prep newsletter no 10 2011

8/3/2019 Prep Newsletter No 10 2011

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14 October 2011

St Johns Preparatory SchoolSt Johns Preparatory SchoolHoughton

Tel: 011 645 3100/ 087 550473 Newsletter Number 10

18/10 Study Skills Brainstorming LIII & UIII

19/10 Senior Public Speaking Finals

Study Skills Brainstorming

20/10 Assessments in Geography LIII & UIII

Assessments in Afrikaans LII - UII

BREAK UP FOR HALF TERM

21/10 Extreme Explorers Hike

1st Team Basketball Tour Departs

25/10 Hair & Uniform Inspection

Study Skills Brainstorming LIII & UIII

26/10 Junior Public Speaking Finals

Study Skills Brainstorming LIII & UIII

Book Sale

27/10 UI Camp Departs

2nd and U11B Cricket Troup Departs

Cordwalles Cricket and Tennis Tour

Book Sale - Fred England

28/10 Assessments in Science LII & UIII

Assessments in History/ Geography

Science LII - UIII

Swimming Gala

2nd and U11B Cricket Tour

St Stithians U13 Polo Festival

UI Camp Returns

Cordwalles Cricket and Tennis Tour

31/10 UIII Instrumental Concert

Father vs Sons Chess

UIII Instrumental Concert

01/11 LIII Instrumental Concert

02/11 UII Instrumental Concert

Scary Tales - UI

03/11 LII Instrumental Concert

Prestige Gala (A & B Teams)

Reminders from theDiary

From the HeadmasterAs I write my newsletter article, my mind wanders back to the walk I took around thePrep the other day. Energy, happiness, care,

laughter, passion, love, all come flooding in

Mr Nicolson is tending to a boy in distress and Iam warmed by the smile developing on the

boys face as he realises its all going to be okay.Upper III boys are engrossed in a Lubbe lesson where every possible technological gadget isbeing used and only he and the boys know what to do. The Lower IIs are hard at workwriting formal letters of application to Lord Leesand Lady Margot to become official Knights andthe Upper Is are engrossed in their learningabout rain forests. There is a wonderfulrhythmic sound coming from the music roomas Mrs Rossouw teaches a class using everyinstrument possible. As I pass the Upper IIclassrooms, I notice the total dedication andcare Mrs Fehrsen and Mrs Baker give to theirboys. Mr Bornman is telling his class one of his wonderful war stories and has them soengrossed that you can hear a pin drop. A boypasses by me with a skip in his step, on hisway to see Mr Meirim, our school psychologist.It is clear that this boy enjoys these sessionsand knows that he will find comfort and help

from him.

I walk into the quad and I hear the enthusiasmand passion coming from the sport coaches onthe field as they put the boys through theirpaces in a Physical Education lesson. I noticetwo boys in Mrs Taylors office who I know arenot there because there is something seriously wrong, but just because they are in need ofsome TLC and there is no one better to give it.

In the library I am amazed. Most boys arereading, and the ones who arent are havingMrs Sulters amazing magic reading wand waved over them and are being helped to

choose a book that they will love.


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Page 2 St Johns Preparatory School

I walk back to my office for my meeting , and I cant help but smile and realise that I amthe luckiest man in the world. I have the most incredible staff and boys, and togetherwith the parents, we have the most unbelievable school. Happy Teachers Day, I say to

myself.

Last Thursday was World Teachers Day and so I would like to take this opportunity ofhonouring all our teachers for the work that they do behind the scenes, in theclassroom, on the sports field and in the playground: they console your son when he ishurt, praise your son when he conquers his fear of long division, open his eyes to thewonders of learning, and encourage him over and over again. Thankfully, most of ourparents do recognize the fact that teachers go that extra mile and appreciate their

efforts. For this, I salute and thank you.

However, what happens when there is a disagreement between these two adult parties

about the methods and/or activities that the teacher implements? How are thesedifferences of opinion addressed and resolved?

Sadly, in the time that I have been a teacher, I have witnessed far too many parentsbecome abusive and disrespectful, belittling a teachers professionalism and dignity.Surely it would be much more constructive to deal with these situations in aconsultative manner, developing a mature partnership, as this would lead to positivegrowth and a win-win situation for everyone?

