BUG NEWS

24 July 2025

INKXASO: Ndiyabaxhasa abanye nabo bayandixhasa. Siyancedana ukuze sikhule, sifikelele kwiinjongo zethu.

ONDERSTEUN: Ek ondersteun ander en hulle ondersteun my. Ons help mekaar om te groei en ons doelwitte saam te bereik.

SUPPORT: I support others and they support me. We help one another to grow and reach our goals together.

The first half of the year was busy and exciting as our staff and learners have been growing together. At the start of the year, we all set a goal for ourselves, establishing a growth mindset for the things we cannot do YET.

It's been wonderful to see the YET trees around the school that now have a few green leaves on display. This is a tangible symbol that, when we recognise our POTENTIAL and put in some EFFORT, we can achieve what we set out to do.

This term, we focus on the value of SUPPORT. Often, we need others to help us achieve our goals, or they may need us. Support is defined as holding up or giving assistance, approval, comfort or encouragement to others. It means to be actively interested in and concerned for the success of others. It involves the care, guidance and insights of the people we know or who know us and understand our goals.

As a school community, let us be intentional about the way we support one another so that our Rustybugs learn from our example that they can help each other succeed!

Belinda Petersen

Principal

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to Mrs Trish Hopkinson, Mrs Catherine Pike and Mrs Tasneem van der Merwe.

We are delighted to have you all back at school.

Wishing you everything of the best for the terms ahead.

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS: To ⭐Siya Macaula⭐ - top of the PurpleZA leaderboard for Term 2 and scoring the most XP points thus far this year!

FIRE MARSHALLS

During our staff workshop held on Tuesday afternoon, our recently qualified Fire Marshalls received their certificates.

Congratulations to: Darryll Klink; Marshall Jacobs; Damian Giebelaar; Francois Joshua; Anne van Wyk and Neil Ryklieff.

FAREWELL

On Friday, 27th June, we bid farewell to Mrs Lesley Harwin.

Thank you, Les, for substituting for Catherine Pike during her maternity leave.

On Thursday, 26th June, we bid farewell to Mrs Janine Davids.

Thank you, Janine, for substituting for Mrs Trish Hopkinson during her leave.

We bid farewell to Mrs Sue Burgess.

Thank you, Sue, for substituting for Mrs van der Merwe during her leave.

WELCOME

A warm welcome to Christine Noble, who will join the Rustenburg Family on 1 August as an Aftercare Assistant.

My name is Christine Noble. I am a mother of 3, and I love music and singing, which I'm sure will reflect with me always humming or singing something to brighten up the mood. I have been teaching for almost 13 years, and after applying for multiple learnerships, I received one from the City of Cape Town in Education, and that's where I found my true passion. I immediately fell in love with the whole environment and my love for children generally grew. I did my practical at a pre-primary school that I hold very close to my heart and that is where I have been for the last 9 years. I do believe that at Rustenburg I can really improve and gain more knowledge and experience in the field of Education, as it is one of my goals to study further and I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity.

HOLIDAY MATHS @ MOLO MHLABA

During the holidays, Mr Neil Ryklieff and Mr Stephen Meehan, Deputy Principal of Springfield Convent, spent some of their holiday teaching maths at Molo Mhlaba.

" During a conversation with Mr. Sibulele Magini, Principal of Molo Mhlaba, at the SAGSA Conference, I offered to provide Mathematics consolidation lessons to learners at his school during the June holidays. Mr. Stephen Meehan and my eldest son, Nicholas, joined me for the two sessions after hearing about the initiative. It was a rewarding experience to give my time to the girls, and the lessons were warmly received."

Looking ahead, I hope more teachers will be inspired to volunteer their time in support of educating our future leaders.

HOLIDAY MATHS @ MOLO MHLABA PHOTOS

TEACHERS PLUS GRADUATION

On Tuesday, 1st July, members of the RGJS Staff were invited to the Graduation Ceremony of 3 of our past student teachers.

Congratulations to our current Gr 3 Teacher Assistant, Happy Nenemba and past student teachers, Qudsieya Sampson and Jamie-Leigh Boyd.

