BRIDGE HOUSE

PRE-PRIMARY · PREPARATORY · COLLEGE

P R E P N E W S

Issue 35 www.bridgehouse.org.za 6 November 2015

Grade 7 Farewell The highlight of the Grade 7 year is, without doubt, the Grade 7 Farewell. This is traditionally an opportunity or parents, teachers and pupils to celebrate our Grade 7s’ readiness for their transition into the College, and to reminisce about their time in the Prep. Our 2015 Grade 7 Farewell was a memorable and beautiful occasion touched with special moments in a tropical island atmosphere.

Our MCs for the evening were Jeanne Blaisse and Teubes van Niekerk. They also delivered the Grade 7 Farewell Address on behalf of their peers, and spoke with fondness of the highlights, the people, and all that went into making their experience in Bridge House Prep so unforgettable. Katja van Dyk and Lloyd Phillips gave the vote of thanks and then invited their mums and dads to join them on the dance floor in the traditional “first waltz” of the evening.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all who contributed to making the evening exceptional, and special mention must be made of our Grade 6 waitrons who acquitted themselves so professionally.

Grade 7s of 2015, you all looked beautiful and behaved with such decorum. We are proud of you!

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- 4 - On 30 October, the Grade 4 learners paid a visit to the Science Centre in Observatory. After much anticipation and excitement we arrived and were met at the front door, where we were greeted by our facilitators and divided into two big groups.

We spent the day researching, experimenting and learning and thoroughly enjoyed the time given to explore. The children participated in a Sound workshop to consolidate what was covered in Science last term. This was concluded with a practical activity where each child constructed their own harmonica using straws, cardboard and elastic bands.

After a busy morning we all sat down and had lunch, whilst enjoying the summer rays.

The groups rotated from the workshop to the building site, gyroscope and to the camera- obscura. The afternoon was topped off with an awe-inspiring Science Show filled with chemical explosions and reactions and lots of pyrotechnics.

Before heading home the children were once again given time to explore the numerous scientific activities available at the centre.

We left feeling inspired and far more aware of the role science plays in our lives

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Heritage sites, animal rehabilitation centres, wineries, night hikes, obstacle courses…and LOADS of fun! The Grade 5 group was treated to the majestic beauty of Vergelegen Wine farm where they learnt about the early Cape. They experienced the incredible work done by Monkey Town and Eagle Encounters in their rehabilitation of animals. They were able to interact with raptors and owls and some were even lucky enough to have monkeys climbing on their heads and eating out of their hands!

Team building was a key element of this camp and various activities took place back at the camp site – falling in mud, getting wet, facing their fears, bonded the group and leaders came to the fore.

Talented musicians and actors were discovered around the bonfire. , and chatting kept them occupied in between a full programme.

We ended the camp at Mont Destin and many thanks to the Bürgin family for hosting us – what a treat!

“This was the best camp ever!” Seth Nel

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Twee weke terug het verskeie superheroes die Afrikaanse klas besoek. Hulle het die klas omtrent vermaak met hulle spesiale kragte en reddingsdade. Swart Engel, alias Cameryn Luis, het vir ons vertel hoe sy haar swart towerkrag gebruik om slegte insidente na goeies te verander. Sypersmite, ook bekend as Viktor Babl, se superkrag is dat hy blitsvinnig kan vlieg. Hy beskik ook oor die vermoë om mense se gedagtes te lees. Met hierdie superkragte het hy verhoed dat ‘n bank beroof word. Vlermuismeisie (Allegra Newton) het vertel hoe sy met vlermuise kan kommunikeer. Sy het ook haar interessante uitrusting vir ons gewys. Katmeisie, anders bekend as Jessica Phillips, het ons vertel van haar uitsonderlike nagvisie en hoe sy met katte kan kommunikeer.

Vyf van die superheroes het vandag besoek afgelê tydens ons saalbyeenkoms. Hulle het vir die kinders meer kom vertel oor die spesiale werk wat hulle doen met behulp van hulle spesiale kragte.

Ons kan beslis baie veilig voel hier by Bridge House met al die superhelde wat hier skuil!

- 10 - From the Head’s Desk Last Friday was another memorable evening for all our Grade 7 pupils, parents and staff. The pupils revelled in the moment and danced the night away. Again I must include my sincere thanks to all who contributed to making the night one to remember.

