BUG NEWS

13 June 2024

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.

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

As the second term draws to a close, we should each take time to reflect on the wonderful opportunities and lessons learnt - somewhat of a "mid-year stock take"! The time given to us this winter school holiday to rest and realign should not be taken for granted. It is the perfect opportunity to reset for the second half of the year. Perhaps it is also time to think about our individual and collective responsibility to practise Ubuntu as best as we can. Yes, no one is perfect. And yes, we all make mistakes. But the beauty of life is in the progress, not in perfection.

As I have engaged with many individuals - staff, parents, learners and visitors - during this term, I have been struck by the immense challenges we all face in our lives. We often are unaware of what others may be going through and so it is imperative that we approach others with a little kindness. We also don't know what a simple smile or compliment may do to uplift someone who may really need it in that moment.

Practising Ubuntu involves the little things that make a big difference and could be anything from kindness to caring, from respect to responsibility. Nothing fancy or expensive. This is all we need to make a difference in our part of the world. And the ripple effect could potentially be phenomenal!

I wish all our staff a well-deserved time of rest ahead of a very busy third term. To all our families and extended RGJS community, enjoy the time to relax. Travel safely wherever you may go.

Tomorrow we also bid farewell to a few staff members and wish them well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, yet to be written. Once a Rustybug, always a Rustybug!

Belinda Petersen

Principal

SAGSA CONFERENCE 2024 - DURBAN

From 29 - 31 May, Mrs Petersen, Mrs Harris and Mrs Pike had the opportunity to attend the annual South African Girls' Schools Association (SAGSA) conference held in Durban this year. It was also the end of Mrs Petersen's term of office as the secretary on the executive committee of SAGSA.

A range of diverse experts in their respective fields addressed principals, deputy principals and SMT members from girls' schools representing seven provinces. The host schools provided a programme filled with interesting research and futuristic thinking that made our minds race! Topics included AI (or rather IA - Intelligent Assistance!), relational well-being, the transformative power of sport for girls, learning through art and some leadership and life lessons from lions, amongst others! Interestingly enough, every speaker seemed to resonate with our journey at RGJS and we were able to take away many golden nuggets and pearls of wisdom that will be shared in due course.

It was an amazing time of connection and relationship-building with other leaders who often face similar challenges in girls' schools. It also highlighted the purposeful role that girls' education plays in developing future leaders. To say that we left feeling inspired is an understatement!

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS: To all ⭐RGJS teachers⭐ who have helped us achieve the No. 1 spot on the PurpleZA National Leaderboard in May!!!

To ⭐Jamie-Leigh Boyd⭐ and ⭐Amy Erasmus⭐ for being the Top 2 Teachers in May!!!

To ⭐Martez Marx⭐ for achieving PurpleZA Level 2!

💍❤️CONGRATULATIONS💍❤️

Congratulations to Margo Laurie Gr Ra and her fiancé Seb on their recent engagement 💍❤️ We wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS

NICOLETTE DE KLERK

A warm welcome to Nicolette De Klerk who will be joining RGJS in Gr 4b next term.

I am so thrilled to be joining the Rustenburg Girls' Junior School community!

My name is Mrs. Nicolette De Klerk and I come with 13 years of teaching

experience, 3 of these being abroad.

I am passionate about education and sparking curiosity in learners. I love learning

new and interesting facts from students and aim to create a warm and safe

classroom environment.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am a

proud mom to three wonderful children aged 17, 13 and 9.

I adore watching cooking shows, my favourite being MasterChef Australia. I feel

blessed to live in the beautiful city of Cape Town and I love taking walks along the

beach and visiting the theatre.

I look forward to meeting and working with each of you, and I am eager to contribute

to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that makes Rustenburg Girls' Junior so

special.

REYANAH MANUEL

A warm welcome to Reyanah Manuel who will be joining RGJS in Gr 6c next term.

Greetings RGJS, my name is Reyanah Manuel and I am pleased to have been selected to join your team.

I am a life-long learner who is keen on learning from others and through shared experiences. In my role as an ISP teacher for the last 14 years, I have had the privilege of teaching and learning from students and colleagues both locally and internationally.

