CNR e-News Term 3 - Frogs & Chameleons

Grade 0 Trip to Lion's Bush Pottery - 23 September

The Grade 0 Frog and Chameleon classes recently enjoyed a very special outing to Lion's Bush Farm. Even though the day began with a misty chill in the air, the excitement on the bus quickly warmed things up! The children chatted happily, with some even wondering if we might spot a lion or two along the way.

Our destination was Aunty Sam Pitout’s house, where she had lovingly prepared her beautiful patio for a morning of pottery. Each child was given clay and the chance to create their very own bowl masterpiece. Aunty Sam showed us how to use natural items like leaves, doilies, and metal ornaments, along with pottery tools, to make patterns and imprints. She also demonstrated techniques such as making swirls, imprints, and joining clay to give each bowl its own unique flair.

The children delighted in experimenting with the textures and truly embraced their creativity.

Once the masterpieces were complete, little hands were washed, and everyone gathered around Aunty Sam’s fireplace to enjoy a cosy snack. Afterwards, the children explored her lovely garden, which is set beside a picturesque dam. They had great fun sharing the space with her playful kitten and friendly Border Collie.

As the mist began to roll in again, it was time to say goodbye. Before we climbed back onto the bus, Aunty Sam spoilt the children with a sweet treat to end the morning on a perfect note.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Aunty Sam Pitout for opening her home, sharing her wealth of knowledge, and making the outing such a memorable one for our Grade 0s. We are also deeply grateful to our drivers, Mr Dube and Mr Bhengu, for taking us safely to Lion's Bush Farm and bringing us back to school with smiles all around.

Grade 0 - Jumping for Joy: 10 September

Spring is a season of renewal, energy, and joy—perfectly captured in our Grade 0 “Jumping for Joy Day.” In line with Clifton’s mission to champion the integrity of childhood, the Frog and Chameleon children spent the week exploring the “j” sound before celebrating with a day filled with movement, imagination, and play.

On Wednesday morning, eager faces lit up as the children saw three colorful jumping castles waiting for them on the Haworth Oval. A gladiator obstacle course with a climbing wall and slide, a boat, and a pink castle transformed into imaginative worlds where laughter, teamwork, and creativity thrived. In true Clifton spirit, the day encouraged playfulness, perseverance, and full participation.

In between the bouncing, the children enjoyed juice, made jelly, and filled their jars with Jelly Jerseys and Jelly Beans—delighting in the small joys that make childhood magical. The event not only reinforced early literacy learning through the “j” sound but also embodied our values of respect for childhood, intentional teaching, and play as a foundation for growth.

Jumping for Joy Day was a wonderful reminder of the vibrancy of spring, the power of play, and the joy of learning together.

Grade 0 - Umbrella Week: 26 - 31 August

Throughout the week, the Chameleon and Frog children had a wonderful time exploring the letter "u". To bring this sound to life, each child carried an umbrella from home, our very own "u" word to enjoy together on campus.

Although the Midlands weather surprised us with a full week of sunshine and no rain, the umbrellas became a source of endless joy. Instead of sheltering from showers, the children twirled, spun, and paraded with pride, their colourful umbrellas turning every walk into a cheerful celebration admired by all who passed.

The children soon discovered that umbrellas do not need raindrops to be fun. They created patterns with their movements, danced in the playground, and used their umbrellas as props in games and imaginative play. Each experience strengthened their recognition of the letter "u" and its sound, while showing them how words can connect meaningfully to real-life experiences in playful and creative ways.

Even without a single raindrop, there was a spring in their steps as our week with the letter "u" unfolded. Bright umbrellas, bright smiles, and bright learning—it was a joyful reminder of how curiosity and creativity help us to grow with bravery, wholeheartedness, and respect.

Grade 0 - Dad's Evening: 14 August

An evening of construction, creativity, and connection with our special Dads

A crisp winter’s evening with the golden glow of the setting sun set the scene for one of the most anticipated events in our Grade 0 calendar—Dad’s Evening! Excited children arrived with their Dads (and toolboxes in tow), ready for an evening of fun, teamwork, and memory-making.

The evening began with a special photo opportunity as each Dad and child posed proudly together on the jungle gym, toolbox in hand—capturing the joy and anticipation that filled the air. This was followed by a touching tribute when the children presented hand-drawn portraits of their Dads, along with amusing and heart-warming comments about what makes them special (including their guesses about favourite refreshments!). These moments of laughter and pride set the perfect tone for what lay ahead.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the construction project: building a “tummy board.” With the buzz of screwdrivers and plenty of guiding hands, the children carefully attached castor wheels to repurposed timber boards. For many, it was their first experience working with real tools—and the sense of pride as they tested out their completed creations was priceless. Dads offered steady support, encouragement, and plenty of cheers as their little ones’ boards came to life.

Once the building was complete, the creativity continued as the children decorated and personalised their boards with bright paint and imaginative designs.

Capitol Caterers provided a hearty dinner of burgers and chips, with a fun “build-your-own-burger” twist, followed by sweet ice cream cones—enjoyed just as much by Dads as by their children!

The evening was a celebration of laughter, teamwork, and the precious bond between children and their real-life heroes—their Dads. It was a memory-making Clifton moment to be treasured by all who attended.

Grade 0 - Bikes and Bubbles Day: 1 August

Since the beginning of the year, the Grade 0 children have been eagerly awaiting the “Big Day”, the day they could bring their bicycles to school and enjoy some bubble-filled fun outdoors.

At last, the much-anticipated day arrived! The boys and girls came to school proudly pushing their bicycles to their classrooms. Excitement, and a few nerves filled the air around the Pre-School classrooms. Once everyone was safely kitted out with helmets, we made our way to the “Big Road” and set off on our cycling adventure, past the boys' boarding house and towards the Pavilion, eventually arriving at Davies Field, where we would spend the rest of the morning.

The children rode their bicycles around the field, carefully dodging any oncoming ‘traffic’. Some of the more cautious riders stuck to the turf around the cricket nets, while the cement path surrounding the nets quickly became a favourite for all. Self-appointed traffic officials helped make sure everyone was riding in the same direction. One of the biggest highlights was chasing Mrs Whitehead as she zoomed around on her own bicycle, and some even managed to catch up with her!

After a while, the first pit stop was needed. The children decorated ‘b’ biscuits with great care, spreading blue icing, topping them with blue marshmallows and jellybeans, and finishing them off with colourful sprinkles, all with joyful enthusiasm. Re-energised, they were back on their bicycles, inventing new games, chasing each other, and zooming across the field.

Next, it was time to get creative with beautiful butterfly crafts. Armed with paper, glitter, and plenty of imagination, the children made colourful butterfly masterpieces, each one unique and full of character. They proudly displayed their creations before heading off to the next activity.

Then came one of the most magical moments of the day: riding through a cloud of floating bubbles. As the children cycled through the gentle breeze, bubbles danced in the air around them, creating a dreamy scene of pure joy and excitement.

Just when they thought the fun was over, there was one final surprise, unexpected bobsleighing! Using cardboard sleds on the steep grassy slope of the field, the children took turns ‘bobsledding’ down the hill, squealing with laughter and delight. Even Miss Graham joined in the fun, and some brave little adventurers followed her lead before it was time to head back.

Tired but happy Frog and Chameleon children — and their teachers — returned to the classroom just in time for home time. This magical, adventurous day will surely remain one of the highlights of their Clifton journey for years to come.

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