Dear Parents

“It’s not fair!”
“They took my turn!”
“I don’t want to play with them anymore!”

Sound familiar?

Conflict: Learning What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Conflict is a normal part of childhood. Children are learning how to share, negotiate, manage disappointment, communicate what they need and navigate relationships. Inevitably, they sometimes get it wrong.

What matters is what happens next.

Research into children's peer relationships suggests that the way children respond to conflict can make a real difference to the outcome. One study observing more than 500 conflicts between children aged four to seven found that cooperative and prosocial responses were associated with more peaceful resolutions.

In other words, conflict isn't necessarily something we need to eliminate. It is something children need to learn how to navigate.

So, how do we help?

Our first instinct can be to step in and solve the problem.

Sometimes that's exactly what is needed. But when the situation allows, we can also help children work through it:

What happened?

How did you feel?

What do you think the other person was feeling?

What could you do now?

How could you make things better?

We can also give children the words they need:

“Please stop.”
“I don't like that.”
“Can I have a turn when you're finished?”
“That hurt my feelings.”
“Can we try again?”

These small phrases are building blocks for much bigger skills — communication, empathy, compromise and problem-solving.

Research-informed guidance from NAEYC similarly highlights the role adults play in helping children develop the language and self-regulation needed to manage everyday conflict, rather than simply stepping in and resolving every disagreement for them.

But children don't have to solve everything alone.

Teaching conflict resolution does not mean expecting children to manage situations that are beyond their ability.

There are times when adults need to intervene, set boundaries, protect a child or help them understand what has happened.

Children should also know that asking an adult for help is a strength, not a failure.

The goal is simply to give children increasing opportunities to participate in solving the smaller problems they encounter, while knowing that support is available when they need it.

A skill worth practising.

Conflict resolution isn't just about settling an argument over a toy or deciding whose turn it is.

It is learning to listen, express yourself, consider another perspective, compromise, take responsibility and try again.

Those are skills that don't stop being useful when childhood ends.

So perhaps the question isn't:

“How do we stop children from having conflict?”

but rather:

“How do we help children learn what to do when conflict happens?”

Because conflict is inevitable.

Learning how to navigate it is a skill — and like any skill, it gets better with practice.

Colgate Visits Our Grade 000 and 00 classes 

On Thursday, 13 August, our Grade 000 and Grade 00 classes enjoyed a special visit from the Colgate team!

The children loved the fun and interactive talk, where they learnt all about healthy and unhealthy foods, the importance of looking after their teeth, and the correct way to brush. Our children were reminded that we should brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes to keep those smiles bright and healthy! 🦷😁

To make the visit even more special, each child received their very own toothbrush and a little tube of toothpaste to take home.

A big thank you to Colgate for teaching our little ones such an important lesson in caring for their smiles! ❤️

Grade R Innovation 

There has been plenty of building, experimenting, creating, questioning and problem-solving happening in our Grade R classes.

While our Innovation activities are designed to be exciting and playful, there is always purpose behind the play. At this age, Innovation is not about finding the perfect answer or creating the perfect product. It is about giving children opportunities to think for themselves, explore possibilities, solve problems and discover that their ideas have value.

Across our Grade R classes, the children have taken part in a variety of hands-on challenges — each one carefully designed with a different purpose in mind.

When building with LEGO under the tables, the children were challenged to approach a familiar activity from an unfamiliar perspective. Suddenly, something as simple as building required them to adapt, rethink and work differently.

During our investigations into rolling and speed, LEGO creations became tools for discovery. The children experimented with how and why objects move, made predictions, tested their ideas and began making connections between their designs and the results they observed.

Our glasses-making activity encouraged the children to use their fine-motor skills while cutting, designing and creating. Their glasses were not only decorative — they also had to think about how glasses fit, where they sit and what would make their design work.

When building houses, our young designers thought about structure, stability and purpose. What does a house need? How can we make it stand? What happens if our first design falls down? Every collapsed wall became an opportunity to rethink and rebuild!

Even making slime became an opportunity for investigation. The children observed how materials changed when mixed together, explored texture and consistency and discovered the excitement of experimenting to achieve a desired result.