When we tell the boys not to bully others, how can they be expected to understand thiswhen they see their very own parents do just this to another adult their own teacher?It is much easier to run the school and teachers down behind their backs withpersistent car-park talk, fueling anger and more rumours. I am not saying that weas teachers are perfect and above question, but our professionalism needs to betrusted. Problems can become opportunities for development if they are brought to our

attention through the correct channels and in a constructive manner.

So the next time you feel like youve been let down by a teacher, take the harder routeof calling and making an appointment to come in and see that person. Lets build one

another up and help one another. Lets aim to be positive and make this wonderfulschool an even better asset to our nation and to the world.

Patrick Lees

Headmaster


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From the Eagles study...

Study tip #3

Reading for comprehension or for information can be tricky. When reading forpleasure, it doesnt really matter how fast you read, or whether you leave outsentences or paragraphs or not. After all, if you realise you do not understand whatyou are reading, you have all the time in the world to go back and re-read the bits you

missed. In fact, you WANT to go back and find out!

Comprehension reading, however, comes with the added pressure of TIME. Many boystend to read (skim) the passage, then try to answer the questions quickly, as it is atask they do not like at all. They are also aware of the fact that they only have acertain amount of time in which to finish the paper. It often takes more time to haveto re-read paragraphs to try and find the answer they are seeking than to read thepassage properly the first time, or even to read the passage twice before tackling the

questions.

Reading, and understanding what is being read, are also closely linked to anxiety. Themore anxious the reader, the less likely it is he will comprehend what he is reading.

Which makes him more anxious... a vicious cycle.

So, what can be done? These points may be useful to discuss with your son.

Encourage him to slow down a fraction. This does NOT mean reading at a

snails pace! All it means is that he must be aware that he has to read for

information, and so he must read at a pace that his brain can make sense of what it is he is reading. It may even help to whisper the words, as talking

automatically slows the pace of reading.

Teach him to look at the title first. This gives him clues as to what is coming;

what kind of language he will encounter; if the passage is going to be tricky and

full of big words, or if it is easy language (an article from the internet vs a

passage from his class reader). It also brings all the images and language he will

need into his working memory.

If he is not a confident reader, a useful trick is to cover everything he is not

reading, and uncover a paragraph at a time. His brain KNOWS it has to readthe whole page, but if the eyes cant see the rest of the page, the brain cant

panic about how much it has to read. A paragraph deals with one idea at a

time, so to uncover one at a time will help with general understanding.

Paragraphs are generally short, so it is easier to cope. Do not uncover a

sentence at a time, as the flow of information will be interrupted each time you

need to reveal the next sentence.


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Understand that even for hesitant readers, it only takes about three to four

minutes to read a page of print. I have timed many boys, and this is the average.

So the pressure of having to read two pages of print should be lessened if he

knows it will only take eight minutes to read the whole two-page passage. Try it

with your son... Find a strategy that works for HIM. The summary that follows outlines three

strategies. Try each one and choose one. Stick to this, as there is comfort in

knowing what works for you.

Encourage him to edit ALL answers. This is a step most boys hate! Once

something has been written, it is forgotten... However, if you can encourage your

son to get into the habit of re-reading his answers, many points can be saved!

Print out the outline and keep it handy. Stick it on a wall, on the desk, in a

workbook, anywhere it may be useful.

Is my punctuation correct?

Comprehension Strategies BREATHE!

Slow your reading down a FRACTION.

Reading:

Look at the title. Cover whatever you are not reading.

EITHER:

Read the passage first, underlining / highlighting AND summarising

OR: Read the questions first, THEN read the passage, underlining /

highlighting AND summarising

OR: Read the passage, read the questions, then read the passage again,

highlighting answers as you see them

Read the questions, highlighting the key words and actions BEFORE

answering.

Re-read and edityour answers. When answering questions:

Ask yourself:

WHAT must I do?

What must I do it TO?

HOW must I do it?

HOW MANY points must I make? (Look at the mark allocation.)

Editing your answers:

Does my answer reallyanswer the question?

Does my answer make sense?

Have I given enough information?

Is my spelling correct?


