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A
Message from the Principal
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"The dream begins with a
teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to
the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick
called truth." - Dan Rather
Our function as a school is
complex by nature. If it were to only impact knowledge our
task would be simple. We are however mindful of the fact that
we are helping to mould the most precious person in you life, and as
such we take our responsibilities extremely serious.
We are blessed at Brackenhurst
Primary School to have fine teachers in our midst, people who have
dedicated themselves to the holistic development of these wonderful
young children. While
academic excellence will always remain our top priority, it is a
well known fact that the fondest memories that a child will make
will not necessarily be in the classroom, but rather after school in
the many and varied activities that a school has to offer.
There is a special place for every child at our school in terms of
these extra curricula activities. If they are not inclined to
sport, then encourage them to participate in cultural activities.
Furthermore they can become involved in service to our community.
Whatever their gift in life is, and each child has a special gift,
it is incumbent on both the educators and parents to encourage them
to develop these talents. This will ensure a self confident,
well rounded child.
Children today are faced with growing up in an age of enormous and
often difficult choices, life is often not simple for them. We
are here, together with you the parents, to guide them into making
the very best choices possible and steer them on the sometimes
perilous course to achieving their full potential as adults.
Let us strive as a Brackenhurst family to at al times keep the
golden triangle between educators, parents and child in tact, and
base our actions and decisions on that which is in the child's best
interest.
Anne Burger
PARENTS CORNER
How Family Pets can Benefit your children.
You can always tell the
difference between
children who have been
exposed to animals and
those who haven’t. A
child with a dog in the
family will nonchalantly
get up and dust himself off
after being bowled over by
an enthusiastic Labrador,
or may swipe
absentmindedly at the
large lickings of a Great Dane.
Conversely, a child raised in an
animal-free home is likely to squeal at
the sight of a tiny Chihuahua
and attempt to scale the legs of the
nearest adult.
How important is it to share the family
home with a furry, feathered or
even scaly friend?
Pet Benefits
Well, one sound and solid first reason is that pet
ownership decreases
a child’s risk of developing certain
allergies. According to research
children who were exposed to dogs or
cats as babies were less than
half as likely to develop common
allergies such as asthma. The
theory is that when a child comes into
contact with an animal, it
transfers bacteria to the child and this
exposure may then change the
way the child’s immune system responds
to other allergens.
Moving away from the microscope, other psychological
benefits of
animal interaction are being harnessed
by therapists in a variety of
ways.
Pets as Therapy, South Africa (PAT) organizes
therapeutic visits to
hospitals, hospices, retirement homes,
special-needs schools and
other facilities by trained, voluntary
pet owners. PAT’s objective is to
provide company, support, stress relief
and stimulation to people in
need.
Animal Nurture
Nurturing isn’t a quality that suddenly appears in
adulthood. People
need a way to practice being caregivers
when they’re young and
interaction with an animal is an
excellent way of developing this. A
child has to put himself in the
non-verbal pet’s position and try to
imagine how the pet feels. This creates
more awareness of the
needs and feelings of others and results
in more efficient non-verbal
communication.
Animals are increasingly used to help children with
learning disabilities
such as reading problems. The presences
of a calm, nonjudgmental
dog helps children to relax while
reading out loud.
Special needs children are known to respond
effectively to pet therapy
and interaction with an animal is seen
to have a positive impact on
their quality of life, changes their
behavior and improves their ability to
participate in therapy.
Ultimate Responsibility rests with you
Owning an animal is a big responsibility, which will
ultimately be yours
– and smaller pets do not mean less
upkeep.
How a pet encourages the emotional
development of a child also
depends on the quality of home life, so
while pets bolster self-esteem,
the effect is greatly enhanced by
children with supportive parents. Pet
ownership strengthens family bonds as
they are often the focus of
group activities.
Finding the Perfect Pet
Dogs
Pros: “Man’s best friend: offers endless loyalty
and affection and
more walks than you’d ever want, so
there are fitness advantages as
well.
Cons: Dogs require lots of care and attention.
Some may bite, so
should never be left unattended with
small children.
Cats
Pros: Soft, warm and cuddly, cats are relatively
independent and offer
additional pest-control benefits.
Cons: They can be aloof and may scratch if
played with too
boisterously.
Goldfish
Pros: A popular “starter pet,” the hardy
goldfish can live up to several
years in cold water.
Cons: It is not the most exciting pet and
improper maintenance leads
to premature floating.
Birds
Pros: They may trash cages, but they are
intelligent and sociable
companions.
Cons: Birds live a long time and need attention
and dedication.
Rodents
Pros: Cute, compact and clever, “pocket pets”
require some care,
such as daily handling, but no more than
a child can manage with
adult supervision.
