Circular 1

Circular 1/2008 16 January 2008

Dear Parent

A warm welcome to everyone and in particular, to those who have joined us for the first time. May “Our Own” become a second home and a place, where your dreams, my dreams and that of our children, will be fulfilled.

In Exodus 33:15 Moses tells Him: “If You do not go with us, don’t make us leave this place.” Our prayers are that He will be with us in 2008.

Included in this circular is our school’s annual programme (Addendum A). It will, once again, be a busy year where the focus is on the holistic approach. We invite you to join the staff, the Governing Body and Durbie Action 2008 committee to create a milieu in which we are all happy.

SEVEN DAY ROSTER

In 2008 we are compelled to change to a seven day roster in order to accommodate all the class groups in the computer-, art and technology venues.

This roster has been planned for the whole year, in order to accommodate the needs of all role players and we will not deviate from this. The roster will not be adjusted, should an academic day be lost because of unforeseen circumstances.

The roster planning for 2008 is included in Addendum A. It is also indicated in the pupils’ diary. On Wednesday 23 January 2008 the seven day roster will commence (Day 1). This implies, that learners will start with practical subjects according to their class roster.

EXAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS

We are aware of the fact, that many parents make their holiday arrangements well in advance and we, therefore, share the following with you:

Term 1: Test week from 3 March to 14 March 2008. School closes on 20 March 2008.

Term 2: June examination from Tuesday 17 June to Thursday 26 June 2008. School closes on Friday 27 June 2008 at 11:00. Reports will be handed out on Wednesday 16 July 2008 (first week of the third term).

Term 3: Test weeks : 8 September to 19 September 2008. November examination from Monday 24 November to Wednesday 3 December 2008. School closes on Friday 5 December 2008.

The motivation for the above-mentioned is as follows:

The academic year is continually shortened and the educators struggle to cover all the outcomes. Important skills are not properly mastered as time becomes a factor. The above-mentioned arrangements allow maximum tuition time.

Examination writing is a skill which we would like to expose our learners to, without losing three weeks of tuition time.

Many learners leave the school directly after the examination and with approximately 60 learners in certain grade groups absent, the educator cannot continue with new academic work.

It becomes very difficult to keep the remaining learners busy, while their friends are already on holiday. It is also unfair to waste the time of those learners who are present. This scenario is a source of frustration for both the educators and the learners.

There should also be fewer clashes between academic and sports programmes.

NATIONAL CURRICULUM STATEMENT

The National Curriculum Statement requires each learner to have proof of achievements at the end of the year when promotions are done. Learners are requested to keep these portfolios updated at all times. We also request our parents/guardians to support their child(ren) in this regard. Educators sometimes experience great difficulty with some learners who lose their notes and tasks.

TEXT BOOKS

According to legislation (Amendment Act Education Laws No 24 of 2005) schools are compelled to supply learners with text books. Text books must be handled with care and covered in plastic, as the text books are on loan and not the property of the learners. Lost text books must be replaced.

The text books are used in addition to the modules. The modules keep their present format. The cover page, work schedule, lesson plan and assessment plan indicates exactly which work/skills will be taught. The formal assessments are used to determine the final quarterly progress mark.

You are welcome to approach the class teacher for more information at the information evenings.

ATHLETICS

Please see Addendum B.

Durbanville greetings

J.C. Swart

PRINCIPAL

ADDENDUM B

ATHLETICS 2008

1. AIM

The aim of the athletics meeting is mass participation, creating competitive spirit and exposure of learners to various athletics items. Mass participation in teams (also on the pavilion) is thus a priority. In this way a positive team spirit is created at the beginning of the year, which we believe, will be reflected in all the activities in 2008.

2. MEETINGS

2.1 Field events meeting (selected athletes) : Tuesday 29 January 2008

2.2 Interhouse athletics meeting (all learners) : Wednesday 30 January 2008

2.3 Durbell Athletics Meeting (Bellville Velodrome), team athletes : Saturday 9 February 2008. Learners receive notification after the athletics meeting.

3. GENERAL RULES

3.1 The sorting of athletes for the interhouse athletics meeting (field and track) will take place during the school day to give everyone exposure to the various items. Learners who qualify for participation, will be notified.

3.2 Mass participation

Every learner who participates, gains points for his/her team. Non-participation will, therefore, not be in the best interest of his/her team.

The following items are for mass participation:

U/10 and U/11 80 m sprints

U/12 150 m sprints

U/13 200 m sprints

3.3 Items for selected athletes (learners who were identified)

3.3.1 Hurdles: ± 12 athletes per item (4 per colour group/house)

3.3.2 Long distance (800 m, 1200 m en 1500 m): ± 20 athletes (5 per colour group/house)

3.3.3 100 m sprints: 18 athletes (two heats), thus. 6 athletes per colour group/house

3.3.4 Field events: ± 12 athletes per item (4 per colour group/house)

4. PROGRAMME (16 January to 31 January 2008)

· Wednesday 16 January

School re-opens. No athletics.

· Thursday 17 January

Sorting of U/13- and U/14 learners. Wear PT clothes to school. Bring own water bottle, sun block and cap.

· Athletics practice from 14:15 to 16:45

Only for U/10 learners.

· Friday 18 January

Sorting of U/12 learners. Wear PT clothes to school. Bring own water bottle, sunblock and cap.

· Monday 21 January

- 07:00-07:40 Those learners who wish to participate in the 800 m, 1200 m, 1500 m and sprints, will be given an opportunity to practice.

- Sorting U/10 learners. Wear PT clothes to school. Remember own water bottle, sunblock and cap.

· Tuesday 22 January

- 07:00-07:40 An opportunity for learners to practise 800 m, 1200 m, 1500 m and sprints.

- Sorting all U/11 learners. Remember water bottle and cap.

· Wednesday 23 January

- 07:00-07:40 An opportunity for learners to practise 800 m, 1200 m, 1500m and sprints.

- An opportunity for learners to practise field events and hurdles: 14:30-16:30. Programme will follow.

· Thursday 24 January

Practice for relay teams: 14:30-15:30.

· Friday 25 January

No athletics.

· Monday 28 January

- 07:00-07:45 An opportunity for learners to practise 800 m, 1200 m, 1500 m and sprints.

- No athletics in the afternoon as fields are being chalked and prepared.

· Tuesday 29 January

- Field events: 13:30-17:30

- School closes at 13:00 – athletes get ready for participation.

- School closes at 14:00 for non-participating learners.

· Wednesday 30 January

- Interhouse athletics meeting: 08:00-15:30. All learners wear PT clothes. Remember water bottle, sunblock and cap. All learners line up as usual at 08:00. Tuck-shop facilities will be available throughout the day.

· Friday 1 February

Athletes who qualify for the Durbell meeting, will receive their notification. They must attend practice from Monday 14:30-15:30.

· Saturday 9 February

Durbell Athletics Meeting – Bellville Velodrome

(Mrs.) L. Lübbe J.C. Swart

ORGANISER PRINCIPAL

11 October 2007