From the Principal’s Desk, 7 May 2020
Dear Parents
We celebrated our teachers this week and a big thank you to everyone who left them a special message on our Facebook page. It was wonderfully encouraging to see how much they are valued and appreciated.
This week we sent out a second letter explaining the plans and proposals that management are considering should school re-open in June. The measures which need to be in place require careful thought regarding planning and implementation and unfortunately, no simple solutions exist yet. For public schools, Years 7 and 12 students are critical for academic advancement but for us, the focus is on Years 10 and 12 as these two grades write their external Cambridge examinations in October.
There is also the reality that even if the government allows schools to re-open soon, some parents might not feel comfortable sending their children back to school. Our management team are therefore working on plans for hybrid-teaching. Similarly, we might have staff members who cannot return to work just yet as they are high risk individuals and this needs to be accounted for in our planning. These are just a couple of the issues that we are considering.
We will be prepared, with policies in place, to ensure the safety of staff and students when we return to campus. As per the letter I sent out earlier this week, we have already begun purchasing the necessary supplies (hand sanitizers, face masks, thermometers etc.) and have begun drafting a Covid 19 Policy Document.
During this difficult time, let us remember to be kind and encouraging to one another. We all need a bit of motivation in our lives and hopefully the later start to the school day, and the opportunity to exercise, will give us the boost we all need.
I would like to wish all the mothers a happy Mother’s Day this Sunday. I hope you will be spoiled and feel appreciated for all you do!
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk, 30 April 2020
Dear Parents
Like me, I am sure all of you have been following the news avidly, waiting for an announcement from the Minister of Education which will see us return to school. The process of returning to school is a balancing act in which we weigh the need for students to return to the classroom with the necessity of ensuring everyone’s safety. Rest assured though that when the day comes when we do return to school, there will be strict safety measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
When I think about returning to school, I realise the enormity of the task ahead of us; the factors we must consider and the preparations which need to take place. Even our ‘drop and go’ routine in the mornings will have to alter radically. We will have to screen temperatures and ensure that all the classrooms remain hygienic throughout the day. It will be a continuous process of sanitizing: hands, doors, desks, bathrooms and corridors. And let’s not forget the all-important face masks!
The questions which roll through one’s mind as we contemplate the process follow a common pattern: Will the children understand the requirement of social distancing? How will we handle classroom management? How do we prevent contact and overcrowding? All these questions and so many more are exactly what we Heads mull over together.
This week we started with our first online assemblies. The responses from 198 students on one platform at the same time was overwhelming, but then as I watched I could see the excitement on their faces and I realized that it was being together again which was evoking such an enthusiastic response from the children. After a vigorous run of muting everyone so we could hear ourselves think, we were able to begin the assembly. We listened to Mrs. Schoots deliver words of encouragement and handed out star certificates. Our second attempt the following day was much smoother and less chaotic.
I am reminded once again of the lessons which we learn something from our children. They have an incredible ability to be resilient in any crisis. They adapt and thrive to any challenging situation we immerse them in and grow to be even stronger than we thought possible. Our involvement as parents in their education is crucial during this difficult time as their daily struggles and achievements provide insight into their development and character.
Let’s not walk away from experience without taking some good lessons with us. Together we are better.
Have a wonderful long weekend!
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk, 23 April 2020
Dear Parents
During this period of e-learning, the question in all our minds is: “Are the students coping?” This new method of teaching and learning is new to all of us and a shade of insecurity here and there is normal.
After observing my own daughter’s work habits, I have come to realise that the connection between students is incredibly important. Often after a lesson she will catch up with her peers as this is an opportunity for them to clear up any uncertainties about the lesson’s content or exchange information about pending assignments.
Collaboration is the key to success. This is not just true for the students, but also for teachers and parents. The support structure which exists between parents, teachers and students has never been more important in the goal of furthering and improving the e-learning experience. Let us not neglect student interaction during this time, as this sharing of information and collaboration would otherwise be a normal part of the school day.
In this theme of collaboration, we will be having our first online assemblies next week. A link will be sent to you via the Engage platform.
Monday, 27th of April, is a public holiday and we will thus continue our online lessons on Tuesday 28 April.
