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Issue 27

11 September

2019

From the Headmistress' desk Friday’s rain was a blessing, although it was somewhat disruptive for our Arbor Day celebrations. Fortunately, teachers can think on their feet, always have a plan B and are innovative. The Readathon had to be moved indoors, which was fine. Everybody enjoyed these two well-planned events and rain is always more important than any arrangements. I will be away from school on Wednesday and Mrs Jordaan will be acting headmistress in my absence. We wish our matrics all the best for a memorable farewell, to be held on Thursday the 12th. The swimming pool renovations have been completed and the pool is currently being filled. This is the last newsletter for the third term. We wish all members of the Kingfisher Private School a restful break from the school routine and safe travels if you are going away. Mrs van der Merwe is retiring after nearly ten years of service to the Kingfisher Private School. We wish her well for this new chapter in her life and thank her for keeping our library in ship shape order, as well as for organising the exceptional annual Inter-house quizzes and weekly general knowledge quizzes too. One of the highlights of her legacy is setting up the Archives. A great deal of work was involved in this. Enjoy your “places to go and people to see.” A reminder that no reports will be issued this term. We always need to be innovative and looking at ways to improve our practice. Once implemented, we can assess the success or not of the new system. Issuing three reports this year, instead of four, has worked well for our teachers. However, the parents and pupils prefer receiving four reports. We will revert to four reports per term next year. We still wish to retain the system of interviews with parents, where applicable. On Friday the 13th, all pupils may wear jeans (blue or black) and black shirts so as to support all victims of xenophobia and abuse. This is not an ordinary civvies day and no other civvies may be worn. It is black shirts, T-shirts, jackets, etc or school uniform. We are holding our Entrepreneur’s Day on the last day of school – Friday the 20th of September. This is a an opportunity for those who have rugby jerseys (provincial or national) to wear these on the day that the Rugby World Cup starts in Japan. Pupils who do not have rugby jerseys may wear any appropriate civvies on the day. Sport shirts from other disciplines are not appropriate on this particular day. There is no charge for the privilege of wearing civvies as we wish our pupils to spend their money on the pupils’ products, games, etc. All parents are welcome to support the Entrepreneur’s Day. The programme for the day can be found in the newsletter. Final assembly will be held on Thursday, the 19th of September at 07:15. All parents are welcome to attend. School closes at 10:00 on Friday the 20th of September and re-opens on Tuesday the 08th of October.

KINGFISHER PRIVATE SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Tel: 015 781 2410 Email: kingfisherschool@telkomsa.net Website: www.kingfisherschool.co.za

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How to Foster Positive Sibling Relationships

It’s normal for parents to feel overwhelmed by family dynamics when we find ourselves refereeing the latest, he

said-she said debate. How did this argument start, anyway? And why did it end in tears?

While sibling conflict feels exhausting in the moment, it can help kids in the long run. When kids work through

uncomfortable feelings and difficult problems with their siblings, they learn how to manage emotions and

conflict out in the world. When parents help kids with these skills and support each child equally, kids have a

training ground to cope with the ups and downs of childhood.

There are many benefits of positive sibling relationships, including support, friendship, and

connection. Research shows that sibling relationships can increase sympathy, which can foster other prosocial

behaviours like helping and sharing. In fostering the sibling relationship, parents teach young children to show

empathy and compassion for others.

Here are a few ways we can help our little ones reap the benefits of their sibling relationships and turn

arguments into lifelong lessons:

Check your emotions when the kids argue. It’s natural to feel heated emotions when your kids are in the throes

of yet another argument over a toy. You might feel compelled to rid the house of the toy in question or send

everyone to separate corners. Tread carefully. Young children watch their parents for cues when it comes to

managing conflict and coping with big emotions. If you are quick to take away the toys and use time-outs, your

kids will internalize the message that negative emotions are bad and problems are solved by hiding out (in

separate corners).

This is a good time to model the power of deep breathing (in for four, hold for four, out for four). Use “I feel”

statements to begin the problem-solving process or to give yourself a few moments to process the situation

before you proceed. Example: “I feel upset by the yelling in our house right now. I need to think clearly to help

your guys. Let’s take three deep breaths together and then try to solve the problem.”

