For all Matric learners, here is the link to the Department of Basic Education's past Examination Papers.

Use these wisely.

http://www.education.gov.za/Examinations/PastExamPapers/tabid/351/Default.aspx

Remember, hard work and diligence carry great rewards.

God bless,
P-J

FROM THE HEADMASTER’S DESK

0003/2012

22 March 2012

Term 1 of 2012: Finalising the 1^st Term

Dear Winelands Academy parents,

We have had a tumultuous and hectic 1^st Term. Finally we can take a short break, reflecting on the past term, but especially looking forward to the new term.

Once more, we look back with great sadness on the sudden and tragic passing of Mr Dirk Mostert. The loss of Mr Mostert has left a huge gap in our school as community and we continue missing his persona. I yet again want to thank my staff, the children and you as parent/guardian for your support, condolences and understanding in this regard.

The Past Term

Frustrations at this early stage of the year are both natural and understandable. Many challenges have beset your learner this term and, as you have noted, many are struggling to adapt to their new circumstances. All that I wish to say at this juncture is that we also note the problems and issues, but these are not new, as every year we face the 1^st Term with these same challenges. Please note my wording – CHALLENGES. Challenges are those everyday opportunities that come our way to raise us to a higher plain in life. Being a believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that we will not be tested beyond that which we are able to cope with – i.e. our abilities. Therefore, we must never give up or negatively look at these challenges – we can only learn and grow through experiencing the daily struggle of living.

Looking at some learner’s marks, one can see what I am alluding to when I talk of the daily struggles. Please understand that we have noted the problems and are putting strategies in place for intervention in the new term. We ask that all parents take hands with us and assist us in guiding each learner in the correct direction, before it is too late.

Many learners are not functioning at the optimal level that will lead to success. Unfortunately, learners often only see the trees and miss out on the beauty of the forest, thus not rising to meet new challenges with appropriate skills and maturity. We must therefore guide them in that direction to enable them to reach the potential that they have been endowed with through their Creator. According to the Department of Basic Education, it is regarded as each parent’s duty to ensure that their child works hard and regularly attends school on a daily basis. Education is the educator’s job, but is each parent’s responsibility. This does not mean that you do the work for your learner, but that you insist that they work diligently at their schooling, making daily notes in their workbooks, completing and handing in all required work timeously, and being present in class for the full school day in order to benefit from the experience of the educators who teach them.

Parent Meetings

Parent meetings will take place early in the 2^nd Term. Please make every effort to attend. These will be individual meetings thus giving you as parent/guardian the opportunity to speak to each educator and discern for yourself the way forward with your learner.

Grade 12 parents:                 Thursday 12 April 2012 at 19h00

Grades 8 & 9 parents:         Tuesday 17 April 2012 at 19h00
Grades 10 & 11 parents:      Thursday 19 April 2012 at 19h00

These meetings are difficult to structure, so we work on a first-come-first-served basis. I understand the frustration of having to sit and wait, but this is the easiest way to accomplish what is required. An appeal to all parents, please keep your discussions to a minimum, approximately 5 minutes per educator. For extended meetings, please make an alternate meeting to have the undivided attention of the educators concerned.

Big Walk

Your learner has received a sponsor form for our 1^st Big Walk of the year. Take note that the 1^st Big Walk takes place during school time and that it is for learners only. If parents wish to be involved, we will gladly have you serve at the various point stations and assist at the end taking the times of the participants. Also take note that this is compulsory for ALL learners and that a doctor’s sick certificate is required for non-participation, as it comprises part of their Life Orientation Physical Education Task for the year. Encourage your learner to participate fully in this exercise, as it is only for their benefit and builds great character and team spirit within the school as a whole.

Please note that in the 4^th Term, the 2^nd Big Walk will take place where you as parent can come and participate with your learner, as this will take place on Saturday 13 October 2012. Mark this date on your calendar and come join in the fun. Ideas for fundraising for this event will be most appreciated. Prizes will be awarded to the first comers in various categories.

Note:  This is not a raffle. These two events are major fundraisers for us as a school and funds go towards meeting budgetary requirements.

