Combined Newsletters 10 June 2022

	DATE: 10-Jun-22
Combined Newsletters 10 June 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Assumption’s new ‘Learn to Swim Centre’

We are proud to now have our own learn to swim centre which is situated next to our swimming pool. Our goal is to be able to make this beautiful facility available throughout the year, including winter. The controlled minimum temperature is 28 degrees.

N Workman

Principal

SCHOOL BRANDED BLANKETS

School branded blankets are now available from Mrs Nienaber @ R220 each.

WINTER FEST 2022

LINKS TO ACS

https://www.facebook.com/Assumption-Convent-School-490865964395871/

https://www.instagram.com/assumptionconvent/

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PLEASE FOLLOW US, LIKE OUR PAGES AND PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

HIGH SCHOOL RELIGION

The Holy Trinity

This Sunday, 12 June, the church will celebrate Trinity Sunday. This Christian solemnity celebrates the Holy Trinity-the mystery of the unity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Trinity Sunday is a celebration of love: The writer C.S Lewis says “If God is love, then He can’t be a single individual alone. For God to be love, He must bear within Himself a community of persons. There must be a Lover, The Beloved and the Love between.”

The Holy Trinity is also a symbol of unity and faith, while there are three separate forms of God, there is one God. A belief in the Holy Trinity is a mystery, but it is a call to faith for all Christians.

Prayer of Praise to the Holy Trinity

We praise you, Father all-powerful. We praise you, Divine Son, Lord and Saviour. We praise you, Spirit of Love and Consolation. One God, three Persons, Triune Unity, be near us. Draw us to share in your life and love. In your kindness grant to us and to our families the riches of your mercy, and a share in your blessing, that we may come to the glory of your Kingdom and rejoice in loving you for all eternity. Amen.

(adapted from ibreviary)

Sr Moloto

Condolences

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Denness family (Allyssa Gr 9) who have lost a very close family member.

HIGH SCHOOL

Miss Eco

On the 30th of May 2022, we were fortunate enough to host Miss Eco. Miss Eco is a fashion contest, in which one can design and model their outfits out of recycled material. This year there were 9 girls who either made and modelled their own designs or modelled a friend's design. Items used were from newspaper, bottle tops, plastic bags, and toilet rolls.
Thank you to all the girls that took part of this day. It is always fun to see the ideas come together.

Gina Gomes

Johannesburg Junior Council

On Sunday the 29th of May, the Environment Committee held their first event – The Sustainable Fashion Show partnered with Tweak Fashion at St. Andrews School For Girls.

We invited Uitkoms Home For Girls to attend and, Tweak Fashion helped put together two outfits for each girl. These previously loved outfits were re-purposed into beautiful outfits for the girls. We also received many donations of clothes which were all donated to Uitkoms after the fashion show.

A makeup artist, Amara did the girls makeup which put huge smiles on their faces and Leanne Manas from SABC Morning Live gave an inspirational talk to the girls.

The day was a huge success and the girls left with many new outfits. Thank you to everybody who helped in putting this fashion show together!

Simphiwe Mashabela

Grade 9 & 10 Mother Daughter Event

On Saturday 28 May the school held a mother/daughter function for the grade 9’s and 10’s who had missed out on this event over the last 2 years. After some collective brainstorming the organizing team, decided on a “ Madhatters tea party” as the theme for the day. On the morning of the event, Mom’s and daughters eagerly got involved in creating some truly wonderful, colourful and detailedl hats. Congratulations to Kailah Garbutt and her mom for winning the hat making competition. After this we got down to some serious cake decorating, and eating. Some beautiful, colourful and creative cupcakes emerged from the moms and daughters. The moms and daughters who attended had loads of fun. It was a wonderful opportunity to relax and have some good, (not so clean) fun. Thank you Mrs Goosen for the best icing sugar we have ever tasted.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and to our hospitality team who created some wonderful rustic table cloths. It was a thoroughly enjoyable morning.

