Senior School

Welcome to the fourth term! This week is all about adjusting to the “old normal,” not quite what we are used to, but certainly one in which it has been made possible for everyone to be back on the campus. The difference at Springfield is palpable and there certainly is a good sense of the learning that is possible in person in class - especially for those pupils who found it difficult to engage with lessons at a distance. It is also clear that the pupils are making the most of being able to socialise in the longer break times that have been built in between each of the lessons.

Every pupil should have their new timetable, which has been sent to them via the Connect groups. Any pupil who has not yet received a timetable should ask their Connect teacher for assistance.

We are keenly awaiting for the DBE and the WCED to confirm the arrangements for the final assessments of the year. As soon as these have been received, a timetable will be shared with the pupils, along with the details of what needs to be covered in each subject.

Have a great term!

DAVID FICK

Head of Academics

Art Department

As we start the last term, we would like to showcase some of the exceptional work our grade 12 art students have produced. Well done girls.

Toastmasters' Show Case Evening

Despite lockdown, a number of our Grade 10s and 11s took part in an on-line Toastmasters' Public Speaking and Youth Leadership course, during Terms 3 and 4. They have been trained by a group of expert facilitators from across South Africa who have helped them to become skilled and confident speakers in both on-line and face-to-face settings. The girls will be hosting their Show Case Evening in the Senior School Study Hall at 6.00pm, on Tuesday, 20th of October. A sign-up form will be sent out, for live audience members, and the evening will also be recorded and streamed for audience members and facilitators that cannot be at the event in person.

Debating

After the success of debating last term despite lockdown and physical distancing, debating was a huge success. As a result, debating will continue for six weeks of term 4. These sessions will continue on an online platform, and we have fantastic coaches and heads of the society that will be running the sessions. These sessions will run as follows:

• Wednesdays 14:00-15:00.

• There will be sessions where content and debating techniques will be discussed and taught, as well as sessions where the girls will be able to submit speeches that they will receive feedback on. These sessions will alternate from week to week.

• We will start by using WhatsApp as a platform for communication, so we ask that your daughter have access to a device where WhatsApp can be accessed.

• For larger group discussions and virtual debates, we will use Google Hangouts.

• There is a fee associated with joining debating of R150,00. This is the payment that will cover debating until the end of Term 4, and this will be deducted from your account.

If your daughter is interested in joining Team or Social Debating, please complete the following form. Please note, that even if your daughter is part of Team/Social debating this form still needs to please be completed. Participation in online debating will count towards Cultural Awards.

Eco Portfolio

The Eco Portfolio of 2021 and some volunteers ended last term on a positive note, having had a clean up on the senior campus and outside the school gates. We are excited to see what they have to contribute to Springfield next year!

Ms Cooper and Ms Wyllie.

The Matric Music recital will be performed on the 30th of September and a video of some highlights of the evening will be uploaded on to the Music School Facebook page.

Springfield Rowing

After a long lockdown of being stuck at home and indoors, it was an absolute blessing for the rowers to be back on the vlei again. We were welcomed back by a perfect misty morning and still waters, anticipation in the air as we were all eager to get back onto the water. This positive start to the rowing season only continued, as we had almost perfect weather every weekend following.

Seeing that we'd struggle to motivate ourselves during lockdown, our coaches gave us a winter lockdown program to keep us fit in the time that we couldn’t row or exercise as a club. Being back on the water showed every individual how much they had improved during the months we've been away, and that our hard work had payed off. That being said - the team and coaches can definitely see which areas need to still be worked on!

Being out on the water, with your friend in the boat next to you, on a perfect day, must be one of the best feelings ever. I can definitely say that all the girls and the coaches missed that feeling and every single one of us are grateful to be back. Rowing is something that becomes apart of you so having to go without it for so long is a very challenging thing to do - if you can look beyond the fact that you can't sleep in on weekends!

Kara Venter