Dear Parents
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
I am very pleased to announce that the two College Music Scholarships have been awarded to Leo Cowan and Daniel Bursey. They faced stiff competition in the process and we congratulate them on this achievement.
COVID
This week we have had one positive Covid case amongst staff and we do have a few families isolating at present. We continue to observe our safety protocols at school, reminding the boys what is necessary on a regular basis and making the best of the current situation. But as South Africa enters its 3rd wave of Covid, we do want to remind you of the following:
- The country is seeing an increase in Covid cases and there is expected to be a dramatic increase in two to three weeks’ time.
- Birthday parties are not recommended, but if they do happen, they should take place outdoors with strict Covid precautions.
- If you are lifting other boys, please ensure that the windows of the car are open and masks are worn.
- We discourage sleepovers.
Doctors inform us that the incubation time for infections is 2-13 days with an average of 8 days. Infections can often happen before symptoms appear. This is a critical time and we encourage parents to be extra vigilant.
I also need to address some “housekeeping” issues in which we need your support.
Late for school
We seem to have an increasing number of boys late for school at present. Please ensure that your son is up in time and allow for traffic. It is very disruptive to the other boys in assemblies and class when late boys are entering while everything is already in motion. The boys who are late are themselves flustered and miss the time to settle, organise and meet their friends before school. If your son is late he may only enter via the front gate.
Sick boys
Boys who start to feel sick at school report to their teacher and he or she decides whether he should be sent to the office where Mrs Kerven assists him. If she thinks he needs to go home she will contact you, the parent. And with Covid and our very cautious approach, more boys are going home than usual. However, only Mrs Kerven contacts you. I have told the boys this week that they may not email you if they are feeling sick and ask you to fetch them. This needs to be a communication and decision between the school and parents.
Boys cycling to school
Please ensure that if your son is cycling to school his bicycle has reflectors on it as it is now very dark in the mornings. Something bright over his uniform will also be helpful.
TRANSFORMATION
The Focus Groups have started their engagement, both at the College and the Prep and we are excited to see what practical steps and ideas come from their work. The Transformation Committee met recently and will be communicating the progress made thus far in a separate newsletter.
The start of a new term is traditionally one where the staff have an opportunity for a professional development conference. Next term we will use the first day, Monday 19 July, as a staff conference day where we will be reporting back on progress made in the Focus Groups. Term will thus begin for the boys on Tuesday 20 July.
Please be careful and stay safe.
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER
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