I am confident that these hands-on lessons have allowed me to develop a plethora of teaching and learning styles.

When I'm not at work, I am either at home baking, reading or catering to the needs of my high-maintenance cat, Horus. When he gives me a few hours off to live my best life, I am out running or at boxing.

I am excited about embarking on this new journey with all of you and becoming part of the RGJS community.

DARRYLL KLINK

A warm welcome to Darryll Klink who will be joining RGJS as the Business Manager.

I honed my skills in both the audit/accounting sector and the corporate environment.

My professional journey has been marked by dedication and diligence. As a hardworking individual, I’m passionate about Integrated Financial Accounting and Management, which offers numerous challenges and opportunities to exercise financial expertise in order to apply in the role of Business Manager.

As a husband and father to my son and daughter, we enjoy the Cape Town outdoors and in my free time, I enjoy cycling and fishing.

I’m excited and looking forward to being part of the Rustenburg Junior School ‘family.

SCHOOL NEWS & UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

IMPORTANT DATES TERM 2 2024

Fri 14 June: Gr 7 Cake Sale
Fri 14 June: End of Term 2 (FP ends at 11:15; I/SP ends at 11:30)
Sun 16 June: Youth Day; Fathers Day; Eid-Al-Adha
Tues 9 July: Term 3 commences (Early closing for Gr 1 - 7 at 12:55)
Wed 10 July: School Extramurals commence

ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE RGJS SITE

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

The Grade 4s enjoyed a cosy PJ Day filled with fun and laughter! They snuggled up in their pyjamas with blankets, munching on snacks and popcorn while watching movies and playing board games. It was a day of pure comfort and joy!

GRADE 4 & 5 PYJAMA DAY

Yesterday and today our Grade 5 and Grade 4 Teachers and Rustybugs didn't have to worry about getting dressed for school as it was PYJAMA DAY for them all!

GRADE 5 PHOTOS

GRADE 4 PHOTOS

GR 7 INTERACTION WITH RBPS

Last night RGJS Grade 7s hosted the Grade 7s from Rondebosch Boys Prep School for their first Social Interaction of 2024! During the first part of the evening, the Grade 7s from RGJS and RBPS were placed into mixed teams for a fun quiz. This was followed by a quick supper break, then the DJ stepped in and they all enjoyed a disco for the remainder of the evening. As you can see from the photographs, all the Grade 7s had a great evening!

THANK YOU to our Grade 7 Parent Committee for all the hard work and effort they put into making the evening a success for all the learners.

Thank you to all staff involved for making this evening possible.

PHOTOS

FUNNY FESTIVAL - 130 CELEBRATIONS

Thank you to all our families and staff who bought tickets for the Funny Festival at the Baxter Theatre on Tuesday evening. It was a fabulously funny evening with one of our staff making a "guest" appearance! Jess Banks, our Grade 1c teacher, was "dragged" from her seat to appear on stage with "Mario - Queen of the Circus". Thank you for being such a great sport, Jess! Not many of us would have been so brave to be hoisted up on someone's shoulders while they were riding a unicycle!

GRADE 1 - AQUARIUM OUTING

The Grade 1s went on their outing to the Aquarium on Tuesday.

We had a jam-packed morning filled with fishy fun. The girls saw many different sea creatures as well as ragged tooth sharks and luminous jellyfish. They were also told a story about how harmful plastic products negatively affect the ocean. The penguins were a firm favourite as they waddled around and swam around for the girls. What a fun educational experience it was!

PHOTOS

TRAVELLING BEE SCHOOL

On the 7th of June, the Grade 1, 2, 3 and Grade 5 girls were treated to a delightful visit from the Travelling Bee School. They were fascinated to learn about the different types of bees: the Queen Bee, Drone Bee, and Worker Bee. The girls discovered how bees make honey and build their hives, and many interesting facts about the bee life cycle and all the different jobs bees have throughout it. We even got to taste some delicious honey! The event was the bee's knees which left the girls 'buzzing' with excitement about all they learned.

PHOTOS

GRADE 7 - GUEST SPEAKER

Yesterday our Grade 7s were inspired by Samantha Kilian-Mendocna, Rustenburg Alumnae and Managing Director of G&G Digital.

