Now that the timetable is in full swing and the extramural programme and music instrument tuition have begun, we are settling into the usual Rustenburg rhythm of busyness! It's always lovely to hear the happy sounds of learning as I walk through the passages and grounds of our amazing school.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the GET and FET Celebrations of Excellence at Rustenburg Girls' High School. My heart was warm, watching former junior school learners walk across the stage to receive well-deserved accolades for their achievements in academics, sport and music. What made it extra special was the acknowledgement of our school for laying such a strong foundation in preparing them for high school from parents and staff alike. Well done to all our dedicated RGJS staff who have played a key role in their journey!
Tomorrow, we celebrate our amazing school and officially launch this year's theme...exciting times ahead!
Belinda Petersen
Principal
At the end of June, we bid farewell to our wonderful and dedicated school librarian.
Jenny Wates will be retiring after 31 years at RGJS. Jenny started as the Learning Support Teacher in 1991 and continued until 2007 and returned as the Librarian in 2011.
Thank you, Mrs Wates, for igniting the passion for reading and the love for books with so many Rustybugs and Staff over the years.
You will be missed, but we are excited for all of your imminent adventures and wish you a happy retirement at the end of June.
Congratulations to Lauren and Russell Lyons on the birth of their 3rd daughter, born on Friday, 23rd January.
Welcome to the world, Skye Syla Lyons, we cannot wait to meet you! 🤍
Our staff recently attended a workshop titled Navigating Neurodiversity, presented by Sonja Engelbrecht, a specialist in Neuro-Development. The session was highly insightful, providing an overview of neurodiversity and barriers to learning, while focusing on practical strategies to support our school community—particularly learners in the classroom, on the playground, and on the sports field.
The workshop was engaging, and staff valued the opportunity to learn, reflect, and share ideas. It marked an important step in our ongoing journey to ensure that all learners feel safe, supported, and valued within our school environment.
As part of our ongoing Staff Training, numerous staff attended First Aid Training on Friday, 16th January.
Weekly, we will be introducing all our staff in our Newsletters.
Today, meet our Grade 4 and 5 Teaching Teams, Art, Library, Drama, and Finance Team.
SAMANTHA LOUW
GR 4a TEACHER
I’m a proud mom of two (Grayson in Grade R; Emmalyn, my Grade 3 Rustybug) and wife to an incredible husband, Tim, who somehow manages to be an amazing entrepreneur, chef, chauffeur, and so much more! Our family also includes two fur babies (Maya the cat; Cinnamon the dog)! This is my fifth year at Rustenburg, and what a privilege it has been. The dedication of the staff, the love shown to the girls, and the wonderful support from parents have made this journey truly special. I’ve made lifelong friendships here, and although my teaching chapter at RGJS is coming to an end soon, I’ll still be a mommy around Rustenburg! You might even spot me at some of my favourite local places (watching chameleons and owlets in Keurboom Park; enjoying sunsets on the WPCC fields; or indulging in ice-cream at Serendipity)! Thank you for an unforgettable experience, RGJS. Girls, I will miss you most of all.
MEGGAN LEWIS
GR 4b TEACHER
Family and faith are at the heart of my life, and I love trying new things, challenging myself, and chasing meaningful goals along the way.
I’ve been enjoying the summer, exploring with my little family - my husband (my high school sweetheart!) and our precious daughter, Leah - and soaking up the simple joys of baking, good books, and treating myself to spa days.
It’s such a joy to be part of this school community, and I’m excited for all the blessings and memories this year will bring.
CARLEN RIETTELS
GR 4c TEACHER
I'm Carlen Riettels! My partner and I are the parents of a lively 3-year-old (turning 4 soon!) who's got our house buzzing with energy!
I love baking treats with my mini-me and capturing special moments with her.
When I'm not chasing after my little one, you can find me snapping pictures in nature or picking up where she left off with chaos.
I've been proudly part of the Rustybug school community for the past five years.
AMY ERSAMUS
STUDENT TEACHER
I’m the Grade 4 student teacher at RGJS and mom to Saige (6) and Kailani (2).
When we’re not rushing between school and work, we love swimming, eating out, and squeezing in family movie nights.
My girls absolutely adore one another, and spending time with my family is hands-down the best part of my day.
MELANIE DUDLEY
GR 5a TEACHER
My aim at the start of each year is building strong relationships and create a calm, caring environment where learners feel confident and supported.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy travelling, the theatre, jazz rooms, cooking, and the great outdoors.
I look forward to working closely with our Grade 5 team and families for a happy, successful year.
LAMEES MINNIES
GR 5b TEACHER
My name is Lamees Minnies, and I am the Grade 5B teacher.
