BUG NEWS

12 MARCH 2026

AFFIRMATION: Respek - Ek is respekvol. Ek behandel myself en ander soos ons verdien om behandel te word. Ek betoon hoflikheid aan almal en leer uit die wysheid van my seniors.

Imbeko- Ndinembeko. Ndibaphatha abanye kunye nam ngendlela esifanele ukuphathwa ngayo. Ndibonisa imbeko kuye wonke umntu, kwaye ndifunda kubulumko babantu abadala bam.

Respect - I am respectful. I treat others and myself as we deserve to be treated. I show courtesy to everyone. I learn from the wisdom of my elders.

In the previous newsletter, I shared a few ways that we can develop and practise respect daily. I'd like to share a more personal story of learning to be more respectful in the presence of others.

Our staff has recently learned about listening exquisitely in our workshop facilitated by an RGJS parent, Prof Lester Davids. This draws on the work of Nancy Kline in her book Time to Think, which was the selected book for our staff "Book Bugs" book club in 2025. It's a book I have read several times but it's always good to be reminded of the things we can improve. In practice, listening exquisitely means giving our undivided attention and not being distracted by things around us. It means genuinely listening to the thoughts of another, instead of listening to respond.

Just over a year ago, I stopped wearing a smartwatch. Yes, it's great to keep track of my step count, heart rate and other health information, but I found the intrusion on my time, ability to focus and simply being present with those around me was negatively impacted by the constant alerts and interruptions. Since then, I feel more in control of what I do and how I interact with others. Because I am less distracted by the noise that used to be on my wrist, I have noticed how distracted most people are when in meetings or simply in conversation with others. It also made me realise how often I have not been fully present with my husband or children because of continuous push notifications. This "always-on" culture significantly impacts our relationships more than we realise. It shows another person, whether that be our spouse, child, parent, or teacher, that a message is more important than them. In this digital world, our lives are constantly interrupted. It's up to us to put boundaries in place that protect our relationships with others and encourages respectful interactions at all times. But it doesn't end there.

Nancy Kline has written another book, The Promise That Changes Everything. It's an entire book dedicated to understanding interruption and the impact it has on our thinking and relationships. When we listen exquisitely, we allow someone to finish what they want to say without interjecting. When we interrupt, we are essentially saying that what they have to say is of little value compared to our own thoughts and that we are more important than them.

Over the next few weeks, pause and pay attention. How often do you interrupt others, whether by verbally interrupting another's sentence or checking your smartwatch or phone while someone is speaking? And how often do others interrupt you? Let's try to notice when this happens and choose to listen exquisitely, with respect.

Belinda Petersen

Principal

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS: To ⭐Amy Erasmus⭐ on completing three Kami Certifications in MobileMind!

To ⭐Gail Barrish Liddle⭐ for achieving PurpleZA Level 2 (8 badges)!

To ⭐Genevieve Morgan⭐ and ⭐Lorensha Weavers⭐ for achieving your first PurpleZA badge.

To Lynne Niegaardt and Candice Davison for participating in the Cycle Tour 🎉🎉🎉

JOIN OUR TEAM

RGJS PART-TIME FLUTE TEACHER 2026

Closing Date 13:00, Wednesday, 18th March 2026

RGJS PART-TIME PIANO TEACHER 2026

Closing Date 13:00, Wednesday, 18th March 2026

RGJS PART-TIME GUITAR TEACHER 2026

Closing Date 13:00, Wednesday, 18th March 2026

FAREWELL

At the end of this term, we bid a sad farewell to Cathy Gray. Cathy has been involved with Rustenburg for many years as a parent and an integral part of the Music Department.

We wish you the best of everything, Cathy, as you leave Rustenburg to teach at Bishops next term.

SAPA CONFERENCE

Jessica Banks and Meggan Lewis attended the SAPA Conference - "Beyond the Ordinary", over the weekend at the Houw Hoek Inn.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with principals and teachers from other schools and enjoy insightful presentations by various speakers, including the WCED Head of Education, Brent Walters.

The reminder to focus on our why was reinforced and encouraged as we navigate an education landscape that is continuously evolving...