Cons: If mishandled, they deliver a nasty nip
and are prone to being
smelly if their bedding is not changed
on a regular basis.
Article from:
www.childmag.co.za
PARENT’S CORNER
Teaching Honesty
to your Children:
Teaching
honesty and responsibility takes a considerable amount of time and
patience, and it isn’t anything like teaching your kids how to tie
their shoes, where they understand the basic concept after a few
lessons. You’ll have to keep hammering away at these lessons for a
long time.
Can
we be Honest?
You teach
honesty by encouraging your children to tell the truth and to let
you know what’s on their minds. Having your children tell you
what’s on their minds shouldn’t be a frightening thought.
When you’ve
taken a toy away from your child because he/she was throwing it, you
know he/she is going to be mad. Ask them how they feel. Tell them
it’s okay to tell you whether they are mad, and let them know that
you won’t be angry. Then ask your child why he/she is mad. This
strategy teaches your children that they can talk to you honestly
without you getting upset or yelling. Your part in this business is
that you must be prepared for this kind of input from your children.
A second way
of encouraging honesty is avoiding confrontations in which telling a
lie is made easy for your child. Instead of saying, “Simon, did you
colour on the wall?” say, “Simon you knoiw you’re not supposed to
colour on the wall.” Avoid direct confrontation when you already
know the answer. Asking him if he coloured on the walls, when you
saw him do it, sets your child up to tell a lie. Don’t put your
children in situations where fibbing is easier
than telling
the truth. Even as an adult, when someone asks whether you ate the
last chocolate chip cookie, you get a little nervous – like maybe
you did something wrong. Learn, however, to stick out your chets
and proudly announce, “Yes! I ate the last cookie, and I must be
honest, it was the best cookie out of the whole package.”
Now,
if Emily really didn’t colour on the wall, she can easily say, “But,
Mom, I didn’t colour on the wall, it was dad!” Figures.
The third and
most important way of teaching honesty is being honest yourself.
Don’t ever lie to your children. You’re setting an example. When
you lie to your children, they’ll think that it’s okay to lie. But,
on the other hand, when your children lie to you, you get mad. You
can’t have double standards.
Thinking that
you’d never lie to your children is easy. However, you must be
careful about unintentional lies. “I’ll be back in just a few
minutes” – and you’re gone for several hours. These kinds of
white lies can teach your children not to trust you.
Traditional White
Lies
|
White Lie |
Truth |
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“It’s just medicine, it tastes good!” |
It tastes like lighter fluid. |
|
“This won’t hurt.” |
Gestapo – approved torture tactic |
|
“I just have to grab one thing from
the shop.” |
Two hours later, you own the shop. |
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“We’re going to Aunt Mildred’s.”
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Any time at Aunt Mildred’s is a long
time. We won’t stay long. |
The correct
ways to make the intended statements represented by the white lies
listed in the Table are:
“The medicine
helps to make you feel better.”
2.
Not saying anything about the pain is best. When you
can’t get away with that strategy, say, “This may not feel so good.”
3.
Either grab your one thing and leave or say, “I have some
shopping to do. I don’t know how long it’s going to take.
4.
“We’re going to Aunt Mildred’s. We’ll leave by 11:30. “Show
your children on the clock what 11:30 looks like when they don’t
know.
Always
remember, “Honesty is the best policy.”
Extract from
Parenting for Dummies, 2nd Edition.
Paint - A - School
(Charity drive for Rondebult Primary School)
We are currently in the process of renovating a
library for Rondebult Primary School we need these supplies to
enable us to create a beautiful reading area and library for our
sister school. If you are able to help in any way with donations
please hand them in to your child’s register teacher. Many thanks
for your donations
Equipment needed:
-Paint brushes no smaller than 20mm (new) ( a
variety of sizes please)
- Paint rollers
- Empty butter containers
- Throw Cushions (any colour) (not bed pillows)
And finally
English Language
Have you ever wondered why foreigners have trouble
with the English language?
Let’s face it English is a stupid language.
There is no egg in eggplant No ham in hamburger
And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple.
English muffins were not invented in England
French fries were not invented in France.
We sometimes take English for granted.
But if we examine its paradoxes we find that
Quicksand takes you down slowly
Boxing rings are square
And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a
pig.
If writers write, how come fingers don’t fing.
If the plural or tooth is teeth
Shouldn’t the plural of phone booth be phone beeth
If the teacher taught,
Why didn’t the preacher praught.
If a vegetarian eats vegetables
What the heck does a humanitarian eat?
Why do people recite at a play
Yet play at a recital!
Park on driveways and
Drive on parkways.
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy
Of a language where a house can burn up as
It burns down
And in which you fill in a form
By filling it out
And a bell is only heard once it goes!
