Dear Parents

Halfway Through “Madagascar Jr” – My Reflections on the Journey 

We are now halfway through our “MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE JR.” journey, and the transformation we have seen in the boys has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as learning lines, songs, and dances has grown into so much more. The boys have discovered the joy of new friendships, the warmth of camaraderie, and the power of supporting one another — whether that’s helping a friend remember his words or sharing a knowing smile backstage when nerves start to flutter. They’ve experienced the deep pride that comes from working hard and doing their very best, and they’ve felt the magic of seeing teachers, friends, and parents beaming with pride in return. They have learnt patience and perseverance, the importance of listening and working together, and how uplifting it is to be part of something bigger than themselves. They’ve discovered that in theatre, as in life, everyone plays an important role — and when each person gives their all, the result is extraordinary. And they most definitely made Madagascar Jr. extraordinary! 

A Word About Our Incredible Team 

I cannot speak about this production without expressing my immense gratitude and admiration for the incredible team of teachers who have poured their hearts into this show. They have worked tirelessly for months — coaching, encouraging, and guiding each boy with unwavering patience and care. They have been problem-solvers, motivators, and cheerleaders, but most importantly, they have been a true team, supporting each other at every turn. Whether it’s running extra rehearsals, helping a shy boy find his confidence, or celebrating the smallest of victories along the way, they have shown what it means to work together for a shared vision. I am deeply proud of their dedication, their professionalism, and the joy they bring into the process. It is a privilege to work alongside such talented and committed colleagues, and I know that when the curtain rises, the magic on stage will be as much a reflection of their teamwork as it is of the boys’ talent. 

Happy birthday to Mrs Stone for the 19 August.

Kind regards

TARYN BAIN
HEAD: PRE-PREP

Family Chapel

Please join us for our Family Chapel service at 08h15 in the Memorial Chapel.

Please be very careful about leaving valuables in your car. There are many cases of remote jamming outside the Pre-Prep and at the Spar in Campground Road. A number of staff and parents have had laptops, handbags and wallets stolen out of their cars. Please be absolutely sure that your car is definitely locked before your leave it.

A Call to Empathy
Last week, we explored the concept of empathy, which is a key part of our Christian values here at Bishops. Empathy is about more than just understanding another person's feelings; it is about intentionally sharing in their joys and their sorrows. We were reminded of this by conducting a "shoe swap," where the boys traded shoes to get a sense of what it feels like to be in another's place. The experience, though brief, was a powerful way to remember that everyone's journey is different.

Empathy in a Christian School
In a Christian school like ours, empathy is not just a nice idea—it is a reflection of Jesus' example. He did not just help people; he truly understood them. He cried with his friends when they were sad and noticed those who were lonely. This is what empathy looks like in our community:
· Responding to Joy and Sorrow: We are called to "Be happy with your friends when they are happy. Be sad with them when they are sad" (Romans 12:15). This means celebrating successes with genuine enthusiasm and offering comfort during times of struggle.

· Encouraging Others: When a teammate misses an easy shot, empathy moves us to offer encouragement instead of criticism. It is about recognizing their embarrassment and responding with kindness.

· Seeing the "Invisible": Empathy challenges us to look beyond the surface. It means seeing the quiet child in the classroom and wondering about their morning, rather than just dismissing their mood. It is about remembering that everyone has a story, and some are carrying burdens we cannot see.

A Challenge for Our Community
The lesson of empathy extends to all of us, parents, staff, and boys. Let us take on this three-step challenge together this week:
1. Notice: Look for clues about how others are feeling.
2. Imagine: Before you react, take a moment to think, "If that was me, how would I feel?".
3. Respond: Let that understanding shape what you say and do.
May we all be blessed with the courage to walk in others' shoes.

We are so proud to be spotting our boys showing the values of the MITRE during the school day! This week while looking into the theme of 'Transport' we have seen how the boys are using the garden equipment to get around. From scooters, bikes, tricycles, wagons, wheelbarrows, sliding down hills and balancing across beams -  they are busy little people! Some boys took it upon themselves to use the wheelbarrows for gardening purposes while cleaning up leaves and berries. We have been encouraging name writing from each boy as this is a skill that boys should be gaining confidence in.

This term, our learning journey has taken us from celebrating all things local with our Cape Town, Local is Lekker theme to exploring Food Around the World. The boys have loved discovering new ideas, and last Friday they were especially lucky to enjoy our school production of Madagascar. Watching the Grade 1 and 2 boys shine on stage was such a treat and sparked plenty of excitement and conversation back in class.
Our creative side has been in full bloom, producing beautiful art pieces such as vibrant Table Mountain landscapes and stunning still-life drawings. In Muscle Mania, the boys have been working hard to strengthen their fine motor skills, showing great determination and progress.
The sunny weather has called us outdoors, and the boys have made the most of it, with games of soccer on the field, building volcanoes in the sandpit, ordering food from our ‘restaurant’ and whizzing by on scooters. It’s been a busy, joyful time of learning, creativity, and play!