
Orientation Morning 2021
Written By – Alyssa (Year 12 Student)
On Tuesday the 12th of January, we had our induction day, introducing the new students as well as last year’s year 6’s entering year 7. With the current global pandemic, induction day was done a little differently this year with all the safety measures put in place.
The fresh faces were guided through our campus by our lovely matrics. Each group of new faces were led by three of our seniors to meet all of their amazing and inspiring new teachers and become familiar in the new environment at Blouberg International. All students had an introduction to their tutor teachers.
At the end of the day, each student was given a pre-packed snack pack and all the students sat with their new friends and enjoyed their snacks. It’s safe to say that induction day went extremely well.
Written By – Hope (Year 12 Student
On Tuesday the 12th of January, the matric class welcomed new students and the year 7’s to the high school. The day started at 09:00 with a brief introduction of the seniors.
We then proceeded with separating the children in groups of 5 or 6 (in order to follow covid regulations) and we took them on a tour of the facility where they will be spending the next few years. The kids were excited and had so many questions about anything and everything. They met their teachers and got their timetables and lockers.
At the end of the morning, they were given some water and a healthy but delicious snack box. In conclusion, the day was an absolute success and the children were so happy to be beginning high school. As a senior, I was proud to be a guardian to the kids and I can’t wait to see them grow and mature.
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First Day Of Year 1
The first day of year 1 is always very exciting, it is the beginning of the students formal schooling. The students arrived at school full of anticipation for the big day and the year ahead. This is what they want to learn about this year.
I want to learn to read books. – Keona
I want to learn about animals. – Wany
I want to learn about rainbows. – Juliana
I am excited to learn more Maths. – Tilda
I want to learn Maths. – Pearce
I want to learn to read books on my own. – Hayley
I want to learn about reading. – Ifunanya
I want to learn about pets. – Mataio
I want to learn harder sums. – Jaanae
I want to learn more Maths. – Eva
I want to learn about science. – Muhammad
I want to learn about growing up. – Neveah
I want to learn about my friends and my teacher. – Defne
I am confident that by the end of the year they will have learnt these things and so much more.
Ann Cordner
Year 1 Teacher

From the Principal’s Desk, 15 January 2021
Dear Parents
Welcome to the start of the 2021 academic year. Although this is an unprecedented time, we are confident that this year will be a memorable one for every student. Even though we are starting the year with much uncertainty in terms of what the government will prescribe, we are confident that our educational programme can continue successfully.
On Tuesday, 12 January, we received our matric results. We are extremely proud of the excellent marks achieved, particularly in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. Our students have raised the bar and we look forward to continual growth in these subject areas. For more news about the results, please see our matric results page.
Our top student for the 2020 matric class is Darshan Naidoo, with a total of 3 distinctions out of 5 subjects on AS level and 2 A* distinctions in A level! Well done Darshan!
We wish to thank every parent for your support in ensuring the success of our first day at school on Wednesday. It is always a challenge to co-ordinate the first day of school, with logistics such as stationery collection, drop off and introducing new students to the school. Your compliance on Wednesday made it easy to co-ordinate and help our students transition into the new academic year.
We understand your need to connect with the new class teacher for 2021 and we therefore plan on holding online information evenings for meet and greet purposes and so you can be informed of the processes for Term 1. In addition to the online meetings, you will receive an information letter containing all the important information for the 2021 academic year.
We ask that you refrain from meeting with the teachers in the mornings as parents are still not allowed on the premises. We have a responsibility to our staff and students to minimize the number of people on campus. Teachers are available for online, face to face, meetings should this be necessary, but please contact them initially via email. We have everyone’s best interests at heart and as much as our medical personnel are on the frontline, so are our teachers.
COVID ISOLATION PROTOCOL
Just a reminder that should a member of your household test positive, you must not send your child to school (even if the child themselves tested negative). Students who are exposed to a confirmed positive case should be in isolation and not exposed the rest of the class. Please adhere to this strictly!
INFORMATION MEETINGS
Our teachers will communicate the dates of the online information meetings for parents next week. This is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s class teacher and ask any questions you might have.
We also welcome Miss Tayla Shergold-Smith who has joined our high school staff. We wish her all the best for the year ahead.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend!
Kind regards
Edna

From Left to Right: Alexander Massyn, Vallarie Fodson, Katherine Lott and Jianicia Meintjes.

From Left to Right: Khanyisa Buthelezi, Audrey Lepo, Azande Dube and Keryn Crawcour.
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A Special ‘Thank you’ After A Challenging Year
One thing, on which we can all agree, is that this year was tough and none of us want to see another year like it again.
We thank you for your support and trust during this difficult time and commend our students on their steadfastness and fortitude this year, especially with regards to online learning.
I would also like to thank the high school teachers who have worked tirelessly in the best interests of the students.
I wish every parent, student, and teacher a blessed 2021 and we look forwards to seeing you in the new year.
Please stay safe and have a joyous festive season.
Julian Harrison
Head of Academics – High School