English was invented by people, not computers
And it reflects the creativity of the human race
(which of course isn’t a race at all)
That is why
When the stars are out they are visible
But when the lights are out they are invisible
And why is it that when I wind up my watch It starts
But when I wind up this observation, It ends.
How to torture your teacher
By Bruce Lansky
Only raise your hand when
You want to sharpen your pencil
or go to the bathroom.
Repeat every ten minutes.
Never raise your hand
When you want to answer a question,
instead, yell, “Oooh! Oooh! Oooh!”
and then, when the teacher calls on you,
Say, “I forgot what I was going to say.”
Lean your chair back,
take off your shoes, and
put your feet up on your desk.
Act surprised when the teacher
puts all four legs of your chair back on the floor.
Drop the eraser end of your pencil
on your desk.
See how high it will bounce.
Drop your books on the floor
see how loud a noise you can make.
Hum
Get all your friends to join in.
Hold your nose,
Make a face, and say, “P.U.!”
Fan the air away from your face,
and point to the kid in front of you.
On the last day of school,
Lead your classmates in chanting:
“No more pencils!
No more books!
No more teachers’
dirty looks!”
Then, on your way out
The door, tell the teacher,
“Bet you’re looking forward
to summer vacation this year.
But I’ll sure miss you
You’re the best teacher
I’ve ever had.”
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Thank you so much for your generous contribution
of: Easter Eggs - We collected 2573 eggs which were
distributed among the aged, orphanages and a home for the mentally
disabled.
Coins - R1 300.00 was raised for "Angels Without Wings" (NPO 84749).
This organisation cares for and financially assists families who
have children with terminal illnesses or life-altering conditions.
If you would like to make a personal donation, please email
nadine@angelswithoutwings.co.za or see their website.
TERM 2 2013
Coins
We will be raising money for the young "Alberton Leo
Club" to distribute among needy children.
Winter
Collection
Please send
blankets, scarves, jerseys, gloves, beanies, new socks and soup
(tinned or packets). The Topsy Foundation will distribute
these to those who are without warmth for the winter. Please
be generous as none of us have any idea or experience of this kind
of suffering. Please send all items to Room C38 (Ms Pheiffer).
Blankets,
Newspapers, Pet Food
SPCA
Bread Tags
and Bottle Tops
For the disabled
My School
Thank you to all our parents who support “My School”
and also continue to bring in used printer cartridges.
Used
Printer Cartridges
PLEASE, WHEN HANDING IN USED PRINTER CARTRIDGES,
ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN TAKEN OUT OF THE PACKAGING.
We are still collecting used printer cartridges for
recycling purposes, in conjunction with “My School”. When you
replace your printer cartridge, please send the old one in with your
child, as we will receive a cash incentive for collecting them. If
you are able to collect old cartridges at work please send these in
as well.
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CURRENT NEWS
INCONSIDERATE PARENTS
We have once
again had a complaint about parents dropping their children off in
the road, thereby endangering their children’s lives.
The guilty
party is the driver of vehicle:
SKM 902GP
In addition the
child whose parents drive the above vehicle, ignore what adults tell
them.
PLEASE,
we are appealing to parents to use the correct drop off zones when
dropping off children at school.
SCHOOL TIMES DURING EXAMS
Please note
that school will close at 13:00 for all Grades during exam week, 23
May – 31 May 2013.
ASSESSMENT – MAY 2013
23/05 – 31/05 2013
|
GRADE 4,5,6 |
|
DATE |
SESSION 1 |
SESSION 2 |
|
23 May |
Afrikaans |
Afrikaans activity |
|
24 May |
English |
English activity |
|
27 May |
Maths |
Maths activity |
|
28 May |
Natural Sciences |
Natural Science activity |
|
29 May |
Social Science (History) |
History activity |
|
30 May |
Social Science (Geography) |
Geography activity |
|
31 May |
Life Skills |
Technology activity |
ASSESSMENT
– MAY 2013
23/05 –
31/05 2013
|
GRADE 7 |
|
DATE |
SESSION 1 |
SESSION 2 |
|
23 May |
English |
Life Orientation |
|
24 May |
Natural Sciences |
Technology |
|
27 May |
Mathematics Paper 1 |
EMS |
|
28 May |
Afrikaans |
Afrikaans activity |
|
29 May |
Social Science (History) |
Social Science activity |
|
30 May |
Mathematics Paper 2 |
Social Science (Geography) |
|
31 May |
Natural Science activity |
English activity |
A&J CHORAL VERSE
Congratulations
to all the Grade 7’s chosen for the A&J Choral Verse. Practices are
as follows:
Puppet Masters
practice: Mondays 14:30 – 15:00 (hall)
All A&J choral
verse practices will be held on Mondays 14:00 – 14:30 in Miss van
Coller’s classroom.