I feel very grateful to be part of such a caring and inspiring school community.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine. I especially enjoy working with young girls as they grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. Outside the classroom, I value spending time with my family and friends, and I enjoy finding moments to relax. I believe strongly in balance, kindness, and laughter, and I try to bring these values into my classroom every day. Building meaningful relationships with my learners, parents, and colleagues.
I look forward to a happy and successful year of learning together.
JANINE DAVIDS
GR 5c TEACHER
Hello parents!
My name is Janine and I’ll be spending this term in Grade 5. Some of you may recognise me — this is actually my fourth time stepping in to help out at the school, but before that, I spent 15 years teaching here across Grades 5, 6 and 7. So it really does feel like coming home!
I’m passionate about helping learners build confidence in Maths, understand why things work (not just memorise steps), and realise that Maths doesn’t have to be scary — or boring. This term, I’m looking forward to working closely with the Grade 5s as they grow in confidence and tackle new concepts.
Outside the classroom, I also run Lesson Link South Africa, where I create CAPS-aligned Maths resources for Grades 5–7 and offer additional Maths support and tutoring for learners who may benefit from a little extra help or a confidence boost.
I’m really happy to be back at the school again and to be part of the Grade 5 journey this term.
SIPHESIHLE DYUBHELE
STUDENT TEACHER
I recently joined Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School as a student teacher, and I am excited to be part of such a vibrant learning community. I am passionate about working with learners because I was once a learner in a classroom myself, and this experience motivates me to inspire and encourage girls to reach their full potential. I strongly believe in empowering young minds and helping learners develop confidence in their abilities.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, going on hikes, and exploring beautiful places. I am also a sports fanatic and value the lessons sports teach, such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. I look forward to growing as an educator at Rustenburg while contributing positively to the school and its learners.
My name is Liesl Ludik and I am a passionate art teacher who has spent many years nurturing creativity in young artists at Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy taking long walks, creating art, and spending time with my family and friends.
I am a devoted dog lover and share my home with my toy poodle puppy, Leo, who brings plenty of joy and energy to life beyond school.
I value balance, creativity, and meaningful moments, both in my teaching and in my life outside the classroom.
I’m rapidly approaching my 15th year of being the “Rustenburg Librarian,” having enjoyed the journey and connection with the girls. Being able to pass on the joy of reading to our Rustybugs has been a privilege as well as a challenge, but worth all the effort. Listening to the busy hum of girls playing games, sharing books and generally connecting in the library at breaks is very satisfying.
During my downtime, I enjoy travelling with my husband down the back roads of our beautiful country, and exploring second-hand bookshops in the back of beyond. Nothing beats the pleasure of swinging in a hammock with a good book and listening to the sounds of mountain streams in the Cederberg, which is one of my truly happy spaces. Time spent with family and friends is important to me and something that I hope to do more of this year, with some planned visits to game parks and the wide open spaces of the West Coast.
BURSAR
I am Lynn and it's going to be my eighth year here at Rustenburg.
I am an outgoing and creative mom who enjoys taking on new challenges. I love bringing ideas to life, both in my professional work and through my personal art projects.
In my free time, you’ll often find me at my favourite place — the beach. I also have a growing passion for learning the piano. Although I currently play with one hand, I’m still learning and growing every day.
ASSISTANT BURSAR
Hi, my name is Lauren. I am the Assistant Bursar and this is my 12th year at RGJS!
When I am not at work, I enjoy getting lost in a good book, entertaining my very active 4-year-old and spending time with family and friends.
BUSINESS MANAGER
Closing Date: 6th February 2026
Closing Date: 6th February 2026
Closing Date 16th February 2026 at 09:00
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.
In assemblies last week, Mr Neil Ryklieff posed a quiz to our Rustybugs, asking them how well they know our school.
What is our school’s address? Which three languages make up our school’s song? What is our school motto? What does the motto mean? Our Rustybugs received an apple as a reward for their correct answers.
Mr Ryklieff also shared a wonderful story about "small wins" and challenged our Rustybugs and staff to celebrate small victories. "
"Small things add up when you stop and see all the little wins that make up me".
The Grade 4 learners participated in an educational outing to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where they explored indigenous plants and studied plant structures in a real-world context.
The programme focused on distinguishing between living and non-living things and understanding the functions of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. Learners also investigated indigenous plants and their various uses, including cultural, building, medicinal, food and drink purposes, with examples of plants studied such as buchu, kooigoed, sour fig and aloe.
The opportunity to walk through the gardens and engage in hands-on learning enhanced understanding and reinforced classroom concepts.
