21 March 2024
Dear Parents,
Over the next few newsletter editions, I would like to take the opportunity to share some of the amazing things happening behind the scenes in our Senior Primary academics, Junior Primary academics, and Co-curricular offerings at our school.
This week’s edition is appropriately called Senior Primary happenings:
It is with immense pride and satisfaction that we share the accomplishments and progress made in teaching, learning, and holistic development. Our focus remains steadfast on nurturing young minds, fostering a love for learning, and equipping our children with essential skills to navigate the complexities of the world.
Events:
This term has been brimming with enriching experiences and activities tailored to enhance various facets of our childrens' growth:
Staff Development with Katherine Cass: Our teachers engaged in a stimulating workshop led by Katherine Cass, delving into effective learning and study skills to empower our boys and girls.
Grade 7 Leadership Camp: Instilling leadership qualities and fostering teamwork among our Grade 7 children was the aim of this memorable camp.
Guided Reading Staff Development: Equipping our teachers with effective strategies to enhance guided reading sessions, ensuring every child receives tailored support.
Grade 6 Trip to All Out Adventures: An exhilarating adventure that not only provided enjoyment but also offered opportunities for personal growth and team bonding.
Grade 6 High School Presentation Talk: Preparing our Grade 6 boys and girls for the transition to high school, ensuring they are well-informed and confident.
NumberSense Training: A comprehensive workshop designed to enhance mathematical literacy and teaching methodologies among our staff.
World Read Aloud Day Picnic: Celebrating the joy of reading with a delightful picnic, fostering a culture of literacy and imagination.
Grade 7 Drama Competition at Epworth: Showcasing our childrens' dramatic talents and providing a platform for creative expression.
Grade 7 Study Skills Workshop: Empowering our Grade 7 children with essential study skills for academic success.
Grade 7 Valentine’s Day Market: A fun-filled event where creativity flourished, and entrepreneurial skills were honed.
Grade 4 and 5 Outdoor Learning Day: Embracing the outdoors for hands-on learning experiences, fostering a connection with nature.
Grade 3 and 6, 4 and 7 Buddy Morning: Promoting camaraderie and mentorship between different grade levels, creating a supportive school community.
Grade 6 and 7 Outdoor Classroom Day: Immersing students in outdoor learning environments to stimulate curiosity and exploration.
SP Hike to Karkloof: A memorable outdoor adventure, promoting physical activity, and appreciation for our natural surroundings.
Gr 7 Exams: Assessing our children's knowledge and understanding, providing valuable feedback for their academic growth.
SEL Workshop for Parents: Equipping parents with insights and strategies to support their children's social and emotional development.
Parent-Teacher Interviews: Fostering open communication and collaboration between parents and teachers to ensure the best outcomes for our children.
Mark-Based Reports: Providing comprehensive feedback on the children's progress and achievements, facilitating informed discussions between parents and teachers.
Grade 6 and 7, 4 and 5 SEL Workshop: Embedding social-emotional learning into our curriculum, nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Teaching and Learning Action Plan 2024:
Our commitment to enhancing teaching effectiveness and learning outcomes remains unwavering. Through the implementation of the Cognitive Enrichment Advantage (CEA) framework, we aim to empower our children with the skills and strategies necessary for lifelong learning and success.
Our strategic approach includes:
Communicating CEA Principles: Ensuring all teaching staff are well-versed in the principles of the CEA framework, emphasizing independent thinking and metacognitive skills.
Providing Professional Development: Offering continuous support and training sessions to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools to integrate CEA into their teaching practices effectively.
Supporting Implementation: Facilitating collaboration and providing ongoing support to teachers as they implement CEA strategies in the classroom.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing mechanisms for monitoring progress and gathering feedback to assess the effectiveness of CEA implementation.
Continuous Improvement: Embracing a culture of continuous improvement, with a focus on refining teaching practices based on feedback and evaluation data.
By prioritising the development of critical thinking, metacognitive skills, and independent learning, we aim to foster a culture of academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Staff Development Term 1:
Our dedicated staff members have actively engaged in professional development activities aimed at enhancing teaching practices and pupil outcomes.
Highlights include:
NumberSense Training: A comprehensive workshop led by Aarnout Brombacher, enriching our staff with hands-on strategies to enhance mathematical literacy.
Workshop with Katherine Cass: A valuable session focusing on learning and study skills, empowering our teachers to better support student learning.
Guided Reading: An internal staff development session aimed at refining guided reading practices to meet the diverse needs of our children.
Learning and Assessment Strategies:
We remain committed to ensuring that every child receives personalised support and achieves their full potential.
Our comprehensive approach to learning and assessment includes:
Continuous Assessment: Tracking each child's progress through various formative and summative assessment methods, ensuring targeted support.
Instructional Strategies: Implementing pedagogically sound instructional strategies to promote deep learning and understanding among our children.
Intervention and Support Initiatives: Providing targeted support through additional lessons, personalised attention, and resource development to address individual learning needs effectively.
Curriculum Enhancement:
Our curriculum is dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of our pupils.
Highlights include:
Mathematics: Introducing the NumberSense Mathematics Program Comprehensive Workbooks to enhance mathematical proficiency and conceptual understanding.
English: Implementing the Oxford Reading Program and Adventures in Spelling to foster literacy skills and reading for pleasure among our children.
Social Science: Revamping the Grade 7 Social Science curriculum to promote diversity and critical thinking, ensuring a holistic understanding of key concepts.
SEL Curriculum: Incorporating SEL initiatives across all grade levels to support students' emotional intelligence and social skills development.
Staffing and Teams:
Our dedicated teams of educators continue to collaborate and innovate to provide the best possible learning experiences for our students.
Highlights include:
Grade Teams: Collaborative and cohesive teams focused on delivering high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Afrikaans Department: Strengthening academic rigor and continuity through effective collaboration and resource development.
Pastoral and Wellness Initiatives:
Ensuring the holistic development and well-being of our children remains a top priority.
Highlights include:
Child and Parent Workshops: Empowering our children and parents with essential life skills and fostering a culture of accountability and well-being.
Community Outreach: Strengthening ties with the community through intentional outreach initiatives, promoting social responsibility and civic engagement.
As we look ahead, let us continue to work together to nurture the potential of every child and build a community of lifelong learners. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in our shared mission of educational excellence.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and children who generously donated Easter Eggs towards our Easter drive. With your support, we were able to bring joy to Love Notties and Khazimula Children's Home. Your contribution and kindness made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Thank You!