Grade 1 is the starting point of a new phase and to smooth the transition, our Grade 1 teachers hosted a Parent Information session in the Prep Hall. The session was well attended and gave parents a glimpse of the changes and new aspects that await them. It was also a good opportunity for ‘second time’ Grade 1 parents to share their experiences and provide helpful tips for the upcoming year! Thanks to Mary, Colette, Hilke and Jeannie for presenting the session.

As with last week, camps and outings continue to be high on the agenda. This week it was the Grade 2s who had the opportunity to experience a camp as they went off to Kijk in die Pot. On Thursday, the Grade 1 pupils were whisked off to Riverside for their annual Adventure Day Camp.

The annual Pre-primary Gymnastic display took place this morning. As usual, our young gymnasts shone as they performed their various routines. They must have felt like super stars with all the cameras and flashlights from all their adoring fans (and parents). Thanks to Danette Smith for coordinating and making this such a cute and successful event!

As the end of year approaches and we are in the process of finalising staffing for 2016, I am happy to report the following appointments and changes for next year:

Playschool and Pre-Primary – In Grade 00, Linda Orsmond joins Roxy Rennie. Linda comes to us from Bumble Bee, with a number of years’ experience in ECD. Linda is also a parent at our school: her daughter Erin is in Grade 9 next year. Leigh-Anne Jones join Kate Stamper and Nina Siconolfi in Grade 0 and Sandra Boyes steps back from class teaching to perform her role as Phase Head of this section. Carle Smit, who qualifies at the end of 2015, has agreed to take up the role as a teacher assistant for 2016.

Junior Primary – In Grade 1, we have appointed Bronwynne Honey who joins us from ProEd House in Cape Town. She has extensive experience in Junior Primary and has been teaching Grade 1 for a number of years. To complete the team, Jeannie Barclay from Grade 2 becomes the third Grade 1 teacher. We are in the process of appointing the second class teacher in Grade 2 to join Claire Ferreira. Timshell Pheiffer joins Michelle Willard in Grade Three. Timshell currently teaches at Heronbridge, a private school in Gauteng and is also a highly respected coach. Chloe Murray who was a student teacher who stood out while completing her teaching prac at our school, has also been appointed to join the Grade 3 team. Mary Heistein steps out of the class to take up a more dedicated role as the Phase Head of Junior Primary.

Senior Primary – In Grade Five, the team grows to three classes. Brett McLaren joins Kim Storey and Lynn Fell. Brett is from St George’s Prep in PE where he has been a class teacher for the past six years. He comes highly recommended and will have a positive impact on the sports front. Another change is the promotion of Greg Hinds who takes on additional responsibilities as the Head of Creative Curriculum Development (this position includes Creative Arts). We also welcome him into the role as the third class teacher in Grade Six, joining Belinda Lindhorst and Matthew Ackermann. Elizabeth Looke, a newly graduated teacher, has been appointed to swell the Afrikaans team. - 11 - ESU - We welcome Liesl Conradie as the third Remedial Teacher in the ESU. As the school has grown, so too has the demand for Remedial Therapy.

Music - On the music front, Adele Bate (Head of Individual Music) is in the process of finding a maternity replacement for Marsanne Malan. Philip and Marsanne are expecting their first child in January hence Marsanne will be away for six months on maternity leave.

Sport – We are in the process of appointing two Sports Interns, one male and one female. The appointed interns will offer additional support on the coaching front and are required to be studying towards an educational degree or diploma.

As the New Year fast approaches, changes are imminent and these come with challenge, but also opportunity. Michael Josephson’s quote encapsulates this nicely. Look forward with optimism to the coming year!

To those taking part in school events over the weekend, do your best! For those of you who are using the time to relax and recharge the batteries, enjoy!

Marc Barrow Head of Prep

- 12 - PLEASE NOTE! NO prep pupils may wait to be collected at College reception after school as the College is in session until almost 15h00.

Cricket - U11B vs St Vincent Primary Bridge House batted first, and got off to an excellent start. They scored 85 for 1. James Shone opened and scored an excellent 32 runs not out and was well supported by Sebastian Phillips (9) Zach de Kock (14*). Unfortunately St Vincent was able reach our score for the loss of 5 wickets, but the boys put up a brave fight. Luca De Re bowled very well and took 2 wickets in one over.

