BUG NEWS

15 JANUARY 2026

Welcome back to school!

Excitement and a little bit of nervous energy were palpable as our Rustybugs arrived on Wednesday morning to commence the 2026 academic year. A welcome assembly for all staff and learners started a busy day, followed by organising spaces, sorting stationery and getting to know teachers and peers.

The assembly message was a story set in Cape Town, telling of Zola's reluctance and nervousness about starting a new school year. Soon, with the help of her two friends, she learnt that the year brings great opportunities for her to embrace and would be filled with adventure. Zola's story reminds us that, while we don't know what the year holds for each of us, we can rely on the support of those around us and see through the challenges that may come our way.

I look forward to this year, especially as we set the wheels in motion for our 5- year strategic plan. Let's continue to be a school community that grows together!

Belinda Petersen

Principal

FAREWELL

We bid farewell to Margo Biermann and wish her well for the future.

Thank you for all you have done for our Rustybugs over the last 3 years.

WELCOME BACK TO RGJS

This term, we welcome back Mrs Janine Davids, in Gr 5c, Mrs Nongatsho Mtsi, in our IsiXhosa Department and Mrs Khamelah Sadie in Gr 3b.

We are delighted to have you on our Team🐞

Mrs Janine Davids, Gr 5c Class Teacher

Mrs Nongatsho Mtsi, Gr 4 - 7 isiXhosa Teacher

Mrs Khamelah Sadie, Gr 3b Class Teacher

WELCOME

We welcome Theresa Croughan to our Aftercare Team and in February, we welcome Noncedo Mbalo-Tyhomfa to our isiXhosa Department.

My name is Theresa Croughan

I am the mother of two teenage daughters. I have a huge passion for working with children, and I do reading and writing facilitation in my spare time.

I also do a lot of community work. I love reading and have a passion for theatre, which is how I spend most of my free time.

I am really looking forward to my journey here at Rustenburg Girls' Junior School.

I am Noncedo Mbalo-Tyhomfa, joining in February as an IsiXhosa teacher at Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School. I am passionate about nurturing language development and cultural appreciation in young learners.

In my spare time, I like reading, cooking, and trying new recipes.

I can't wait to join the Rustenburg family🤗

RGJS STAFF BACK TO SCHOOL 2026!

It was "all hands on deck" on Monday, 12th January for the RGJS Staff. We started our morning with a Staff Connection where we were able to meet our fabulous new colleagues, share holiday adventures and reconnect.

Our day officially started with an engaging and insightful workshop run by Professor Lester Davids. Lester encouraged our staff to practice The Four Agreements: Be impeccable with your word; Don't take anything personally; Don't make assumptions; Always do your best.

The workshop was highly engaging and insightful. Our staff were challenged to perfect the art of listening exquisitely without interruption.

Alex van der Speck and Neil Ryklieff discussed Professional Culture at RGJS.

We ended our morning with the introduction to Safeguarding by The Guardian consultant, Erin Faure.

Lester Davids and Erin Faure are both parents of Rustybugs. We thank them for their inspiring and enriching presentations, enjoyed by all our staff.

After a busy afternoon of admin and preparation for the upcoming week, some of our staff enjoyed a bring and braai at Grotto with families and colleagues.

TEAM RGJS IS READY FOR 2026!

Weekly, we will be introducing all our staff in our Newsletters. Today, meet our Grade 6 and 7 Teaching Teams and our Marketing and PTA Department.

KIM JACKSON

GR 7a TEACHER

I’m a passionate teacher who absolutely loves inspiring young minds and creating fresh, exciting and relevant content for the wonderful girls I teach. Helping them grow in confidence, curiosity, and creativity is what fuels my days!

When I’m not in the classroom, I’m a proud mum of two, soaking up every adventure and travel opportunity that comes my way. I start my mornings pounding the pavements, chasing sunrises and lining up for races whenever I can; running is my happy place.

I have a loving husband, three fur babies who keep life lively, and a deep love for getting lost in a good book (preferably with a chilled glass of something delicious in hand). Life is busy, joyful, and full — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

TRISH HOPKINSON

GR 7b TEACHER

After a strenuous past two years, I am feeling refreshed and excited about the prospect of a calm, productive year ahead.

I treasure time spent exploring game reserves with my husband, Brian, and our daughter, Kerryn, especially visits to our favourite place, the Kruger National Park.

I love socialising with family and friends, enjoy cooking and reading, and value quiet moments of relaxation, often with a well-earned glass of bubbles in hand.

GAIL BARRISH LIDDLE

GR 7c TEACHER

Richard and I have been together for a lifetime. We have 4 adult children, 3 furry grandchildren (Yogi Peanut, Chan, the old man, and “Fluffy”). and a loft full of Fed winners (racing pigeons).

I love being outdoors and barefoot, especially at the beach. During the holidays, I binge-read, cook and sip and sleep late if I’m not travelling.

I love the old cities in Europe and Asti has a special place in my heart. Greece and Turkey are on my bucket list.

LORENSHA WEAVERS

STUDENT TEACHER

Hi, my name is Lorensha Weavers. I am a student teacher at Rustenburg Girls' Junior, currently studying BEd in the Intermediate Phase.

I am passionate about teaching and supporting children’s learning and development.

I enjoy creating positive and engaging learning environments. In my free time, I love exploring, spending time at the beach, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and connecting with nature.

TAZ VAN DER MERWE

GR 6a TEACHER

This will be the 19th class of Rustybugs that I'll be teaching and I still look forward to every day of not knowing what to expect.

After school, I find myself sneaking in time to take my 2 delicious grandbabies to the park and feeding them ice cream.

I'm loving my time exploring, adventuring and choosing the paths less travelled.

