Dear Parents
A quick trip. A busy morning. One very important click.
It takes only a moment to buckle a child safely into the car, but that one small action matters on every journey. And yet, as cars leave our school premises, we too often see children standing between the seats, little faces and arms hanging out of open windows, children sitting on the front passenger seat and, most concerning of all, children simply not buckled up.
Perhaps home is just around the corner. Perhaps it is only a short trip to the shops or to the next afternoon activity. Perhaps there was a protest about getting into the car seat and everyone is already running late.
But an accident does not know that we are only going down the road.
As parents, we spend so much of our time protecting our children. We hold their hands in parking areas, teach them about safety, put sunscreen on little noses and remind them to wear their helmets. Yet one of the simplest and most important things we can do happens every single time they get into a car: make sure they are safely and correctly restrained.
A seatbelt is not optional. A car seat is not something we use only on long journeys. And the front seat is not the exciting “big child” milestone our little ones may think it is.
Children learn their habits from us. If buckling up happens every time, before the car moves, there is no discussion and no negotiation. It simply becomes part of getting into the car.
So, this week, a gentle reminder to all of us: before turning the key, check the little people in the car.
Bottom on the seat.
Seatbelt or car-seat harness secure.
No arms or heads out of windows.
Safely seated in the back.
Even when we are late. Even when they complain. Even when we are only travelling a few hundred metres.
Because the most precious cargo we will ever carry is sitting right there in our car.
We would like to warmly congratulate our newly elected 2027 Executive Prefects from the Secondary Faculty! We are so proud of this group of young leaders and fondly remember their darling faces from their Christopher Robin Pre-Primary days. We look forward to seeing them embrace their new roles and wish them every success for their matric year ahead, as they lead and serve.
Prefects 2027
BACK: Zacchary Rawat (Learner Affairs), Ashley Machine (Technology), Joshua Wenlock (Events), Alexander Petersen (Learner Integration), Aphelele Momoti (Houses), Luke Le Grange (Culture), Joshua Kalapac (Sport), Madison Coleman (Sport), Puneet Nagendrakumar (Academics), Ryan Arnaudov (Technology)
2ND ROW: Tristan Strümpher (Technology), Shihan Huang (Diversity and Inclusion), Sabina Angel (Events), Leigh Maharage (Houses), Nolwazi Ngcobo (Events), Rebekah Esterhuizen (Learner Integration), Emma Lilienfeld (Sport), Aden van Rhyn (Academics), Keren Mulamba-Kiasso (Diversity and Inclusion)
1ST ROW: Jenna Simpson (Service), Hannah Burke (Houses), Logan De Araujo (Service), Kaylee-Jade Mestre (Learner Affairs), Alecea Vieira (Culture), Joshua Crosson (Culture), Liat Demissew (Learner Integration)
FRONT: Sesona Mbovane (Deputy Head), Gerhard Vosloo (Head), Alexa-Rose Schreuder (Head), Chulumanco Mdudu (Deputy Head)
Grade R Graduation 2015
How many of our 2027 prefects do you recognise?
Each grade has the opportunity to contribute to a cake sale, and the children eagerly look forward to their special treat. We ask that cupcakes, popcorn, crisps, muffins, etc., be sent to the class on the allocated cake sale date. Please ensure all items are nut-free and do not include sweets.
To keep appetites in check, we recommend that children spend no more than R2 at the cake sale. You may send R2 on the day in a sealed envelope/packet or prepay for the quarter (R6 per term, R24 for the year).
🍰 Upcoming Cake Sale Date 🍰
📅 28 August: Grade 00 and Grade R (Rabbits)
📅 11 September: Grade 000 and Crackerjacks and Grade R (Owl’s)
We appreciate your support in making our Cake Sale a success! If you would like to contribute by sending in baked/bought goods or snacks, please complete this form.
We have space for 8 parents to help sell treats on the day. If you would like to volunteer, please complete the form below.
Cake Sale Parent Volunteer Sign Up
Thank you for your support!
This week has been filled with lots of creativity, curiosity and fun! Our little ones enjoyed learning all about land transport, especially trains. Our Crackerjacks had so much fun making their very own trains by sponge-print painting with different shapes and colours.
We spent some special time looking at our baby photos and chatting about how much we have grown and changed! They were so fascinated to see how tiny they used to be compared to all the wonderful things they can do now. There were plenty of happy faces, sweet moments and curiosity throughout the week as we explored and learned together!
🦋 The Wonderful Life Cycle of a Butterfly! 🌸
This week, our Tigger’s House and Piglet’s House children have been exploring the fascinating world of life cycles, with a special focus on the amazing transformation of a butterfly!