A&J CHORAL VERSE
PRACTICES:
|
DATE |
TIME |
VENUE |
|
Fri. 10 May |
14:00 – 14:30 |
Hall |
|
Mon. 13 May |
14:00 – 14:30
14:30 – 15:00
(puppets) |
Miss van Coller’s class |
|
Fri. 17 May |
14:00 – 14:30 |
Hall |
|
Mon. 20 May |
14:00 – 14:30
14:30 – 15:00
(puppets) |
Miss van Coller’s class
|
|
Fri. 24 May |
14:00 – 14:30 |
Hall |
|
Mon. 27 May |
14:00 – 14:30
14:30 – 15:00
(puppets) |
Miss van Coller’s class |
|
Fri. 31 May |
14:00 – 14:30 |
Hall |
INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS
We have been advised by the photographer that
individual photos taken last term, will be delivered on 6 May 2013.
If you have not already paid for these photos, you may still do so.
GRADE 1 AND GRADE 8 ENROLMENTS
Please note that enrolments for
2014 have now opened.
If you are wanting to enroll a child
for Grade 1 please complete the necessary Enrolment Forms (available
at the school office), as soon as possible.
NOTE TO PARENTS OF
GRADE 7 LEARNERS:
Please note that it is the parents’
responsibility to apply at a high school for enrolment.
Brackenhurst Primary School DOES
NOT do the enrolments for any learners for high school.
Netball Girls
Shoe Drive
Starts
15 April 2013
Ends
9 May 2013
Winning team gets Mc
flurries’ @ McDonalds
The
team in the lead so far is…
U12B
ACADEMIC:
Detailed
information regarding Assessment Activities have been issued to all
learners Grade 4 – 7.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Junior Bible
Club – Grade 1-3:
Tuesday
afternoons from 13:45 – 14:15 in G17.
Junior Art
Club – Grade 1 and 2:
Gr 1 and Gr 2
Art Club commences on Thursday, 25 April in Mrs Fabel’s class, G14
at 13:30.
WINTER SCHOOL UNIFORM
Learners may now start wearing
their CORRECT winter uniform.
Please note – NO BLANKETS or HOT
WATER BOTTLES are allowed. If learners have these at school they
will be confiscated.
ADVERTISING BOARDS
As you will
probably have noticed by now, we have erected several advertising
boards around the school. Advertising space is still available
and the rental period options are as follows:
3 Months rental
at R450,00 per month.
Paid in advance
= R1 350,00.
6 months rental
at R350,00 per month.
Paid in advance
= R2 100,00.
12 months
rental at R250,00 per month.
Paid in advance
= R3 000,00.
Please contact
Dino Kapelianis on:
(011) 867-0800
or 073 546 2626 for further information.
SCHOOL CALENDAR – 2014
1st Term: 15 January – 28 March
2nd Term: 7 April – 27 June
3rd Term: 21 July – 3 October
4th Term: 13 October – 10 December
TRAFFIC AROUND THE SCHOOL
We realise that parents are in a hurry in the
mornings to get to work and drop their children off at school, BUT
please consider other parents as well and DO NOT stop in the middle
of the road to drop your child off . Not only is this extremely
inconsiderate to other parents, but it also causes huge traffic
congestion.
We ask parents if they see anyone stopping in the
middle of the road to drop children off, to make a note of their
number plate and inform the school office. We will publish a list of
these offenders on a weekly basis, in our newsletter.
We request your co-operation in this regard.
THANK YOU OPTIM-ED
Thank you to
OPTIM-ED who have introduced a very sturdy “identity card” for all
their after care children. This is securely attached to the
children’s school bags and contains all important contact details at
a glance. We would like to encourage other aftercares and transport
companies to follow suite!
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
PLEASE
– We appeal to parents again. We know traffic is a problem in the
mornings and afternoons – but PLEASE co-operate and show some
consideration in order to ease the flow of traffic.
GRADE 7 PIRATE – DRESS UP DAY
Your child is
allowed to dress up as a pirate (at no cost) during Civvies
Whiteboard week.
The day will
be 7 May and will coincide with their English oral presentation.
There is no need for costume hire. Be creative. Props, hats, etc.
are available from Crazy Store, China Mall, Alberton City party shop
and many other places; sold in sets or separately.
Animal Food: PLEASE,
PLEASE, OUR ANIMALS ARE HUNGRY!
URGENT ; WE ARE DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR CARROT
TOPS FOR OUR BUNNY “JASPER.” IF YOU ARE ABLE TO GET CARROT TOPS,
PLEASE TAKE THEM TO MS LIPAWSKY IN THE SCIENCE LAB.
We are appealing to learners in all grades to please
bring the following items to the lab: Wild bird seed; budgie seed;
mixed bird seed; hamster food and bedding; rabbit food; carrot tops
and lettuce and empty tissue boxes. Thank you to the learners who
have been bringing food for our animals, it is greatly appreciated.
