Dear Willow Family

Our vision statement states:

“To have unwavering excellence in Education from a Christian perspective!”

What is academic excellence?  July 2011 ACSI newsletter answers this very aptly.  “Academic excellence is the demonstrated ability to perform, achieve, and/or excel in scholastic activities.  Academic excellence has been identified with achieving high grades and superior performance. But academic excellence is more than just making good grades.  It is the maximum development of your intellectual capacities and skills in service to humanity.  It is about reaching the God – given potential inside, so that you can become what the Lord wants you to be.”

Our academic Assembly has just taken place.  The following children were awarded for their achievements:-

Gold Academic

April Stroud                           -           Grade 4

Nicole Maritz                         -           Grade 4

Hannah-Rose Roughton        -           Grade 4

Joshua Stander                                   -           Grade 6

Amy Ah Goo                          -           Grade 7

Nicole Stander                                   -           Grade 9

Sabrina Rudolph                                -           Grade 9

Kaitlin Burger                         -           Grade 10

Brandon Bosch                                   -           Grade 11

Tiffany de Vos                                    -           Grade 11

Silver Academic

Amy-Chayil Roughton                      -           Grade 4

Dylan Cullis                           -           Grade 4

Kim May                                             -           Grade 5

Micaela Milani                                   -           Grade 5

Michael Robb                         -           Grade 5

Abigail Pitie                            -           Grade 6

Dylan Tomlinson                               -           Grade 6

Joel Terblanche                                   -           Grade 7

Jamie-Lee Burger                                -           Grade 8

Abigail Sephton                                 -           Grade 11

Daniéle Terblanche                -           Grade 11

Merit

McKenna Bouwer                  -           Grade 4

Tyreece van Wyk                               -           Grade 4

Erin Forlee                                          -           Grade 5

Lornezo Muniz                                  -           Grade 5

Melissa Nienaber                               -           Grade 5

Aimee Granzier                                  -           Grade 7

Cailin Fourie                           -           Grade 7

Christopher Asbury               -           Grade 7

Jessi Claassen                         -           Grade 7

Stephanie Potgieter                -           Grade 8

Mikhaila Prince                                  -           Grade 9

Tayla Tomlinson                                -           Grade 9

Cullen Gilfillan                                   -           Grade 10

Tramaine van Wyk                -           Grade 10

Chanté Clarke                                    -           Grade 11

Congratulations to one and all.

Since the start of this semester we have been on a “mission” to teach our pupils responsibility.  We’ve started on “Homework Supervision” for those who have not managed to complete their preparation on a daily basis.  Most of our students have healthy work habits so we are targeting those with problematic work ethics.  Please encourage your child to do his/her homework at home or you might find that you will not be able to fetch him/her straight after school each day.  Each child who has not completed the homework set will be given a default.  Three defaults will result in Friday detention which will last for at least an hour.

Education for our young people is very important.  Nelson Mandela is reported having said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  We need to be in a strong partnership, school and home in making sure our children are prepared for the wonderful future which our heavenly Father has for them.

We are also making sure that we are on the way to “Raising Digitally smart and safe children.”  Lots of time is spent keeping our children safe off line – we are now aiming at them being safe on-line.  The technology of today is moving forward at an unprecedented rate.  “What was normal ten years ago is now history.”  Cell phones, lap tops, etc are wonderful tools used responsibly and correctly.  Boundaries need to be set at school and home so that we can celebrate the use of these modern day inventions.

GREAT NEWS!

The Governing Body have decided to broaden our base in Noah’s Ark.  We will be opening a third Grade R class.  This will be effective as from the start of 2012.  Please spread the news to any parents with little people!  Our existing pre-primary classes have been full for some time and we want our school to grow.

Some Stationery will be on sale from the tuck shop.

Examination pads @ R4.00

HB Pencils @ R2.50

When we have a bigger variety in our stock, we will let you know.

Forthcoming Events:

Friday                          5 August         –           CAKE SALE & CIVVIES DAY (R5.00)

Grade 9 – Aptitude Tests.  N.A. Bakerman

Monday                      8 August         -           School Holiday }  ENJOY THE LONG

Tuesday                      9 August         -           Women’s Day   }        WEEKEND

Friday                        12 August        -           Spellathon Competition Test

(Money handed in by 26 August)

Wednesday            17 August          -           Noah’s Ark Class and individual photographs

Sunday                   21 August            -           Ghana Feedback @ WOF and Fundraising by Hockey Girls who will be selling pancakes for team funds.

Early in September (8,9 &10)       -           Arise Conference at WOF and School Photographs for Willow Academy.  (See the details on the enclosed Envelope).  (PLEASE ENCLOSE THE CORRECT MONEY on or before 5 September 2011)

Extra Afrikaans Lessons will take place in Mrs Minnie’s class on Mondays between 14h00 – 14h45.  These lessons will be given free of charge but Mrs Minnie does need a letter from the parents and the pupils where a commitment is given, that there will be regular attendance.

Everyone will have noticed how Mawethu Civils  have levelled off our parking area in the front of the school.  Much Asphalt will be tarring the area as soon as the undersurface has dried out.  Thank you gentlemen for making our school look so much more presentable.  Röhlig-Grindrod donated 18 monitors to our school computer room.

A friendly reminder:  The children must wear full school uniform every day.  It has been decided that our Willow Academy tracksuit will be worn by Grades 1 – 5 on a Friday.  If we have days of very rainy weather, please remind your child to wear boots to school and have their school shoes to change into.  Please make sure each item of clothing which is removable is marked clearly with his/her name.

“God’s love changes us radically.  All of us.  And when we are different, we make a difference in our world.”  Elisa Morgan

Yours as ever

 

G.A. Rennie

PRINCIPAL