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iCareThe iCare box, which has been located in the Library Bag Room for the last few weeks,has proved successful in providing our boys with another means of making theirconcerns heard. Whilst we continue to monitor the iCare box, we have also upgradedour technology and now invite boys to share their concerns with us electronically too. The iCare box can now be found in two locations the Library Book Room and [email protected] The Pastoral Care team is hoping that the boys will make

use of these initiatives to highlight anything that they CARE about at St Johns Prep.

The aim is to provide the boys with an alternative avenue to voice their feelings around

hatever may be on their minds. This extends beyond the reporting of just peerdifficulties (such as bullying) but the aim is to further enhance the quality of the St Johns experience. All notes placed in the box or sent via email will be treated

confidentially and action taken where possible.

We ask that you encourage your son to make use of the iCare initiative so that we can

make his day all that he hopes it can be.

Hugo Meirim

Clinical Psychologist

Head of Pastoral Care

______________________________________________________________________________________

SPONSORSHIP FOR 94.7 CYCLE RACEEach year, Joburgs biggest cycle race aims to raise funding forJohannesburgs most needy organisations. This year, St Johns Prep hasthree of its own teachers participating in this endeavour! Mr Meirim, Mr

Forbes and Mr Lubbe are aiming to raise funds for the BaragwanathPaediatric Burns Unit and Philie Pre-School in Cosmo City respectively.

The Paediatric Burns Unit in Baragwanath Hospital sees more than 400 young patientseach year, almost 25% of which require intensive care treatment. Riders have beentasked with raising as much funding as possible to help better equip the unit, improveeducation in the community and up-skill the hospital staff. Philile Pre-School in CosmoCity will be the third of its kind launched in Johannesburg. The school aims atensuring a solid educational foundation for children in impoverished areas as this hasproven to improve the local matric success rate significantly. Riders have beenchallenged to raise R2 500 each in order to set up class rooms and purchase stationery

for the schools opening in 2012. Should you wish to sponsor one of these teachers andtheir worthy causes, please contact them on [email protected],[email protected] or [email protected]

Any support would be greatly appreciated!

iCare


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4CTea


5th October

Technical Help - PlayRoss Bentley David McAlpine

Colin Kinghorn Jesse Hulley

Fayadh Haffejee Ben Coetzee

Michael Norman

Helping With Chatterbox

Tristan Klement

Considerate, Polite and Well-Mannered

Simon Shelton

Bradley Hartland

Stefano Cavaleiri

Excellent Work in English

Aidan Quinn

12th October

Outstanding Performance and Attitude

Matthew Robinson

Grant McDonald

James Shelton

Rhys Newton-Hill


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Chess

Gymnastics

On the 26th September 2011 a social chess evening was held at St Johns to allowinteraction between our boys and the girls from Roedean and St Mary's. Fun was had

by all and the results were not announced. St Johns A & B teams won both theirmatches.

3 October

St Johns A vs De La Salle

Seniors won 22 - 10

Juniors won 21 - 11

Overall won 43 - 21

Well done to the following boys who won both their games:

S Modi, M Berger, J Batzofin, T Grubb, D Louw and B Thomas.10 October

St Johns A vs The Ridge

Seniors won 15 - 19

Juniors won 24 - 8

Overall won 39 - 27

Well done to the following boys who won both

their games:

M Berger, D Louw, K Govind, N Moschides, W Kerr-Phillips, J Williamson, D Stevens,C Williams, A Ionescu, K Prior, J West, N Haripershad and B Thomas.

Julio Mordoh, (Upper 1) competed in the Provincial Men'sGymnastics competition on the 24th September and camefifth overall in the Pre-Elite Under 9 category. He hasqualified for Gauteng Provincial colours and has been

selected to represent Gauteng at the NationalChampionship which will be held in Cape Town during the

week of the 5th to 9th of October 2011. Well done, Julio!

St Johns B vs St Benedicts

Seniors won 9 - 23

Juniors won 14 - 18

Overall won 23 - 41

Fabiano Kalogirou took part in the Gauteng GymnasticsProvincial Competition. He has qualified to represent theRegion at the National Gym Games to be held in CapeTown this month. Well done, Fabiano!

