BUG NEWS

15 February 2024

PRET - Ek hou daarvan om pret te hê en verskillende dinge te geniet. Ek speel, dans en sing. Ek vier groot en klein oomblikke. Ek voel positief oor myself en ander.

FUN - I like to have fun and enjoy different things. I play, dance and sing. I celebrate big and small moments. I feel positive about myself and others.

ULONWABO - Ndithanda ukubhiyoza, ndonwabele izinto ezahlukeneyo. Ndiyadlala, ndidanise ndicule. Ndibhiyozela amathuba amakhulu namancinci. Ndiziva ndinethemba ndithembe nabanye.

At our Founder's Day assembly, we launched our theme for 2024 - Celebrating memories, shaping futures! We went on a quick trip down memory lane and saw some significant artefacts that encapsulate some of our school's incredible history. We were inspired to continue fostering the rich legacy of excellence for which Rustenburg is renowned. We also launched our value for term 1 - FUN, OLONWABO, PRET!

Fun is an authentic expression or experience of freedom, joy and happiness, which can be experienced with others or by oneself where you just have fun. In a shared experience, fun releases or creates a euphoria of a deeper bond between people. Having fun benefits us both physically and mentally.

At RGJS, we are driven by our vision and mission to provide quality girls' education that equips them for the world they are growing up in. Whilst we take this seriously, the element of fun must always be part of any learning institution. Fun is an essential ingredient in instilling a love for learning, igniting curiosity for the unknown and celebrating the little things. Let us be role models of fun and enjoyment to our Rustybugs so that they never underestimate the importance of having fun!

Belinda Petersen

Principal

CONDOLENCES

Condolences to Roxanne Greeff on the loss of her uncle.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

WELCOME TO OUR TEAM

JESSICA HALLEY - SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST

Hello, my name is Jess Halley and I look forward to joining the Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School community. I have a wealth of experience, as a speech and language therapist, in early intervention and primary education. I am passionate about supporting the diverse speech, language and communication needs of children. From language delay and articulation difficulties to social communication and literacy difficulties, I believe in collaborating closely with families and schools to provide individualised and fun intervention to meet each child's unique needs. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS: To ⭐Belinda Petersen⭐ for achieving her Google Certified Educator Level 2!

To ⭐Sarah Mackenzie⭐ for achieving your first PurpleZA badge

To ⭐all teachers⭐ who participated in the PurpleZA energiser.

MEET OUR STAFF

Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to all our staff at RGJS. This week meet our Grade R and Music Teams.

Margo Laurie

Grade Ra

Hey there, I'm Margo Laurie (Gr Ra teacher). I'm one of a triplet with two older siblings.

I was born and raised in Somerset West, but I've been living in Cape Town for seven years now. While my siblings went their own ways, I found my calling in education and I'm currently in my second year at RGJS. When I'm not hitting the gym or enjoying a stroll along the promenade, you'll find me daydreaming about having a golden retriever as my furry friend. Can't wait for that day to come!

Phumza Jali

Grade Ra Assistant & Aftercare

Hi, I am Phumza Jali. A mom of two beautiful daughters - the older one is 18 years old and the last born is 11 years old. I have been a Grade Ra teacher assistant for 7 years.

I have a diploma in ECD. Working with the little one is my life.

I love baking. My pet is a cat who is 8 months old - her name is Ginger.

Jodie Samuels

Gr Rb

I'm Jodie Samuels, a proud mom of three amazing children and married to an amazing husband. I love time spent with my family, from baking up a storm in the kitchen to creating wonderful memories while crafting. I also enjoy going to the gym to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of my favorite ways to unwind is through sunset walks on the beach. This is my therapy, where I can find peace amid today's busy lifestyle.

Miskah Norton

Grade Rb Assistant & Aftercare

Six years ago I joined the Grade R family at RGJS.

My journey thus far has been nothing but AMAZING!

I thoroughly enjoy interacting with them, doing creative arts and having a laugh.

Sanette Jardim

Grade Rc

My name is Sanette Jardim and I have been teaching for 14 years. I was born and raised in Durban and moved to Cape Town in 2010. I love Jesus, my family, sport and country music. The ocean is my place where I recharge and find peace. I have been a Rustybug for 3 years now and it is such a privilege to be part of this wonderful community. I am also a mom to two little Rustybugs who keep me very busy when I am not in the classroom.