Encourage siblings to nurture one another. Each day before school, I whisper to my daughter, “Take good care of

your brother today.” I then turn around and whisper for my son to keep an eye on his sister. When we teach our

kids that they always have each other for help, support, or just to have fun, they get the message that their

relationship is grounded in unconditional love.

When one sibling is hurt, encourage another to check on her. When one needs help with a task, encourage the

others to jump in and get the job done. When they argue over something, help them verbalize their feelings

using “I feel” statements so they can listen to and empathize with one another.

PARENT BUDGET MEETING

The Parent Budget Meeting will take place on the 31st of October at 18:00. All families must be represented at this meeting. A register will be circulated.

ENROLMENT DECLARATION FORM

The Enrolment Declaration forms were issued today. They must please be returned by the 11th of October 2019.

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Cake Sales 2019

18 September Gr 4 - 5 16 October College 30 October Grade 6 - 7

Create sibling special time. We talk a lot about the importance of parent-child special time, but sibling special

time is a great way to ensure that your kids have the time and space they need to build a strong bond.

Figure out a block of time each week when the kids can play without interruption or instruction. Let them take

over the play area and make a mess. Encourage them to merge their ideas and create something new

together. Then step back and let them figure it out.

Promote family activities that put your kids in charge of the fun. Siblings compete with one another at times.

It happens. A great way to move away from competition within the family is to create fun family activities.

Obstacle courses and scavenger hunts are always popular options, but be sure to put your kids in charge.

When kids work together to formulate a list for a walking scavenger hunt, for example, they learn that

teaming up and listening to one another’s ideas results in great fun for the whole family.

Get siblings in on the night-time routine. Kids love their night-time routines, and often the youngest kids

have the most items on their evening wish lists. Encouraging siblings to read one story together, sing each

other a song, or give hugs and high fives before bed creates a special bond before they drift off to sleep. It

also teaches our kids that they can turn to one another for support if they ever feel unsettled at night.

Cheer each other on. Kids will compare themselves to one another at times. In some cases, they try to learn

for each other; in other cases, they try to figure out how they stack up. Celebrate the diversity of strengths

within the family. This is the lesson our children need to hear: We all have different strengths, and when we

combine our talents, we can make a difference in this world.

Teach your kids to cheer each other on, offer to help each other, ask each other for help, and recognize each

other’s strengths. When siblings learn from an early age that they aren’t in competition with each other and

that they have the power to help each other thrive, their relationship thrives.

Katie Hurley, LCSW, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting expert, and writer.

FOYER DISPLAY 2019 9 September Fledglings

8 October Grade R 21 October Grade 1

4 November Grade 2 18 November Grade 3

STAR OF THE WEEK Handwriting Grade 1: Phenyo Modiba Grade 2: Rorisang Malesa Grade 3: Phenyo Ngoae

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DATES TO REMEMBER – 2019

Lost Property check 12-20 September 07:00 – 07:15

Grade 12 Prelims: Life Sciences P2 12 September

Matric farewell 12 September

Grade 4 & 6 Outreach project 13 September 14:00 – 16:00

Moeketsi MTB Cycling 14 September

Inter-house cycling 16 September 14:00

Intersen Phase panel meeting 16 September 14:05

College panel meeting 16 September 14:05

Grade 4 & 5 cake sale 18 September

Inter-house cross country 18 September 14:00

Final Assembly 19 September 07:10

Foundation Phase wheelie day 19 September

Foundation Phase brag evening 19 September 17:00

Entrepreneurs’ Day 20 September

School closes 20 September 10:00

School re-opens 08 October 07:10

Parent Budget meeting 31 October 18:00

Happy Birthday Happy birthday to the following Kingfishers: Staff: Miss Mathebula 14 September

Mrs Marѐ 23 September

Miss Jacobs 26 September Mrs Rudolph 05 October

Grade 2: Ridhima Hingorani 30 September Mashoko Kutumela 12 September

Motheo Malatji 13 September Lerato Selematsela 22 September

Tshegofatso Mamaila 02 October

Grade 3: Kaone Selepe 21 September Tshiamo Kotsoe 07 October

Grade 4: Lehlogonolo Madji 02 October Grade 6: Shan Captain 13 September

Joscelyn Ferreira 29 September Jamessy Monawe 17 September

Lindokuhle Madlala 05 October

Grade 7: Nhlonipho Mothibe 14 September Grade 8: Naledi Mashile 27 September

Grade 9: Mmabatho Maenetja 27 September Noko Mojela 28 September

Grade 11: Mmapula Mokhabuhki 08 October

TUCKSHOP – MENU Thursday 12 September: Tuesday 17 September:

Chicken Burgers R20 Mince & cheese R15

Pies R20 Pies R20

Friday 13 September: Wednesday 18 September:

Boerewors rolls R25 Yankees R10

Pap & Beef stew/side salad/veg R40 Pies R20

Monday 16 September:

Hot chips & Russians R25

Hot chips R15

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Spelling Bee Results – 2019

Name Place Grade 1

Bonga Mathebula Participation

Charmaine Mutendera Participation

Naledi Moleya Third

Phenyo Modiba Second

Tristan Hendriks First

Grade 2 Mashoko Kutumela Participation

Rorisang Malesa Tie Third

Sinawe Mani Tie Third

Kegaugetswe Sekgoka Second

Ridhima Hingorani First

Grade 3 Harper Shiburi Participation

Bontle Mashego Participation

Wandile Nzuza Third

Michaela Montjoie Second

Lungile Mthembi First

Grade 4 Xongile Maluleke Third

Tricia Hendriks Second

Resego Moletsane First

Grade 5

Sharon Joseph Tie Second

Mothapa Moraba Tie Second

Lesedi Moleya First

Grade 6 Dineo Magoro Third

Darren Mhondiwa Second

Daniella Montjoie First

Grade 7 Thato Moleya Third

Dikeno Mashile Second

Kelebogile Mosweu First

Grade 8 Lesedi Mokhabukhi Third

Shawn Joseph Second

Naledi Sediba First

Grade 9 Vinaya Pauly Tie Second

Mmabatho Maenetja Tie Second

Sharoline Shivambu First

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SPORT ACTIVITIES

CHESS TOURNAMENT

We wish the pupils taking part in the chess tournament at Frans du Toit on Saturday all the

best. Players must be at the school hall by 07:15 and must be dressed in their formal uniform.

chess tournament is taking place at Frans du Toit High School on Saturday 14 September.

TERM 4 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Term 4 co-curriculars will be as follows:

Swimming, please make sure you have the correct swimming costume and a navy blue or black swimming

cap. Only team members need to buy the Kingfisher cap.

Please remember swimming IS compulsory for all, from Gr R to Grade 11. It is a lifelong skill that might

save your life one day.

Please budget for at least one away gala.

Mini-cricket for Grade 1-3 boys and girls

Chess

Mathematics Club Grade 4-7

Spelling Bee Results – 2019

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ACTIVITIES

THANK YOU The Foundation Phase pupils would like to thank Mr Rudolph for his time and assisting them with

their reading. Mr Rudolph does this on a voluntary basis and the only payment he gets, is an

occasional hug but plenty of smiles from happy readers. The improvement in our pupils’ reading

is visible in all their work.

CYCLING

Good luck to Jani Jordaan who is off to Brits on the

25th, 26th and 27th of September during the holiday

to represent Kingfisher at the National Spur Race.

Schools all over Sub-Saharan Africa, including South

Africa and our neighbours Zimbabwe and Namibia will

be taking part in this event.

CYCLING There is a Friendly MTB race at

Moeketsi on the 14th of September.

This is not a school event but our

riders are welcome to go and complete

a 10 km or 20 km race.

INTER-HOUSE MATCHES

The following interhouse matches will take place in the following two weeks.

Please make sure you have the correct shirt and the correct pants on. NO one will be allowed to

participate if they do not have the correct clothes! Please order shirts from Mrs Jansen van Rensburg

timeously and not on the day of the event.

10/9 Tuesday Gr1-3 Mini-Hockey. Remember your sticks.

11/9 Wednesday IP Interhouse Hockey

16/9 Monday Interhouse Cycling

18/9 Interhouse Cross Country

SPELLATHON An amount of R15 231.20 was raised by the Spellathon. A very big thank you to all the pupils

and parents who supported this event. This money will be used to buy books for the school.

MATRIC FAREWELL

Good luck to the Grade 12 girls preparing for their special evening. When: Thursday 12 September Time: 17:30 Where: Iso’Bella Vita Guest House

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READATHON

On Friday the 6th of September the annual Readathon was held at Kingfisher Private School.

