By now each class probably has a WhatsApp group set up. I know that many parents find this useful and it is a way the class reps are able to easily communicate with parents and do the organizing they need to do. Class WhatsApp groups can become a problem though when they are not used for the purpose they were intended, so I have listed the guidelines that need to be adhered to. I think that if all parents follow these, the WhatsApp groups will be a positive and effective experience.

The WhatsApp groups should be used for:

• Arranging lifts for outings.
  
• Welcoming parents new to the school.
  
• Assisting with any fundraising projects if necessary.
  
• Disseminating PA information if necessary.
  
• Organising volunteers to assist at events.
  
• Assisting with outreach projects.
  
• Arranging support for a family who might be suffering a bereavement or illness.
  
• Providing any class-specific information.

They must not be used to:

• Replace or re-send school communications.
  
• Send out homework (this is the boys’ responsibility).
  
• Discuss or comment on boys, teachers, parents or the school.
  
• Send on jokes and spam.
  
• Advertise any product or service.
  
• Share news.
  
• Send articles.

Today Grades 4, 5 and 6 parents will all have received camp letters. Please address any enquiries to your son’s Form teacher.

Enjoy your weekend.

Normal term extra-mural timetable starts

Ash Wednesday

Time: 11h00

The Prep will be celebrating this day on their campus.

No parents please

Traffic Flow

A reminder to parents to please adhere to the traffic flow indicated in the diagram above to avoid congestion at drop off and pick up times.

Swimming Trials

All boys that missed swimming trials last week must please be at the Prep swimming pool at 07h30 on Tuesday 16 February. Bring your swimming costume, cap and towel. The staff on duty will take your times.

Bishops Golf Day postponed

The Bishops Charity Golf Day that was due to be held on 8 March has been postponed until later in the year.

DROP OFF: There has once again been an increase in the number of items left at home and being dropped off. We continuously try to teach the boys to take responsibility for themselves so therefore discourage this practise. Due to the front office being short staffed it has become difficult to deal with the constant deliveries.

LATE ARRIVALS: Boys are still coming in late and by the time they arrive the staff who are screening have left. We encourage them to be on time to avoid the delay and confusion of being marked absent. A reminder that school starts at 07.50 on a Friday. Mr Groom will keep a register of all boys who arrive late from Monday 15 February.

SECOND HAND SHOP: The shop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays (07.15-08.30). It is managed by Julie Breslin and Sasha Rivera. Please feel free to contact them directly should you have any queries.
Julie Breslin Julie@morganwest.com
Sasha Rivera sejrivera@gmail.com

ENTRANCE EXAMS: There is a box placed in the Stanmore front foyer marked ENTRANCE EXAM for those who wish to drop off their Grade 6 reports requested by the College.

CAR STICKERS:  These have been handed out during the week. We are only able to supply each boy with 2 stickers. Please make sure to ask your son for them.

HOT LUNCH: Hot lunch is proving very popular and we are taking in late requests. If you wish for your son to be added to the list then please complete the form on the parent portal of MyBishopsLife and email them directly to kkerven@bishops.org.za

MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM: If your son is new to the Prep please make sure that you have completed the form and emailed it to kkerven@bishops.org.za. If there has been any significant changes to your son's medical information over the last year and you feel it’s important that we should know about it, please let Mrs Kerven know.

Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 for sale - final offer

The last few Lego NXT kits are available for R1000 each. (school’s version). The software is available online for free.
Should you be interested, please email Mark Erlangsen, merlangsen@bishops.org.za. The kits will be packed and supplied on a first come first served basis.