Dear Parents

Fostering Independence in Young Children

Helping young children develop independence is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Simple tasks like dressing, tidying up, and making small choices help build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of responsibility. Encouraging independence isn’t about expecting perfection—it’s about creating opportunities for children to try, learn, and grow at their own pace.

Consistent routines provide a strong foundation. Visual schedules can help children remember tasks like washing hands or packing their bags while offering choices—such as picking between two snacks—and encourage independent thinking. Allowing children the time to complete tasks, even if it takes a little longer, builds perseverance and self-reliance.

Here are some age-appropriate ways to support independence at home and in the classroom:

Self-Care & Hygiene

• Washing hands before meals

• Brushing teeth with supervision

• Dressing in easy-to-wear clothing

• Putting shoes on (Velcro or slip-ons)

Mealtime Responsibilities

• Using a spoon and fork correctly

• Pouring water into a cup (with a small jug)

• Cleaning up small spills

• Helping to set and clear the table

Cleaning & Organization

• Packing away toys

• Placing dirty clothes in the laundry basket

• Putting books back on the shelf

• Sorting toys into bins

Social & Emotional Skills

• Saying “please” and “thank you”

• Taking turns during play

• Asking for help when needed

• Greeting others politely

Outdoor & Household Chores

• Watering plants with a small watering can

• Carrying a small backpack or lunchbox

• Helping to feed pets (with supervision)

• Matching socks while folding laundry

Encouraging independence means allowing children to try, make mistakes, and learn along the way. With patience and positive reinforcement, we can help them gain confidence and essential life skills—one step at a time.

Hat Policy

As the weather remains hot, we kindly ask all parents to ensure that their children wear a hat when playing outside, especially during outdoor activities such as extra-murals. The sun is very harsh, and protecting our children's skin is a priority. To encourage this, we are reintroducing the ‘No Hat, No Play’ rule.

Please also ensure that your child has a layer of sunblock applied each morning. Teachers will reapply sunblock before outdoor play.

Thank you for your support!

Water Bottles

We have noticed that many children do not have water bottles at school. Please ensure that your child brings a clearly labeled water bottle each day. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in the heat, and having their own bottle makes it easier for teachers to encourage regular water breaks.

Health 

Registered Nurse- Amy Dolley

2025 Dates 

Please note that there has been a slight change to the 2025 dates indicated in blue below:

Provisional dates for 2025
Summer Quarter: 20 January – 28 March
Autumn Quarter: 08 April- 25 June
*Mid-term break: 29 April – 2 May
Winter Quarter: 22 July – 23 Sept
Spring Quarter: 14 October – 05 December

Important Dates - Summer Quarter 2025

24-27 March: Grade 0000 - 00 Feedback meetings & Grade R Report meetings

Grade 0000 - 00: Verbal feedback meetings (no report)

21 March: Public Holiday - Human Rights Day

28 March: Last day of the quarter (school closes at 13:00)

Extra Mural Open Week 

We warmly invite parents to our Extra-Mural Open Week from 14–20 March! This is a great opportunity to observe your child’s lesson, experience their progress, and, for some activities, even join in. Attendance is entirely optional, but we would love to share this special experience with you. We look forward to welcoming you!

26 March: Little Chefs (Group 2)

Summer Quarter Extra Mural Lessons

Please see below which extra murals have concluded for the quarter, and which will have one more lesson.

• Ballet:
  - Grade 000 & 00 – Concluded
  - Grade R – One more lesson on Monday

• Cricket: Last lesson on Tuesday

• Individual Piano & Violin Lessons: Concluded unless otherwise notified by the music teacher

• Intro-Golf: Concluded

• Little Chefs:
  - Wednesday Group 1 – Concluded (attended their open day)
  - Wednesday Group 2 – One more lesson for their open day next Wednesday
  - Friday Group 3 – The last lesson next Friday

  • Minor Repertoire: Concluded

  • Orchestra: Last lesson on Friday

  • Speech and Drama: All grades – Concluded

  • Swimming: Last lesson next Tuesday (including the compulsory Grade R session)

  • Tennis: One more lesson on Monday

Autumn Quarter Extra Mural Sign-up Form 

Please follow the link below to sign up your little one for the Autumn Quarter Extra Mural activities. The cut-off date for sign-ups is Thursday, 10 April. After that, the form will be locked for submissions, and extra murals will start on Monday, 14 April. 