And then there were some very important dinosaurs that needed rescuing! 

During our “Floor Is Lava” Dinosaur Rescue Challenge, the children were given only paper plates, lollipop sticks and plastic cups and challenged to rescue their dinosaurs without letting them touch the “lava”. There was no single solution. The children had to plan, build, test, adjust and try again until they found a method that worked and this is where the real purpose of Innovation comes alive.

We want our Grade R children to become comfortable asking:

What is the problem?
What could I create to solve it?
Why did that happen?
What could I change?
Can I try another way?

Through these seemingly simple experiences, children are developing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, planning and perseverance. They are also learning something incredibly valuable: not getting it right the first time is part of learning.

A tower that falls, a LEGO creation that does not roll as expected or a dinosaur that lands in the “lava” is not the end of the activity. It becomes the beginning of the next idea.

Innovation throughout our Pre-Primary is learning with purpose. It is about giving our little learners the freedom to wonder, the confidence to experiment, and the opportunity to discover that their ideas matter and that they are capable of finding their own solutions.

Our classrooms may look like they are filled with LEGO, slime, cups, sticks and very adventurous dinosaurs — but behind all that wonderful play are curious minds learning how to think, create and solve problems for themselves.

And that is exactly what we want our little innovators to discover: their ideas can become solutions, and their thinking can make a difference. 🌟

A Peek Into Our Week 

Crackerjacks

This week has been filled with lots of creativity, curiosity and fun! Our little ones enjoyed getting messy with sponge-print painting on paper plates and had so much fun stacking, building and counting with blocks. We also enjoyed learning all about winter! Although the last couple of days haven’t felt very wintry at all, the little ones still loved exploring the season and learning about what makes winter special. 

We also had lots of excitement during our Smarties and Astros rainbow experiment! The children were fascinated watching the colours spread across the plates. We discovered that the Smarties made the fastest rainbows, while the Astros created the brightest ones! There were plenty of happy faces, excitement and curiosity throughout the experiment. We can’t wait to try more exciting experiments, discover new things and continue exploring and learning together! 

Grade 000

This week the Tiggers and Piglets have been exploring the wonderful world of Mini Beasts! We have loved discovering all about the tiny creatures that live in our gardens and learning about their unique characteristics.

Our discussions included fascinating facts about snails, slugs, spiders, caterpillars and butterflies. The children were amazed to learn how a tiny caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly through its life cycle. We also discovered that spiders have eight legs, spin intricate webs, and use these webs to catch insects for their food. One of the biggest highlights was learning that a snail without its shell is called a slug – the children thought the word "slug" was hilarious and had lots of fun saying it!

Our art activity this week was just as exciting. The children created beautiful sparkly snails by painting paper plates with a spiral design before decorating them with glitter and a variety of shiny treasures from our art cupboard. They then added a body with googly eyes to complete their adorable little snails. Each one was unique and absolutely gorgeous!

We also had a very special visit from Colgate this week. Two friendly representatives taught the children all about taking care of their teeth, and each child received a toothbrush and a mini tube of toothpaste to take home. They learned that we should brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes to keep them strong and healthy. Brushing helps remove food and plaque that can cause cavities and sore gums, keeps our breath fresh, and helps us maintain bright, healthy smiles. We also spoke about making healthy food choices, while remembering that sugary treats should only be enjoyed in moderation and that brushing afterwards helps protect our teeth.

It has been another wonderful week filled with learning, creativity and plenty of smiles. We can't wait to see what adventures next week's theme will bring! 

Grade 00

What a vibrant and joyful week our Grade 00s spent embracing the beautiful sunshine and taking their learning outdoors!

This week, we have been learning all about life cycles, with a special focus on the fascinating life cycle of the butterfly. The children explored the different stages, from a tiny egg, to a caterpillar, then a chrysalis and finally a beautiful butterfly. They were captivated by the incredible transformation and enjoyed discovering how each stage is an important part of the butterfly’s journey.

