Message from the office

We had an eventful (although chilly) and fun interhouse athletics day yesterday and our girls put on many courageous performances. Well done to our record breakers this year, Etinosa Nini broke the U10 High Jump record (1.22m), Emihle Kulati broke the U10 Cricket Ball record (31.47m), Madison Edwards and Iminathi Ndilele broke the U12 Shot Put record but Iminathi’s distance was further, and Rejoice Chatikobo and Madison Edwards both broke the U12 80m record but Rejoice’s time of 10:58 was the fastest on the day so her record stands.

We would also like to thank our many parents for their enthusiastic support. Our girls sang and cheered from the sidelines and gave it their all to earn points for their houses. Athletics is not everyone’s forte and we are not all going to win, but it can teach us to push ourselves beyond our limits, to do things outside our comfort zones, to do things for the greater good and that this can all be a lot of fun. Our girls displayed amazing team spirit and the teachers continued to cheer them on from the sidelines. What a lovely event for our girls to participate in and I am sure that our girls will remember these days way into their adulthood. 

 Interhouse Athletics Results

1^st – Aloe; 2^nd – Arum; 3^rd – Fern; 4^th – Disa

 Please see the detailed results at the end of the newsletter sent home today. Well done to all our girls!

---

Sportsmanship Trophy

Well done to Zingce Balani who received our sportsmanship trophy for her encouraging support of her friend during athletics practice.

 Worker of the Week

Well done to Iminathi Malusi for her excellent project on religions for Life Skills.

 Merit Achievers

Madison Edwards, Lulo Adams, Limnandi Zweni, Sanelisiwe Mbete, Othimna Mgigwi and Milani Nothoko have received over 250 merits so far this year. Keep it up, girls!

---

Entrepreneurs’ Day and Civvies Day

Next week, Friday, 30 August is our annual Entrepreneurs’ Day! Please support our hardworking Grade 7s who will be selling their products from 10:00-13:00. Parents are welcome to join us and support them. We are also having a Disco themed Civvies Day. Please pay R5 and come dressed in your best Disco outfit!

---

Grade 6 & 7 Social

On Friday, 30 August the Grade 6/7 VP/Graeme social will take place at VP. The entrance fee is R20 and there will also be a tuckshop available. It will be cash only. The social starts at 18:00 and ends at 21:00. The music will be turned off at 20:50. Please ensure that you collect your daughter no later than 21:00 from the Beaufort Street entrance.

---

U10 Hockey Tour

On the 16^th of August the U10s set off for Graaff Reinet to participate in a tournament on Saturday, 17 August. The girls played their best and it was a wonderful learning experience. Thank you to the parents that helped raise funds for this tour and to Ms Knott-Craig and Mrs Andrews for coaching and encouraging them.

 

 

---

Choir Performance

We are thrilled to announce that our choirs (junior choir, senior choir and chamber choir) will be participating in the Rhodes University Music Festival on Saturday, 31 August, which will be held at the 1820 Settlers Monument. Further details will be communicated once they are finalised by the festival organisers.

---

 Page Palooza 

DSG Junior school, in partnership with Lebone Centre, are challenging our community to pick up a book and READ! This community outreach aims to encourage girls from Grade 4-7 to read as many pages as possible in the week of the 5th-11th September. Parents are encouraged to sponsor their children a nominal amount per page (10/20 cents per page etc).  All funds raised will be used to purchase books from Book Dash for R25 per book and distributed to young learners in Makhanda. Mrs Sauls will distribute sponsor forms next week to the girls who are interested in participating.

 

 

 

---

Extramurals:  Please note that an extramural programme for next week accompanies the newsletter handed out today.

---

VP Productions

We are delighted to be presenting our two separate productions this year which involve every VP girl from Grade 00 to Grade 7!

The Pre-primary and Foundation Phase production of Sanibonani namkelekile! will take place on the following days: Wednesday, 18 September 13:00-14:00 & Thursday, 19 September 13:00-14:00.

The Intersen Phase production of African Queen will take place on the following days: Monday, 16 September 17:30-18:30 & Thursday, 19 September 17:30-18:30. 

Tickets will be available from Monday, 26 August at R20 a ticket, from the school office. There are a limited number of seats so please buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

---

Birthday wishes

We wish the following girls a very happy birthday for next week: Siarra Appollis, Balelihle Jadi, Thorin Prince, Lene van Eyssen, Lunje Tshiki, Lianke Cordier, Christelle Moriarty, Darissa Mushid and Yumna Suleman. We hope you have a very happy day!

 

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL

UPCOMING EVENTS
Fri. 30/08	·         Grade 7 Entrepreneurs’ Day ·         Civvies Day – Disco Theme – R5 ·         Grade 6/7 Social @VP
Wed. 4/09	·         SGB Budget meeting 13:00
Fri. 6/09	·         Grade 7 Outing
Fri. 13/09	·         Production cushion show
Mon. 16/09	·         Production (Gr 4-7) 17:30-18:30
Tues. 17/09	·         Opening of the JC Art School Exhibition – by invitation
Wed. 18/09	·         Production (Gr 00-3) 13:00-14:00 ·         SGB AGM 17:15
Thurs. 19/09	·         Production (Gr 00-3) 13:00-14:00 ·         Production (Gr 4-7) 17:30-18:30

 

VP Interhouse Track Winners
Event	Age Group	Name	Position	Time
Ladder Relay	All	Aloe	First
4 x 100m Relay	U9	Aloe	First	1.17.08
4 x 100m Relay	U10	Fern	First	1.16.12
4 x 100m Relay	U11	Disa	First	1.12.62
4 x 100m Relay	U12	Aloe	First	1.08.99
4 x 100m Relay	U13	Aloe	First	1.02.92
80m	U9	Taylynne Thomas	First	14.17
80m	U10	Nalu Mfiki	First	13.41
80m	U11	Mivuyo Nongxaza	First	13.18
80m	U12	Rejoice Chatikoba (Record)	First	10.58
100m	U9	Chanelle Musarurwa	First	17.78
100m	U10	Nalu Mfiki	First	16.49
100m	U11	Maham Rizvi	First	16.98
100m	U12	Madison Edwards	First	15.30
100m	U13	Aleesia Jonkers	First	15.00
100m	U14	Amyoli Matswele	First	16.20
200m	U14	Amyoli Matswele	First	35.74
200m	U13	Aleesia Jonkers	First	32.23
200m	U9	Taylynne Thomas	First	39.72
200m	U10	Lolwethu Makana	First	37.26
200m	U11	Mivuyo Nongxaza	First	36.21
200m	U12	Madison Edwards	First	31.47
400m	U9	Oluhle Mpati	First	1.33.42
400m	U10	Lolwethu Makana	First	1.32.19
400m	U11	Esona Makabe	First	1.25.04
400m	U12	Micarlin Daniels	First	1.22.85
400m	U13	Daniella McLean	First	1.11.90
400m	U14	Amyoli Matswele	First	1.29.48
800m	U10	Nalu Mfiki	First	3.26.33
800m	U11	Siarra Appollis	First	3.07.77
800m	U12	Micarlin Daniels	First	2.52.29
800m	U13	Daniella McLean	First	2.41.57
800m	U14	Abigail Green	First	3.17.80
1200m	U10	Nalu Mfiki	First	5.57.33
1200m	U11	Esona Makabe	First	5.12.23
1200m	U12	Micarlin Daniels	First	5.10.61
1200m	U13	Daniella McLean	First	4.49.61
1200m	U14	Abigail Green	First	5.44.31

 

VP Interhouse Field Winners
Event	Age Group	Name	Position	Distance/ height
Cricket Ball	U9	Lunika Mdyebi	First	20.15m
Cricket Ball	U10	Emihle Kulati (Record)	First	31.47m
Cricket Ball	U11	Lunje Manzana	First	33.33m
Cricket Ball	U12	Iminathi Ndilele	First	31.82m
Cricket Ball	U13	Stella Mullin	First	34.43m
Cricket Ball	U14	Mihlie Khitha	First	28.84m
Shot Put	U12	Iminathi Ndilele (Record)	First	7.31m
Shot Put	U13	Daniella McLean	First	7.82m
Shot Put	U14	Unako Dlepu	First	7.41m
Long Jump	U9	Aliyah Swartz	First	2.86m
Long Jump	U10	Nalu Mfiki	First	3.37m
Long Jump	U11	Leah Doyle	First	3.45m
Long Jump	U12	Nakweziphi Mthetho	First	3.82m
Long Jump	U13	Zaydiah Adler	First	3.77m
Long Jump	U14	Amyoli Matswele	First	3.46m
High Jump	U9	Chanelle Musarurwa	First	1m
High Jump	U10	Etinosa Nini (Record)	First	1.22m
High Jump	U11	Lunje Manzana	First	1.15m
High Jump	U12	Micarlin Daniels	First	1.20m
High Jump	U13	Amyoli Sesani	First	1.30m
High Jump	U14	Shaziah Loutz	First	1.1m

 

Medals
Top Points Achiever	U9	Chanelle Musarurwa
Top Points Achiever	U10	Nalu Mfiki
Top Points Achiever	U11	Lunje Manzana
Top Points Achiever	U12	Micarlin Daniels
Top Points Achiever	U13	Daniella McLean
Top Points Achiever	U14	Amyoli Matswele
Best Track Athlete	U9	Chanelle Musarurwa
Best Field Athlete	U9	Aliyah Swartz
Best Track Athlete	U10	Nalu Mfiki
Best Field Athlete	U10	Emihile Kulati
Best Track Athlete	U11	Mivuyo Nongxaza
Best Field Athlete	U11	Lunje Manzana
Best Track Athlete	U12	Micarlin Daniels
Best Field Athlete	U12	Iminathi Ndilele
Best Track Athlete	U13	Daniella McLean
Best Field Athlete	U13	Daniella McLean
Best Track Athlete	U14	Amyoli Matswele
Best Field Athlete	U14	Lesego Mthiya
Record Medals
High Jump Record	U10	Etinosa Nini
Cricket Ball Record	U10	Emihle Kulati
Shot Put Record	U12	Iminathi Ndilele
80m Record	U12	Rejoice Chatikobo
Trophies
Victrix Ludorum	U9	Chanelle Musarurwa
Victrix Ludorum	Junior	Nalu Mfiki
Victrix Ludorum	Senior	Daniella McLean
Best Overall Field Athlete		Daniella McLean
Best Overall Track Athlete		Nalu Mfiki
Most Courageous Athlete		Abenathi Kulati
Most Courageous Athlete		Indiphile Zondani
Interhouse Athletics		Aloe

Message from the office

The Olympics has come to an end with many inspirational events and many controversies too. There have also been 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).

