Merry Christmas from all the staff at
                                                  St Francis College

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 

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.

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”

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

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!