Ms Human

Books for the MDC bookstall on Fun Day

If you have any unwanted books lying around at home, please consider donating them for a good cause. Please drop them off with Mrs Dunn at reception as soon as possible.

Ms Taffara

HIGH SCHOOL SPORT

Netball

Assumption had another successful day on court against St Teresa's from Rosebank.

With results as follows:

14A: 5-27 LOST
14B: 5-15 LOST
15A: 24-7 WIN
15B: 13-10 WIN
16A: 28-10 WIN
19B: 8-8 DRAW
19A: 27-21 WIN

Mr Goeieman

ALUMNI

Nadia Calore

My Name is Nadia Calore, I started at Assumption Convent School in 2018 and matriculated in 2020. ACS was my second home. My teachers and coaches knew me, the individual. They worked hard to make sure they got the best out of me. ACS taught me the value of hard work, today I am studying at MEC in West Virginia, and have made the Dean’s list – a list of students who achieve 90% or above across all subjects. ACS re-ignited my faith and encouraged me to have bigger dreams and faith.

Teniqua Da Fonseca

I started at assumption in 2007 in Grade 4 and I matriculated in 2015.

I studied through UNISA and did my BEd in ECD and Foundation Phase education and am currently a Grade 1 teacher at Leicester Road School. Assumption was not just a school but a family. The friends I made and the teachers who taught me were all very special and important in creating the woman I am today. The teachers inspired me to want to teach and make a difference in children’s lives like they did in mine.

I still think Assumption is one of the best Christian schools and I would recommend it to anyone. One day I hope to send my children there God willing.

FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Parent Pop-In Day

The Primary School teachers and pupils are looking forward to welcoming their parents to the Parent Pop-In Day on the 15th June at 07h00 to 08h30 or 14h00 to 16h00.

Parent teacher meetings have been the primary communication between parents and teachers for many years. The idea behind the Parent Pop-In is to include the child in the communication.
21st century learners need to be life-long, self-motivated and independent. When students lead conversations about their work, they take responsibility for it and learn to be in control of their own learning i.e. what and how they learn.

Learners choose selected work in all their subjects to show and discuss with their parents. In the selected pieces of work the girls have had to ask themselves why they have selected it, why they did well in it, why they are or are not proud of a particular end result. (i.e. synthesis their own learning or analyse their own results) They become part of deciding how or what to do to improve their own results.

This will encourage the girls to develop a responsible attitude to their own learning. They feel they have greater control of their academic progress. Parents, students and teachers are encouraged to have open honest dialogue. It is a student-centred philosophy where the emphasis is on the learners as a whole and does not only focus on formal assessments. Leaners are encouraged to build an open and honest relationship with their families concerning their progress. It also develops presentation and communication skills. Although teachers will be present in the classroom, they are there only to guide the leaners through their work with the parents.

The Parent Pop-In Day is not an opportunity to formally discuss your daughter’s progress individually. Once formal assessments have been completed and the mid-year report formalised, an invitation will be sent to arrange a meeting with a teacher or team of teachers to meet parents at a specific time if necessary. These more formal meetings will take place after midterm break.

EXTRA-MURALS

There will be no Extra-murals from 14h00 for Gr 4 to 7 during Assessment Week (20 – 24 June 2022). Early morning extra lessons will continue as normal.

Chantal Van Wyk
Primary School Principal

PRIMARY SCHOOL RELIGION

Teaching Values and Gender Equality

Last week I was very privileged to attend the Embrace One Day Symposium at our brother school St Benedict’s College. The theme was “Transforming Our Schools Through Advocacy for Gender Justice.” The guest speakers included Charlene Beukes-Mabaso, Director of the Gender Equity Office, Professor Juliet Perumal from the Department of Education Leadership and Management, Advocate Andrea Johnson, Acting Special Director of the Priority Crimes Litigation, Dr Andri Barnes, Principal of Greenwood High School in KwaZulu Natal, Dr Deon Oerson, Executive Head at Holy Rosary, Caster Semenya, South African Olympic Gold Medalist, and our very own Assumption Convent graduate, Cassandra Dunstan, Economist with the National Treasury. It was a stellar cast of excellent speakers, and the one message which kept on coming through was how are we teaching our young people to accept diversity, change inequality and understand the impact of gender stereotyping.

