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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
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Staff Matters
Welcome to the following educators, we trust
that you will have a long and happy association with
Brackenhurst Primary School.
Mrs T Muller - Grade 4
Mrs L Theron - Grade 7 (Arts and Culture)
Mrs B Downs - Intern
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PARENTS CORNER
What Teachers Wish They Could Tell You
Academic Accuracy:
“Exam results are not everything. How your child
treats people is most important.”
“Never talk in a negative way about school or
teachers in front of your child as it only
undermines the teacher and does not generally lead to a good
relationship, so essential for your child’s learning. Focus
on your child’s feelings rather than on
the teacher’s actions and then make an appointment
to see the teacher.”
“Detention is a serious offence. Treat it as such
and make sure that your side is clear.”
“Teach your child time-management skills and that
there is a time for work and a time for
play. Set a limit for television and computer time and monitor
the content to ensure that it is age appropriate.”
“Don’t moan about group work. Sometimes it is
unfair, but your child needs to learn to
delegate and to deal with freeloaders. There are these sorts of
people in every job and learning how to handle them while
still at school will be an important life
skill.”
“If your child is academically able, don’t rush
him/her off to gifted-children groups and
tell him/her that he/she is a little Einstein. Rather spend the
extra mural time focusing on something he/she isn’t so hot
at. He/she will become a more rounded
person and will not end up isolating him/herself
from his/her peers.”
“If your child tells you that he or she is bored, it
does not mean that they are ‘gifted’! It
probably means that they do not understand the work and usually
need extra assistance!” “Praise
your child regularly.”
A word on communication
“Teach your children manners – that is not our job!
This includes ‘please,’ ‘thank you’,
standing back in doorways for adults and cleaning up after
themselves.”
“Allow children to sort out their own friendship
issues and problems with siblings. If you
step in every time, you are not teaching your child how to
stand up for him/herself or how to develop
conflict-resolution skills. Bullying and
friendship issues are two different things. Children need you to
support them if they are experiencing
bullying, and parents should go to the relevant
authorities in schools if their child is being bullied.”
“Put your cellphone away. Don’t arrive whilst
talking on the phone and bark instructions
to your child to get ready. This is the first time you are seeing
your child after a busy day. They need a smile, a hug and an
exchange of the day’s news.”
“Remember that whatever you are told by your child
is his/her perception and only one side of
a story. Find out the whole story before overreacting.”
“If you don’t believe everything you hear about
school, we won’t believe everything we
hear about home!”
Article from “Child Magazine.”
An update on Jarred Deans
To all the wonderful Brackenhurst Primary family
that supported the Deans family two years ago in whatever way, when
their son Jarred was diagnosed with cancer shortly after his first
birthday we thought you may want to see how wonderful he is looking
now!
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.”
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Brackenhurst Primary - A KFC Achiever School
“THE PAVEMENT KIDS”
Despite the many requests to parents that children
are collected from school within 20 minutes of school coming out
this is not happening. Many children are
left unattended on the pavement outside the main gate until early
evening. We can no longer overlook this problem as we fear
for the children’s safety. It is unlikely
that an educator will be on the premises after
school especially as some learners are expected to wait for
their parents until after 5pm and should
the child be hit by a car no medical help would be
available to the child. It is understandable, that because
the child is left on the pavement for
hours on end, boredom sets in. To alleviate the boredom
problem, they engage with strangers walking past, play in the
road, litter, lose their belongings,
damage the fence and notice boards and annoy the
neighbours. It is difficult for me to comprehend that some
parents do not seem to have a problem with
the pavement as a play area for hours on en
and some have even suggested to me that the security guard is
their self designated “aftercare”
facilitator.
As from Monday 6 February learners who have been on
the pavement longer than 20 minutes i.e. 5
past 2 (this of course will not include
children who have just completed a
legitimate school activity e.g. choir, athletics,
chess etc.) will be moved from the pavement to the small
gated area just inside the main gate in
Jasmine Street and will not be allowed out until the
transport for the child arrives at the gate. It is urgently
requested to the parents that the children
be collected promptly as, like on the pavement,
they have no access to water, food, homework opportunities
etc. It is in the best interest of all
concerned that parents take the responsibility to ensure
that their child goes home or to a place of safety straight
after school. Your co-operation in this
regard would be appreciated. Should the co-operation
be slow to start please take note of where your child will be
waiting and please inform the transport
company too. We will be taking a register at
3pm every afternoon and should your child be found in this
area for more than 3 afternoons you will
receive a phone call from us, requesting that you
make other transport arrangements for your child, as clearly
the one that you have in place is not
working.
SCHOOL TERMS 2012
Term 1: 18 January – 30 March
Term 2: 10 April – 22 June
Term 3: 16 July – 28 September
Term 4: 8 October – 7 December
CHANGE IN SCHOOL TIMES – GRADES 1 – 3:
Please note that as from Monday, 23 January 2012,
school closes for
Grades 1 – 3 at the following times:
Grades 1 and 2: Monday – Friday: 13:30
Grade 3: Monday – Thursday: 13:45
Friday: 13:30
TENTATIVE GOVERNING BODY ELECTION DATE:
We have set the provisional Governing Body election
date for Wednesday 14 March. More details will follow as soon as
they have been provided to us by the district office. Please note
that all children whose parent/s attend these elections will be
given ONE WEEKS FREE CIVVIES from Monday 19 March – Friday 23 March.
If for whatever reason you are unable to attend the
elections you may collect a proxy form at the office at a later date
to be advised and allow another parent to vote for you. In this case
your child will still be eligible to wear civvies.
