BUG NEWS

23 May 2025

UMZAMO: Ndizama kangangoko ndinako kuko konke endikwenzayo. Ngalo lonke ixesha ndizama, ndiyomelela. Imizamo yam indenza ndibe ngcono yonke imihla.

MOEITE: Ek gee my beste poging aan alles wat ek doen. Elke keer as ek probeer, word ek sterker. My moeite maak my elke dag beter!

EFFORT: I give my best effort to everything I do. Every time I try, I grow stronger. My effort makes me better every day!

In the previous newsletter, reference was made to the importance of being good role models and examples for our Rustybugs. Another essential component in providing a strong learning foundation for our children is knowing that there is power in praising effort. However, all praise is not equal.

Prof. Carol Dweck has done significant research on comparing the behaviours of children praised for intelligence with those who are praised for effort. When we praise for effort, children learn to attribute their performance to effort rather than to a stable ability. In other words, they will interpret subsequent poor performance as indicating a temporary lapse in effort rather than as a deficit in intelligence. They are more likely to generate strategies for improvement and value learning over performance. They view efforts as positive, not as obstacles.

It's so easy to fall into old habits of praising for achievements, outcomes and results. I have done this far too many times as a parent over the years. Retraining myself to focus on effort has been a learning journey of developing new habits and watching my words, coupled with some humble apologies to my children. None of us is perfect and never will be, but we must be the best we can be as parents, teachers and adults for the children in our care. Consistently praising for effort will help transform our relationships with one another and our school community as a whole, and give our children a healthy perspective on what success truly means.

Belinda Petersen

Principal

CONDOLENCES

Condolences to Lee-Anne Prinsloo on the loss of her uncle.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.

AFTERCARE SUPERVISOR

Congratulations to Ms Anne van Wyk on her appointment as Aftercare Supervisor. We wish you every success in your new role at Rustenburg.

FAREWELL

We bid farewell to Chelsea Petersen, student teacher, and wish her all the best for her future.

WELCOME

We welcome Happy Nenemba back to Rustenburg. Happy will be assisting our teachers in the Foundation Phase.

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS: To ⭐Siya Macaula⭐ for achieving PurpleZA Level 2!

To ⭐Kim Jackson⭐ for achieving Bronze Level for SACE!

FOUNDATION PHASE PLC

Yesterday, our Foundation Phase Teachers hosted a workshop for Gr 1 to 3 teachers from Greenfield, The Grove and Kirstenhof. The workshop was to share best practice and gain insight from each other around homework. During the workshop, the teachers shared their various methods of homework.

It was a wonderful afternoon of engagement and learning from each other.

SCHOOL NEWS

RGJS IMPORTANT DATES TERM 2 2025

ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE FULL CALENDAR, IS AVAILABLE ON THE RGJS SITE

Disabled Access - Don't hesitate to contact admin@rgjs.org.za should you require wheelchair access or assisted access to our school campus.

ASSEMBLIES

On Monday and Tuesday last week, our Grade 5 Team and Student Teachers spoke to our Rustybugs about putting in their best effort at all times. They discussed difficulties and challenges we face daily and encouraged our learners to try their best and not give up. With the upcoming assessments approaching, our Grade 4 - 7 Rustybugs were encouraged to ask for help, especially when they are feeling anxious or worried. Focusing on our value for the term, when we put in the EFFORT in all that we do, we will benefit from the results!

This week in assembly our Gr 7s and Ms Ofentje Masenya shared the story of Mlindi Kulashe and the EFFORT he put in to being a world class ballet dancer. During the isiXhosa Assembly, Tishalakazi told the girls a real-life story of Mlindi Kulashe, a South African born ballet dancer who is now based in London. Kulashe was granted an opportunity to learn how to dance at 10 when volunteers ran a program in his township. From the streets of Cape Town to London Mlindi is now an award winning ballet dancer. Titshalazi told the story of Mlindi using both isixhosa and English whilst highlighting this terms theme - Effort “Umzamo” through the story we hope the girls were inspired to continue putting effort in everything they do.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

🏆 Grade 6 & 7 Girls Excel in General Knowledge Competition 🎉

We are incredibly proud to announce that our Grade 6 and 7 girls’ team achieved an outstanding 3rd place in the first round of the General Knowledge Competition, competing against 20 schools!