SCHOOL FEE EXEMPTIONS
2013
Applications for school fees exemptions for 2013 are
now open. Should you wish to apply for an exemption for the 2013
school fees, please note that the following is required in order for
the exemption to be considered:
Application form collected from the office and
completed in writing together with all relevant documentation
requested. Please submit applications to Mrs L Joubert as soon as
possible in order to avoid any delay.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WITHOUT ALL THE RELEVANT
DOCUMENTATION, APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
PLEASE NOTE: Exemption applications MUST
be made on an annual basis and are not automatic every year.
If you ticked the box requesting exemption on the
school fee agreement form – it does NOT automatically qualify
you for an exemption. You have to make application with the relevant
documentation. Should you have any queries, please contact Mrs L
Joubert on (011) 900 1000.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
NO school clothes may be worn to any training of any
sport – you must wear casual clothing. If your child is not
correctly dressed they will not be allowed to participate in the
training.
They will be asked to leave.
Grade 3 Art Club:
Thursdays from 14:00 – 14:45 in Mrs Downs’ class – C41.
SCHOOL FEE PAYMENTS
Parents who have chosen to pay school fees via
OPTION A, the amount to be paid by 8 March 2013 is R 8 534,00 .
Monthly school fees amount: R913,00 payable by the 1st of the
month.
SCOUTS AND CUBS
Boys and girls aged 7 and up are invited to join the
Brackenhurst Scout Troop. The Cubs (age 7 – 11) meet on a Friday
from 17:30 – 19:15 at the Scout Hall between Poppy and Dandelion
Streets, Brackenhurst. The Scouts (age 12 and up) meet from 19:30 –
21:30.
The Scouting movement, founded by Lord Baden Powell
shortly after the Anglo-Boer War, strives to develop well-rounded,
independent young men and women. They achieve this through indoor as
well as outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, building rafts,
bushcraft and games. There is a strong emphasis on Nature
Conservation and Good Manners. Regular campfires with singing and
campfire skits are also something to look forward to.
If you are interested, contact the secretary on 011
900 1270 after 6pm or 082 463 8620 for more information.
TENNIS
Monday Tennis is free for all who would like to try
out. Please meet Coach Rudolph on the Tennis courts at the allocated
times.
Grade 1 & 2 - 13:35 - 13:55
Grade 3 - 7 - 13:55 - 14:30
School Team - 14:30 - 15:00
Please come dressed in sportswear and you must have
takkies and your own racket.
Tennis champs will begin soon please keep tuned for
further information
DONATIONS
We are looking for any donations of any Tennis
rackets that you would like to donate to the school please drop them
off at the sports office or the front office and they will pass it
on to us.
Coaches needed:
We are looking for coaches for Netball and Soccer
for our Grade 1 and 2 group. If you are interested or know of
someone who may be willing to coach, please contact either Mrs Felix
van Rensburg or Mr Lawrenz on (011) 900-1000.
JUNIOR BIBLE CLUB
Junior Bible Club (Grade 1,2 and 3). Tuesdays from
13:45 – 14:15 in G17.
SCHOOL TERMS 2013
1st Term: 9 January – 20 March
2nd Term: 9 April – 21 June
3rd Term: 15 July – 20
September
4th Term: 1 October – 4 December
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2013
|
1 January |
New Year's Day |
|
21 March |
Human Rights Day |
|
22 March |
School Holiday |
|
29 March |
Good Friday |
|
1 April |
Family Day |
|
27 April |
Freedom Day |
|
1 May |
Worker's Day |
|
16 June |
Youth Day |
|
17 June |
Public Holiday |
|
9 August |
Women's Day |
|
23 September |
School Holiday |
|
24 September |
Heritage Day |
|
16 December |
Day of Reconciliation |
|
25 December |
Christmas Day |
|
26 December |
Day of Goodwill |
Grade 7 Extra Lessons:
There will be extra lessons weekly which are free of
charge. Maths (Mrs Burger) on Tuedays 14:15 – 14:45 in the
Multi-Purpose room.
Afrikaans (Ms van Coller and Mrs Callow) on
Wednesdays 14:15 – 14:45.
English (Mrs Foster and Ms Pheiffer) on Thursdays 14:15 – 14:45.
Grade 5 Extra Lessons 2013:
English Miss Budde - Tuesday - C14
Mrs Botes - Thursday - C5
14:15 – 14:45
Maths Mrs Grove & Mrs Sharp - Tuesday - Library
14:00 -14:45
Mrs Steenfeldt-Kristen - Thursday - C12
14:00 – 14:45
Afr. Mrs Botha - Wednesday - C27
ALL GRADE 5 EXTRA LESSONS WILL COMMENCE THE FIRST
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2013.