When you walk into a school, you bring possibility.

When you meet with your team, you bring influence.

And when you teach, you bring hope.

GOOGLE LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION

On Friday 6th and Sat 7th March, 15 staff members completed their Google level 1 certification!

Thank you to Lindsay from PurpleZA who facilitated and guided us through this qualification.

Weekly, we will be introducing all our staff in our newsletters.

Today, meet our School Assistant, Music Teaching Staff & Support Staff

ROBYN LYNCH

SCHOOL ASSISTANT

I am Robyn Lynch, the Gr 4-7 Teaching Assistant and School Assistant. This means there are many facets to my role at RGJS. Officially, I am in my 13th year of service. I am a Rustenburg mom, both of my daughters attended the school and are Rustybugs.

I love to read; there is nothing like a good twisty tale or thriller to keep me enthralled from cover to cover. I live for quality time in my kitchen, where I enjoy tweaking recipes and developing my own. My favourite family activity is picnicking and long days at the beach. We have two sweet fur babies, Honey and Lyla, who ensure that we are well-trained. They are our paw princesses!

HARLENE VEOTTE

HEAD OF MUSIC

I enjoy heading up and working within the dynamic and fun team, which is the Music Department.

My favourite genre of music is Latin American music, and it has taken me quite far as I travelled across the world to Minnesota in the United States to attend a jazz festival where I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with and hear my favourite Cuban saxophonist, Paquito D'Rivera, perform live.

ALEX VAN DER SPECK

HEAD OF CULTURE & CREATIVE ARTS

PIANO, BRASS & CLASS MUSIC

To me, "shining my light" means bringing energy, dedication and a sense of connection to everything I do.

I share my light every day in my connection with others. I find joy and strength in spending quality time with my family and friends. These relationships contribute to my happiness and keep me grounded.

I am a firm believer in staying active. Whether it’s a high-energy workout or a simple jog. I enjoy exercise as a way to stay focused and energized.

Music is also a huge part of my life. I enjoy playing the trumpet both for personal relaxation and at a professional level, sharing the gift of music with others whenever I can.

I am an individual who truly enjoys nature. Whether I am hiking a trail or simply taking in the fresh air, being outdoors is where I find my peace and inspiration.

LEAH SMITH

PIANO, CLASS MUSIC, JUNIOR CHOIR, VOICE

I’m Mrs Smith, and I’m in my fifth year at RGJS. I love making music with the girls and being part of such a vibrant school community.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy cooking and baking, browsing the shops, trying new restaurants, and testing out the occasional TikTok recipe. My husband is a big sports fan, so you’ll often find me on the side of the cricket field cheering him on - although I’ve been told the golf course is strictly off limits!

We’ve also recently bought our first home and are excited to create a warm and happy space together. I’m really looking forward to another wonderful, music-filled year at RGJS and all the moments of creativity, laughter, and song that come with it. 🎶

MAILEEN JAMEY

PIANO, GUITAR, GUITAR ENSEMBLE, UKULELE, CLASS MUSIC

My name is Maileen Jamey, known by the Rustybugs as ‘Miss Jamey Pie’. I have been a Rustenburg music teacher for just over two decades, starting at the high school, then moving to the junior school. Needless to say, I have loved every moment of teaching our Rustybugs!

I am a child of the performing arts. In addition to music, I love dancing and theatre. I am a Flamenco dancer and have performed in numerous musical theatre shows.

I enjoy concerts and shows, reading, nature, and deep chats with family and friends.

CATHY GRAY

MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR

I'm Cathy Gray, mother of a music-obsessed 15-year-old daughter and wife of an extremely tech-savvy Australian. I've taught flute, piano and recorder at RGJS for the past five years and it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to see the music department thrive and develop.

2026 promises to be an incredible year of growth!

Although my time at RGJS comes to an end shortly, I remain a staunch Rustenburg supporter.

Once a Rustybug, always a Rustybug!

KEVIN TOPKIN

PIANO, DRUM KIT

Hi Rustybugs. I love cooking, and my current favourite food to make is spaghetti bolognaise.

If I could play another instrument, it would be the trombone.