Unfortunately our girls are not protected or isolated from social media and when they read some people’s responses (not only regarding the Olympics) they may think it is a reaction to emulate and repeat. It is our role to teach our girls that our words, comments, actions, criticisms, judgement and rejections can be extremely damaging to others.

It is so important to teach our girls to have empathy, to have grace, to recognise their own shortcomings so that they may be gracious with others when things don’t go as planned. We do live in a world where it seems to be okay to be nasty and speak without thinking (especially when we don’t have to be held accountable and say it face-to-face) but we need to teach our daughters that it is not okay to cause others hurt and shame.

Be sure to have conversations with your girls that make them realise the impact their words may have on others. ‘How do you think she may have felt when you said that?’, ‘How would you feel if

someone said that about/to you?’. ‘Do you think she can help it/have any control over it?’. ‘How would you feel if someone started picking on you about something you are sensitive about?’. ‘You’ve made a mistake before; how did you want your friends to respond?’. Be sure to correct or address mean and unkind words and be sure not to use them yourself. Praise your daughter when you see her being kind, supportive and empathetic and make sure that you model love and acceptance.

We know that girls can be mean, but they don’t have to be. It is up to us to teach them otherwise.

---

Assembly

Thank you to Ms Casling’s Grade 1 class for their lovely assembly on Monday that commemorated Women’s Day. This was our last class assembly for this year.

---

Personality of the Week:  Congratulations to our VP hostel girls and a couple of day girls who attended the SPCA movie night on the 2^nd of August. They were nominated as our Personalities of the Week as they were commended for their good behaviour and they helped to clean up afterwards without complaint. The school received an email from the SPCA thanking our girls for their help on the night.

 Indlulamthi Badge:  Well done to Chloe Jeggels who received her Indlulamthi badge at Monday’s assembly. Thank you for being such a wonderful VP girl, Chloe!

Sportsmanship Trophy:  We congratulate our U10A hockey girls who were all nominated to receive our Sportsmanship Trophy at Monday’s assembly for their enthusiastic and courageous play against Port Alfred’s U13 team.

Worker of the Week:  Well done to Rebecca Phillip who is our Worker of the Week this week – in music she created a movie script and wrote the soundtrack! Wow! What amazing things our girls are doing at VP.

 Merit Achievers:  Linomtha Gonyela, Ciana Moodie and Kelly Smith have received over 250 merits so far this year. Keep it up, girls!               

---

SPCA Book Sale

We were delighted that the SPCA raised R5274 from their book sale at VP. What a worthy cause and our girls were able to purchase some lovely books at bargain prices.

---

Trolley Dash

Congratulations to our Trolley Dash finalists for 2024:  Bolise Mxube, Abongile Kili, Unathi Tyatyeka, Chriselda Thompson and Nothemba Mteto.

The finalists met at Pick ‘n Pay on the evening of the 13 August and Unathi Tyatyeka was the lucky winner of the Trolley Dash. Congratulations! The other finalists each received a R250 voucher from Pick ‘n Pay. We are very pleased to announce that R36 113,67 was raised. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

---

Interschools Best Speakers & General Knowledge Quiz vs Graeme College

On Wednesday afternoon we hosted our annual Interschools Best Speakers Competition. We were joined by Graeme College and all contestants made excellent presentations and made both of our schools proud! Well done! We would like to thank all involved for their support and effort in preparing our girls for the event. The winners of each category were as follows:

Grade 4:  Kaylee May

Grade 5:  Bridget Akpeng

Grade 6:  Joel Chitsike (GC)

Grade 7:  Talitha Dingani & Jed van der Merwe (GC) shared first place.

The Best Speakers contest was followed

by our Interschools General Knowledge Competition. It was a fun and educational evening. Although the team performed incredibly well in answering many questions correctly Graeme won the event. The score was 53 points for Graeme and 42 points for Victoria Primary. We are proud of our girls who conducted themselves well under pressure.

---

MUSIC

Save the date

We are thrilled to announce that our choirs (junior choir, senior choir and chamber choir) will be participating in the Rhodes University Music Festival on Saturday, 31 August which will be held at the 1820 Settlers Monument. Further details will be communicated once they are finalised by the festival organisers.

Assessments

All music pupils will play their Term 3 music assessments next week. Keep up the good work, girls and GOOD LUCK!

---

 SPORT

Hockey results vs PAH

U10 VP  2-1 U10 PAH

U10/13 VP mixed team 2-0 U13 PAH

Well done to our girls and for the good sportsmanship they displayed during the course of the morning. Thank you to the parents for their support and to Mrs Andrews and Ms Knott-Craig for coaching, umpiring and transporting our girls!

 U13A Netball Results – Cape Recife Tournament

VP 17-1 St Marks; VP 11-5 Cape Recife; VP 13-4 Paul Sauer; VP 14-3 Bonzai

Well done to a successful end to the season for our U13 girls and for their commendable behaviour displayed at the tournament. Thank you to Ms Featherstone and Ms le Roux for their coaching and support.

 U10 Hockey tour to Graaff-Reinet

We wish our U10 hockey girls all the best at the hockey festival at Union this weekend. Thank you to Mrs Andrews and

Ms Knott-Craig for accompanying them. Have fun and safe travels!

 Wilson Tennis

Good luck to our girls who will be participating in the Wilson Tennis Series on Sunday. Play well and have fun girls.

---

INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS DAY will take place on Thursday, 22 August 07:20–13:00 at Graeme College, Somerset field.

Our Interhouse Athletics Day is a fun compulsory day for all Grade 3-7 (U9-U14) girls. The Grade 00–2 girls will come to school as usual.

The Grade 3-7 girls must be dropped off at Graeme College, Somerset Field at 07:20 and meet up with their class teacher for roll call. The event will start at 07:35 and end at approximately 13:00. Girls are to be collected at 13:00 from Graeme.

The girls must wear their house T-shirts  which are available from Heinen or Xtreme Embroidery (please no homemade versions), black shorts (NOT SKORTS), white socks, school hats/peaks, takkies and tracksuits. Girls must wear sunscreen. Please provide your daughter with plenty of water and a healthy lunch.  The tuckshop at GC will NOT be available to VP girls!  Parents are most welcome to support. If you are up to it we would like to have a parents’ relay team- so come dressed to sprint and give the teachers a run for their money! There will be no extramurals for Gr 3-7 on this Thursday.

Please make sure that her black (not blue) shorts fit her comfortably and are not too tight (they can be purchased at a very reasonable price from any Pep or Ackermans). If your daughter is at the appropriate age, please purchase your daughter a supportive bra for this event. Proper sports bras will provide support and minimise movement during her races which can help prevent discomfort, pain, and potential long-term damage. Please prioritise this if your daughter is needing one.

---

Updated Extramural programme

Please take note of the updated programme for next week which accompanies the newsletter home today. The programme for Athletics day is on the back side of the extramural programme.

---

PTA Meeting: We will have our next PTA meeting on Tuesday, 20 August at 17h15 in the school hall. All parents are welcome to join us!

---

Birthday wishes

We wish the following staff and girls a very happy birthday for next week: Ms Oerson, Ms Songongo, Sibabalwe Sokhanyile, Hlalumi Balfour, Ndaloyothando Koza, Unakho Fetsha, Alunamda Rafa and McKenzie Pringle.

We hope you have a very happy day!

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL

---

UPCOMING EVENTS
Fri. 16/08	·         U10 Hockey Festival @Union, Graaff-Reinet ·         Gr. 7 Talk ·         Gr. 7 Technology afternoon. Ends 16:30. Please pick girls up at the Hostel entrance in Hill Street.
Sat. 17/08	·         U10 Hockey Festival @Union, Graaff-Reinet
Sun. 18/08	·         Wilson Tennis Tournament
Tues. 20/08	·         PTA meeting @17:15
Thurs. 22/08	·         Interhouse Athletics @GC ·         No Extramurals (Gr. 3-7)

 

Message from the office

Please note that we will not have a newsletter next week Friday, 9 August – public holiday and it is also our Boarders’ Leave Out.

Can you believe that it is Olympics time again! What a wonderful way to celebrate people’s amazing talents and to inspire our girls to work hard and strive for their dreams. It is also great to note the sportsmanship (good and bad) that your daughters may witness at the Olympics and to use these opportunities to discuss why sportsmanship is so important. I can still distinctly remember many Olympic events I watched when I was a little girl. Some of the life lessons we can learn from the Olympics are impactful. The heartbreak and triumph are tangible and we become entwined with the dreams and goals of so many – even if not South Africans.  It teaches us that life can go as we planned but that sometimes it doesn’t, but that we are capable of moving beyond and trying again. With the athletics season coming up, I really hope our girls strive to run fast, jump far, jump high and throw as far as they can after watching the wonderful talent on display at the Olympics.

Have a wonderful long weekend next weekend and a special Women’s Day. I am sure that we will celebrate all the special women in our lives and if that’s you, that you at least get tea in bed!

---

Worker of the Week

Well done to Sesona Mnqenana in Grade 1 for her lovely work on why it is important to greet. This week, to fit in with the Olympic theme, we have been greeting each other in French!! ‘Bonjour!

Personality of the Week 

We are very proud of Olothando Sityata who was our POW this week for her kindness shown to her fellow teammates.

Sportsmanship Trophy

Well done to Elam Ntlokwana who was presented the Sportsmanship Trophy at Monday’s assembly for her determination and courage displayed during our inter house netball matches.

