SUPPORT: I support others and they support me. We help one another to grow and reach our goals together.
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.
As we have settled into the rhythm and routine of school, it has been lovely to see the array of learning experiences that our Rustybugs have enjoyed. From serving others through our Mandela Day project to the extended learning through outings and projects, these real-life learning moments will forever be remembered. This is what learning is about! And it is done through the support of others.
Each of us needs a support system of people who provide support in different ways. It means we have people we can rely on, especially when we need them the most. Having a strong support system has many positive benefits. This includes higher levels of well-being, better coping skills and is linked to improved mental and physical health. It promotes resilience and provides a sense of belonging. Essentially, a support system helps us thrive.
Our Rustybugs need to know who forms part of their support system, including family members, school staff and friends. We should also encourage them to be part of someone else's support system. But it doesn't stop there. As adults, we need our support systems too, as an example of the value of support and how we grow together. This example shows our Rustybugs that we all need each other!
To all the women and girls in our school community...enjoy Women's Day! May we always remember the valuable role women play in society and continue to support the growth of our girls in becoming strong, resilient women!
Belinda Petersen
Principal
Condolences to Faguy Bukasa on the loss of his uncle.
Condolences to Carlen Riettels on the loss of her cousin.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this sad time.
Congratulations to Anastasia Delcarme and Lloyd Carolessen on their wedding.
Anastasia and Lloyd, we wish you a wonderful, happy married life together♥️
We bid a sad farewell to Penny Biccard at the end of the fourth term. Penny and her husband Bruce are relocating to Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Thank you Penny, for ALL you have done for our Rustybugs and Staff over the years. We will miss you, but wish you and Bruce all the best for this next exciting chapter in your lives.
Once a Rustybug, always a Rustybug!
CONGRATULATIONS: To ⭐Reyanah Manuel⭐ for achieving your first PurpleZA badge.
Closing Date: Monday, 18 August 2025
Monday 25 August 2025
Student Teacher Programme - Intermediate_Senior Phase 2026
Monday 18 August 2025
Student Teacher Programme - Foundation Phase 2026
Monday 18 August 2025
The Staff Development Workshop at the end of week one was presented by Karen Villet, Medicine Health Coach and a Grade 5 parent. Karen shared numerous ways for our staff to eat healthily and fuel our bodies and minds. During the workshop, Belinda Petersen and Jodie Samuels cooked up two healthy meals, which were enjoyed by the staff.
RGJS Staff ended their second week of the term with an Employment Equity Workshop. The workshop included a detailed explanation of the Employment Equity Bill and recent amendments to the bill.
Congratulations to our staff members who completed the Personal and Team Effectiveness Training with Owen Henderson on Saturday, 26th July.
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.
In our assemblies this week, the Sports Department and some of our Grade 7s shared a story about a little frog.
Mrs Jeanne Liss narrated the story, and our "dramatic" Grade 7s gave a talented improv performance. Sheep, lambs, cows, frog sounds, and words of support and encouragement were all vocalised by our Gr 7 actresses. Thank you to the Sports Department and the Grade 7s for the encouraging story emphasising how important it is to support each other.
All Parents, Guardians and Staff are encouraged to complete the IDT Survey shared in Circular 14.
Your participation helps us measure the progress of IDT at RGJS.
Your voice in this process is important to us.
Please note that the survey will close on 14 August 2025 for all participants.
Our Grade 2 students kicked off their Inquiry-Based Learning unit, Life at Night, with a memorable bang! Arriving in their coziest pyjamas and transforming the classroom into a mini camping adventure, they dived into the mysteries of nighttime. The little explorers were absolutely thrilled, fully immersed, hands-on, and absolutely ready to discover everything life under the stars has to offer.
Please complete this FORM if you can assist at the Stop & Drop in the morning from 07:20 - 07:50.
Gentle reminder:
Please have all bags ready to exit the car if you use the Stop & Drop Bays. Getting out of your car and walking your daughter to the gate causes major congestion for other parents waiting to drive into the Stop & Drop Bay. It also causes congestions for other road users.
Please think of others; be kind and courteous at all times.
Our Grade 6 learners recently took a powerful and meaningful trip to the District Six Museum as part of their Social Sciences and History learning. This visit helped them understand the impact of apartheid and the forced removals that affected families in Cape Town.
During the excursion, the girls had the unique opportunity to speak with former residents of District Six, asking them thoughtful questions about their lives before and after the removals. They learned about families who were forced to leave their homes and even discovered how some of these families later returned, showing resilience and hope.
