As we rapidly approach the last week of the first term I would like to pause for a moment and consider some of what has happened:
We have launched a brand new swimming programme, run 2 galas, hosted and played a number of cricket matches, played in an indoor hockey league, listened to 8 kindness orientated assemblies, realised many of our strategic plan goals, sent 4 classes on camp, completed 3 ECO walks, run a successful technology week, revamped our marketing and PA portfolios, attended three staff development workshops, were inspired by interactive drumming, participated in four community outreach programmes, had parent teacher meetings, held a successful wacky walk, each child in the school participated in multisport, recognised children’s academic and sporting achievements, and we facilitated approximately 225 hours of exciting learning.
What a special term it has been. Thank you to the wonderful team of dedicated staff members, the enthusiastic and hard working board, the supportive parent body and most of all the incredible children that we get to educate.
INAUGURAL INTER-HOUSE GALA
This week saw the first Inter-House gala, ever, to take place at Applewood School. What an amazing occasion it was, notwithstanding the inclement weather. We managed to complete half of the gala before the rain and cold became a bit too much. Numerous examples of marked progress and grit were on show. A huge congratulations to Mr Brett Wood and Mrs Robyn Hamman for the wonderful work they have done in a short space of time to get swimming to where it already is.
Die heel eerste Inter-Huis gala het hierdie week die lig by Applewood Skool gesien. Wat 'n ongelooflike okkasie was dit nie, nietemin die onplesierige weer. Ons het daarin geslaag om die helfte van die gala klaar te maak voor die koue en nat weer die oorhand gekry het. Die merkbare vordering wat gemaak is en baie voorbeelde van deursettingsvermoë was opvallend. 'n Groot gelukwensing aan Mnr. Brett Wood en Mev. Robyn Hamman vir die wonderlike werk wat hulle in so 'n kort tydjie verrig het om die swem reeds tot op so 'n vlak te bring.
Soos die einde van die kwartaal vinnig naderkom, wil ek vir ‘n oomblik briek aandraai en ‘n terugblik neem op ‘n klompie van die afgelope kwartaal se gebeure:
Ons het ‘n splinternuwe swemprogram afgeskop, 2 galas aangebied, ‘n hele klompie krieketwedstryde aangebied en gespeel, aan ‘n binneshuise hokkieliga deelgeneem, na 8 saalbyeenkomste oor hoe om werklik vir mekaar om te gee geluister, baie van die doelwitte in ons strategiese beplanning behaal, 4 klasse op kamp gestuur, 3 roetes vir ons eko-uitdagings gestap, ‘n suksesvolle Tegnologie Week aangebied, nuwe baadjies vir ons Bemarkings- en Ouer Verenigingsportefeuljes aangetrek, is geïnspireer deur baie interessante interaktiewe dromsessies, aan 4 gemeenskap uitruikingsprogramme deelgeneem, ouer-onderwyser-vergaderings gehou, Wacky Walk afgehandel, elke kind in die skool aan multi-sport laat deelneem, erkenning aan kinders se akademiese en sportprestasies gegee en, laastens maar definitief nie die minste nie, ongeveer 225 opwindende ure se leer gefasiliteer.
Wat ‘n mondvol – dit was sonder twyfel ‘n wonderlike kwartaal. Dankie aan ‘n fantastiese span gedrewe personeel, entoesiastiese en hardwerkende raadslede, ons ondersteunende ouerliggaam en die belangrikste van alles, die ongelooflike kinders wie ons onderrig.
PRE-PRIMARY WACKY WALK
The Pre-Primary Wacky Walk is designed to show what has been learnt by our little ones as far as movement goes. They are required to complete an obstacle course which is specifically designed to challenge their balance, co-ordination and core strength. They dressed up and had a great deal of fun along the way. Each child was sponsored and so was able to raise funds along the way. Thanks to all involved for a fun filled morning.
