BUG NEWS

5 April 2024

Ubuntu - Ngalo lonke ixesha ndizama ukuba ngumntu olungileyo. Umntu ngumntu ngabanye abantu.Nangona sonke sahlukile, sibanye.

Humanity - I am always learning to be a good human being. A person is a person through other people. Although we are all different, we are also the same.

Menswaardigheid - Ek leer altyd om 'n goeie mens te wees. 'n Persoon is 'n persoon deur ander mense. Alhoewel ons almal verskillend is, is ons ook dieselfde.

Welcome back to all our RGJS staff and families! I trust that this holiday has been filled with opportunities to relax and re-energise and that you are ready to go! There will be lots of amazing things happening during this term, including parent talks for various grades and another 130 celebration event at the end of the term!

This term's focus is on the value of UBUNTU - HUMANITY - MENSWAARDIGHEID. Ubuntu describes a set of closely related African-origin value systems that emphasise the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrounding societal and physical worlds. It is sometimes translated as "I am because we are". It encompasses the interdependence of humans on one another and the acknowledgement of one's responsibility to their fellow humans and the world around them. It is a philosophy that supports collectivism over individualism.

Our assembly message this week was about the fact that being human is something that we share. It doesn't matter who we are or where we live in the world. We may all be different, yet we are also the same. We all have basic needs (like shelter, water, food), relationships with others, feelings and actions. Essentially, we learnt that we do not live in isolation but within a shared humanity.

Journey with us this term as we explore and unpack the meaning of ubuntu and share our humanity with others!

Best wishes to all our Muslim staff and families celebrating Eid this week.

Belinda Petersen

Principal

CONDOLENCES

Our condolences to Welekazi Balani on the loss of her mother.

Our condolences to Sanette Jardim on the loss of her father.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families during this very sad time.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Our staff ended their first day back at school with an interesting workshop on "Connecting Purpose to Life".

MEET OUR STAFF

Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to all our staff at RGJS. This week meet our Grade 3 and 4 teams and our ICT team.

Esihle Mkhusane

Gr 3 Student Teacher

I am Esihle Mkhusane, the Grade 3 student teacher. I’ve had the privilege of working with these wonderful girls for a year and three months. Our relationship is built on love, and I’m continually amazed at how much they’ve grown academically and personally during this time. It’s truly fulfilling to witness their progress and to be a part of their educational journey.

Robyn Smith

Grade 3a

I have been teaching for 6 years this year and I have absolutely loved every moment of it so far.

I am originally from Pretoria and studied teaching at the University of Pretoria for 4 years. I got married during COVID-19 in 2021 and moved to Cape Town with my husband in August 2023. I am obsessed with everything about Cape Town. I enjoy hiking, dipping my toes into the icy waters, and having the option to explore a new town every weekend. I love my family time, my fur babies, adventures, food - popcorn and Astros are my go-to snacks. I am so excited to be at RGJS. I look forward to growing as a teacher and growing with the girls, I am excited to make a difference wherever I can!

Abigail Mallows

Grade 3b

As an ex-Rustybug, it is wonderful to be part of the Rustenburg community again as a teacher. I am loving my fourth year here. Outside of school, I enjoy playing board games with my friends and creating things from scratch. I love the feeling of wearing or using something I’ve made myself or eating a homemade delicious meal. My favourite board game at the moment is called “Wingspan”. I’m also an avid Ballroom and Latin dancer. I love the joy and beauty created through dance! I’m looking forward to a wonderful, fulfilling year ahead.

Resuragum Rhode

Gr 3c

My name is Resuragum Rhode. I am the grade 3C teacher. I am passionate about what I do, and I enjoy interacting and teaching the girls.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my son on the soccer field, baking in the kitchen or playing Fortnite. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing board games or going for walks.

Lorensha Weavers

Gr 4 Student Teacher

I'm Lorensha Weavers . I enjoy spending time in nature taking pictures.

I enjoy long drives and good coffee.

I find it fulfilling to do the things I say I want to do.

I love learning new things and reading in my free time.

