MESSAGES FROM THE PRINCIPALS

Today is our last official school day of Term two. We reopen for our Third term on Monday, 31 August.

South Africa is now in its 5th month of lockdown, and it is likely that we are going to have to live with these restrictions for some time to come. It hasn’t been easy, but overall, our school has adapted relatively well to the new realities. We are able to provide a quality online programme and at same time continue teaching and learning at our school in a safe environment.  Despite all the challenges,  Assumption is still the same caring and nurturing place it has always been. This was brought home to me a few weeks ago. It was the beginning of break, and from my office window I could hear spontaneous giggling and laughing. To me this was a special sign that ‘we are going to be ok.’ 

This has been a team effort. Our sincere thanks to our pupils, parents, support staff and teachers for making all of this possible. Going forward our approach will continue to be one of ‘pragmatic optimism….a can do attitude.’ Ahead, we must still navigate some dangerous rapids, but beyond these rapids there is hope and calm waters. What is certain is ‘that this too will pass.’

Yesterday you should have received a memo with details regarding fees and levies for 2021. This has also been loaded on the school app. The good news is that there will be no increase next year. 

In the 1st and last week of August, we will be running holiday matric classes, and our prelims commence at the beginning of Term two; our best wishes go with our grade 12s. We wish our pupils and teachers a well-earned break.

Neville Workman
Principal

Firstly, I would like to thank the entire Assumption Convent Family for your patience, understanding and support throughout what has been a very different second term. As a school, we have been focused on the COVID-19 pandemic since March and on behalf of the ACS community, I would like to thank you all for the diligence and care you have demonstrated for each other by supporting the policies and procedures put in place to ensure that our girls and staff return to their classrooms safely. Thank you for staying at home or self-isolating when necessary, and by so doing protecting our girls, teachers and their families from the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. 
That said, we must not be complacent, and we must all do our best to show the same level of diligence over the coming August holiday. This holiday should be a very different holiday with no social gatherings, play dates between friends, sleepovers or dinner parties. Difficult as it is, we must also remember to keep practicing social distancing, keep wearing our masks and remember to keep washing our hands regularly. 
With so much time spent using and enjoying technology for learning and entertainment over the past few months, I encourage all of us to set aside time for tech-free activities such as outside walks and exercise,  board games, Lego, crafts, puzzle building, reading and other fun home-based activities. Plan to enjoy real live, screen free family time together.
At this stage, school will resume on Monday 31 August 2020 with all procedures as they presently stand in place. i.e. We will open for term three with the same flexible start times, fixed collection times and the girls wearing appropriate civvies. Until we are notified otherwise, no afterschool activities or interschool cultural or sports extra murals will take place next term. 
The focus next term will be on our adapted ‘Learning at School’ curriculum while still accommodating the ‘Learning at Home’ programme where necessary. 

As an ISASA school, ACS is well represented on the Primary School Curriculum Development Heads of Schools’ groups, and on the teachers’ cluster groups. These groups recently held forum discussions which focused on identifying the core curriculum content and critical skills needed for our students to meet benchmark requirements in each phase and subject by the end of this year. This ‘trimmed’ curriculum was collated into one document and distributed to all member schools to use as a frame of reference when planning crucial curriculum adaptations for the remainder of 2020. The ‘Learning at School’ and parallel ‘Learning at Home’ programme at ACS is guided by this document.
 
We are planning to return onsite with all girls back in their classrooms on 31 August. Should this not be possible, then we will shift into the ‘Learning at Home’ programme and ensure that teaching and learning continues.  

Lastly, I would like to thank our ACS staff.  Our school’s response to the ongoing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has been a team effort and I would like to thank every single member of staff for their part in maintaining a genuinely caring sense of calm for our girls and their families. Also, the stress felt by our teachers and support staff has been eased by the strong show of appreciation and support from our parents. The emails and messages of support and thanks are so appreciated – Thank you! 
I hope that all our girls, parents and teachers enjoy the August break as an opportunity to relax, switch off from school and focus on their own needs and wellbeing. To all our girls and their families, take care and keep yourselves as safe as possible over the holiday. 

Kind regards

Debby Zambon
Primary School Principal

STAFF MATTERS

We are sad to announce that Mrs Moore will be leaving us to take up her position at St Andrews Preparatory School next term.  Our sincere thanks go to Mrs Moore for her considerable contribution to our school over the past twelve years.  Our very best wishes go with Mrs Moore, her husband Gordon and their son Nathan.

We are delighted to welcome Mrs Barbara De Ponte, an incredibly experienced Grade 1 teacher, who will step into our Grade 1 classroom until the end of the year.

