BUG NEWS

30 January 2025

RGJS is now in full swing! Meet the Teachers evenings have set the tone for the year ahead and the extra mural programme has kicked off!

Thank you to all our parents who attended the various meetings that have already taken place. Your presence and participation is important as we seek to strengthen our school community and the vision of the school.

We are embarking on a more intentional approach to become a school that recycles and look forward to seeing positive change in the future. The key learning amongst others from the Plant the Seed team in sharing about the Zero Waste Toolkit are:

There are many items that can't be recycled due to how they are manufactured, like crisp packets, that should be placed in general waste.

Cape Town only has two landfills with a limited life span. Who knows what will happen to all our city's waste in the next few years!

Our mindset about what we consume is important so that we don't contribute to the increasing problem of waste production.

I know that many Rustybugs, families and staff are passionate about being a consciously caring community. Let's work together to reduce our school's waste and make a difference! As we remember our 2023 theme...IMPEMBELELO!

Belinda Petersen

Principal

IN CONVERSATION WITH ELSIE GROENEWALD

Farewell to our housekeeper Elsie Groenewald after 30 years of service. We took some time to speak to Elsie about her 30-year journey at Rustenburg and some of the memories she will always keep close to his heart.

We are sure going to miss you Elsie!

PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Our Teaching Staff ended their second week of the new term with a Project Based Learning (PBL) workshop. Lindsay Wesner from PurpleZA gave exciting ideas and tools for planning future PBL units. Our teachers left feeling enthused about the journey of PBL at RGJS! We can't wait to see what happens as the year unfolds!

STUDENT TEACHER WORKSHOP

On Friday 17th January Mr Hendrik Marais and our Student Teachers spent the morning connecting with each other and planning the way forward for 2025.

STAFF FIRST AID COURSE

Some of our staff ended their first week back at school with a First Aid Course.

Thank you to our Sports Department for organising the workshop for our staff.

OUR STAFF

Over the next few weeks, we will introduce all staff. This week, meet our Grade 1 Teachers, isiXhosa Teachers & Learning Support Teams.

NINA GIRAUDEAUX

GRADE 1A (GRADE HEAD)

I am Nina Giraudeaux. I have been at RGJS for 10 years this year and have been teaching for 25 years. Grade 1 is my passion and it makes me incredibly happy to watch the girls grow and progress in leaps and bounds. I love to cook, travel and read. I am also an avid animal lover and we have three dachshunds who rule our household. I look forward to the adventure that awaits in 2025 and I firmly believe it's about the journey - not the destination.

ANASTACIA DELCARME

GRADE 1B

I am a passionate Grade 1 teacher, and this marks my third year at RGJS. My teaching philosophy is to nurture the whole child, fostering not only academic growth but also emotional and social development. Outside the classroom, my heart belongs to my fur baby, Junior—my 10-year-old gentleman who is my everything. Teaching young minds is my joy, and I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where every child feels valued and inspired to learn.

JESSICA BANKS

GRADE 1C

Hi Rustybug family! I'm Jess Banks, a lover of all things pink, sparkly, and fun. Teaching is my passion, and I love creating a joyful and inclusive classroom where every learner shines. When I'm not in the classroom, you'll find me enjoying time with my family, traveling to new places, studying to keep growing, dancing, and taking refreshing ocean dips.

SIYA MACAULA

FOUNDATION PHASE ASSISTANT

I am Siyakha Macaula and I am a creative who loves art and children. Working with grade 1’s has been the best experience for me as I get to learn so many things from the little ones.

KRISTEN JOHNSON

GR 1 STUDENT TEACHER

I am currently in my 3rd year of my B. Ed Foundation Phase degree . During lock down I found a niché for baking and started a mini bakery. I enjoy swimming and spending time with my family, and I can play the saxophone and flute.

NONGATSHO MTSI

I/SP ISIXHOSA

My journey at Rustenburg started 23 years ago. What an amazing journey it has been, making isiXhosa fun and meaningful for the learners. When I am not at school, I enjoy going to the gym and walking in nature. I am married with 4 children and 2 busy grandsons.