IMPORTANT NOTICE – “PICK UP”
POINTS AFTER SCHOOL
Please note that cars are to wait in
Begonia/Camellia Streets in the afternoon and public transport
(including taxis and after care) are to collect children in Jasmine
Street. Please adhere to these pick up points in order to alleviate
congestion.
We also note that a transport company – “AMELIA’S
PICK UP” – insists on parking in the road to collect children. This
practice is to stop with immediate effect as it causes MAJOR
CONGESTION.
TAKE CARE WHEN DRIVING IN
THE
VICINITY OF THE SCHOOL
As we are all concerned for the safety of our
children, we appeal to all our parents, taxi drivers and aftercare
drivers, please drive carefully in the vicinity of the school and
obey the scholar patrol and all traffic signs.
Many drivers are just yielding at STOP signs instead
of taking care, stopping completely and ensuring there are no
children crossing the road.
Please consider the safety of our learners.
OPERATION RECYCLE STATIONERY
Our one Deputy Head Girl, Jennifer Lewis, has
conceptualised an ingenious project whereby she plans to recycle
stationery. Many children, like herself, are blessed to be given
brand new stationery at the beginning of every academic year. She
has come to the realisation however that much of her stationery from
the previous year is still in very good condition and could still
easily be used. Thus she is appealing to all Brackenhurst Primary
School children who, like herself, still has good quality stationery
at home, to perhaps consider bringing it to school and handing it in
to their register teacher.
Jennifer and a team of friends will then spruce it
up firstly for the use of any children at our school who need
stationery. If there is a surplus, we will then be donating the
excess to Rondebult Primary School.
Well done Jennifer – let’s all support this
noteworthy initiative.
NEWSLETTER AND SCHOOL
COMMUNICATOR
Only parents who requested (in writing), hard copies
of the newsletter will be receiving hard copies this week. If you
did not request a hard copy, the newsletter is available on the
Communicator or on the school’s website:
www.brackenprim.co.za.
PE Uniform
Towards the end of last year we noticed an
increasing number of children wearing their P.E. uniform on days
when they did not have P.E. or extra murals in the afternoon. This
practice is to stop with immediate effect. Furthermore, children are
only wearing part of the uniform, usually the golf shirt, with any
black shorts or sometimes even three quarter length pants, coloured
socks and coloured takkies.
Should children not wear the P.E. uniform correctly,
they will be prohibited from wearing it as a uniform for the entire
day and will have to change for P.E. or afternoon sport. Should the
problem become too widespread, we will stop this practice
altogether.
Your co-operation in this regard would be appreciated.
School Fee Payments
We have received numerous deposits into our bank
account with thereference “POPO”. We have been unable to allocate
these payments and request that the person who is making these
deposits to please contact Mrs Linda Joubert on (011) 900-1000, as a
matter of urgency.
Please use the correct “beneficiary reference” when
making payments directly into the bank account. Please either use
the number which begins with “3 “ which appears under the heading
“Account Number” on your statement or your child’s name.
If you have more than one child at the school you
can use your school account number as the reference number.
MUSIC CENTRE 2013
Our Music Centre provides opportunities for
Brackenhurst Primary School learners to have formal music training
with qualified specialist music tutors in:
Violin * piano * voice
Keyboard * recorder (flute)
* guitar
It is necessary to have an instrument in order to
learn and practise.
The school has guitars for rental and there are
places that offer rentals. It is advisable to speak to Mrs Morrick
before purchasing or hiring a music instrument, as the correct size
and make is important.
Lessons are offered from Monday – Thursday from
14:15 – 17:15. Fees are R760 per term per student and include
one 30 minute individual lessons per week (practical) and one 45
minute compulsory theory class (written) per week. If you would like
more information, please collect a letter and enrolment form from
the Music Room.
Music Instrument Library Rentals:
(011) 837 2685
info@instrumentlibrary.co.za
***ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING- SCHOOL FEES 2013**
At the meeting the school fees for 2013 were
approved. Details are as follows:
School Fees 2013: R10 040,00
OPTION A:
To be paid by 8 March 2013 = R8 534,00 (Discount at 15% - R1
506,00)
OPTION B:
Debit Order & Monthly payments – R10 040,00
R913,00 per month x 10 months
R910,00 for final month (December)
STATIONERY FOR SALE AT
SCHOOL
As mentioned in the last newsletter last term, we
are selling basic stationery items at the tuckshop.
The prices are as follows:
BIC Crystal Ballpoint Pens (Black or Blue) R5,00
each
HB Pencils R4,00 each
Erasers R7,00 each
Rulers R5,00 each
PRITT Glue 22g R27,00 each
We are hoping that by selling these items at school,
it will assist working parents and alleviate the necessity of having
to rush to the shops after work or first thing in the morning to
purchase stationery.
