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Newsletter Number 6 - 4th December 2020
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Merry Christmas from all the staff at St Francis College
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday. We look forward to seeing you for an exciting 2021!
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END-OF-TERM NEWS November was a very busy month at the school. There was much excitement at the beginning of the month as the grade 7 boys took on the Otter Challenge. This was a tough three-day adventure, but definitely a highlight of the boys’ junior school days. Alexander and Sine worked together as a great team and completed the paddling, cycling and hiking events with energy to spare. The senior grades settled down to exams during the middle part of the month and these were completed without any interruptions, which was a concern as Covid was having an impact in other schools. It was only towards the end of the month that the shadow of Covid started to come closer to our school and we realised that it would be wise to end the term earlier than scheduled. Before that closure, however, the junior classes were able to enjoys their camps at the school and the senior classes also enjoyed camps and excursions. The year ended on a high and happy note for all the children. Reports and pictures from these events follow. And so we have reached the end of the craziest year – 2020 will never be forgotten and, hopefully, we will never know a year like it again. Sadly, the school has changed considerably during the course of the year – largely from a staffing point of view. No less than six staff members have left the school since this time last year. On a positive note, the pupil numbers at the school are increasing and there are a number of new children starting in 2021. Hopefully by the end of 2021 the school will be back on a more stable footing. The staff are working extremely hard to ensure that the school grows and develops. The Governing Body, too, under the firm leadership of Barry Phillips, is very committed to the school’s success – 2021 can only be a much better year for the school. I extend my sincere thanks to each and every staff member, parent and Governing Body member for the work and sacrifices made for the sake of the children’s education – everyone made a huge effort this year. All that remains, is to wish you all a blessed Christmas and a most wonderful holiday. I look forward to seeing the school growing from strength to strength. Mel and I enjoyed our time at St Francis College and we wish the school everything of the best for the future.
Warwick Osmond Headmaster
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Grade 7 day-trip to the Tsitsikamma
The grade 7 boys, together with Mr Osmond, enjoyed a day full of discovery and adventure in the Storms River area. Our first stop was at the Storms River bridge. We all walked out to the middle of the bridge on the narrow gantry way – not an activity for anyone who is afraid of heights! From there we went on to the Big Tree. We walked into the beautiful forest to see this majestic giant which is estimated to be a thousand years old. Our next stop was at Untouched Adventures at the mouth of the Storms River. This was an amazing adventure into the Storms River gorge on kayaks and lilos – an unforgettable experience. We took a break and had lunch at Marilyn’s Diner at Storms River Village before doing the Canopy Tour which is a journey via ziplines through a section of the forest. How exhilarating! This was a great way to end the year and it was certainly an adventure that will not be forgotten too soon. After this the grade 7 boys still had a camp to look forward to!
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Grade 6 & 7 end of year Camp
The Grade 6 and 7 classes have been phenomenal in the way that they have adapted to the changes which this year has brought and how they have all successfully completed their grades’ syllabi with competence. To celebrate the end of the 2020 year, the Grade 6 and 7 learners headed out to a beautiful little campsite called Innikloof, just outside Hankey. The Innikloof campsite is nestled in the mountains and on the bank of a river. On arriving at the campsite the children were very keen to quickly pitch their tents so that they could get on with the task of exploring their new surroundings. Within a few minutes of arriving at the campsite you could hear the laughter and shouts of the children on the tubes as they splashed and played in the fresh, cool river water. That afternoon we headed out on quite a tough hike of 2.7km. With a lot of huffing and puffing everyone eventually made it to the top of the mountain where we could see spectacular views of the surrounding citrus farm. Needless to say we weren’t on the top for too long before the children where racing down the mountain to jump into the closest river pool they could find to cool down. For the rest of the afternoon Mr Fortuin (Coach) properly tired the children out by playing an endless game of soccer. The evening activities involved some team building games as well as hide-and-seek in the dark using torches. The camp was definitely a perfect way to end the year and to ease our way into the holidays. A truly beautiful campsite with a wonderful bunch of children makes for a perfect camping experience. Thank you so much to the teachers involved for all your help and making this camp such an awesome experience for everyone.