Mandy Jacobs

Gr Rc Assistant & Aftercare

Hi, I'm Mandy Jacobs. I've been working at RGJS for 18 years with the grade Rs.

I love watching sports and spending time with my 5-year-old daughter, Emily.

I am Babette Viljoen, part time piano teacher at RGJS.

I live in a small house in Claremont with a huge piano and the biggest braai in the Southern Suburbs.

I love swimming in the ice cold ocean, watching shows in theatres, fine dining with friends, and a good braai - especially on a Monday.

My name is Katy Racionzer. I teach trumpet and trombone and I'm studying my Master's at UCT.

I enjoy spending my free time crocheting cute and colourful clothes and trinkets. I also love to lift heavier and heavier weights at the gym to relieve the stress of the day.

I am Rina Schutte, one of the cello teachers and the Muzkanda teacher at RGJS. I think teaching music to young learners is the most magical job and I am so fortunate to be doing what I love. I also love performing. I often play in orchestras, ensembles and musicals. I was very fortunate to play for Sound of Music over the December holidays and I toured Internationally with Matilda the Musical a few years ago. When I'm not working, I like to hike or read.

I'm Cathy Gray, a piano, recorder and flute teacher and the music administrator at RGJS. For me, one of the most wonderful things is to witness little people making beautiful music.

I make a lot of my own clothes and I spend most school holidays sewing up a storm. These days I'm also obsessed with gardening. Right now my veggies and herbs are getting a lot of attention.

Hello, I'm Leah Adams, class music, piano and voice teacher and Junior Choir conductor at Rustenburg.

I'm a born and bred Capetonian and am newly engaged 💍. Music has been the biggest part of my life for most of it. I've recorded and released a few singles available on all streaming platforms and was a member of AnecNote - an acapella group that won South Africa's Got Talent in 2017.

When I'm not singing or teaching, I'm enjoying what Cape Town has to offer and baking for my family and friends.

I am Kendall Williams and this is my third year teaching piano at RGJS. I am passionate about music and teaching and I am very privileged to be surrounded by music everyday! When I'm not teaching or playing the piano, you can find me on the beach and out in nature with my husband, friends and family.

Adele Newman

This year marks my 18th teaching year at RGJS. I’m part of a well-functioning and busy music department, filled with teachers who are dedicated and passionate about their work.

It is highly satisfying and rewarding watching my piano students grow, develop their skills, confidence, and flourish musically.

I also teach recorder to the grade 2 and 3 learners and class music to the grade 4s, where the space is created for the learners to express themselves creatively through composition, improvisation, and interpretation.

I love spending time with family and friends, trying out new recipes, being outdoors, travelling and exploring new places with my husband. I am also a mother to an adult son who currently resides in Tennessee, USA.

Hendrik Marais

Hey, quick shout-out to Onrusrivier – my happy place! 🏡 There's just something magical about our house there. Whether it's lazy weekends or spontaneous getaways, every moment is pure bliss. 🌊☀️ #HomeSweetHome #OnrusrivierMagic

Hello, I am Craig Williams. I teach violin at Rustenburg Girls' Junior School.

I am passionate about teaching and enjoy working with young musicians. I believe that I learn as much from my students as they do from me. I have dedicated a great part of my life to music - as an educator and as a performer. I'm an ad-hoc member of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Town Baroque. I enjoy traveling and recently went to Dublin to form part of the Irish Chamber Orchestra Academy.

Besides music, I enjoy being in nature. I love swimming in the ocean and hiking in the mountains. I have a great knack for cooking, too.

I am Noluvuyo Maha, one of the violin teachers at RGJS.

I am married with two kids. I was introduced to music by my mother (who knows nothing about music, by the way).

Teaching has always been a dream for me. I am passionate about teaching the violin and I love seeing the girls progress. The most precious moment for me is when the girls start playing on the E string – their faces just light up.

When I’m not teaching, I spend time with my family.

I'm Maileen Jamey. I teach piano, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele and Grade R and 1 Class Music at RGJS. I have been teaching here since 2017, but prior to that I taught at the high school for 14 years! So I have been part of the Rustenburg machine for 21 years!

In this photo you can see me preparing for a Spanish dancing performance. I love all things music and dance, and have performed on various stages in the city. I am currently in the cast of the musical, Legally Blonde, which is running at the Artscape theatre.

