Message from the office
This past week I finally plucked up the courage to watch the series of Adolescence. Amongst all the hype, I did not have the nerve to watch it, but I finally did. What a heart-wrenching series! Yes, because I am an educator who works with children every day but more so, I felt it as a mother. I can’t imagine that the series left anyone unaffected as it poses many pertinent parenting questions that linger in your thoughts for days after.
What struck me the most is that we need to take the responsibility of being the adults in our children’s lives very seriously – seems obvious but it doesn’t always happen. We have to make difficult decisions on behalf of our children as we should and do know better and we should love them enough to do so even if they think it is being unkind or unfair and even if their friend’s parents are doing things differently. If we are choosing the easier option for ourselves or to avoid conflict, then we need to take responsibility and be accountable for the outcomes of giving in to our children when we shouldn’t, and the more often we do give in, the harder it is to keep our boundaries.
VP took the stand to advocate for no smart phones for children under the age of 14. This is to protect them from what they can be exposed to online (on any screen), to the bullying that can happen on social media, the unrealistic expectation that they are exposed to and the complete breakdown of their childhood innocence because they are simply too young to make informed decisions to protect themselves. If we reduce our children’s sugar intake they may have a tantrum because they are addicted to it – but we would do it because we know it is good for their health. The same should apply to cellphone use and allowing our children access to the internet. I do not believe that children have a right to their privacy when it comes to cellphone use, if you have decided to allow them to have one – you should be monitoring what is happening on their phones – otherwise it is pretty much like giving your child a massive bag of sweets and expecting them to be wise with them.
We must be involved in our children’s lives, we must have rules and we must protect our children’s childhood and innocence – we must be the adult. If we don’t, who else will? And if we choose to give in and give them free reign, don’t point fingers at their peers, school or others when the wheels come off. We as parents need to know that our actions (or lack of actions) can have a deep impact on our children’s lives, their social interactions and skills, their self-esteem and future. Love them enough to say no.
For more information regarding our children’s digital safety see the following links https://www.sfc-sa.co.za/
https://sfcsouthafrica.substack.com/p/turning-the-tide?r=4l36tn
Worker of the Week
Well done to Yusrah Suleman for her wonderful work in Social Sciences. Keep up the hard work, Yusrah!
Indlulamthi Badges
Congratulations to Halle Orsmond, Amahle Mchunu and Tehillah Dingani who were all presented with their badges at Monday’s assembly. Thank you for the wonderful example you set girls!
Personality of the Week
Well done to Mivuyo Santi who was our POW for Honesty. Thank you, Mivuyo!
Merit achievers
The following girls have received over 250 merits this year: Alunamda Rafa, Abongile Mazitshana and Phumelela Macetyana. Keep it up, girls!
Extramural changes
- Please note that there will be NO EXTRAMURALS for Grade 4-7 on Thursday, 21 August as the staff will be attending training in the afternoon. Please arrange for transport to collect your daughters at the end of their academic school day.
- Grade 7 Maths Interventions will be on a Wednesday from 14:00 – 15:00 (not on a Tuesday) from next week.
Assembly
On Monday, 18 August Grade 2C will present their assembly. The assembly will start at 10:15. Parents are most welcome to join us.
Music
Please note that there will be no rehearsals for the Chamber Choir and Orchestra next Friday, 22 August.
Calling all parent musicians!
We would like to include parents in our orchestra for the Carol Service on Thursday, 20 November. If you play a string or woodwind instrument (even if you haven’t played in a long time), please consider joining us. If you are interested, or if you would like to know more, please contact Dr. Wynne at d.wynne@victoriaprimary.co.za
Grade 5 – Vaccinations
The Health Department is coming to VP to do Grade 5 vaccinations on Wednesday, 20 August 2025. Please ensure your daughter brings her clinic card to school on this day.
Conquesta 2025
All learners who have entered Conquesta this year will be writing their papers on the following dates.
Tuesday, 19 August – Grade 4 & Grade 5
Wednesday, 20 August – Grade 6 & Grade 7
The assessments will take place from 14:00 to 15:00 in Mrs. Sauls’ classroom. Please ensure that your daughter has a black/blue pen.
Cross Country Championships
We would like to wish the following girls: Oluhle Mpati, Mivuyo Santi, Chanelle Musarurwa, Carla Frazer, Isla Orsmond, Nalu Mfiki, Lunje Manzana, Siarra Appollis, Esona Makabe, Liyabona Benyane, Micarlin Daniels and Anathi Mbandlakazi the best of luck as they represent Makana in the District Cross Country Championships to be held on Saturday, 16 August in Jeffrey’s Bay. Good luck, girls!
Trolley Dash
Our next PTA Fundraiser is our annual Trolley Dash. The girls have received a booklet today. They are expected to sell one book each by Monday, 15 September but are welcome to collect more booklets to sell from their class teacher. Five lucky finalists will be drawn on Wednesday, 17 September; four will receive a Pick ‘n Pay voucher and one lucky winner stands a chance to win a 90 seconds Trolley Dash at Pick ‘n Pay on Monday, 22 September at 18:00. This is always such an exciting fundraiser. Please sell to all your family and friends.
Lost property
Please encourage your daughter to check lost property for missing items – we are currently so overwhelmed with lost items that we will have to transfer them to the Clothing Exchange if not collected by the end of next week. Parents are most welcome to come and check lost property during the afternoon next week.
Birthday wishes
This week we celebrated with Imibongo Mgqobele, Lilithaletu Nkayi, Amari Funani, Akuve Manyati, Luniko Mzolo, Hlaluminathi Menzi, Zinwezenkosi Mqubuli, Zimingo Tyali, Anania Vutha and Olumiyo-Uthando Xalu. We hope you have a lovely day!
Regards
Mrs Rafferty
PRINCIPAL
Upcoming events:
| Fri
15/08 |
Grade 7 Committee meetings
Community Outreach Committee to visit Home of Joy |
| Sat
16/08 |
Cross Country Championships
@ Jeffrey’s Bay |
| Mon
18/08 |
Assembly 2C @10:15 |
| Thurs
21/08 |
Grade 4-7 NO EXTRAMURALS due to staff training |
| Fri
22/08 |
No Chamber Choir & Orchestra
Grade 7 Committee meetings |
| Sat
23/08 |
U9A&B Netball DJ Malan Sports Day @Fort Beaufort
U10&U11 Netball Citrus Festival @Sundays River |