Qudsieya is a Grade 1 teacher at The Pinelands Primary School, and Jamie-Leigh is a Grade 4 teacher at Bay Primary School. Happy is currently assisting as an assistant teacher in our Foundation Phase here at RGJS.

Photographed from left to right at the graduation ceremony are;

Qudsieya Sampson; Lindelwa Mini (Teachers Plus); Happy Nenemba; Brenda Elshove (Teachers Plus); Jamie-Leigh Boyd and Rochelle Witbooi (Teachers Plus).

IN CONVERSATION WITH BELINDA PETERSEN

GROWING TOGETHER IN 2025

A Heartfelt Conversation with the Principal of Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School

In this special video, Thapelo Phukuje sat down with Belinda Petersen to reflect on our school’s thoughtfully chosen theme for 2025: “Growing Together.”

"As a school rooted in compassion, curiosity, and community, we believe growth happens best when it is shared — between learners, teachers, families, and the wider school community. This theme invites us all to lean into a journey of shared learning, mutual respect, and meaningful progress."

ASPIRING LEADERS

On Friday, 27th June, Belinda Petersen awarded the following staff members with an "Aspiring Leaders Certificate".

The Aspiring Leaders Programme forms part of our whole staff mentorship programme at RGJS. A group of teachers who have expressed their interest in exploring school leadership roles in the future were put through their paces during this 9-month programme. It consisted of regular group sessions and individual coaching sessions following an intensive set of modules and homework, too!

Well done to all our Aspiring Leaders! We are excited to see where your learning and leadership journey takes you!

Lijani Wallander 6b, Margo Laurie Ra, Lee-Anne Prinsloo 2a, Resuragum Rhode 3c, Khalipha Mgobozi 2c, Jodie Samuels Rb, Carlen Riettels 4c, Melanie Dudley 5a.

SGB STAFF LUNCH

Annually, at the end of the second term, the RGJS School Governing Body invites all the RGJS Staff to lunch. On Friday, 27th June, we enjoyed a lovely time of connection, sharing a meal with much laughter!

SCHOOL NEWS

RGJS IMPORTANT DATES TERM 3 2025

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.

GRADE 6 OUTING - OUDE MOLEN

In the last week of Term 2 our Grade 6s went on an outing to the Eco Village at Oude Molen.

Despite a few raindrops, our Grade 6 learners had an unforgettable day exploring nature at De Oude Molen Eco Village. The outing was packed with hands-on learning and exciting discoveries. We sang and danced while learning about the different parts of a plant, made seed balls to take home and plant, and explored the uses of various herbs and plants.

Learners also had the chance to plant their own seedlings, an effort that contributes to feeding the local community. One of the highlights was learning about earthworms and the important role they play in soil health. To top it all off, the day ended on a high note with a horse ride, making it a truly memorable experience.

This outing was not just fun; it connected beautifully to our Natural Sciences curriculum and reminded us how we can all play a part in caring for our environment.

PHOTOS

GRADE 5 ENRICHMENT

Two Days of Pure Fun, Friendship & Fire Safety (with Cupcakes on the Side!)

There was a buzz of excitement in the air on Tuesday and Wednesday, 23 & 24 June, as the Grade 5 girls came to school brimming with anticipation. Why? Because it was time for their much-anticipated Enrichment Programme—two jam-packed days of laughter, learning, creativity, and connection!

Day 1 kicked off with a flurry of fun: the girls got their hands messy (in the best way!) in the kitchen with Mrs Wepener, while others got their creative juices flowing decorating cupcakes with the fabulous Aasiyah Khan—a proud ex-Rustybug who brought all the sparkle and sweetness! Friendship bracelets were the trend of the day, thanks to our awesome student teachers, Ms Erasmus, Ms Weavers, and Mrs Cassiem-Eksteen. Beads, colours, and giggles were flying everywhere!

But it wasn’t just crafts and cupcakes—Mrs Biccard and Mrs Dudley brought heart and wisdom to the table as they guided the girls through building healthy relationships. Then came the sirens (not the scary kind!) as Mr Abrahams-Crocker swooped in for an exciting fire safety session. And what better way to end the day than with S'mores at Grotto, bracelet finishing, and singing along to their favourite playlist? Talk about a perfect ending!