Die Pre-Primêre Wacky Walk is ontwerp om te wys wat ons kleingoed tot dusver m.b.t. beweging geleer het. Daar word van hulle verwag om 'n hindernisbaan te voltooi wat spesifiek ontwerp is om die ontwikkeling van hulle balans, koördinasie en kern spierkrag bloot te lê. Almal het spesiaal aangetrek en baie pret gehad. Elke kind is geborg en dit was moontlik om sodoende fondse in te samel. Baie dankie aan almal wat betrokke was by hierdie genotvolle oggend.
Design and Technology forms an important part of the Pre-Primary programme and helps children understand the world around them. Children learn through hands-on experiences and are encouraged to explore, observe, solve problems, think critically, make decisions and talk about their experiences. During Technology Week we focused on constructing, using a variety of tools, exploring and discussing our inventions. Technology week was enjoyed by children and teachers alike.
Ontwerp en Tegnologie vorm ‘n belangrike deel van die Pre-primêre program en help kinders om die wêreld om hulle te verstaan. Kinders leer d.m.v. praktiese ondervinding en word aangemoedig om te verken, waar te neem, probleme op te los, krities te dink, besluite te neem en oor hulle ervarings te praat. Ons het gedurende Tegnologie Week gefokus op bou, die gebruik van ‘n verskeidenheid van gereedskap en die verkenning en bespreking van ons uitvindsels. Tegnologie Week is ewe veel deur beide kinders en onderwysers geniet.
The Apple Blossoms made Cheerio towers, paper plate tambourines and had a whole day
dedicated to playing Lego. The children also made fizzy waterfalls and so enjoyed playing
with their “real life” water features.
Die Apple Blossoms het Cheerio-torings gebou, papierbordjie tamboeryne gemaak en ‘n hele dag aan Lego-speel afgestaan. Die kinders het ook bruisende watervalletjies gemaak en dit vreeslik geniet om met hierdie “werklike” watervalletjies van hulle te speel.
The Apple Pips were thinking outside the box and created box-robots. They used recycled materials and were very proud of their creations and enjoyed the company of the new robot members of class! They also built Lego rain shelters for animals and designed marble mazes.
Die Apple Pips het hulle denke vrye teuels gegee en boks-robotte gemaak. Hulle het herwinningsmateriaal gebruik en was baie trots op hulle skeppings terwyl hulle die nuwe robot lede van die klas se geselskap geniet het! Hulle het ook Lego beskuttings vir hulle diere gebou en albaster doolhowe ontwerp.
The Busy Bees collaborated with the Grade 5 class in building their own cars. They used a variety of recyclables and enjoyed playing with their inventions with the help of their older friends.
Die Busy Bees het saam met die Graad 5-klas gewerk en hulle eie karre gebou. Hulle het ‘n verskeidenheid herwinningsmateriaal gebruik en dit geniet om saam met hulle ouer maats hulle nuutskeppings uit te toets.
The Grade R class also made robots. The children came up with wonderful and unique ideas. A few robots had movable parts and they all varied in shape, size and colour. The Clever Cats then used their creativity in designing spaghetti and marshmallows structures. Wonderful bridges, towers and playground equipment were constructed.
Die Graad R-klas het ook robotte gemaak. Die kinders het met wonderlike en unieke idees vorendag gekom. Van die robotte het beweegbare dele gehad en was almal verskillende vorms, groottes en kleure. Die Clever Cats het toe hulle kreatiwiteit gebruik om spaghetti en malvalekker strukture te onwerp.Ongelooflike brûe, torings en speelgrondtoerusting is gebou.