Our school was buzzing with excitement as the Two Oceans Aquarium team paid us a special visit to teach the girls all about biodiversity. Through lively discussions and fascinating examples, the learners were captivated from start to finish. The highlight was a fun, hands-on activity where the girls eagerly sorted items into biotic and abiotic groups. Laughter, curiosity, and teamwork filled the room as learning came to life. This memorable experience was a fantastic and engaging introduction to our Natural Sciences and Technology theme for the term.
Our Grade 5s and Grade 6s loved spending time with the Grade Rs and Grade 1s this week. It was also a special chance to welcome our newest learners into their Bug Buddy families. They enjoyed reading together, chatting, and beginning to build meaningful connections. We’re excited to get together again on Friday as we celebrate our school’s birthday.
Last week marked an important milestone for Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School, as we successfully launched our pilot transport system for sports fixtures, with our first two buses transporting learners to matches. It was a wonderful step forward and an exciting moment for our school.
Thank you to our Rustybugs for their continued support and active participation in recycling in our school.
Unfortunately, "remote jamming" has happened around our school in the past.
Please check that your car is locked before walking away from your vehicle.
Please be mindful of increased traffic congestion as students start to return to UCT next week.
Gentle reminder: Have all your bags ready when using the Drop & Go Zone.
EVENTS
Tomorrow, Friday, 30th January, we celebrate 132 years of our wonderful school.
The school day will end at 12:00. Aftercare will continue as per usual.
It is a non-uniform day on Friday, all learners and staff may wear casual clothes.
We look forward to welcoming Alumnae and guests to share in this very special day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUSTENBURG🎂
The Cost of Screens to our Children - what are psychiatrists seeing?
⚡Join Prof. Renata Schoeman as we unpack insights from the SASOP Position Statement https://tinyurl.com/y43wrxy9 and share practical next steps for families navigating screens today. Especially valuable for Pre-Primary & Primary parents and educators!
📅 Tuesday, 3 Feb
⏰ 19h00–20h00
💻 Free Zoom registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lbcOlJ2GQwWwetA-499Dwg
✨ You’ll gain:
🧠 Expert Insights: Psychiatrist-led data on how screens affect focus, mood, and development.
🛠️ Practical Guidance: Real tools for parents and educators to respond and take action today.
🤝 The "Parent Pact": A step-by-step guide to starting community agreements so your child isn’t the "only one" without a smartphone.
📄 Free Resources: Printable materials to launch a #DelaySmartphones campaign at your school!
Let’s come together to protect our children’s mental health - whether they’re 3 or 13!
On Wednesday, 4th February, we will be celebrating WORLD READ ALOUD DAY.
Our teachers will be reading to our Rustybugs, making stories come alive and helping every child shine their light through imagination, language, and a love for books.
On Friday, 6th and Friday 13th February, our Grade 7 Fundraising Team will be selling ice-creams via the KARRI App. The collection will open tomorrow morning.
The pre-ordered ice creams will be delivered to the classrooms before first break on both Fridays.
SPORT
Our sporty Rustybugs have had a great start to their sporting calendar.
Our swimming teams competed in their first gala at Herschel and our Water Polo players competed in the Reddam Action Polo Festival.
Well done to all our Sporty Bugs! Thank you to all our coaches and staff for their guidance, and our parents and families for their support.
Good luck to our tennis players, who have their first round of matches today!
OUTREACH
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
Congratulations to Hanaa Carelse 7c, who travelled to Dubai, UAE and Doha, Qatar for two weeks to compete in two international rhythmic gymnastics competitions.
In Dubai, Hanaa competed in the Alem Cup International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament and won gold for her hoop routine, gold for her club routine, and 1st place overall in her age category.
In Doha, Hanaa competed in the Olympic Stars Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship and again won gold for her hoop routine, gold for her club routine, and 1st place overall in her age category.
Well done for doing so well in your first international competition Hanaa, we are so proud of you.
Congratulations Fia Moore Ackerman 5a, who won 2 gold and 2 bronze medals at the Western Cape Stillwater Competition held at Bellville on Saturday, 24 January.
Fia came first in the girls U11 100m torpedo buoy rescue and the girls U11 100m manikin with fins race. Fia came 3rd in the 50m manikin and 100m obstacles event.
Well done, Fia, we are so proud of you.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
The first Swap Shop of 2026 will be held on Friday, 6th February in the Hall Foyer.
Uniform items are gently used and in good condition.
Exchange unwanted RGJS uniform OR purchase items at affordable prices.
Please note that no cash is accepted; a card machine and SnapScan are available.
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
Bugs Boutique Trading Hours 2025 - During the school term
Monday 12:45 - 15:30
Wednesday 12:45 - 15:30
Friday 12:15 - 14:30
All orders placed through the online store will be delivered to RGJS.
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.
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.