Inkonzo - Ndijonga amathuba okunceda abantu. Andilindeli kucelwa. Ndiyabacingela abanye. Ndenza umahluko elizweni.
Service - I look for opportunities to be of service. I do not wait to be asked. I am thoughtful of others. I make a difference in the world.
Diens - Ek soek geleenthede om tot diens te wees. Ek wag nie om gevra te word nie. Ek is bedagsaam teenoor ander. Ek maak 'n verskil in die wêreld.
Life at RGJS has been wonderfully busy this term. I am proud of the diverse exposure that our Rustybugs have to explore so many aspects of life beyond the curriculum. Our team of dedicated staff are phenomenal in providing a holistic experience for them. Thank you to the parents who often send messages of gratitude, truly showcasing the strengthening partnership between home and school.
A significant day for us as a girls' school is the commemoration of Women's Day. On 9 August 1956, many women responded to the call to action and protested the injustices of the past. It signifies the strong voice that women have and the crucial role they play in shaping society.
Historically, many girls that attended RGJS have gone on to do the same. They are making waves in industries that have previously been dominated by men. They are challenging the status quo and proving that girls and women have much to contribute. The research is clear that girls' schools, in particular, give girls a solid foundation of confidence, empowerment and self-worth. Girls who have access to education in a girls' school have been known to confront challenges more readily and thrive in various spheres of society. What a privilege it is to be in this space that has the potential to uplift an entire nation. Let us not underestimate our role as the adults in this space and the significance of our own contributions to the girls in our care.
My hope is that we will continue to teach our Rustybugs that they can make a difference and that change begins with them. Whilst we are focusing on impembelelo and the value of service right now, this is a mindset that should be instilled for their futures.
Belinda Petersen
Principal
CONGRATULATIONS: To ⭐Martez Marx⭐ on earning her RGJS Level 1 reward - enjoy!
We bid farewell to Lisa Jacobs-Thomas at the end of this term and farewell to Nosiphiwo Dwatyana who will be leaving RGJS on 15 September.
We wish you both well in your future endeavours.
Thank you for all you have done for our Rustybugs.
Congratulations to Tasneem van der Merwe on her recent election to the School Governing Body as an Educator Representative.
Closing date: Monday 4 September 2023
IsiXhosa Teacher (Foundation Phase)
Closing date: Monday 28 August 2023
SCHOOL NEWS & UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS
IMPORTANT DATES TERM 3 2023
Thursday 24 August: Prospective Parents Tour 09:00
: School Community Meeting 18:30 (Child Supervision available)
Friday 25 August: PGSGU IS Cross Country @ RGHS 13:00-17:00
Wednesday 30 August: QUIZ NIGHT (Adults only)
Friday 1 September: Civvies Day - Casual Day Supporting National Institute for the Deaf
ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE RGJS SITE
Thank you to all staff, parents and Gr 4 - 7 learners who have participated in the survey thus far.
The survey closes tomorrow for staff and parents, Friday 18 August!
All information can be found in Circular 12.
What a wonderful week of READING we had last week. Thank you to all our Rustybugs, parents and staff for making Readathon 2023 such a success. Our Rustybugs are still reading all over the school campus, which is a wonderful sight to see.
A very big THANK YOU to all our families for their generous contribution of R 60 000.00 and counting! Funds raised from the Readathon will be utilised for our Recycling project. Please return all Readathon forms tomorrow.
Well done to all classes for their creative classroom doors! Congratulations to our winners:
Gr 1b
Gr 3b
Gr 5a
Gr 7b
1b
3b
5a
7b
The Grade 1’s were super excited to go to the Science Centre on Wednesday the 16th of August. First we had a show from the Crazy Science Man. He showed us all sorts of experiments. They were cool, colourful and some were very LOUD! We broke into groups and learnt about colours and light. We played with Bee Bots and we learnt about the solar system. At the end we played and we saw amazing things. Our firm favourite was the Friction Addiction slide!
Thank you to all our families who are already assisting with the Drop & Go at the front of our school in the morning. We still have a few slots available if you would still like to assist, add your name to this ROSTER.
