Readathon Week 2026: Building a Community of Readers 

Dear Parents 

Recently, I read an inspiring article in The Reading Teacher that explored a literacy programme called Roc Reading Partners. What resonated with me was the finding that children thrive as readers when literacy becomes a shared experience between school and home. The researchers found that when educators work with families rather than for families, reading moves beyond a school task and becomes a meaningful community ritual that develops confidence, academic growth, joy and a sense of belonging. Families were not viewed as spectators in the learning process, but as valuable co-partners in nurturing young readers.  
As I reflected on our own Readathon Week so far, I realised that this is exactly what we have witnessed at Bishops. The success of this week has not rested solely on classrooms, books or activities. It has been built through the commitment of teachers, the enthusiasm of our boys and, most importantly, the incredible support of our parents. Together, we have created something truly special. 

Our Readathon, inspired by Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree, has invited the boys into a world where imagination flourishes, friendships are strengthened, and reading becomes an adventure. Throughout the week, our campus has felt like one of the magical lands from the Faraway Tree itself, filled with wonder, curiosity and excitement. 
The magic began on Monday, when the school was transformed into a spectacular reading wonderland. A very special thank you goes to the parents who gave so generously of their time, creativity, and energy to help decorate the campus. Your contribution created an inviting and inspiring environment that immediately captured the boys' imaginations. The week was further enriched by visits from storytellers and special guests who reminded us of a story's power to connect and inspire.  
On Tuesday, our boys embraced the spirit of Spring and environmental responsibility by wearing a touch of green as our proud "eco warriors". Across the school, conversations about caring for our world reflected the curiosity and thoughtfulness that reading so often inspires.  

Wednesday brought some wonderfully cosy reading experiences. Whether enjoying hot chocolate and slippers or participating in flashlight reading activities, the boys experienced that unique joy of becoming completely absorbed in a book. Seeing children eagerly read reminded us that fostering a love of reading often begins with creating memorable experiences around books.  
Today, our classrooms have been filled with Reading Buddies as soft toy companions joined the boys for storytelling and shared reading. A palpable sense of delight has filled the air as books, characters, and imagination have taken centre stage.  
One of this week's greatest gifts has been hearing directly from the boys themselves. 
After all the excitement of the decorations and magical displays, one boy stopped me and said: 
"Mrs Bain, you outdid yourself!" 

Another thoughtful young gentleman came to thank me for The Land of Spells. He told me that he knew how much time and effort it must have taken to create. What touched me most was when he said that he appreciated it because it helped him feel calm. 
The credit for these moments belongs not to any one individual, but to an entire community that understands the importance of creating beautiful, meaningful learning spaces for children. When boys feel inspired, safe and valued, they engage more deeply with learning and discover the joy that books can bring. 

I truly have a wonderful job. 
As we look ahead to tomorrow's Dress-Up Day and Book Character Parade, there is still much excitement to come. We look forward to seeing favourite literary characters come to life, celebrating the many books read, and sharing in the joy that has defined this remarkable week.  

A Readathon of this scale is only possible because of a community that believes in the transformative power of reading. Thank you to our teachers for their passion, enthusiasm and tireless efforts. Thank you to our parents for embracing the spirit of the week, reading alongside your sons, supporting the Reading Bingo challenges, donating books, and, above all, showing your boys that reading matters. Research consistently tells us that when families actively participate in literacy experiences, children's confidence and enjoyment of reading grow significantly. This week has been a beautiful example of that partnership in action. 

Finally, a very special thank you to Mrs Wallace, whose vision and dedication have spearheaded this year's Readathon. Happy Reading! 

Kind regards

TARYN BAIN
HEAD: PRE-PREP

VUSA 24 - Hour Cycle Challenge

Time: Friday 4/9 at 20h00 to Saturday 5/9 at 20h00
Venue: Piley Rees Field

Rosh Hashana

Shanah Tovah to our Jewish families

Family Chapel

We are looking forward to hosting our families from 8:15-8:45 in the Memorial Chapel.

Waka WakaSoccer Tournament

Time: 08h00 to 15h00
Venue: Lutgensvale
8-a-side teams
Trophies & medals up for grabs
Food & drinks available
Ages: U8, U10 & U12
R3000 per team (10 players)
Create your own team and sign up today! Follow the link here

Last day of school collection times

Grade N to be collected at 10h30

Grade R to be collected at 10h40

Grade 1 to be collected at 10h50

Grade 2 to be collected at 11h00

Tuesday 08 September
Grade N Kirstenbosch Outing: Blue class

Wednesday 09 September
Grade N Kirstenbosch Outing: Green class

Thursday 10 September
Grade N Kirstenbosch Outing: Red class

Tuesday 08 September
Grade R Firestation Outing: Green Class

Wednesday 09 September
Grade R Firestation Outing: Blue Class

Thursday 10 September
Grade R Firestation: Red class

The Bishops Family Carnival is less than 5 weeks away!

Entrance tickets and game stall tokens sales start next Thursday 10 September.
A link to the online sales will be emailed to parents through this newsletter next week. Tickets will not be sold at school. Tickets are limited so keep an eye on your inbox!