St Johns B vs Auckland Park

Seniors won 28 - 4

Juniors won 19 - 9

Overall won 47 - 13

Julio doing a dislocation on rings


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Golf

On Sunday the 25th September, St Johns entered four boys into the Ernie Els GautengGolf Qualifiers, held at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Clubs. Cameron Roets,

Bradley Dunbar, Kian Rose and Matthew Stephen were split up and had to play 18holes of golf with boys from other schools. After a fairly tight afternoons golf, there werethree schools in the running for the two qualifying spots for the Inaugural Ernie ElsPrimary Schools Golf Championships; St Benedicts, St Stithians and St Johns. Withthe best three scores to count, it all came down to the last scorecard to separate 2ndfrom 3rd place. St Stithians won with a score of 245, St Johns came 2nd with 251 and

St Benedicts 3rd with 254. Y Choo from St Benedicts placed 1st individually with around of 72, E Pera from St Stithians 2ndwith 73 and Bradley Dunbar and Kian Rose

from St Johns tied for 3rd, each shooting 82.

Kian Rose, U1D, at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst Resortin Pinehurst, North Carolina. Well done, Kian!

Bradley Dunbar, Kian Rose,

Matthew Stephen and Cameron Roets

Cameron Roets, (Captain) Duncan Woods,(OJ Ernie Els Foundation) Jonathan Gunning,(OJ - Manager), Matthew Stephen, BradleyDunbar and Kian Rose


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Mr MacIntosh

Rowing

Bobby MacIntosh has been made a life member of theGauteng Primary Schools Football Association for hiscontribution to the development of football in Johannesburg and in our province. He has a similaraward presented to him by the SAPSFA for servicesrendered by him to South African Primary SchoolsFootball. Well done, Mr Mack!

The first regatta of the season was hosted by St Benedicts at Roodeplaat on Saturdaythe 24th of September. St Johns Prep boys won both the Octuple and Quad.

Well done, boys!

Michael Norman, Grant Foley , Adam Wolfe, Brandon McKenzie and Timothy McPherson


10/27


Swimming

Soccer

Congratulations to Rian Sadler. He was awarded hisdistrict colours for soccer and has been selected as one

of 12 boys to play in the first Districts Tournament onSaturday 15th October. Well done, Rian!

Aidan Quinn took part in the KZN Seagulls Championship held in Durban. He swam in10 events from Friday to Sunday, doing his first ever 200m events. He qualified as a

Level 2 swimmer after only his 2nd competitive gala. Well done, Aidan!

Water Polo Captain 2011 - Adrian Ionescu

Vice-Captains - Aidan QuinnAshley Lyne


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Rock Climbing

SANCF Youth Climbing Nationals 1 2 October 2011

Gauteng Climbing hosted this years SA National Youth Climbing Competition. BrettNicolson coached the Gauteng U13 boys and girls, and 4 of the 6 boys in the U13squad were St Johns climbers: Grant McDonald, James Shelton, Rhys Newton-Hill

(all U3) and Matthew Robinson (L3).

After two days of tough competition, Matthew Robinson climbed fantastically well inthe semi-final and final climbs, taking the gold medal. Grant McDonald and JamesShelton climbed strongly throughout the competition, going through to the semi-finals in strong positions, but couldnt complete the challenging semi-final climb.

Their final positions were 4th and 6th respectively.

The other Gauteng climbers also excelled. The U13 boys and girls took five of the six

medals that were up for grabs, and Gauteng won the trophy for best province by abig margin.

Gauteng Climbing ran a superb event well done to their committee and to all the

Gauteng climbers!

U13 medal winners

with the Gauteng trophy

The Gauteng U13 Squad

U13 boys on the podium Grant McDonald on theyellow wall

Matthew Robinson on thesemi-final route


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Heritage Day


On Friday the 23rd of September, the Prep School visited Masibambane College. Itwas a great success and enjoyed by each and every Prep boy. The organisation and

co-operation between the teachers was excellent. The boys and girls had a wonderfulmorning participating in the various events. What an amazing Heritage Daycelebration! The breaking of the world record, with 1718 high fives with Teko

Modise, was a fabulous way of ending a very successful and happy visit.

