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26 June 2025: Last Newsletter for Term 2

Dear Parents

As we draw Term 2 to a close, I am filled with pride at how far our boys have come in just a few short months. Their growth—both academically and socially—has been inspiring. The joy and curiosity they bring into the classroom each day is a reminder of how special this stage of learning is. It has been particularly heartening to see friendships deepening and the boys working together with kindness and cooperation.

Looking Ahead to Term 3

1. Term 3 Start Date and Morning Care

Term 3 will begin on Tuesday 22 July at 08:00, and we look forward to welcoming your sons back, ready for another term of discovery and growth. Morning care will be available as usual from 07:00.

2. Updated Term Calendar

Our updated Term 3 calendar is now live on the Pre-Prep section of our website. We kindly ask that you refer to the online version for the most accurate and current information, as changes may occur throughout the term. Please avoid using screenshots so you don’t miss any updates. Key events will also be shared in our biweekly newsletters.

3. Sports Programme

The sports schedule for Term 3 will remain unchanged. Please ensure that your son is registered with his relevant private service provider for the new term. Sport resumes on Monday 28 July and concludes on Friday 19 September. Our Grade 1 and 2 Tag festival will be on Friday 19 September. Thank you for supporting your son’s involvement in our co-curricular programme. Grade 1s and 2s will not have sport during the play week 11-15 August. All Grade 1s and 2s MUST participate in a team sport, if they did not sign up in Term 2, parents must please email their sons teacher.

4. Winter Uniform Reminder

A reminder that boys are to return in their full winter uniform and with tidy haircuts, ready to start the new term neatly and confidently.

5. Attendance Matters

We’ve noted a recent increase in non-sick-related absences. As a reminder, boys are allocated a total of 14 discretionary leave days across their time at Pre-Prep and Prep. Sick days are, of course, exempt. Please remember to notify your son’s class teacher should he be absent. Regular attendance is vital to support continuity in learning and personal growth, and we thank you for your ongoing cooperation.

6. Mandela Day – Friday 25 July

Plans are underway for our Mandela Day celebrations, which will centre around acts of kindness, generosity, and service. Your son’s teacher will be in touch with more information. It promises to be a meaningful experience for our boys. Please see Notes below.

Wishing You a Happy Holiday

As the holidays begin, I hope you enjoy some rest and precious time with your loved ones. We look forward to welcoming the boys back in July, re-energised and ready for an exciting term ahead.

And happy birthday to the following staff members:
· Mrs van Zyl (5 July)
· Mrs Tandwa (8 July)
· Mrs Green (10 July)
· Mrs Durham (18 July)
We also wish our boys celebrating birthdays during the holidays a very special day!

Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy a safe and relaxing break!
Warm regards



Kind regards


TARYN BAIN
HEAD: PRE-PREP

DIARY DATES
Thursday 26 June End of Term 2

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.

Tuesday 22 July Term 3 Begins

School starts at 08h00
Friday 25 July Mandela Day

Please see information under TAKE NOTE.
Monday 28 July Extra murals begin

Please click below for our Term 3 sport timetable.
Term 3 Extra murals.
TAKE NOTE
MyBishopsLife

Please note that reports will be released on Thursday 26 June. Please make sure that you are able to log in to MyBishopsLife to download the latest school reports. 

The Grade N- 2 Semester 1 Academic Reports will be released to your son’s profile on MyBishopsLife on Thursday, 26th June. Reports may be accessed by selecting Reports from the Academic menu on MyBishopsLife. 

If you have any concerns or queries, please contact your son’s teacher at the beginning of next term to set up an appointment. 

For your convenience, click here to log into MyBishopsLife Prep & Pre-Prep or to register should you be a new parent. If you experience any login issues, please email portal@bishops.org.za 

Mandela Day
Madagascar: A Musical Adventure
PRE-PREP PRAYER GROUP
Message from our Revd. Khwezi Bengani

As we reach the end of Term 2, I write to you with a heart full of thanksgiving and deep appreciation for each boy, every teacher, and all our parents and guardians who make up this beautiful community.
This term has been filled with much activity – classrooms alive with learning, playgrounds filled with laughter, and hallways echoing with the joyful sounds of friendship and growth. In every corner of our school, I have seen evidence of God’s goodness and grace at work.

To our boys – well done, young men! You have worked so hard. You’ve shown kindness, resilience, and curiosity. I’ve watched many of you try new things, encourage one another, and grow in ways big and small. You are learning not only with your minds, but with your hearts too – and that is what truly matters.

To our incredible teachers – thank you for the love, patience, and creativity you bring to our boys’ lives every single day. Your work is sacred. You are planting seeds that will bear fruit for years to come.

And to our devoted parents and guardians – we see you. Your support, your quiet encouragement, the early mornings and packed lunches, the help with homework, and the gentle guidance – thank you. You are the strong foundation that keeps our boys grounded and growing.

As we enter this three-week holiday, I invite us all to rest – truly rest. Lay aside the busyness. Slow down. Make space for joy, family, and quiet moments with God.

Let us hold onto these beautiful words from Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

May this holiday be a gift to you. Whether you are travelling, staying home, or simply enjoying some down time – may you be refreshed in body, mind, and soul.

