Newsletter 02/2023

12 May 2023

CIRCULAR 02/2023

Dear Parents

We are flying through Term 2, having enjoyed a wonderfully positive first four weeks of Academics, Sport, Culture, and Service. Sport has definitely been at the forefront of the traditionally busy Term 2 extra-curricular schedule and we are extremely proud of our team performances, and individual achievements, thus far. While we celebrate our many successes, we are also cognisant of the areas, and sport disciplines, where we need to improve – and we will do so. 

A few flash cards for the term:

Staff news

Mrs Grace de Jager has now officially retired from Felixton College. She has made an invaluable contribution to the existence of our school over the course of 25 years, having started in Reception and then making her way into the Finance Department to serve in her capacity as Assistant Bursar. 

I take this opportunity to wish Mrs de Jager nothing but pure bliss, as she eases into her well-deserved retirement. 

While we bid Mrs de Jager farewell, I am pleased to announce that Mrs Buhle Masinga will be moving into the Felixton College Finance Department, to take on the portfolio of College Bursar. Mrs Masinga holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Accounting), and has experience in both private practice, and the educational space.

In Memoriam

Mrs Grace de Jager’s husband, Jonathan, passed away during the April holiday. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Grace and her family.

Sadly, past pupil, Bakang Ali Taqvi (class of 2015), recently passed away. His funeral service was held on Friday 5 May. Ali is fondly remembered for his excellent academic achievements, wonderful sense of humour, and strong sense of conviction when making representations in class for worthy causes. We pray for peace and strength for his mom, Eva, his brother, Mohamed, and the rest of the family as they deal with their loss.

Junior School building project

The Junior School project is approximately 4 weeks away from completion. The excitement is palpable and becoming increasingly difficult to contain.

To this end: 

•  Grade 1 – 7 classrooms; Computer Room, Art Room, and STEM Lab (educational space that encourages active learning and problem solving, geared specifically towards developing Science, Engineering and Mathematics skills – using technology to create, collaborate and find solutions and complete projects) are up and we are busy with carpets, blinds and general furnishings.
•  The ablution block, a necessary ‘as-build’ addition, is going up rapidly – as the last building block.
•  The date of completion for the project now stands at 31 May (moved out from end of April to accommodate the building of the ablution block).
•  The date of moving into the new classrooms, officially for pupils and teachers, is Tuesday 18 July (beginning of Term 3). This is to allow for a smooth logistical transition from the current academic and general school timetable to a new one.
•  We will announce the date of the formal opening of the Junior School shortly.

Solar Solution

Loadshedding has had an incredibly negative impact on our country. To date, our school has unfortunately not been able to escape the scourge of power outages, losing as many as 4 hours on some school days. We have felt the impact during the academic school day, as well as outside of teaching hours – during staff meetings and extra-curricular events and functions.

It is therefore with great excitement that I announce the fact that we are about to implement a solar solution for Felixton College. To this end, 365Solar has won the tender to install a system that will allow our school to function, uninterrupted and at full capacity, during loadshedding. 

The system, comprised of solar panels, an inverter, and batteries, will be installed over the course of the school holiday.

Absenteeism

As a reminder, the basic protocol regarding our children being off school for one day requires a ‘sick note’ from parents, or a note from a doctor if a formal assessment has been missed. Pupils are expected to write the missed assessment upon their return to school, and work that has been missed will be caught up. As a norm, work is not sent home at short notice if a pupil is only off for one day.

Please note that arrangements will be made to send work home if there is a prolonged absence. This will be facilitated through communication between parents and the respective teachers in the various Phases. It is usually the Deputy Head, or Academic Head, who co-ordinates this process.

Lost property

We have noticed, with concern, an increase in the volume of lost property being collected at school - which started towards the end of Term 1 and has continued over the course of the first 4 weeks of Term 2. 

The main concern is the number of school bags (containing both academic books, and sports kit / equipment) and the uniform items (particularly blazers, jerseys and shoes) that are left around the campus after school and overnight.

In closing, I extend a word of thanks to all of our parents who come out to the various school events and functions to support our children, and the school at large. I thoroughly enjoy my interactions at these events with you as we engage in various topics of discussion, and banter. 

Whether it be through these interactions, or via email, please continue to engage with me in any deliberation that contributes to the continuous success, and improvement, of Felixton College. Your views are valued and ensure that we continue to improve our school.

Kind regards

Wayne Rademan