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JUNIOR
PREPARATORY
FACULTY
GRADES 1 - 3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From the Principal’s Office
Tanya Dean
The Junior Preparatory has been a whirlwind
of activity this quarter. On 13 January we
welcomed our 2016 Grade One learners to the
faculty. With school bags in tow, they entered
their new classrooms with shy smiles and
enquiring minds. Their blazers with cuffs too
long, shiny new shoes and pristine uniforms
signaled the start of an exciting journey into
formal education.
As we look back over the past weeks, we are
consumed with pride at the rapidity with which
these young learners have settled into their daily
routines. They are actively engaged in all areas
of school life, and uncertainty has been replaced
with sighs of contentment. Similarly, our Grade
Two and Three learners have embraced their
new environments, and the classrooms are
filled with creative energy and an air of excited
anticipation. It is heartwarming to observe the
new friendships forged amongst classmates and
peers, and the joy of sharing special moments
and break time chatter.
Our Amphitheatre has provided a beautiful
summer backdrop for our Monday assemblies.
The first assembly messages have focused
on the core values of our school. A number of
learners have also been presented with their
birthday books, and the library is swelling with
exciting reading material.
Our summer sporting and cultural activities are
in full swing, and we are privileged to observe
our talented sportsmen, dancers and musicians
participating in a varied programme where they
are spoilt for choice.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our parents
and learners for their generous response to
the weekly Bread Buddy drive and collection
of second hand stationery and school shoes,
piled boxes of which were delivered to Dunoon
Primary. We are always humbled by the smiles
of delight on the faces of these young children,
and the very real impact of this outreach
partnership.
The partnership we share with parents in
guiding young minds towards their potential, is
one of enormous responsibility and unimaginable
reward. A 2016 educational journey of curiosity
and wonder awaits!
Whose Child is This?
“Whose child is this?” I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play
“Mine”, said the parent with a tender smile
“Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should.”
“Whose child is this?” I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in
“Mine”, said the teacher with the same tender
smile
“Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school.”
“Whose child is this?” I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door
“Ours” said the parent and the teacher as they
smiled
And each took the hand of the little child
“Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever.”
A Library Adventure...
Librarian: Elise Crouse
The beginning of a new year heralds
exciting times as we are getting ready to
open a new library on the Senior Preparatory
campus. We welcomed the new librarian, Ms
Faye Little, who is already working hard to
prepare books, while our outstanding artisans
are building the most beautiful shelves.
In the meantime, classes are all still coming
to the Junior Preparatory library, and as
always, there is much to discuss and new
books to enjoy. The Book Club is reading
avidly, and two teams are eagerly awaiting
their chance to participate in the regional finals
of the International Lit Quiz competition.
So welcome once again to Bookworm
Heaven!
A Grade One
Learning Adventure…
“A child can ask a thousand questions
that the wisest man cannot answer.”
- Jacob Abbott
During the first weeks of Grade One we
have been hard at work consolidating all the
concepts learnt in Grade R. With smiley faces
all eagerly awaiting their adventure of learning
and exploring, their new world of letters and
numbers has come alive. The children have
also adapted to new school rules and routines.
When asked what one of our rules in Grade
One are Chulumanco Mdudu said, “In Grade
One we must be quiet so we can make our
brain relax.”
First Weeks in Grade One
‘It is fun! I like it when we make sentences
and I can even read them.’
- Mikateko Msibi
‘I didn’t have to make new friends, because
everyone knew me in Gr R. I am a good friend
because I ask people to play with me.’
- Angelo Papavasilopoulos
‘I have learnt about important letters, a, e, i, o
and u and we call them vowels.’
- Darshan Sooful
‘I have learnt how to do my sentences and
read them.’
- Chrysanthe Theodoropoulos
‘I have learnt how to read Kipper and Floppy.
They are cool characters.’
- Daniel de Vos
‘I have learnt to wear my hat properly so I don’t
get sunburnt.’
- Khuselo May
‘No hat, no play is very important.’
- Ruvimbo Mtize
‘You must remember not to swim without a
swimming teacher.’
- Syan Ramchander
A Grade Two
Learning Adventure…
‘Grade Two is fun because I have suddenly
realised I can do everything!’
- Amelia Bishop
‘I like Grade Two and I like working. I have
enjoyed seeing all of my friends too.’
- Hannah Van Zyl
library