As they toured the museum, the learners explored recreated spaces such as a hairdresser’s shop and the old wash house, which gave them a glimpse into the everyday life of District Six before the removals. They were especially moved by the colourful wall hangings, lovingly made by former residents, which celebrated the vibrant mix of cultures that once lived together in harmony.
Walking through the museum’s rooms, the girls noticed the names of streets and families written on the floor, making the history feel personal and real. They also viewed a striking mural painted by residents on the wall of the old Peninsula Maternity Hospital, now the District Six Day Hospital, which honours the memory of this once-thriving community.
One of the most impactful moments was listening to a guest speaker share powerful stories about life under apartheid. The speaker described what schooling was like during that time and explained how different race groups were allocated housing, helping the learners understand how unfair and painful the system was.
This moving and educational experience encouraged empathy, deep thinking and curiosity. We are incredibly proud of how respectfully our learners engaged with the speakers, the museum and the deep history it represents. They came away with a greater appreciation of the importance of justice, dignity and remembering our shared past.
Last term, our class explored authentic South African recipes in Afrikaans, with a special focus on the beloved braaibroodjie. After writing out our own versions of the recipe, we took the learning outdoors and put our skills to the test—making delicious braaibroodjies on the fire! It was a fun, hands-on way to celebrate language, culture, and good food.
Braaibroodjies op die Kole!
Laas kwartaal het ons eg Suid-Afrikaanse resepte in Afrikaans ontdek, met spesiale fokus op die geliefde braaibroodjie. Nadat ons ons eie resepte opgestel en neergeskryf het, het ons dit prakties gemaak deur heerlike braaibroodjies op die vuur te braai! Dit was ’n lekker, lewendige manier om taal, kultuur en kos te vier.
As part of navigating adolescence and friendships, our Grade 6 girls took part in a meaningful workshop focused on how to be better friends, how to recognise and prevent bullying, and why we sometimes express ourselves the way we do.
These conversations are an important part of emotional growth, and we encourage parents to continue these crucial discussions at home, helping our girls build confidence, empathy, and strong, healthy friendships.
The excitement was tangible last week as the Grade 5 girls set off on their educational outing to the Centre for Conservation Education. With groups attending on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday—some travelling by bus and others with the help of parents—it was a much-anticipated event.
Fittingly, the outing focused on weather and climate, and the girls experienced just that! Monday and Tuesday brought sunshine, while Wednesday delivered cold and rainy conditions—offering a rich, real-life contrast to observe and compare.
The learning experience combined both theory and practice. Indoors, the girls explored key concepts related to weather and climate. They then moved outside to apply their knowledge by recording real-time weather data using scientific instruments such as rain gauges, barometers, and anemometers.
Outings like this offer valuable hands-on learning experiences that extend the curriculum beyond the classroom and bring academic topics to life. Thank you to the parents who helped make this outing possible—your support is always appreciated.
Well done on diverting 608kg - slightly lower than our average, but this is unsurprising since it was the holiday.
Well done for placing #5 for the most recyclables diverted for June! ✨🌱 Keep up the good work!
Keep on recycling, Rustybugs, YOU are making a difference.
MUSIC
Record-breaking Rustybugs
On Saturday 2 August, thirteen of our Rustybugs contributed to breaking the Guinness World Record for the Largest Marimba Ensemble. Marimba Jam masterminded the event and Maestro Luthando, our marimba band teacher, conducted the 1177 participants. The Grand West Arena has never before hosted as many marimbas, mallets and marimba players.
Congratulations to our marimba band for making history!
SPORTS
It has been great for our hockey players to get back on the astro after a long break. Our teams played against Kirstenhof last week both home and away.
A special mention to the following teams for their great results;
U10C 3-0 win; U10D 3-0 win; U10B 4-1 win; U11C 5-0 win; U13C 2-0 win; U11A - draw ;U9C - draw.
Unfortunately, due to bad weather, most of our netball matches against Herschel were cancelled last week.
However, the following games went ahead, and here are the results:
U13A – WON 12–10; U13B – WON 13–7; U12A – LOST 9–5
Well done on a strong start to the second half of the season!
After a busy and successful Term 2, Term 3 kicked off with a twist - no official Friday races on the calendar.
But with two major events ahead, Cape Metro Champs and Inter Schools and, of course, the girls' own well-being in mind, Coach Kathleen reminded the girls:
There’s no such thing as a Friday rest day!