Although I love sunny weather, I am looking forward to colder temperatures after this week.

MARSHALL JACOBS

FOREMAN

I have been working at RGJS for the past 18 and a half years. RGJS is my home away from home for the past 3 years, as I live on the school campus. I love my cricket and rugby whilst spending time with these 4 surrounding me, especially my shadow on my lap.

Family time is the utmost important in my life.

I love what I do at RGJS every day. Seeing the little people happy and safe is what I am trying to achieve every day.

LUYANDA ZINYUSILE

GROUNDSMAN

This is my 30th year of working at Rustenburg!

I have been married to my wife Phumla since 1990 and we had 3 children, sadly our son passed away. We have 3 granddaughters who keep us very, very busy!

My favourite soccer team is Mamelodi Sundowns.

I enjoy running, mostly on weekends.

BUKASA FAGUY MBULAYI

GROUNDSMAN

2026 is my 11th year at Rustenburg Junior.

I am a lover of pressed grapes, red wine to be specific.

I spend my weekends with my boy, who keeps me very busy.

I am one of 16 children so I enjoy being around a lot of people. I am good with my hands and enjoy doing new things.

DAMIAN GIEBELAAR

MAINTENANCE/DRIVER

I have been at Rustenburg for almost a year and am very happy. I have seen myself grow and am grateful.

I'm a father of 1 cute little boy. I love spending time with my family, especially with my son.

I'm very supportive, helpful and respectful towards others. My hobbies are rugby, gaming and woodwork and I enjoy a braai on the weekend.

DEJA VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

HOUSEKEEPING

My favorite things are sunsets, I'm the only girl amongst 4 boys and I enjoy writing poetry and playing video games.

MERCIA WILLIAMS

HOUSEKEEPING & AFTERCARE

This is my 27th year at RJGS.

I love making food and really enjoy making pudding.

I enjoy shopping and spending time with the special children in my life who will always stay in my heart.

I enjoy assisting in the Swap Shop and working with all the children in Aftercare.

MAGDELENE JACOBS

HOUSEKEEPING

I love my Rustybug family and have been working in Housekeeping at RGJS for 9 years.

I have 5 children and 5 grandchildren - 3 grandsons and 2 granddaughters.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and my church family.

MIETJIE DE BRUIN

HOUSEKEEPING

This is my 7th year as a Housekeeper at Rustenburg.

On weekends, I enjoy spending time with my sisters and friends.

I love hiking and being outdoors. I enjoy working in our community and supporting those around me.

NOSIPHIWO RANI

HOUSEKEEPING

Hello, my name is Nosiphiwo Rani. I'm happily married and a proud mom of 3 boys.

I enjoy spending time with my family and I enjoy working at RGJS.

KHANYISA BEJE

HOUSEKEEPING

I'm Khanyisa Beje.

I've been working at Rustenburg for four years. I always love to keep a healthy environment for the girls. In my spare time, I like to try new recipes, go out and spend time with my family and friends.

WELEKAZI BALANI

HOUSEKEEPING

This is my 10th year at Rustenburg as part of the Support Staff. I enjoy sewing by hand, baking and listening to music. Gospel music is my favourite.

On weekends, I enjoy going shopping, and on Sundays, I go to church. I also enjoy spending time with my sister.

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.

ASSEMBLIES

On Monday last week, our Grade 7 Library Monitors presented some poems and rhymes to our Rustybugs for World Poetry Day, which is celebrated on Saturday, 21st March. Our Gr 7s shared why poetry matters.

Poetry slows us down - we pay attention to language.

We see the beauty of words and how they explain emotions.

Reading a poem in another language helps us to step into someone else’s shoes and understand them.

We learn about different points of view.

We share other people’s joys and sorrows.

Thank you to Mrs Wates and the Library Monitors for the fun and informative assembly.

On Tuesday, 3rd March, the Learning Support Department and some Grade 3 Rustybug shared a message on Neurodiversity with our Foundation Phase Learners.

Using the characters from Winnie the Pooh, the team shared various messages about Neurodiversity.

