Dear Parents

One of the highlights of this week has been the Gentlemen's Tea, held for the Grade 2 boys who are displaying gentlemanly behaviour.  While none are yet perfect, it is our aim to instil these qualities in each and every boy that walks our corridors.  We will be talking about these qualities regularly and the boys are trying hard to practise these daily.  Each letter forms the acronym MITRE.   When the boys move over to the Prep school, MITRE badges are awarded each week to boys who display these qualities so what better time to practice, than now. Please keep discussing these with your son, no matter how young.   Manners: Always be courteous and polite to everyone, regardless of their social status or background. Use proper table etiquette, such as chewing with your mouth closed and using utensils properly. Open doors for others, including the elderly. Use appropriate language and tone when speaking to others. Integrity: Keep your promises and commitments, and be honest in your dealings with others. Take responsibility for your actions and mistakes. Treat others with fairness and justice. Do what is right, even if it is difficult or unpopular. Togetherness: Be a good listener and engage in meaningful conversations with others. Show interest in others' lives and offer your support when they need it. Build strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Participate in group activities and show a willingness to compromise. Respect: Treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Never make derogatory comments or jokes that could be offensive to others. Use appropriate body language and facial expressions to convey respect. Honour others' opinions and beliefs, even if you disagree with them. Empathy: Show empathy towards others by putting yourself in their shoes and understanding their feelings and emotions. Offer your support and help when others are going through difficult times. Avoid judging others without knowing their circumstances or background. Show kindness and compassion towards others, even when it is not reciprocated.  Thank you to our parents who decorated the tables so beautifully for our tea. Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend, we will be back at school on Wednesday 22 March. Ramadaan Mubarak to all our Muslim families as you prepare to fast for the holy month of Ramadaan. May your homes be graced with happiness and peace.      

Kind regards

SHARLENE GROOM
HEAD:PRE-PREP

Pre-Prep Open Day

Venue: Pre-prep Hall

Time: 08h30 till 10h30

2nd Hand Pop-Up Uniform Store (12 till 14h00)

As the boys prepare for winter, please feel free to browse at our po-up store (outside the Hall)

Nine of our Grade 2 gentlemen attended the Gentlemens Tea on Thursday. In attendance was Mr Groom from the Prep, Mr Wallace from the College and Nik Augoustatos, head of SRF. The boys left with the message that their job has only just begun. They need to now be the influencers of change amongst the Pre-Prep boys, to promote all the qualities that they were recognised for and to grow a following. What a fantastic morning, we look forward to hosting some new Gentlemen at the end of Term 2. I wonder who our special guests will be then?

The Lord be with you.

As the pastoral and spiritual party of the school, we would also like to take a moment to thank all the parents and grandparents that worshipped with us during our Family Service. It was indeed a very special occasion to all come together with the boys and their families to start the week in an act of worship. We give thanks to God for these precious moments.

The scripture we looked at complimented the triune relationship of family, pupil and school. The Gospel of John notes - “If there is this love amongst you then all will know that you are my friends”. This makes it clear to us to that we need to remain in union as a school and parents in the best interests of the young boys God has placed under our guidance.

Let us pray,

God you are love, love that is unending, unmeasurable, and love unbounded. We thank you that you first loved us so we could be an extension of that love to all the world. Through this love shared amongst us, we are certain that you are with us. We ask that you continue to make us instruments of your love from this day forward and forever.

Amen

The Grade 2’s started the week off with an inspiring soccer team talk from Liam Shirley founder of Ballers Soccer School. Emphasis was on playing as part of a team, as well as trying to be the best teammate possible, were some valuable points he shared with the boys. He ended with a small soccer competition and one of the Grade 2 boys proudly received a Ballers t-shirt to take home. The creative side of our boys never ceases to amaze us! Their beautiful sunset artwork using cool and dark colours as well as warm and light colours look stunning. All credit to Mrs Bird our art teacher who draws out the best artists in all the Grade 2’s. During technology time the boys worked with making see-saws. After their task was complete they were allowed to build freely. Free building items ranged from tanks, buildings, speed boats and even pickaxes!