Mrs Nkanza Mrs Mashele Mrs Mtshali

Heritage Day

Ramaano Ramokgopa


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14/27


On The Night


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My Favourite Fish Is A Bass

A bass can grow up to one and a half to two metres long. When you look at them inclean water they will be a light green colour, but in murky water they look dark green.Bass have small, dark green eyes. They have two fins on their sides, one big fin on topof their bodies, three fins under their body and one tail fin. The fins are used to help itbalance while swimming. The tail fin gives it speed and power to move.

Bass have gills on each side of their head just behind the eyes. Gills are used to getoxygen out of the water, and to help the fish breathe. Fish cant breathe air like we do,but they still need oxygen. Most people think they come up to look for people, but theyare wrong. Bass come up to look for food, but they can also see it from under the

water.Bass are fun to catch and I think they look cool.

By Austin KaranLIIT

The inconsiderate iguana influenced a young infant. T Bulunga

Gino, the gigantic giraffe, jumped the giggly giant. T Nthoroane

Freddy, the fighting fox, fought the funny ferret for fun. N Forbes

The ill iguana ate illegal fish. G Canca

Iguanas eyes indicate incomings. E Strydom

Hazy, the horse, hates hugging hunky husband. N Thiel

A fat, furry fox fanged a fat cat on Friday in February. B Masala

George, the gentle giraffe, jumped over the giant gorge of gems. T Seedat

Iggy, the inappropriate iguana, ignores humans . B Milton

The furious, fast fox fainted in the fountain. D Van Der Walt

Lower II Creative Writing

Lower II Alliteration


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Lower II Alliteration

Silly Sam slurps slimy spaghetti soup.

By Kirby Golding

Sean sucks sour

slimy suckers.

By Sean Fitzgerald

Steven Stuart saw seven sealssipping soda.

By Daniel Fowlis

Clever Chris Cakes

always

calculates correctly.

Thomas tried tow tasty tomato

sandwiches. By Jack Stewart

Tristan, tiger, tied a t-bone to a tree.

By Tristan ButlerSix snowmen slid down the skislopes. By Matthew Appleyard


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Lower II Onomatopoeia

By Ziyanda Manaway

By Sebastien Nassel-Henderson

By Rhys Jurgens


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Lower IIZ Shields

Sir Nikhil Haripershad slays Sir Daniel Fowlis

Matthew Monteith, Kirby Golding, Josh Kapp and Kivashan Govender


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Thank You

Mr Craig Sieben spoke to the Prep boys about his wonderful adventure of travellingfrom Cape Town to Cairo to raise awareness and funds for disabled people. He is

catching lifts wherever he can, and he is also walking many kilometers each day. Theboys loved the presentation and were enthralled by his experiences thus far. He ispresently travelling through Botswana.


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Healthy Lunch Boxes

Healthy lunch and snacks help children improve their concentration and their ability tolearn at school. A nutritionally balanced lunch box will not only fill a childs tummy,

but will give them the energy and nutrients they need for their daily activities.

Top tips to providing a healthy and appealing lunch box

Preparing a healthy and appealing lunch box can be challenging

so here are some tips to get it right:

1. Include items from all food groups

Carbohydrates: wholegrain breads, wraps, pita pockets

Fresh fruit and crunchy vegetables

Dairy: low-fat yoghurt, low-fat milk.

Protein: lean meat, skinless chicken, boiled egg, fish and legumes, peanut

butter, reduced fat cheese

Fats and oils: nuts, avocado, canola margarine

Make sure water is a permanent feature to encourage the habit of drinking

water and staying hydrated

2. Keep it fresh. Packaging is important: choose an insulated lunch box, or add a

freezer pack to make sure the food is kept cool3. Presentation is key: include a variety of colours, shapes and textures to make the

lunch box interesting

4. Get creative: to avoid boredom try to include different snacks and food combinationseach day

Delicious and nutritious lunch and snack ideas

Lean ham/skinless chicken/tuna in water and salad on a whole-wheat roll/

wrap/pita

Whole-wheat pasta salad with tuna in water/lean meat/ boiled egg with

roasted or raw vegetables and a sprinkle of nuts and seeds A portion of leftover supper, e.g. casserole, pasta bake, stir-fry or homemade

pizza

Low-fat yoghurt containing robotics

Fresh fruit/ Cheese and crackers

Smoothies - just place all the fresh fruit in a blender with some low-fat

yoghurt milk and a little ice

Nuts and raisins/ air popped popcorn/ nuts and seeds/ leanbiltong


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Notices

The Extreme Explorers Teamis organising aschool hike on the Suikerboschfontein Trail,

near Carolina, Mpumalanga.

