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Issue 22

07 August

2019

From the Headmistress' desk Welcome back to Mrs Louw who has returned to school earlier than planned. We appreciate her willingness to cut her maternity leave short and we are very pleased to have her back. You will have seen that Miss Green’s classroom is being worked on and we hope to have the renovations completed by the middle of the term. Both swimming pools are in the process of being completely revamped. Once these major renovations have been undertaken, we will continue to upgrade the pool area. Our swimming pools are such important facilities for both learning and pleasure, especially in our climate. We are also adding lanes and lights, as we plan to add more evening events. Thank you to the Board of Governors for making these renovations possible. Our many years of Swimathon have paid off! Our College pupils, with Mr Mutusva and Mrs van den Heever, visited both Namakgale and Phalaborwa schools to promote our school as a high school option on Friday. Many of the same pupils’ faces could be seen assisting the community clean team to clean up our town on this Friday and last Friday afternoon. Well done and thank you to the College pupils who were such good ambassadors for our school and who continue to be pupils of which we can be so proud. Wishing all the ladies in our Kingfisher Private School family a very special Women’s Day and Women’s Month. We value you and the contribution you make to our school, community and country.

KINGFISHER PRIVATE SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Tel: 015 781 2410 Email: kingfisherschool@telkomsa.net Website: www.kingfisherschool.co.za

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FINGERPRINT GATE TIMES

Morning Open: 06:00 Close: 07:10 Open: 07:50 Close: 08:10

Afternoon Open: 12:50 Close: 17:10

There will be NO supervision between 06:00 – 07:00.

If you drop your child off earlier than 07:00 it will be at your own

risk.

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School Attendance: A Key to Success

By making your child's school attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child's school success and setting a good example.

One of the most important things your child can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic: going to school every day. In fact, research has shown that your child's attendance record may be the biggest factor influencing her academic success.

Benefits of daily attendance

By attending class regularly, your child is more likely to keep up with the daily lessons and assignments and write tests on time.

There are other benefits as well:

• Achievement: San Diego Unified School District found that students who attended school regularly were more

likely to pass reading and maths assessments than students who didn't attend school regularly.

• Opportunity: For older students, being in school every day gives them a chance to learn more about college and scholarship opportunities, and to take the important exams they need to build a successful academic record.

• Exposure to the English language: Regular school attendance can also help students who are learning English by giving them the chance to master the skills and information they need more quickly and accurately — even in other subjects!

• Being part of the school community: Just by being present at school, your child is learning how to be a good citizen by participating in the school community, learning valuable social skills, and developing a broader world view.

• The importance of education: Your commitment to school attendance will also send a message to your child that education is a priority for your family, going to school every day is a critical part of educational success, and that it's important to take your responsibilities seriously — including going to school.

When your child misses school

So, what happens when your child needs to miss school due to a medical appointment or family trip? Sometimes these situations can't be avoided. In such cases:

• Contact the school immediately. The absence needs to be excused and talk with your child's teacher to make sure your child doesn't fall behind on any of the lessons that she missed.

• Judge these situations carefully. Mandatory student attendance is a policy that schools take seriously. Unexcused absences will go on a student's permanent record; the consequences of your child missing class can

include falling behind on lessons, lower participation grades, and poorer performance on quizzes and tests.

• What you can do

As a parent or guardian, it is possible to plan ahead in order to limit your child's absences, make school

attendance a priority, and help your child from falling behind if it is necessary to miss a day of school. You can do this in the following ways:

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• Help your child get to school on time every day. Babysitting, problems with a car or late taxi, and the weather are not permissible reasons to miss school. Frequently coming to school late may also be noted on your child's permanent record and will make it difficult for your child to stay caught up with the first lessons of each morning. Teach your child how to set and use an alarm clock, and keep the television turned off in the morning.

• Follow the school's guidelines and attendance policy, and report excused absences immediately. At the beginning of the school year, review the school's rules and make sure you understand whom you need to call if your child is going to be absent.

• Check homework. Check each night to see that your child understands and completes the day's homework assignments.