To stay race-ready and prepare the girls both mentally and physically, the last two Fridays have involved lap-style racing:
Week 1 - a Rustenburg-only challenge – a tough wake-up call after a four-week break.
Week 2 - brought friendly competition from Oakhurst, Herschel and our own Rustenburg runners, adding energy and a test of inner perseverance to every lap.
PINELANDS 5km FUN RUN!
Whilst some Rustybugs were sleeping, others were taking part in the Pinelands 5km FUN RUN!
Congratulations to the following girls who completed the Pinelands 5km Fun Run two weeks ago.
Missing from the photo: Cara & Alyssa Smith
Ms Candice Davison; Lexi Winter – 5a; Emily Fish – 5b; Cara Smith – 5b; Imogen Gordon – 3b; Megan Fish – 2c; Alyssa Smith – 1b
EVENTS
Our role as parents/caregivers is one of our most important and challenging, particularly in today’s fast-paced and changing world.
Parents and Guardians are invited to join Penny Biccard for an informal coffee connection and information meeting at which we could share our lived experiences and ideas for managing different situations within our role as parents and caregivers. During the connection time, we will try to address questions you may have as parents/ caregivers.
Date: Thursday, 28th August
Time: 7.45 - 8.30 am
Venue: Grotto
Please see this LINK for more details to complete if you would like to attend.
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.
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!
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.
SAVE THE DATE!
Add this wonderful event to your calendar on Tuesday, 16th September.
Join the Rustenburg Community for an evening of connecting by sharing a meal together at the 2025 Long Table Heritage Dinner.
OUTREACH
Thank you to our Rustenburg Community for hundreds of knitted squares and knitted blankets for our 67 Blanket Drive.
67 Blankets is grateful for our support and all the beautifully knitted square donations.
Thank you to all our Rustybugs, Staff and Families for the AMAZINGLY GENEROUS donations for our 67 Minutes for Mandela Day. Our Bug Buddy Families and Staff spent their 67 minutes creating 197 Mugs of Love from a Rustybug.
The Mugs and Sanitary Pads were distributed to the following organisations;
Lotus River High School Matrics; Ons Plek Projects; Rainbow of Hope - Home for Children; Ihata Women's Shelter; St Michael's Home for Girls; St Anne’s Home - Shelter for Women and Children; Marsh Memorial Children’s Home;
Thank you to all our families for the donations on KARRI for Ladles Of Love House Day.
To celebrate Women's Day, it is HOUSE DAY tomorrow, Friday, 8th August.
Learners can wear their HOUSE shirts with their PE shorts and tracksuits to school.
In the assemblies on Monday, 4th and 5th August, Yolanda and Danny from Ladles of Love, shared how funds from this KARRI collection will be donated to support Ladles of Love’s preschool nutrition programme. It will provide healthy daily meals for the little children in need, so that they too can focus, learn and grow.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
SCHOOL UNIFORM
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.
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
All orders placed through the online store will be delivered to RGJS.
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
Congratulations to Safiyah Samsodien 1a who competed in the Western Cape Gymnastics Championships on Friday, 27th June.
Safiyah achieved a bronze medal in her Level 1 age category.
Well done, Safiyah, we are so proud of you.
Congratulations to Miah Leeman Ra, who has been crowned the Western Province Champion for 2025 in the Under-7 Division at the Cape Town Unicity Karate Association’s Full Contact Championship, held on August 2nd.
This prestigious competition brings together the top full-contact karate clubs across the Western Cape, with fierce and disciplined competitors showcasing strength, skill, and spirit. Miah stood out amongst the best, displaying exceptional technique, focus, and determination.
Well done, Miah, we are so proud of you
Congratulations to Isla Meyer 7c, who represented Western Cape at the Federation of Dance Sport South Africa National Championships hosted by the South African Body of Dance.
Isla is a talented member of Amy Casper's Dance Stars, who danced in Johannesburg last weekend.
Isla was awarded 2nd place in the category and qualified for the South African Team.
Well done Isla, we are so proud of you.
Congratulations to Haniya Achmat 6a, Imogen Hope-Bailie 6c, and Liberty Wallace 6b, who represented the Southern Zone in the U12 Inter-Zonal hockey tournament.
Imogen played for Southerns B and Liberty, and Haniya played for Southerns A.
Southerns A did very well, finishing 2nd overall after a very tight final match against the Northern A side.
Well done, Haniya, Imogen and Liberty, we are so proud of you.
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.