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