We learnt about the different stages of the butterfly life cycle — from a tiny egg, to a hungry caterpillar, then a chrysalis, and finally a beautiful butterfly. The children also learnt a very special new word: metamorphosis! We explained that metamorphosis is the amazing process of transformation that takes place as a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. The children loved practising their new big word!
Our little artists created their very own butterfly wings using coffee filters. Using droppers, they carefully added different coloured dyes and watched as the colours spread and blended together to create bright, colourful wings.
We also had fun cutting and sequencing the butterfly life cycle, putting each stage in the correct order. To make our learning even more hands-on, we created our own butterfly life cycles using different colours and varieties of pasta. This was a wonderful sensory activity and helped the children remember the different stages through touch and visual learning.
Of course, we couldn't learn about caterpillars without becoming little garden explorers! 🌿🔍 We searched around our garden for caterpillars and discovered how they munch away on the leaves as they grow.
It has been a colourful, creative and exciting week of discovering how one tiny caterpillar can transform into a beautiful butterfly and learning a fantastic new word along the way: METAMORPHOSIS! 🐛💚🦋
Well done, Tigger’s House and Piglet’s House! 🌈✨
The Grade 00s made the most of a beautiful, sun-drenched day outdoors, filling the school grounds with pure joy and laughter. From climbing high on the wooden jungle gym with big smiles to running across the lush green lawn waving delicate ribbon streamers, every moment was full of energy and wonder. The excitement reached its peak as the little ones eagerly chased shimmering bubbles drifting through the clear blue sky, embracing the magic of outdoor play and friendship in the warm sunshine.
This week, Grade R was filled with sound!
From discovering how our remarkable ears work to creating our very own musical instruments, the children explored the wonderful world of sound through science, art, music and play. They experimented with shakers, tambourines and pan pipes, discovering how different materials and movements can change the sounds we hear. Some even explored the tiny bones inside our ears and how sound waves travel, while others put their listening skills to the test by tuning in to the sounds all around them.
The exploration of sound naturally extended into many other areas of learning too. There was painting, drawing, building and balancing, fine-motor work, early literacy and plenty of creative thinking along the way. And what better way to experience sound than through music and movement? Our outdoor spaces came alive as the children danced, moved and enjoyed making music together.
It was a wonderfully noisy week of learning - in all the best ways! 🎶
Every day, our little visitors bring smiles, laughter and the most unexpected moments into the office. Here are a few precious snippets we collected this week. 💛
After being stung by a bee, one brave little visitor calmly reassured us:
“It’s okay… I’m not Bellergic!”
A little bit of worry, a lot of bravery, and a reminder that our children often handle surprises better than we expect.
“Liezl, I need a new locker label. It can’t be the same one. We’re getting confused!”
The funny part? We had printed the exact same locker label last week… because that was the one that had been requested! 😂
With the biggest sparkle in her eye and a special love for our Tiny Tots class, one little regular visitor confidently answered:
“A babysitter, of course!”
Well, that sounds like a very well-thought-out career plan! 💕
One little visitor came into the office with a sore ear and explained the situation very seriously:
“I have a sore ear, but the cotton wool keeps flying out of my ear… I have no idea why!”
We couldn’t help but wonder about the mysterious flying cotton wool! 😂
When Teacher Chanay mentioned that her leg was sore, one little visitor was quick to offer some very important medical advice:
“Teacher Chanay, it’s growing pains!”
Problem solved! 😄
While Principal Riëtte took one of our little ones back to the tennis courts, we were reminded once again of the sweet little moments that make our days so special.
On seeing Principal Riëtte, one little visitor had the perfect suggestion:
“Principal Riëtte, please come and lie with us and relax.”
Honestly… after a busy day at school, that might not be such a bad idea! 😂💛
These little moments may seem small, but they are the ones that make our days brighter. They remind us of the joy, honesty, imagination and wonderfully unexpected wisdom that children bring into our world every single day.
Until next week, from the office… keep those little quotes coming! 💛
Have you ever watched a child build a tower, only to have it tumble down — and immediately start building it again?
Or perhaps you have heard the endless questions: Why did that happen? What will happen if I do this? How does that work?
This is curiosity in action, and it is also where STEAM learning begins.
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. While these may sound like rather grown-up subjects, our children explore them naturally every day through play, investigation, creativity and discovery.
You may be more familiar with the term STEM. The addition of the A for Arts recognises the important role creativity plays in learning and problem-solving.
Art in STEAM is about far more than painting and drawing. It includes music, movement, storytelling, dramatic play, design and finding creative ways to express an idea. It encourages children not only to ask “How does this work?” but also “What could I create?”
It doesn't necessarily look like five separate subjects. In fact, some of the richest learning happens when they overlap.