Samantha Louw

Grade 4a

MRS LOUW

Moulding young minds, a delightful quest,

Radiant smiles, each day I feel blessed.

Sowing seeds of knowledge, very bright,

Laughing with joy, all our hearts alight.

Overseeing their growth, with every step,

Understanding, guiding, helping to prep.

Whispers of wisdom, happy and true,

Teaching is my passion, through and through.

Megan Filmer

Grade 4b

Hello! My name is Megan Filmer and I am thrilled at the opportunity to join the Rustenberg team. I have taught across grades in the intermediate/Senior phase, with Grade 4 being my favourite!

When I’m not in the classroom, you will find me in the outdoors, staying active, otherwise cooking up a storm in the kitchen or spending time with my loved ones. I also enjoy geography, history and sports, making me a mean 30 seconds partner!

Once coming from an all-girls school myself, I am feeling right at home at RGJS and I am eager to continue a great 2024 school year together.

Carlen Riettels

Grade 4c

Hi there! I'm Carlen, the grade 4c teacher and a proud mom of an almost two-year-old whirlwind! Life in our household is like a non-stop circus, with my little munchkin as the orchestrator of the show.

Between chasing after her as she explores every nook and cranny of our home (and occasionally finds things she shouldn't), I somehow manage to squeeze in moments of fun. You know, the kind of fun where I'm dancing like a goofball or making funny faces just to see her adorable giggle.

When I'm not busy being a toddler's playmate, you can find me escaping into the wonderful world of books or capturing the beauty of landscapes through my camera lens. It's my little slice of sanity in the whirlwind of parenthood.

Catherine Pike

Head of ICT & EdTech Coach

My name is Catherine Pike, celebrating 15 years of teaching at Rustenburg Girls' Junior School this year. I wear many hats but my love is teaching and fostering a love for learning and bringing the content alive by any means necessary - song, dance, dress up, and more. In my spare time, I enjoy diving into a good book and finding joy in experiences in and around Cape Town.

Xoliswa Kahla

IT Systems Support Engineer

Life is too short to be serious all the time.

Xoliswa Kahla here, spreading good vibes and interested in seeing the beautiful mountains of Cape Town. Expect lots of laughs and joy, travel adventures, and more exercises. Rustenburg Girls’ Junior has been my home for 6 years now, my ICT team, my family, my colleagues, my sisters and brothers, and the girls, my friends.

Let’s make 2024 fun!

Fawaaz Fataar

IT infrastructure

Fawaaz Fataar

The Adventurous, spontaneous,

friendly, chilled, most importantly

The IT guy😉

Tamli Elliot

Coding & Robotics

As the Coding and Robotics teacher, I get to connect with all the Rustybugs.

I am an explorer at heart and enjoy the outdoors. I am an animal lover, hiker and avid reader.

I am a little nutty and have a creative spirit.

SCHOOL NEWS & UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

IMPORTANT DATES TERM 2 2024

Mon 8 April: Extra Murals start
Wed 10 April: FP Shared Reading commences
Fri 12 April: Gr 7 Ice-creams Fundraiser - KARRI
Wed 17 April: Gr 2 Parent Talk
Thurs 18 April: Gr 3 Parent Talk
Thurs 18 April - Sun 21 April: Oakhill Hockey Tour
Fri 19 April: Senior Choir 13:30 - 16:00
Tues 23 April: Gr 7 Parent Talk - Digital Wellness 19:00
Wed 24 April: Gr R/1 Parent Talk
Thurs 25 April: Gr 5 Music Workshop 18:00
Thurs 25 April - Sun 28 April: Knysna Netball Tour
Fri 26 April: Civvies Day - Adopt an animal
Sat 27 April: Freedom Day
Wed 1 May: Workers Day

ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE RGJS SITE

Disabled Access - Please contact admin@rgjs.org.za should you require wheelchair or assisted access to our school campus.

SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION

Our campus was a hive of activity during the holidays as the Orton Hall roof was prepared for a new covering! Yesterday the first load of solar panels were installed on the roof of the Orton Hall!