U13A vs Courtrai Primary We lost the toss and were sent in to bat. Lloyd Philips (42 off 44 balls) and Kyle Maske (14 off 16 balls) put on a partnership of 53 runs in 49 balls, helping us to get off to a great start. Unfortunately, the rest of our batsmen couldn’t maintain the great start and we ended with 99 for 8 in 20 overs. Courtrai then went in to bat and came up against some mediocre bowling on our side. They passed our score after losing only 5 wickets and with 6 balls to spare. Our boys learnt a valuable lesson and are aware that disciplined bowling, and not giving away “free” runs (wides), are required in order to succeed in a cricket match.

Tennis - Results 29 October U13 A boys vs Noord-Eind Won 5-1 U13 B boys vs Rhenish Lost 2-4 U13 B girls vs Rhenish Lost 0-2 We would like to wish all our Central Boland players well as they will be taking part in an interprovincial tournament this weekend. They are James Raisbeck, Jenna Downie, Jodi Crowther, Mia Phillips, Katja van Dyk, Viktor Linell and Jake Downie.

Swimming Our girls took part in their first swimming gala of the season at the Somerset House Girls’ Relay gala. They did extremely well in the pool facing some very tough competition, and proved that we are closing in on our competition with regards the depth of our swimming squad. Some good results included: U/12 Freestyle relay 3rd U/14 Freestyle relay 3rd U/12 Breaststroke relay 1st U/14 Breaststroke relay 2nd U/12 Butterfly relay 3rd U/12 Medley relay 3rd U/14 Medley relay 3rd - 13 - Canoeing On Saturday 31 October, the Bridge House canoeists took part in the second leg of the Triple Action Sprint Challenge 2015. The regatta was hosted by the Stellenbosch Canoeing Club. It was a long day of tough paddling in windy conditions, but we are proud of all our old and new canoeists! Well done on a successful regatta, guppies!

Levi and Tyler Colombo competed in the Boys U/8 category and placed 1st and 2nd respectively.

Whitney Appolis and Tia Hector also placed 1st and 2nd in the Girls U/10 division. Participating in the Boys U/10 were Luca Colombo, Joshua Hinks, Daniel de Jongh and Michael Minitzer. They placed 2th, 4th, 5th and 8th respectively.

Luke Phillips took part in the 200m sprint, 500m, 1000m, and long distance race of 2000m. He placed 5th overall in the Boys U/12 category. Well done, Bridge House paddlers! Upcoming Events Sat 7 Nov Stellenbosch Primary U13 6-a-side cricket Stellenbosch Canoeing Sprint Series 3 Peninsula Mon 9 Nov U11A Cricket vs Boys Primary Bridge House Tues 10 Nov Paarl Boys’ Primary Prestige gala Paarl Wed 11 Nov U13A Cricket vs Paarl Boys Primary Bridge House Thurs 12 Nov U13 A boys Tennis vs Paarl Boys’ Primary tbc U13 B boys Tennis vs Paarl Gimnasium Paarl U11 A boys Tennis vs Eikestad Primary Stellenbosch U13 A girls Tennis vs Rhenish Primary Franschhoek U13 B girls Tennis vs Nederburg Primary Paarl U11 A girls Tennis vs Paarl Gimnasium Franschhoek

OF THE WEEK

Junior Primary: Chad Swanepoel & Danielle Potgieter Senior Primary: James Shone & Suné Dannhauser

- 14 - Read Mike Russell’s new Blog Post #Headspace Game of a different kind: springboks, wildebeests hunting-dogs, Newton, Whitehead and the national psyche

Ctrl + Click here to follow the link: http://www.bridgehouse.org.za/news

You may have noticed that things have become a little ‘hairy’ around the College since the beginning of November. This is because the College has decided to get on board with the Movember fundraising initiative. College pupils have been given the option to grow moustaches for the month of November. Pupils must have signed up on www.movember.com and be committed to creating awareness for cancer as well as raising funds through donations. If you would like to donate to the Bridge House pupils and Staff taking part in this initiative you can do so in the following ways: 1) visit http://moteam.co/bridge-house , 2) buy a blue ribbon from Mrs Jenny Jones at reception for R5 or 3) simply drop any spare change in the box at College reception with Mrs Jenny Jones.

- 15 - Food Hampers Every year we make up food hampers for the Grounds and Cleaning staff to take home to their families on the last day of term. This year, we have 30 hampers to make up. If each Bridge House child brings one non-perishable staple item (tinned food, rice, sugar, flour, tea, coffee, etc.) and one non-perishable luxury item such as biscuits or sweets, we will be able to make up wonderful packages for the staff.