Fundraising

Talking about fundraising, I appeal to all parents to assist us in raising funding for Winelands Academy. Daily expenses, equipment and salaries come purely from school fees at present. We cannot expect to be successful and continue offering the service that we do without receiving funding from alternate sources. I know that times are tough and money is tight, but I also know that there are many concerned citizens out there who gladly assist causes that are worthy. Should you consider your learner’s education as a worthy cause, please make every effort to assist in raising funds to ensure the continued future of Winelands Academy. Any donations, trusts, investments, and other sources will be carefully invested and utilised for this purpose. The time for promises is over and action is our catchword. It is easier for parents of 60 learners to raise the funding required than it is for me on my own.

We currently assist several learners whose parents have fallen on hard times. As believers we are exhorted to give – give and it will come back to you, pressed over, shaken and running over. We would love to continue offering this service to the community, as we have been in this position ourselves and know the humiliation of having to stand, hat in hand, and ask for alms. It is only by God’s grace that we have what we have, so join us in giving.

We are also desperate for property close by to build a school. Plans are in the initial phase and should we acquire the property, we will immediately start. Should anyone know of property that would be suitable, please let us know so that we can set the ball rolling. If you should have any contacts in terms of local landowners please could we impose on you to use these contacts?

Advertising
Included with the Report, there are advertising leaflets. Please do not throw these in the bin, rather place them in your neighbours’ post boxes, local community notice boards, the local shops, at the libraries or even at work. This school has always relied on the by-word-of-mouth approach and we know that you as parent/guardian are able to advertise and convince prospective scholars far better than placing adverts in newspapers or other sources.

The New Term

The 2^nd Term starts on Tuesday 10 April 2012. Please ensure that your learner arrives on time, ready for the new term and to take on the responsibility of their education. Learners must be dressed in full winter uniform, thus the school blazer with badge. I realise the expense is a problem, but all schools have blazers and through experience we have learned that a blazer immediately raises the bar and the view of the school within the community. Furthermore, we have a windbreaker available that may be worn over the blazer, as well as for special events and sporting activities like Life Orientation. The cost is R360.00 – a good quality, affordable garment. Note that it is not a compulsory purchase at this stage; however, it will be of great value to your learner during those cold winter months that lie ahead.

Thank you from our staff, the management team, Charmaine and I for your ongoing support. I continue trusting in the Lord that the rest of the year will be one of peace, calm and fruitfulness.

With love, God bless and Amen.

Yours in Christ

P-J Kempen
Headmaster

Term 4 of 2011: The Final Word

FROM THE HEADMASTER’S DESK

0007/2011

8 December 2011

Term 4 of 2011: The Final Word

Dear Winelands Academy parents, 

The year is at an end and so we come to the curtain call for our youngsters as far as 2011’s academic record is concerned. The Christmas season is upon us and we are all looking forward to a break, even if it be only for four weeks. 

Kindly peruse and study all the included documentation and letters. These all have bearing on the year to come and will only ease you and your child’s passage into the new academic year and all that it holds.

Academically we have had a relatively successful year. Many who have come to us through the course of this year have been borderline academic learners; however they can hold their heads high when one surveys the ultimate measure for this year, namely the final marks. Although not all may have been promoted or progressed, major goals have been achieved and huge obstacles overcome in the striving for academic success. Some may look at their marks and say, “You must be joking! My marks are pathetic.” To you I would reply, “Maybe, but where did you find yourself academically when you started at Winelands Academy?” Academic achievement is not only being the A-candidate or being first in class. Academic achievement is when you know you have given your personal best. For some it may come easy to achieve first class passes, but I know there are many who have given their all and yet their marks seem poor in comparison. To these learners I must say, “God never promised us an easy road. He in His great wisdom has laid out a path for each to travel and it is not what you achieve along the way, but to whom you give the honour and glory. It is not about ‘Noddy’ badges and accolades, but about being ... simply being the best you can be for Christ.” 

Congratulations to all our learners who have given their best. Remember that 2012 awaits our renewed efforts and once more you have an opportunity to give your best and prove yourself worthy, especially if you know in your heart that you were underachieving during 2011. To those who have not achieved this year, remember that if you have given your best, more could not have been asked of you and that the adage says, “If at first you do not succeed, try again!” It is better to have tried and not made it, than not to have tried at all. Next year is always there for those who in their hearts desire the best, to overcome whatever the cost has been for you in 2011 and to get the accolades that you deserve. Stick to your hopes and dreams, adding your effort and prayers, and in the end you will arrive at the destination you have set your heart on. Never give up! Those learners who have achieved top marks, we know the effort that you have invested in this year and we applaud your success. 