Mrs Zambon

ASSUMPTION DAY

Dear Pupils, Parents and Friends of Assumption Convent School

While we are missing your presence at our usual Assumption Day celebrations this year, please join us online instead. 
Follow the link below to watch our Assumption Day 2020 video prepared by our Matric pupils.
https://youtu.be/RwYIjObpwkM

Mr Stewardson

FINANCE DEPT. & FRONT OFFICE HOURS

Finance Department and Front Office Hours During the August 2020 holidays

Please note that the Finance Department and the Front Office will be available online for any assistance between 08:00 and 13:00 weekdays,  from 03 August 2020 to 28 August 2020. 
Please do not hesitate to contact us on the below number or email addresses:  
Contact details:  063 633 4903; anienaber@assumptionconvent.co.za or bursar@assumptionconvent.co.ca 

 Thank you

Mrs Nienaber

FEES 2021

Grade 1 to 12 fees

https://www.assumptionconvent.co.za/High/Admissions/School-Fees

Baby Steps 2 Assumption

https://www.assumptionconvent.co.za/Pre-Primary/Admissions/School-Fees

HIGH SCHOOL RELIGION REPORT

The Solemnity of Our Lady Assumed into heaven is celebrated by the Church on the 15th of August. This is a big feast in the life of the Church, and also for our school which is specially dedicated to Our Lady.

Our Lady's Assumption into heaven is a sign of hope for us.
The Church teaches that Mary was without sin. She accepted God's will for her life and freely and perfectly obeyed. She served God, and followed her son, Jesus Christ. She was present at his death and resurrection. As a just reward for her goodness and devotion, she was assumed into heaven where she resides today in the company of God, and all the saints.
Mary, like the saints, can hear our prayers. She has a special connection to Jesus Christ as His mother, and therefore we believe she can intercede for us. There is also substantial evidence that Mary has delivered revelations to people throughout history, and she remains active in our world today. Countless miracles are attributed to her intercession.
The Virgin Mary remains one of the most important figures in the Catholic faith, as well as for most Christians around the world. All people are encouraged to follow her example and to emulate her devotion. 

Prayer for the Assumption of Mary
Father in heaven, all creation rightly gives you praise, for all life and all holiness come from you. In the plan of your wisdom she who bore the Christ in her womb was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven. May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness and join in her hymn of endless love and praise. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Adapted from Catholic.org

Online Prayer Group
This week, as the term is winding down, a few learners came together to pray for the school community and for the needs of the world. The prayer meeting took place via the Teams online platform. On Tuesday, we did a Lectio Divina reflection on a reading from the prophet Isaiah and on Wednesday we prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet. The time of prayer was a peaceful oasis in the midst of all that has been happening in our lives.
The prayer meetings will continue, and everyone is welcome to join in the ACS Prayer Team.

 Sr Kgomotso

 OUR NEW ACS BIZ DIRECTORY

ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN FOR 2021

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-07-22-six-reasons-why-schools-must-be-open-if-we-are-to-fight-covid-19/

HIGH SCHOOL 

100 CLUB WINNERS

Here is the winners from the club 100 draw held on 29 July 2020

• Belinda Lutz
• Fredrika van Rensburg
• Kyle Lauf
• Dulce Simoes
• Adrienne Rivera
• Denise Bastos
• Janet Brown
• Dorothy Wittstock
• Chantal van Wyk
• Caroline Puente
• Lynette Santowski

Mr Goosen

HAMLET VIDEO STREAMING

Dear Grade, 11 Pupils and Parents/Guardians

Think Theatre Promotions ordinarily organises a Shakespearean production at the University of Johannesburg Theatre; however, considering recent events, the play will now be presented as a Live Video Streaming of Hamlet on Monday, 7 September from 14h00-16h30 in our school Convent Hall. 

We feel this is an excellent ‘plan B’ from Think Theatre Promotions, because we will be able to manage the directives of the DBE effectively: ensure social distancing; safety of the girls as per our usual protocols on our own property. At the same time, our girls will experience the magic of Shakespeare as it is intended – a play. 

While we appreciate that this is not included in the costing for 2020 excursions, we feel attending this video streaming would enhance your daughter’s English educational experience. 

Kindly pay via an electronic funds transfer, using the banking details below, no later than Friday, 4 September 2020:

Account Name:               Assumption Convent School
Bank:                                 First National Bank
Branch:                             Bedford Gardens
Branch code:                   252155
Account number:            59630038353
Reference:                        Daughter’s Surname + Hamlet prod.
Cost:                                  R80. 00

If there are any further queries, do not hesitate to contact us or the school bursar via email, during office hours.

Yours faithfully

Ms Rivera & Ms Faull

HIGH SCHOOL SPORT

ONLINE CHESS TOURNAMENT

On Wednesday 29 July the Assumption Chess team played in an online tournament against St Andrews, Our Lady of Lebanon, and Maris Stella (Durban). Over twenty players from the four schools played in multiple rounds of games on the Lichess platform. It was a new and exciting experience for most of the players. Jingwei Wang ended in first place, while Micaela Brandao and Emma Lauf ended third and fourth respectively. 

Assumption Convent chess players have benefited a lot from the coaching of Tshediso Mpiya who has offered online instruction during the lockdown period. Tshediso is a well-known Gauteng chess player with a lot of experience, who has tutored players in the finer arts of chess.