We look forward to seeing all our boys again in Term 3 – well-rested, smiling, and ready to continue the journey of growing in wisdom, in courage, and in love.

May God bless you and keep you.
With love and prayers,
Revd Khwezi

GENERAL INFO
VUSA

The countdown is on! The annual 24-Hour Cycle Challenge takes place on 6–7 September on Piley Rees, and bike bookings are now open. It’s a fun, family-filled weekend for a powerful cause and we’d love you to be part of it.

To book your team’s bike, sign up here.

Once your team is confirmed, we’ll send you your BackaBuddy fundraising link.

This isn’t just a ride; it’s a full community celebration. Expect live bands, magic shows, a kids’ entertainment zone, great prizes and a bar in the Heatlie. This year, we’re joined by eight other Southern Suburbs schools, so it’s also a great opportunity to market your business to a wider audience. (Sponsorship Opportunities.)

All proceeds go to the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy. Last year, you helped build a library, a computer lab, a social worker’s office, and an art and music centre and provided vital repairs to the Digibus. This year, we’re raising funds to complete a classroom, a training centre, and an income-generating café and deli and more importantly, to expand our literacy programme to include Grade 1, 2 and 3s.

Here’s how to get involved:

  • Ride – Book your bike and put together a team
  • Support a team -  every bit helps! (Bona fide Donations receipted with a Section 18A certificate).
  • Sponsor – Brand your business and be seen
  • Donate a prize – always appreciated and great marketing opportunities available.

Thank you for helping turn energy into impact.  Please see this short video https://youtu.be/Dn7XDrTJkfI or visit our event webpage for more information. https://www.vusarugbyacademy.com/vusa24.

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

HIGHLIGHTS
Grade N
Our Grade N boys have thoroughly enjoyed exploring our Fairy Tale and Nursery Rhyme theme over the past two weeks. While some adults may view these tales as outdated, they remain powerful tools for young children, offering safe spaces to explore big feelings like fear, bravery, and problem-solving. A special highlight was when our teachers dressed up and shared stories with other classes—an exciting opportunity for the boys to experience a story ring with a different teacher.

Experi-buddies visited us this week and spoke to us about our digestive system. A wonderful practical learning opportunity. Making orange juice was another practical highlight - we hope the boys will be serving you this delicious drink in the holidays!

We’ve also taken our curiosity outdoors, using magnifying glasses to closely examine our natural environment when the weather has allowed. Creative energy has been flowing, as you’ve no doubt seen from the wonderful artworks making their way home. We wish all our families a safe, restful holiday filled with quality time together.

Grade R

As Term 2 comes to a close, we reflect on a wonderful and exciting term filled with learning, laughter, and fun. The boys have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity.
In the final two weeks, we explored the fascinating world of minibeasts. A particular highlight was designing and building our very own minibeast hotels. An activity that sparked imaginations and brought lots of joy and messy play to the classroom.

We were also delighted to welcome Jingles with Jo, who enthralled us with her lively minibeast-themed songs. The boys had the chance to sing along, explore different musical instruments, and truly immerse themselves in the music. It was a morning full of rhythm, movement, and smiles!

We wish all our boys a happy and well-deserved holiday. Safe travels to those heading away, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting and enriching Term 3.

Grade 1

And just like that — Term 2 is in the goal! It’s been a term full of action, creativity, and just the right amount of muddy boots and rainy-day fun. We kicked off the final week with a soccer-themed party that had everyone on their feet (and occasionally on the floor during pass the parcel!). The boys showed off their fancy footwork during class matches — we’re still not sure if we witnessed football or future fame. Off the field, the stage is heating up as Madagascar rehearsals hit full swing — lemurs, lions, and loud lines are taking over! Speaking of lines, the boys have been writing in smaller ones, sharpening their skills for a big Term 3. Their weekend news and sentences have become so detailed we’re considering nominating a few for journalism awards. Our tech-savvy stars are still buzzing about UARO bots in Technology lessons — coding, creating, and (mostly) not causing robotic chaos. Though the weather has danced between puddles and patches of sun, we’ve cherished every golden moment. Here’s to a well-earned rest, and we’ll see you next term for more learning, laughing, and maybe a few more goals!

Grade 2

It’s hard to believe how quickly the term has flown by! The Grade 2 boys have enjoyed working on their South African culture projects, learning about one another’s backgrounds and exploring the inquiry-based question: Why is it important to learn about other cultures? Inquiry projects like these help boys develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

A special highlight this week was the Gentleman’s Tea held on Tuesday, where boys who received the Gentleman’s Award were celebrated for demonstrating the qualities of the MITRE. Encouraging Manners, Integrity, Teamwork, Respect, and Empathy not only builds character, but creates a strong, values-driven classroom community. They also spent time this week practising for the upcoming play next term, showing enthusiasm and teamwork. The hard work they’ve put into rehearsals has helped build confidence, collaboration, and a sense of accomplishment. As we wrap up the term, the boys can be proud of their efforts and all they have achieved—as reflected in their well-earned reports.

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