CNR e-News Term 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.

My wife, Cathy, and I have been welcomed with genuine warmth and generosity by the boys and girls, parents and staff alike, and for that we thank you sincerely. Since the start of term, I have seen first-hand just how special Notties is: children brimming with youthful enthusiasm, charging around the campus and making full use of all it has to offer, while still stopping to greet with a smile, a firm handshake or a hug. These small moments say a great deal about the values of our school.

A warm welcome to all new children and their families, as well as to our new staff members. May your time at Clifton be the stuff of dreams and the source of lifelong happy memories.

As is the norm, the school has been a hive of activity from day one, with academics, expressive arts and sport all moving into high gear. Our Grade 7 children have been away on their Leadership and Bonding Camp at Wagendrift Dam, and we eagerly await their return and the stories that will no doubt become part of school folklore.

My start-of-term Chapel message to the children aligned with this term’s theme of goal orientation and goal setting. In that context, I was reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words:

“It is not the destination; it is the journey.”

I trust that the term and year ahead will be filled with meaningful milestones along the way, moments that shape character, build confidence, and ultimately help our children move closer to fulfilling their goals.

The dedicated teaching staff and I look forward to walking this journey alongside our children and parents, supporting, guiding and celebrating each step of the way.

Staff

We are delighted to announce that Sarah Lovejoy-Mortimer has joined the Clifton family as our Librarian and will be championing the love of books, reading and literature. The Library is currently in the foyer of the EAC where the children are loving the new space.

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our new staff members who have also joined the Clifton family this term:

Junior Primary:

Kimberley Gush - Grade 2 Class Teacher & Grade 0 Afrikaans Teacher

Jodi Mathews- Grade 3 Class Teacher & Grade 2 Afrikaans Teacher

Senior Primary:

Brad Roets - Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher, Head of English & Grade 6 English Teacher

Busanathi Mkhwanazi - Grade 4 - 7 isiZulu Locum Teacher

Learning Support:

Rosalind Spencer - Learning Support Therapist

Expressive Arts:

Julietté de Reuck - Grade 000 - 7 Music Teacher

Shelley Rossouw has made an internal move from the Junior Primary to the Senior Primary as our Grade 6 Maths Teacher & Grade 4 & 5 Afrikaans Teacher.

Interns:

Wian Pretorius - Senior Primary

Lerato Mtimkulu - Junior Primary

Ntobeko Mtshali - Junior Primary

Jessica Andrews - Senior Primary

Zelbrey Visagie - Junior Primary

Jayden Swart - Senior Primary

From this term, the IT office is located at the top of the stairs on the left, near the new Grade 5 classrooms.

Academic

The following children completed the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) Assessment Matters last year and were awarded certificates in Chapel. These assessment tasks measured abilities and thinking competencies and were aligned with the Grade 6 IEB curriculum standards.

Listed in no particular order: Juanè Kruger, Grant Muller, Naleli Makoala, Jack Fyvie, Ava Davies, Jack Balsdon, Sky Kemp, Okuhle Sithebe, Botshelo Mophatlane, Lucy Parham, Benjamin Leitch, Sinesipho Nkabini, Jack Bedell-Sivright, Esihle Zungu, Kian Moor, Nokwanda Sibeko, Rex Sclanders, Nicholas Mapham, Masedi Kaibe, Kenzy Galloway, Trae du Plessis

Expressive Arts

Congratulations to the following children who were awarded music certificates in Chapel on Monday.

Oluthando Lugogwana

Achieved Grade 1 Singing for Musical Theatre Performance from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), passing with Merit.

Winston Duminy

Achieved Drum Entry Level from Rockschool (RSL), passing with Distinction.

Overheard in the playground..........

Whilst visiting the Pre-School and Junior Primary, I asked if I could play on their playground. One little boy looked at me and replied, “No, you’d have to shrink first.”