Message from the office
We often stress the importance of our girls’ education being a partnership between parent, teacher and child. I know
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.
Our parents who play an active interest in their daughter’s homework, progress, school activities and hold them accountable are our best partners in the world. They are critical in ensuring that what we do at school will not only be entrenched in our girls but that they, as pupils, are encouraged, enthusiastic, motivated and have a sense of purpose when they come to school each day.
Walter Edward Williams who is an American economist, commentator, and academic wrote (I have taken the liberty of changing him to her) : ‘For somebody to do well in school, somebody needs to make her go to bed on time and get a good 10 hours sleep. Someone must make her do her homework. Somebody must feed her breakfast in the morning and someone must make her mind (respect) the teacher. If those things are not done, I don’t care how much money you put in the school system, education will not occur’.
A parent’s responsibility doesn’t end by filling in application forms (and hopefully paying school fees), that’s just the beginning. We cannot stress the importance of parents doing their bit in ensuring academic success for their daughters. Yes, you have secured your daughter’s place at this very good school, but please make sure your daughter thrives while here by reading to her, checking her homework, helping her with her homework, reading her newsletter, asking her about her day, helping her study, ensuring she is committed and attends her practices, supports all fundraising efforts, that she only stays at home if she is very sick, arrives at school on time, that you expand her experiences and horizons by providing her with a variety of experiences, talking to her about current events, playing board games with her and having deep meaningful and engaging conversations with her that will teach her empathy, understanding and to problem solve.
It is also critical that you meet with your daughter’s teacher when you are concerned or if the teacher requests to meet with you, and please, please make it an absolute priority to ensure that you arrange any suggested assessment or support that the teacher may recommend, the sooner your daughter receives support, or the sooner the teacher gets expert advice, the sooner we can ensure that we are all doing what is optimally in the best interest of your daughter.
Jane D Hull said, ‘At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success, is the positive involvement of parents’ and as an unknown source said, ‘When parents are involved in their child’s education, they are sending a message that education is important, and that learning is valued’.
We thank all our parents who support their girls each day and we wish you all a blessed and restful break. A special mention must be made to all the special men who play a role in our girls’ lives and who support and love them – may you all have a wonderful Father’s Day on Sunday.
Letter from the SGB Chairperson
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Once again, thank you for partnering with us to provide the best education for your girls. As we conclude Term 2, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to your daughters, particularly during this examination term. Thank you for being patient with your children amidst all your other personal and professional responsibilities. As you receive Term 2 progress reports, please take the time to analyse their performance and engage with them on their progress. Acknowledge their efforts, praise their good work, and motivate them to strive for improvement where necessary.
Your commitment to school drop-offs, collections, lunch preparations, after-school activities and homework support is truly valued. We also greatly appreciate your timely payment of school fees and your enthusiastic involvement in all school fundraising efforts.
A special thank you to our dedicated principal, teachers, administrative staff, and grounds and garden staff. Your hard work and commitment to our school community are invaluable. You play a crucial role in creating a nurturing and conducive environment for our students to learn and grow, and we are immensely grateful for your efforts.
As we head into the winter holidays, I encourage you to allow your children to rest and enjoy this time. Engage them in non-academic activities that empower, positively stimulate, and keep them active during the break. For those traveling, please stay safe, and we hope you enjoy the 50th edition of the National Arts Festival.
Have a restful and enjoyable holiday.
Mrs Thando Qeqe (SGB Chairperson)
Congratulations to the following girls who received their Honours and Merit Awards at this morning’s assembly:
Grade 4
Honours Award
Emihle Kulati, Caitlyn Bodill, Kaylee May, Misha Potts, Isla Orsmond, Libby Everton, Cayden Strauss, Amyoli Loli.
Merit Award
Madison Conroy, Okuhle Smile, Balelihle Jadi, Tessanne Arries, Kendra Chrisjan, Zenazi Gqeke, Yonelisa Ngaleka.
Grade 5
Honours Award
Makatendeka Chakona, Haset Sintayehu, Owekhethelo Gongqa, Ababalwe Ngwetsheni, Yusrah Suleman.
Merit Award
Olothando Sityata, Bridget Akpeng, Maham Rizvi, Siphesihle Chrisjan.
Grade 6
Honours Award
Uzosule Kanana, Imanathi Mcophele, Mila Nongubo, Sibonokuhle Benge, Isabella Tladi, Iviwe Jakavula.
Merit Award
Avethandwa Hambaze, Nakweziphi Mthetho, Eila Chirombo, Unakho Fetsha, Esethu Stamper, Mila NcConnachie, Sairaah Govender, Hlumelo Piti, Junaid Williams.
Grade 7
Honours Award
Azile Hambaze, Emily Steele, Aleesia Jonkers, Liyanda Kutta, Emilie Niesing.
Merit Award
Daniella McLean, Lunathi Mkosana, Maya Christian, Ifeoma Nnadozie, Hlalumi Balfour, Amila Mdingi, Amoyli Sesani,
Lunathi Zikishe, Stella Mullin, Cassandra Radovic, Iminathi Ndilele, Linomtha Kula, Zingce Balani.
Indlulamthi Badges
Well done to Anovuyo Nkohla and Unakho Fetsha who received their badges at Monday’s assembly, and to Caitlyn Bodill, Madison Conroy and Tessanne Arries who received their badges today. We are so proud of you all.
Worker of the Week
Well done to Linomtha Kula for making such wonderful progress in music. Keep it up!
