MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE
The 2024 school year has come to an end and as I reflect on the year it seems to have gone so quickly yet some events seem like a lifetime ago. Overall however we have had a very positive year and I continue to consider myself blessed to be part of the VP team. As I mentioned in my prizegiving speeches, being a member of staff at VP calls for hard work and dedication (and sometimes blood, sweat and tears) so that your daughters can get the best possible education and numerous opportunities to grow and discover their niche.
I wish to thank all our staff for their hard work throughout this year and I wish them a well-deserved rest. I also wish our Grade 7 girls all the best as they embark on their high school careers wherever they may go. May God keep you safely in the palm of His hand. Make us proud, girls! Be the women we know you are capable of becoming.
I thank our SGB too for their commitment and service to VP. It has been a pleasure working with you all this year.
We say farewell to Ms Smaile and Ms Jonkers and thank them for their service and love shown to our girls. We also say farewell to Ms Oerson whose internship comes to an end. We thank her for all that she has done in the classroom, netball court and in the hostel. We wish all three of them all the best in their future endeavours.
Next year we welcome Ms McNamara and Mr Daniels into Grade 4 and we look forward to the contribution they will make towards at VP.
Our class teachers for 2025 are as follows:
Grade 00: Mrs Calitz
Grade R: Mrs Barrow and Mrs Wilhelmi
Grade 1: Mrs Orsmond (HOD) and Ms Casling
Grade 2: Ms Christian (F.K.A. Mrs Andrews) and Mrs Olivier
Grade 3: Mrs Dewey and Mrs Mgogo
Grade 4: Ms Knott-Craig (HOD), Ms McNamara and Mr Daniels
Grade 5: Ms Miskin and Mrs Kruger
Grade 6: Mrs Goodes and Ms Purdon
Grade 7: Mrs Coetzee, Mrs Sauls and Ms Vongo
Notice
Please take the time to read the letter, included in your report envelope, which is promoted and endorsed by Victoria Primary, Graeme College and PJ Olivier regarding the dangers of Smartphones and young children. I trust that you will take this seriously for all concerned. This is a drive that we will continue to promote next year. Please read these links for more information:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCGlaHgo2LK/?igsh=aXRuamc5a2Vmcmgz
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCrUbnVKyP6/?igsh=ZjFkYzMzMDQzZg==
We would encourage all parents to join the Smartphone Free Childhood Movement and sign the pact.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday and if you observe it, a blessed Christmas too!
Message from SGB Chair
As we approach the close of another fruitful academic year, I would like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to our teachers and school staff. Your unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to nurturing and educating our learners have been the cornerstone of this year’s successes. Your efforts are truly appreciated and do not go unnoticed.
To our parents and guardians, thank you for your vital role in supporting your daughters throughout the year. Your involvement in their academic journey, particularly in reviewing their final year reports and working collaboratively with teachers, plays an essential part in their growth and success. Please take the time to celebrate their achievements and guide them in addressing areas that need improvement as we prepare for an even stronger year ahead.
As we prepare for 2025, I kindly remind parents of the importance of settling any outstanding accounts and taking note of the school fees for the upcoming year to ensure a seamless transition. If you have outstanding fees, please contact the office to make payment arrangements. This will help support the continued operation and development of our school community.
Finally, to our girls, congratulations on your achievements this year! Your hard work, perseverance and dedication deserve to be celebrated. Keep striving for excellence and building on your strengths as you embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
May the holidays bring joy, peace, and the rejuvenation we all need to start the new year afresh. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025, ready to build on our achievements and make it a year of progress and success.
Warm regards,
Mrs Thando Qeqe
School Governing Body (SGB) Chair
Congratulations to the following girls in Grade 4-7 who achieved Honours and Merit Awards for their year’s work: Honours = an aggregate of 80% +; Merit = 75 – 79% (Grade 7: 72-79%). Merits are awarded throughout the year for good work, helpfulness and participation in various school activities. Girls with over 500 merits received a certificate.
