Dear Parents

Supporting Our School Community 

At the heart of our Pre-Prep is something far more important than buildings, events or routines — it is relationships. The partnership between home and school plays a powerful role in shaping a boy’s experience, confidence and sense of belonging. 
For young boys, their teacher is not simply the person delivering lessons. A teacher is a guide, a steady presence, a safe adult, and often the person who helps them navigate friendships, big emotions and new challenges. When a boy feels secure in his relationship with his teacher, he is more willing to take risks in learning, to recover from mistakes, and to grow socially and emotionally. 
Research consistently shows that a strong, trusting teacher–pupil relationships are one of the greatest predictors of both academic progress and emotional wellbeing. When boys sense that their parents trust and respect their teacher, this security deepens. They feel safe. They feel confident. They flourish. 
Schools thrive when parents and teachers stand together. Supporting the school does not mean agreeing with every decision without question — it means addressing questions and concerns in ways that are constructive and solution-focused. 
If a concern arises, the most helpful and respectful course of action is always to address it directly: 

• First with the class teacher 
• Then, if needed, with the HOD 
• And thereafter with me 

This allows matters to be clarified quickly, misunderstandings to be resolved, and solutions to be found with the child’s best interests at heart. Open, direct and respectful communication strengthens trust. Indirect conversations weaken it. 
We are aware that, at times, concerns are discussed informally in the car park, in the coffee shop or on WhatsApp groups. While this may feel like a natural way to process frustrations, these conversations can unintentionally create division, spread information that is only partially true, and damage relationships within our parent body. 
Most importantly, car park chatter can affect children. Boys are perceptive. They sense tension. They repeat what they hear. What may begin as adult conversation can quickly shape playground dynamics and friendships. 
As a community, we must be intentional about protecting one another’s dignity — especially that of our children. 
Our Mitre values call us to integrity, respect, empathy and togetherness. These are not only values for our boys; they are values for us as adults too. 
Let us model to our children how mature communities handle difficulty: 

• Speak directly. 
• Seek understanding before assumption. 
• Protect the dignity of others. 
• Work towards restoration, not division. 

When our community stands side by side, our boys’ benefit in ways that are lasting and profound. Thank you for the many ways you continue to support our staff, uphold our values, and contribute positively to the spirit of our school. 

Together, we can create the environment in which every boy can thrive. 

Kind regards

TARYN BAIN
HEAD: PRE-PREP

Chinese Lantern Festival

Wishing you joy and light this Lantern Festival.

Heart Matters

Heart Matters is an extra mural offered to Grade R learners. Please join us for a short talk about the programme. Click here for more information.

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE SCHOOL PHOTOS – LAST CHANCE TO ORDER PREVIOUS YEARS PHOTOS (2024): 

Dear Parents. Please note all 2024 school photos will be removed from That’s Me Photography’s online platform on 02 March 2026. Photos are kept online for 2 years so this is to make space for 2026 photos. Please visit www.thatsme.co.za and click on Parent Login (existing users) or Register (new users) to access and order your 2024 photos before they are taken down. Enquiries can be directed to info@thatsme.co.za

March/April Holiday Club

1. Please click HERE for further information on a Holiday Club offer from (26 and 27 March) and 07 to 10th April, hosted by Ms Rheeder.

2. Please click HERE for further information on a Holiday Club offer from (30 March until 02 April) hosted by Mrs Kingwill.

Lent 2026 – Returning to What Matters

Last week, we marked Ash Wednesday together, a gentle and meaningful beginning to this season of Lent. Now, as we settle into the weeks ahead, we are invited to slow our pace just enough to notice what is shaping the hearts of our youngest boys.

One verse that feels especially fitting for Pre-Prep is from Book of Micah 6:8:

“Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”

There is something beautifully simple about those words. They are not complicated. They are deeply practical.

For little boys, this looks like:

1. Playing fairly.
2. Showing kindness when someone is hurt.
3. Admitting when they are wrong.
4. Learning that strength and gentleness can live together.

Lent reminds us that character is formed quietly. In the classroom. On the playground. In moments of frustration. In moments of forgiveness. Our Pre-Prep boys are full of energy, personality, and big emotions. They are learning how to manage disappointment, how to share space, how to lead, and how to follow. Each of these moments becomes part of their formation.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are human, still growing, still learning, still in need of grace. That truth applies just as much to adults as it does to children. And perhaps that is where Lent speaks most powerfully: it calls us back to humility, patience, and perspective.

In these early years, what matters most is not perfection. It is direction.

If our boys are learning to be kinder this term than they were last year — that is growth.
If they are learning to pause before reacting — that is maturity.
If they are learning that they can begin again — that is faith taking root.

May this season steady us as families. May it deepen our patience with one another. And may it quietly shape boys who grow not only in confidence and capability, but in compassion and integrity.

Blessings,

Our Grade Ns have now passed the mid-term mark and are showing more independence with routines and responsibilities. They are far more capable than we realise! The boys enjoyed their Bible lesson last week on Tuesday, when Mrs Stuart explained the meaning of Shrove Tuesday and showed them how to make pancakes! The following day, we were excited to visit the Brooke Chapel for the first time to commemorate Ash Wednesday. The boys were very proud of their crosses on their foreheads. Delicious fruit skewers were made in the Art room last Friday. It was wonderful to see the boys enjoy all the different fruit options. Our boys have enjoyed making all sorts of houses this week as we explore different types of homes. Sand castles, box construction, chalk drawings, paper houses and more to come!

Over the past two weeks, the boys have been busy exploring the wonderful world of their five senses. Each class focused on a different sense each week, allowing the boys to experience learning in a fun, hands-on way.
The highlight of our learning journey was undoubtedly our sensory outing to Green Point Park, where our moms stepped into the role of teachers for the morning. They guided the boys through a variety of sensory activities, encouraging them to see, smell, hear, touch, and taste as they explored the park. A lovely picnic under the trees followed, giving everyone time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings together. Many boys shared that their favourite part of the day was the caramel popcorn tasting, or having their moms assist with lifts, or simply doing something different as part of their school day! In the classroom, we have also introduced two new sounds, Golden Girl and Quarrelsome Queen. The classrooms are now filled with beautiful artwork inspired by these themes, proudly showcasing the boys’ creativity.

We will continue our journey on the senses train over the next two weeks and look forward to many more learning experiences, discoveries, and moments of growth together.