Owl is clever, but he struggles with reading, writing and working with numbers. Tigger is full of energy and finds it difficult to wait his turn so he has to learn to work alongside his friends. Piglet is shy and scared to speak in a big group. He is often anxious and scared of what could happen. Roo likes to know what is going to happen and likes it when things are planned in advance. He likes to have something to hold that will comfort and calm him.

Thank you to our Learning Support Team and Grade 3s for this informative assembly.

This week, our Music Department ran the assemblies. Did you know that RGJS now has three Marimba groups?

At this week's Music Assemblies, all of our learners were lucky enough to hear the Thursday Marimba Group play Flowers by Miley Cyrus, led by Mrs Veotte.

Other items included vocal solos, piano, trumpet and violin performances and even an original ukulele song composed by Robyn Elshove (5a). Thank you to all participants for their remarkable performances after just six weeks of lessons. We are proud of you all!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE - PODCAST

We spoke to Mrs Lijani Wallander, Grade 6 Science Teacher and Mrs Claire Lawrence-Naidoo, UCT Principal Scientific Officer.

In alignment with the spirit of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), which promotes full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, this podcast highlights how Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School views expanding opportunities in STEM education, fostering innovative teaching practices, and creating pathways that inspire girls to pursue scientific inquiry and future careers in these fields. By addressing barriers, championing inclusion, and cultivating a culture where girls see themselves as future scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers, the school reaffirms its commitment to narrowing the gender gap and shaping the next generation of women leaders in science.

GRADE 3 OUTING

The Grade Three Girls enjoyed a wonderful outing to Wendy’s Insect Garden in Meadowridge. Wendy began the visit by encouraging the girls to pause quietly and listen to the sounds of birds, bees, and insects around them. They then walked through the garden, discovering different insects and plants growing in creative places, even in old shoes. With clipboards in hand, the girls drew pictures of what they saw and heard. They visited the bird cage and learned about the importance of recycling, habitats, and where animals and plants live. The girls also had the exciting opportunity to look at insects under a microscope. Later, they drew their favourite insect discoveries with chalk on the brick paving and explored Wendy’s veggie garden, enjoying the beauty of nature on a hot, sunny day. 🌿

HELP THE RURAL CHILD BOOK SALE - THANK YOU

Help the Rural Child thanks our Rustybugs for their overwhelming support in buying books at the recent sale.

The enthusiasm for reading is inspiring. Thank you once again and happy reading.

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY SURVEY

As part of our Strategic Plan 2026–2030, communication has been identified as a key focus area for 2026 at RGJS.

Thank you to those who have already completed the survey.

Please click here to complete the COMMUNICATION STRATEGY SURVEY, closing date is tomorrow!

We appreciate your input.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

Gentle reminder: Have all your bags ready when using the Drop & Go Zone.

ADULTS - PLEASE DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR IN THE DROP & GO ZONE.

Kindness and courteous behaviour are appreciated at all times - remember our children are always observing us; let's be great examples.

MUSIC

Xylophones, glockenspiels, boomwhackers, drums... our music teachers got to play them all at Saturday's Orff Music training session held at Somerset College. We sang, played clapping (and running!) games and had the happiest of times. Now we're looking forward to sharing this joy in our class music lessons.

EVENTS

CAMP OUT 2026

Tomorrow is our 2026 Camp Out!

Remember to bring along all your camping items.

Access to the Rustenburg Girls' High is from 17:30.

A security pass and final details will be shared tomorrow.

Looking forward to a fun evening!

MATHS WEEK

We will be celebrating MATHS week from Friday, 13th - Friday, 20th March. Our teachers are on a mission to spark every girl’s love for maths! Through hands-on, practical activities, our Rustybugs will explore, create, and problem-solve, seeing that maths is fun, real, and all around us.

To start off this exciting week of learning, our Rustybugs can add a "touch of maths", to their House Uniform on Friday, 13th March.

During Maths Week, we would love our families to join the fun at home as well. Everyday moments provide wonderful opportunities for children to see that maths is practical, creative, and part of the world around them.

Below are a few simple ideas for families to explore together. These playful activities help children build confidence and curiosity while discovering that maths is everywhere. Thank you for partnering with us to make Maths Week a magical learning experience for our girls.

