for robotics, computer science etc.

You are not required to purchase Apple devices to accommodate this programme as the school provides this to the students on campus.  Unfortunately, when a student is in quarantine, or at home for any reason, they will not have access to the school’s Apple devices.  Under these circumstances, the teacher will provide alternative work for the student to complete at home.

Unfortunately, we had to quarantine a class this week as a teacher’s assistant tested positive for Covid-19.  The staff followed all prescribed protocols and to date, none of our students have contracted the virus after being at school.  Rest assured that we accommodate students under quarantine and ensure that no student is left behind.

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Our school counsellor, Mrs Cindy Arenstein, has tended her resignation as she and her family are moving to KwaZulu Natal. Cindy has been with us for more than two years and has been instrumental in establishing support systems for students, parents, and teachers. We will miss her but wish her, and her family, all the best in their new adventure.

We have appointed a Mrs Kayla Smith who will join us in the 2nd term. This position is now a full-time one and Kayla will spend two days a week at Helderberg International School and three days a week at Blouberg International School.

As we are at the end of week seven it is almost unbelievable that the end of the term is in sight.  Verbal report meetings are scheduled to take place in week 10 and the staff will communicate with you regarding the procedure.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Kind regards
Edna

From the Principal’s Desk, 19 February 2021

Dear Parents

It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through Term 1, with only five weeks till the holidays. This week we were able to reintroduce sporting codes after new regulations regarding sport at school were gazetted. Sport and physical activity play an integral role in a child`s development, health, and wellbeing. We therefore ask parents to encourage their children to participate in the sports offered at school.

Last year we all became overly familiar with the word ‘online’, using it in almost every sentence. The ability to do things online has it’s benefits, but it also has it`s dangers. We tend to leave our children to their own devices when they tell us they are busy online with schoolwork or the class WhatsApp group. The school has recently become aware of some of the conversations that take place on these social media platforms and we therefore urge parents to monitor their children`s devices.

Things we can do to keep our children safe online:

1. Know what social media platforms your child is on.
2. Be aware of age restrictions and read the T & Cs of each social media platform.
3. Ensure privacy settings are secure on each platform they are on.
4. Install parental control software on their devices. These apps are free.
5. Ensure that screen time is limited.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Mr J Harrison

Head of Academics High School

From the Principals Desk, 12 February 2021

Dear Parents

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”– Phil. 4:8 NIV.

MINDFULNESS

To be mindful means to be conscious or aware of something.  “It is a mental state that is achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.”- Dictionary.

This is often easier said than done.  It is easy to become fearful and negative in today’s world.  Listening to the news, reading the newspapers, can be a depressing reminder of the situation worldwide.

I believe it’s so important, amidst the worry of our daily lives, to focus our hearts and minds on what is noble and lovely.  We are in the middle of February and already our students and teachers have achieved so much.  Public schools will only reopen on Monday 15^th February and their teachers and students are only now preparing for the academic year.

I am proud that our students have been busy with their academic programme since the beginning of the year and commend their enthusiasm and dedication.  Sir Winston Churchill once said, “young men and young women, take up your mantle and rise; it is time for change.”  We, the educators and parents, are the ones who empower and equip this generation for change.  Let us pass the torch with pride!

Our students are all dressed up and ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day today. Such celebrations are important for morale and fellowship. Therefore, it is with joy, laughter, treats and music they celebrate the day and share the love!

On Monday, 15^th February, we will have all students back on campus and we are sure they cannot wait to join their peers.  Teachers will continue to prepare work for students who are abroad or have co-morbidities.  As communicated two weeks ago, all other hybrid teaching ends today.  Although our hybrid programme is running smoothly, the students need to have the benefit of face-to-face communication with their teachers.

As we look forward to the weekend, I encourage you to share the love with your family and friends.  We cannot know what tomorrow will bring but we can celebrate today!

Kind regards

Edna

(Follow us on Instagram  to see some of the Valentine’s Day photos and videos.)