School closes 9 December 2011 and reopens on Wednesday 11^th January 2012. The new 2012 Academic Calendar for Winelands Academy, as well as the draft Matriculation Examination Timetable, is available on our website www.winelandsacademy.co.za and the Academic Calendar is also included with your learner’s report. Please place this in a very important place where you will be able to see most of the major dates for the New Year. Learners should rest and destress this Christmas, coming back refreshed in the New Year with a motivation to achieve in their academics.

Parent/Educator meetings will take place early in the New Year to give an idea on where we are headed in 2012. Please do not bring your Grade 8 to 11 learner to this meeting. Those that require one-on-one time must please make alternate arrangements as time is very limited. The dates for these are also on the Academic Calendar. Please note that there is an error on the printed Academic Calendar for the starting date of the Educators – ALL staff will be back on Monday the 9^th January, not Monday the 11^th (this is a typing error). The parent meetings will be combined meetings to discuss the year forward. I realise that these meetings take up your valuable time, however, important information concerning the new CAPS curriculum affecting Grade 10 learners from 2012 onwards will be discussed and matters affecting Grade 11 and 12 will be raised, thus giving you a better understanding of what is expected from you and your learner for the year. I am therefore asking that all parents please attend these meetings, as it shows not only us as educators but also, and more specifically your learner/s, that you are committed to your child’s continuing education. Individual meetings will follow in the terms ahead as indicated on your Academic Calendar.  Attendance for the grade 12 parents is compulsory at the Grade 12 parent evening so that we can discuss the year ahead – Grade 12 learners MUST accompany their parents to this meeting. 

Please visit the Department of Education website, www.education.gov.za and the Western Cape Education Department website, wced.wcape.gov.za for matters concerning education and the proposed new CAPS documents (available on the Department of Education website), that are being introduced to rectify problems that have arisen over the past few years after the introduction of the OBE system. Old examination papers and a host of other information are available for all phases of education. Many learners do not make use of this facility, much to their detriment. It is sad to see learners under-performing when so much is available for their assistance, from Study Guides through to volumes freely downloadable from the internet. For learners struggling in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, let them investigate the Maths Excellence website of the Shuttleworth Foundation at www.mathsexcellence.co.za . Incredible resources are available on this site. We endeavour to keep you informed as to these matters and trust that you will support us throughout these quite disruptive changes that yet again face us in education. Please pray for wisdom in the application and introduction of these changes that will affect not only our current learners, but also future generations. 

A first day timetable for each grade, clearly informing learners in advance that we will start the year off teaching, will be posted on our website once we have finalised our registers for 2012. They must bring along their workbooks and text books for these lessons. Uniform inspection and general appearance will also be checked and learners not complying with the Code of Conduct will be sent home immediately and will not be allowed to return until they are in compliance. The new uniform and dress code is available as well on the website for those who are unaware as to the correct uniform requirements. Please bring this to your learner’s attention so that we start the year on a good note. 

As you can see, Winelands Academy will continue being “business as usual” in 2012. After the changes and challenges of 2011, we have come through thick and thin, ever blessed by God in His grace and mercy. One or two minor changes are in the pipeline for 2012. My policy remains mostly the same, with some minor adjustments to suit the ministry of our school. We say goodbye to Mr Majiedt, who is retiring after many years of dedicated service to education, not only at Winelands Academy, but also in many other schools. We wish him Godspeed and everything of the best for his new adventures. We are currently interviewing prospective applicants for this post, assuring parents that we will appoint someone of similar calibre to Mr Majiedt. The school office will be closed as from today, 8^th December 2011, however, please contact me directly for any problems or queries in the meantime, as we will be in and out of the premises over the next few weeks to paint and prepare for the new year. We ask once more that all and sundry come forward and assist us in this operation by bringing brushes and the like and let us have a paint party. Please come and be a part of exciting event in our lives as a school. I hope and trust that we will continue working together as educators and parents to enable our learners the best opportunities for quality education. See you then! 