In addition to this, I love working with children and have a soft heart towards animals. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to the theatre, watching movies, shows and concerts, brunching and coffee dates.

I am also a life-long learner, and have spent many years studying various courses. I am currently completing my ILT certification, and planning to start another course soon.

I am Jamie Barron, one of the cello teachers at Rustenburg Girls’ Junior. I believe music is one of the greatest tools for changing a child’s life and instilling self-belief and resilience.

I’ve had many opportunities to play in various orchestras such as UCT Symphony Orchestra, CPYO and The South African National Youth Orchestra. Ensemble playing is something very close to my heart as I believe there is nothing more beautiful than making music together with other musicians.

When I'm not teaching, I love to indulge in reading, fitness and spiritual meditation.

I am Odile Burden, a teacher and performing violinist. I have a wonderful husband, two adorable sons, a playful dog, a cuddly cat, and a very cheeky parrot. I love helping children nurture their excitement to make music. As a performer, I'm happiest when making music at church, with the Cape Town Baroque Orchestra, and with good friends.

My name is Daniela Torino, and I play the clarinet, saxophone, and recorder. I LOVE teaching young kids.

My hobbies include caring for and spreading correct information about exotic animals such as rats, hamsters, birds, and guinea pigs. I am an active volunteer for Boggle and Brux Rodent Rescue, and Squirrel Rescue Western Cape.

SCHOOL NEWS & UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

IMPORTANT DATES TERM 1 2024

Fri 16 Feb: Grade 4 outing: Kirstenbosch

RGJS host AB Swimming Gala

Open Day at RGHS

Mon 19 Feb: Individual & Sibling Photos
Tues 20 Feb: Gr 5 Outing SANCCOB
Wed 21 Feb: Gr 5 Outing SANCCOB
Thurs 22 Feb: Gr 5 Outing SANCCOB

Herschel Twilight Gala

Prospective Parents Tour

Fri 23 Feb: Family Camp Out

Herschel Tennis Festival

B Gala at Springfield

Herschel Polo Festival

Mon 26 Feb: Class Photos
Thurs 29 Feb: Prospective Parent Tour
Fri 1 Mar: A Gala at Oakhurst B Gala at Pinehurst

Civvies day

Creative Arts Conference

ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE RGJS SITE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSTENBURG!

On Friday 2nd February we celebrated 130 years of Rustenburg! Our day started with an assembly where Mrs Petersen launched our theme and explained the history of our 130 years, showing our Rustybugs some uniform items, magazines and photos from the past. Mrs Lexi Slabbert, a past teacher, was our fabulous guest speaker who shared some insight into the teaching days in the 1970s - no WiFi, Internet, cellphones and no stiletto heels in the hall!

Mrs Pike taught our learners, staff and special guests the 130 Theme Song which is a collaboration of our theme songs from the past few years celebrating everything special about Rustybugs.

Our learners enjoyed a Bug Buddy Teddy Bears' Picnic and afterwards, they made some beautiful wind chimes out of recycled materials. After a short break for ice creams and cupcakes, our Rustybugs ended the day with a disco dancing away to their favourite songs. HAPPY 130th BIRTHDAY, RUSTENBURG!

130 Rustenburg Birthday Carnival

The Rustenburg 130th Birthday Carnival was held on Friday 9th February. So much fun was had by all who attended this special event. Thank you to all our families and staff for the overwhelming support. It truly was a wonderful afternoon full of families and friends celebrating our incredible schools.

Gr R Outing - Rock Pools

The Grade Rs had an absolute blast on their very first big school outing, and what an adventure it turned out to be!

They immersed themselves in the world of sea creatures, uncovering all sorts of captivating marine life. From quirky lipperts to squishy starfish and cool anemones hanging out near the shore, our little adventurers were totally captivated by the beachside critters. But hold on, there's more! They even caught a glimpse of the deep sea when they stumbled upon a jellyfish washed up on the sand. This experience opened their eyes to the wonders of marine biology and ignited a genuine love for the incredible diversity of our planet.

Gr 2 Outing - Rock Pools

In Hout Bay's embrace, the Grade 2's took flight,

To wonderful rock pools where wonders sparkled bright.

A lesson in limpets, seven kinds we learned,

Sally and the Slipper limpet's tale, discerned.

We learnt about Kelp, like dancers, swayed in the ocean's ballet,

We found many creatures in the rock pools, on this fine day.