(Photo: High School students dressed up for the last day of school Civvies Day)
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Year 6 Ingenuity In Action
This term the Year 6 students learnt about electrical insulators and conductors. As part of their Design and Technology project they needed to design a board game that incorporated an electrical circuit.
Students completed and submitted a planning page that showcased a design sketch, a list of the various materials they needed to build their game and an explanation of how their game would work. Once their idea was approved, the Year 6’s started creating their board games in class. It was wonderful to see the students apply their creativity and critical thinking skills while creating their board games.
Students presented their board games in front of the class. They needed to explain the following in their presentation:
- How they created their board games.
- What materials they used.
- Who their target audience was.
- Lastly they had to demonstrate how their game worked.
On Friday, 4 December, the Year 6’s displayed their board games to the rest of Key Stage 2. They demonstrated how their board games worked and gave the other classes an opportunity to play their game.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, ingenuity and effort the Year 6s put into their designs.
Katherine Nel
Year 6 Teacher


Racing To End Off Year 2
“Play, while we cannot change the external realities of children’s lives, can be a vehicle for children to explore and enjoy their differences and similarities and to create, even for a brief time, a more just world where everyone is an equal and valued participant.” – Patricia G. Ramsey
Even though it was a short week, the Year 2 teachers found it important for our students to wind down after a fun Term together in what has been a trying year.
They enjoyed teaming up from all three classes to get involved in relay races. The students ran their little hearts out with the biggest smiles on their faces. The fresh air created endorphins, which made them feel great. Challenging oneself in running and races helps build confidence in our abilities and what one can achieve, which helps us develop self-belief and happiness. It is unbelievable that the year has come to an end, I speak for all three Year 2 teachers when I say we could not be more proud of our students for getting through this year and still manage to keep a bright and positive attitude.
We look forward to watching you all grow in 2021.
Something to keep in mind this December Holiday is that, “Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.” – Erin Kenny
Erin Hierse
Year 2 Teacher




Nursery’s Last Days – Having Fun
Our Nursery students have really been enjoying their last few days at Nursery before school closed for the year.
We have relished playing together with Lego, puzzles, stickle bricks, peg-boards and games. We learned about so many topics this term and look forward to what next year brings. We also loved our private garden where we played, ran and sometimes just rested on the grass and put our feet up.
Due to Covid we encouraged our littlest students to social distance, wear their masks and continue to keep their toys, activities and little hands sanitized. We are so proud of how they adapted to all the changes since we opened the classrooms after the hard lockdown. They have been super stars through these trying times and I commend all the parents for raising such brave, strong, loving and independent children.
They have been a real blessing to all of us in the Nursery this year.
Jacky Billings
Nursery Teacher



From the Principal’s Desk, 11 December 2020
Dear Parents
We have come to the end of the 2020 academic year. This has been a year of great challenges, but also a year of great opportunity. The difference for each and every one of us is the point of our perspective.
However, the future rewards those who press on. There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves and to complain, we need to just keep going and press on. Thank you to each parent, for your support and commitment towards the school.
Thank you to our staff who relentlessly learned new methods and inspired our students. Your hard work is always appreciated.
In the words of Barak Obama: “If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.”
We are sadly saying goodbye to Alexia Holmes in year 3. Mrs. Holmes and her husband are relocating to Betties Bay. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Mrs. Wendy Menton will replace Mrs. Holmes in year 3.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TERM 1 2021
A letter has been sent today via the Engage platform with information regarding our drop off and collection times and points for 2021.
I wish all our families a great festive season and may you and your families be blessed with good health and prosperity!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Festive greetings
Edna

Our 2021 Head Boy and Head Girl – Niklyn Pillay and Munashe (Karen) Kambizi

Stem and Leaf
One of ways of representing data is called a “Stem and Leaf”. The name is derived from the structure of the presentation. The “stem” is the top row of numbers, and the “leaves” are to be read vertically.
Our high school Mathematics students have been studying this unique method and how it is used in real life.
In many parts of the world, public transportation is ingrained in the routine of people’s lives. Every day, people use trains and buses to travel from home to work or from home to school—and back again.
In some parts of the world, Stem and Leaf diagrams are used to indicate arrival and departure times in a more clear and easy way to interpret.
This is just another wonderful example of how Mathematics is used to improve our every day lives.
Hebert Tapfuma
High School Mathematics Teacher

From the Principal’s Desk, 4 December 2020
Dear Parents
Amid much uncertainty, I wish to reassure you that as we are ending off this term, we are already planning for Term 1 of 2021.
We will continue to provide our children with the best education during this time.
We lost 0 days in academic time and could proudly celebrate our students last week at the prize-giving ceremonies. You will continue to receive excellent education and thorough communication from the school.
Our high school students finished their last examinations on Wednesday, 02 December and the teachers are currently preparing their results.
Our last day of school will be on Wednesday, 09 December and holiday care will resume until the 18th of December. Holiday care will also start on 04 January 2021 for the new academic calendar year.
We will communicate the 2021 school opening and closing times with you by next week.
UNIFORM STORE INFORMATION
Please note the Hatrick online store will be closed for orders from 18 December 2020 to 6 January 2020.
- For orders placed after 11 December 2020 at 12h00 to get your order before 2020 ends, please select the courier to home/specified address. If not, your order will only be delivered to the school in the week starting 11 January 2021.
- For orders placed between 6 and 8 January 2021, please note if you select delivery to school, the order will arrive at the school in the week starting 11 January 2021.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.
Kind regards
Edna
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