She is an accomplished business leader with a track record of driving growth and success across multiple industries. With over a decade of experience in client service, throughout her career, she has demonstrated a natural talent for leadership and a passion for driving growth.

GRADE R - LOGIN!

On Friday morning our Grade Rs had an exciting start to their day. They learned how to login to the Chrome Books using their email address and password.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEETING

All parents/guardians and staff are invited to the next School Community Meeting on Tuesday 16th July at 18:00.

Our topic for the meeting will focus on the school’s vision - please refer to Circular 16.

Our meeting will start promptly at 18:00. Please complete THIS FORM for attendance and child supervision.

ISIXHOSA LANGUAGE COURSE FOR ADULTS

We are excited to announce that a 5-week online course will be on offer to RGJS parents and staff next term. More details will be shared soon!

VISITING AUTHOR - KAYLA DIAMOND

On Tuesday 16th July, we welcome Kayla Diamond to RGJS. Kayla is a children's author and will be reading to the Gr R, 1 and 2 Rustybugs.

HOUSE DAY - HELP THE RURAL CHILD

Thank you to those who have returned their "Help The Rural Child" bags. Should you wish to still fill a bag, you are welcome to return the bags within the first week of the third term. If you require additional bags, please contact Pam Heiberg pamhei@rgjs.org.za.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

RUSTENBURG 130 QUIZ NIGHT

As part of our 130 birthday celebrations for 2024, we are excited to be hosting a Family Quiz Night at Rustenburg Girls' High School on Wednesday, 31 July. Join us for a fun-filled evening that promises to be an engaging and entertaining event for everyone.

Please book your tickets HERE.

Your ticket includes a meal and refreshments will be on sale.

Quiz Night is a fantastic opportunity to test your knowledge, enjoy some friendly competition, and connect with other families in our school community. If you have any questions, please contact pamhei@rgjs.org.za

We look forward to seeing you there.

RGHS Quiz Night 2024.pdf

RGJS 130 BIRTHDAY GOLF DAY

CALLING ALL GOLFERS!

Save the date: RUSTENBURG 130 BIRTHDAY GOLF DAY

Thursday 31 October 2024.

GOLFERS REGISTER HERE!

Please contact Pam Heiberg for more info: pamhei@rgjs.org.za

MANDELA DAY - 130 BLANKETS

PLEASE CONTINUE KNITTING DURING THE HOLIDAYS!

Our knitting circles are in full swing! Thank you to all those who have already started knitting. Rustybugs are welcome to bring their knitting and knit before school or during break. Knitting tubs are in the library for those who would like to add a row or more. All families are encouraged to knit at home and bring their completed squares to school and drop them off at the Marketing office or reception.

130 BIRTHDAY BEARS

The second batch of Birthday Bears will be delivered to RGJS during the June holidays. They will be delivered to the classrooms, all labeled, on the first day of the third term.

MUSIC

MUZKANDA CONCERT

On Friday 7 June, Muzkanda Kids hosted their mid-year concert in the School Hall. There were six different time slots, with girls from Grade R to Grade 2 all having a chance to perform. The concert was a great success! The girls were dressed up as animals, and even Ms Schutte was in her pyjamas - ready, no doubt, to visit her friend Ms Rabbit afterwards for a sleepover. Stories were told, songs were sung, and xylophones were played. Dr Barry Ross, co-founder of the Muzkanda Kids programme, was also there, and each girl walked away with a lucky packet.

NEC poster final.pdf

National Ensemble Competition hosted by RGJS

History will be made this August when Rustenburg Girls' Junior hosts its inaugural National Ensemble Competition, in partnership with Trinity College London.

Diarise 8 - 10 August and watch RGJS transform into a music destination! We look forward to hosting ensembles from Pretoria, Bloemfontein, George, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

RGJS is proudly entering the string ensemble, orchestra and cello ensemble into this exciting competition. We wish our girls well as they practise their parts individually and collaborate in rehearsals. Thank you, Rustybugs, for all the work going on behind the scenes!