Personality of the Week
We are very proud of Kungo Ngangani who received the POW certificate at Monday’s assembly for her kindness and encouragement.
Merit Achievers: Haset Sintayehu, Owekhethelo Gongqa, Siphesihle Chrisjan, Emihle Kulati, Kungawo Mpendu, Alexis Muller, Lulo Ponoshe, Lulodwa Siko, Sama Torweni, Alibongwe Mthembu, Avethandwa Hambaze, Luloludwa Siko, Kungawo Mpendu, Sinesipho Mafani, Amari Funani, Iminathi Malusi, Lunje Tshiki, Kungothando Ngangani, Yusrah Suleman, Phumelela Macetyana, Okuhle Smile, Leah Doyle, Zenazi Gqeke, Caitlyn Bodill, Liyanda Kutta, Zinako Pikoli, Sane Mbete, Iminathi Owusu, Lesego Mthiya, Cherise Mardon, Anita Nkanyana, Aleesia Jonkers, Onikwa Mpongwana, Rejoice Chatikobo and Elam Ntlokwana have received over 250 merits so far this year. Well done!
VP’s Got Talent
We were incredibly proud of all our talented finalists. What an amazing show. Thank you to Garreth Robertson and Anna Talbot Kinsley for being our judges- What a tough job you had! Congratulations to our winners for 2024:
1st place: Siarra Appollis & Mr Appolis – Steelpan (Water by Tyla)
2nd place: Jazlin Crafford & Zaydiah Adler – Dance (Saggies Temple Boys)
3rd place: Lunje Tshiki – Dance (Help Me)
We would like to thank everyone for their patience when the event finished later than expected.
Slipper Day
We are pleased to announce that R5 705.00 was raised for The Reach for a Dream organisation by our participation in Slipper day. Thank you for your contribution to this cause!
U13 Hockey Tour to Graaff-Reinet
Good luck to the U13A team who are traveling to Graaff-Reinet for the annual Anne Beagley Hockey and Rugby festival. We are so pleased that this year Supersport will be live streaming all the games. If you would like to watch our fixtures please download the Supersport Schools app. Our fixtures are as follows:
Saturday 15/06: 08:45 VP vs Lilyfontein & 12:50 VP vs Cambridge
Sunday 16/06: 07:00 VP vs Laer Volkskool & 15:55 VP vs Stirling Primary
Monday 17/06: 07:35 VP vs Stirling Invitational
Travel safely, Mrs Andrews, Ms Knott-Craig and the U13 Team!
SPORT
Please note that we will continue with our current extramural netball/hockey programme next term until 29 July when the athletics season begins.
Victoria in Concert
The VP Junior Choir (Gr. 3), Senior Choir (Gr. 4-7), Chamber Choir and Orchestra will perform alongside the VGHS ensembles on Thursday 18 July at 17:30pm at the Rhodes Theatre. This is an exciting collaboration between our two music departments, and we look forward to a wonderful celebration of music. Tickets cost R10 and will be available from the school office and at the door.
Trolley Dash Booklets
Your daughter has received a Trolley Dash booklet to sell. They are only due to be returned on Monday, 5 August. Girls are welcome to collect a second booklet once she sells her first one (and third etc). Each child is expected to sell at least one booklet which consists of 5 tickets only. Please use the holidays to sell to family and friends. This is a PTA fundraiser and proceeds will go towards the cost of our solar panels and inverters which all our girls are already benefiting from. Prizes will go to the individual and class who sells the most tickets. We thank you in anticipation for supporting your daughter’s school.
SPCA – Mandela Day 18 July 2024
The theme for Grade 6 for Life Skills next term will be Caring for Animals. As part of this theme and as a Mandela Day initiative, the Grade 6s would like to request donations of the following items for the Grahamstown SPCA: Blankets, Non-perishable foods for cats and dogs, Bowls (all sizes) and pet toys. Items can be handed in to Mrs Goodes. The SPCA are also in need of monetary donations for daily operations. Cash can be handed to Mrs Goodes for receipting. If you pay by EFT to the school account, please use the reference ‘SPCA’. We appreciate your support!
Birthday wishes
We wish the following staff and girls who celebrate during the school holidays a very happy birthday. Ms Makeba, Mrs Dewey, Zothando Mzileni, Owami Shabalala, Sibonokuhle Benge, Lusanele Sixaba, Lara-Anne Fouche, Sinesipho Mafani, Zinathi Mabunda, Aventhandwa Ponoshe, Ella Radovic, Indibabale Kepe, Nakweziphi Mlthetho, Luminjalo Galelekile, Uminathi Kate, Taygan Tarentaal, Amy-Leigh Jacobs, Aleesia Jonker, Anathi Mbandlakazi, Shaziah Loutz, Katherine Marais, Olothando Sityata, Kendra Chrisjan, Nazley Gabriel, Lukholowam Sgam, Christiana Folaranmi, Le-Yante Mnto, Lunathi Mkosana, Maya Christian, Leah Fox, Lelethu Mlisa, Holly Riddin, Alegra Evans and Ayakha Funjwa.
Have a lovely day!
Regards
Mrs Rafferty
PRINCIPAL
Upcoming Events
| Mon. 17/06 | U13A Hockey team returns from Graaff-Reinet |
| Mon. 08/07 | Boarders return to hostel |
| Tues. 09/07 | Term 3 begins. |
| Thurs. 11/07 | Report discussion in the hall 16:00-17:30 |
| Thurs. 19/07 | Victoria in Concert
Mandela Day |