The competition was fierce, fast-paced, and packed with fun. Our team faced tough questions and strong opponents, but they rose to the challenge with sharp thinking, teamwork, and great spirit and their results speak for themselves.

The energy on the day was fantastic, with laughter, learning, and plenty of proud moments. A special thank you to all the parents who came to support — your encouragement made the day even more memorable for our girls.

As we look ahead, the team is already busy preparing for the second round of the competition. In an exciting initiative, the girls will also be hosting a quiz for interested Grade 5 and Grade 6 girls next week. This is a wonderful opportunity to spark interest, share experience, and help build a strong team for next year. We encourage all curious and enthusiastic students to take part!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Ms Reyhanah Manuel, Arizona Naidoo 6b, Lily van den Berg 7b, Cara Pearce 7c, Sienna Simonetti 7c, Caroline Anderson 7b, Julia Cox 7c; Fatimah Long 7a and Chloe Jones 7b.

GRADE R & 1 PARENT TALK

On Wednesday, May 14th, Occupational Therapist Tess Hawke spoke to our Grade R and Grade 1 parents about the topic of “Screen time and Development”. She shared valuable insights on both the benefits and potential drawbacks, supported by relevant statistics. The session encouraged all of us to reflect on how we can better manage screen time in our daily lives. Tess also highlighted the importance of play and family time. She provided fun activities that parents can do to help develop essential skills needed for academic success.

STUDY SKILLS

Our Public Relations Grade 7 Rustybugs recently interviewed Kate Stamper, a highly experienced Remedial Therapist with 18 years of expertise in both independent and public schools.

Kate shared invaluable study strategies and practical advice to help our girls better manage their study time. Whether you're looking to boost your academic performance or develop more efficient study habits, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEETING

Thank you to all our parents, guardians and staff members who attended the Community Meeting on Wednesday evening. Thank you to our guest speaker, Dylan Wray, for the engaging and thought-provoking discussion and to our parent community for your engagement.

RECYCLING @ RGJS

Well done on diverting 774 kg from landfill during April 👏 This volume was our second highest recorded so far, with approximately 50% coming from just one week (10/04/25-16/04/25).

Thank you to all our Support Staff for assisting with the process of sorting the recycling.

Thank you to our Rustybugs for using the correct bins - keep recycling!

APRIL RECYCLING REPORT

TUESDAY SANDWICHES

As one of our Outreach initiatives, RGJS delivers sandwiches and fruit to the girls at Molo Mhlaba Girls' School in Khayelitsha every Tuesday.

For those able, please bring an extra sandwich and/or a piece of fruit. The girls must place them in the box in Rustenburg House before 08:00 every Tuesday.

MUSIC

GRADE 5 MUSIC WORKSHOP

Our Grade 5 learners are branching out! Of the 40 performances at last Tuesday's music workshop, over a quarter were beginners. These girls had their first music lessons in February. Not only did the Grade 5's show that they are quick learners, they all demonstrated musicianship and had real stage presence. Well done, girls!

GRADE 5 MUSIC WORKSHOP PHOTOS

STELLENBOSCH EISTEDDFOD - CELLO

Congratulations to our Rustenburg Junio Cello Ensemble who performed at the Stellenbosch Eisteddfod on Friday evening.

Faatimah Long 7a, Olivia Goosen 7b, Ella Naidoo 7b, Sadie Owen 6c, Zinathi Nonyati 6b, Lexi Winter 5a, Isobelle Dewar 5c, Emily Fish 5b, Maya Bhoola 4b, Hibah Long 3a, were awarded Cum Laude for their performance.

Each of these talented young musicians also competed in individual categories, earning either Gold or Gold Plus awards. A special mention goes to Sadie Owen 6C, who received Cum Laude for one of her solo performances.

Well done to all our performers, we are so proud of you.

MARIMBA JAM

Our Rustybugs shone brightly at the recent Marimba Jam Festival held at Wynberg Girls' High School on Saturday, 17 May. They delivered an energetic performance, playing arrangements of Cheap Thrills and Shape of You, with a little bit of Meadowlands in there too, and they made us so proud! The event brought together enthusiastic marimba players from Foundation Phase to Senior Phase, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with rhythm, teamwork, and gees!