The Grade 1 class completed a 6.6km eco-challenge hike on Friday. Aside from showing a huge amount of grit, they also displayed many of the other values taught at Applewood. A beautiful sense of team work, kindness and encouraging words and awareness for the environment around them to name a few. During their walk they were able to put into practice what they had learnt about birds found on our school grounds by identifying a Jackal Buzzard and a pair of Blue Cranes. They also learnt about the dangers that snares pose to our wildlife, found dragonfly lava, picked up plastic and other litter and gathered quartzite crystals for one another – some even carrying them for a classmate. They ended their day by planting their own Keurboom seeds. Once the seeds have taken root, the saplings will be planted on our school grounds. The Keurboom is a pioneer tree and adds much needed nitrogen to the soil around it, allowing other plants to thrive. Thank you to Caroline De Villiers from Themba Trees for sharing her love for the outdoors with our little ones.
Die Graad 1-klas het op Vrydag ‘n 6.6km eko-uitdaging roete gestap. Behalwe vir hulle deursettingsvermoë, het die kinders ook baie van die ander waardes wat by Applewood geleer word, getoon. Wonderlike spanwerk, hulpvaardigheid teenoor mekaar en bemoedigende woorde en ‘n bewustheid van die omgewing, om maar net ‘n paar te noem. Hulle kon gedurende hulle uitstappie dit wat hulle van voëls op ons skoolgronde geleer het, toepas deur ‘n Rooiborsjakkalsvoël en Bloukraanvoël te identifiseer. Hulle het ook van die gevare wat strikke vir ons wilde diere inhou geleer, naaldekoker larwe gekry, plastiek en ander gemors opgetel en kwartsiet kristalle vir mekaar opgetel – party het dit selfs vir hulle klasmaats saamgedra. Aan die einde van die dag het almal hulle eie Keurboom-sade geplant. Wanneer hierdie saad wortel geskied het, sal die saailinge hier op ons skoolgronde geplant word. Die Keurboom is ‘n pionier boom en voeg baie stikstof tot die grond om dit toe. Baie dankie aan Caroline de Villiers van Themba Trees vir die kennis en haar liefde vir die buitelewe wat sy met ons kleinspan gedeel het.
As part of Applewood’s Technology Week, the children in Grade 2 were taught how to make a catapult. A catapult is a lever which makes lifting a heavy load easier. The children were challenged to use their catapults and to aim and shoot their pompoms into a container.
As deel van Tegnologie Week, is die Graad 2-kinders geleer hoe om ‘n kettie te maak. Hierdie soort kettie het ‘n hefboom wat dit makliker maak om dinge op te lig of te beweeg. Die uitdaging wat aan die kinders gebied is, was om so veel as moontlik pompoms met hulle ketties in ‘n houer in te skiet.
Grade 3 went on their exciting eco-walk of 10km on Friday, 8 March. It started off a bit misty and wet, but the children demonstrated some wonderful grit and determination. The hike started off at Trail's End and we hiked around the Eikenhof Dam. We ended back at Trail's End where we celebrated a birthday, with a delicious boerewors roll and cake. A great day of fun and learning in our incredible environment.
Op Vrydag 8 Maart het die Graad 3-klas op ‘n opwindende 10km eko-uitstappie gegaan. Dit het effens mistig en nat afgeskop, maar kinders het nietemin wonderlike deursettingsvermoë aan die dag gelê. Die uitstappie het by Trail’s End afgeskop en ons het rondom die Eikenhof Dam gestap. By ons terugkoms by Trail’s End het ons ‘n verjaardag gevier met heerlike boereworsrolletjies en koek. Wat ‘n wonderlike dag van pret en leer in ons ongelooflike natuurlike omgewing.
The Grade 4 class was fortunate enough to meet Skyler, a beautiful 16 week old golden retriever. What makes her extra special is the fact that she is in training to become a Guide Dog. Next term, the Grade 4 class will be looking at ways to support the South African Guide Dog Association. Look out for more information in the coming term.
Die Graad 4-klas was gelukkig genoeg om ‘n pragtige 16 weke oue Labrador met die naam Skyler, te ontmoet. Wat dit nog meer spesiaal maak is die feit dat Skyler leer om ‘n gidshond te raak. Die Graad 4-klas sal volgende kwartaal na maniere kyk om die Suid-Afrikaanse Guide Dog Association te ondersteun. Kyk gerus aanstaande kwartaal uit vir kommunikasie rondom verdere verwikkelinge in hierdie verband.