Day 2 brought even more fun! Girls who missed out on Day 1's cookery and cupcake decorating got their turn to shine. And then—cue the flashing lights—an ambulance arrived, and out stepped the real-life heroes: the paramedics! Wide-eyed and full of questions, the girls got a close-up look at emergency response, leaving more than a few dreaming of careers in saving lives. A big thank you to Mr Greeff for making this moment unforgettable!

And just when they thought it couldn’t get any cooler… in came the UCT Science Outreach Team, blowing everyone’s minds with thrilling experiments featuring liquid nitrogen, fizzing acids and bases, and the crowd favourite—elephant’s toothpaste! There were gasps, laughter, and maybe a little jumping away from mysterious puffs of science-y steam.

Finally, to shake out all that excitement, the girls hit the Library for some hip hop dancing with the incredible Jodie Jackson. The energy was electric, the moves were fierce, and the laughter was contagious!

When it was all said and done, the Grade 5s summed it up perfectly:

“It was like camp… but at school!”

They walked away with full hearts, new skills, stronger friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime. What a wonderful whirlwind of learning, growing, and just plain having fun! 🌟

GRADE 5 ENRICHMENT PHOTOS

BEAUTIFUL BEASTS

THANK YOU to all our Grade 1, 2 and 3 Rustybugs for all the hard work and dedication they put into making Beautiful Beasts an outstanding production.

Thank you to all our parents, guardians, family and friends for supporting this wonderful school play. Despite the miserable weather, our evening shows were jam-packed. Thank you to all our families for the kindness and patience shown to each other during the busy play production time.

Thank you to Carey Hickson-Mahony for the very clever script, emphasising so many important values. True Beauty does lie within all of us.

Thank you to David Fish for recording the shows. Shortly, the production will be available on our YouTube channel.

SAVANNA DRESS REHEARSAL (1b,1c, 2b,3a,3b,3c)

GRASSLANDS DRESS REHEARSAL (1a, 2a, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c)

ASSEMBLY

Our Grade Rs joined us for assembly on Tuesday. Going forward, the Grade Rs will join the Foundation Phase assembly on Tuesday mornings. Grade 4 - 7 have their assembly slot on a Monday.

At the start and end of every term, we end the assembly with our theme song. Well done to all the Grade Rs for following the actions so well.

First Day of Term 3 2025.mp4

GR 7 BAKE SALE

Thank you to all our Rustybugs for their amazing support for the Grade 7 Bake Sale held on the last day of Term 2.

Thank you to all the Grade 7s for the delicious contributions.

Thank you to the Grade 7 parents who coordinated, set up and ran the Bake Sale.

A total of R 12 073.66 was raised, THANK YOU, RUSTYBUGS!

TAPTUCK WINNERS

We’re excited to announce the winners of the recent TapTuck competition held at Rustenburg Girls' Junior School . A big congratulations to all the winners!

💰 The prize funds have been successfully loaded to the parent wallet balances as follows:

1st Place – R150: Ariana Schrueder 4c

2nd Place – R100: Lily Hampton 2b

3rd Place – R50: Batool Waggie 1b

100 DAYS IN GRADE R

On Tuesday 24th of June, our Grade Rs celebrated 100 Days of schooling at RGJS. A celebration wouldn't be complete without some treats and fun. The Grade Rs came to school in their pyjamas, brought their favourite cuddly toy with them and enjoyed a morning of popcorn and decorating "100" shaped biscuits.

Well done Grade Rs, you have all settled into big school SO WELL!

100 DAYS IN GRADE R PHOTOS

RECYCLING @ RGJS

Check out our TERM 2 Report and June report.

Keep on recycling Rustybugs, YOU are making a difference.

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.

ART IN RUSTENBURG HOUSE

Thank you to our Rustybugs for the beautiful artwork on display in Rustenburg House.

Iman Ismail 7A; Zahra Gangrakar 7A; Chloe Jones 7B; Julia Cox 7C; Farah Sonday 7C; Faatimah Long 7A; Zoe Shoko 7A; Landa Gosa 6C; Rachel Frankish 5A; Maya Villet 5C; Ayesha Rhoda 5C; Gabriella Engel 6C; Grace Willemburg 5A; Abigail Winslow 4A; Taylor Bodill 4A; Ariana Schrueder 4C; Arya Jacobs 2A; Lily Hampton 2B; Huda Davids 2C.