Grade 4
HONOURS AWARDS:
Emihle Kulati, Isla Orsmond, Kaylee May, Libby Everton, Misha Potts, Cayden Strauss, Amyoli Loli, Madison Conroy and
Caitlyn Bodill
MERIT AWARDS:
Okuhle Smile, Kendra Christian, Tessanne Arries, Zenazi Gqeke and Balelihle Jadi
Over 500 Merits:
Kendra Chrisjan, Emihle Kulati, Amyoli Loli, Isla Orsmond, Misha Potts, Lulolodwa Siko, Tessanne Arries, Caitlyn Bodill, Madison Conroy, Leah Doyle, Libby Everton, Lelona Manyati, Kaylee May and Cayden Strauss
Grade 5
HONOURS AWARDS:
Makatendeka Chakona, Haset Sintayehu, Ababalwe Ngwetsheni, Owekhethelo Gongqa, Yusrah Suleman, Olothando Sityata and Maham Rizvi
MERIT AWARDS:
Bridget Akpeng, Amari Funani, Ella Radovic, Kungothando Ngangani, Siphesihle Chrisjan and Amy-Leigh Jacobs
Over 500 Merits:
Makatendeka Chakona, Amari Funani, Phumelela Macetyana, Iminathi Malusi, Ababalwe Ngwetsheni, Yusrah Suleman, Olothando Sityata, Iminqweno Qalani, Bridget Akpeng, Owekhethelo Gongqa, Maham Rizvi and Haset Sintayehu
Grade 6
HONOURS AWARDS:
Uzosule Kanana, Eila Chirombo, Nakweziphi Mthetho, Imanathi Mcophele, Isabella Tladi and Mila Nongubo
MERIT AWARDS:
Esethu Stamper, Sibonokuhle Benge, Iviwe Jakavula, Avethandwa Hambaze and Junaid WIlliams
Over 500 Merits:
Liyabona Benyane, Avethandwa Hambaze, Iviwe Jakavula, Uzosule Kanana, Tandolwetu Ketwa, Imanathi Mcophele, Lelethu Mlisa, Alibongwe Mthembu, Nakweziphi Mthetho, Mila Nongubo, Esethu Stamper, Isabella Tladi and Junaid Williams
Grade 7
HONOURS AWARDS:
Daniella McLean, Azile Hambaze, Darissa Mushid and Emilie Niesing
MERIT AWARDS:
Hlalumi Balfour, Maya Christian, Aleesia Jonker, Emily Steele, Stella Mullin, Cassandra Radovic, Ifeoma Nnadozie, Amila Mdingi, Amyoli Sesani, Iminathi Ndilele, Liyanda Kutta and Lunathi Mkosana
Over 500 Merits:
Ifeoma Nnadozie, Cassandra Radovic, Lisakhanya Cetu, Maya Christian, Zingce Balani, Daniella McLean, Stella Mullin, Abigail Green, Zaydiah Adler, Aleesia Jonker, Linomtha Kula, Asanda Mbolompo, Emilie Niesing, Letisha De Maar, Emily Steele, Amyoli Sesani and Lathisa Ngabaza
Term 1 Extramural Programme 2025
The Term 1 Extramural Programme will be given to your daughters on their return next year. Please note that it will include the following sports: (Please make sure your daughter has all the required kit).
Swimming (beginner – team and in LSPE lessons), tennis, athletics and hockey (U11,12 & 13 – U13 A&B squads to be selected) and netball (U13 only).
School fees
Reminder of school fees and stationery levies:
Grade 1 to 3 school fees are R24 600 per year
Grade 1 to 3 learners will pay a once off amount of R1750.00 on the 1st day of school – this will be for her stationery, books, workbooks and Friday Feast.
Grade 4 to 7 – school fees are R24 000 per year.
Grade 4 pupils will pay a R400 workbook levy at the beginning of the year.
Grade 4 to 7 pupils will pay R365 a year for their art lessons.
Hostel fees: R 77 000 per year
DO NOT buy your daughter a diary for next year. The VP one will be supplied to all girls in Grade 3-7 for 2025.
Prize Giving Photos
If you would like a printed copy of your daughter’s Prize Giving photo please go to FotoFirst/Print my Photos in New Street to have your copy printed. We thank Mr Steven Lang for being our photographer at the various prize givings.
Cricket Fun Day
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who joined us for our Cricket Fun Day. Your presence made the day truly special, and your enthusiastic participation set the tone for a memorable event. Events like these are a wonderful reminder of the strong bond between parents, learners and our school community. Your encouragement and positive spirit not only inspire the children but also strengthen the sense of togetherness that makes our school so special.
