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.
A Super Science Day
The campus was buzzing on Thursday of this week as the whole school immersed themselves in Super Science Day. It was wonderful to see such a diverse range of experiments and events dedicated to the wonders of discovery.
From our Grade 7 boys and girls leading inspirational talks to their peers on local wildlife to our JP children exploring static electricity with balloons, the day was packed with "aha!" moments. A special thank you to our staff for making science both fun and educational, and to our guest speakers who truly elevated the experience:
Mr. Paul Feischack, for enthralling us with his insights into Biomimicry.
Mr. Clint Sliedrecht from Michaelhouse, who wowed everyone with "mad science" experiments including freezing flowers and setting off rockets with liquid nitrogen!
Birds, Banquets, and Beyond
Our JP children also enjoyed two vibrant days of themed learning and dress-up this week, bringing their 'Birds' and 'Chinese' studies to life. The campus was a sea of resplendent feathers and beautiful kimonos as the children fully embraced their characters. To top it all off, the Chinese dumplings at the celebratory banquet looked particularly delicious! These experiences are such a fantastic way to make learning memorable and fun. Thank you to the staff for their hard work in organising these days, and to our parents for supporting the experience with such wonderful costumes and enthusiasm.
Campus Developments
I am pleased to report that the Grade 4 classroom build is progressing beautifully. The roof trusses are up, window and door panels are in, and plastering is well underway. We expect to see the roof panels going up shortly. Our thanks go to the building teams for working so closely with us to maintain a safe environment for our community during this exciting expansion.
Academic Milestones
Good luck to our Grade 7 children as they prepare for their upcoming tests. Our academic programme is carefully designed to support their needs as they transition toward high school. They are well-prepared, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of their hard work and dedication.
A New Season on the Field
There is a palpable shift in energy on campus as cricket bats and tennis raquets are exchanged for rugby boots, gum guards, and hockey sticks. As we begin our new fixtures, we wish all our boys and girls the best of luck. This is a wonderful time to learn new skills and bond with teammates. To our parents: thank you for your continued support on the sidelines - your commitment to sportsmanship and etiquette is what makes the Clifton spirit so special.
Boarding in Usher Ville
To read more about what our boarders have been up to, click on the Inside the Dorm newsletter.
Best wishes for a busy and productive week ahead!