OFENTJE MASENYA

FP ISIXHOSA

Molweni, my name is Ofentje Masenya. I teach isiXhosa in the FP. I have a passion for language education as it is language that brings us closer as people. When I am not being a teacher, I am either watching or playing sport or eating my way through the city trying different cuisines. One day I would like to write children's story books.

ELIZE COTTERELL

LEARNING SUPPORT FP

Hi, everyone! I have been part of the Rustenburg family for several years, first as a Foundation Phase teacher and now as the Foundation Phase learning support teacher. It’s such a privilege to work with our youngest learners, helping them build confidence, overcome challenges, and develop a love for learning.

As a mom to two daughters who are now studying at university, I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to nurture young minds and provide the right support along the way. My experience has shaped my approach to teaching, where I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment for every child to grow and thrive.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, swimming and walking in the mountains. I feel so fortunate to be part of such a wonderful school, and I look forward to continuing to support and celebrate the amazing progress of our Rustybugs. Thank you for letting me be part of your child’s learning journey!

GILL GILDENHUYS

HEAD OF LEARNING SUPPORT

I have been part of RGJS since 2010 and I love my job. Working in such a beautiful place alongside fabulous colleagues is a privilege. My family thinks that I talk too much and ask too many questions, but that is just me! I love meeting new people.

To relax, I head to the beach or mountains and when feeling less energetic, it'll be board games or crossword puzzles for me. A day doesn't go by without me doing the daily NY Times "Wordle".

PENNY BICCARD

SCHOOL CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

It is my 10th year at RGJS, and I feel privileged to get to know the girls and their families whom I spend time with at school.

My husband, Bruce, and I have two young adult children and are getting used to a new phase of life without school pick-ups. I love reading, trying to keep active, and spending time with friends and family.

TESS HAWKE

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Hi I'm Tess, in-house occupational therapist at school. I am passionate about making a difference in our kids' lives. I looooove my job! Outside of work, I love my ebike, running, hiking, painting, exploring and having a ball! Animals are everything to me. I have a deep faith on which I depend.

JESSICA HALLEY

SPEECH THERAPIST

Hello, my name is Jess Halley, and I am delighted to have been part of the Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School community for the past year. After many years abroad in the United Kingdom and Kenya, it has been wonderful to settle back in Cape Town, the city I call home. I have enjoyed working with the students, families, and teachers to support the diverse speech, language, and communication needs of our learners. From language delays and articulation difficulties to literacy challenges, I am committed to providing individualised and engaging interventions to help each child thrive. As a mum to girls myself, I understand the importance of nurturing a child’s confidence and communication skills. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

SCHOOL NEWS

RGJS IMPORTANT DATES TERM 1 2025

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

Disabled Access - Don't hesitate to contact admin@rgjs.org.za should you require wheelchair access or assisted access to our school campus.

IDT FEEDBACK & PODCAST

Thank you to our parents, guardians and staff who joined us for the IDT feedback and engagement session last night. Laura Bergh from The Greenlight Office provided an insightful overview of the IDT survey conducted in August last year and unpacked the results.

The input received from the parents and guardians in attendance is greatly appreciated, especially from our new parents who were part of the conversations. The "World Cafe style" questions and discussions sparked interesting conversations and healthy debates on relevant issues.

We hope that more parents and staff will be part of future engagements to have their voices heard and participate in key matters affecting our school community.

Enjoy the podcast below - In conversation with Belinda Petersen and Unathi Stofile.

GR 7 LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

On Monday, our staff introduced the areas of leadership and service to the Grade 7s of 2025. We look forward to watching them grow and develop their skills throughout the year in their leadership positions.

BUG BUDDY READING

On Wednesday, we had our first Bug Buddy Connection where our Grade 6s read to the Grade 1s and the Grade 5s read to the Grade Rs.

PHOTOS WILL BE SHARED AS SOON AS ALL POLICY DECLARATION FORMS HAVE BEEN SIGNED.

RECYCLING @ RGJS

On Monday and Tuesday last week, Damian and Manon from Plant The Seed addressed our Rustybugs about recycling during assembly.

As a school, we are excited about making a difference in the world and saving our planet. We look forward to growing on this journey together.