Don’t forget to have fun with your children during this time and I have therefore included a link to indoor activities for our children.
https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/50578/stuck-inside-games/
Kind regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk, 16 April 2020
Dear Parents
Today would have been the end of the lockdown period, a measure which called for rapid adjustment. I am sure that most of you were just as disappointed as I was to hear that lockdown has been extended. We all understand the necessity of such action, but the daily reality remains tough. We still have family and work commitments, whilst being mindful of what the future may hold. In no way do I mean to sound pessimistic; I would rather speak openly about the reality we face. We must try to not be fearful or become resentful and despondent. We will all undoubtedly suffer twinges of these emotions from time to time, but they are not a healthy place to dwell. We are not always aware of the specific challenges faced by each individual or family, but I believe there does exist a common empathy amongst South Africans. Practice kindness and wherever you can, stretch out a hand or a sympathetic ear.
Parents, we are so grateful for your support during this time. Your encouraging messages and emails are much appreciated. To all my staff, I wish for you to know how proud I am of your hard work and dedication. You continue to serve our students and their families with commitment and care. I am sure you are missing the students as much as I am. We are teachers because we love the interaction our job brings, the daily chatter and bustle of a busy classroom. We all miss the cheerful meet and greets in the morning, the laughter and games during break time. The chatter of voices in the corridors and the slam of lockers. Yes, we miss it all!
May the next two weeks of lockdown be a time of positivity and let’s look forward to the morning school run.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.
Edna
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From the Principal’s Desk, 9 April 2020
Dear Parents
Here are a few ways to remain positive during this time:
- Set boundaries and take care of yourself, both mentally and physically.
- Take time away from the online world (internet, social media, emails etc.).
- Pursue a neglected hobby or take up a new one.
- Keep informed about the situation, but do not become burdened with negativity.
- Reach out to others (within the boundaries of social distancing) and be a blessing in someone’s life.
- Make time for family activities and value the time spent with loved ones.
There is a writer in you, in all of us! This is the perfect time to write that story which may prove to be the inspiration someone else so desperately seeks.
We are all looking forward to hearing our President say that our lives are going back to normal, but hopefully this experience will affect our perception of normal; hopefully it will have taught us new skills and offer us a different way of looking at life.
I wish you all a blessed Easter weekend and hope you enjoy some wonderful family time.
Edna
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From the Principal’s Desk, 3 April 2020
Dear Parents
Welcome to Term 2. Most of us are working from home and juggling our jobs and the education of our children. This can feel daunting and overwhelming, especially with all the challenges at the moment. I wish to reassure you that this is a season; this too shall pass, and we will overcome!
In our household we are trying to focus on the positive. Whilst my husband is working as he normally would and is able to leave home, I am stuck in the dining room, caught between Mathematics and English comprehension… not to mention the PEEL paragraphs and the 350-word essays!
So how do we look at things positively?
- I get to spend more time with my daughter.
- I realized again today that relationships between colleagues are so important and the little daily interactions we take for granted are sorely missed during a time like this! I work with a group of special people and observing how they encourage one another is special indeed.
- I can teach my daughter new skills such as cross stitch, embroidery, baking and cooking. (and learn the Math on Sparx!)
- I am encouraged by the numerous messages from parents and students and their positive attitudes during this time.
The system of online learning is as new to us as it is to you and there will be bumps in the road and challenges to overcome, but we will get there if we work together and communicate openly. Ensure that your children work as independently as possible and follow their normal school timetable with regards to daily lessons. Please contact the relevant teacher or staff member should you encounter a problem or have a query. No question is a stupid question. We are here to help and assist and to go the extra mile!
This morning I read an encouraging poem that I hope will be an encouragement to you too.
“When this is over, may we never again take for granted a handshake with a stranger, full shelves at the store, conversations with neighbors, a crowded theater, Friday nights out, the taste of communication, a routine checkup, a school rush each morning, coffee with a friend, the stadium roaring, each deep breath, a boring Tuesday, life itself.
When this ends, may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be, we were called to be, we hoped to be, and may we stay that way – better for each other because of the worst. “– Laura Kelly Fanucci
Until things normalise, we are at your service via email, telephone calls, messages and Engage!
Wishing you all health and safety!
Edna
WATCH: Term 2 Welcome Message From Mrs Lawrence
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From The Principal’s Desk, 12 March 2020
Dear Parents
I realize more and more that time is a precious commodity. We are facing various threats and challenges in our lives and we all deal with these in our own way.
At the moment we are all very aware of the COVID-19 virus and the threat it poses. We are taking preventative measures and have strategies in place should a crisis situation arise in the Western Cape. I am mindful that as parents we have concerns and we need to plan. It is vital, however, that we do not panic or overreact.
We have a few more days until the end of the term and we are all looking forward to spending time with our families. This is a good time to reflect; spend time with our children and plan for the possibilities of what we might face.
