Quarter 4 Newsletter DECEMBER 2019

7 a question our learners were challenged with. This led to discussions around various modes of transport. We thank our parents who rose to the challenge and committed some time to explore the wonders of reading in the classroom. We embraced the exciting world of Roald Dahl by reading George’s Marvellous Medicine. With tongue in cheek we encouraged the learners to create their own concoction to be given to their “awful” grandmother. A visit from Experi-Buddies captivated the interest of our budding scientists who revelled in the electric experiments in their outdoor classroom. The children were given the opportunity to reflect on the year by creating a Story Board of their year in Grade Two. The personalised certificates that the learners received at Awards morning is a true reflection of how well they have progressed throughout the year. As educators it has been an honour and a privilege to see them grow and develop throughout the year. We have every confidence that they will continue to be successful in the new year. A GRADE THREE LEARNING ADVENTURE… The Grade Three Market Day was an event that the learners looked forward to with great anticipation. After weeks of preparation and planning, they were able to present their crafts and treats for the Grade One, Grade Two and Grade Four learners to sample and enjoy. We were blown away by the effort and thoughtfulness that went into each learner's stall and preparation. Learners then donated the proceeds of their profits to a charity, namely the S.P.C.A. Grade Four orientation morning was met with elation as the new Grade Four classes were announced. The learners then had the opportunity to spend the morning with their future Grade Four teachers. The topic of learning about different birds was ended on a very positive note as the learners enjoyed an outing to Eagle Encounter at Spier, Stellenbosch. Emphasis on being a responsible pet owner raised the learners’ awareness as they heard stories of rescued birds that have been assisted. Learners were greatly encouraged by the 60% recovery and release rate, of which they boast. The Grade Three learners enjoyed the competition and fun at the Grade Three swimming gala. They had the opportunity to race against one another in various swimming styles. The gala was ended off with a fun relay, in which the majority of the learners participated. "Ends a re not bad things, they just mea n that something else is about to begin. “ - C. JoyBell C. The Grade Three learners have worked incredibly hard this year. Although we are sad to see them exit the Junior Preparatory, we shall always cherish the years they shared on our campus. We know they will go on to do great things. A GRADE FOUR LEARNING ADVENTURE… “There ain't no way you ca n hold onto something that wa nts to go, you u ndersta nd? Y ou ca n only love what you got while you got it.” - Kate DiCamillo, Because of Winn-Dixie There isn't a more fitting quote to end the Grade Four year. As we look back, the Grade Four teachers are consumed with pride at the growth of our young learners. They have been actively engaged in all areas of school life, and being a part of their learning adventure has been a wonderful adventure. The children in Grade Four leave their classes with more independence, confidence and enthusiasm. This quarter there have been many lessons to be learnt in Because of Winn-Dixie, our final novel for the year. This heartwarming story about friendship and acceptance, encouraged many sincere discussions after the reading of each chapter. It also allowed for creativity and critical thinking as we predicted the story's outcome and created Littmus Lozenge advertisements. The escape room was a firm favourite this quarter, with many puzzles and activities needing to be solved in order to progress and eventually solve the task. Each activity brought with it elements of the Parklands Mind - 'collaboration, communication and critical thinking'. How the Grade Fours have progressed this year! The Grade Four teachers would like to take this opportunity to wish the learners well as they continue their journey through the Senior Preparatory. It is a bittersweet farewell as we look forward to their further progress in Grade Five, yet we shall miss this cheerful group. We are in total agreement with yet another quote from Because of Winn-Dixie, “I lay there and thought how life was like a Littmus Lozenge, how the sweet and the sad were all mixed up together and how hard it was to separate them out.” A GRADE FIVE LEARNING ADVENTURE… “Y ou ca nnot get through a single day without having a n impa ct on the world a rou nd you. What you do makes a difference a nd you have to decide what kind of a difference you wa nt to make.” - Jane Goodall Environmental Awareness has been anongoingtheme in Grade Five throughout the year. We are extremely proud of our learners’ incredible growth in many aspects of life and watching them become young environmental activists. This year the Grade Fives voiced their opinions and shared their feelings about