I'm super excited to see what 2026 has to offer.

LIJANI WALLANDER

GR 6b TEACHER

Hi, I’m Mrs Wallander and this is now my 6th year at the school.

I love dining out and spending quality time with my family and friends.

I have two much-loved fur babies and am very excited to be currently growing a little human too!

REYANAH MANUEL

GR 6c TEACHER

Looking forward to a year of Positive News filled with new learning experiences, exciting adventures and challenges conquered.

I love getting lost in a good book, exploring new places and enjoying hobbies that spark creativity and curiosity.

AMMAARAH CASSIEM-EKSTEEN

STUDENT TEACHER

Hello! My name is Ammaarah, and I am a second-year student teacher. I am very excited to be starting the year with the Grade 6 classes and to be part of their learning journey. Teaching is something I am truly passionate about, and I look forward to learning and growing alongside the girls this year.

Outside of the classroom, I am very family-orientated and enjoy spending quality time with my husband and loved ones. In my free time, I enjoy doing a pilates class with my sister and getting coffee after, trying out new food ideas, and relaxing with a good show or book!

I am really looking forward to a fun, positive, and successful year ahead!

THAPELO PHUKUJE

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

I’m a proud dad to Thuto and an amazing husband to Paula.

This is my fifth year at Rustenburg, as a marketing and communications specialist, and I truly value the power of words.

I love spending time outdoors and being with my family.

My favourite role is being a DaD to Thuto, and this year I take this quote with me, “The power of life and death lies in the tongue.”

I’m making a conscious effort to be intentional and speak with purpose, positivity, and growth.

PAM HEIBERG

PTA & COMMUNICATIONS

This is my 25th year at Rustenburg! Our eldest daughter started in Grade R in 2001 and I joined the RGJS Team in 2012.

My husband Andrew and I have 3 amazing daughters and 2 beautiful granddaughters.

I'm passionate about people, love being happy and thoroughly enjoy working at RGJS.

Outside of school, I love a Friday night braai, being with our precious family, weekends away with friends, walking our fur babies and a good run!

SCHOOL NEWS

RGJS IMPORTANT DATES TERM 1 2026

ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE FULL CALENDAR, IS AVAILABLE ON THE RGJS SITE

Disabled Access - Please don't hesitate to contact admin@rgjs.org.za if you require wheelchair access or assistance with access to our school campus.

STOP & DROP

The parking bays directly in front of our school are a demarcated "Stop, Drop and Go" zone from 06:30 - 08:00.

Please ensure that our Rustybugs have all their bags ready to exit the car to keep the traffic flowing.

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOS

As soon as all the Policy Declaration forms have been completed and collated, all the first-day photos will be shared.

Please note that we do not share any photos on Social Media. Our photographs are shared via Google Albums in our Newsletters and collated for the end-of-year school magazine.

REMOTE JAMMING

Unfortunately, "remote jamming" has happened around our school in the past.

Please check that your car is locked before walking away from your vehicle.

OUTREACH

MOLO MHLABA SANDWICHES

On Tuesday mornings, when possible, please consider packing in an extra sandwich for a learner at Molo Mhlaba Girls' School in Khayelitsha.

The sandwiches are delivered to their school in time for their first break of the school day every Tuesday.

STARS IN THE MAKING

BALLET STAR

Congratulations to Emma Naude 7a, who danced in the Cape Town Ballet's production of Alice in Wonderland over the festive season.

Emma is recognised for the hard work and dedication it took to commit to rehearsals and performances over this very busy time.

Well done, Emma, we are so proud of you.

WP GYMNASTICS STAR

Congratulations to Kutlwano Kumalo 7a, who had an exceptional end to her 2025 gymnastics year. Competing at Level 8 (ages 7–13), where the field is very small nationally, she worked extremely hard and achieved wonderful results:

1st place for her Beam routine and 2nd place overall at the District Trials

2nd place at the Western Cape Championships, earning Bronze for Vault, Bronze for Bar, Silver for Beam, and Silver for Floor — which qualified her for the National Gym Games

9th place overall at the National Gym Games

Awarded Best Level 8 Gymnast for 2025 at her gym’s annual display

She now has the opportunity to trial for a spot on the Youth Team that will represent South Africa at a tournament in Portugal next year.

Well done Kutlwano, we are so proud of you.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

BUGS BOUTIQUE

Please access Bugs Boutique through Grosvenor Road, the road adjacent to RGHS. Please use the small pedestrian gate on Grosvenor Road.

Bugs Boutique Trading Hours

SATURDAY 17 January 09:00 - 11:00

Bugs Boutique Trading Hours 2025 - During the school term

Monday 12:45 - 15:30

Wednesday 12:45 - 15:30

Friday 12:15 - 14:30

BUGS BOUTIQUE ONLINE STORE

All orders placed through the online store will be delivered to RGJS.

School Uniform Slides 2025.pdf

UNIFORM REMINDERS

A gentle reminder: no smart watches are allowed to be worn to school; only plain gold or silver studs earrings may be worn, no hoops; no jewellery or nail polish.

SUN HATS & SUNSCREEN

Please remind your daughter to pack her hat for break times and outdoor activities, including sports, especially during this warmer weather.

Sunhats are compulsory and must be worn outdoors at all times.

Please apply sunscreen and, where possible, pack in sunscreen that can be reapplied during the school day.

LOST PROPERTY

Please encourage your daughter to check the Lost Property Boxes.

Please complete this FORM if you are missing an item, but remember to remind your daughter to check the boxes as well.

ADVERTS

Please contact Pam Heiberg for advertising rates & queries pamhei@rgjs.org.za

Please note that the placement of an advertisement does not indicate endorsement by the school.

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