WHITEBOARD LEVY
A motion was passed at the AGM towards the end of
2012 whereby R100,00 per child per year would be collected
over and above school fees. This will be used exclusively towards
the purchasing of Interactive Whiteboards.
To date, we have installed 20 interactive
whiteboards, BUT WE STILL REQUIRE MORE as we would like every
class to have an interactive whiteboard. We urge those families who
have not yet paid the R100,00 whiteboard levy, to please send the
money as soon as possible as we would like to install some more
whiteboards.
Please be so kind as to send this money in a clearly
marked envelope “WHITEBOARD LEVY” with your child to be handed in to
his/her register teacher.
PLEASE DO NOT DO AN EFT FOR THE WHITEBOARD LEVY.
NOTE: Any new enrolments that have already paid the
R100,00 whiteboard levy on enrolment, do not have to pay a further
R100,00.
ALL CHILDREN WHO PAY THE WHITEBOARD LEVY WILL GET
A WEEK OF CIVVIES FROM 4 – 8 FEBRUARY.
GRADE 7 ENROLMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL 2013
Please note that the same criteria as noted on Grade
1 enrolments also applies to Grade 7’s wishing to enroll into any
high school next year. The onus is on the parents and NOT
Brackenhurst Primary to do the necessary enquiries and admission
procedure for high school. We do not have admission forms for the
various high schools, these are available at the school itself.
HAND SANITIZERS
As from 11 June 2012, we will be selling hand
sanitizers at the school for learners/parents to purchase.
The SaniSpray comes in a 200ml bottle and will sell
for R15,00. This spray can be used by the girls to spray toilet
seats for instant disinfection and is also safe for them to use to
clean their hands.
The Alcogel comes in a 50ml bottle and will sell for
R10,00. This is also a waterless hand sanitiser and protects the
skin. There is no sticky residue. Saniwipes. We will also be selling
boxes of saniwipe sachets. These can be placed in your children’s
lunchboxes, also can be used to wipe a toilet seat before sitting
and can even be used to clean a scratch or surface wound before
applying a plaster. There are 10 sachets in a box. The cost is
R12,00 per box.
If you would like to purchase any of these
sanitisers, please place the money in a sealed envelope with your
child’s name and class (exact money – NO CHANGE WILL BE GIVEN), and
hand to your child’s register teacher.
We will also be placing larger dispensers with
Sanifoam in some classrooms for the children’s use after break. If
we find this system works, we will install dispensers in all
classrooms
LATE SUBMISSION OF WORK FOR ASSESSMENT
Please note that we have standardized our policy
with regards to children who hand work in after the set deadline. In
future marks will be deducted as follows:
1 day late – 20% deducted
2 days late – Learners will be given zero.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES – PHYS.ED UNIFORM
It has been decided that learners may wear their
FULL PHYS. ED. uniform to school on the
days that they have extra mural activities,
whether it is practice or a match. This is in order to save
time and also alleviate the problem of
uniforms getting lost or stolen. Please
note that only the correct PHYS. ED. UNIFORM may be worn.
No “civvies” are to be worn to school on these days.
SCHOOL COMMUNICATOR:
PLEASE MAKE USE OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNICATOR:
This software programme will ensure reliable and up
to date communication with you, the parent/guardian. This is a very
simple and easy to use programme and can be installed on your home
and/or work computer/s. This will allow us to keep you up to date on
a daily basis as to what is happening at school. This will include
the newsletter, photos, sporting fixtures, contact details, etc. The
Communicator updates itself via your internet
connection. More information about the communicator can be obtained
from ‘School Communicator
Document.’
You can make use of one of the following options:
1. Download the software directly from the Website
using the following URL
http://www.school-communicator.com/download.php?schoolid=453
2. Send an e-mail to
comp@brackenprim.co.za
requesting to borrow an installation CD. Please
provide the name and class of your child/ren in the e-mail.
3. Send a memory stick in an envelope marked for
attention M Fabel via the class teacher with your child’s/rens
name/s and class/es.
4. The communicator is now also available for
download on your mobile phone. Go to the following address on your
cell phone and select the school you want to look at from the
dropdown list. You will be able to view all the content that appears
on the School Communicator at this time.
5. The address is:
http://mobi.d6communicator.com .
SCHOOL UNIFORM
We are experiencing a growing problem with uniform
after school. On a number of occasions
teachers bump into children after school at shopping
centers and the like. It is often reported to me that many of
our children have their full school
uniform on, but are walking around bare foot, with their shirts
hanging out or even completely unbuttoned. We are very proud
of our school and its uniform, and thus I
insist that if a child can be identified as a
Brackenhurst Primary pupil by their uniform that they will be
dressed smartly at all times, irrespective
of whether or not they are on the school premises.
