From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents

Ah, to be on top of a hill…

To feel your heart pulsing like the wondrous machine that it is. To fill your lungs with the sweetest, fresh air… To be able to remove your mask!

Last Thursday, the High School students and staff took a much-needed day away from the classroom to recharge in the natural environment of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Everyone enjoyed the pleasure of sunbeams stroking our skins, birds heralding our approach as they lightly flitted about and the limitless, breath-taking views. It was a well-earned respite from the academic challenges of the term and the stifling restrictions of the times we live in.

It occurs to me that hiking to the top of a hill or mountain is a fitting metaphor for the strive for success. To enjoy the magnificent views, and feel the thrill of exertion and success, takes effort. In fact, the very effort itself is enjoyable if one’s perspective is aligned with the end goal. Every step, is either a step closer to the intended destination or a learning opportunity. The important part is not to give up. Certainly, one can take a breather; look back and realise how much progress has been made, but never give up.

And this philosophy applies to teaching. And to parenting. It may require us to dig deeply to take the next step and specially to persevere when it would be so easy to give up, shrug our shoulders and let it be. But our children deserve the necessary guidance to ensure that they reach the top of the hill and can enjoy the thrill of success. They need to be taught that discipline is a necessary step to ensure progress; that without it, the climb will be so much more difficult. If we as teachers and parents work together to guide our children in the same direction, we cannot fail, and neither can they. The summit beckons; it requires effort, but every step is worth it.

It has been a quieter week at School as the Primary and High schools get to grips with the term’s work and show what they have learned. The exams are in full swing and our students have risen to the challenge with courage and determination. In the Foundation Phase, the teachers are busy with assessments and everyday class activities. There is a general hum of activity in the unseasonably warm weather as we wind up the term.

A few house matters:

• Please note that our students are not allowed to visit the coffee shop at the church to buy lunch. We simply do not have the resources to accompany a child to the church and cannot allow them to go over on their own. Lunches are available through Danelle at Nels Bakery for R37 a day should you wish to order for your child.(contact the office and they will send you the necessary information)
• We appeal to our parents to help out with the bottleneck created on Fridays at home time. If your child is not waiting for you and ready to climb into the car, please go and park at the church parking and fetch your child on foot.

Thank you to all our parents for their support and encouragement. We miss the social events that we would ordinarily have had throughout the year and the interaction with our parents. Nevertheless, we are grateful to know that our parents continue to support the school and are content. Please feel free to give us feedback when necessary – we cannot improve on that of which we are not aware.

Wishing you a wonderful family weekend.

Cristina Sanchez Black
Principal