Best Speakers and General Knowledge

On Thursday we hosted our annual Best Speakers competition. All of our contestants’ orals were well prepared and presented, with thought provoking content. Topics were the following:

Grade 4: Superpowers and how they can change the world.

Grade 5: Designing new toys and giving them a purpose.

Grade 6: What the world is expected to look like in 100 years.

Grade 7: Explaining the mistake adults have made and how to fix it.
We would like to thank our adjudicators Mr Wynne and Ms Davies, our teachers for their input and our parents for their continued support! Our 1st placed contestants will go forward to present at our Best Speakers competition against Graeme College on the 14^th of August at VP.

Grade 4:  1st – Kaylee May; 2nd – Cayden Strauss; 3rd – Isla Orsmond

Grade 5:  1st – Bridget Akpeng; 2nd – Yusrah Suleman; 3rd – Makatendeka Chakona

Grade 6:  1st – Mila McConnachie; 2nd – Mila Nongubo; 3rd – Uzosule Kanana

Grade 7:  1st – Talitha Dingani; 2nd – Azile Hambaze; 3rd – Amila Mdingi

Well done!

 Interhouse General Knowledge Results.

On Thursday we had our Interhouse General Knowledge Quiz. After three rounds of questions on a variety of topics, the results are as follows:

1^st Arum (29 points)

2^nd Aloe  (18 points)

3^rd Disa  (17 points)

4^th Fern  (12 points)

Congratulations to Arum on achieving this impressive victory!

Interschool General Knowledge Team:

Based on their performance during the interhouse quiz, the following girls have been selected to represent VP on the 14th of August in the Interschool quiz against Graeme College: Stella Mullin; Emily Steele; Emilie Niesing; and Lunathi Mkosana. Reserve: Aleesia Jonker

Congratulations to these girls. We wish them all the best for the event.

Chess

Congratulations to Maka Chakona, Ella Radovic, Ifeoma Nnadozie and Alibongwe Mthembu who were invited to participate in the Sarah Baartman Schools Chess Trials. Well done, girls!

---

Assembly

We look forward to the last of our class assemblies this year. Our Grade 1s will be presenting their assemblies in the next two weeks. Grade 1- Mrs Orsmond will present their assembly on Monday, 5 August and Grade 1- Ms Casling will present theirs on 12 August. Parents are welcome to support. Please be seated at 10:15.

---

Chamber Choir

We wish our Chamber Choir girls all the best as they perform with the Cathedral Choir on Saturday, 10 August. We are proud of you.

---

Trolley Dash

We will have our Trolley Dash draw for our lucky Five Finalists on Wednesday, 7 August. Holding thumbs! We hope you bought a ticket!

On Tuesday, 13 August our Five Finalists will meet at Pick ‘n Pay at 17:45 where the lucky winner of the dash will be drawn and the dash will be at 18:00. All four runners up will receive a R250 Pick ‘n Pay voucher. Finalists need to be present to be eligible for the dash. Thank you to our parents and girls who sold their booklets and supported our PTA fundraising efforts.

---

SPCA Book Sale

---

SPORT

Hockey and Netball Results

On Saturday, 27 July the U12&U13A netball teams played matches against Herbert Hurd. Both teams showed amazing sportsmanship and enjoyed their matches. The results were:  U12A VP 9-8 HH; U13A VP 8-12 HH

Herbert Hurd hockey results were as follows:  U9B VP 0-5 HH; U9A VP 0-3 HH; U10A VP 2-4 HH; U10B VP 4-2 HH; U13A VP 0-0 HH; U13B VP 0-0 HH; U13C VP 0-2 HH

DSG Netball Results

On Saturday, 27 July the U11A/B/C, U12B/C and I13B teams played matches against DSG. All the teams displayed immense sportsmanship and enjoyed their matches. Thank you to all the coaches, teachers and parents who came to support our amazing players.

 Fixtures vs Cape Recife

The U13A Netball girls will be participating in a tournament at Cape Recife in Gqeberha tomorrow.

Please see our fixtures below:

08:30: VP vs St Marks

08:46: VP vs Cape Recife

09:40: VP vs Paul Sauer

10:16: VP vs Bonsai

Good luck girls and travel safely!

Fixtures vs Port Alfred High School

Tomorrow the U10 & U13 hockey teams will be playing PAHS in Port Alfred.

The fixtures are as follows:

09:00: U10A vs PAH

10:15: U13A vs PAH

Good luck girls and travel safely!

Tennis

Wishing Marizaan Boucher the best of luck as she travels to Pretoria next week to participate in the TSA Primary Schools Interprovincial Tournament. Well done, Marizaan we are very proud of you and good luck.

---

PLEASE NOTE

Please see the updated Athletics programme for the next two weeks which accompanied the paper newsletter on Friday. 

On Thursday, 8 August there will be no extramurals.

---

Donation request:  Mrs Olivier requests donations of old newspapers and Mrs Calitz requests donations of old spectacle frames (without the lens).

---

Thank you:  Thank you to those who donated toiletries towards the African Connection Girls’ Team in Makhanda.

---

Birthday wishes

We wish the following staff and girls a very happy birthday for the next two weeks: Mr Nell, Mrs R. Coetzee, Joslyn Mager, Arya Miles, Ululothando Pini, Awethu Tshisani, Elizabeth Adlem, Liyabona Benyane, Larmika Govender,

Siphesihle Chrisjan, Kyrah-Leigh Cannon-Wessels, Madison Edwards, Cherise Mardon, Lilithalethu Nkayi, Amari Funani, Akuve Manyati, Hlaluminathi Menzi, Zimingo Tyali, Olumiyo-Uthando Xalu, Sibabalwe Kulati, Lwandle Ralo and Nalu Mfiki. We hope you have a very happy day!

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL

 UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat. 3/08	·         Hockey vs PAHS @PAHS ·         Hockey U13A vs Cape Recife @Cape Recife in Gqeberha
Mon. 5/08	·         Assembly Grade 1O @10:15
Tues. 6/08	·         SPCA Second hand children’s booksale (during school)
Wed. 7/08	·         Trolley Dash draw for finalists. ·         13:00 SGB Finance meeting & 16:30 SGB meeting
Thurs. 8/08	·         No extramurals ·         Boarders’ Leave Out
Fri. 9/08	·         Women’s Day. No school.
Sun. 11/08	·         Boarders return from Leave Out
Mon. 12/08	·         Assembly Grade 1C @10:15
Tues. 13/08	·         Trolley Dash @17:45 at Pick ‘n Pay
Wed. 14/08	·         Interschool Best Speakers & General Knowledge@17:00 at VP
Fri. 16/08	·         Grade 7 Committee meetings ·         Grade 7 Technology afternoon
Sat. 17/08	·         U10 Hockey Festival @Union School, Graaff-Reinet

 

 

 

 

Message from the office

I feel it is necessary to inform our parent body of the predicament we find ourselves in with regards to our Fergusson Field after the National Arts Festival. Unfortunately the rehabilitation of our field has not been as hoped and we are unable to use it currently. As VGHS’ main field is also being rehabilitated we are unfortunately unable to use theirs either.

We are grateful to Kingswood College who offered their grass fields and netball courts for our Herbert Hurd fixture.  However this is far from ideal as we would have preferred to host them on our own beautiful campus. The school’s SGB are working tirelessly and seeking advice on how to rectify this situation but it may very well take time. We have made alternate plans so that our extramurals can continue in the interim.

Please note that if you are attending the matches on Saturday at Kingswood the tea/coffee station is only for staff/parents. Please ensure that your daughter understands that these refreshments are for adults and that they may not help themselves.

---

Worker of the Week

Congratulations to Elizabeth Adlem for the work she did for Mandela Day, she informed me that “Mandela saved our country!” Well done, Elizabeth!

Indlulamthi Badges

We are so proud of Zingce Pilisani and Ayomide Booi who were both presented with their badges at Monday’s assembly. We are so proud of you both. Keep being such good ambassadors of our school.

Assembly

Thank you to Grade 2 Olivier’s delightful assembly on appreciating our uniqueness and on working together.

Merit Achievers

Unako Dlepu, Iviwe Jakavula, Christelle Ruvanza and Sairaah Govender have received over 250 merits so far this year. Keep up the hard work, girls!

---

Production at Kingswood College

On Monday, 29 July our Grade 2s & 3s will be going to Kingswood College to watch the show “You are Special”.  Please make sure that your daughter is neatly dressed in her winter school uniform. No sports clothes/tracksuits please.

---

Best Speakers and Interhouse General Knowledge

On Thursday, 1 August we will have our Best Speakers and Interhouse General Knowledge challenges.

The Best Speaker contestants will start the event off at 08:30. The girls who are selected to present their orals will receive letters. Parents are welcome to attend.

Interhouse General Knowledge

On Thursday, 1 August at 10:30 we will be holding our annual Interhouse General Knowledge Quiz. The teams have been selected based on our weekly general knowledge quiz results as well as the girls’ academic marks. The top-performing girls from the interhouse quiz will then represent VP in the quiz

against Graeme College on Tuesday, 13 August.

The Interhouse Teams are as follows:

Aloe: Aleesia Jonker, Amila Mdingi, Lunathi Mkosana, Hlalumi Balfour.

Arum: Lunathi Zikishe, Emilie Niesing, Stella Mullin, Sanelisiwe Mbete.

Disa: Emily Steele, Unako Dlepu, Manahil Rizvi, Talitha Dingani.

Fern: Maya Christian, Azile Hambaze, Amyoli Sesani, Avuzwa Vusani.

We wish the teams all the best for what promises to be a fun educational event.

---

Chamber Choir

The VP Chamber Choir has been invited to perform in collaboration with the Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC) on Saturday, 10 August at the Rhodes Chapel, as part of a fundraising concert for the RUCC’s Western Cape choir tour.

Enjoy this wonderful experience, girls!