A huge well done to our performers for their commitment, spirit, and the joyful music they shared.

MARIMBA JAM PHOTOS

Marimba Jam May 2025

MUSIC FUNDRAISING

We are looking for parents of the Music Learners at RGJS to join the Music Fundraising Committee - the objective of the committee is to raise money for the RGJS Music Bursary Fund. If you would like to be involved in this initiative, please fill in

THIS FORM.

SPORTS

SECURITY PASSES & WINTER SPORT CANCELLATIONS

Security Passes for external sports matches must be shown to security upon entering the campus.

No spectators are allowed for practices or trials.

Please enter through the Top Gate in Burg Road for matches.

As per the Sports Information shared at the beginning of 2025, any cancellation of sport for Grades 4 - 7 will be communicated by 13:00 on the day. Grade 2 and 3 cancellations will be communicated by 12:00 on the day.

U10 HOCKEY FESTIVAL

We hosted our annual U10 Hockey Festival on Friday 9 May with 16 teams participating in an afternoon of fun hockey matches at our astro at RGHS. Each team played 4 matches with the girls having the opportunity to test out their skills and improve with every match.

Thank you to our coaches and staff for putting this together and giving not only our school but so many other teams the opportunity to have fun and play hockey.

U10 HOCKEY FESTIVAL PHOTOS

SPORTS CAPTAINS

Congratulations to our Winter Sports Captains.

CROSS COUNTRY: CAPTAIN - Steffanie White 7a; VICE CAPTAIN - Kayla McMartin 7a

HOCKEY: CAPTAIN - Cara Pearce 7c; VICE CAPTAIN - Savannah Thirsk 7c

NETBALL: CAPTAIN - Maya Dlepu 7b; VICE CAPTAIN - Kearapela Shogole 7c

NETBALL RESULTS

The netball season is now in full swing, with all our teams playing against Kirstenhof in the first week of fixtures and Oakhurst and Groote Schuur in last week's fixtures. The teams fared really well against Kirstenhof, with the following teams winning their matches:

U9E 3-1

U10C 6-0; U10D 7-0

U11A 10-10; U11B 6-2; U11 C 1-1; U11 D 4-3

U12 A 6-2; U12 B 7-1; U12C 8-2; U12D 5-1

U13A 14-13; U13B 11-5; U13C 12-4; U13D 24-9

Our results against Oakhurst and Groote Schuur were also really strong, and despite a number of our B sides playing against A sides and our C sides playing against their B sides, our girls still performed really well. We can be proud of their determination and the fight they showed. The following teams won their matches:

U9A 12-0

U10A 7-3; U10C 12-0; U10D 3-1

U11A 20-6; U11D 4-1

U12A 10-6

U13A 15-9; U13B 17-3; U13C 27-0; U13D 10-9

WELL DONE TO ALL OUR NETBALL PLAYERS!

HOCKEY RESULTS

The hockey season started with a bang with our teams taking on Herschel. It was a tough fixture to start the season with, as our teams are still settling into their rhythm and structures for the season.

Well done to the 2nd 11 for securing a win in a fantastic game of hockey and to the 1st 11 for securing a draw in a tightly contested match. A lot of lessons were learnt, which we took into our matches against Sweet Valley last week, and our teams showed up with team spirit and teamwork.

Well done to the following teams for some great results:

U10A: WON 1-0; U10B: WON 2-1; U10C: WON 2-0

U11A: Drew 2-2: U11 C: Drew 0-0; U13D: Drew 0-0

1st 11: Won 1-0; 2nd 11: Won 1-0; U13D: Won 1-0 U13E: Drew 0-0

WELL DONE TO ALL OUR HOCKEY PLAYERS!

CROSS COUNTRY NEWS

CROSS COUNTRY MONDAY PRACTICES

The Monday Cross Country practices are well attended and include girls of all running abilities. The session is led by Coach Kathleen who has a wealth of knowledge and the sessions are tailored to keep all ages and abilities engaged whilst having fun.

Each practice ends with the Superloop Challenge. A tough cross country style loop where the girls get to test themselves against the clock to move up the colour wave.

