Embedded Files
EXPRESS: I can express my thoughts, feelings and ideas in my own special way. My voice matters, and I am proud to share who I am. When I speak, play, or act, I shine my light for others.
VAKALISA: Ndiyakwazi ukuvakalisa iingcinga, neemvakalelo, nezimvo zam ngendlela yam eyodwa. Ilizwi lam libalulekile, kwaye ndiyazingca ngokwabelana ngam. Xa ndithetha, ndidlala, okanye ndisenza, ndikhanyisa ngokhanyo lwam.
UITDRUK: Ek kan my gedagtes, gevoelens en idees op my eie spesiale manier uitdruk. My stem maak saak, en ek is trots om te deel wie ek is. Wanneer ek praat, speel of toneelpeel, laat ek my lig vir ander skyn.
The second term has begun with a high level of energy and anticipation for the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, although school life will fully kick into gear when our extracurricular programme commences next week.
This term, we build on the value of respect by learning how to express ourselves so that we shine our light individually and collectively. To express means to take something that is internal and move it to the external. In other words, we share and communicate our thoughts, feelings, ideas, beliefs, strengths and gifts. Interestingly, during our assembly, one of our Grade 7 learners added that we also share our vulnerabilities - a great reminder that we should not be afraid to share all aspects of ourselves, not just the parts that we like or want others to see.
I am excited to see how all our Rustybugs, staff and families find various ways to express themselves in ways that build connection and community this term. After all, we are Rustenburg!
Belinda Petersen
Principal
CONDOLENCES
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to Noncedo Mbalo-Tyhomfa on the loss of her father.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.
FAREWELL
FAREWELL
At the end of April, we bid farewell to Kevin Topkin, our piano teacher. We wish Kevin well as he ventures into the world as a piano tuner intern.
CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS: To ⭐Keziah Hermanus⭐ for achieving your first PurpleZA badge 🎉🎉🎉
To Khalipha Mgobozi on her graduation - BEd Honours! 🎉🎉🎉
To Trish Hopkinson and Elize Cotterell on their daughters’ graduations! 🎉🎉🎉
To Kim Jackson and her husband for completing the Rome marathon 🎉🎉🎉
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Yesterday, our staff ended their first day of Term 2 with an invigorating workshop run by Lester Davids.
During the workshop, we explored how our assumptions influence the way we interpret situations. Lester shared the "Ladder of Inference," and we learned about how people often move quickly from observing facts to making assumptions, drawing conclusions, and taking action—sometimes without realising the steps in between. In groups, we worked through various examples that reflected the "lived experiences" of many, prompting our staff to question our assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and base decisions more consciously on evidence rather than on quick judgments.
LONG SERVICE
LONG SERVICE
At the end of Term 1, we celebrated numerous members of staff for their service to Rustenburg over the years.
Congratulations to;
Welekazi Balani and Nina Giraudeaux - 10 Years of Service to RGJS
Gill Gildenhuys, Carey Hickson-Mahony and Jenny Wates - 15 Years of Service to RGJS
Mandy Jacobs - 20 Years of Service to RGJS
Jeanne Liss - 25 Years of Service to RGJS
Liyanda Zinyusile - 30 Years of Service to RGJS.
SCHOOL NEWS
RGJS IMPORTANT DATES TERM 2 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
ASSEMBLIES
In our last assembly of Term 1, Alex van der Speck and some of our Rustybugs shared interesting facts and information on Eid al-Fitr (The Festival of Breaking the Fast), Passover (Pesach) and Easter.
Even though these holidays have different stories, they all share two big things:
Family: Everyone gathers together to eat
Kindness: They all involve giving to the poor or sharing with others.
In our first assembly of Term 2, Belinda Petersen shared our term's value, EXPRESS.
Our Rustybugs shared what they think EXPRESS means to them and how, as Rustybugs, we can demonstrate the value in various ways: Show, Reflect, Share, Demonstrate and Communicate.
GRADE 3 PBL - SPACE LAUNCH
GRADE 3 PBL - SPACE LAUNCH
Our Grade 3 Space Launch was a magical experience! The girls excitedly walked up to Grotto, where they entered a dark, starlit room filled with gentle space sounds, setting the scene for their adventure. There, they discovered a cordoned-off crash site where an alien named Vitox had unexpectedly landed. He explained that he hadn’t meant to arrive at Grotto. He had been on an important space mission when he found himself surrounded by icy terrain, far from home.
Vitox now needs the girls’ help to return to his home planet. Together, they will explore and research possible solutions as part of our Space themed PBL learning this term. After their encounter, the girls returned to class and completed their imaginative Wonder Rockets. We are so excited to journey through the wonders of space together this term!
SPORT
ALL GIRLS' FESTIVAL
ALL GIRLS' FESTIVAL
Our Netball, Hockey, Tennis, Debating and Robotics teams took part in the National All Girls Festival, which was hosted by Wynberg Girls' Junior School from 26-28 March. Our girls loved the opportunity to sing, laugh, dance, make new friends and of course, take part in their respective activities.
Our U12 Netball and U12 Hockey teams rose to the occasion as they took on opposition from competing U13 sides, and our tennis, debating, and robotics teams shone in every opportunity given to them.
