From The German Classroom – Science Week 2019
For Science week the Year 5 and Year 6 students were each given the task to research one German Scientist. With great excitement the students could use the Ipads for this in their classroom.
Many students were amazed that Albert Einstein was in fact German and that so many scientific theories and discoveries in the medical field e.g. Fahrenheit, Merkel cells, Alzheimer’s , Bunsen burners, the Bergius process and the Haber-Bosch process, were then named after these scientists; Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, Friedrich Sigmund Merkel, Alois Alzheimer, Robert Bunsen, Friedrich Karl Rudolf Bergius, Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch.
Most of these theories the students will learn about in the future when they enter High School and in Higher Education. Over 60 German Scientists and innovators were researched by the students and they each gave the student a new perspective on Science and Innovators from Germany.
Frau Kerstin Pani
German Teacher
Year 6 Outing to Heart Of Cape Town Museum 2019 – Student Feedback
Year 6 outing to the Heart of Cape Town Museum
On the second of August 2019, the Year 6 classes went on an outing to the Heart of Cape Town Museum, one of the city’s most exciting tourist destinations. The first successful heart transplant took place here.
The Year sixes learnt about Christiaan Barnard’s journey to becoming the first person to perform a successful heart transplant. Following that, the classes were introduced to realistic silicone sculptures based on the real people involved in the operation. The Year sixes even saw real human hearts preserved in containers. What a few children found most fascinating was going into the actual room where the first heart transplant was held.
Ending the day off, the classes grabbed their packed lunches and ate on the grass outside the hospital. Unfortunately, the Year sixes then had to board the bus and end the outing.
written by Lina Moyo and Chloe Ralph (Y6)
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The “Sound Puppy”
The alphabet is simply a collection of letters and sounds but the building blocks of language. In order to become literate, our students must be able to recognise each letter as well as the sounds connected with that letter. Once armed with that knowledge, then a student is well on the road to reading and literacy.
Our Pre-Reception class is learning their letters and initial sounds of words. They are very excited to have a turn to take the “Sound Puppy” home They then find something that begins with the letter we are learning about that week and put those items in the puppy’s bag. They can’t wait to tell the other students and teachers of the things they found at home beginning with the sound of the week.
The Jolly Phonics programme teaches the students to read and write using synthetic phonics. It is a comprehensive programme, based on the proven, fun and multi-sensory synthetic phonics method that gets students reading and writing from an early age.
“Literacy is one of the greatest gifts a person could receive.” – Jen Selinsk
Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception Teacher
BIS Finance Visits the Classroom
This term, the year 8’s are covering business finance as part of their EMS curriculum. As an introduction to business finance, we decided to get the students’ opinions on what they think our Blouberg International School finance department does, and what Blouberg International School needs a finance department for…
Students presented their thoughts in a poster that was judged by our finance department ladies, who were extremely impressed by the level of knowledge and application that our students had with regards to the work the Blouberg International School finance department does, commenting that some of our students would make good finance managers!
It was a fun and informative lesson with Mrs Rubio talking about her job in the finance department at BIS.
Caroline Grix
Business Studies Teacher
A brief History of Spanish – Understanding the Language
The process of learning a language does not only consist of revision of grammar and vocabulary, it also involves an understanding and knowledge of the culture and traditions of that country in a much better way.
The more you know about these factors the deeper your linguistic immersion will be.
In the case of the Spanish language, it is even more important and relevant due to the diversity within the Spanish speaking countries – 21 countries in total in 4 continents (Europe, Africa, North and South America).
For these reasons the Year 5 and 6 students have been learning over the last few weeks about the different Spanish speaking countries around the world: Puerto Rico: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
They have been asked to choose their favorite country, and to do a simple immersion in a variety of topics such as the typical music, food or the most popular sport in the country of their choice.
The students even discussed some demographic and geographic aspects during their oral presentations: like the capital cities, total population or location on the map of that specific country.
They drew the flag of their chosen country and learned the names of several important, famous or relevant people that are from these countries. Sharing this information with the class enriched the whole experience.
To make learning a little bit more fun, the students held a competition playing the Rockalingua game “countries”, locating each of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries on the map.