The Grade 4 class absolutely loved Technology week. They designed and built bird feeders, investigated the strength of different paper columns, made shoes from newspaper and had to break a secret code to find hidden prizes around the school ground. The children approached every activity with enthusiasm, creativity and grit.
Die Graad 4-klas was absoluut mal oor Tegnologie Week. Hulle het voëlvoerders vir die tuin ontwerp en gebou, die sterkte van verskillende papierstrukture getoets, skoene uit koerantpapier gemaak en moes ‘n geheime kode ontleed om versteekte pryse op die skoolgronde te kry. Die kinders het elke aktiwiteit met entoesiasme en deursettingsvermoë aangepak.
The Grade 5 class reached out to their neighbouring school Dennegeur where they taught the Grade 5 class all about making EcoBricks. The children worked very well together, making a few EcoBricks within a limited amount of time. The idea is to spread the word about recycling and in the end reduce the amount of waste which ends at landfill sites.
Die Graad 5-klas het van die geleentheid gebruik gemaak om na ons buurskool, Dennegeur, uit te ryk waar hulle die Graad Vywe geleer het hoe om EcoBricks te maak. Die kinders het goed saamgewerk en ‘n hele klompie EcoBricks in ‘n beperkte tyd gemaak. Die idee daaragter is om kinders aan herwinning bloot te stel en die gemors wat op stortingsterreine beland, te verminder.
The Grade 6 class have started their yearlong project on wine making. Last Thursday they picked Merlot grapes, put them in the destemming machine, stomped the grapes and then added the yeast mixture. Thanks to Natalie and Joris from Van Almenkerk Wines for allowing us to do our project on their beautiful wine farm. Once the wine is pressed, this week, it will go into a vat and eventually be bottled toward the end of the year. The Grade 6 class will learn about, design and create their own labels. They also plan to map out the farm investigating the various rock formations and soils as part of the social science curriculum. A fantastic cross-curricular learning exercise.
Die Graad 6-klas het met hulle jaarlikse wynmaak projek begin. Hulle het verlede Donderdag die Merlot-druiwe gepluk, in ‘n elektroniese druiweverwerkingsmasjien gesit, die druiwekorrels getrap en toe die gismengsel bygesit. Baie dankie aan Natalie en Joris van Van Almenkerk Wyne wat ons toegelaat het om hierdie projek op hulle pragtige plaas te doen. Nadat die wyn, later vandeesweek, gepers is sal dit in ‘n vat gegooi word en uiteindelik aan die einde van die jaar gebottel word. Die Graad 6-klas sal meer oor ontwerp leer en hulle eie etikette maak. Ons beplan ook om deur kaartwerk na die verskillende rotsformasies op die plaas te kyk as deel van die Natuurwetenskap Kurrikulum. Wat ‘n fantastiese kurrikulêr-gebasseerde oefening.
The Grade 7 class have been exploring the fascinating world of cells. They made 3D models of either plant or animal cells as part of their practical component. A few projects were promptly eaten after being marked.
Die Graad 7-klas het die fassinerende wêreld van selle verken. As deel van hulle praktiese komponent, het hulle het 3D modelle van plant- of dierselle gemaak. ‘n Paar van die projekte is egter vinnig verorber net nadat dit gemerk is.
MOUNTAIN 2 COAST
The Grade 7 class left on their Mountain 2 Coast adventure this morning. This rite of passage is the pinnacle of their outdoor adventures at Applewood. The Journey from Grootvadersbos to Infanta will be tackled on foot, on mountain bikes and in kayaks. Along they way they will be required to be self sufficient and work together as a team. Personal development on such a trip is immeasurable and we wish this delightful group of children and fun and rewarding experience.