Autumn Quarter Extra Mural Sign-up Form 

Due to the wide selection of activities on offer, some extra murals will take place at the same time, and parents/learners will, therefore, have to make a choice. The Grade R daily programme is enriched with weekly compulsory swimming lessons, Robotics lessons, recorder lessons, and isiXhosa lessons, all included in their tuition fee. 

Should you wish to enrol your little one in beginner piano lessons, a piano at home is not required. Parents are welcome to contact W. Heuer for rental options. To book a piano or for more details, contact Hans: E-mail hans@heuerpianos.co.za or call 021 8872938. 

For more information on the various extra murals on offer, kindly follow this link:

Extra Mural information

Autumn Quarter Important Dates 

8 April: First Day of School

9 April: Petting Zoo Grade 0000 & R

10 April: Petting Zoo Grade 000 & 00

11 April: Grade R Cake Sale

14 April: Extra Murals Commence

18 April Public Holiday - Good Friday 

21 April: Public Holiday - Family Day

23 April: World Book Day - Dress Up as your favourite book character 

27 April: Public Holiday: Freedom Day

28 April: Public Holiday

MID-TERM BREAK

29 APRIL - 2 MAY

1 May: Public Holiday: Workers Day  

5 May: Author: Roslynne Toerien visiting Gr R - 3

9 May: Slipper Day - Reach for a Dream Foundation

11 May: Mother’s Day

14 May: May Play Photographs - Grade 000 & R

15 May: May Play Photographs - Grade 00 

16 May: Grade 00 Cake Sale 

23 May: Grade 00 Occupational Dress-up Day 

24 May: Open Day 

28 May: Build your burger with Chef Kerry 

29 May: 09:00 - 10:00 May Play (Grade 000 - R) 

29 May: 10:30 - 11:00 May Play (Grade 000 - R) 

30 May: 09:00 - 10:00 May Play (Grade 000 - R) 

30 May: 10:30 - 11:00 May Play (Grade 000 - R) 

1 June: International Children’s Day 

  Happy Birthday Kerry Kemp

2 June: Happy Birthday Chanay De Klerk

International Children's Day- Movie & Pop Corn (Grade 000 - R) in the hall
Crackerjacks Music & Marshmallow in their classes       

13 June: Reports sent to parents 

15 June: Father’s Day

16 June: Public Holiday: Youth Day 

17-20 June: Report Feedback Meetings Grade 0000 - R

20 June: Grade 000 and Crackerjacks Cake Sale 

24 June: Winter Olympics and R20 ‘entry’ fee towards Grant Pienaar Foundation

25 June: Last day of the quarter  

29 June: Happy Birthday Litho Voxeka

Parking Reminder

We kindly remind parents to be courteous and respectful towards our neighbours by avoiding parking on their private lawns or driveways. They may contact the traffic department for assistance if neighbours feel it necessary.

If no parking is available in the driveway, we advise circling the area until a spot opens up.

Things To Do During The Holidays

Atlantic Tennis Academy 

Conclusion

As we wrap up this week, we want to extend a big thank you to all the parents who took the time to attend our Extra Mural Open Week. Your presence meant the world to the children, and they were beaming with pride as they showed off their skills!

Watching the little ones showcase their talents and hard work was truly heartwarming, and we know these memories will be cherished for a long time.

Important Reminder: School will close next week Friday at 13:00, and there will be no aftercare on that day. Please make the necessary arrangements for pickup.

We wish our children a wonderful break and look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, 8 April.

Thank you again for your support – we look forward to many more special moments ahead!