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Grade 4 Camp (Mrs. Sharon Slabbert)
The Grade 4s had a lovely camp at Waterberry Park. They had tons of fun helping Father Christmas get his present delivery out in time. In teams they built rockets, parachutes and rafts using STEM equipment and foraging for necessary things from the surroundings. What fun!! They braaied, swam and even had an educational presentation by Warren Manser on star constellations. What a lovely end to a crazy year!
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Grade 1 & 2 News (Mrs. Lyn Webb)
The grade 1 and 2 pupils had fun outdoor activities this term. We had perfect weather for our harbour to harbour walk. The children all coped without any complaints! The highlight of the year was the Friends Camp. Tents were pitched outside our classrooms and the children enjoyed each other’s company, especially the midnight feasts. They were very brave to sleep away from home for one night and great fun was had by all.
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A final bid goodbye to my grade 0's (Mrs. Eva Skelton)
Sticky fingers , freckled noses Head, shoulders, Knees and toe-Es Shapes and colours. aBC’s Taking turns and 123’s Toothless smiles, hugs and giggles, Circle time and lots of wiggles Wooden blocks and dress up clothes Learning how a flower grows Milk and cookies, first time friends Thinking days like these won’t end. Preschool done before you know it No one sadder than this poet Like a butterfly, time has flown You have learned and you have grown Tiny chairs give way to desks Book reports and spelling tests So take off now, spread your wings Soar to new heights, learn new things Just remember, as you do Someone’s very proud of you
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Grade 0 and 00 Letterland Day (Miss. Elizabeth Carpenter)
What better way to celebrate our letter knowledge than to have a Letterland Day! Children chose their favourite Letterland character. We had some Firemen Freds, a few Golden Girls, Clever Cats, Uppy Umberellas and even a Zigzag Zebra. There were so many amazing costumes and it was lovely to see all the Letterlanders’ creativity.
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News from the Nursery School (Mrs. Jane Lonsdale)
The countdown to the end of a very long and difficult year has begun for everyone. Despite all the Covid difficulties, I am so very proud of all the nursery school children. They have dealt with the situation so effortlessly. They have all grown so much and learnt so many new ways of dealing with what life throws at them. The nursery school classes will remain at the farm campus for 2021. We will be moving into the farm house and are in the process of getting it painted and organised for the new year. 2020 has shown me how amazing teachers are and I would like to thank the nursery school staff for all their hard work – thank you! A big thank you to you, the parents, for all your understanding and confidence that you have shown in allowing us to teach, have fun and care for your special little ones. Finally, a big hug and much love to all the nursery school children. Your sweet faces and fun characters have made this year worth going through – thank you from the bottom of my heart. The Ladybirds are all ready for their new adventures in the next phase of their school life. I will miss you, but I will also be keeping an eye on your progress. Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful and safe new year. Hugs from Teacher Jane “The expert in anything was once a beginner”
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CALENDAR DATES 2021
TERM 1 Thursday 14 January Office re opens Friday 15 January Nursery School to Grade 3 parent information meeting 08:00 - 9:00 Monday 18 January School commences Thursday 21 January Coffee and Chat (parents and board members) 09:00 at St Francis Links Thursday 21 January Grade 4 to Grade 7 parent information meeting 17:30 - 18:30 Thursday 25 February 11:30am Start of half term after beach fun day Tuesday 2 March Return to school from half term break Thursday 1 April End of term
TERM 2 Monday 3 May School commences Wednesday 16 June Public holiday (school closed) Friday 25 June 1pm Start of half term Tuesday 6 July Return to school from half term break Wednesday 4 August End of term
TERM 3 Wednesday 1 September School commences Friday 24 September Public holiday (school closed) Thursday 7 October 1pm Start of half term Tuesday 12 October Return to school from half term break Wednesday 8 December End of term
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SCHOOL UNIFORM - TERM 1
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We are still keeping in line with the COVID-19 restrictions for the first term. Please take note of the following uniform guidelines.
Grade 1 to Grade 7 Pupils are to please wear their school uniform (black or navy takkies only) for 3 days a week on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. School caps must be worn daily. Our 'no cap no play' policy is still in place.
A reminder that boys should have neatly cut hair and girls hair must be tied up where applicable. No jewellery (excluding stud or sleeper earings for girls) or nail polish is allowed.