Our next School Community meeting will take place on Thursday 24 August 2023 from 18:30 to 20:00. Our school has been engaging in an organisational development process since 2020. An outcome of that process has been the implementation of a 5-year strategic plan from 2021 - 2025. Recently, the SGB and SMT conducted a mid-plan review to determine the projects and tasks that have been completed, projects that are in progress and key focus areas going forward. At our meeting, feedback will be provided on this review from parents and staff who have been involved in the implementation of the strategic plan.
Please click on the link to the interactive e-book that provides background information on the strategic plan and the themes, as well as other information related to this process. Within the e-book, there are two links which will provide further detail on the priority matrix for specific projects related to facilities as well as the detailed 5-year plan.
We encourage you to read these documents before the meeting. Please note that completed projects are indicated in green. Please indicate your attendance by completing this form. Child supervision will be available.
We look forward to engaging with you at the meeting.
Our Quiz Night was postponed due to the Taxi Strikes and is now happening on Wednesday 30 August at 19:00. If you would still like to join us for this fun evening, please complete this FORM.
Yeee Haaa! Grab your pardner, it's Barn Dance time!
On Friday 8 September we will be having a Barn Dance in the Orton Hall. This event is for Rustybugs and their "pardners" (An adult; mum/dad/guardian). The dancing is in pairs & one adult per girl is required.
You are most welcome to wear your favourite jeans, even put on a checked shirt, some cowboy boots and a cowboy hat if you have one!
Tickets will be available on KARRI at R150.00 per couple from Monday 21 August 2023.
Each session is divided into 2 x 30-minute dance sessions with a 15-minute "rest" in between. Water & a sweet treat will be served during the 15 minute break.
Regretfully no siblings are allowed.
You can contact your class rep if you have any queries.
SPORT
The Cross Country season has had its ups and downs in terms of Friday races but the girls have remained upbeat and committed. The girls have shown commitment to the Monday sessions and Coach Kathleen has subtly pushed the girls out of their comfort zones using various training techniques.
Coach Kathleen - “The aim with the Monday sessions is that the girls leave feeling excited to come to practice week after week and again next year and will bring their friends along. The Grade 7s will depart ways at the end of the year and hopefully will continue running in high school. You cannot really have fitness and performance goals at this age with running, it is about the girls developing a love for the sport so that by the time they are 15/16 years they are still running”.
We have an even spread of runners across the grades with a feisty group of Grade 3 runners who are always up for a challenge.
Sjoe, do we have some fast runners at Rustenburg - we had four girls who placed in the top 10 at every Friday race and based on these results they were selected to represent the South Zonal Team at Cape Metro Champs on Saturday, 12 August.
U11 - Steffanie White 5c; Kayla McMartin 5b
U12 - Eva van der Westhuizen 6a
U13 - Ella Gardner 7c
The pace of these races were relentless and the girls were up against the top in the East, South, North and Central Primary Schools. Our girls did exceptionally well and congratulations to Steffanie White who has been selected for the U11 Western Cape Team to compete in George in September.
GOOD LUCK to the following girls who will be representing Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School at the annual Inter Schools Cross Country event on Friday, 25 August.
U10 TEAM - Haniya Achmat 4b; Makanaka Chani 4a; Salma Fataar 4a; Sophie Gray 4b; Imogen Hope-Bailie 4a; Emma Naude 4c; Reserve: Kaycie Roberts 4a.
U11 TEAM - Julia Cox 5c; Gia Heldsinger 5b; Kayla Mc Martin5b; Kara Pretorius 5a; Steffanie White 5c; Chloe Merven 5b.
U12 TEAM - Liya Behardien 6b; Eva van der Westhuizen 6a; Leila van der Westhuizen 6c; Laura Williams 6c; Micaela Robinson 6a.
U13 TEAM - Gemma Blackburn 7b; Ella Gardner (Captain) 7c; Alexa Heldsinger 7b; Sienna Howlett (Vice Captain) 7a; Stella Solkow 7b.
The Herschel Twilight Hockey festival saw the enthusiastic participation of U9 A & B, U10A and U11A hockey teams showcasing their talents on the field with breathtaking moves and skillful plays. Beyond the exhilarating matches, what truly stole the spotlight was the impeccable manners and outstanding sportsmanship displayed by the girls, both during the games and in their interactions off the field. It was truly more than just a festival but a celebration of unity and sportsmanship. For the second consecutive year, the u11 girls triumphantly walked away with the coveted Spirit award and gleaming medals, a testament to their unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. They went the extra mile by enthusiastically cheering for all the participating girls' teams spreading a contagious enthusiasm that echoed through the stands.
