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St Francis College Newsletter ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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Friday 8 April 2022
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NEWSLETTER 8 APRIL 2022FROM THE HEADMASTER - MR LINDSAY PEARSON This newsletter gives us an opportunity to reflect on what has been a busy and productive first term at St Francis College. We have a good story to tell about a school that has been through some challenging times over the past few years and is now in a position to move forward with confidence. In doing so, we must continue to capitalize on the unique nature of the school and the many positive opportunities we have to offer a special and unique educational experience to the children. We acknowledge with gratitude all who have contributed to the success of the school this term. This includes the pupils who have made the most of the opportunities available to them, the staff for their commitment and dedication, the PTA and Governing Body for their support, and all the volunteers who have contributed selflessly to the school. The eco-garden project is working exceptionally well, and the PTA deserve credit for the Valentine’s Raffle and Otter Games Day they organized. The Rotary motto of “service above self” certainly applies to all who have supported the school in one way or another. The involvement and achievements of the pupils in a range of activities has been well documented on various communication platforms. These have included the Stulting Gala, chess tournaments, surf lifesaving events, golf and go-karting. We look forward to an extended extra-mural programme next term which will include opportunities for the pupils to test their skills in matches against other schools. On behalf of the staff, I would like to wish all St Francis College families well over the holiday period and travelling mercies for those on the road. May we all return refreshed and ready for the challenges of the 2nd term! |
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Leadership Camp (Mrs. Miller)On the 23rd of March the Grade 7 learners headed off to Innikloof in Hankey for a 2 night leadership camp. After setting up their tents they were eager for a short walk to a lovely pool near the camp site. Back at camp the leadership learning could start. They learnt about the characteristics of a good leader, what type of leader each of them were and they played a few games to learn about good communication and teamwork. The grade 4 to 6 learners joined the grade 7s on camp on the 24th. The teams were created with mixed age groups and the grade 7 learners could practice what they had learnt about being a good leader. It was quite tricky to remember that in order to manage your group you need to adjust according to your group and use different strategies to get their attention and empower them. The night of the 24th was beautiful and the learners were all in their tents tucked up for the night by 10pm, only to be awoken at 12 by a soft soaking downpour which lasted much of the night. A few tents were rained out but the resilience and team spirit will forever be remembered. Many memories were made and a lot of fun was had! |
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Foundation Phase Grade 1 (Mrs. Webb)The Foundation Phase was fortunate in having the enthusiastic initiative of our Moms and Dads who showed us, in practical ways, the importance and properties of water. The activities had to be moved indoors because we had a first hand demonstration of where water came from as it fell from the skies. We set up a different station in each of the classrooms and the children moved from one to the other. At the first station, a few children brushed their teeth using as much water as they liked. This water was then decanted into litre containers so that they could see how much was used and then compared to how much water is used in other essential household activities like bathing or cooking. Tricks to save water were discussed. At the second station the children learnt about the water cycle. They were shown the details of the cycle and heard the relevant terminology and then learnt a ‘rap’ to reinforce their knowledge. The third station was set up for measuring the PH balance in water and the significance of this process being done. They also saw the workings of a rudimentary water filtration system by means of an experiment. The TDS was also measured with samples of water taken from different sources. A big thank you to Mrs Bonny Torode and her team who initiated this exciting, interesting morning. |
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ICT (Mrs. Anderson)Malachi Pieterse drew this fun picture of his adventures on Beach Fun Day on Microsoft Paint. |
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Grade 0 (Teacher Eva)In a school like ours we are fortunate as teachers to know every child by name. We recognise their unique qualities, we value their distinguishing characteristics and love each child for who they are. We aspire to create an environment where children can learn independently, and we can assist and support them along the way. Children who are able to explore their environment, investigate their surroundings and discover their world through exploration can only thrive and blossom. We strive to create an effective early learning environment which encompasses a diversity of experiences, to stimulate and nurture a child’s curiosity in the world. One of the many wonderful things about our school is that the children are able to explore and learn in a happy place which is both open and free. The children feel loved, secure, respected, free to learn through adventure and discovery, and thus able to reach their greatest potential. I promise you that in our special little school, every day your child will learn something. Some days they will bring it home in their hands Some days they will bring it home in their heads And some days they will bring it home in their hearts |