We managed to have our final rehearsal with the accompanist this morning before next Tuesday's (8 Sept 2026) Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod performance.  I apologise for changing the rehearsal arrangement last minute, however, we needed to accomodate Friday morning's Dress-up Day Parade for our Readathon.
So just to confirm, there will be NO choir rehearsal tomorrow morning (Friday, 4 September).

Below are the arrangements for Tuesday's Choir Eisteddfod:
1.         All choir boys will travel from school to Simon van der Stel Primary in Wynberg with the school bus.
2.         All choir boys must be in full winter uniform (khakis, grey socks and black shoes and a tie). Please ensure that your son wears the correct uniform as we will be representing our school.        
3.         The school bus will leave from the Sandown Gate Drop-and-Go area at 2pm.
4.         Boys will perform at 3pm at Simon van der Stel Primary, Wynberg.
5.         The bus will return to school by 4pm for the latest and boys can be collected from After Care.
6.         Parents are welcome to attend the Eisteddfod. Entrance is R10 per person.
7.         If your son takes part in a private extra mural on Tuesdays, please remeber to notify his coach.

Please click here to complete the permission slip for the Eisteddfod. Responses close on Monday 07 September at 09h00.

“Goodness – Choosing What Is Right”

This week we are thinking about goodness, one of the Fruits of the Spirit. For our younger boys, goodness can be found in the little choices they make every day: telling the truth, sharing, helping a friend, using kind words and including someone who may be feeling left out.
We are encouraging the boys to remember three simple words: STOP. THINK. CHOOSE. Before we act, we can stop for a moment, think about what is kind and right, and then make a good choice.
As our boys grow, these small everyday choices begin to shape who they become. May we continue, both at school and at home, to encourage them to choose kindness, honesty and goodness, even when no one is watching.

Pop into the VUSA 24-Hour Cycle Challenge this weekend
A reminder to please pop into the VUSA 24-Hour Cycle Challenge this weekend and bring the family. The weather forecast is looking great, and there will be plenty happening throughout Saturday.
Join us for our first potjie competition, food trucks, a bar for guests over 18, fun activities, a kids’ chill zone, jumping castles, live entertainment, massages from JEM Therapy and, of course, we’ll be screening the rugby.

For the latest updates, please visit our event page: https://www.vusarugbyacademy.com/24-hour-challenge-2026. You will find the team leaderboards, full event programme, vendor menus and other useful information there.

We also have some fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs. Tickets cost R50 each or R450 for ten, and you do not need to attend the event to enter.  All winners will be contacted after the event.  To purchase raffle tickets please click HERE.

Thank you once again to the wonderful Bishops community for supporting VUSA. Proceeds raised this year will go towards renovating our dining area in Langa, where 160 to 200 children are served a hot meal after attending our programmes each day, as well as purchasing academic materials for our new after-school SEED programme.

We hope to see you there!

Over the past two weeks, we have been learning all about Space and thoroughly enjoying our annual Book Week! Please pop in on Monday morning to see the wonderful Space art the boys have created — it is well worth a visit. During Book Week we stepped into the Magic Faraway Tree and climbed right to the top of the ladder into the Land of Toys! We have also taken many extra moments to enjoy the boys’ favourite books and were treated to a special visit from Mandy and Cilka the therapy dog. Every day has been filled with fun as the boys wore a touch of green, slipped into their cosy slippers, and enjoyed a hot chocolate treat. We are looking forward to seeing all the book characters in our parade on Friday during school!

A Magical Two Weeks of Learning and Adventure!

What an exciting two weeks we have had in Grade R! We wrapped up our Space theme with lots of excitement and wonder, but the boys have been especially thrilled to dive into Readathon Week!
Our Grade R theme, The Land of Goodies, has taken us on a magical journey as we listen to the wonderful adventures of Joe, Beth and Frannie. The boys have been captivated by the story and have loved exploring all the exciting places and characters along the way. We have also been very lucky to welcome some special readers to Grade R. Cilka the therapy dog, Mrs Bain and Mrs Dallas all came to share a story with us, making reading feel extra special! Our Readathon celebrations have included wearing a touch of green while learning about how we can become Eco Warriors, as well as a very exciting hot chocolate and slippers day! We are looking forward to bringing our favourite teddies to school and, of course, the boys' favourite day of all dressing up as their favourite book character!

There has been plenty of excitement outside the classroom too, with the boys eagerly watching the construction vehicles as work begins on our new astro. They have certainly provided plenty of entertainment!
It has been a wonderful two weeks filled with stories, imagination, excitement and plenty of learning, and we can't wait to see where the rest of Readathon Week takes us!

This week was an exciting and memorable Readathon Week for the Grade 2 boys. They enjoyed a special visit to the Prep Library, where Ms de la Harpe delighted them with wonderful stories and a tour of the library. One of the highlights of the week was reading by flashlight, which added a sense of adventure and fun to their reading experience. The boys also celebrated Spring Day by wearing a touch of green and embracing the beautiful weather.
With the sunshine making a welcome appearance, the boys have thoroughly enjoyed spending time outdoors during break times. In the classroom, they have been learning about the "ow" digraph and worked hard to create beautiful crowns to showcase their learning. It has been a week filled with reading, creativity, and plenty of happy moments!