If they go shopping and are uncomfortable in their
school uniform kindly take them home to
change into play clothes, or bring a change of clothing to
school when you fetch them. It is very embarrassing to have
to reprimand a child for their sloppy
attire when the mother is standing right next to the child
and has obviously condoned this type of untidiness. No matter
how embarrassing it is for the teachers
however, I have given instructions to the
staff to go ahead and reprimand any child who is found to be wearing
the school uniform off site incorrectly.
Your co-operation in this regard would be
greatly appreciated since our school is largely judged by the
broader community by the way our children
present themselves, as well as their
general behaviour and manners.
GENERAL
Second Hand Clothing Shop: PLEASE NOTE:
We are desperately looking for donations of second
hand school clothes and Brackenhurst Primary striped school ties for
the second hand shop.
The Second Hand uniform shop will be open on
Thursday afternoons from 14:00 – 14:30 in the foyer of the hall. All
items are priced below R50,00, depending on condition.
Tuckshop menu:
Monday
Pies R9,00
Muffins R6,00
Tuesday
Hotdogs R7,00
Wednesday
Mince Roll R9,00
Thursday
Hotdogs R7,00
Friday
Pizza slice R9,00
We are appealing to any mothers who would be able to
assist in the tuckshop to please contact Mrs Darlene Smith on 084
705 1742 or at the tuckshop (011) 900-1990.
CIVVIES DAYS
Please take note of the following rules regarding
“Civvies Days.”
Girls may not wear their hair loose.
No make up may be worn
No “extra” jewellery may be worn.
Tops must be “decent.” No low cut tops.
Boys may not have “fancy” hairstyles.
No rings to be worn by the boys.
LATE COMERS
Parents please note, if your child arrives late
for school, he/she MUST report to the office to
fetch a “LATE NOTE.” Late comers will miss the first period of
school and no late comers will be allowed in class without a
“LATE NOTE.”
Bread Tags:
Thank you so much for the huge response. Please
keep sending bread tags as we need to fill 10 black municipal
bags for 1wheelchair.
Used Printer Cartridges:
PLEASE,
WHEN HANDING IN USED PRINTER CARTRIDGES, ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE
BEEN TAKEN OUT OF THE PACKAGING.
We are still collecting used
printer cartridges for recycling purposes, in conjunction with
“My School”. When you replace your printer cartridge,
please send the old one in with your child, as we will receive a
cash incentive for collecting them. If you are able to
collect old cartridges at work please send these in as well.
Thank you for all the parents
who continue to hand in their used printer cartridges for
recycling.
Media Fines
After the two week period, late returns of media
books will be fined in the amount of 50c per day. This money is
payable to Mrs Sharp, the school librarian. All funds collected
are used to purchase new media stock.
There is no reason why a book should be late as
learners are required to bring their library book to their Media
lesson every week.
If a library book is lost, the learner will have
to pay the following to replace it:
a) R100 if it is an old book
b) R150 if it is a new book.
LOCKERS
Lockers are now available for hire. All learners, Grade 4 –
7, have been issued with a letter setting out the details with
regards to the lockers.
The cost of the lockers is: Large locker – R170
rental per year.
Small locker – R120 rental per year.
Should you have any queries, please contact Mr Ayres at the
school, on (011) 900-1000.
FRONT OFFICE
We once again need to remind parents not to drop off lunch,
keys, money and homework with Mrs Brown to deliver to their
child.
Unfortunately with close to 1 200 children at our school it
becomes a logistical nightmare to deliver all the "forgotten"
items. Please be assured that if your child forgets their lunch
at home, the teacher will ensure that other children share their
lunch. If your child forgets homework at home, please allow
him/her to take accountability for his/her actions and face the
consequences, which, if it is a first or second offence only
amounts to a warning. Please assist us in this regard, as well
as teaching your child responsibility.
We will at all times accept medication, especially chronic
medication such as asthma pumps, which have been left at home.
CELL PHONES
Please note that in line with the cell phone policy (which
will be issued to all learners within the next few weeks), no
learner may have a celllphone at school which has internet
connectivity and/or a camera.
On Monday we will be conducting an inspection and any learner
found with the incorrect cellphone will have their cellphone
confiscated and this will only be returned at the end of the
term.
We request your co-operation in this regard, which is in the
best interests of your child.
Should we have any more complaints regarding the fact that
children may only bring a basic cellphone to school, or that an
incorrect cellphone has been confiscated we will have no choice
but to ban cellphones from being brought to school completely.
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Thought
for May:
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"There's
nothing more contagious than the laughter of young
children; it doesn't even have to matter what they're
laughing about."
Criss Jami
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