Connection - I am connected to others and the world around me. I care about people and nature. I can be myself and I feel like I belong.
Verband - Ek is verbind met ander en die wêreld om my. Ek gee om vir mense en die natuur. Ek kan myself wees en ek voel dat ek behoort.
Imidibaniso - Ndinxibelelene nabanye kunye nehlabathi jikelele. Ndibakhathalele abantu nendalo. Ndiziva ndindim kwaye ndililungu lalapha.
As the term draws to a close, we reflect on the value of CONNECTION that has been the focus for this term. Our staff courageous conversations have been centred on this topic as we continue to explore what real connection looks like, and work together to build a stronger school community. Of course, the staff are key stakeholders in the school and it is vitally important to support them and build healthy relationships between home and school.
Our most recent reflection was on 'connected spaces' and the following was shared which, I believe, is crucial for all of us to reflect on:
Our ability to connect with one another is enhanced or hindered by the spaces we create for connection to occur. Spaces that enhance our ability to connect with others are spaces that are welcoming, inviting and inclusive. Doug Dunn says, "Imagine how a school culture could be transformed if every person in the building was intentional with finding and sharing the good in others". A connected space requires a commitment to a shared responsibility that seeks to remain true to shared values and a common purpose. Creating a connected space where everyone feels a sense of belonging requires a focus on the physical, social and emotional spaces we enable through our interactions with others. Our collective and individual commitment becomes the basis for our school community. Factors that contribute to creating connected spaces include awareness of overt and covert biases, avoiding assumptions, being willing to learn and unlearn, embracing inclusive language and investing time in making connections. What each of us (staff, learners and parents) says and does contributes to the culture of the school. We must each truthfully reflect on the following: Are we contributing positively in creating spaces for connection through our words and actions or are we contributing negatively by being unwilling to connect with others, especially those who are different to ourselves, or not being as aware as we should about the impact we have on creating connected spaces? I'd like to encourage all within our school community to ponder on this and make a conscious effort to create connected spaces of community and belonging at RGJS.
Belinda Petersen
Principal
Condolences to Belinda Petersen and her family on the loss of her aunt.
Condolences to Robyn Lynch and her family on the loss of her aunt.
Our thoughts are with you and your families during this very sad time.
Congratulations to Luyanda Zinyusile and family on the birth of their third granddaughter, Likhanye, on Friday 2 June.
🌟CONGRATULATIONS: To 🌟Tamli Eliot🌟 for achieving the RGJS PurpleZA Level 1 reward - 3 badges and 🌟Martez Marx🌟 for achieving her first PurpleZA badge!
Today we bid farewell to Lauren Lyons. We wish you well Lauren with your exciting time ahead as your family grows to four. Thank you for everything you have done for our Rustybugs over the years.
NEW STAFF
We welcome Kim Jackson who will be joining RGJS as a Grade 7 teacher at the start of term 3 and Irene Nagel who will be joining us in Grade 6 on 1 August.
Grade 6
I am a tea-loving teacher with a fondness for polka dots and stationery (I can't resist the aisles of PNA). My affinity for stationery is evident on my desk which is adorned with colourful pens, stickers and sticky notes. When I have down time, I immerse myself in the captivating world of literature, exploring new books and authors. When I am not reading, I enjoy watching documentaries, learning more about the world and expanding my knowledge base. I am very excited to embark on this next chapter at Rustenburg Girls Junior.
Grade 7
Hi there, I’m Kim Jackson and I am thrilled to start teaching with the Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School team next term. I am a dedicated teacher who has over 15 years of experience. I have two children, Oliver and Emily, and I thoroughly enjoy being outdoors in my spare time.
I run road and trail races, I enjoy hiking and spending quality time with close family and friends. I love reading and am a lifelong learner!
I cannot wait to teach girls again! I look forward to being part of this incredible school and institution.
SCHOOL NEWS & UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS
IMPORTANT DATES TERM 2 & 3 2023
Friday 16 June: Youth Day - Public Holiday
Tuesday 20 June: Wonka Production 19:00
Wednesday 21 June: Wonka Production 10:00 & 19:00
Thursday 22 June: Wonka Production 19:00
Friday 23 June: End of Term 2 Grade R - 3 11:15 Grade 4 -7 11:30
Term 3 2023: Tuesday 18 July
Tuesday 18 July - Thursday 20 July All Grade 3 - 7 learners dismiss at 12:55 due to Staff Development and Parent/Teacher meetings
There will be no supervision during the first week of term 3.
ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE RGJS SITE
Thank you to Saarah Jarodien 7c and Saarah Allie 7a for delivering a powerful YOUTH DAY assembly message on Monday to all our Grade 4 - 7 Rustybugs and staff.
"Us as Rusty Bugs are so unimaginably privileged.
However, this cannot be said for the rest of South Africa.
WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN BE THE LINK OF THE BROKEN CHAIN,
AND GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY DESERVE."
IDT SURVEY
Our Grade 4 - 7 learners have been rehearsing tirelessly for our exciting production of WONKA. The play runs for 3 nights on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of June and a morning show on Wednesday 21st June. Our Foundation Phase Rustybugs will be the first to see the production when they watch the dress rehearsal on Monday 19 June during school hours! Thank you to Carey Hickson-Mahony for the many hours of rehearsing and planning - we are so excited to see the production come to life! Thank you to all our families for their contributions, costume-making and make-up. Special thank you to ALL our Grade 4 - 7 Rustybugs, the stars of the show!