---

Chess

On Saturday, 20 July our girls participated in a chess tournament at Kingswood College. They did very well and it was a wonderful experience. The following participants achieved a Top 10 position in their category:

Section B

3^rd – Ifeoma Nnadozie

4^th – Alibongwe Mthembu

8^th – Liyanda Kutta

10^th – Cassandra Radovic

Section C

3^rd – Makatendeka Chakona

4^th – Ella Radovic

7^th – Bridget Akpeng

Well done, girls!

---

SPORT

Swimming Report
We congratulate Danielle McLean and Lilani Wolmarans who represented the PEA Swim Club at the PEA Gala in Gqeberha from 15-18 June. They both swam in various events in their age groups and achieved some personal best times. We wish them all the best at the upcoming A league galas and for the Madibaz Gala happening on the 17 and 18 August. Keep it up, girls!

Kingswood Hockey results

u13A lost 3-0; u13B lost 3-0; u13C lost 1-0; u10A lost 7-0; u11A lost 5-1

Interhouse Hockey results

A big thank you to all the girls for a fun- filled hockey day. Your support at the junior and senior hockey was phenomenal and you made your houses proud. The juniors carried our seniors scoring 20 goals in total.

The results are as follows:

• 1st Fern
• 2nd Disa
• 3rd Arum
• 4th Aloe

Interhouse Netball results

Well done to all the players and supporters, a fun and competitive afternoon was had by all!

The results are as follows:

• 1st Fern
• 2nd Aloe
• 3rd Arum
• 4th Disa

VP vs Herbert Hurd

On Saturday, 27 July selected hockey and netball teams will be participating in matches against Herbert Hurd at Kingswood. The matches will start at 09:00 and should end at approximately 11:45. Girls are to arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of their games. Play well, girls!

The fixtures are as follows:

Hockey fixtures on Gane Field A & B

09:00-09:25 (GF B):  VP U9B      VP U10B

09:25-10:00 (GF B):  VP U9A      VP U10A

09:00-09:45 (GF A):  VP U13C

09:50-10:35 (GF A):  VP U13B

10:35-11:20 (GF A):  VP U13A

Netball fixtures at Kingswood Junior School courts

09:00   U12A

09:30  U13A

Netball vs DSG Fixtures,

On Saturday, 27 July the U11A/B/C, U12B and the U13B/C netball girls will be playing matches against DSG at DSG. Girls are to arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of their games.

Play well, girls!

The fixtures are as follows:

09:00

Court 3: DSG U11C-U11C VP

Court 4: DSG U12D-U12C VP

09:30

Court 2: DSG U11A-U11A VP

Court 3: DSG U12A-U13C VP

Court 4: DSG U12C-U12B VP

10:00

Court 2: DSG U13A-U13B VP

Court 3: DSG U11B-U11B VP

Please note that girls supporting our teams at Kingswood College and DSG must be dressed in their school uniform or tracksuit.

Athletics programme

On Monday, 29 July we begin our Athletics season. Please see the new extramural schedule which accompanies this newsletter.

---

Trolley Dash (PTA Fundraiser)

This is the last week to sell tickets for this fundraiser.  The booklets are due to be returned on Monday, 5 August. Please assist your child to sell at least one booklet which

consists of 5 tickets. Prizes will go to the individual and class who sells the most tickets.

---

Donation request

Mrs Olivier requests donations of old newspapers and Mrs Calitz requests donations of old spectacle frames (without the lens).

---

Appeal

Ms Knott-Craig requests donations of toiletries such as deodorant, sanitary pads, soap and lotion for the African Connection Girls’ Soccer team in Makhanda.

---

Drop-offs

A reminder to parents to please not drop items off for your daughter during the school day. We understand the occasional crisis arises and we are more than happy to receive your daughter’s birthday treats on her special day but unfortunately the office is currently kept extremely busy just receiving lunches, sports clothes, books etc. Please encourage your daughter to prepare her school items including lunch, the night before and pack them in her bag. Thanks so much for your assistance in this regard.

---

We wish the following staff and girls a very happy birthday for this and next week:

Mrs Terblanche, Mr Florence, Berlynne Willemse, Linamandla Dlakwe, Libby Everton, Zintle Magongo, Ababalwe Ngwetsheni, Lelona Manyati, Lulo Leseane and Phumelela Nikelo. We hope you have a very happy day!

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL                                 UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat. 27/07	·         Hockey & Netball vs Herbert Hurd at Kingswood College ·         Netball vs DSG @DSG
Mon. 29/07	·         Grade 2&3 to go to Kingswood. Winter school uniform. ·         Athletics begin
Thurs. 1/08	·         Interhouse Best Speakers (08:30) & General Knowledge (10:30)
Fri. 2/08	·         Grade 7 Committee meetings
Sat. 3/08	·         Hockey vs PAHS @PAHS ·         Hockey U13A vs Cape Recife @Cape Recife

Message from the office

If you attended the Victoria in Concert last night I’m sure you’ll share in my sentiment of how wonderful our girls performed. We are so grateful to our Music staff, Mr Wynne and Mr Florence who taught and prepared our girls for this special occasion. Our girls did us proud!

We thank all our VP families for their support of our Mandela Day initiatives. It is so important to nurture a charitable heart and to help our children become aware of the plight of those less fortunate than themselves. Teaching our children to give back has the following benefits: https://www.cmosc.org/teaching-children-about-giving-back/

1. Nurtures Kindness and Compassion 

Most young children are naturally kind and eager little helpers. As natural as kindness may come to many youngsters, true empathy towards others is often something they have to develop through experience. Fostering children’s natural aptitude to want to help, encourages them to grow into kind, caring and compassionate adults. 

2. Instills Positive Character Traits  

Helping others can benefit the emotional development of young children and help instill a number of other positive character traits such as: Responsibility, Generosity, Respect, Honesty, Optimism and Fairness. It also allows children to develop social skills, like teamwork, communication and goal setting.

3. Connects with Your Community 

Having a sense of community is an important factor in ensuring young children grow up feeling safe and supported.  It helps them develop a deeper connection to where they are from and strengthens their sense of belonging.  

4. Boosts Self-Esteem 

Knowing your small act of kindness benefitted someone, can be incredibly fulfilling and provide a sense of purpose.  Being able to see that their care and effort can truly make a difference in someone’s life can be a huge boost to children’s confidence and self-esteem.

5. Teaches Gratitude 

Giving back is all about helping those in need. When children learn that some people are not as fortunate as they are, they develop an understanding and gratitude for the things they have. 

“No one has ever become poor from giving” – Anne Frank

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” – Mohammed Ali

---

Worker of the Week

We had so many girls receive their Principal’s Stickers this week for their wonderful work. What a great start to Term 3, girls. Keep this up! Well done to our Worker of the Week Danni McLean for her amazing LSMD project.

Merit Achievers

Alondwe Sethi and Lunathi Mkosana have received over 250 merits so far this year. Keep up the hard work, girls!

 Assembly

On Monday, 22 July Grade 2O will be presenting their assembly. Parents are welcome to join us. Assembly will start at 10:15.

---

Grade 7 Spur Shadow Shift:  The Grade 7s had a wonderful experience shadow shifting at Redwood Spur. They learnt many valuable lessons and thoroughly enjoyed serving and hosting parents and staff. We would like to thank everyone who supported them and made the night a success. The Grade 7s raised R3600- Well done, girls!

SPCA:  We would like to thank all the parents and girls for their very generous donations towards the SPCA. Benita Tarr, a volunteer at the SPCA, visited the school on Mandela Day to come and tell the girls a bit more about the work that is done at the SPCA. She brought her dog Winston Peanut and the girls thoroughly enjoyed her talk. The SPCA was extremely grateful for all the donations.

Victoria in Concert:  Last night, VGHS and VP combined their musical talents and performed for a wonderful audience at the Rhodes Theatre. Our girls made us so proud and the music teachers from both schools enjoyed the opportunity to work together. This concert is clear evidence that music is thriving at our schools.

---

Jerry Sewelo Chess Academy Tournament:  We wish all the participants in the Chess tournament at Kingswood College on Saturday the best of luck!

---

SPORT:  Upcoming fixtures

• Today 19 July: U9s will play in St Andrew’s All Girls Hockey & Netball Festival
• Saturday, 20 July: Hockey at Kingswood

Fixtures for Hockey vs Kingswood College at Kingswood on Saturday 20 July
Kingswood College Astro
09:00-09:25	u10A vs u10A	u11A vs u11A
09:30-10:05	u13C vs Kingswood u13C
10:10-10:50	u13B vs Kingswood u13B
10:55-11:40	u13A vs Kingswood u13A

• U10 Hockey girls playing in internal matches at Kingswood College tomorrow have received a letter.

Netball:

• Today 19 July: U9s will play in St Andrew’s Festival
• Today 19 July: U10-U13 vs Kingswood College @VP

Fixtures for netball vs Kingswood College on Friday, 19 July:
Times	Court A	Court B
14h30	u10A	u11A
15h00	u12A	u13B
15h30	u13A	u12B

Interhouse Hockey & Netball

Next week we have our annual Interhouse Hockey and Netball. Lists have gone up and girls know who is in the teams. It is compulsory for the Grade 4–7 girls to attend and support. Supporters may wear sports uniform with house shirt.  NO OTHER IP EXTRAMURALS will happen next week besides Choir and Orchestra. Parents are welcome to come support. Please enter the school at the office entrance in Beaufort Street.

Interhouse Hockey

Monday, 22 July:  Junior (selected U9/U10) Interhouse Hockey from 14:00-16:00.

Tuesday, 23 July:  Senior (selected U11-U13) Interhouse Hockey will start at 13:15 and end at 15:45. All games will be played on the top hockey field.

 Interhouse Netball

Wednesday, 24 July: Junior (selected U10/11) & Senior (selected U12/13) Interhouse Netball from 14:00-16:00

 Foundation Phase Hockey & Netball Fun Day

Next week the Foundation Phase girls will have their annual Hockey and Netball fun day.

The girls will be playing fun games in their colour groups. Parents are welcome to come see what their daughter has been taught on the hockey field and netball courts this season.