GO KART FUN DAY

We are having a FUN start to our last week of a very busy Term 1!

On Monday, 23rd March, all classes are encouraged to choose a theme, dress up according to your theme and participate in the 2026 GO KART FUN DAY.

This is a PTA fundraiser and the KARRI collection will open at 09:00 tomorrow morning. The cost is R60 per learner and funds raised from this collection will be used to purchase additional gazebos for shade at Grotto.

Classes will race against each other at the same time and all learners will have a turn to be pushed in the Go Karts and to push the Go Kart.

We are looking forward to a FUN day and thank you in advance for your support.

SPORT

WATER POLO

We wrapped up a wonderful water polo season with exciting internal matches. The girls were placed into mixed teams across the age groups, giving them the opportunity to play alongside and learn from one another while enjoying some friendly competition.

The games were filled with enthusiasm, teamwork, and great sportsmanship as the girls put their skills into action.

Congratulations to the Turtles in the u12/u13 age group and the Orcas in the u10/u11 age group who were the winning teams.

Well done to all the girls for their commitment and energy throughout the season, and thank you to everyone who contributed to making it such a memorable one.

INTERSCHOOLS SWIMMING

On Friday, our swimmers took part in the exciting PGSGU Inter-Schools Gala hosted by Herschel. The atmosphere was fantastic, with strong competition and plenty of team spirit throughout the afternoon.

Our swimmers performed extremely well, with many girls recording personal best times and showing great determination in the pool.

Rustenburg Girls' Junior School finished 6th overall, and we are especially proud of our U12 age group, who delivered an excellent performance to place 3rd in their age group.

Well done to all our Rustybugs for representing the school with such enthusiasm and pride.

FINAL GALA OF TERM 1

Rustenburg proudly hosted the final league gala on Friday, welcoming Rondebosch Boys and Oakhurst for an exciting co-ed event.

The afternoon began with loud war cries and colourful face paint, creating a fantastic atmosphere around the pool.

Our girls swam with great determination, winning a few races and proudly showing the boys what Rustenburg is made of! It was a wonderful way to end the league season!

OUTREACH

HOUSE DAY

Friday 13th March is the first House Day for 2026!

Learners come to school in their PE uniform, wearing their HOUSE SHIRTS.

On House Days, the Rustenburg Community voluntarily contribute various items to charities. For our first House Day, we are collecting non-perishable groceries and marshmallow eggs.

Items can be placed in the boxes in the front office at reception.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Our Gr 7 Outreach Leaders and the Service Society will be assembling gift parcels and helping to distribute the donations to a variety of charities.

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

TENNIS STAR

Congratulations to Fia Moore Ackerman Gr 5a, who represented Cape Town against Northern Cape and Cavaliers, at the end of February.

Fia played 4 singles, 2 girls doubles and 2 mixed doubles in a long weekend and won all but one of her matches, the final mixed doubles match!

Well done Fia, we are so proud of you.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

LIBRARY BOOK FOLDER

Library folders are available from the Finance Office; payment is on KARRI.

Gentle reminder that Library bags will only be issued to learners who have their library bags or folders. Library bags are better suited for learners from Grade 2 to Grade 7, especially when they take out larger or thicker books.

A loved book can be read again and again.

LOST PROPERTY

If your child has lost an item during the school day, please encourage them to look in the Lost Property boxes and to inform one of the staff or the class teacher as soon as they are aware of a missing item. You can also contact our Lost Property team via this form or Pam Heiberg pta@rgjs.org.za to help find lost items.

There are two Lost Property boxes, one for Foundation Phase - same passage as their classrooms, at the base of the stairs, on the right, just before the bathroom. The Senior Phase is just below the library in the Grade 4 - 7 block at the bottom of the stairs.

All items are sorted at least twice weekly and all labeled items are returned to the classes. Unlabeled items are tagged with the date found in the box.

Parents can check the boxes before school starts or at the end of the school day and are to sign in at the front gate security.

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

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.

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.

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.

School Ad - Term 1 .pdf

Holiday Club March April 2026.pdf

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