Carol Service
The music teachers wish to thank our wonderful VP parents for their incredible support of our Carol Service on 21 November. The record-breaking attendance, the wonderful singing and the sense of community were clear evidence of a shared commitment to this special school and everything we strive to achieve. We are also deeply appreciative of the donations of school uniform items, which will benefit many children at the start of the 2025 academic year. We received: 6 pairs of shoes, 8 pairs of pants, 24 pairs of socks, 6 jerseys, 27 shorts and 42 white shirts. Thank you for your generosity, and for embracing the charitable spirit of this lovely event.
Birthday wishes
The following girls celebrate their birthdays in December: Esona Makabe, Lulonke Silo, Riekie Mabaso, Bubele Mvula, Sibabalwe Mhlebi, Lebogang Mogale, Mivuyo Mtiya, Sama Nkatsha, Kamva Tyatyeka, Ayola Libazi, Andisiwe Mraji, Milani Nothoko, Jade Thompson, Liqhamile Gxowa, Obongwayo Jamela, Kuvimbanashe Chinomona, Mukundi Thondhlana, Layla Eaton, Haset Sintayehu, Ndaloentle Khila, Aqhamile Klaas, Ahluma Somala, Audrey Matanda, Alexis Muller, Yusrah Suleman, Emihle Vongo, Lunje Hloyi, Othimna Mgwigwi, Ava Barman, Simehlule Klaas, Abongile Mazitshana, Arya Ritchie, Talitha Dingani, Micarlin Daniels, Ovayo Maboza, Mikaylin Nelson, Hailey-Jade Gill, Michelle Apreku and Kamvelihle Mesani. We hope you have a very happy day!
Term 1, 2025 will begin on Wednesday, 15 January and the hostel will welcome girls back on Tuesday, 14 January. Please see the accompanying term calendar for all the events coming up in in the first term of 2025.
Regards
Mrs Rafferty
PRINCIPAL
We wish the following girls who celebrate their birthday in November a very happy birthday: Ezokuhle Kewuti, Kwakhanya Kondile, Sesisipho Mbaba, Ciana Moodie, Thandolwam Mpati, Isabella Tladi, Teia van Rooyen, Arabella Appollis, Mbali-Entle Fex, Esosa Egbe, Ngozichukwuka Edozeem, Kungawo Mpendu, Ava Sauls, Sambesiwe Dyantyi, Lunathi Makasi, Lerato Racoco, Simosihle Dyaloyi, Mariam Moorad, Lucy Bennett, Owekhethelo, Anita Nkanyana, Zoe Riddin, Eila Chirombo, Iminqweno Qalani, Maham Rizvi, Tessanne Arries, Oluhle Mpati, Linomtha Gonyela, Kelly Smith, Hannah Wessels, Madison Conroy, Asanda Mbolompo and Ekunyenathi Menzi. We hope you they have a very happy day!
Change of school times as from Monday, 4 November
bullying:
Ask them what character traits they think are needed to be a good friend, as this will help your child understand how to develop a strong and long-lasting friendship.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for supervision. 
Birthday wishes
important for parents to keep their daughters encouraged and grounded. Here are 14 wonderful things you can say to your daughter to keep her morale and confidence up:
Worker of the Week
We are in our final term of 2024 and it will be a very short one before we head into examinations for our Grade 4-7 girls. It is essential that each girl stays focused and prepares herself for her upcoming final examinations. Please ensure that your daughter sets up a study timetable this week so that she doesn’t leave her studies to the last minute. A little bit every day, starting with her note making, practising her Maths and revising, will ensure that she performs at her best and is less overwhelmed at the end of the year. It is a mere four weeks until they start writing exams. Help your daughter establish a study routine every afternoon that will be conducive to her setting the tone to a term of focus and hard work.
On Monday 16 September we will celebrate Heritage Day. Girls can come dressed in celebration of their heritage. There will be no cost.
sleep during the week and on a Sunday.
Tennis Achievement: Marizaan Boucher played in a tennis South Africa tournament over the weekend in Gqeberha. She won all her matches and was also the overall winner in her division. Well done, Marizaan! We are all super proud of you.
Page Palooza 
sad moments and some that were quite humorous. Likewise, the responses to these events on social media were at times uplifting but some were vilifying. Many people jumped on the bandwagon to slay, judge, condemn and break down. It amazes me how people are so quick to judge and say the meanest of things (especially from the comfort of their couch).