	Mon. 22/07	Tues. 23/07	Wed. 24/07	Thurs. 25/07	Fri. 26/07
Grade 1	Grade1 Fun Hockey day 13:00-13:45	Sports 13:00-14:00	Sports 13:00-14:00	Grade 1 Fun Netball day 13:00-14:00	No sports. School ends at 13:00
Grade 2	Sports 13:00-14:00	Grade 2 Fun Netball day 13:00-14:00	Grade 2 Fun Hockey day 12:30-13:45	Sports 13:00-14:00	No sports. School ends at 13:00
Grade 3	Grade 3s will have normal netball practice 13:00-14:00		Grade 3 Fun Netball day 13:00-14:00	Grade 3 Fun Hockey day 12:30-13:45	No sports. School ends at 13:00

Foundation Phase girls will receive letters in their homework books too.

Hockey & Netball vs Herbert Hurd on the 27th July 2024 at Victoria Primary School

Hockey teams playing against Herbert Hurd are U9A&B, U10A&B and U13A/B/C. Fixtures will be shared once finalised.

Netball fixtures are as follows:

Netball
Times	Court A
09:00	u12A
09:30	u13A

Netball fixtures for the Saturday, 27 July netball vs DSG at DSG.

Time	Court 2	Court 3	Court 4	Court 5
09:00	DSG 13B vs BCS 13A	DSG 11C vs VP 11C	DSG 12D vs VP 12C	DSG 10A vs BCS 10A
09:30	DSG 11A vs VP 11A	DSG 12A vs VP 13C	DSG 12C vs VP 12B
10:00	DSG 13A vs VP 13B	DSG 11B vs VP 11B	DSG 12B vs BCS 13A	DSG 10B vs BCS 10A

---

Trolley Dash (PTA Fundraiser):  Last term your daughter received a Trolley Dash booklet to sell. They are due to be returned on Monday, 5 August. Each child is expected to sell at least one booklet which consists of 5 tickets only. Thank you to our girls who have returned theirs already and are already on their second or third booklets. You are stars! Prizes will go to the individual and class who sells the most tickets.

---

Birthday wishes

We wish the following girls a very happy birthday for next week:  Nalikhaya Diniso, Iyeva Heshu, Aligugu Makeba, Mbalentle Niwa, Elam Ntlokwana, Anastasia Apreku, Ava Peters, Lugcobolwenkosi Qeqe, Andisubabalo Dike and Joy Torweni. We hope you have a very happy day!

---

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL

---

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fri.   19/07	13:00 Grade 7 Committee meetings St Andrew’s Prep Hockey and Netball tournament @Prep (U9) Netball vs KC (U10-U13) @VP
Sat. 20/07	Hockey vs KC @ Kingswood (U9-U13) U10 Hockey Teams (1,2,3&4) at 08:00 @Kingswood Chess Tournament @KC
Mon. 22/07	Assembly Grade 2O @10:15 Grade 1 Hockey Fun Day 13:00-13:45 Junior Interhouse Hockey 14:00-16:00
Tues. 23/07	Grade 2 Netball Fun Day 13:00-14:00 Senior Interhouse Hockey 13:15-15:45
Wed. 24/07	Interhouse Netball 14:00-16:00 Grade 2 Fun Hockey 12:30-14:45 &  Grade 3 Fun Netball 13:00-14:00
Thurs. 25/07	Grade 1 Fun Netball 13:00-14:00 & Grade 3 Fun Hockey 12:30-13:45
Sat. 27/07	Hockey & Netball vs Herbert Hurd

---

Message from the office

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.

This term we are focusing on greeting each other. Whether this be pupil to pupil, teacher to pupil or to visitors – greeting those we know and those we don’t know. This is an important life skill and certainly a good culture to establish within our school. We also want everyone to feel seen and appreciated! In our first step to encourage greeting, we were fist bumping and high fiving each other this past week. We ask that you also encourage greeting with your girls at home and wherever you may go to really establish this important social skill to a point that it becomes a healthy habit and to also endorse greeting as not only something that is practised at school.

‘Good manners are just a way of showing other people that we have respect for them’ – Billy Kelly

---

Worker of the Week

Well done to Olibango Ngabaza in Grade 1 for her good work in Maths!

Merit Achievers

Sithe-Nkosi Busakwe, Iminathi Malusi, Zizo Zomelele, Iminqweno Qalani and Christelle Moriarty have received over 250 merits so far this year. Keep up the hard work, girls!

---

Assembly

On Monday, 15 July Grade 2A will be presenting their assembly. Parents are welcome to join us. Assembly will start at 10:15.

---

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 theatre door.

Grade 7 Spur Shadow Shift Evening

Thank you to all the parents who supported the first group of Grade 7 girls on Wednesday at the Spur Shadow Shift evening. The second group of Grade 7s will be shadowing on Wednesday the 17th July. Victoria Primary will receive R50 per table booking and 5% of the evenings turnover generated through the Howzat Locals app. All monies raised on the evenings  will be used to purchase T-shirts for the Grade 7 Valedictory at the end of the year.  Your support is greatly appreciated and we look forward to seeing you at Spur!

Dates: Wed 10th and 17th July

Time: 5pm-8pm

For a table booking call: 046 622 2629

SPCA – Mandela Day 18 July 

The theme for Grade 6 for Life Skills is 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!

---

Civvies Day 

On Friday, 19 July we will have a Civvies Day to raise funds for a Mandela Day initiative. We are planning on identifying an area to beautify that will benefit our community. Watch this space! Girls are to come dressed in our school theme ‘We are a rainbow of possibilities!’. Girls are to pay R5 to wear their civvies but they may make a larger donation of any amount towards this event.

---

Trolley Dash (PTA Fundraiser)

Last term your daughter has received a Trolley Dash booklet to sell. They are due to be returned on Monday, 5 August. Each child is expected to sell at least one booklet which consists of 5 tickets only. Thank you to our girls who have returned theirs already and are already on their second or third booklets. You are stars! Prizes will go to the individual and class who sells the most tickets.

---

Recycling plans

We are excited to announce that the month of July at VP is dedicated to recycling! We will focus on creating Eco Bricks. Our girls have all been shown an informative slideshow encouraging them to participate in making Eco Bricks. These Eco Bricks will be used to create a special structure, promoting environmental awareness and responsibility.

Ways you can contribute to our month of recycling:

Create Your Own Eco Brick: Use clean, dry, non-recyclable plastic to fill 2-liter or 1.5-liter bottles.  Compress the plastic items tightly to make a solid brick.

https://youtu.be/b5ccBJXgzWs?si=uNdGdbSZ7D8k-prP

Collect Unusable Plastics: Gather non-recyclable plastic items from your home.

Bring these items to school.

Donate Bottles: Send 2-liter or 1.5-liter bottles to school, which we will use to create Eco Bricks.

Your participation will help us build a meaningful project and teach our children the importance of recycling and sustainability. Let’s work together to make a positive impact on our environment!

---

The Makhanda Schools Chess Championship

We are thrilled to announce that we will be participating in our very first Chess Tournament at Kingwood on Saturday, 20 July. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and represent our school in a competitive environment. Please note that only the girls who were invited to attend the tournament will be taking part. We wish all our participants the best of luck and look forward to a successful event!

---

SPORTS RESULTS

On Wednesday, 10 July the U8s and U9s played a netball fixture vs St Andrew’s Prep at VP. The girls had lots of fun and played with enthusiasm. The scores are as follows: U8A drew 2-2; U8B lost 3-2; U9A lost 3-1; U9B won

On Thursday, 11 July the U8s and U9s played a hockey fixture vs St Andrew’s Prep and Bedford Country School at Prep. The girls played their hearts out and had lots of fun. We can be proud of our girls’ sportsmanship on and off the field.

The scores were as follows:  U9A vs Bedford Country School lost 3-0; U9A vs St Andrews Prep lost 5-0; U9B vs St Andrews Prep lost 3-0; U8A vs Bedford Country School won 5-2; U8A vs St Andrews Prep won 4-0; U8B vs St Andrews Prep won 2-0.

A big thank you to all the coaches and parents for the support and encouragement.

Upcoming fixtures

Girls involved will receive letters.

Hockey:

• Wednesday, 17 June: U13C&D vs St Mary’s @VP
• Friday, 19 July: U9s will play in St Andrew’s All Girls Hockey & Netball Festival
• Saturday, 20 July: U9-U11 vs Kingswood College @VP

Fixtures for hockey Saturday, 20 July:

Victoria Primary School vs Kingswood College
Hockey
Times	Top Field	Top Field
09:00-09:25	u10A vs KC u10A	u11s vs KC u11A
09:25-10:00	u13C vs KC u13C
	High School Field
09:00-09:45	u13B vs KC u13B
09:50-10:40	u13A vs Kingswood u13A

Netball:

• Friday, 19 July: U9s will play in St Andrew’s Festival
• Friday, 19 July: U10-U13 vs Kingswood College @VP

Fixtures for netball on Friday, 19 July:

Victoria Primary School vs Kingswood College Friday 19th July 2024
Netball
Times	Court A	Court B
14h30	u10A	u11A
15h00	u12A	u13B
15h30	u13A	u12B

---

VP’s Got Talent

We are delighted to inform you that we raised R10 000 from this event. Thank you to our PTA parents, teachers, supporters and our talented girls who made it such a success.

---

Donation request

Mrs Olivier requests donations of old newspapers and Mrs Calitz requests donations of old spectacle frames (without the lens).

---

Stationery

We have noticed that many of our Grade 4-7 girls have lost or run out of stationery particularly in the higher grades. We request that you check with your daughter if she has all the stationery she is needing for class and please top-up any items needed.

---

Birthday wishes

We wish the following girls a very happy birthday for this and next week: Mila McConnachie, Makatendeka Chakona, Ophola Mbongwana, Tawananyasha Afonso, Avenathi Msuthu, Minentle Bill, Nevaeh Jacobs, Zinako Pikoli, Colette Musarurwa, Limandi Dyibishe, Akhe Songongo and Silubonile Mtimkulu. We hope you have a very happy day!

