Message from the office
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.
Here are some lovely tips adapted from the article titled; The dos and don’ts of parenting during exam time. (https://iieworldofwork.iie.ac.za/the-dos-and-donts-of-parenting-during-exam-time)
Be Calm and Supportive
The first – and most important – thing for parents to do, is to ensure they manage their own emotions and expectations before stepping in to provide support for their children. Parents should ensure that they are calm and are a pillar of support rather than presenting as another challenge for the child to overcome. Parents should not suggest worst-case scenarios, but rather assist their children calmly and support them at this time.
Time Management
Be on top of your daughter’s exam timetable and help them devise a realistic study plan.
Be available for assistance
Offer support when your child needs help understanding a concept, reviewing material, or organising their study plan. However, encourage independent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Limit excessive screen time
Recognise that screen time is often an avoidance mechanism. Set clear boundaries to ensure technology is used as a helpful tool or reward rather than a distraction and does not negatively impact her study schedule.
Environment
Create, as far as possible, a peaceful and supportive environment. Given the demands, challenges and high stakes associated with exams, that is not always easy, but it remains a goal worth striving for. Pupils can focus and apply themselves better when additional anxiety and stress are reduced, and they know they are supported.
Encourage a Balanced Routine
Help your child establish a balanced routine that includes sufficient time for study breaks, physical activity, and rest. A well-planned schedule can reduce stress and improve productivity.
The Fundamentals
Parents should ensure their children get enough sleep, outside time and exercise, and opt for healthy foods as far as possible. Try to steer them away from a strategy of late-night or early-morning cram sessions.
Foster Open Communication
Create an atmosphere where your child feels comfortable discussing their concerns, challenges, and progress. Be willing to listen without judgement or jumping in to solve the problem when a child wants to talk about their fears, concerns, and anxiety. If your daughter shows signs of frustration, remind them to take a break and join them to sit outside or go for a walk.
Offer Positive Reinforcement
Recognise and appreciate your child’s efforts, progress, and achievements. Positive reinforcement can boost their motivation and self-confidence.
Parents should remember that every child is unique and that adapting the above guidelines to suit their child’s needs and learning style is essential. Supporting them emotionally and creating a positive environment will help them navigate exam time more effectively.
While it’s important to emphasise the significance of exams, avoid putting undue pressure on your child, as unrealistic expectations and constant criticism and conflict around studies can lead to increased anxiety and decreased performance. Instead of focusing only on outcomes and achievements, emphasise the value of learning, personal growth, and resilience.
EXAM TIMETABLE
| Date: | Examination |
| Mon & Tues, 4 & 5 November (in class time) | HL(Eng) and FAL (Afrikaans or isiXhosa) Creative Writing |
| Tuesday, 5 November | Life Orientation (Grade 7) |
| Wednesday, 6 November | Technology (Grade 7)
Maths Paper 1 (Grade 4-7) |
| Thursday, 7 November | SS Geography (Grade 4-7) |
| Friday, 8 November | Art (Grade 4-7) |
| Monday, 11 November | Maths Paper 2 (Grade 4-7)
FAL Language and Comprehension (Grade 4-7) |
| Tuesday, 12 November | Natural Sciences (Grade 4-7)
English Language and Comprehension (Grade 4-7) |
| Wednesday, 13 November | SS History (Grade 4-7) |
| Thursday, 14 November | Life Skills (Grade 4-6)
EMS (Grade 7) LSPA Theory (Grade 7) LSPA Practical @ 17:15 |
Worker of the Week
Well done to Onwaba Hoyi in Grade 2 who visited me three times this week already for her good work! What a great start to Term 4, Onwaba!
PTA Outdoor Movie Nights
For our final PTA fundraiser this year we will be having two outdoor movie nights at the botanical gardens.
On Friday, 25 October we will be showing the movie Inside Out 2 for the IP girls and on Friday, 1 November we will be showing the movie Abominable for the PP & FP girls. Tickets will cost R40 for children and R60 for adults and will be sold from the school office prior to the show. Each show has limited space so please buy now to avoid disappointment. Children must be accompanied by an adult for supervision.
The show starts at 18:15 and from 17:00 and throughout the show, we will have a tuckshop and popcorn stand available. For hot drinks and hot food, the Provost Coffee Shop (LA Cafe) will be open too. Prior to the show, from 17:00-18:00, we will have a jumping castle for the children to have some fun, for R5 for 5 minutes. Please support our stalls and bring cash. Please bring your own blankets and pillows. No alcohol is permitted.
If you are able to assist in any way please complete the attached letter and return it to your daughter’s class teacher.
Tickets will be available from the school office from Tuesday, 8 October.
We are certain this will make for a wonderful family evening out under the stars!!
School Uniform
Although, according to our calendar, our girls are meant to be in summer uniform this term we have certainly not had summer weather every day this week. If we are experiencing a cold day, girls may wear their winter uniform, however we request that you do not mix winter and summer uniforms. Please ensure that your daughter is wearing a full summer or full winter uniform.
Leaving at the end of the year
Please note that you are required to give us a term’s notice if your daughter is leaving VP at the end of 2024 and will not be returning in 2025 (except if your daughter is going to high school). Therefore notice must be given now. Please send this in writing to admin@victoriaprimary.co.za.
SGB AGM
Please note that our 2025 budget will be presented at the AGM on Tuesday, 15 October at 17:15.
Tennis
We will be playing tennis matches against DSG on Wednesday, 16 October at VP. Girls participating have received letters. Play well!
Birthday wishes
We wish the following staff and girls a very happy birthday for this and next week: Mrs Calitz, Kungothando Ngangani,
Indiphile Magaya, Likuwe SIko, Amyoli Loli, Lanele Makeba, Zinatty Somana, Likhona Klei, Margiet van Rooyen, Libhongo Xametshata, Olungaka Ntsundushe, Sivuyisiwe Jacob, Lisakhanya Cetu, Leante Crafford, Lamela Funani, Lerato Pheega, Naleen Ngamale, Daniella McLean and Solethu Ranelo. We hope you have a very happy day!
Regards
Mrs Rafferty
PRINCIPAL
| UPCOMING EVENTS | |
| Wed. 16/10 | Tennis vs DSG @VP. |
| Fri. 18/10 | VP Chess Champs. |
| Sat. 19/10 | B-League Gala. |
| Fri. 25/10 | Mini Cricket Festival (Gr 2&3).
IP Outdoor movie night. |
| Mon. 28/10 | House assembly. |
| Fri. 01/11 | Civvies day.
PP&FP Outdoor movie night. |
| Mon. 04/11 | IP Exams begin.
IP school day ends at 12:30 until the end of term. |