Next week Key Stage 1 will have a Spelling Bee on Monday and Tuesday. School will close earlier on Wednesday, but aftercare will be available.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday ahead and I hope we all return with renewed vigour and strength.
Best wishes
Edna
From The Principal’s Desk, 5 March 2020
Dear Parents
As the end of Term 1 approaches…
It seems only yesterday I welcomed you all to the start of the new academic year and already, here we are, winding down to the end of the first term of 2020.
I have two boys myself, one in Grade 4 and the other in Grade 1 and thinking about how quickly this term has flown by made me realise that I haven’t made contact with their teachers to find out how they are coping in their new classes. Sure, every day I duly ask them ‘how was school?’ but get the same mechanical response we parents know so well: ‘It was fine’ (usually accompanied by a non-committal shrug of the shoulders). Being a teacher and a parent has made me realise the importance of a good parent-teacher relationship. Ultimately, we have the same goal in mind and that is to see a child who enjoys coming to school and does well in their lessons.
They key to this is cultivating a healthy relationship between teacher and parent based on mutual respect. As parents, we should support the school community in whatever way we can. We can attend parent evenings, check Engage regularly and read the weekly school newsletter; all vitally important in maintaining an open line of communication between the parent and the school.
I know I intend to catch up with my boys’ teachers as to their progress this term and I hope all our parents will do the same.
Although holidays are just around the corner, we have a busy two weeks of school ahead of us. We have an Open Day this coming Saturday, the 7th of March 2020, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. There will be guided tours and prospective parents can have a look into the different classrooms and speak to the teachers should they have any queries.
The High School finishes their Term 1 Test Week on Wednesday the 4th March and the academic timetable will continue as normal.
On Friday the 6th of March, the Year 4`s are having a Tudor Day to celebrate what they have learned in History this term. We also want to wish the High School’s Midsummer Night’s Dream cast all the best for their performance at the Fugard Theatre this Friday. They are performing there as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival 2020 and if you are interested, please visit https://thefugard.com/shakespeareschoolsfestival for more information. The cast will also perform the play at school on Saturday the 7th of March. Should you wish to support our students on Saturday night, please email Mr Riaan Vosloo at riaan.vosloo@iesmail.com.
I wish you all a good weekend and remember, together we are stronger.
Mr J Harrison
Head of Academics High School
From The Principal’s Desk, 28 February 2020
Dear Parents
This week we opened the renovated bathrooms downstairs! The students and staff were in awe and could not contain their excitement. We request that you remind them about good stewardship and the importance of taking care of our environment and the things entrusted to us.
Our high school students have started their Term 1 test week today and we wish them all the best for every test. Remember: proper planning prevents poor performance!
Our Year 5 students had a wonderful time at Buffalo Drift Camp last week and returned full of exciting stories to share. Our Year 6 students have returned from camp this afternoon and we are looking forward to hearing all about their adventures.
Last Friday the high school held their annual Valentine’s Dance and the turnout of students was excellent. It was our Year 7’s first high school dance and they had a wonderful time. We wish to thank all the students who attended on their impeccable behavior and the Year 11 students for organizing the event and decorating the hall so wonderfully.
Cultural activities are important in achieving balance in a school community. At Blouberg International we are great supporters of the arts and love to see our students involved in drama productions. We are therefore very excited that next Friday, the 6th of March, a group of students are performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for the annual Shakespeare Festival at the Fugard Theatre. We are certain they are going to be a great success and ask you to join us for their second performance on Saturday the 7th March at school in the Junior Hall.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend of family time.
Regards
Edna
From The Principal’s Desk, 21 February 2020
Dear Parents
Last Friday the high school participated in the ISA Inter-Schools Athletics Day. Although we did not win first place for the sport, we were winners in a different sense.
The conduct of our high school students conduct was impeccable. Teachers did not have to address indiscipline at all. Our students were well behaved and enthusiastic in cheering on their team mates.
Their conduct made me reflect on healthy, established boundaries. All children need boundaries. In fact, they thrive when boundaries are set and good structure is in place. When children are younger we teach them rules such as no hitting, no grabbing and no interrupting. When they are older it becomes a little bit more difficult especially with the social interactions they have. This is when we teach them to respect others and the boundaries others have in place for themselves.
To establish this, one has to teach them to be aware not just of themselves, but also of others. We need to teach them to have sympathy, empathy and to be conscious of the feelings of those around them. This will also eliminate any sense of entitlement, as reflection of one’s own behavior helps with self-awareness.
This was the model behavior I witnessed in our students last week. Well done to all parents and staff for their hard work in developing such respectful and conscientious young adults.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
Regards
Edna