Omsendbrief 15

Circular 15/2010                                                                                                 10 March 2010

Dear Parent

WITHDRAWAL FROM SPORTS TEAMS FOR COMPETITIONS

Since the establishment of our school, learners from Durbanville Primary have represented their school on the sports field with pride and dignity.  For them, it has always been an honour to represent their school on all terrains (academic, sport and culture).  The holistic approach has always been part of Durbanville Primary School.

Coaches of Durbanville Primary, work relentlessly to prepare the learners to be competitive on the sports field.  It is an educator’s duty to ensure that all learners reach their full potential.  Coaches are very proud of their learners and their school.  However, if learners withdraw from a meeting/match/gala on the day of the competition, it places the coach in a very embarrassing situation.  The sport policy of the school determines that a learner who has been selected to represent the school, should be issued with a sport letter 2 days before the due date of the match/meeting/gala.  Usually there is a reply-slip which the learner must return to the school.  This reply-slip serves as proof that, the parent has given permission for his/her child to participate.  The parent also stipulates whether the child will require school transport, or if he/she will be taken there personally by a parent.  No coach will ever blame a child who informs him/her one or two days in advance, that he/she will not be able to represent the school in a meeting/match/gala(legitimate reason).  It allows the coach enough time to arrange a replacement.

Two of the values which we try to instil in our learners, is respect and responsibility.  Respect for their coach, as well as for the school against whom they will be playing.  This implies that last minute withdrawals are not acceptable.  It is a learner’s responsibility to honour his/her word, if he/she has agreed to participate.

Should a learner have to withdraw on the day of the competition as a result of illness or injury, we understand and we will handle it.

Lately, at regular intervals, coaches have arrived at meetings/matches/galas only to be told, that certain learners will not be participating.  At these meetings, learners from Durbanville Primary were called to report at the announcer, to the great embarrassment of the coach.  This year, it happened at prestige meetings, where only certain schools were invited to participate.  This tendency must immediately cease.  Parents must also ensure that learners have a well-balanced extra-mural programme.  We have an all encompassing sports menu, but choices must be made.

Thank you to all our parents who ensure that their children learn the correct values.  Thank you also to everyone who supports our extra-mural programme with such loyalty.  We appreciate it.

Kind regards

A. Winterbach                                                               J.C. Swart

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT : SPORT                                 PRINCIPAL