We would appreciate it if you could start bringing these items in next week. The Grounds and Cleaning staff do so much for our children and keep our campus looking fantastic and we would like to thank them for this.

Annual 2015 Bridge House Magazine The annual magazine for 2015 will be printed in March next year. We have space for five pages of advertisements - full page, half page or quarter page only. Every family at Bridge House receives a magazine and every prospective family visiting the school in 2016 will also receive a copy of the magazine together with the prospectus.

If you would like to advertise your business in the magazine, please contact Gill [email protected]

NO 60 Minutes with the Heads this Monday Owing to the fact that the PA received only one possible agenda item for this term’s 60 Minutes with the Heads, that enquiry will be addressed privately via the PA channels. We will keep going with the 60 Minutes series next year, as we do feel it does offer a constructive forum for the interchange of views. Sometimes, though, there isn’t much going on that is contentious, and which people feel is worthy of a public airing. Both Heads’ doors remain open for parents to make appointments and drop in to discuss what may be on their minds. Mr Mike Russell

- 16 - Only 1 week left to the BIG MUSIC NIGHT! For catering purposes, we kindly request that if you have booked tickets but not yet paid, that you do so by Monday. Failure to do this will mean that we will have to cancel your tickets and your dinner for the night.

There are still some seats available but for catering purposes you must please book and pay for these seats by Monday. Contact Jenny on [email protected] now!

Don’t forget that there will be a cash bar on the night. Your dinner is included in your ticket.

Breaking News! 2 Ipad Airs have been kindly donated by Brad and Lurien Rawson and you will have the chance of winning these in a raffle. There will also be an opportunity to win in “Heads & Tails”.

So please remember to bring cash with you.

- 17 - “For the Love of Food” is here! If you ordered and paid for a Bridge House Recipe book but have not yet collected it, please collect from Cheryl Wittles in the Accounts office.

Because of the demand, extra copies of For the Love of Food at R275.00 per copy, have been printed and you can still place orders on-line by clicking on the link below.

To order online, please click here

This recipe book is the only recipe book in the world which has recipes from this combination of chefs and cooks.

- 18 - Please note all the advertisements which appear in our newsletters are paid for by the advertisers. does not in any way endorse any of the products, events or businesses advertised in this newsletter and takes no responsibility for the use of any of the products which are advertised here.

- 19 - CALL FOR DONATIONS OR SPONSORSHIPS

ENZA Empowering Women is a non-profit training, skills development as well as enterprise development organisation, working with underprivileged women in the Mbekweni area between Paarl and Wellington near Cape Town.

Our mission is to assist underprivileged women to take charge of their lives and to become economically active and self-sufficient through skills and enterprise development, thereby building a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. Since opening its doors we have put over 300 women through training. In 2011, the unemployment level of the women who registered for our training decreased by 27%. From the training completed in 2012 to date the unemployment level of the women who registered decreased by approximately 48%. Some of the skills learnt are sewing and jewellery making, and the products produced will be sold in the ENZA Empowering Women shop. A vehicle will ensure sustainable income for the ladies, as well as self-sufficiency for the NGO itself so we can continue empowering more women. The Shop and bigger skills centre will be opened from 6th November at Bergriver Park, cnr Jan Van Riebeeck and Driebergen Drive, Paarl (oppostive Dal Josafat Stadium). We also aim to open an online shop soon to ensure a global reach for our products and crafts.

To achieve the above, we are calling for donations or sponsorships to cover the following:

1. To set up an online shop which will include videos telling the ENZA women stories to enable a global reach - will cost R25,000.00 2. Signage as the Paarl skills centre – requires R8,900.00 3. A laptop/tablet/PC( to run our POS system) – used or new 4. Fridge and microwave – new or used 5. Urn, crockery, cutlery, tea sets 6. Picture frames – even if old, we’ll upcycle 7. Refreshments (tea, coffee, milk, sugar) or anything (new or used) that can make our space comfortable and productive will be appreciated. 8. Time – looking for creative minds who can help in supervision and quality assurance of sewn products and jewellery making. 9. If you have any skills that can be taught to the ladies and easily turned into a sustainable business, we welcome ideas. We can collect anywhere around the Winelands and Cape Town. If you'd like to contribute in cash towards any of the items this is also welcome. We are a registered NPO and PBC so also offer S18A certificates towards donations tax for companies and individuals. Your small contribution will go a long way in making a difference in the life of someone less privileged, we will make it count. Please contact Kgabo Ralebepa on 0729586600.

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