FOUNDATION PHASE DESK TOP DICTIONARIES
The above dictionaries are once again in stock and
available from the front office. Please note that there has been a
price increase with this order and these dictionaries are now being
sold at a cost of R60.
Assessment Plans
The Grade 4 -7 learners will be issued with an
assessment plan for term 1 ON 23/01/2012. This will give the parents
and children a guideline to the assessments which will be covered in
each Learning Area this term.
Grade 5 Extra Lessons:
English: Tuesday, 14:00 – 14:30 – C14 (Miss Budde)
Thursday: 14:00 – 14:30 – C5 (Mrs Botes)
Maths: Tuesday: 13:45 – 14:30 – Library (Mrs Grove &
Mrs Sharp)
Afrikaans: Wednesday: 14:00 – 14:30 – C25 – (Mrs
Botha)
Study Skills: Monday: 14:00 – 14:30 – C10 – (Ms
Velimirovic & Miss Railson)
Grade 7 Extra Maths:
Wednesday: 13:45 – 14:30 – Media Centre (Mrs Burger)
SCHOOL COMMUNICATOR:
This week we have made hard copies of the newsletter
for all families. However, from next week we will only be sending
hard copies to parents who do not have access to a computer and are
unable to receive the newsletter via the Communicator or on our
school’s website: www.brackenprim.co.za.
Should you wish to receive a hard copy of the
newsletter, please forward a note to your child’s register teacher.
Hard copies will only be made for parents who have requested them.
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
downloaded from
http://www.brackenprim.co.za/weeklycirculars.htm
in a document called ‘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
www.schoolcommunciator.com/downloads.
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.
INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHS
This year we will be trying a new system of
individual photographs. Jacqui, our
resident photographer will be taking photographs of every child in
the school on Friday 10 February and
Monday 13 February. A sample
photograph attached to an envelope will be sent home with each
child. All the relevant information such
as the package price and content will be on
the envelope. If parents then wish to order a pack of
photographs you can simply include the
correct amount in cash in the envelope provided and
send it back to the register teacher. Please ensure that all
children are smartly dressed in their full
summer uniform on these two days and do not
come dressed in their P.E. uniform.
KASKAR DERBY
Last year we held a fun filled day of go cart racing
which all the children thoroughly enjoyed.
We have decided to repeat this event this year and
have set aside Friday 23 March for our annual Kaskar Derby.
More information will follow shortly,
however if there are any parents who, like last
SCHOOL FEES
Please make sure when direct deposits are made that
the correct reference (your school account no. or your child’s
name), is used and confirmation sent through via fax or e-mail.
SCHOOL FEES 2012
School Fees 2012: R9 339,00
OPTION A: To be paid by 9 March 2012 = R7
938,00
(Discount @ 15% - R1 401,00)
OPTION B: - Debit Order & Monthly payments –
R9 339,00
R849,00 per month x 11 months
Please note the first monthly payment for 2012 is
due 1 February 2012.
NB: If new enrolment please bear in mind to take
off R1 000,00 already paid towards school fees 2012 (R400,00
computer fee does not come off school fees.)
Please make sure that school fee payments are kept
up to date on a monthly basis to avoid further action being taken.
R100,00 INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD LEVY
A motion was passed at the AGM towards the end of
2011 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 9 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.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR MATTERS
Tennis:
Free tennis will be offered on Mondays with coach
Rudolph – please meet directly at the tennis courts. ALL ARE
WELCOME!
Grade 1 - 13:35 – 13:55
Grade 2 - 13:35 – 13:55
Grade 3 – 7 - 13:45 – 14:25
School Team - 14:25 – 15:00
Thank you to coach Rudolph for fixing our tennis
nets, it is greatly appreciated.
Athletics:
COMPULSORY PRACTICE for all athletes
commencing next week:
Tuesday: 14:00 – 15:00
Wednesday: 14:00 – 15:00
From Monday 23 January 2012 onwards there will be
athletics practice every morning from 08:00 – 08:40 during athletics
period.
Athletes may wear their PE uniforms to practice in.
Grade one athletes will only participate in run offs
at the beginning of February.
Action Cricket:
ACTION CRICKET trials will be held on Friday, 27
January 2012.
U/10 and U/11 boys 14:30
U/12 and U/13 boys 15:30
These trials are for Southern Gauteng Provincial
team and the tournament will be held at Meyersdal Action sports from
the 2nd to the 7th July 2012. If you are unable to attend the trials
but would like to be included, please phone Melissa on the numbers
below and your name will be added to the list.
MELISSA VAN SCHALKWYK
Tel. ()11) 867 7941
Cell: 072 803 3947
Fax: (086) 627 4893
E-Mail
Melissa@actionsports.co.za
GENERAL
Second Hand Clothing 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:
DAY FOOD COST
Monday
Pies R8,50
Muffins R5,50
Tuesday
Hotdogs R6,00
Wednesday
Mince Roll R8,00
Thursday
Hotdogs R6,00
Friday
Pizza slice R8
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.
PE Uniform
Please note that no changes to the PE uniform are
allowed during winter. Please ensure that if your child is cold and
has PE that they wear the full Brackenhurst tracksuit. Any child not
wearing the correct uniform will be dealt with severely.
PLEASE, PLEASE, OUR ANIMALS ARE HUNGRY!
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.
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 – R150 deposit and
R150 rental per year.
R300 payable at the beginning of the year.
Small locker – R100 deposit and R100 rental per year.
R200 payable at the beginning of the year.
Should you have any queries, please contact Mr Ayres at the
school.
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 February: |
A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by
the desire to beat others.
Ayn Rand
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