Dear Parents

We are indeed blessed by this beautiful rain, despite the havoc it can cause, getting boys to school on time. Thank you to those who leave a little earlier to avoid the manic rush.  Please be reminded to be patient and respectful at the drop off and pick up points.  It is always a difficult time and we ask that you allocate a little more time than usual, in this wet and cold weather.

Some inspiring words from a poem that may be useful for you:

What did you do today?

If you ask your child "What did you do today?"

Don't be surprised if they have nothing to say.

The question's so big, where should they begin?

It's hard to remember everything!

Better to say, "Nothing" that's easy to say

It really was too busy and complicated a day.

For better informaion, It's best to say

"Did you hear a story or paint or do a puzzle today?"

Then help them remember what it was about

And before you know it, more things will pour out.

So ask for specifics about things we do

It will be much easier for your child to tell you.

If you want to know what these things might be

Just look at the walls and you will see

Or ask and we'll be happy to say

How many different things we did today!

We are heading into the last week in October which leaves all but 5 weeks of the term left. The school is a busy place at most times of the year but the end of the year is somewhat compounded by functions, thank you's and goodbyes. Take time on these few weekends left to spend time doing things that fill your soul. Happy weekend everyone!

Kind regards

SHARLENE GROOM
HEADMISTRESS

The Grade 2’s had a fantastic visit to the Prep School on Tuesday. They got to meet all the Grade 3 teachers and chat to some Grade 3 boys to hear all about the workings of Grade 3. The boys had a good social time together. We will be visiting the Grade 3’s again in the next 2 weeks where we will get to see more of the classrooms and Prep School. 

Today Mrs Di Trapani came to chat to the grade 2’s about bullying. We covered ‘What is bullying?’ and the difference between tattling and telling. You will find that your son has a booklet in his homework folder from this chat. You are encouraged to continue this conversation at home.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We often find ourselves in spaces where we need to learn and unlearn.  When subjected in a foreign space or unusual space, how does one proceed?  I may be wrong but the first thing that comes to mind is to find a place of safety or comfort.  Alternatively, one may elect to find the nearest exit because fear tends to force us to look for the nearest exit.  Whilst there is nothing wrong with finding the nearest exit, I want to suggest that we need to consider “facing“ the challenge or space that comes our way. Fleeing from everything offers a temporal solution, whilst facing everything means one is able to learn the new language that comes with the unusual territory.

The Israelites were in exile and this meant they were in an unusual space.  They had to learn and unlearn as they were instructed to plant and build in their new home.  One can only imagine what is it like to be uprooted from your place of birth to a foreign space where you have to learn a new way of life.  In all that was in front of them, they learnt the importance of trusting God in  all that happens.  For us, we need to understand and trust that when things go wrong, or when things do not work out the way we want them to; God will always have a better way which may not come at the time of discomfort.  He is never late nor delayed: He is always on time.

Every Blessing

Father Monwabisi

When Last Did You Have A Reason To High Five?

The VUSA Academy is a Bishops lead initiative that offers a structured afterschool programme to children from five primary schools in the Langa Community.  Children are offered academic support in Maths and English and rugby training (with entry into the WP rugby league).  VUSA also works with four registered creches in Langa aiding in numeracy and literacy development (with weekly support from Bishops Grade 10 Civics learners).  Where funding allows, the recreational programme exposes children to opportunities and places not ordinarily accessible to them.  Each child who attends the programme receives a hot daily meal.  To a hungry child that is everything.

We are pleased to report that over the course of this year, VUSA has registered as a NPO and PBO.  Bishops continues to back this initiative having pledged financial support for 2020 and the Bishops finance department continue to manage the books.  Should any of the Bishops community wish to support the VUSA Academy, please see this short (and uplifting) clip which begs the question: When last did you have a reason to High Five:   https://www.vusarugbyacademy.com/high-five

PlayMore Platform Update

An alternative option is available for caregivers who do not have a Facebook account with a protected link to all video content, including: video series, masterclasses (such as the screen time play balance talk) and demonstrations. Please see their Instagram page or contact them at: anande@playmoreot.com for more information on this option.

The PlayMore member playground was created to provide caregivers with access to relevant and updated information and practical strategies focused on play skills and child development. Information and topics discussed on this platform will be guided and curated by a registered professional of the applicable field. For more information please visit: https://playmoreot.com/subscriptions/