MUSIC

GRADE 7 MUSIC WORKSHOP

Family, friends and teachers of our Grade 7 musicians were treated to a spellbinding evening of music on Thursday, 19 June. Ranging from girls who began instrumental lessons during COVID, to girls who started lessons in January this year, each performance was uniquely special.

Thank you, Grade 7s, for sharing your talents with us.

We're so proud of you!

Poco Strings Registration form.pdf

MUZKANDA CONCERT

On Friday, 20 June, the Muzkanda girls held their half-year concert in the hall—and they had a lot of fun! First, the two Grade 1 classes performed, followed by the two Grade R classes. They sang beautifully, added movement to their songs, and performed on glockenspiels and recorders.

Muzkanda is all about having fun while developing strong aural skills to train the musical ear. For more information about the programme, please contact Ms Rina Schutte.

rinsch@rgjs.org.za

SPORTS

U13 TRAINING SESSIONS

U13 TRAINING SESSION PHOTOS

CROSS COUNTRY

ZONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS

We had some truly outstanding performances at the Zonal Cross Country Champs on Friday, 20 June!

Congratulations to the following girls who have qualified for the Cape Metro Champs taking place in August.

U9: Kate Hendricks 3c

U10: Holly Haldane 4c, Imogen Lentz 4c

U11: Imogen Fairweather 5b, Victoria Kuhn 5c, Stella Williams 5a

U12: Sophie Gray 6a, Haniya Achmat 6a, Tazkia Mohamed Hoosain 6a, Liberty Wallace 6b

U13: Steffanie White 7a, Gia Heldsinger 7b, Ava Mattushek 7b

A special mention goes to Imogen Gordon 3b (U9) and Julia Cox 7c (U13), who narrowly missed out on qualifying but delivered superb performances and should be very proud of their efforts.

We are incredibly proud of all our runners for their dedication, hard work and determination.

Best of luck to those moving forward to the Cape Metro Champs.

ZONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS PHOTOS

EVENTS

GR 7 FUNDRAISING

Our Grade 7 Fundraising Team are selling Bobum 100% Recycled Microfibre Towels. The collection closes on KARRI 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!

PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW!

The towels are R285 each.

GRADE 7 BUSINESS CONFERENCE

On Saturday, 6 September 2025, from 09:00 to 12:00, Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School will proudly host its annual Grade 7 Business Conference — an exciting and enriching event designed to empower, educate, and ignite an entrepreneurial mindset among young learners.

This conference aims to give our Grade 7 learners an authentic business experience, featuring inspiring keynote speakers, interactive exhibitions, registration booths, curated goodie bags, and more!

We want our learners to walk away informed, inspired, and energised by the possibilities that exist within the world of business and innovation.

To make this event a success, we are currently seeking RGJS community members and entrepreneurs who would be willing to:

Exhibit their goods or services, deliver short talks, or serve as guest speakers

Your presence will not only add value to the day but will also help shape the minds of future innovators and business leaders.

If you’re interested in being part of this vibrant learning experience, we’d love to hear from you!

Please complete this FORM if you'd like to be involved.

STUDENT TEACHER CONFERENCE

RGJS proudly presents the Student Teacher Conference 2025.

This dynamic conference is specially designed for student teachers, teaching interns, and aspiring educators across the Western Cape. It offers a unique platform to inspire, equip, and empower the next generation of educators as they prepare to enter South Africa’s evolving education landscape with purpose and passion.

We are looking forward to a range of speakers from various schools, tertiary institutions and educational organisations who will share their experience and expertise with student teachers on 16 August!

OUTREACH

YOUTH DAY CIVVIES

Thank you to our generous school community for the overwhelming donation of sanitary pads in our Youth Day Outreach Drive.

Funds from the KARRI collection will be used to purchase additional sanitary pads. All the sanitary pads will be donated

KNITTING - 67 MINUTES

We will continue collecting squares until the end of July.

Thank you to all our families for the many squares and blankets we have received to date.

A MUG OF LOVE FROM A RUSTYBUG

Tomorrow, our Rustybugs and Staff will spend 67 Minutes packaging "Mugs of Love, from a Rustybug" for those less fortunate.