Click here to listen to Mr Marais being interviewed on Fine Music Radio: FMR Interview with Mr Marais

SPORT

HOCKEY

Hockey Season Report - Term 2 2024

The hockey season kicked off with our hockey tour to Knysna and the season followed with some exciting matches.

Some of the standout moments this term were:

u13A’s

The u13A side clashed against Herschel where Ella Coulstock-Welsh displayed some exceptional Goalkeeping skills.

Rana Khan and Mrs Liddle had the fastest shoe change in history where Rana played with one size six shoe and one size 3 shoe and still proved to showcase some exceptional skills and goals. She is truly a phenomenal and unstoppable player.

Erin Barbour displayed some extraordinary teamwork and skills this term and has done an excellent job at co-captaining the team.

Salma Martin scored a fantastic goal off of a short corner in the match against Micklefield. She has proven to be a humble captain this term earning the respect of peers and coaches.

Gia Heldsinger has been a tenacious and confident player this term showing grit and determination in every game

The u13A side has hard work ahead of them working towards interschools, top schools and the grade 6’s have the Bishops day/night festival to look forward to as well.

Our u13B side had a high scoring 8-0 victory against Micklefield with a highlight backstick goal scored by Rebecca Newell.

The side also proved to have a great term, winning all except one match where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Sweet Valley in the final minutes of the game.

Emily Wilkens has shown tremendous improvement with her two hands on her stick and smashing balls out from the backline

Uthando Peter has scored some magnificent goals this term as well.

Steffi White’s superior fitness allowed her to attack and defend fearlessly whilst showing great composure.

Our u13 C and D side has had a great term as well winning, drawing and losing the odd few games.The girls showed dedication and hard work. However, fitness sessions were their biggest enemy! Many learners were new to playing hockey but it didn't take them long to master the skills and fit in with their teammates. Overall, it was a great term with lots of camaraderie.

Our u11Bs had two phenomenal wins against St Cyprians and Springfield. They also participated in the u11 Herschel Twilight festival which was a highlight for the girls. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They came second in their pool and narrowly lost to St Cyprians and Wynberg in the playoffs. They managed to secure 6th place overall.

Our u10s were victorious across the board in their matches against Springfield and have had a great term having won 10 matches across the A-D teams. They also participated in a fun hockey festival hosted by Rustenburg. The girls’ played with passion and displayed excellent manners both on and off the astro.

On the mini-astro this term, under skies so bright,

U9 hockey girls and their dreams have taken flight.

Coach Matt and Coach Ross eagerly leading the way,

“You’ve got this, girls, let’s play!”

From the very first swing, to every pass,

Dribbling, scoring, having a blast.

They are learning to play as teams so strong,

Proud parents watching, the girls cheering each other on.

From sunny days to the rain that poured,

Every moment on the field has been adored.

Now the term is over, what a wonderful run,

I’m certain that next term’s hockey will be even more fun.

The u9 age group has had a great term of hockey winning or drawing the majority of their games across the A-D teams. Ruby Meyer from the u9 A side has been a top goal scorer this term. All the u9 teams also participated in the Kirstenhof u9 hockey festival and the Herschel Hockey festival where they played 18 matches and won 12, drew 2 and lost 4. Well done girls!

NETBALL TERM 2

The term 2 Netball season has been jam packed!

We started the term with our U13A side going on tour to Knysna, we then hit the ground running with a full set of fixtures for our A to D sides from U9 to U13, as well as several teams having the opportunity to play in numerous festivals.

The girls have grown in their skills and come together in their teams, handing out some stellar performances.

We finished off this half of the season with matches against Wynberg, Sweet Valley and Reddam.

Here are a few highlights from the last few matches of the season:

Congratulations to the U13 and U12A to D teams as well as the U10A and B teams who had impressive wins against Wynberg.

Sweet Valley proved to be a greater challenge with a number of our teams having to work really hard for their wins. Well done to the U12A to D teams as well as the U10A and B and U13C and D teams who pulled off some impressive skills to walk away with victories.

The U9D, U10C, U12A to D teams and the U13C and D teams showed some grit and determination to come away with wins against Reddam.

We would like to thank the coaches and managers for all the hard work they have put into helping us achieve so much in the first half of the season.

PHOTOS

CROSS COUNTRY

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