Nottingham Road, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Private Bag X01, Nottingham Road, 3280 South Africa Telephone: +27 033 266 8200 Facsimile: +27 033 266 8252/253 E-mail: reception@cliftonnr.co.za Reg. N0: 06-621 NPO CIPC Reg. N0: 2000/011970/08
27 January 2012
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.” Emily Post Dear Parents
Staff
It is with regret that I announce the resignations of Jeremy and Sally Cahill. Jeremy has unexpectedly been offered a wonderful opportunity to work in his area of passion, the breeding of fish. As the employment opportunity is in Durban, he and Sally will be relocating. We have begun the process of identifying suitable replacements and will keep parents apprised of developments to ensure a smooth handover in both areas. Please keep Mrs Louise Kay and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Mrs Kay’s latest check-up has indicated that the cancer has returned! Our love, prayers and support are with Louise during this difficult time.
School Values Each week in assembly we explore one of the school’s values. This value is then carried across the life skills lessons and daily programme of the school for the week. The school’s value statement reads as follows: Our Values Clifton Preparatory School is an inclusive inter-denominational Christian school. We hold the values of honesty, integrity and tolerance at our core. In all areas of pursuit, fair play, good manners and wholehearted effort are encouraged. Good citizenship is developed in our children to assist them in becoming contributing members of whatever community they live in. This week we have been exploring good manners using the following poem and the principles of kindness and respect: Manners We say, "Thank you." We say, "Please." We don't interrupt or tease. We don't argue. We don't fuss. We listen when folks talk to us. We share our toys and take our turn. Good manners aren't too hard to learn. It's really easy, when you find. Good manners means JUST BEING KIND!
Grade Seven Hike Mr Shaw writes: “On Friday the 20th January, 39 Grade Seven‟s and their tutors donned hiking shoes and a pack and headed off towards Mount West. The route took the children through Nottingham Road, with a quick stop at Notties Hotel … for a photo… and on to Fordoun. With the sun making a stronger appearance at this stage, a swim in one of the many dams was appreciated. What should have then been a short easy amble across some farm land towards the culvert under the N3, turned into a far longer and demanding exercise. The recent rains had created a chest deep swamp resulting in some members of the group (staff included) Member of
experiencing unintended swims! And then, the previously open culvert had been blocked by an electric fence. Fortunately the practically minded in the group made a plan and we were able to progress. As the day wore on and muscles began to shout, and with the heat of the day, it was with relief that we were able to hitch a lift with local farmers for the last three kilometres to our overnight destination at Reggie Purbrick‟s farm. Some more swimming in the dam, fishing and relaxing was enjoyed after the demands of the hike. Reggie and his team, with Mevrou Borgen‟s help, provided a fine dinner that evening. Thereafter a fierce game of fire-ball hockey was played between teams and many shrieks of fear and laughter filled the night air. After a good breakfast, the children spent some time setting goals as part of the Grade Seven Learning for Life programme for the year ahead.”
Grade 3 Trip to Bergventures 24 – 25th January 2012
Mrs Fleischack writes: “After spending only a few days at school, the Grade Three‟s set out on our trip with a sense of excitement. Our two days in the magnificent „Berg were enjoyable and the rain did not mar the children‟s energy levels. After zip lining across the dam, swimming with life jackets, playing in the mud and climbing a 40m tree, the children were exhausted. Wednesday morning dawned with the sun trying to peek through the low clouds but once again the rain set in. Being Clifton children, they are used to this weather and continued with the planned activities. We arrived back at school sopping wet and sapped of energy, yet still smiling!”
Junior Primary Information Evening An information evening was held for parents. After an informal get together and introduction of new families to existing families was over, the intern staff and specialist teachers were introduced. Julie Flanagan. the chairlady of the Parents’ Association, addressed the parents regarding the role of the PA in the school and explained the role of the grade representatives. Thereafter teachers addressed the parents of the children in their classes about the expectations and goals for 2012. Valuable information regarding daily routines and homework were also presented. The value of homework being done in the child’s individual learning style was emphasised. Singapore maths language was explained and examples given. It is essential that teacher, child and parent form a united team in order to ensure that the child is enabled and encouraged to achieve all he or she is capable of.
Database Update
There are many parents who have not yet returned their database update form which will also be used for our ‘Names and Faces’ Booklet. Please would ALL parents complete the form. We have changed our database software and need to verify that all information is correct. The form which is electronic, can be saved to your desktop (the updated version of Adobe Reader is needed). Once you have completed the form, please email it back to Mrs Caireen Laing at admissions@cliftonnr.co.za. If you are unable to email it, then please either print it out and fax it to Caireen on 033 266 8252 or drop it off at school. The school only publishes names, home phone number, cell number and email address of parents in the ‘Names and Faces’ booklet. Emergency numbers and account email addresses will not be published. If there are any other details you would like omitted, please indicate which detail must be left out in the body of your email or fax reply. This form must be returned to Mrs Laing by no later than Monday 30 January 2012.
Communication
Boarder parents please note that the incoming and call-box lines in both Houses are once again out of service. You are welcome to phone the House Mothers direct on 033 266 8211 (Sutcliffe House) or 033 266 8208 (Usher House) or Mr Majola on 033 266 8226. The duty phone (072 170 7283) can also receive calls. We hope to have this resolved as soon as possible.
Sport Squash
KZN Squash Tournament: This is a reminder to squash parents who have not yet entered their children to play in the Tournament to be held at Westville Country Club on Sunday 5 February (next Sunday). Please ensure their entries are in by no later than Monday and let Mrs Borgen know once the children have been entered. This Tournament is compulsory if you wish your child to be eligible for selection for a KZN team.
Notice of cancellation of sports fixtures
A reminder that notices of cancellation of sports fixtures is communicated by SMS. Sports fixtures are generally only cancelled because of poor weather. Notification of cancellation of sports fixtures that occur on weekdays will happen by 12:30 on the day of the fixture. Notices for cancellation of Saturday sports fixtures will happen by 07:00 on the Saturday. A message will also be left on the school lines for Saturday sport indicating cancellation decisions. The reason for these times is to allow our sports department as much leeway as possible to make decisions when dealing with the unpredictability of weather.
Sports practises
Sports practises are not cancelled due to bad weather. Coaches are responsible for supervising an alternative practise session. Parents who are at school may take their children home with them should they wish to leave early.
Early morning sports practises
A reminder that early morning sports practises begin next week (week 3).
Tennis racquets
If any families have old tennis racquets that are no longer in use, the sports department can make good use of them. Please drop them off with Mr Smith or Miss Jelliman.
Mums who Pray ‘Moms who Pray’ meet every Tuesday morning in the JP multi-purpose room from 08:00-08:30. This group is a nationally-formed group found in schools which prays for the needs of the school, staff and students. The mums would love to have more mothers join their group. If you can’t come every week, come when you can! For more information please contact Laurie Kohrs on 072 062 7078. Enjoy your week-end!
Brendan Brady
HEADMASTER
Calendar Reminders Monday 30 January
Tennis league as per the weekly sports schedule
Tuesday 31 January
Mini gala as per the weekly sports schedule
Wednesday 1 February
Grade 5 trip Cricket vs Kings and Cowan House Tennis vs Kings
Thursday 2 February
Grade 4 sleepover on campus PA meeting
Friday 3 February
Midlands tennis trials (boys)
Saturday 4 February
Cricket vs Cowan House Midlands tennis trials (girls)