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.

The class productions were slick, vibrant, and delightfully imaginative. Whether navigating the whimsy of “A Midsummer Night’s Safari,” the local intrigue of “The Mystery of the Midlands Mist,” or the relatable chaos of “Granny vs. the Gigabytes,” our children were clearly in their element. Not to be outdone, the individual poems were a triumph of expressionism, weaving a spell over a captive audience. A standing ovation is due to the children and, of course, our incredible Arts Department, whose expertise and heart were evident in every line delivered.

Focus and Fortitude

While the younger grades took to the stage, our Grade 7s were busy mastering a different kind of performance: their term tests. Though they were missed at the festival, they handled the week with remarkable maturity and diligence. These assessments are more than just grades; they are vital milestones in developing the stamina and independence required for the leap to high school. We are immensely proud of the quiet grit they showed this week.

Galloping Toward Success

The weekend brought a change of pace - and transport - as our riders took part in the SANESA Horse Riding event at Waterwoods. It was a joy to see our children compete with such poise and determination. Beyond the ribbons, Clifton Notties is proud to support a sport that teaches such profound life lessons: the discipline of care, the responsibility of partnership with an animal, and the "nerves of steel" required in the arena. Their smiles said it all!

Global Connections

We were honoured to host the UK trustees of the Frank Jackson Foundation. The FJF provides transformative support for some of our girls, and it was a privilege to witness the "connection in action”. In what felt like a spontaneous triumph of Notties spirit, on a tour of the campus, our visitors were greeted warmly at every turn. Many children stopped for a genuine chat, leaving the trustees thoroughly impressed by the openness and impeccable manners that define our school family.

Splashes of Joy

To cap it all off, the Junior Primary Gala provided the perfect finale this week. The atmosphere was electric with "end-of-term energy" as our youngest swimmers showed off just how much they’ve grown in the water. It was a celebration of progress and camaraderie, watched over by a gallery of proud parents and staff.

World Down Syndrome Day

The whole school was awash with colour and mismatched socks as we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day. While the day is globally recognised on March 21st, the heart of our celebration was right here today in Grade 3 with our very own Kieran.

It is often said that we are here to teach our children, but if you spent a moment in the Grade 3 classes this week, you would know the opposite is true. Through Kieran’s presence, our boys and girls have gained a masterclass in the things that matter most: empathy, compassion, and unconditional acceptance. We have learned far more from him than he could ever learn from us.

The Grade 3 children went all out to celebrate their friend and classmate on Friday. The day was filled with sweetness, literally, as they shared lollipops, cupcakes, and a magnificent celebratory cake. But the highlight was undoubtedly the "Kieran Invitational" games! By special request from Kieran, the Grade 3s headed outdoors for a spirited round of egg and spoon races and various games, filled with laughter and plenty of cheering.

Days like these remind us that at Clifton, inclusion is not just a policy; it is a feeling. We celebrate Kieran today, and every day, for teaching us how to lead with love.

Thank you: Easter Egg Drive

An enormous ‘thank you’ to those who contributed towards our Easter Egg Drive. With more than 2500 eggs received, there is no question that there will be some very excited children in the community. Khazimula Children’s Home, Silindele Primary School and Love Notties were the recipients of the Easter eggs.

Boarding in Usher Ville

To read more about what our boarders have been up to, click on the Inside the Dorm newsletter. 

Crossing the Line Together

As we head into the final stretch of a term defined by endeavour and proactivity, I want to remind our families that every day of the school calendar is a gift. We have a packed programme right up until the final bell, and we want every child present as we cross the finish line of this successful term.

In the words of the legendary Henry Ford:

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

Let’s ensure we finish this chapter just as we started it: together.