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Starting times for 2021
Bumble Bees (2-3yrs) 08:30 - 12:30
Ladybird Class (3-4yrs) 08:30 - 13:00
Grade 00 and Grade 0 08:30 - 13:00
Grade 1 & Grade 2 08:00 - 13:00
Grade 3 to Grade 7 08:00 - 14:00
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News from the Parents' Association (Mrs. Heather White)
What a year it’s been! Not sure about the rest of you, but we sure are glad the end is in sight! But... we’re not quite done! On 21 December the Links will be hosting a Sunset Golf Tournament to finish off our fundraising year. See the poster below for details - please share this info amongst your friends & family, space is limited! An enormous thank you to everyone for your support of our fundraising throughout the year. It certainly wasn’t our traditional event year, but we rallied together and improvised well. From Valentine’s Raffle, to Golf Day, Virtual running and a Spring Festival, we still managed to raise over R100k! Thank you to the Staff for their support and assistance at these events - your input and enthusiasm is appreciated. Have a lovely holiday; we are looking forward to another year of fun events in 2021!
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BIRTHDAYS IN DECEMBER 2020
02 Dec Yorshika Bekeer 08 Dec Mrs. Jane Lonsdale 08 Dec Daniel Ellis 10 Dec Beckett Anderson 10 Dec Sarah Anderson 11 Dec Miss. Elizabeth Carpenter 12 Dec Noah Pearton 15 Dec Bailey Richardson 21 Dec Oliver Manser 22 Dec Rhea Ramas 28 Dec Riley Wilson
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BIRTHDAYS IN JANUARY 2021
01 Jan Mrs. Eva Skelton 06 Jan Emily Miller 08 Jan Rosie Ellis 10 Jan Phobe Schulze 11 Jan Murray-John Boonzaier 12 Jan Elisabeth Sitshetshe 13 Jan Gabriel Pearton 14 Jan Mrs. Natasha Brown 15 Jan Isaac van der Zwan 16 Jan James White 17 Jan Anashe Phiri 19 Jan Samke Mofu 22 Jan Amy Masterson 23 Jan Ryan Marais 23 Jan Bagcobile Mtshilita 25 Jan Ricky Anderson 28 Jan Troy Kennedy 29 Jan Ndabentle Swepu 31 Jan Ryder Walker 31 Jan Ruby Darke 31 Jan Catherine Miller
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St Francis College Whatsapp
The St Francis College Whatsapp group is set up as an admin only group. This is used to communicate important messages which are relevant to all parents. If you are not on this group and wish to be please inform the office.
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100 Club - December
The draw for December took place at the College. All teachers were present and the lucky winner of this months main draw of R1000 is Mrs. Karen Parker! Congratulations!!! The attendance draw and the Joker draw did not take place. The joker will roll over to 2021.
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Superspar Monthly Draw Results
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Congratulations to the following supporters who each won the R1000 SUPERSPAR vouchers.
November draw - Mrs. Sharon Slabbert December draw - Mr. Ross Lindsay Forms can be obtained from the office and a debit order of R50 a month as part of fund raising could win you a R1 000 shopping voucher from the St Francis Bay Village Square Superspar. If you would like to enter into the monthly draw for just R50 per month please inform the office on info@stfranciscollege.co.za
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HAVE YOU GOT A MY SCHOOL CARD?
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Builders has now joined the amazing MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme. You can now link your profile to your Builder's Card. All supporters need to go onto the Builders website : https://www.builders.co.za/my-school to register and add their MySchool card which will automatically be linked to their Builders Profile. If a supporter does not have a BLUE MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card, they will need to apply for one on the MySchool webpage, first: https://www.myschool.co.za/ and select “Join” to register for a virtual card. They will then use that card number to link their cards. Supporters will NOT be able to link their Woolworths Store or WW Credit cards to the Builders Card Profile.
OTHER PARTNERS INCLUDE: WOOLWORTHS, ENGEN, LOOT.CO.ZA AND WALTONS
Remember, whenever you see the MySchool logo, please swipe your card and earn points for St Francis College!
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St Francis College now has PBO Status!
St Francis College has been recognised as a “Public Benefit Organization” and has been issued a PBO number. This is good news for the school, and to potential donors to the school, as any donation to a PBO is deductible from the donor’s tax liability. Please share this information widely!
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