Unlocking Young Innovators: Exciting New Robotics Programme at Bishops Pre-Prep

Dear Parents,

We are thrilled to announce that Bishops Pre-Prep has partnered with ChinguBots to introduce an exciting new robotics programme for our Grade 1 and Grade 2 boys this year! This initiative is designed to foster problem-solving, creativity, and engineering skills while teaching fundamental coding concepts—all in a hands-on, screen-free environment.

Why ChinguBots?
When selecting a robotics programme, we prioritised a product that encourages active engagement, hands-on building, and open-ended exploration. ChinguBots aligns with these goals, offering a dynamic learning experience that integrates mechanical construction with coding principles. The robots consist of simple yet robust nuts, bolts, and frames, requiring boys to use a screwdriver—enhancing their fine motor skills as they build and experiment.
The ChinguBot approach to robotics and coding goes beyond programming; it inspires curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. ChinguBots encourages critical thinking, experimentation, and real-world engineering in an engaging way. By integrating hands-on construction with coding, we foster computational thinking, perseverance, collaboration, and design skills. The programme supports diverse learning styles, ensuring all students—whether logical thinkers, hands-on builders, or creative innovators—find meaningful connections. Through structured challenges and open-ended exploration, they gain confidence in tackling complex problems, making robotics a powerful tool for future readiness.

What Will the Boys Be Learning?
Our Grade 1 boys will work with Uaro kits, progressing through Level 1 and Level 2 over the course of the year. These kits provide a fantastic introduction to electronics and mechanics:
Level 1: Boys will explore basic electronics using a battery case to power LED lights and create movement.
Level 2: With the addition of a CPU and remote control, they will begin to control movement, lights, and music—building a deeper understanding of robotics and automation.
Our Grade 2 boys will work with Aikiro kits, which offer more advanced opportunities for customisation and coding:
Aikiro is designed for boys aged 6–11 and helps them customise their robots using various frame modules.
Coding concepts are introduced through the use of coding pens and cards, making programming tangible and intuitive.
Boys will learn the fundamentals of robotics and engineering through clear instructions and engaging activities.

Why Robotics?
With the rapid advancement in technology, engineering and problem-solving skills have become more vital than ever. While coding is essential, it is just one part of the broader picture. Robotics teaches boys how to design, build, and troubleshoot—critical thinking skills that extend beyond screens and into the real world.
We are excited to embark on this journey with our boys and look forward to seeing their confidence and curiosity grow as they engage with robotics.

If you would like to find out more please see links below to their YouTube videos:
UARO Robotic Kits Promo Video
UARO Level 1 Unboxing Video
UARO Level 2 Unboxing Video
Aikiro Robotic Kits Promo Video
Aikiro Level 1 Unboxing Video

Article by:

Mrs Leana Hendrickse- Grade 2 Teacher

Founder's Day

This week is Founder's Week in which the ODU holds its AGM and Dinner. On Friday we will honour our founders, including the church, boys, staff, ODs and parents who have over 176 years, contributed to what we enjoy today. Not only the buildings and facilities, but also the educational offering and ethos, all of which provide our boys with such a broad set of opportunities and a unique school experience. 

The boys will be celebrating Founder's Day with their class.

Grade 2 class trip - Mrs Green's class

Mrs Green''s class will be going on their class outing. Information has been sent.

Purim

Wishing our Jewish community a Happy Purim.

Family Chapel at 08h15

All our familes are invited to attend the Monday morning chapel service with us. Please meet outside the Memorial Chapel and we will all enter once the College chapel service is over.

End of Term 1 extracurricular programme

Term 2 extracurricula programme will start on Monday the 14th of April.

Parent / Teacher Feedback

This SImply Book Me link and information will be sent out in a seperate email.

End of Term 1

Closing times for the end of term are as follows:

Grade N - 10h30

Grade R - 10h40

Grade 1 - 10h50

Grade 2 - 11h00

Aftercare will close at 13h00.