On the pastoral side of education at Winelands Academy, I am compelled to offer a small message to all our learners and parents, and I pray that you as parent would convey this message to them. I would in this regard like to present this message to support you in your continued efforts to raise well-balanced young people in a world gone mad. I have included two items, be it the tendency in our modern society toward non-accountability, lack of discipline, and many other evils that beset our children and youth today.

Jeremy Nell – Vodacom cartoonist of the year 2011

 

Tygerburger Article – Bellville area

I believe that we are facing a major challenge that goes beyond what we faced as a developing nation in 1994. After looking at the above pieces, one is forced to ask some very searching questions. The sad part for us as parents is that we have allowed this to creep into our homes, communities and society at large. Rebellion is at the root of this evil. 

We may now ask if this is a new phenomenon, however, we should know that this is something as old as time. Scripture clearly tells us and warns us of the outcome for rebellion and we are slowly seeing its effects on society today. Children are hurting, parents are hopeless and Satan stands mocking the very fabric of Christendom. The biggest tragedy is that many are dying both spiritually and physically for this folly. Proverbs is very clear on the folly of disobedience, rebellion and foolishness. 

However, God has made a way. He has given us a life with people around us for support and guidance. We can take life by the horns or we can lie down and be destroyed. The choice is ours. Choose good people to surround yourself with. Choose stable friends who will be a positive influence in and upon your life. God has given us a playing field with boundaries, in order that we can enjoy life ... life in abundance. Rules are there not to break us down or hold us back. They are there to protect us and to give meaning and purpose to our lives. Too often we are told to break out, ignore the rules and be free. This is absolute nonsense, because freedom only comes in knowing Christ and not from doing our own thing. More often than not, those that practice their own brand of rule breaking freedom end up in dire straits often ending in prison cells or an early grave. 

As a parent, it is your God given responsibility to teach your child right from wrong. Scripture clearly tells us to raise a child in the ways of the Lord so that they will not stray from what is just. Furthermore we as parents should not “spare the rod and spoil the child”. Now I am not saying go and beat your child senseless. What I am saying is that God lays a lot of emphasis on correcting deviant behaviour and proper discipline ... the earlier, the better. Allowing your child to run amok will only lead to heartache, whereas firm parenting will bring peace ... rather a dry crust of bread in peace, than a feast in strife is a good motto to live by. 

Children need to accept the authority of those appointed by God in overseeing them. Do not rebel as the world tells you. Rather, be not conformed to the world, instead conform to the wisdom of God, through the renewal of your mind, and your life will take on new meaning and purpose. Honour your mother and father so that your days may be long. Too many die young and yet people refuse to submit to God’s wisdom. 

Life is too short to waste it on the world. As we look at the world around us, so much calls us to another way of life. We are all drawn by the glitz and the glamour, seeing the glitter or wealth, fame and fortune. However, this is not the way of the Lord. God’s way is humility, a dirty stable, a criminal’s death, turn the other cheek, and so on. Reward is not now, but in heaven. I pray that you do not climb the ladder to success, only to find that it ends at the wrong wall. 

Please take this message and use it for good. At this time of the year we can so easily be drawn in by the worldly idea of Xmas, where Christ has been removed. Some may even argue that it is good to have Christ removed from Christmas, since there was never meant to be such a celebratory event in the Christian calendar. Do not let theology blind you to the magnificent opportunity that this event gives to bring all the ideals of the Message of the Gospel to a world that desperately needs the intervention of Jesus Christ’s all-encompassing love, being born to be a sacrifice for you and I; all sinners in the world, as Scripture says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Praise God that we still are able to be a school for those that seek Christ and wish to place Him back on the throne of our lives. 

To those leaving our fold, please remember the message that is encompassed by our school motto, “Vitis vera fidelis defendit”- The True Vine protects/defends the faithful. Go with God and be faithful to what He has called you to. 

Finally, I and the educational staff, management and administration wish you peace and prosperity as we say adieu for a season’s break. Thank you for your support and the trust that you have placed in our hands. May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you, and have mercy upon you; may He lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. 

With love, God bless and Amen.

Yours in Christ

P-J

Headmaster

The fact of the matter is that the question is not why do bad things happen to good people, but what do good people do when bad things happen - Unknown