These students correctly located all of them:
Year 6: Ben Van Der Westhuizen, Kyle Youlten and Darian Iyer.
Year 5: Ian Scrooby, Faith Chivaka , Ayesha Hassen, Iviwe Matakata, Treasure Daniel, Maia Davies, Saumya Maharaj, Tshegofatso Phalane, Gabriella Davids, Ronan Macey and Kaylah Leach.
Congratulations to all!
Profesor Vidal
Spanish Teacher
Writing reports – Developing Comprehension
In Year 1 the students have been learning about non-fiction books. Last week they read reports about seals and then wrote their own reports about harp seals.
In order to write a report a student must achieve an understanding of the content they need to report on. This teaches them to think about what they have read. Comprehension is one of the most important skills a child must develop from a young age and can be developed at home as well.
You can help your child by adding a few little things to your reading routine:
- Hold a conversation and discuss what your child has read. Ask your child probing questions about the book and connect the events to his or her own life. For example, say “I wonder why that girl did that?” or “How do you think he felt? Why?” and “So, what lesson can we learn here?”.
- Help your child make connections between what he or she reads and similar experiences he has felt, saw in a movie, or read in another book.
- Help your child monitor his or her understanding. Teach her to continually ask herself whether she understands what she’s reading.
- Help your child go back to the text to support his or her answers.
- Discuss the meanings of unknown words, both those he reads and those he hears.
- Read material in short sections, making sure your child understands each step of the way.
- Discuss what your child has learned from reading informational text such as a science or social studies book.
https://www.readingrockets.org/helping/target/comprehension
Here are a few of the creative reports they wrote:
The harp seals habitat is ice and water. The diet of a seal is fish and the pup’s diet is milk. The pup’s fur is white, after 2 weeks the grey hair comes under the white fur.
Kwanda DyakalasheThe harp seal has milk for 12 days and it also has fish. It lives on ice and water. Its fur turns grey.
Zach GouwsThe habitat of a harp seal is ice and water. The diet of a baby seal is fish. A mother seal eats fish The baby seal has with fur for 12 days. After 2 weeks their fur turns grey.
Divyanshi BajpaiThe habitat of a harp seal is ice and water. The diet is fish and milk. They are white and then turn grey.
Fernando ErasunThe habitat of a harp seal is ice and water and their diet is fish and milk. Their fur is white. Under the white fur grey fur grows.
Paige FuchsThe harp seal swims in water. They live on ice. They eat fish. Baby seals drink milk. After that the baby fur turns grey.
Callum Greyling
Ann Cordner
Year 1 teacher
From the Principal’s Desk, 1 August 2019
Dear Parents
“Communication works for those who works at it.”- John Powell
I was reminded this week about the importance of good communication, as well as how effective open lines of communication can be. As management we communicate on a daily basis with staff, students and parents and therefore what we say and how we say it is important. As a school community our goals should be to raise each other up and not break down. The words we speak have the ability to create or to destroy. This is a valuable lesson to teach our children and to take cognizance of as adults.
When we communicate we should ask ourselves the following questions:
– What are your key reasons for communicating with your audience?
– What is your key message?
– Are your reasons for communicating helping you lead change or lead learning in your school?
– How do you ensure your key messages are communicated clearly and consistently?
– Does the way you communicate help build relationships of trust and respect?
– How do your communication strategies change over time? Are there two or three aspects of communication that you should emphasise during the next year?
– When did you last review your strategies? What feedback do you have or need?
(credit: TKI communities)
Our Parents Association is a pillar of support at Blouberg International. Since its inception, the management team has seen great improvement in effective communication between parents and the school. I encourage you to continue the positive feedback as we rely on your support to build our school.
It is with sadness that we bid farewell to Ms Bridget Neal and her daughter Charlotte as they set off on their new adventures in Thailand. We welcome Mrs Ria Du Plessis who has joined our team as of the 1st of August. Mrs Du Plessis just returned from Bahrain and we are looking forward to the new ideas she has to share with us.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Regards
Edna
From the Principal’s Desk, 25th July 2019
Dear Parents
I thoroughly enjoyed the Key Stage 2 assembly this morning and felt inspired by the message Ms. Kiley presented to the students about talents.