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mon. 15/07	Assembly Grade 2A @10:15
Wed. 17/07	·         U13 C&D Hockey vs St Mary’s @VP ·         Grade 7 Spur Shadow Shift
Thurs. 18/07	·         Mandela Day ·         Victoria in Concert @17:30 Rhodes Theatre
Fri.   19/07	·         Rainbow Civvies Day (R5) ·         13:00 Grade 7 Committee meetings’ ·         St Andrew’s Prep All Girls Hockey and Netball tournament @Prep (U9) ·         Netball vs KC (U10-U13) @VP
Sat. 20/07	·         Hockey vs KC @VP (U9-U13) ·         Chess Tournament @KC

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:

1^st place: Siarra Appollis & Mr Appolis – Steelpan (Water by Tyla)

2^nd place: Jazlin Crafford & Zaydiah Adler – Dance (Saggies Temple Boys)

3^rd 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

Message from the office

This week’s storms have been quite extraordinary and I know that many people have been left stranded and lives have been lost. Facing the vicious storms and raging seas is something we all know we will face from time to time, in a more figurative sense, in our lives. It is important to use our girls’ small obstacles as opportunities for them to realise that they are able to face adversity and overcome it. Often when we try to shield our children from life’s difficulties or we try to protect them from consequences of their choices or actions, we also take away the opportunity from them to ride out a storm and learn valuable life lessons along the way. 

I have taken snippets from an article which further explores this. If you’d like to read the full article, go to https://www.stillwatertherapy.org/post/letting-your-kids-struggle.

Letting your kids struggle.

We live in a time where letting a child struggle at times almost seems abusive. Why would you not comfort the child or fix the problem for them? Often parents don’t see the damage they do to their children by saving them from their struggle. Initially, the child will grow and tend to do well until they hit an obstacle. Often first adversities start in school or extra-curricular activities. Parents all too often displace responsibility on external factors like teachers/coaches, bullies, or other hurdles the child faces. The sad reality is the parent that continues to save their children, often robs the child of the opportunity to develop their ability to overcome the obstacles. 

 As many know, it is important to show children love and nurturing to help them develop into healthy individuals as well. So the question is, when is it okay to let children struggle? 

 As parents, we need to start by providing supportive care to allow the child to safely resolve problems on their own. Making sure that your child is safe from damaging physical or emotional harm while they face adversity is also important. This allows them to explore and feel enabled to attempt to overcome the challenge they face.

 When praising your child for overcoming the challenging feat, praise their effort. Children will learn from their experiences that they are capable of overcoming hard things, even if the hardest thing in her life at this moment is completing a puzzle.

 Allow each family member to pick one difficult activity that they have to do daily. Everyone in the family has to do one activity a day to help develop grit. Doing this as a family also shows children that struggling is a part of life and helps them mimic the same behaviour in the activity they choose.

 The more effort is put into overcoming a challenge, the greater the satisfaction when the challenge is complete. Once a reward is obtained, like getting a good report or praise, the positive behaviour is further reinforced. If a child is robbed of the reward of overcoming adversity then they will not have the reinforcement they need to face another similar task. There becomes a learned behaviour of giving up when they are faced with a task that is perceived as being too difficult. 

 It is important to emphasize the absolute importance of love throughout the process of helping a child overcome their obstacles. Just as much as saving your child from issues is damaging, so can being emotionally cold and dismissive towards your child as they struggle. Sticking to a balance with your parenting is important for a child’s development.

 Becoming a parent with these skills takes a lot of personal control and self-awareness.  Wisdom takes practice, patience, and determination to develop. No parent is perfect but developing the skill of letting your child struggle out of love takes wisdom. 

---

VP’s Got Talent

We would like to thank all the girls that entered into the VP’s Got Talent contest. There were some incredible performances and we certainly have talented young ladies at our school. Congratulations to the finalists who will be performing on Thursday, 13 June at 18:00 in the Glennie Hall. Please come and support the performers. Tickets for the final show can be bought from the office for R25. No tickets will be sold at the door so buy now to avoid disappointment. Not only will we have our amazing finalists to watch, we also have some surprise staff items to enjoy. We will have a tuckshop and coffee truck available before the show so bring some cash along. Who will be our first ever VP’s Got Talent winner for 2024? 

 VP’s Got Talent Finalists

• Halle Orsmond and Teia van Rooyen – Nelly the Elephant (Dance) 
• Sabrina Nyathi and Ifeoma Nnadozie – (Piano Duet) 
• Eila Chirombo – Once upon a December (Sing)
• Lunje Tshiki – Help Me – (Dance)
• Hailey Gill – ‘ Something that you like to do’ (Piano)
• Shameega Khohliso and Hlumisa Piti – Dynamite Duo (Dance)
• Iminathi Ndilele – Julie and the Phantoms Wake up (Sing)
• Libby Everton – The Wellerman (Highland Sailor’s Dance)
• Libhongo Mase – John Legend – All of Me (Sing) 
• Emery Klyve – Hunters Chorus (Viola)
• Jazlin Crafford and Zaydiah Adler – Saggies -Temple Boys (Dance)
• Owekhethelo Gqogqa and Sambesiwe Dyantyi – Easy on Me – Adele (Sing)
• Kamvelihle Mesani and Alibongwe Mthembu – Pour our thoughts (Art)
• Kamva Tyatyeka – Lost Princess Awakening (Poetry)
• Asanda Mbolompo, Oyama Morule, Hlalumi Balfour, Aleeisa Jonker, Zingce Balani, Amyoli Sesani and Amyoli Matswele – I don’t clap in this rap – (Skit/Rap)
• Carla Frazer – Jinx – Diane Hidy (Piano)
• Iminathi Ndilele, Unako Dlepu, Iminathi Ngcwele and Zingce Balani – (Cheerleading)
• Grade 1C – (Sing)
• Hlaluminathi and Ekuyenathi Menzi – Kiss and make up (Dance)
• Siarra Appollis and Mr Appollis – Water (Tyla) – (Steelpan)
• Isla Orsmond and Matilda – Another day – Lalaland (Dance)
• Lunathi Makasi – (Sing)
• Glennis Chakurungama, Laraa Andriantiana and Chanelle Musarurwa – (Rhythmic Gymnastics)
• Sinesipho Mafani – In the Cross – Gospel Song (Sing)
• Luna Copteros and Anton Brink – Street of London (Sing/Piano)
• Mr Buka – The Reflection (Dance)
• Luna Copteros, Hennie van der Mescht, Anton Brink – Winternag (Sing)

 

---

Worker of the Week

Congratulations to Leah Flotman who is our W.O.W for her wonderful news about staying in her pajamas over the freezing cold weekend:)  

Indlulamthi Badges

Congratulations to Mukundi Thondhlana and Amyoli Matswele who both received their badges at Monday’s assembly. Thank you for being exemplary VP girls!

 Merit Achievers

Well done Emihle Kulati, Sibonokuhle Benge, Isabella Tladi, Hlumelo Piti, Kamva Tyatyeka, Lunje Hloyi and Sinembasa Mapipa who have received over 250 merits this year. Keep up the hard work, girls!

---

Assembly

• We thoroughly enjoyed Grade 3M’s assembly about Africa Day. Thank you for your inspirational message, 3M!
• On Monday Grade 3S will present their assembly. Parents are welcome to join us. The assembly starts at 10:15.
• On Friday we will have our academic assembly at 08:30. All girls in Grade 4-7 who have achieved Honours and Merits Awards will receive a certificate. All girls are to wear their winter uniform on the day. Grade 4-7 must wear their blazers.

---

Grade 6&7 Outing

On Wednesday our Grade 6 & 7s went to St Andrew’s Prep to watch a production of ‘Peter Pan Jnr’. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

---

U13A Hockey practice

The U13A hockey girls will have practice next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 14:00 to 15:00 in preparation for their Graaff-Reinet tour.

We will have a tuckshop for the girls on Tuesday, 11 June to raise funds in support of the U13 Hockey tour. Please support them!

---

 Piano party

Mr. Wynne’s composition students will perform their original works on Friday, 14 June at their Piano Party. This will give our young composers an opportunity to learn from each other and share their creative ideas. All participants are to please bring some snacks to share (chips/sweets).

---

Term 2 report handout and last week of term.

Please note that teachers are still teaching and will do so until the last day of the term. We have started Term 3 work! Please make sure your daughter attends school or she is missing out on important lessons and will start Term 3 on the back foot. 

Girls will be given their reports on the last day of the term. Girls are expected to be at school unless they are ill. No report will be handed out before 10:30 on the last day. Please do not come to the school office before then on Friday to collect her report as the teachers will be busy in their classes or will be at assembly- the office staff DO NOT have the reports.  

---

Trolley Dash Booklets

Your daughter will receive a Trolley Dash booklet to sell today. 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 PTA fundraiser and proceeds will go to 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. 

---

School  bags

Our new stock of VP branded school bags have arrived. They cost R700 and can be purchased at the office.

---

Lost Property

The lost property is available for girls or parents to come and check at any time during the school day (07:00-16:00). If you are missing items of clothing, lunchboxes, juice bottles, shoes etc. please ensure that you or your daughter check for it Monday-Thursday next week. On the last day of term, items that remain unclaimed will be laundered and sent to the Clothing Exchange.

---

Hockey vs Union

Please note that the hockey fixtures scheduled for tomorrow, 8 June, against Union High have been cancelled due to our fields being waterlogged.

---

Tuckshop

The U13A hockey team will be hosting a tuckshop on Tuesday at first break to raise funds for their tour to Graaff-Reinet. Please support them.

---

Birthday wishes

The following staff and girls a very happy birthday for next week: Ms Casling, Mr Buka, Mrs Britz-Nel, Naledi April, Mercy Mooya, Bidget Akpeng, Asali Dude and Sitha Mkolo. We hope you have a lovely birthday!

---

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.

