Week 11 - 27 March 2026
Week 11 - 27 March 2026
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From Foundations to Fanfares: A Term to Remember
It is only fitting to begin this final newsletter for the term with a heartfelt thank you to our parent community. The time you took to meet with our teachers this week is invaluable; these moments of connection are the bedrock of the parent-teacher relationship. My gratitude also goes to our staff for the immense care and preparation they poured into ensuring these conversations were both meaningful and sincere.
Week 10 - 20 March 2026
Week 10 - 20 March 2026
Dear Parents,
A Week of Ovations, Grit, and Grace
In a week defined by a whirlwind of productivity, the absolute showstopper was our Grade 4–6 Speech and Drama Festival in the EAC. From collaborative class performances to the courageous individual poetry recitals, our stage was alive with talent. It’s no exaggeration to say the adjudicator from SADASA was enthralled; and frankly, so were we.
Week 9 - 13 March 2026
Week 9 - 13 March 2026
Dear Parents,
Adventure, Discovery, and Growth
Grit and Spirit in the Berg
Well done to the staff and children who embarked on the Royal Natal hike last weekend. Despite facing some testing weather, the group remained true to the Notties ethos of grit and character. These excursions do more than just provide a challenge; they feed our outdoor spirit and soul. We have all loved hearing the stories brought back by our intrepid explorers.
Week 8 - 6 March 2026
Week 8 - 6 March 2026
Dear Parents,
The first Parents’ Association meeting of the year took place this week, and I walked away feeling immensely grateful for the dedication this group pours into our school and community.
Week 7 - 27 February 2026
Week 7 - 27 February 2026
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to our Clifton community after half term. I trust the break offered moments of family connection, gentle reflection and the chance to rest and recharge. As the writer Anne Lamott so wisely reminds us, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” In the busyness of school life, those pauses matter.
Week 5 - 13 February 2026
Week 5 - 13 February 2026
Dear Parents,
An Attitude of Gratitude at Clifton
Gratitude is known to boost mental well-being, strengthen relationships, and build resilience, and it is something I am fortunate to witness daily at Clifton. As a school, we are rich in moments of appreciation, connection, and shared purpose, and it feels fitting to continue this theme of gratitude this week.
Week 4 - 6 February 2026
Week 4 - 6 February 2026
Dear Parents,
Just another ‘Clifton Notties’ day…
On Thursday, my day began with tea in the Pavilion alongside all our new children. It was a real privilege for Mr Quinn, Mrs Rautenbach and me to spend time connecting with each of them as we reflected on their first month at Clifton. Their confidence, joy and genuine openness were heart-warming as they shared stories of new friendships, small conquests and memorable experiences. They are already wonderful additions to our Clifton family. My sincere thanks to our catering team for the delicious treats, and to Mrs Rautenbach for organising such a meaningful gathering.
Week 3 - 30 January 2026
Week 3 - 30 January 2026
As I sit at my desk, I can hear the beautiful sound of children singing in the Chapel. It fills the campus with a warmth that is hard to describe; a gentle reminder of how precious childhood is, and how powerful it is when young voices join together in fellowship, happiness, and shared connection. How fortunate we are to be part of a school day that values these moments as deeply as we do.
Week 2 - 23 January 2026
Week 2 - 23 January 2026
Dear Parents,
This week has been one that reminds us, in many quiet and meaningful ways, what it is to belong to Clifton.
Grade 7 returned from their Wagendrift Dam camp brimming with spirit and armed with wonderfully entertaining stories, the kind that will no doubt be retold many times over.
Week 1 - 16 January 2026
Week 1 - 16 January 2026
Dear Parents,
In his final message to the Clifton Notties community, Paul Fleischack wrote:
“The children, unspoiled and wholesome, spontaneous and warm, confident and keen, are special, as are the staff who are dedicated to the nurture and care of our children and our school.”
As a History teacher at heart, I am very aware of the importance of listening to voices from the past and recognising continuity where it exists. Having now had the privilege of seeing Clifton in action, I can say without hesitation that this description remains absolutely spot on.
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