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Happy outdoor days in the Ladybird Class
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The growing Butterflies and Bumble Bees
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WATER, WORMS, WEALTHY WASTE & WONDERFUL PLANS (Saskia Boonzaier & Bonny Torode) It has been another fantastic and exciting time in the school garden, with the kids and the garden space growing from strength to strength. There’s not enough space to describe ALL that’s gone on, but believe us, we’ve been busy! World Water Week provided an opportunity to explore all things water-wise, a topic of critical importance in these times of drought. The pupils explored how much water is embedded in everyday objects and food (much more than you’d ever imagine!), discovered how to sample the chemical compounds of different types of water and learnt various methods by which to retain as much water as possible in their vegetable beds. The whole school took part in various activities, and a huge thank you is extended to all those who made it such a successful day! Andrew Morris (our local worm farm guru) from St Francis Organics visited the garden and not only showed the pupils what red wriggler worms do, but set up the various worm farm bins to ensure maximum waste efficiency. Each of the Grade 4s, 5s & 6s have adopted a worm farm and will look after it for the duration of the year. The garden now proudly boasts worm farms, bokashi bins and traditional compost heaps to take care of all types of kitchen and garden waste – the products of which will help boost growth and health of all the plants. Who knew that such waste could be so useful? The pupils also brainstormed, discussed and debated ideas for their competition gardens and have all created one-of-a kind garden themes. Their creativity, design skills and team work were amazing to witness. Watch this space for their wonderful plans to come into reality over the next two terms. The Garden Club enjoyed two exciting outings. They visited Annie’s vegetable patch at the recycling depot and helped to clear, plant and care for a huge variety of plants and seedlings. It was hot, hard work and you would have been proud of your budding gardeners! We look forward to assisting Annie and her amazing initiative more during the year. And following on from Andrew’s visit to the school, he invited the Garden Club to see his large scale worm farm operation first hand – quite an eye opener and hugely informative. Thank you so much to everyone involved in the garden – we appreciate you and love your enthusiasm for all things green! Have a great holiday, Saskia (0780585000) & Bonny (0823833097) “The ground’s generosity takes in our compost and grows beauty! Try to be more like the ground.” Jalal Ad Din Rumi |
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PTA NEWS (Cally Gibbs) “If you haven’t, you should. These things are fun and fun is good” - Dr Seuss Fun is a fantastic motivation to plan an event- we think! After spending almost a full 2 years trapped under the global slogan of “social distance,” we decided that out first event as the brand new PTA at the college would be one that inspired a bit of togetherness. And nothing sparks togetherness and attendance like the promise of fun. And coffee! - We always add coffee. So it was with great pleasure and pride that we were able to pull off the first of our years’ works- The Otter Games Family Fun Day, on Saturday the 26th of March, on the school grounds, taking the opportunity to bring us together, insight a bit of childish joy and make use of the exceptionally wonderful school grounds we’re lucky enough to enjoy. We were overwhelmed by the fantastic attendance and support we experienced on the day, and even more so individuals who approached us throughout the planning process to offer all manner of help. This community really is a special one, and the school we love and support is nothing less than exceptional. We’d like to thank everyone who attended, supported, gave of their time, energy or money. The children did not stop moving all morning and the fantastic sounds of laughter and play were #goalachieved all on their own. Bacon and egg rolls were swallowed, cakes were devoured, the Easter Hamper sold itself (although I may have done quite an intense sales push there….. thanks to all who bought my pitch!) And not one single teddy bear was left without a new love! So, from myself and our excellent PTA; We’d like to extend a huge thanks to all! So far, the funds raised have been used as follows: ECD (including grade 0)-New outdoor equipment We are excitedly brainstorming our next event so please watch this space! Cally Gibbs |
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CALENDAR DATES 2022Wednesday 4 May Term 2 commences |
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THANK YOU to our local SUPERSPAR for continuing to sponsor a R1000 prize every month. Congratulations to the following winners |
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HAVE YOU GOT A MYSCHOOL CARD?MYSCHOOL CARDS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE - PLEASE REMEMBER TO SWIPE EVERY TIME YOU SEE THE MYSCHOOL LOGO TO EARN POINTS FOR OUR SCHOOL. |
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