Well done Rustybugs!!
The U10, U11, U12 and U13 A teams took part in the Herschel Netball Festival on Friday.
All the teams showed exceptional spirit and great sportsmanship, improving with each match they played.
The teams walked away with some exceptional results, with the U10 and U11 winning 5 out of 5 matches and the U13's winning 4 out of 5.
Well done Rustybugs we are so proud of you!
Thank you to all our fabulous Netball Community for bringing their "GEES" and energy to Saturday's Netball Festival. Thank you to all the staff for their assistance on the day and a big THANK YOU to Mrs Liss for a superbly well-organised event.
Well done to all our players for their excellent team spirit.
MUSIC
The resounding echoes of music still linger in the air as we reflect on the incredible success of the RGJS Cello Fundraising Concert. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our cherished parents, dedicated colleagues, and the talented members of our cello ensemble and choirs. Your unwavering support truly made this event a remarkable experience.
The stage was graced with extraordinary performances from our Cello Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and Senior Choir. Their exquisite renditions moved the hearts of everyone present, leaving a lasting impression that will resonate for years to come.
As we bask in the glow of this triumph, we extend our warmest wishes to the Cello Ensemble, which will embark on a journey to Pretoria at the end of August to take part in the National SASMT Ensemble Competition. This opportunity is a testament to their remarkable dedication and talent. To our exceptional ensemble, go forth with confidence and give it your all – we are immensely proud and excited for your participation in the competition.
Once again, thank you to everyone who made the RGJS Cello Fundraising Concert a night to remember. Your support fuels our passion for music and encourages us to reach even greater heights. Let the melodies continue to inspire and uplift us as we eagerly anticipate the next harmonious chapter.
NEW MUSIC APPLICATIONS: 2024
Are you ready to ignite the musical passion in your daughters? We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Music Application process is now officially open for those interested in enrolling their daughters in instrumental music tuition at RGJS.
Application Timeline: The application form will be active from now until October 31st, 2023, for our new intake of students in January 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity for your daughters to embark on a musical journey that will enrich their lives and create lasting memories.
For parents of girls who are currently receiving music lessons at school, rest assured that there is no need to reapply. Your daughters' musical pursuits will continue seamlessly.
Wide Range of Instruments: Our Music Department offers tuition on a diverse array of musical instruments, including violin, cello, recorder, clarinet, flute, saxophone, voice, trumpet, african marimba and piano. This ensures that every student can find an instrument that resonates with her and enables her to express her musical creativity.
Music Aptitude Test: As part of our commitment to fostering musical talent, the Music Department will conduct a music aptitude test with all new applicants during November 2023. This evaluation will help us better understand each student's musical aptitude and place her in the appropriate program. We will communicate the outcome of these aptitude tests during the last week of term 4.
We encourage you to explore this exciting opportunity and consider introducing your daughters to the world of music. To initiate the application process, kindly use the link provided below to access the Music Department Application form.
Let's harmonise their potential and let the music flourish within them!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions: Cathy Gray (Music Administrator): catgra@rgjs.org.za Hendrik Marais: marais@rgjs.org.za
IMPEMBELELO! - RUSTYBUGS MAKING AN IMPACT
Congratulations to Sameena Dadaker Gr 3a, who played in the Shiloh TopSpinners Tournament recently. Sameena achieved 1st place in the U11 category.
Well done Sameena, we are so proud of you.
Congraulations to Hanaa Carelse Gr 4b, who competed in the Cape Town District Trials for Rhythmic Gymnastics on Saturday 12 August. Hanaa won one gold and one bronze medal for the Free hand and rope routine respectively in the level 4 under 10, age group.
Well done Hanaa, we are so proud of you.
Congratulations to Laura MacGregor Gr 5a who competed at the Cape Town Rhythmic Gymnastics District Trials last weekend. Laura came first for her hoop routine, second for her ribbon routine and second overall in her age group (level 5). She will be competing at Western Cape Champs at the end of August.
Well done Laura, we are so proud of you.
Please drop your bread tags and bottle tops in the baskets near the Digital Den in Rustenburg House.
We would greatly appreciate any old newspapers, please send them to the Art Room.
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
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.