Donations of the following are greatly appreciated;

Grade R & 7 - Large Mug/Cup - (can be gently used/in good condition)

Grade 1 & 6 - Pair of Socks - (can be for children or adults, or both)

Grade 2 & 5 Cup of Soup/Sweet Treat

Grade 3 & 4 - Toothbrush & Toothpaste

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

🐞MUG OF LOVE, FROM A RUSTYBUG🐞.mp4

HOUSE DAY

To celebrate Women's Day, we will have a HOUSE DAY on Friday 8th August.

Learners can wear their HOUSE shirts with their PE shorts and tracksuits to school.

In the assembly on Monday 4th & 5th August, Danny, the founder of Ladles of Love, will be sharing the fascinating story of how he started his charity with our Rustybugs. Funds from this KARRI collection will be donated to support Ladles of Love’s preschool nutrition programme to provide healthy daily meals for the little children in need, so that they too can focus, learn and grow.

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

NO CELLPHONES OR SMART WATCHES

This is a gentle reminder that no cellphones or smartphones are allowed at school.

This information and all school rules can be found on the RGJS Site , Code of Conduct for Learners.

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 2025 - During the school term

Monday 12:45 - 15:30

Wednesday 12:45 - 15:30

Friday 12:15 - 14:30

SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST

BUGS BOUTIQUE ONLINE STORE

All orders placed through the online store will be delivered to RGJS.

SWAP SHOP

The Swap Shop will be open at the following times in the Hall Foyer:

Wednesday 30th July 07:00 - 09:00

Friday 1st August 12:00 - 13:30

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

LITTER-BUG STARS

In our first assembly of Term 3, Mrs Petersen reminded our Rustybugs to use the recycling bins correctly and keep our school clean.

Well done to Hailey Martin 3c and Minette Labuschagne 3c for being a good example to others by doing good deeds.

Hailey and Minette spent their time before school collecting litter in and around the playgrounds.

DANCING STARS

Congratulations to Asmaa Ackers 3c and Zainab Brey 3b, who competed in their first competitive rhythmic gymnastics competition on Sunday, 22nd June.

Asmaa was placed 1st overall in her age category, and Zainab was placed 4th overall.

Asmaa and Zainab both competed in Rope and Hoop events.

Well done, Asma and Zainab. We are so proud of you.

DANCING STAR

Congratulations to Ayelah Antooley Rb, who performed in the Cape Town Eisteddfod for Modern dancing.

Ayelah received a Diploma for her Solo Set Dance.

Well done Ayelah, we are so proud of you.

GYMNASTICS STAR

Congratulations to Riley Gilfillan-McEvoy 4c, who competed in the Western Cape Gymnastics Championships on Saturday, 21st June.

Riley achieved a gold medal!!

Well done Riley, we are so proud of you.

HOCKEY STARS

Congratulations to our Rustybugs who played in the PSi Nationals U11 tournament during the holidays.

The Seals placed 2nd in the cup section and the Sharks placed 5th in the shield section.

Seals: Ruby Meyer 4b; Victoria Kuhn 5c; Ava Rood 5a; Stella Williams 5a.

Sharks: Alex Barbour 5c; Jude Jakoet 5a; Isobelle Dewar 5c.

Well done Rustybugs, we are so proud of you all.

DANCING STAR

Congratulations to Ayesha Bassadien 1a, who came 1st place in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Divinere Club event on 22nd June. Ayesha came 1st in the Under 7 category for both Rope and Hoop apparatus.

Ayesha was honoured with a special award for "Ms Elegance", recognising her grace and performance on the floor.

Well done, Ayesha. We are so proud of you.

MOUNTAIN BIKE STAR

Congratulations to Cara Pearce 7c, who competed in 2 mountain bike races over the weekend of 20 - 22 June.

Cara competed in the U13 girls category in the Western Cape Schools Mountain Biking at Welbedacht farm in Paarl. The course was tricky and Cara finished in 4th place.

Cara also competed in the Southern Suburbs Schools mountain biking event in the U12/13 mixed category. Cara finished as the first girl and 6th overall, beating a field of over 60 boys and girls.

Well done, Cara. We are so proud of you.