 

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL

 

 

Upcoming events

Fri. 07/06	Extramurals end for this term
Mon. 10/06	Assembly Grade 3S @10:15
Tues. 11/06	Tuckshop at break time.
Thurs. 13/06	VP’s Got Talent Show @18:00
Fri. 14/06	Last day of 2nd term Academic Assembly @08:30 School finishes @10:30 Reports will be handed out @10:30 Hostel closes @12:30 No Aftercare U13s leave on their hockey tour to Graaff Reinet.

 

 

 

 

Message from the office

Please NOTE that we will not have a newsletter on Friday the 31 May. The next newsletter will be on the 7 June 2024. 

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. 

“Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World” tackles the challenge of fostering an appreciative spirit in children growing up in a world that often emphasizes instant gratification and material possessions.

Here are 7 lessons from the book:

1. The Power of “No” and Setting Boundaries: While it might feel counterintuitive, setting boundaries and saying no to children’s demands can be a powerful tool for raising grateful children. This teaches them delayed gratification, the value of hard work, and the importance of appreciating what they already have.

2. Distinguishing Needs vs. Wants: A crucial step is helping children understand the difference between necessities (food, shelter, clothing) and desires (latest gadgets, extra treats). By guiding them to prioritise needs and appreciate the effort behind fulfilling them, you cultivate a foundation for gratitude. 

3. Building a Gratitude Routine: The book introduces simple practices like gratitude journals or regular “gratitude moments” at the dinner table. These routines encourage children to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives, fostering an appreciative mindset that becomes second nature.

4. Fostering a Culture of Work and Contribution: Assigning household chores and other responsibilities teaches valuable life skills and instills a sense of accomplishment. When children contribute to the household, they gain a deeper appreciation for the effort involved in maintaining a comfortable life.

5. Breaking the Cycle of Entitlement: Often we as parents have our own anxieties about saying no or spoiling our children which can contribute to their entitled attitude. The author suggests that we parent with a focus on raising grateful individuals.

6. The Value of Delayed Gratification: Learning to wait for things they desire can be a powerful lesson in appreciating what they eventually receive. The book suggests that we encourage children to save up for desired items or patiently wait for special occasions, teaching them the value of delayed gratification.

7. Importance of Perspective Taking: Encouraging children to consider the work and resources behind the things they enjoy, like a delicious meal or a comfortable home, can foster gratitude. By helping them see the bigger picture, they develop an appreciation for the effort that goes into providing for them.

---

Worker of the Week

Congratulations to Anna Malamis who is our Worker of the Week for her excellent progress in Music.

Merit Achievers

Well done Nazley Gabriel, Kendra Chrisjan, Mbalentle Dyaloyi and Olothando Kanyiwe who have received over 250 merits this year. Keep up the hard work, girls!

Mini Maestros Music competition

Many of our young musicians participated in the SASMT’s Mini Maestros competition at Kingswood College last Friday, and we are very proud of these girls for so bravely presenting polished performances for the audience and the judge. Congratulations to Lulama Joe, who won a medal in her category!

---

VP’s Got Talent

Now that the exams are behind us we hope that our aspiring performers are finalising their acts for their auditions. A reminder that the closing date for entries is today. We will be hosting auditions in the afternoons of the week of 3-6 June. The girls who have entered will be notified of what afternoons they need to audition. We wish them all the best!

Tickets for our finalists show will be available from the school office. The show will be held on Thursday the 13th June @ 18:00. There will be a limited number of tickets sold so buy now to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost R25 per person.

---

Assembly

On Monday (27/05) we look forward to Grade 3D presenting their assembly and then on Monday, 3 June it is Grade 3M’s turn! Parents are most welcome to join us. The assemblies start at 10:15 sharp!

---

Grade 6 Leadership Workshop

On Thursday, 30 May the Grade 6s will be participating in a leadership workshop presented by Dr Ian Knott- Craig. We hope that the girls enjoy what is on offer and that they learn valuable insights and skills. More details will follow in a letter which will be sent out to the Grade 6 parents. 

---

VR Education Virtual Show

Today, Friday 24, the Grade 1-7 girls were fortunate to be transported to the wonderful virtual worlds of an aquarium, a safari, the planetarium, and the human body. This was an incredible experience that we certainly won’t easily forget. It was also a fantastic way to celebrate the end of exams for our Intersen Phase girls.

---

Election Day

A reminder that Wednesday is Election Day and there will be no school.

---

Slipper Day – 31 May

If you have bought your Slipper Day sticker you may bring slippers to wear at school on Friday. If you have not purchased a sticker but would still like to wear your slippers at school you can bring a R10 donation to do so. All the money raised will go to Reach for a Dream, an organization that strives to fulfil the dreams of children who are suffering from life threatening illnesses.

---

SPORT

Tennis:  Four of our girls will be playing tennis in the Luden Cup on Sunday, 26 May. Play well, girls!

Hockey & Netball vs DSG:  Scheduled for Saturday, 25 May has been postponed due to weather. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Hockey vs Kingswood College:  On Tuesday, 28 May the U9A&B, U10A&B, U13A&B hockey teams will be playing matches vs Kingswood at KC. Girls participating will have received a letter. Good luck, girls!

 Hockey & Netball vs Westering Primary:  On Saturday, 1 June we will be travelling to Gqeberha to compete against Westering Primary School. Girls participating will have received a letter. We await the fixtures and these will be given to the relevant girls next week. Play well, girls!

 Hockey & Netball vs Lorraine Primary:  On Saturday, 1 June our Grade 1 & 2 hockey girls will be playing at Lorraine Primary in Gqeberha. Girls participating will have received a letter. The fixtures are as follows:

U7 Hockey fixtures
Time
08h30	VP vs Rowallan Park
09h45	VP vs Lorraine
10h45	VP vs Westering
11h15	Vp vs Sunridge

 

U7 netball fixtures
Time
08h30	VP vs Cotswold
09h00	VP vs Lorraine 1
09h30	VP vs Lorraine 2
10h15	VP vs Sunridge 1
11h15	VP vs Sunridge 2

 

U8 netball fixtures
Time
08h30	VP vs Rowallan Park 1
09h30	VP vs Lorraine 2
10h15	VP vs Sunridge 1
11h15	VP vs Curro 1
12h00	VP vs Sunridge 2

 Hockey vs Reddam House: On Tuesday, 4 June the U13A Hockey will be playing Reddam House at VP starting at 15:30.

 Mini-Hockey Clinic:  On Thursday, 7 June the U7& U8 hockey girls will participate in a hockey clinic at St. Andrew’s Prep. Letters will be sent out with additional information.

---

Birthday wishes

We wish the Mr Majiba and Ms Knott-Craig all the best for their birthdays in the next two weeks. Due to an office error some of our girls who celebrate their birthday in May were mentioned in the wrong week and others not at all – so here they all are again with the girls who celebrate in the first week of June.

Alonge Loyilani, Sairaah Govender, Lunje Manzana, Lubeluhle Peteni, Unako Sigwinta, Esihle Xulu, Lulolodwa Siko,  Alumindawo Xibiya, Milisuthando Nkayi, Inomusa Tauzen, Luna Copteros, Lunje Giyose, Zoe Green, Anopa-Nyasha Thondhlana, Ithandile Hilta, Buhle Koliti, Emihle Siwa, Angawo Zono, Okuhle Dyibishe, Ngcwele Manyati, Olibango Ngabaza, Lashante Rama, Alunamida Jakavula, Misha Potts, Abenathi Kulati, Zaydiah Adler, Rose Jordaan, Zingce Tanga, Riley-Anne Knott-Craig, Emihle Kulati, Riley-Jo Potts, Rose Chirombo, Elrie-Louise Minnaar, Alwaba Ndawuni, Leah Doyle, Lesego Mthiya, Chloe de Beer, Azizipho Ngindana, Kelly Doyle, Chanelle Musarurwa, Emily Weber, Emily Grosch, Lulo Dyantyi, Esona Mali, Ifeoma Nnadozie, Reaboka Dukashe, Asante Sankqela, Mihle Mgwebi, Sinambasa Mapipa, Indiphile Mdlalana and Iyizwile Nomkonwana. We wish you all a very special day!

Upcoming events

Sat. 25/05	Netball & Hockey vs DSG @VP has been postponed due to weather.
Sun. 26/05	Tennis: Luden Cup
Mon. 27/05	Assembly Grade 3D @10:15 Back to normal school times
Tues. 28/05	Hockey vs Kingswood @KC U9A&B, U10A&B, U13A&B
Wed. 29/05	National Election Day
Fri. 31/05	Slipper Day FP end at 13:00 no extramurals
Sat. 01/06	Hockey vs Westering in Gqeberha Grade 1&2 Hockey vs Lorraine Primary in Gqeberha
Mon. 03/06	Assembly Grade 3M @10:15
Tues. 04/06	U13s play Reddam House @VP starting 15:30
Thurs. 06/06	Mini hockey @Prep
Fri. 07/06	Grade 7 Committee meetings Extramurals end for this term
Sat. 08/06	Hockey vs Union @VP

Back to normal times

Please note that as from next week, the Grade 4-7 (IP) school day will once again end at 13:45. We will return to our full extramural programme as from Monday, 27 May.

The last day of extramurals for the term is on Friday, 7 June, although Junior and Senior choir rehearsals will continue in the last week of term.

Grade 1-3 (FP)

Please note that the FP school times will be as follows for the following two weeks.

Mon-Wed they finish at 14:00 and Thurs & Fri they finish at 13:00

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL

Message from the office

This week I have decided to reshare a message that was sent out in our newsletter on the 3 March last year. I think it is important for all of us to not get lax about our children’s cellphone usage, to always be vigilant about what they are doing on it, what they are being exposed to and how long they spend on it each day, particularly during exam time.

As you are well aware we do not allow our girls to have their cellphones at school or at any school event. This is largely due to both the distraction it can cause and to avoid the many disciplinary issues that arise from cellphone use.

If you as a parent have chosen to allow your child to own a phone, to have access to social media and to be able to go online, there are some serious consequences that may come with this decision if certain rules and boundaries and regular checks are not enforced. Our girls, including the Grade 7s, do not have the maturity to manage themselves or to set their own boundaries and this includes what they Google, what they may watch, what they read, what they say to others online and how much time they spend on their phones.