Mr Lauf

INTER-HOUSE ATHLETICS

. 

 
Thank you to the following girls for participating over the 25th and 26th of July:
Jessica Ewa, Emma Lauf, Cathleen Lam, Joy Prince, Chioma Robinson, Kiara Krchnavy, Catarina Regal, Wenda Nyanda, Nadia Sousa, Brittany Pearson, Catherine Winter, Caitlin Lam, Laura Goddard, Nadia Calore, Micaela de Lira de Gouveia, Lisa Godwin, Sayuri Govender, Haleigh Knipe, Chioma Uzoma, Gabriella Whitfield, Meghan Vetten, Isabella Cadman, Oriana Pita Olival, Reabetswe Modiga, Tayla Mileder, Nicole Vieira, Angelina Moreira, Raquel de Freitas, Rutendo Amoda, Caitlyn Fish, Storm Sheerin, Tatenda Rusere, Lesley Klette, Angelia Antonie, Jenna Reynders, Genevieve Reid, Abigael Mwakassa, Nina Mynheer, Jungwei Wang, Anotida Mudiwa, Michela Barecchia.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE 

Mr Lydall

PRIMARY SCHOOL 

RELIGION REPORT

I recently received a worried phone call from a friend of mine who wanted some advice on how to speak to her young daughter about the subject of death and Heaven.  She wanted to know how she could avoid the subject, as it made her feel uncomfortable. Unfortunately, death is very much part of life. I have had many discussions with the girls at school regarding the Covid19 pandemic, and the information media storm which has come along with the virus. Our children are constantly bombarded with grim statistics and the gloom of the whole situation. Even with all of this going on, there are silver linings to be found amongst all the dark clouds.
Last week I drove past the St James Presbyterian Church situated just down the road from our school. I had read a newspaper article about the ‘Fence of Remembrance’ which they had started at the very beginning of the pandemic, in which a blue ribbon was tied to the fence for each person who died from Covid19. The Reverend Gavin Lock explained in these words, “We needed some visual indication, that those dying are real people who have families who have lost loved ones.” To see thousands of lovingly tied blue ribbons fluttering in the wind, tied to the church fence in a silent tribute to all the South Africans who have been taken by this disease, was a poignant and sobering moment.

  
    
The ribbons remind me of Tibetan prayer flags. These colourful prayer flags are found hanging in mountainous regions. They are there to promote peace, compassion, and strength and wisdom. The act of hanging them is to symbolise all of life’s changes. Loving messages on the prayer flags are carried out on the wind to the world.  Just like the blue ribbons blowing in the wind which represent a beautiful soul that once meant so much to loved ones. What a meaningful and respectful tribute.

One of the girls asked me the other day if we will be able to laugh in Heaven, because there is so much sadness here on Earth. These questions from children often take us by surprise, but they are wonderful learning opportunities. These are the moments when we can teach about God’s love for us. We can speak about how Heaven is going to be full of surprises and adventures as we learn more about our God and His universe. Jesus promised us, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh…Rejoice in the day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.”(Luke 6:21,23)
When we speak to our children about death, or going to Heaven, we need to speak about love, as this is a concept which children understand. We can remind our children that God loves us and wants to help us, we can bring all our fears and worries to God in prayer. Words cannot take away grief, but sometimes just securing a plain ribbon to a fence, or even making a prayer flag to watch flutter in the wind, can bring a calming comfort. A simple silver lining to a dark cloud.
Usually on the last day of the second term, we celebrate the Assumption of our Lady into Heaven. This is when our beloved Mother joined her son Jesus.  While teaching this in class today, one of our Grade 4 girls added to the discussion, saying in innocent enthusiasm that she was not afraid of going to Heaven, because Mother Mary was there to welcome her. Many of our families come to pay tribute to their loved and lost ones, leaving a white rose in the Grotto as a sign of remembrance and love. These are powerful ways in which we come together to celebrate the cycle of life. Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and blessed holiday.

 Mrs Bondonno

GRADE 7

The Grade 7s participated in the Jerusalema dance challenge which is taking the world by storm!  https://www.facebook.com/490865964395871/videos/2667090953546449/

Please enjoy the Grade 7s dance. This song is so relevant to everything that the world has to face every day. The girls had to show their interpretation of the song through dance and I think they have done a GREAT job. They also created signs showing a word/movement that came to mind when listening to the song.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/490865964395871/videos/288303748927384/ 

GRADE 2

The Grade 2 girls had fun creating Mr Twits revolting beard! 
" There were always hundreds of bits of old breakfasts and lunches and suppers sticking to the hairs around his face."

Mrs Sheerin and Ms Faulha

GRADE 4

The Grade 4s concluded their Space Adventure in History and made some interesting time capsules.

Mrs Swanepoel

GRADE 6

The grade 6 girls built 3d shapes from geometry nets this week. 

Mrs de Klerk