We also took our learning outside, making the most of the wonderful sunshine! Our little artists took to the ground with paints and brushes, letting their creativity shine as they created colourful masterpieces on large sheets of paper in the fresh air. In addition to painting, the children enjoyed building and exploring with wooden blocks on the grass, sharing smiles, collaborating and strengthening their fine motor skills through hands-on play.

It was a week filled with curiosity, creativity, laughter and joyful outdoor learning!

Grade R 

What a wonderful week of exploring, creating and experimenting we have had in Grade R! Our little learners continued their senses adventure, with lots of hands-on activities and exciting discoveries.

Rabbits House
The Rabbits explored their senses through ice cream artwork, finger painting, paper tearing and a fun sensory table experience. They also designed their own glasses while exploring sight. In Robotics, they extended their car designs by adding loads and passengers and testing how this affected their cars' speed and mobility. 

Owls House
The Owls explored sight through creative self-portraits and funky sunglasses! They looked at different shapes and styles before designing their own, making each portrait unique and full of personality.

Christopher Robins House
The Christopher Robins warmed up with delicious hot chocolate from Chef Kerry and enjoyed exciting Innovation challenges, including building Duplo houses and taking on the “Floor is Lava” challenge to rescue their dinosaurs! They also explored sight through self-portraits and creative glasses.

Kanga’s House
The Kangas became little scientists while mixing cornflour, water and food colouring to create a fascinating substance that looks like a liquid but feels solid! They also made self-portraits, binoculars and became “sense detectives”, using their other senses to solve clues with their eyes closed.

Edward Bears House
The Edward Bears explored how light helps us see and created magical reveal artwork using light and darkness.  In Robotics, they built spinning tops with Duplo and experimented with gears to discover how they transfer motion. ⚙️

It has been a sensesational week filled with curiosity, creativity, teamwork and lots of fun learning! 

Outreach

2026 Information 

2026 Dates

Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 Sept
Spring Quarter: 14 Oct - 4 Dec 

2027 Dates

Provisional 2027 Quarter Dates

Summer - 19 Jan - 18 March
Autumn - 7 April - 23 June
Winter - 21 July - 22 Sept
Spring - 6 Oct - 3 Dec

Public Holidays 

Monday 10 August: National Women's Day
Thursday 24 September: Heritage Day

Winter Quarter Information

Winter Quarter Important Dates

WINTER QUARTER:

16 August: Happy Birthday Busi Mdunyelwa 

28 August: Cake Sale: Grade 00 and Grade R (Rabbit’s)

1 September: SPCA Dress-up Day @R20 donation in celebration of Spring Day

3 September: Grade R Graduation Photographs 

4 September: Museum of Illusions (All Grade R classes) 

  08:00 Depart from Christopher RobinPre-Primary 

  11:00 Return from Museum of Illusions

7 September:  Special Person’s Day Grade 000 11:00-12:00 (Tea and Coffee for Adults in Foyer) 

8 September:  Special Person’s Day Grade 00 11:00-12:00 (Tea and Coffee for Adults in Foyer)

9 September:  Special Person’s Day Crackerjacks 10:30 - 11:30 (Tea and Coffee for Adults in Foyer) 

10 September: Special Person’s Day Grade R 11:00-12:00 (Tea and Coffee for Adults in Foyer) 

9 September: Happy Birthday Kim Truebody 

11 September:  Cake Sale: Grade 000, Crackerjacks and Grade R (Owl’s)  

12 September:  Open Day

13 September:  Happy Birthday Ntombi Ntlabe

15 September:  Happy birthday Zodwa Ntombizodwa

14 September:  Reports sent to parents 

15 - 22 Sept:     Report Feedback Meetings Grade 0000 - R 

18 September   Class Photographs (All Grades)

19 September   Happy Birthday Amy Dean

21 September   Concert Photographs (Grade R)

22 September   Concert Photographs (Grade 000 and 00) 

22 September:  Happy Birthday Lungi Voxeka 

23 September: Last day of the quarter
Heritage Dress Up Day All Grades (Boerewors rolls for lunch) 

24 September:  Public Holiday: Heritage Day  

Puppet World - Better Together - 3 September (Grade 000)

Our Grade 000 learners are in for a wonderful treat on 3 September as they enjoy Puppet World's delightful interactive show, Better Together.