Please click Holiday Club for (31st March until 3rd April), hosted by Mrs Kingwill.

The Pre-Prep Athletics team took part in their first Athletics event this year. The Quadrangular took place at Luts on Wednesday afternoon. The boys were excited to take part and to represent Bishops. They showed exceptional sportsmanship and had a successful event. Well done boys! 

Reflecting on Ash Wednesday and the Start of Lent

This week, our community came together to observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent—a season of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual growth. It was heartening to see the sincerity and reverence with which our boys participated, reminding us all of the true meaning of this sacred time.
Our theme for this Lent, “Treasures of the Heart,” draws from Matthew 6:16-21, where Jesus urges us to seek treasures that last—acts of kindness, love, and compassion—rather than those that fade with time. The ashes we received were a symbol of humility and a reminder to focus on what truly matters.

As I reflect on this theme, I am reminded of my own childhood growing up in KwaZulu-Natal. During Lent, my family would gather for evening prayers, and I remember one year choosing to give up my favourite treat—homemade rusks dipped in tea. At first, it felt like a small sacrifice, but it soon became an opportunity to give more of my time to others. I started helping my mother prepare meals for neighbours who were struggling, and through these simple acts of service, I discovered a deeper joy and a sense of purpose.
It brings to mind the words of Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” This is a powerful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact when done with love.

As we journey through Lent, let us encourage our boys to reflect on the treasures they hold in their hearts. Whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or a small sacrifice, every act of love brings us closer to the essence of this season.
We invite parents to join us in nurturing this spirit of generosity and reflection at home. Simple conversations about gratitude, service, and faith can help deepen our boys’ understanding of Lent and the treasures that truly matter.
May this Lenten season be a time of growth, reflection, and blessings for you and your families.

With warm regards and blessings,

Rev. Bengani

For any parents who are not aware, Bishops is a member of the My School Card initiative, and while we enjoy the benefits of being a recipient, our membership also ensures that we contribute at large to the foundations that the My School card program supports.
We encourage all parents to own and use the My School card at participating partners.
Get a free card online http://www.myschool.co.za/ or simply phone 0860 100 445. You can also get a card at any Woolworths store.
Please ensure that you nominate Bishops as your beneficiary, and swipe every time you shop.

School-Days
Please also register for the Dis-Chem loyalty programme,  which is a cardless process.
Click on this link Bishops Diocesan College Registration Link and select your school as a beneficiary. Use the App to access other partners such at booking.com, Netflorist and more.
School-Days mobile App
www.schooldays.co.za            

Please remember that there is a 20 km/h speed limit on campus and stick to that speed for the sake of the safety of our boys and staff.

Please also remember that if you have permission to walk your dog on campus, it must be on a leash and you need to pick up any mess made by your dog. This is again a plea to the community to look after this beautiful campus so that all who work and walk here can enjoy it.

We can't believe that we are already in week 8 of the term! We are so proud of how our boys have settled into a solid routine, knowing what to do and where to go with ease. There is lots of excitement in our playground as the preparation for our new jungle gym and upgraded playground begins.  We've all had fun exploring our 'houses and homes' theme last week as well as our 'shapes' theme this week. Our sensory play always has lots of fun elements, some of which were large ice blocks, water babies and moon sand. Between building puzzles, 'painting' the outside walls and engineering magnificent creations, the Grade N teachers adore the chats we have with the boys each day.

Over the past few weeks, the boys have been exploring their five senses through hands-on learning experiences. A highlight was our sensory outing to Green Point Park, where they had the opportunity to touch, taste, smell, hear, and see the world around them. Fun was had by all, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents for their support and involvement.

This week, we celebrated Shrove Tuesday with delicious pancakes and attended Chapel to mark the start of Lent, where the boys received ashes or a blessing. The excitement continues with Founders Day, a special occasion filled with joy. The boys will enjoy a magic show, ice bites, and sing a heartfelt "Happy Birthday" to Bishops.

It has been a wonderful time of learning, growth, and creating cherished memories together!