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Thursday 19 September 2024

Dear Parents

I am happy to share some of the exciting events that have taken place so far, as well as celebrate the hard work and enthusiasm of our boys. By now most of you have had your parent teacher feedback meetings and are as pround of your boys as we are.  

Tag and Hockey Festivals 
Sport continues to play a vital role in our curriculum, and the Tag and Hockey Festivals were no exception! The boys displayed fantastic teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill on the field. Our Grade 1 and 2 boys in particular, showed great determination and spirit, representing the school with pride and energy. These events are about more than competition; they are about building resilience, encouraging healthy activity, and developing lifelong friendships. 

Upholding the MITRE Values and Earning Rocket Points 
We are incredibly proud of how diligently our boys have been working to uphold the MITRE values – Manners, Integrity, Togetherness, Respect, and Empathy. The Grade 1 and 2 boys’ enthusiasm for earning rocket points has been infectious, and it is inspiring to see them embody these values in their everyday interactions and activities. The boys have been striving to make positive contributions to their school, and we are delighted to see their growth as well as the development in their character. 
As we move towards the end of the year, we look forward to more enriching experiences and opportunities for our boys to shine. Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Teachers’ Day – 5 October 
On Teachers' Day, we will celebrate the dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment of our teachers who play such a vital role in shaping the lives of our young Bishops boys. Our teachers are more than just educators—they are mentors, guides, and role models, who inspire and challenge our boys to reach their fullest potential. Through their hard work, care, and commitment, they cultivate a love for learning and create an environment where every boy can thrive. I thank our teacher's for their invaluable contribution to the Bishops community, nurturing not just academic growth but also the character and values that define our school. 

Wishing our Jewish families a sweet new year and well over the fast.   Happy birthday to Mrs Fraser for 4 October.

Happy holidays! 


Kind regards


TARYN BAIN
HEAD: PRE-PREP

DIARY DATES
Friday 20 September

Break up day including aftercare closing times

Grade N-10:30, Grade R-10:40, Grade 1-10:50 and Grade 2-11:00.

Aftercare will close at 14:00.

Monday 07 October

Start of Term 4
School will open for the 4th and final term of the year. Morning care will be available from 07h00. Please remember that your son may only be sent to his classroom from 07h30.

Tuesday 08 October School Photos

Class photos, new and absent boys individual photos. Boys to be in the correct summer uniforms and be neat and tidy.
Monday 14 October Extra-murals begin

Friday 25 October

Coffee Connections
Grade 2 parents are invited to meet the Prep Deputies at 07h30 in the Pre-Prep hall where they will be sharing some information about the Prep as our boys prepare for their transition to Grade 3.

Civvies Day Collection
Civvies Day donations will go towards the Christmas hamper collection for our Support and Security Staff. We once again appeal to you to support our hamper collection. Please click on Here to learn more about some of our special people (and more) and see what each grade will be collecting.  Even one small item will make a great addition to a collective hamper. We thank you in advance. If any parents would like to be involved in helping us sort and pack the hampers, please email Ms Manyela at bmanyela@bishops.org.za

TAKE NOTE
September Holiday Clubs

Please click HERE if you are interested in attending Mrs Kingwill's holiday club (23rd - 27th September)

Please click HERE if you are interested in attending Ms Rheeder & Mrs Maged holiday club (30th September - 04 October)

Third Term Academic Progress

This term has been a full and exciting term, and the boys have been working very hard at their academics. We do not issue a wrtiiten report at the end of Term 3. Instead, we have been holding Parent Feedback meetings. If you have not managed to attend a feedback meeting, please contact your son’s teacher directly to arrange one for early next term.  

Lost Property

We have a very large amount of unmarked lost property. I am making a big appeal to parents to please label each item of clothing clearly so we may return it to its rightful owner. Unmarked uniform or uniform purchased from our Secondhand Shop that has not been clearly marked with the new owner's name will be sent to the Prep Secondhand Shop on the last day of Term 3. Please come and look for your son's lost items in our lost property baskets before the end of term. 
Uniform Changeover

The boys will return to school in summer uniform on the first day of next term. Tracksuits may be worn over the summer uniform on cold days. Please ensure that your son has a spare hat and jersey in his bag every day. Boys to please return to school with neat haircuts.
PRE-PREP PRAYER GROUP
Message from Mr Tsotso

