Junior School

Dear Foundation Phase Parents

Today commences the Holy Season of Lent, a time to really focus our thoughts and actions on what is good and real. Please allow this time to enter into a space of humility and gratitude. When we acknowledge the many simple joys that life affords us, our hearts become transformed and it centres our thoughts on the meaningful and purposeful.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough” Aesop

We are three weeks into the term and most of you would have settled into the happy rhythm of school life. For some students the transition from a holiday space to one that is more structured and routined would have been slightly difficult, while for some the comfort and safety of routine is surely bliss. My hope is that in time all will feel the same sense of renewed energy to tackle this academic year.

There have been a few queries about the extended school day for Grade 1’s and 2’s. I responded via email to the class rep that reached out to me and Ms Dunn has included a full explanation in this week’s newsletter as well.

While some things stay the same, some things change and there is a natural anticipation of the degree of adaptability that we are all required to respond to. My plea is opening your heart to friendships built on respect and kindness. Allow your daughters to explore the true nature of friendship and be open to experience friendship outside of her comfort zone. As we journey towards creating a school in which all feel a sense of deep belonging may we encapsulate the essence of family. All families experience highs and lows, deal with challenges and joys. We are no different. In our attempt to purposefully ignite the essence of our ethos, may we choose to be non judgemental, honest, compassionate and kind.

Thriving in Turbulent Times

“The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with passion and compassion and humour and style and generosity and kindness.” - Maya Angelou

It is always wonderful to experience the energy of teachers and pupils at the start of a school year. There is a happy and busy buzz throughout Senior Primary. Everyone has entrenched themselves and settled into the new term.

As I reflect on the turbulence of last year, I realise that despite the world having learnt a lot, schools have had to process growth and have had to take heed of what needs to change. As teachers we strive to align ourselves with 21st-century learning instruction. Springfield has embraced the positive changes and accepted that education is evolving and our goal is to create the opportunity and space for every child in our care to grow and ultimately thrive. To thrive is to grow vigorously, to flourish, to prosper, to progress toward or realise a goal despite one's circumstances. It hinges on an individual experiencing a sense of growth and development and ultimately to succeed in a sense of achievement. It is imperative to focus on the process and mastery of learning in order to thrive optimally. There is so much more to school than content delivery. As author/educator Kelly Gallagher says, “Engagement first, then content, then rigour.”

As parents, you are key to engagement and learning. Thank you again for being part of the Springfield community on which we can build on the foundations of understanding and learning together.

Our commitment to ensuring that the class of 2021 thrive, is therefore to: Teach - Help - Reflect - Increase - Valuable - Education

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11

Karen Smith

Head of Senior Primary

Dear Parents

It usually takes us 2 weeks to adjust to any newness, calling for us to be patient with each other at the beginnings, and trusting that after about 14 days, things will begin to settle. It is lovely to see how the girls have adjusted to their new routines and that there is more ease and less anxiety in the corridors and classrooms of our special school.

A little bit of news from my department:

Grade 7 Peer Support Monitors

We have decided to make this a far more inclusive process and are allowing all Grade 7 students, who would like to serve as a Peer Support (PS) Monitor, to have a chance this year. Many Grade 7’s have applied for PS so we will be splitting their service into 2 groups - the first group will serve in Term 1 and Term 2 and the second group in Term 3 and Term 4. These groups will be announced before the end of February. For those of you not in the know - Peer Support Monitors are Grade 7 girls who are trained to assist our younger grades with any friendship or social difficulties they are having. They are allocated to a class and play a wonderful “big sister” role - many of our girls comment years later how they remember a PS monitor being kind and helpful to them on days when they were feeling sad or lonely. Thank you to our Grade 7 girls who have offered their time to be of service.

Parenting support

Many of you may remember Janet Freemantle, our previous school counsellor, who worked at SFC for many many years. She retired in 2019 but is still running a private practice, and is a wealth of knowledge and kindness. She is available at SFC to offer parenting support on alternative Monday afternoons from 1 - 3pm. This is a private service. Janet is contactable at 082 643 5615 or jefreemantle@gmail.com.

Janet worked at The Parent Center for decades and has a wealth of parenting knowledge.

Janet and I will be running a 4 week Positive Parenting Course in Term 2 - watch this space for details.

As always, should you or your girls need support, please don’t hesitate to contact me at gcloete@springfieldconvent.co.za

Warm regards

Gabby Cloete