GR 3 PBL - SPACE

The aliens "landed" amongst the Grade 3s on Wednesday as they started off their project based learning all about SPACE!

GR 3 BAKING DAY

Our Grade 3s ended off Term 1 with a fun baking day!

PET ITEMS DONATIONS

During the holidays numerous Rustybugs from the Service Society and Outreach dropped off the generous pet item donations to various animal charities. As you can see from the photographs, our Rustybugs enjoyed giving as much as the animals enjoyed receiving!

Oscars Arc/Woof, Megs Mutts and Plum Plets were overjoyed and grateful for the generous donations.

THANK YOU RUSTYBUGS

HOUSE DAY - MARSHMALLOW EGGS

THANK YOU to all our families for the very generous donations of marshmallow eggs. During the holidays the marshmallow eggs were donated to Marsh Memorial Home; Red Cross Children's Hospital; U-Turn Homeless Shelter; Groote Schuur Hospital; Wynberg Fire Station; Lakeside Fire Station; The Homestead; Girls and Boys Town; Avondrust Old Age Home; Bonteheuwel Church.

Thank you to the Service Society, Gr 7 Outreach Team, Mrs Nagel and Mrs Heiberg for assistance in distributing the eggs.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS!

MOLO MHLABA STEAM WORKSHOP

Thank you to all our families who donated to the KARRI collection for the girls at Molo Mhlaba. The staff at Molo Mhlaba were able to provide meals and snacks for all the children during their 4-day STEM workshop in the holidays.

The staff and learners all extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Rustenburg Community for their support.

Molo Mhlaba Thank you March 2024.mp4

SANDWICH TUESDAY

If you are able, please remember to pack in an extra sandwich and or a piece of fruit for the learners at Molo Mhlaba on Tuesdays.

The sandwiches and fruit are collected every Tuesday at 08:30 and delivered to Molo Mhlaba in Khayelitsha.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

STOP AND DROP - TERM 2

Please sign up to assist with the STOP AND DROP in front of our school.

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

ICE LOLLY FRIYAY!

The Grade 7 Fundraising Team will be selling ice creams on Friday 12 April at breaktime.

Vanilla Ice Cream dipped in Caramel Crunch - R20

Vanilla Ice Cream with Coconut, dipped in Chocolate - R20

The collection is available on KARRI.

FUNNY FESTIVAL - ADULT EVENING

We all enjoy a good laugh😂 Round up a group of friends and/or family and enjoy an evening FULL of fun and laughter.

The Funny Festival is on at the Baxter and we have secured a limited amount of tickets for

Tuesday 11th June 2024 at 20:00.

The Funny Festival is South Africa's oldest and foremost comedy festival showcasing the best local stand-up comedians together with top international variety acts.

PG 16 - Tickets: R210.00. Please contact Pam for tickets pamhei@rgjs.org.za🐞

MANDELA DAY - 130 BLANKETS

As part of our 130 Birthday celebration, we would like to contribute to Mandela Day by donating 130 blankets made by the learners at RGJS and RGHS. To complete this exciting challenge, we will require plenty of hands, patience, wool, knitting/crochet needles and enthusiasm!

More information will be shared soon! Start gathering your wool!

SPORT

INTERHOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

Well done to all our runners who participated in the Interhouse Cross Country held on the last day of Term 1, Wednesday 20 March. Thank you to all our Rustybugs for their enthusiastic support for all the runners.

Congratulations to Cambridge, the winners of the Interhouse Cross Country.

1st - Cambridge 103 points

2nd - Wiener 89 points

3rd - Michiel 85 points

4th - Innes 66 points

PHOTOS

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

CUTTING FOR CANCER

At the start of the recent holiday, Rebecca Newell Gr 7b had a very "big" haircut and donated her "off cuts" to make wigs for cancer patients.

Well done Rebecca, we are so proud of you!

Here is the CANSA link for those interested in helping in various ways.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

ART APRONS & ART BAGS

Art Bags and Art Aprons are available from Bugs Boutique. All learners are required to wear an art apron for their art lessons and use the art bag to keep their pastels and art liners.

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.