Preparations were made to spend our hour of reading in our school’s garden. Miraculously, nature decided to take Arbor Day seriously and started watering all our trees and plants naturally. What can be more wonderful than to read while it is raining. Although we spent our reading time indoors, everybody loved getting lost in a good book. Thank you to everybody at Kingfisher for making a dream come true. Keep on reading!

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TRITECH SCIENCE EXPOSITION The Tritech Science Expo National Competition was held on 6 and 7 September. Out of the eleven Kingfisher pupils who participated in the expo, Vinaya Pauly and Tanishq Sharma were awarded Gold medals, Thembinkosi Vundla, Thato Moleya and Christine Moodley were awarded Silver and Tshegofatso Nkuna, Success Maluleke, Risuna Muhlare, Lesedi Mokhabukhi, Naledi Mashile and Sechaba Sentsho were awarded Bronze. All our pupils were awarded medals. Vinaya Pauly was awarded the 2nd Prize in the Agricultural Sciences Junior Category. Thato Moleya was awarded the 3rd prize and Thembi Vundla the 2nd prize in the Life Sciences Junior Category.

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SPUR DATES 2019

26 November

KINGFISHER EARRINGS

For only R75! Pay at your register teacher. There are only a few earrings left.

SECOND-HAND UNIFORM SHOP

Parents are welcome to visit our second-hand uniform shop.

Parents, please donate unwanted/outgrown uniform items to our second-hand uniform shop.

MARKED BELONGINGS/LOST PROPERTY – NEW DAYS AND TIMES Please make sure that all your belongings (stationery, clothes, shoes, lunch box) are clearly marked with your name and also that you look after them carefully. The procedure for lost property is as follows. Pupils will be allowed to look in the box, Monday – Friday, from 07:00 – 07:15. Should they find their lost items in the box, they will have to pay an amount of R1.00 per item to have them returned.

Please mark all items with the full names and surnames. If an item has been passed down to the younger sibling, please re-mark the item with the full name and surname.

GRADE 4 – 6 OUTREACH PROJECT

A reminder to the Grade 4 and 6 pupils that their outreach project is on Friday 13

September. Pupils must be dressed in a pair of blue jeans, sport shirt and takkies for the

clean-up.

FOUNDATION PHASE BRAG EVENING

The Foundation Phase Brag Evening will take place on the 19th of September from 17:00

to 18:00. This is to view the pupils books and not to discuss their academic progress,

separate meetings for last mentioned can be made with teachers.

INTERSEN PHASE PANEL MEETING

The Intersen Phase Panel Meeting will be held on Monday 16 September. Pupils who are

required to attend this meeting were issued with a letter today.

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FOUNDATION PHASE FUN

AFTERNOON

The Foundation Phase Fun

Afternoon will take place on the

19th of September. Letters will

be issued to the pupils. Please

return the reply slips as we need

to cater for food and drinks.

TERM 4 PRIZE GIVING

Please remember next term is Prize-giving term.

Please make sure you have the correct uniform

socks, pants, shirts, shoes etc.

EMOTIONAL INTELLEGENCE RESEARCH

Thank you to all the parents who indicated that they want their children to participate in the emotional intelligence research. We are now waiting for the date and time when they will administer the assessment.

COLLEGE PANEL MEETINGS

College panel meetings will be held on Monday 16 September starting at 14:10. Letters to this effect were issued today. Parents are to sign the reply slip and return it to the class teacher by Friday 13 September. It is compulsory for all the pupils who have received letters to attend.

GRADE 4 & 5 ENTREPRENEUR’S DAY

The Grade 4 and 5 pupils will be hosting their Entrepreneur's Day on the last day of term. Please support them by purchasing many of their available products. A reminder to all the pupils, that you may wear civvies on this occasion.

FUN WHEELIE DAY On Thursday, the 19th of September, we are having a Fun Wheelie Day and all foundation phase pupils are invited to join in! For an amount of R30, you will get a party pack with yummy goodies and be able to have plenty of fun! So, come and join in the fun...bring your wheels that do not use petrol and diesel. The wheels will start rolling at 13:30. Ask Mom and Dad to fetch you at 15:00.

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…………………………………………… Mrs Renée Rudolph Headmistress

ARBOR DAY

Arbor day was held on Friday 06 September.