This heartwarming performance celebrates the values of friendship, kindness, compassion, diversity, and teamwork through the adventures of Toby and Talloula. As they journey together and meet a variety of creatures beneath the baobab tree, they discover that everyone is unique and that working together is the key to success.

We can't wait to see our children laugh, learn, and be inspired by this vibrant show, reminding us all that we truly are better together. 💛

Museum of Illusions - 4 September (Grade R)

The Museum of Illusions offers an exciting and immersive learning experience where children can explore a world of visual tricks, mind-bending puzzles and interactive exhibits. The museum features a variety of illusion-based rooms and installations designed to challenge perception, spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving. Learners will experience hands-on activities that demonstrate how the brain interprets images, depth, motion, and perspective—making it both an educational and entertaining outing.

The learners will travel to and from the Museum of Illusions on Springbok Atlas buses. Each class teacher, along with their classroom assistant, will accompany the children for the duration of the outing.

Departure from school: 08h15
Arrival at the Museum of Illusions: 09h00

Departure from Museum of Illusions: 11h15
Arrival back at school: 12h00 – 12h15

An amount of R280 will be billed to your account.

We the parents/guardian hereby indemnify, hold harmless and absolve the College, Directors, Principals, Teachers, Staff, Employees or Agents against all or any loss, damages (direct or indirect, consequential or otherwise) or injury, expenses (including medical expenses), costs (including legal costs) suffered and/or incurred by the Pupil in or on the premises of the College or in the course of any co-curricular and extra-mural activities of the College, including but not limited to games, sporting activities, educational tours and excursions or in consequence of any other act or omission of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising. 

Grade R Graduation

Heads Up: Graduation Photographs - Thursday, 3 September

The very special Grade R Graduation photographs will be taken on Thursday, 3 September during the morning. A treasured keepsafe for many years to come! 

On the morning of Thursday, 3 September, please send your little one to school dressed in the following: 

Girls:

• Pink full-length ballet tights (available from Belinda at Ballet Basics 021 558 9897 / 074 114 6661 or Dance Euphoria 021 557 6887)

• White or light coloured underwear (with no pictures)

• Ballet shoes for those that have. (The school will supply the girls with ballet shoes if they do not have a pair).

• A graduation cape and dress will be supplied for the photographs.

Please tie your daughter’s hair into a neat pony, should it be long enough. Please ensure that every item is clearly marked with your child’s name and that a change of clothes is sent for the remainder of the day after the photographs. 

UNIFORM SUPPLIER: SCHOOL & LEISURE, N1 CITY

The friendly staff at School & Leisure are waiting to serve you!

Address: SCHOOL & LEISURE

N1 City Mall, Shop 84B

Louwtjie Rothman Street, Goodwood

Trading Hours:

Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 18:00

Saturday: 08:30 – 16:00

Sunday: 09:00 – 13:00

Contact No.: Tel 021 205 1951

Email: goodwood@schoolandleisure.co.za

Website: www.schoolandleisure.co.za

Store Manager: Ashley Schwartz

You may order online by visiting the website.

Second-hand school uniforms

Please contact Tania Fourie if you would like to buy or sell good-quality second-hand uniforms.  She is also the supplier of Froggy School shoes.  Contact details:  +27 83 631 7683 or tania@sportstudio.co.za

Special Person's Day

We warmly invite one special person to join your little one for a memorable morning in their classroom, filled with fun, laughter and precious shared moments.

This is a wonderful opportunity to step into your child's world, take part in classroom activities, and create special memories together. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or another cherished family member, we look forward to welcoming you for this morning.

iStore Education

Happy Birthday Busi! 

Wishing our wonderful Christopher Robin house assistant, Busi, a very happy birthday on 16 August! 💐

Thank you for all the care, kindness and hard work you bring to our school each day. We hope your special day is filled with love, laughter and lots of happiness! ❤️