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY

Put it in the diary! Mark it on your calendar and create a countdown to build excitement. Make sure everyone in the house knows it’s a big deal, Wednesday, 5 February 2025. 📅

Choose a special book for WRAD and set it aside. You can do this democratically, use a family favourite or surprise the kids with a new book. 📑

Create a cosy reading nook and instill a culture of using it. You can inaugurate it on WRAD and even make setting it up part of the fun! 🕯️

Discuss stories and storytelling at the dinner table in the days leading up to WRAD. 🍴

On the day, remind everyone that a special event is taking place that evening and tell them to report to the reading nook at a specific time. After bathtime is best (nothing screams reading like comfy pj’s!). 🛁

Take turns reading aloud and get everyone involved. If the youngest can’t read yet, have them tell a story inspired by the pictures in the book. 👶

After the day, talk about the wonderful memories of reading aloud together and discuss making it a monthly event. 🖊️

Share your new family tradition with your extended family and friends!

POLICY DECLARATION FORM

Thank you to all our families who completed the

RGJS Circular 2_2025_ RGJS Policy Declaration Form

This is an urgent request to those who have still to do so, to please complete by tomorrow Friday 31st January. Regretfully, your daughter will not have access to Google Classrooms and Chrome Books until the form has been signed.

TUESDAY SANDWICHES

As one of our Outreach initiatives, RGJS delivers sandwiches and fruit to the girls at Molo Mhlaba Girls' School in Khayelitsha every Tuesday.

For those able, please bring an extra sandwich and/or a piece of fruit. The girls must place them in the box in Rustenburg House before 08:00 every Tuesday.

SCRIPTURE UNION @ RGJS

Scripture Union (Grade 3-7) will only commence in the first week of March.

If you wish to sign your daughter up for this private extramural, please email Celest Bossr celest@su.org.za

MUSIC

MARIMBA

We have a few spaces available in Marimba Band 2025! Click here to see Marimba Band 2024 in action.

Marimba Band is a private extramural provided by Marimba Jam. Lessons take place at 13:00 and 13:45 on Friday afternoons in the Orchestra Room.

Contact Mrs Cathy Gray, catgra@rgjs.org.za, for further details.

SPORT

WATER POLO

The U13 water polo team took part in the Reddam Action water polo festival this weekend.

The team can be commended on the outstanding polo they played. Teams were only selected last week so they went into the festival fresh off a long break from polo and looking to get some much needed match practice under their belts.

The girls played as a team and even when they faced the toughest of opposition they played with grit and determination. They narrowly lost in the quarter finals and finished 5th but each member of the team should be commended for their excellent play this weekend.

PHOTOS WILL BE SHARED AS SOON AS ALL POLICY DECLARATION FORMS HAVE BEEN SIGNED.

NETBALL ACADEMY

FRED’S NETBALL ACADEMY

Fred Damons, SA Male Netball Player and RGJS 1st team coach will be offering netball skills training for U8 to U13 players at our Grotto courts on Saturdays

between 08:00 and 12:00.

The girls will be taught a variety of skills and court craft. For more information

regarding costs, time slots available and signing your daughter up for these

sessions, please contact Coach Fred on fnanetball@gmail.com

EVENTS

CAMP OUT - BOOK YOUR SITE NOW!

PITCH YOUR TENT, ROLL OUT YOUR SLEEPING BAG AND ENJOY AN EVENING CAMPING ON THE FIELD AT RUSTENBURG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

18:00 Friday 7th Feb – 09:00 Saturday 8th Feb 2025

Bring your tent, camping chairs, mattresses, sleeping bags and your sense of adventure!

PAYMENT IS ON KARRI!

BUGS IN ACTION

We love sharing good news and achievements in our newsletter especially our Rustybugs "in action" outside of the school day. Please send your news and pics to Pam Heiberg - pamhei@rgjs.org.za

LIFESAVING STAR

Congratulations to Fia Moore Ackerman Gr 4c who participated in the Western Cape Championships at the weekend and won three medals. Fia came 2nd in the 100m manikin and 2nd in the relay (representing Clifton A team) as well as 1st in the medley relay (representing Clifton A team).

Well done Fia, we are so proud of you.