• Take an active role. Stay involved with your child's daily experiences at school by asking how the school day went, and then listening carefully to what your child shares with you — both the successes and struggles. Make it a point to meet your child's teacher and friends.

• Locate potential sources of anxiety. If your child frequently appears upset or reluctant to go to school and cannot tell you why, schedule an appointment with his or her teacher to talk about possible sources of the

anxiety.

• Keep updated on school events and announcements. Read the school documents that your child brings home and take note of important announcements and dates, such as back-to-school night and parent-teacher conferences.

• Try to limit the amount of time that your child misses school due to medical appointments or illness. If possible, avoid scheduling doctor's appointments during the school day. Allow your child to stay

home only in the case of contagious or severe illnesses.

• Schedule family events with your child's school schedule in mind. Plan holiday celebrations or family trips during weekends or school vacations. In the case of family emergencies or unexpected trips, talk to your child's teacher as far in advance as possible and set up a way that your child can work ahead or bring

important homework on the trip.

• Plan ahead. Encourage your child to prepare for the next school day by laying out clothes the night before and helping to fix lunches.

• Promote good health. Make sure that your child eats a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and has opportunities to exercise every day through a sports team or playtime outside.

• Create a restful environment. Finally, make sure that your child can relax before bedtime by doing something quite like reading rather than do something stimulating, like watching television. Ensure that your child gets enough quality sleep — ideal amounts range from 8 to 12 hours. Getting enough sleep will help her

get up on time, be refreshed in the morning, and feel ready for a full day of learning ahead!

• Students who miss days, weeks, or months of school at a time will have a difficult time passing their courses and catching up to their peers. For older students, prolonged absences may make it very difficult to graduate from high school.

By making your child's school attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child's school success and setting a good example. Remember — everyday counts!

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DATES TO REMEMBER – 2019

Mini-hockey matches 08 August 13:30 PUBLIC HOLIDAY 09 August IP Maths Quiz 13 August 14:10 – 16:00 Lost property check 14 August 07:30 U/13 Boys & Girls Hockey 14 August 14:30 @ Red School IP Chess League match 14 August All phases report cycle two reports issued 15 August 14:00 – 16:00 No co-curricular activities 15 August

Happy Birthday Happy birthday to the following Kingfishers:

Fledglings: Tumisho Nakene 12 August Grade 5: Baakedi Seshothela 11 August Grade 7: Thabo Ledwaba 08 August

TUCKSHOP – MENU

Thursday 08 August: Tuesday 13 August:

Chicken Burgers R20 Mince & cheese R15

Pies R20 Pies R20

Friday 09 August: Wednesday 14 August:

PUBLIC HOLIDAY Yankees R10

Chips & Russian R25

Chips R15

Monday 12 August:

Yankees R10

Hot chips & Russians R25

Hot chips R15

Cake Sales 2019

21 August Grade 1 - 3 18 September Gr 4 - 5

16 October College 30 October Grade 6 - 7

STAR OF THE WEEK

Star of the week: Unprepared reading Grade 1: Koketso Malesa Grade 2: Mfundo Sindane Grade 3: Michaela Montjoie

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FOYER DISPLAY 2019

12 August Grade 8 26 August Grade 9

9 September Fledglings 8 October Grade R

21 October Grade 1 4 November Grade 2

18 November Grade 3

MATHEMATICS CLUB The Intersen Phase Mathematics Quiz will be held on Tuesday 13 August from 14:10pm to 16:00. The following pupils will

be representing their teams in their grades:

Grade 4 – Malachites Grade 4 – Kookaburras

• Xongile Maluleke

• Puseletso Mokgalaka

• Shiluva Mnisi

• Takondwa Zulu – reserve

• Elaina Siju

• Devin Mhondiwa

• Kamogelo Mabilo

• Thusano Kutumela and Thando Ntsepe –

reserves

Grade 5 – Malachites Grade 5 – Kookaburras

• Sandile Makgatho

• Lehlonolo Moremi • Kopano Shai

• Mothapa Moraba – reserve

• Mbali Mthimkhulu

• Mosa Motloutsi • Bomolemo Moletsane

• Sharon Joseph – reserve Grade 6 – Malachites Grade 6 – Kookaburras

• Aman Pati • Tyvie Mashimbyi

• Nsovo Nkwinika • Gracious Hlatshwayo – reserve

• Daniella Montjoie

• Vivek Pauly

• Dineo Magoro

• Mafasa Nkoana – reserve

Grade 7 – Malachites Grade 7 – Kookaburras

• Kelebogile Mosweu

• Koketso Mojela • Success Maluleke • Nhlonipho Mothibe – reserve

• Mickey Mkhabele

• Monthati Rankweteke • Kitso Nkabiti

• Dikeno Mashile – reserve

AMESA MATHEMATICS FINAL ROUND Six Kingfisher pupils travelled to the University of Limpopo for the third and final round of the AMESA Mathematics Olympiad. The following pupils received certificates of participation: Aman Pati Dineo Magoro Nsovo Nkwinika Omphile Masuluke Christine Moodley Kelebogile Mosweu came in 6th position in the Level 1 Group (Grade 4 – 7) and was awarded a Certificate of Participation, a medal and a trophy. Thank you to the parents who travelled to Polokwane. Thank you to the Phalaborwa Foundation for providing transport.

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SPORT & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

CROSS COUNTRY AND

MINI-HOCKEY

Cross country and mini-hockey will take

place on the 17th of August in Tzaneen at

Ben Vorster School. Participation letters

were issued today. A programme of the

event is included in the newsletter. Buses

will leave Kingfisher School at 05:15 and will

return to the school at 14:30.

CYLCLING – TOUR DE PLAAS

The cycling race, Tour de Plaas, will take place

at Merensky on the 17th of August.

Participation letters were issued today.

Cyclists who are interested can get letters

from Mrs Jordaan. They must remember to

register on Webscorer and pay R70 to Mrs

Jordaan.

All transport to Tzaneen will be R 150 per

pupil.

CHESS MATCH

The chess team played a match against Meridian College on Monday the 05th of August. Results will be in next week’s newsletter. Thank you to Aunty Moonyeen, Aunty Loveness and all the chess coaches for helping to make this event a success.

VOLLEYBALL FRIENDLY MATCH RESCHEDULED

The King’s Court School will be coming to play friendly matches against our volleyball teams on the 20th of August and not on the 15th of August. All volleyball players are encouraged to train on Tuesdays and Thursdays. HOCKEY

Due to league commitments, the Red

School can no longer play against

Kingfisher School on the 14th of August.

We are in the process of organising other

friendly matches. Ms Green will notify the

hockey players at a later stage about the

matches that will be played .

CHESS LEAGUE RESULTS

Round 1: 31 July Kingfisher School 4 vs Green School 2 Round 2: 07 August BBCA vs Kingfisher School

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MINI-HOCKEY MATCHES – CANCELLED

The mini-hockey matches that

were going to take place on the

8th of August have been

cancelled.

MINI-HOCKEY

The mini hockey pupils played their first hockey game at Duiwelskloof Primary on Saturday the 3rd of August. Well done, boys and girls.

CHESS TOURNAMENT

Kingfisher Private School will be hosting a chess tournament on Saturday the 17th of August. All chess

players were issued with letters containing further details today. The reply slip and the money must be

returned by Friday the 09th of August. Please note: Chess sets can be ordered from Mrs Jansen van Rensburg. They are a R150 each.

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ACTIVITIES

SPUR DATES 2019

26 November

BOOK SALE

Thank you to all who supported the school and the pupils at the annual book sale. Books for R29000 were sold, which is R6000 better than last year. In total, 43 new books will be added to our library collection. Thank you to the following pupils who donated new books to the library: Grade 4: Ivan Mashiane – 1 book Sinakhokonke Khumalo – 2 books Grade 5: Hayden Cooper – 1 book

GRADE 9 COMMUNITY

PROJECT

On Friday 23 August, the Grade 9s will help Mrs Marietjie Marѐ in her quest for a cleaner community. Mrs Marѐ and other citizens of Phalaborwa are on a mission to clean the town of litter one street at a time. On the 23rd of August, the Grade 9s will clean the area around Bosvlier Street, that is the street just north of the R71 or Hendrick van Eck Street. The pupils will be transported to Bosvlier Street, from where their parents will pick them up at 16:00.