Click the link to view Questions & Answers about Cross Country Practice

FRIDAY RACES

We’ve had a fantastic start to the Cross Country season - four races completed, and still no rain!

The girls competed in Zwaanswyk on Friday, 09 May and on Friday, 16 May, Rustenburg Girls co-hosted with Rondebosch Boys, which had record Rustybug numbers - an amazing 77 girls took part!

While every girl who starts and finishes a race is already a winner, we would like to recognise those who have run almost every race and achieved a top 10 finish so far: U10 Holly Haldane 4c; U11 Imogen Fairweather 5b; U12 Sophie Gray 6a & Haniya Achmat 6a; U13 Ava Mattushek 7b & Steffanie White 7a.

A special mention to Steffanie White 7a and Gia Heldsinger 7b for placing 2nd and 3rd in the U13 race last Friday. Kayla McMartin 7a, who returned from injury to run her first race of the season and placed 10th!
For Coach Kathleen and the Cross Country staff, the most rewarding moment is seeing the girls at the finish line — tired but beaming with accomplishment, and smiles all around.

WELL DONE, Rustybugs!

Click the link to view Questions & Answers about Cross Country Races

CROSS COUNTRY PHOTOS

MOUNTAIN BIKE LEAGUE

We have registered Rustenburg Girls' Junior into the school's mountain biking league. This is a parent-driven activity. If any girls want to cycle in any of the events, or parents would like to know more about getting their children involved in the races, please contact Brett Pearce (084 9860295). Brett is a parent in our school who has a daughter who takes part in these events.

WESTERN CAPE SCHOOLS CYCLING

EVENTS

GR 7 FUNDRAISING

Our Grade 7 Fundraising Team are selling Bobum 100% Recycled Microfibre Towels. The collection will be open on KARRI today, Friday 23rd May and closes on Wednesday 20th August.

The delivery date for the towels will be at the start of Term 4, just in time for the swimming season!

The towels are R285 each.

FUNNY FESTIVAL

As a Grade 7 Fundraiser, a limited number of tickets for the Funny Festival will be available on KARRI. The tickets are R210 each, and the show is on Wednesday, 4th June 2025.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

ONLY 19 TICKETS LEFT!!!!

OUTREACH

SLIPPER DAY

Wear your slippers with your school uniform on Friday 30th May in support of Reach For A Dream.

Buy a sticker for R20, the collection is on KARRI.

The stickers will be issued at school on Friday 30th May.

Thank you for your support.

MOLO MHLABA & RGJS

As one of our Outreach initiatives, we would like to assist Molo Mhlaba with the following items that you may no longer be using and would like to pass on to the girls at Molo Mhlaba:

Art materials: paint, paint brushes, pastels, crayons

Stationery

Reading Books

Secondhand musical instruments

Secondhand sporting kit or gear

If you have any of the above items in good condition, please drop them off at the front office, clearly marked MOLO MHLABA.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

School Uniform Gentle Reminders

Learners may wear winter or summer uniforms throughout the year, but not a combination of both.
Grade Rs wear the same uniform throughout the year, adding their tracksuit over their shorts and T-shirts/Sweatshirts on cooler days.
Birthday Civvies may not be worn on the first or last day of the school term; all learners are to wear full school uniform. Should your birthday fall on these days or during the holiday, you may choose an alternate day in the school term.
Earrings must be removed before playing any sport.
All library bags must be transported in the library bags - the library bag is part of the school uniform requirements.

All uniform items are in the document below.

School Uniform Slides 2025.pdf

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 2024 - 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.

LOST PROPERTY

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.

STARS IN THE MAKING

HOCKEY STARS

Well done to Rustybugs (From left: Jude Jakoet 5a, Stella Williams 5a, Isobelle Dewar 5c, Vicky Kuhn 5c, Alex Barbour 5c, Ava Rood 5a and Ruby Meyer 4b) who participated in the u11 Indoor Hockey Regional PSi tournament on Sunday.

All of them have been selected to represent the Cape Town PSi franchise at the 12th annual Junior Nationals Tournament in July.

Congratulations to our Rustybugs, we wish you well for the tournament in July.