Magazine 2019

54 LIBRARY & LANGUAGES “That’s what storytellers do.We restore order with imagination. We instil hope again and again.” ~Walt Disney Our picturesque libraries are treasure troves, sparkling with the magic of stories. Sharing stories imparts gifts of imagination, language development, empathy and optimism - every- thing children need to thrive.We are so privi- leged to be able to give our innovation and creativity free reign and to celebrate stories in a myriad of ways. Old favourites like Ronald Dahl and Julia Donaldson live comfortably next to contemporary authors like Cressida Cowell and DavidWalliams, and every new ar- rival is cause for a celebration. Dress-up days, visiting authors and technological adventures are all part of the intricate mosaic of introduc- ing our young readers to the feast. World Book Day is a highlight on our calen- dar, and this year local author Michelle Sciacca led us through a portal in a Baobab tree into the mystical world of Skydalon where we met the four tribes that live there.We also celebrate our additional languages in a week filled with colourful cultural activities, and welcomed author DeWet Hugo who inspired and entertained us. ReadathonWeek is an exuberant festival of books, when a book- shop sets up shop on our campus. Lit Quiz events for every age group with fun prizes and presentations by Hooked on Books add to the festive atmosphere. Learning a language is to under- stand others; to form connec- tions. Storytelling is the heartbeat of every cul- ture and the acquisition of additional languages opens new vistas on the world, while creat- ing invaluable bonds between people. Our Preparatory programme encourages exposure to two additional languages and cultures, isiXhosa and French. In the Preparatory Faculty we have learnt a lot about isiXhosa this year. We have learnt new words, songs, tongue twisters and games. We also touched a bit on the history of the amaXhosa (Xhosa people) and their relation- ship with Khoi people. This connection is evident in the clicks used by amaXhosa in their language and Khoi language which also has a lot of clicks in it. The Junior Prep children enjoyed learning about different types of fruits and vegetables and a new song ‘Igadi yam yemifuno’ (my vegetable garden) was a hit. In the Senior Prep the learners got their tongues twisted trying to say “Iqaqa liziqikaqika kuqaqaqa” (skunk rolling/playing on grass).We also discovered a new game, Quizlet Live.This game got everyone excited.There were times where we had to close the door just to keep the noise inside and not disturb the whole school. It was lots of fun! Notre-Dame de Paris: The burning heart of Paris, 15 April 2019 After the devastating fire at Notre-Dame de Paris on 15 April 2019, the French Prime Minister Monsieur Edouard Phillippe an- Gerhard Vosloo ENRICHMENT