As much as academics is an important part of any school, I was reminded by Ms. Kiley’s message that each and every student has other talents too. These are the areas of interest that come naturally to a person, whether it be a love of music or the performing arts.
These are also the areas in which we should offer additional encouragement, so that our students are not lost under the load of factual information they are plied with on a daily basis. Children need to play in the sand, climb trees and explore outside, rather than relying on technology for entertainment.
Here are five reasons why outside play is fundamental to the growth of our children:
- Sunshine: Vitamin D is essential for the development of the immune system.
- Exercise: Children are so happy when they are outside running and kicking balls. It gives them renewed energy and focus.
- Risks: Often times we as parents are too anxious and we want our children to be safe. Keeping them away from risky situations may dampen their bravery and confidence. Yes, they might get hurt, but the lessons we learn from failure are as important as the lessons we learn from success.
- Socialization. Children need to learn how to work together. They need to learn to make friends, how to share and cooperate and how to treat other people. If they only interact in very structured settings, such as school or sports teams, they won’t — they can’t — learn everything they need to know.
- Appreciation of nature. So much of our world is changing, and not for the better. If a child grows up never walking in the woods, digging in soil, seeing animals in their habitat, climbing a mountain, playing in a stream, or staring at the endless horizon of an ocean, they may never really understand what there is to be lost. The future of our planet depends on our children; they need to learn to appreciate it.
(Dr Clair McCarthy, Faculty Editor Harvard Health)
A reminder that school photographs will take place on Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th of July. A letter has been sent out on Engage.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.
Regards
Edna
Let The Hunt Begin!
This term we have started off with developing our map skills in Geography and so the students are creating as well as designing their very own treasure map in Art. This includes designing a detailed map key, drawing interesting landmarks and creating a name for their Island. It is an exciting process that will end off with staining the maps using a wet tea bag, slightly burning the edges and then rolling it up into a scroll, to create an old effect.
The year 3 students are thoroughly enjoying embarking on this adventure and can’t wait to show their parents the final results.
Our class is close to completing the drawing part of their treasure maps and including lots of detail into it.
Mrs Alexia Holmes
Year 3 Teacher
A21 Talk About Human Trafficking: Student Responses
On Friday 12th July, it was a privilege for Blouberg International School to receive guests, The A21 Campaign. They shared valuable information about the dangers of human trafficking.
They taught us how to better equip ourselves in harmful situations so as to enlighten us to be as safe as possible when using social media platforms. This can be done by not being easily lured by prospects such as international sporting and job opportunities as well as modeling and scouting — no matter how determined one may be.
The A21 Campaign offers insightful information at various branches worldwide. How can one get involved? This can be done by donating money, creating awareness, inviting people to talks given by victims and survivors and participating in annual charity walks. Word can be spread by reposting informative videos and hosting charitable competitions within your communities and schools.
The motto of A21 is “Slavery Ends Here”. The message that can be learned from this is that whilst modern slavery is the fault of those abused, the rest of society has a role to play in fulfilling our duty as fellow citizens. Make a change today!
– Lwazi Mpofu-Mketwa (Year 12)
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Last week Friday we had A21, an organization which assists victims of human trafficking, visit our school. To say that a lot of us were moved is an understatement. We all gained so much information about what human trafficking actually is and how even when victims are rescued, they are never really emotionally free. It was shocking to learn that only 1% of victims are rescued and that traffickers maintain control by manipulating our vulnerabilities, our desire for food, shelter etc. The experience was stark and eye-opening. However, not everything is doom and gloom. A21 have 14 different locations in 12 countries across the globe. The organization rescues victims of human trafficking and helps them get back on their feet after their traumatic experience.
On the 19th of October, the organization is holding an event called ‘Walk for Freedom’ to raise awareness about human trafficking. Participants walk a designated route, wearing A21 t-shirts and carry placards in an effort to get people’s attention and make the public aware of the reality of human trafficking. The message is that slavery still exists and as a community we need to identify the victims and abolish this heinous trade.
– Etseoghena Oyoto (Year 12)
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