Are you checking on what your daughters are saying to others, what others are saying to them, what chats they are part of and what links they are viewing? This is not imposing on their privacy, this is good parenting. If you are concerned about what is happening, take your

child’s phone away or set limits as to how long they can be on their phones. Make it very clear to them that as you are the sponsor of their airtime and data, and simply as you are the parent, you will be checking in on their phones from time to time and if there is something they don’t want you to see, then they shouldn’t be doing it.

Teach your daughter what is acceptable and what is not. Teach her that if you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, then you shouldn’t say it in a text. Let your children know that they can share with you if they are feeling victimised, picked on or bullied online. Empower them to report someone else being picked on, in a chat that they are on, and if they don’t they are consenting to the bullying. Teach them that it is okay to leave a group that they don’t like or feel uncomfortable with and that they don’t have to explain why. Teach them that spreading rumours and making false allegations online is a criminal offense nd that they can find themselves in serious trouble if they do so.

Additionally, it is important that you do not allow screen time just before bedtime. Studies show that children might be even more sensitive than adults to screen time before bed. Screens can stimulate a child’s mind, making it trickier for them to settle down. Plus, the blue light can disrupt their natural sleep cycle. So to ensure your daughter gets the deep, restful sleep she needs, make sure she isn’t on her phone at least an hour before bed and even then that it is not for an extended period.

I know that young children love their phones and it is the modern way to socialise but at what cost? Set boundaries and keep alert. If you’ve made the decision to give your daughter a phone, that is the responsibility that comes with it, as a parent. Check your daughter’s phone today, she is too young to be hiding things from you and she is too young to be left to make decisions that come with being online.

---

VP’s Got Talent Ticket sales

Tickets for our finalists show of VP’s Got Talent will be available from the school office as from Monday. The show will be held on Thursday the 13th June @ 18:00. There will be a limited number of tickets sold so buy now to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost R25 per person.

---

Flu

There is a nasty strain of influenza doing the rounds and this is certainly not ideal with exams in progress. We are encouraging our girls to wash their hands regularly at school. If your daughter has flu symptoms and she is well enough to come to school, if possible, please send her with a mask to avoid further spreading to others. This flu seems to have hit Makhanda hard! On that note a reminder that if your daughter is to miss any exams whether for one day or more, she will need a doctor’s note to excuse herself.  This is according to our school policy.

---

Merit Achievers

Well done Oyama Morule, Lunathi Zikishe, Talitha Dingani, Manahil Rizvi, Tandolwethu Ketwa, Chikhu Mitochi and Eila Chirombo who have received over 250 merits this year. Keep up the hard work, girls!

---

Exam times

Next week the Grade 4-7 classes will continue with their exams. The academic school day will end at 13:00 and the extramural programme will run from 13:00-14:00 (back page of newsletter).

Exam Timetable

Date	Exams
Monday, 20 May	Grade 4-7: ·        Maths Paper 1 ·        English Language and Comprehension
Tuesday, 21 May	Grade 4-7: Maths Paper 2 Grade 7: Life Orientation
Wednesday, 22 May	Grade 4-7: Natural Sciences Grade 7: LSPA Practical
Thursday, 23 May	Grade 4-7: SS History Grade 7: LSPA theory
Friday, 24 May	Grade 7:  EMS

---

SAC/DSG Music Festival: We are so proud of our young musicians who participated in the SAC/DSG music festival on Monday. Each performer displayed excellent stage deportment, and managed their nerves well. This was a wonderful opportunity for these girls to perform in a non-competitive arena, and to hear a range of repertoire being played on a wide array of instruments. Well done!

 Mini Maestros: We wish our musicians the best for today as they attend the Mini Maestro competition at Kingswood Music school. Play well and make us proud, girls!

---

SPORT

Tennis: Congratulations Stella Mullin, Marizaan Boucher, Kaylee May and Daniella McLean who were the district winners at their tournament last weekend. Well done, girls!

U10 & U13 Hockey Clinic: On Saturday, 18 May Ms Knott-Craig and Mrs Andrews will be running a hockey clinic for all the U10 hockey girls and the U13A&B hockey teams. The girls involved have received letters with further information.

U8 Hockey Clinic: A selected group of U8 Hockey girls will take part in a hockey clinic at St Andrew’s Prep, Fairlawn field on Thursday, 23 May 2024. The aim of the day is to have fun on the hockey field and learn new skills. The girls will be doing some drills with various coaches. We will start at 13:15 and finish at 14:15. We will leave school at 12:45. Parents are welcome to collect their daughters from St Andrew’s Prep.

 Tennis: On Friday, 24 May the Top 8 tennis girls will play a tennis match against DSG at VP. The match will start at 13:30. Girls will receive letters. Good luck, girls!

Hockey & Netball vs DSG: On Saturday, 25 May at we will be playing hockey and netball vs DSG at VP. Please see the fixtures that follow:

Hockey Fixtures vs DSG & Prep 25th May 2024
Time		Top Field
10:00-10:45	u13A VP vs DSG u13A	10:00-10:25	VP u10A vs DSG u10A
10:45-11:20	u13C VP vs DSG u13C	10:25-11:00	DSG u11A vs DSG u11B
11:20-11:55	u13B VP vs DSG u13B	11:00-11:25	VP u10B vs DSG u10B	VPu10C vs VP u10D

Netball Fixtures vs DSG & Prep 25 May 2024
Time	Court A	Time	Court B
09:00	u11C VP vs DSG u11C	09:00	u10A VP vs DSG u10A
09:25	u11B VP vs DSG u11B	09:25	u10B VP vs DSG u10B
09:50	u11A VP vs DSG u11A	09:50	u12C VP vs DSG u12C
10:15	u12B VP vs DSG u12B	10:15	u12D VP vs DSG u12D
10:40	u12A VP vs DSG u12A	10:40	u13B VP vs DSG u13B
11:05	u13A VP vs DSG u13A

---

Slipper Day – 31 May

If you would like to wear slippers at school AND support a good cause, please remember to support our efforts to raise money for the Reach for a Dream Slipper Day.  Girls can purchase a sticker for R20 and will then be allowed to wear slippers at school on Friday, 31 May!  If you would like to bring slippers to school to wear for the day without buying a sticker you may do so for a R10 donation. All the proceeds will go to Reach for a Dream, an organization that strives to fulfil the dreams of children who are suffering from life threatening illnesses.

---

VP Whatsapp Broadcast group

Thank you to all the families who returned their consent forms for a school Whatsapp Broadcast group. These have all been added however in order for you to receive the Broadcast messages please add the school cellphone number to your contacts: 0834682706.

---

Birthday wishes

We wish the following staff member and girls a very happy birthday: Ms Stirk, Abenathi Kulati, Zaydiah Adler, Rose Jordaan, Zingce Tanga, Riley-Anne Knott-Craig, Emihle Kulati, Riley-Jo Potts, Rose Chirombo and  Elrie-Louise Minnaar. We hope you have a very happy day!

Regards

Mrs Rafferty

PRINCIPAL

Upcoming events

Fri. 17/05	Mini Maestro Competition @Kingswood College
Sat. 18/05	U10 & U13A&B Hockey clinic
20-24 May	Gr 4-7 academic day ends at 13:00. Extramurals are from 13:00-14:00. Please see exam timetable for scheduled exams.
Thurs 23/05	U8 Hockey Clinic @SAC Prep
Sat. 25/05	Netball & Hockey vs DSG @VP
Wed. 29/05	National Election Day
Fri. 31/05	Slipper Day

Extramural Programme

ALL THE EXTRA MURALS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 13:00-14:00

NB* Please note that the FOUNDATION PHASE Sport will continue as normal.

Monday 20 May	Chamber Choir- 07:15-07:45 NETBALL – U10A/B -VGHS Courts (13:00 -14:00) (Mrs Britz-Nel) NETBALL – U11A/B – VGHS Courts (13:00-14:00) (Mrs Kruger) INTERVENTION SESSIONS Grade 4 Interventions (voluntary) 13:00-14:00 Grade 6 Maths Intervention: Mrs Goodes 13:00-14:00 Grade 7 Maths Intervention : Mrs Coetzee 13:00-14:00
Tuesday 21 May	Senior Choir – 07:15-07:45 Junior Choir – 07:30-08:00 NETBALL – U13A/B – VGHS Courts (13:00-14:00) (Ms Featherstone) NETBALL – U12A/B – VGHS Courts (13:00-14:00) (Mr Buka) HOCKEY – U10 A/B/C/D Top field Miss Knott-Craig/Miss Du Plooy (Fergusson Field) Strength Training – All Welcome (Gr 4-7)  (Mrs Rafferty) TEAM TENNIS- Court C/D 13:00-13:45 Mrs Thiart Grade 5 Eng/Maths Interventions: Ms Miskin 13:00-14:00 (Voluntary)
Wednesday 22 May	Senior Choir – 07:15-07:45 Junior Choir – 07:30-08:00 HOCKEY – U13 1sts/2nds (13:00-14:00) (Mrs Andrews) VG Field HOCKEY – U13 3rds/4ths (13:00-14:00) (Mrs Sauls/Mrs Coetzee) Fergusson Field NETBALL – U11C/D – (13:00 – 14:00) (Mrs Kruger) NETBALL – U10C/D – Court A/B (13:00 -14:00) (Mrs Britz-Nel)
Thursday 23 May	Senior Choir – 07:15-07:45 Junior Choir – 07:30-08:00 NETBALL – U12/U13 C/D – VGHS Courts (13:00-14:00) (Ms Vongo) INTERVENTION SESSIONS Grade 4 Intervensions 13:00-14:00 Grade 5 Maths Intervention: Ms Miskin 13:00-14:00 (Voluntary) Grade 7 Maths Intervention: Mrs Coetzee 13:00-14:00
Friday 24 May	Orchestra 13:00-14:00 Chamber Choir 13:00-14:00
Saturday 25 May	HOCKEY AND NETBALL vs DSG