The tickets will go on sale today on KARRI at a cost of R85.00 per person, seating is unreserved. The evening shows start at 19:00, doors open at 18:15. The morning show on Wednesday 21st starts at 10:00, doors open at 09:15.
Monday 19 June - Thursday 22 June: All Grade 1 - 7 learners will dismiss at 12:55 due to the Wonka production.
Friday 23 June (last day of term 2): Grade R - 3 learners dismiss at 11:15; Grade 4 - 7 learners dismiss at 11:30.
Supervision will be available during the last week of this term for Grade 3 - 7 learners who are unable to be fetched at these times. Supervision will take place from 13:25 - 14:25. Please note that all learners must be fetched promptly or attend aftercare as the staff will be engaged in other duties and unable to supervise learners after 14:25. There will be no supervision during the first week of term 3.
On Monday morning our Grade 4s shared a powerful message about our Term 2 Value,
CONNECTION.
Mrs Wates would like to borrow specific items for decorating the library in an upcoming exciting event. If you have any of the following items and are willing to lend them to her for a short period of time next term please contact Mrs Wates at: jenwat@rgjs.org.za
Beach/water toys:
plastic sharks, dolphins, turtles, fish, starfish, shells etc
Pool noodles, buckets and spades
Water wings/rubber inflatable toys/rings
rubber/plastic rowing boat
Fishing equipment: nets, rod
General
hanging decorations e.g. paper octopus, fish
large shell
shop store mannequin
large pieces of blue fabric
mermaid outfit
Thank you!
On Tuesday 6 June, all our Rustybugs were treated to our annual high-energy performance from Hooked on Books, who bring stories to life with song, dance and storytelling. Excitement reached new heights when the girls had the opportunity to engage with the actors and participate in some of the skits. Our enthusiasm was commented on by the HOB team and visiting our school is clearly something they enjoy.
SPORT
The U9’s recently attended a netball tournament on a Friday night at Kirstenhof. We are extremely proud of these girls’ performance and tenacity. It was bitterly cold, the rain and wind became a nuisance and it went on until 20:30. Despite this, these were the girls’ results:
RGJS vs Sweet Valley - won 4-3
RGJS vs Herschel - won 3-1
RGJS vs Grove - won 10-0
RGJS vs Kronendal - won 13-0
RGJS vs Fish Hoek - lost 1-4
RGJS vs Kirstenhof - won 7-3
Ms Amon’s umpiring was fair, consistent and accurate.
Well done to the RGJS U9 Rustybugs and Ms Amon. They flew our flag very high on Friday.
We are so proud of you all.
MUSIC
Congratulations to our Chamber Choir who achieved a distinction with an impressive score of 94% in the Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod.
The adjudicator had high praise for our choir, specifically highlighting the very beautiful and well-balanced vocal parts, as well as the lovely smooth legato phrasing exhibited by the group. This recognition reflects the talent, dedication, and hard work of our Chamber Choir members.
On Friday, 9 June, a few of our (music) Rustybugs performed for the residents of Huis Lűckhoff. The residents thoroughly enjoyed our musical offerings and light entertainment and were so appreciative of the time that was offered to them. Some were so moved by the vocal and flute-playing skills that they could not help but tap their feet and sing along. It was truly a heartwarming experience to see such joy be brought to them.
Thank you to the following girls who willingly shared their talents: Sophie Shaw 4b, Laura Botha 4c, Laura Williams 6c, Mary Botha 7a, Echo Buffler 7a, Sienna Howlett 7a, Rebecca Gray 7b, Anna Bradshaw 7c, Ellamae Bayer 7c and Melissa Merven 7c, and to their teachers, Mrs Gray and Mrs Lyons, for preparing them so brilliantly.
IMPEMBELELO! - RUSTYBUGS MAKING AN IMPACT
Congratulations to Gia Volckaert 6a who won the award for 'Best Entrant in Junior Ballet Cape Town Eisteddfod 2023' and tied in winning the award for 'Best Entrant in Junior Modern Eisteddfod 2023'.
Gia was placed first in all sections for her 10 solos and 2 group dances.
Well done Gia, we are so proud of you!
Congratulations to Sophie Shaw 4b and Sienna Noble 4b who received gold and won their division at the Cape Town Modern Dancing Eistedfodd!
Well done Sophie and Sienna, we are so proud of you!
Congratulations to Grace Venter 6a and Rebecca Newell 6b who participated in the Cape Town Eisteddfod for Amy Casper Dance Stars (ACDS) and achieved the following outstanding results:
11-12yr musical theatre Large group When You're An Addams DIPLOMA (FINAL WINNER)
11-12yr musical theatre Small group That Beautiful Sound DIPLOMA (FINAL WINNER)
11-12yr musical theatre small group No Bad News DIPLOMA (FINAL TOP 3)
Well done Grace and Rebecca, we are so proud of you!
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Bugs Boutique will be open at the following times:
Trading Hours 2023
Monday 12:45 - 15:30
Wednesday 12:45 - 15:30
Friday 12:15 - 14:30
MYSCHOOLCARD
April Funds Raised for the RGJS Bursary Fund;
R13,716.66
RGJS PARENT PRAYER GROUP
A group of parents meet on Zoom on a Wednesday morning from 8:00 - 8:30 to pray for our school. Anyone wishing to join the group can please contact Katherine Wiseman 083 321 7155.
ADVERTS
Please contact Pam Heiberg for advertising rates & queries pamhei@rgjs.org.za
Please note that placement of an advertisement does not indicate endorsement by the school.