A talk about stewardship, a duty we hold,

To protect our environment, precious and bold.

Mermaids, with purses, their secrets they share,

Recycle, reduce, and reuse with utmost care.

Mermaid money, the currency of the sea,

A lesson in eco-life, for you and for me.

A stroll to a private pool, a hidden delight,

Giant starfish, sea cucumbers could be seen in plain sight.

Tiny crabs scuttling, sea urchins below,

In the rock pools' magic, we found nature's grand show.

BUG BUDDY CONNECTION

On Monday 12th February, each Bug Buddy family spent time connecting and playing board games together. The Grade 7 leader and Grade 6 member of each family was responsible for choosing a game or activity that would include everyone. It was wonderful to see the range of activities that they brought along and the fun that was had by all. With “FUN” being our value this term, the aim of the morning was to relax and enjoy bonding as families within the various school houses. Thank you to the Grade 6s and 7s who remembered to bring along their games, and also to those who, after the weekend, had forgotten and had to think on their feet and come up with an activity for their family to do! The families were disappointed that their Grade Rs were not able to join this time as they were on an outing, and are looking forward to the next Bug Buddy meeting for another opportunity to connect and have fun!

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY

Reading aloud builds many important foundational skills, introduces vocabulary, provides a model of fluent, expressive reading and helps children recognise what reading for pleasure is all about. It helps them to learn how to use language to make sense of the world and improves their information processing skills and comprehension. It has even been proven that it helps get words into long-term memory. These are all essential benefits that promote lifelong learning.

On Wednesday 7 February, we celebrated World Read Aloud Day with teachers reading various stories and genres to different classes. It was fun to see our Rustybugs enjoying the animated stories read to them.

At RGJS, building a reading culture is a pivotal building block to achieving academic success. Every Wednesday morning, the Gr 4 - 7 learners have a "Drop Everything And Read" (DEAR) period to start the day. At the same time, our Gr R - 3 learners enjoy shared reading time with parent volunteers (starting next week).

Let's continue to read aloud at home and at school to foster a love and enjoyment of reading!

GROWING INTO GRADE 4

Connection is so important as we navigate the journey of parenting and educating the whole child. The Parent Talks are a perfect opportunity to do just that. We had a great turnout at the Grade 4 Parent evening entitled, “Growing into Grade 4”. This is a year of significant growth and change for this grade. Our keynote speaker, Kate Stamper, addressed us on how parents can support their children with the transition into the Intermediate Phase. There was also time to answer questions raised by parents. Thank you to Kate, Gill Gildenhuys, our Head of Learning Support and Penny Biccard, our school counsellor, for their insightful and practical ideas that were shared.

GRADE 5 PBL

Our Grade 5 team enjoyed a day of research and planning at their PBL training day today with the guidance of Lindsay from PurpleZA. They spent the day planning exciting ways to integrate the curriculum and create space for critical thinking across all concepts and skills. We are excited to see their planning come to fruition during the year!

VALENTINE'S DAY

On Wednesday our Rustybugs shared the LOVE and enjoyed a Civvies Day wearing pink, white and red!

WORLD THINKING DAY

Every year on February 22nd, the World Organization of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) observes World Thinking Day. All our Rustybugs who are Scouts or Brownies are welcome to wear their Scout or Brownie uniforms to school on Thursday 22 February.

Creative Arts Conference 2024

RGJS and WCED will host the third Creative Arts Conference online on the 1st and 2nd of March. The two-day virtual event, South Africa’s largest conference on Creative Arts Education, will include keynote speakers, workshops, exhibitions and so much more to invigorate creative arts teaching in schools and classrooms. During this event, we would like to award the teachers attending the conference spot prizes in the form of gift vouchers. We invite you to support all teachers as they engage in critical professional development to uplift education across all communities and bring some excitement to the conference! If you are able to assist with a donation towards the vouchers, a collection will be opened shortly on KARRI.

STOP AND DROP!

Please sign up to assist with the STOP AND DROP and assist with families dropping off their children in Burg Road. An extra pair of hands helping children to enter the school gates in Burg Road is appreciated. Your assistance is required on Main Road and along Burg Road, please sign up HERE!

We encourage ALL families to be courteous and kind to each other.

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

SCHOOL UNIFORM

SUN HATS

Please remind your daughter to pack in 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.