SPCA Book Sale
We wish the following staff and girls a very happy birthday for this and next week:
Welcome back to Term 3. I trust that you had a wonderful time with your daughters during the holidays. We have started this term off with a bang with many events planned for next week already. Our Grade 7 girls shadowed as waitrons at Spur on Wednesday night and if you weren’t able to support them this week, please save the date to support them on Wednesday the 17 July. We will be celebrating Mandela Day on Thursday, 18 July and we appeal to you to donate any items for our SPCA drive. Also on Thursday we are very excited to present our Victoria in Concert which will showcase our musical talent with VGHS at the Rhodes Theatre. On Friday, 19 July we will have a Civvies Day and the funds raised will go towards our other Mandela Day initiative. More details for these exciting events will follow in this newsletter. Please support us.
and Christelle Moriarty have received over 250 merits so far this year. Keep up the hard work, girls!
Civvies Day 
that our teachers endeavour to support our girls whenever they are finding something challenging. I also know that our teachers have high expectations of our girls and that we strive to teach them a good work ethic so that we establish the foundation of future success in high school and beyond. But more often than not, unless this is encouraged at home too, our efforts aren’t always effective.
Congratulations to the following girls who received their Honours and Merit Awards at this morning’s assembly:
Indlulamthi Badges
VP’s Got Talent
If you completed a form requesting to be added to the VP Whatsapp group and have not yet received a message please send a query to the VP Whatsapp number 0834682706.
I have not personally read the book “Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World” written by Kristen Welch but the title certainly grabbed my attention. A selection of the excerpts below, which I found on Facebook of all places, highlights a few points from the book which I think is a good message for all of us. 
Aleah Grade R
Misha Grade 4
At our assembly on Monday we thanked Mr Wayne Weber and Mr Nolan Berriman from Settler City Toyota for their sponsorship of our U13A hockey teams match kit and for the practice tops for our U13A hockey and netball teams. We thank them whole-heartedly for the generous sponsorship.
We wish the following staff and girls a very happy birthday for next week: Mrs Wilhelmi, Mrs Kruger, Milisuthando Nkayi, Inomusa Tauzen, Luna Copteros, Lunje Giyose, Zoe Green, Anopa-Nyasha Thondhlana and Ithandile Hilta. We hope you have a very happy day!
Congratulations to the following Grade 4-7 girls who were the Top Ten academic achievers in their grades.
Worker of the Week: Our W.O.W. is Luniko Hulushe in Grade 3 for getting full marks for every single spelling test this term. Well done, Luniko!
Azile Hambaze, Sinembasa Mapipa, Daniella Mclean, Lelona Manyathi, Kaylee May, Uzosule Kanana, Mivuyo Santi, Grace Ruwanza, Luniko Hulushe, Chanelle Musarurwa, Isla Orsmond, Owe Gongqa, Haset Sintayehu, Bridget Akpeng, Ella Radovic, Amari Funani, Olo Sityata, Cayden Strauss, Okuhle Smaile, Misha Potts, Olothando Kanyiwe, Nakweziphi Mthetho, Amyoli Loli, Iminathi Mcophele and Olo Sityata. Well done, girls!
Bathurst Show Art Exhibition: This year the Bathurst Agricultural Show will take place from 22-24 March. The following VP girls will have their art works exhibited at the show:
written in May 2024.
Interhouse Cross Country results
reigning champions, performed first and set the bar very high. All the houses presented Wamkelekile by Hot Water, and one traditional song of their choice. The girls did a spectacular job of personalising Wamkelekile, and the traditional songs were excellently arranged and performed. Arum were the victors this year, and we are very proud of all the singers, the house leaders and the teachers for making this such a wonderful event.
Easter Hamper Raffle
girls from Gr 00-7 will take part in a fun Colour Run/Obstacle course and friends and families are most welcome to join in.
for all the wonderful entries. On Wednesday, 7 February we will be celebrating World Read Aloud Day. Our various classes will be doing different activities to promote and encourage reading. Please ask your daughter after school on Wednesday what fun activities she did. We will also have fifteen minutes before break where our older girls will read to our younger ones and this is such a special bonding time for all. Please keep a lookout on our FB page for all the lovely photos that come from this day and to see our delightful competition entries.