A group of children building a bridge with blocks may be exploring engineering as they work out how to make it strong, mathematics as they compare sizes and shapes, science as they discover balance and weight, and art as they decide what their bridge should look like.
When children investigate water, shadows, plants or different materials, they are becoming little scientists.
When they use magnifying glasses, light panels and other simple tools to investigate and discover, they are developing an understanding of technology.
When they build, construct, design and find a way to make something work, they are thinking like engineers.
When they paint, draw, create, move, make music or tell stories, they are using the arts to communicate and develop their ideas.
And when they count, sort, measure, compare, recognise patterns and explore shapes, they are developing their understanding of mathematics.
What makes STEAM so valuable in the early years is not necessarily the finished product — it is everything that happens along the way.
Children learn to ask questions, make predictions, test their ideas and try something different when the first attempt doesn't work. They collaborate, negotiate, share ideas and begin to understand cause and effect.
And perhaps one of the loveliest lessons of all is discovering that getting it wrong is part of figuring it out.
There is often no single “right” answer in STEAM. Instead, we encourage our children to wonder:
What do you think will happen?
Why do you think that happened?
What else could you try?
How can we find out?
These simple questions encourage children to think rather than simply wait for an answer.
Our Innovation experiences give our children wonderful opportunities to do exactly that — to investigate, build, create, experiment, problem-solve and, most importantly, remain curious.
Take a look at some of our little innovators in action this week. You may see children playing and having fun — but look a little closer, and you will see scientists, engineers, mathematicians, artists and wonderfully curious young minds at work.
It is time for the Cutest Creature Contest and although everyone knows there is nothing cuter than a puppy, the competition is fierce. In this beauty pageant with a difference, the competitors are dressed to impress, with descriptions in fun alliteration. From donkeys in denim, walruses in woolly waistcoats and bouncing ballerina bears, every page is a joyful surprise and it is going to be one of those books that our little readers will want to enjoy over and over again.
The endpages make for exciting reading too, as they are filled with the most fascinating facts about the animals featured in the story. Perfect for Reading Age 3 and older.
Elise Crouse - Librarian
A big thank you to Liam for celebrating his birthday by donating the very special storybook The Very Lazy Ladybird to our classroom library! 💛📖
We are so grateful for this thoughtful gift and know that it will bring lots of smiles, giggles and wonderful reading adventures to our little learners. 🐞✨
Happy Birthday, Liam! Thank you for helping us grow our love of reading! 🌈📚
A big thank you to Tarini Pather for donating the very special storybook Little Red Riding Hood to our classroom library! ❤️📖
We are so grateful for this thoughtful gift and know that this much-loved tale will bring lots of excitement, imagination and wonderful reading adventures to our learners. 🌳✨
Thank you, Tarini, for helping us grow our love of reading and for adding another beautiful story to our classroom collection! 🌈📚
Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 Sept
Spring Quarter: 14 Oct - 4 Dec
Provisional 2027 Quarter Dates
Summer - 19 Jan - 18 March
Autumn - 7 April - 23 June
Winter - 21 July - 22 Sept
Spring - 6 Oct - 3 Dec
Monday 10 August: National Women's Day
Thursday 24 September: Heritage Day
WINTER QUARTER:
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.
The very special Grade R Graduation photographs will be taken on Thursday, 3 September, during the morning. A treasured keepsake for many years to come!
The invitation will be sent closer to the time, but in the meantime, please pencil in Friday, 6 November, from 08:45–11:00 for our special Grade R Graduation Ceremony.
On the morning of Thursday, 3 September, please send your little one to school dressed in the following:
Boys:
• Grey school shorts
• Grey long school socks folded over (Only available to purchase in-store from the School &
Leisure Uniform Shop, or Online) (Link)
• Black school shoes
• White short-sleeved school shirt with button-up collar
• School tie. (Only available to purchase in-store from the School &
Leisure Uniform Shop, or Online) (Link)
• A graduation cape will be supplied for the photographs
• No blazers are required for the photographs or graduation ceremony
Boys’ grey school shorts and white button-up short-sleeve shirts and black shoes, can be purchased at Woolworths, Edgars, Ackermans, Jet or PEP. Kindly label all clothing items.
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
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
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 has parent savings discounts on its products.
Be sure to take a look.
College parents are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory for free – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/.
Should you be interested in marketing your business to over 1000 families, email: marketing@parklands.co.za to get started.
All listings will be subject to the College’s final approval.
This week's feature business is...
Next Friday, we’re getting into the Springbok spirit!
Come dressed in your green and gold, your favourite Springbok gear, or anything proudly South African as we gear up for one of rugby’s greatest rivalries:
Let’s fill our school with Bokkie spirit and cheer on our boys together!