Dates: 21-23 October 2011

(half term)

This hike is open to Grade 5-7s, and there is

space for a few Dads to join us. There are only

16 places available, on a first-come-first-served

basis.

The hike is moderate to difficult, so if you want to come, you must be fit andready for a challenge! If you complete the hike, you will receive your 3-day hikeaward and you will be a step closer to qualifying for your Extreme Explorercolours.

So collect the application form from Mrs Taylors office without delay, ordownload the form from Communicator.


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Notices


Calling all UPPER ONES toSCARYTALESFeeling brave? Then come

with your family to

the Fred England Centre

on Wednesday 3 Novemberfrom 5.30 - 7.00pm.

Dress your scariest. If you look frightfully good, you could win a prize.

Bring a picnic supper to enjoy in the gloom.

Books for all readers to buy, especially daring ones

A spine-chilling celebration of World School Library Day


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Notices



25/27


Notices

Please join us for a magical day filled with Christmas cheer!

We will be hosting a Christmas market in the garden of The Johannian on the11 November and would love everyone and their families to come and share thisspecial time of the year with us .

It will be the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping and even have amince pie or two!!

So save the date and we will see you all there!!

Ho Ho Ho ! Merry Christmas every one !!!

The Book People

REACHING PEOPLE THROUGH BOOKS

BOOK SALEWHERE: St Johns Prep Library

When: 26th and 27th October 2011

Time: 09h00 - 15h00

The Book People are going to be making their childrens and adult

books, fiction and non-fiction available to you the parents. We have

a wide range of amazing childrens books, many of which areexclusive to us. We pride ourselves on quality books supplied from

top publishers throughout the world. So come and take advantage

of the lowest prices in the country and support your school at the

same time. A large percentage of the sales and stock goes directly

back to the school.

We look forward to seeing you there!Credit cards and cheques accepted

ALL WELCOME!


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St Johns Preparatory SchoolPage 26

Notices

Art club and extra classes

From the beginning of next term, Mr Poco is starting an Art Club (for LIII and UIII boys) and extra art classes for juniorboys. Senior boys are encouraged to join the Art Club on Tuesdays from 14h00 -15h00 or Thursdays from 15h00-

16h00. Juniors may arrange extra art lessons with Mr Poco at alternative times and on alternative days.

We hope to see the senior boys joining the Art Club to create various exciting art works with mediums they do notnormally use in class, such as print making, photography, oil painting and many more. This will be a fantastic opportunity

for any boy who wishes to develop his art skills.

For further information e-mail Bruno Poco on [email protected]

ItalianLanguage

LessonsSmall age appropriate classes and individual tuition

offered outside school hours at St Johns.

Experienced mother-tongue graduate teacher usingcommunicative method of conversation, maintaining

cultural ties for solid IEB foundation.

Contact Lisabetta on 082 682 2859 or

[email protected]

EXTRA ZULU

LESSONS

Lower III and Upper III boys.

Every Thursday 13h45

Upper III Mrs Mashele

All Welcome

EXTRA MATHS

LESSONSLower III & Upper III boys in

Mrs Jean Clarences classroom

Every Thursday 13h45 All Welcome

Extra Math Lessons

Individual tuition offered

Mrs M Hauptfleisch

Call 011 442 1854

083 256 7714


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Being a Poor Sport

There Are Six Rules For Kids:

1. Be a considerate spectator.

2. Dont yell in other peoples ears.

3. Cheer for your team, but dont irritate the people around you.

4. At all costs, avoid temper tantrums - they are not attractive.

5. Dont yell ugly words - it makes everybody feel bad.

6. Remember to congratulate the winner and compliment the loser, because

we know everybody tries their best.

There Is One Rule For Grown-Ups

Dont yell at the coach because you think little Magilla is not getting

enough playing time or you think you can do a better job. If you can

do a better job, go get a team of your own to coach so that parents

can yell at you because you are not putting little Pione in the game.

If youre a poor sport, your kid will be too.Its a vicious cycle so somebody has to break it!

prep newsletter no 10 2011

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