It was wonderful to be part of a dedicated space for girls to be challenged and flourish. I am so proud of every one of our Rustybugs who represented us at the festival, and a huge thank you to all the staff and parents who supported the girls in this opportunity. Mrs Jeanne Liss
The AGF was an amazing experience for the Tennis girls who participated, as well as for their parents and coaches. It was both humbling and heartwarming to see the girls come together with such a strong competitive spirit, while still maintaining their composure and poise. Most importantly, they showed kindness and support towards one another throughout the event. As a community, we can all learn from this beautiful spirit of sisterhood. Ms Reyanah Manuel
Our team took on the All-Girls Robotics Challenge, where we programmed the Apprentice robot to follow a set path on a game mat. Over two days, we worked together to code our route and solve problems as they arose. One major challenge was adjusting our code as the robot’s performance changed with decreasing battery power. We also had to convert distances and turns into milliseconds, which required careful testing and refinement. In the end, only a few teams succeeded, and we were proud to place 3rd. Mrs Tamli Elliot
Saarah Dollie, Aida Mkuzi, Harini Singh, Nadra Adams and Kate Wingham proudly represented the school in the Debating section at AGF. Competing against eight schools over two days, the team participated in four unprepared and two prepared debates. They achieved an outstanding four wins out of six debates, securing an impressive second place overall. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it was their first experience of competitive debating. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, teamwork and exceptional performance. Mrs Trish Hopkinson
We are exceptionally proud of our U12 netball team, who stepped up to compete in this U13 festival. The girls demonstrated remarkable courage and determination, securing impressive wins against fierce opposition. Even in the face of challenging losses, their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering positivity truly embodied the spirit of Rustenburg. Well done to our players for representing the school with pride and passion. You have inspired us all and set a wonderful example of sportsmanship and perseverance. Mrs Lynne Niegaardt
Our Grade 6 hockey players represented RGJS with outstanding pride and spirit at the recent AGF Hockey Festival. Competing against older Grade 7 teams, they rose to the challenge with remarkable determination and resilience. Across an intense schedule of six matches on the first day and four more on Saturday, the team consistently displayed true grit, never backing down even in physically demanding moments. Their sportsmanship was exceptional—they remained composed when the game became heated, humble in victory, and gracious in defeat. Despite fielding some of the smallest players on the field, they showed incredible courage and fearlessness, taking on strong opponents like Oranje with confidence. I am immensely proud of this talented group of Grade 6 players who finished 7th overall. They have set a wonderful example of character, teamwork and passion for the game. Mrs Gail Barrish Liddle
EVENTS
RGJS Grade 6 Growth-Focused Parent Talk April 2026.pdfGrade R - 3 Parents.pdf
PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
For parents who have perhaps heard of Emma Sadleir but haven’t had the opportunity to go to one of her talks, or for those who don’t know about her, she is a POWERHOUSE of knowledge to protect children from the harms of the digital age. She covers things from fads and trends, to how the law affects you and your kids, to what our kids are ACTUALLY up to when they are on their devices. She really is amazing, and her talks are so engrossing - you are 100% entertained. Having helped launch SFC in 2024, she is back with an open-access talk in Cape Town this month - it is soooo worth going. Even if your kids are still in nappies or about to get the keys to your car… #justdoit - GO!
OUTREACH
WORLD BOOK DAY
WORLD BOOK DAY
On Friday the 24th of April, we’ve a plan that’s rather great,
A day of books and characters — we simply cannot wait!
You might spot a wizard, pirate, or a dragon with a grin,
Or a curious explorer with adventure tucked within.
Come dressed as your favourite bookish friend,
From the beginning page, right to the end.
Bring along a book to share —
New or second-hand, show that you care.
Because when stories travel from child to child,
Imaginations grow a little more wild.
This term our value is EXPRESS — let your bright ideas take flight,
Through stories, voices, costumes and laughter…
Together we Shine Our Light!
So open a book, step into the tale,
Let heroes, dreamers and readers prevail.
On World Book Day, one thing is clear:
Every reader’s story matters here! 📖
SLIPPER DAY 2026
SLIPPER DAY 2026
Support Reach For A Dream and wear your slippers to school on Friday, 29th May.
Slipper Day is an annual fundraising initiative that brings South Africans together to show their support for children with life-threatening illnesses. We call on the nation to buy their R20 Slipper Day stickers and wear their fuzzy footwear out in the world, whether they’re in a classroom or a boardroom.
Rustybugs and staff will be able to purchase stickers on KARRI. Stickers will be handed to learners on Friday, 29th May.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
SWAP SHOP
SWAP SHOP
The Swap Shop will be open on Friday, 17th April, in the Hall Foyer.
As the season is changing, Grade Rs can wear their tracksuits over their shorts and T-shirts to school on cooler days.
Grade 1 - 7 learners may wear either summer or winter uniform all year round, but may not wear a combination of summer and winter uniforms, i.e. school dress with black tights.
BUGS BOUTIQUE
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 will be open on Saturday, 18th April, 09:00 - 11:00
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.
SUN HATS & SUNSCREEN
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
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