The Lord be with you:
As we come to the end of another term, we pause to reflect on the journey we’ve travelled together. It's been a time of growth, learning, and building memories. Now, we look forward to a much-needed holiday season.
There was once a wise farmer who worked tirelessly through every season. He ploughed, planted, and harvested his crops with care. One year, he became so focused on growing the biggest harvest that he forgot to allow his fields a season of rest. The next season, his crops struggled because the soil had been overworked. The wise farmer learned that in order to bear the best fruits, the fields needed time to lie fallow and to be renewed.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded that "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Just as there is a time to work hard, there is also a time to rest and restore ourselves. The holidays are an opportunity to recharge, spend quality time with loved ones, and appreciate the beauty of life outside the classroom.
To our pupils, use this time to rest, have fun, and enjoy your families. To the parents and staff, thank you for your dedication and hard work this term. May this break be filled with peace, joy, and the simple pleasures that refresh the spirit.

"May the road rise up to meet you, 
May the wind be always at your back, 
May the sun shine warm upon your face, 
And the rain fall soft upon your fields. 
And until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Wishing you a safe and blessed holiday. Rest well, and we look forward to seeing you in the new term, ready for the next chapter of our journey together.

GENERAL INFO
VUSA Newsletter

We are thrilled to share our latest VUSA newsletter with you. In this edition, you'll find updates on our recent activities, including the fantastic support we've received from the Bishops community. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing involvement of staff, parents, learners and ODs, that allows us to continue making a positive impact to 1400 children in Langa.
Your support truly makes a difference, and we thank you for being part of our VUSA journey!  Please click HERE to view the newsletter.

Parent online calendar

Please note that the parent online calendar has been updated. You are encouraged to view next term's dates, but please remember that it is live so do check it regularly for any changes. Any changes made to the calendar will be noted in our newsletters.
HIGHLIGHTS
Grade N

The saying goes in Grade N: “we learn through play”, and that really shows. This week we have soaped down our new and very popular bikes, we have looked at their mechanics and even tried to do some repairs. It is such a joy to see how the Grade N boys explore the concept of measurement in the garden by using a tape measure. We measured balance beams, tires, blocks and much more. Of course, we participated in some lovely art activities exploring our lifecycle theme through paint and collage. To end the busy term, we had a lovely outing to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We were lucky with the weather and much discovering and exploring happened in the indigenous fynbos and along the beautiful garden paths. Then we had snack on the lawns and played some fun games. A big thank you to all the parents who helped with the lifting. Have a lovely holiday to all our special boys, we look forward to seeing you next term! 

 

Grade R

After an incredibly busy term with boys working hard at displaying their gentlemanly MITRE manners, they are ready for their Spring Break! 
Our Oceans theme kicked off with our driving question and an interesting discussions about 'What if there were no more oceans?' Some said they'd miss the sushi, and others said: 'where would we put all the fishes?'. A time to see, think and wonder created a space where everyone's creativity buzzed, and thoughts and ideas were overflowing. Our TAG tournament was a great success, and our boys were all fired up to take to the field.

Well done, lovely boys! Have a happy holiday and safe travels to those journeying.

 

Grade 1

The last two weeks have been action-packed for the boys, filled with plenty of fun and learning! They have been kept busy with our exciting tag rugby and hockey tournaments, showcasing their energy and sportsmanship.
Beyond the sports field, the boys enjoyed a wonderful outing on the Alphen Trail. The walk turned into an enriching exploration, as they learned about seeds, growth, and flowering. They also had insightful discussions about edible plants, alien vs. indigenous plants, and the importance of nature. It was a fantastic blend of physical activity and hands-on learning about the environment!

 

Grade 2

Last week was an exciting time for our Grade 2 students as they had a fantastic playdate with the Grade 3s! Each student got to meet their buddy, who had written them a thoughtful note. It was wonderful to see everyone bonding over games and laughter on the playground.
The boys have particularly enjoyed the sunny weather and have been able to play chess and snakes and ladders outside as well as building  and digging in the sandpit during break.
This week, we dove into our Exploration Projects! The boys have been working collaboratively in groups, and each member has an important role: map maker, supply manager, environment protector, and discovery specialist. Each group has chosen a different area to research, and together they are creating informative posters to present their findings to their peers. It’s amazing to see their teamwork and creativity in action!

    BISHOPS PRE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Campground Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
Phone +27 21 659 1037 | Fax: +27 21 659 1922