ESKOM SCIENCE EXPOSITION

The regional round will take place at Namakgale Foskor Hall from 16 to 17 August. Please make sure you are in the hall at 7am on 16 August and start working on your board.

INTERSEN PHASE & COLLEGE REPORTS

Intersen Phase and College pupils are reminded that their reports will be handed out on Thursday 15 August from 14:00 – 16:00. Parents must pick up the reports, as no reports will be sent home with children. The Brag Afternoon and parent meetings will take place at the same time. Letters containing further information were issued last week. GRADE 11 OUTREACH COMMUNITY PROJECT

The grade 11 Community project on 2 August went well. We thank all the parents who made donations towards this noble cause.

GRADE 1 – 3 CAKE SALE

Grade 1-3 Cake Sale will take

place on the 21st of August.

FOUNDATION PHASE

REPORTS

Gr1-3 reports will be handed out to

PARENTS only, on the 15th of

August. However, the Foundation

Phase Brag Evening will be on the

19th of September. Foundation Phase

Reports will be handed out from

14:00.

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SECOND-HAND UNIFORM SHOP

Parents are welcome to visit our second-hand

uniform shop.

Parents, please donate unwanted/outgrown

uniform items to our second-hand uniform

shop.

SPELLATHON

The Spellathon takes place during school on Friday 16 August during school hours. Spellathon lists and sponsorship forms have been handed out to all Grade 1 – 9 pupils. Pupils are reminded to practise their spelling words, as well as collect as many donations as possible. Money collected will be used to buy reading books for the school. Pupils must make sure that they look after their donation forms, as parents will be invoiced for lost forms or forms not handed in. The pupils in Grades 1-9 who spell the most words correctly in the Spellathon will take part in the Spelling Bee on Thursday 29 August at 18:00. There will be a monetary prize for the winner of the Spelling Bee in each grade.

MARKED BELONGINGS/LOST PROPERTY Please make sure that all your belongings (stationery, clothes, shoes, lunch box) are clearly marked with your name and also that you look after them carefully. The procedure for lost property for this year is as follows. Lost property that is marked will be returned to the owner. Unmarked lost property will be put in a box in the sick bay. Pupils will be allowed to look in this box on a Wednesday and Friday after assembly, 07:20 – 07:30. Should they find their lost items in the box, they will have to pay an amount of R1.00 per item to have them returned.

Please mark all items with the full names and surnames, so that lost items can be returned to the

right owner. If an item has been passed down to the younger sibling, please re-mark the item with

the full name and surname.

INTERSEN PHASE MOVIE FUN AFTERNOON The Movie Fun Afternoon took place on Friday 02 August. Thank you to Mrs Marowa, Mrs Mhondiwa and the Grade 7s for all their assistance and for making the afternoon enjoyable.

MUSIC CENTRE

The survey reply slips regarding the Music Centre which were issued last week, should have been handed in by today. The results of the survey will be made available as soon as they are

ready.

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…………………………………………… Mrs Renée Campbell-Brown Headmistress

MARKETING

On Friday the 02nd of August eight Kingfisher pupils, Tsheko Nkabiti, Mmapula Mokhabukhi, Gugu Mdluli, Zoe Siwela, Thabang Motloutsi, Tsundzuka Mnisi and Trevor Mutendera did some valuable school marketing. They visited Phalaborwa North Primary School, Maseke Primary School, Namakgale Primary School, Schiettocht Primary School and Fauna Park Primary School. Their presentations were excellent. The Grade 7s loved seeing them and asked them all kinds of questions which they answered brilliantly. Thank you, boys and girls, you were excellent ambassadors and you gave shape to many new dreams.

Our Open Day will take place on the 15th of August.