Caster Semenya spoke about gender justice in sport and how schools can implement social justice. Advocate Andrea Johnson, who is complete proof that dynamite comes in small packages, was passionate about her topic, “Together we can…”, which focused on gender justice and her mission to serve the people of South Africa and protect the constitution of the land. Dr Andri Barnes, the first female Principal of the all-boy school Glenwood High, introduced her topic “Climbing the Ladder in Stilettos,” with humour and highlighted ways in which gender regimes can be challenged and transformed. Dr Oerson selected a group of learners from St Benedict’s College, Holy Rosary, and Assumption Convent, giving the students an opportunity to voice their concerns and what they thought schools could be doing differently to change gender stereotypes and to teach more about diversity. Cassandra Johnson, who matriculated from Assumption Convent in 2012 and who was the top female student in the 2016 Honours Programme run by Bain & Company, spoke eloquently and with great confidence as she explained the economics of inequality in South Africa. It was an eye opener of note when she looked at a 2019 Times magazine article which reports that our country is the most unequal one in the world.

She showed us this picture, where photographer Johnny Miller, using a drone, captured visual inequality in a Johannesburg suburb. The adage used in multiple languages of “A picture is worth a thousand words,” rings very true.
It was Charlene Beukes-Mabaso’s talk about “Consent and Gender Justice”, that as a mother, teacher, and counsellor, I found very interesting. She spoke about how we should be teaching our children to understand their own comfort and discomfort zones, and to know what their boundaries are. Studies show that girls are raised to be more agreeable, whereas boys are raised to be more action orientated. In our diverse society, there seems to still be a gender gap. Boys should be tough, exhibit strength and self-confidence, and girls should be innocent, graceful, emotional, and sweet. If a boy hurts himself, very often he receives less comfort because of the age-old mantra of ‘boys will be boys, ‘and he is encouraged to pick himself up and carry on. In contrast, sometimes parents are quick to rush in to help their daughter if she is struggling to complete a task. It is through trying, failing, and trying again that important lessons of perseverance and self-determination are learnt, and despite good intentions, parents who don’t allow their daughters to sometimes fail, are teaching them to rely on others for help rather than learning to be independent. It is so important for us to guide our girls into understanding who they really are, that they are strong and worthy. We can protect our children to a certain degree when they are still in school, but when they venture out into the big, not-so-friendly world, they will encounter all kinds of people, many who will be far hardier and street wise. This is why we need to teach our daughters and our sons, to know what makes them comfortable or uncomfortable, what they like in a person, and what they dislike, to trust their own instincts. So that if someone on their university campus one day invades their personal space, they are strong enough and confident enough to say “no”. Children learn from what they see. If a father disrespects his wife, or is abusive, then that is what the daughter learns, that it will be normal for someone to treat her likewise. If a father is violent to his partner, that is what his son learns about the treatment of women, and vice versa. If children see their parents showing love, kindness, and respect, that is what they learn. In our country where gender-based violence against women and children is out of control, we need to be empowering our sons and daughters in life skills that will protect them.

Gender based violence affects each person differently—some with the terror of being hurt or attacked, some with the fear that comes from seeing or hearing about violence, and some with the brokenness of those who do violence to others. I cannot remember which speaker from the forum said that the word ‘No’ is a full sentence. Our Lord says ‘No’ to violence and disrespect against each other because He created us, hearts, bodies, and minds, and when someone violates our hearts, our bodies, or our minds, it is a violation against Him and His love for us. We need to encourage all to fulfil their God-given calling without prejudice or gender bias, and that we are all children of God, regardless of race, religion, culture, language and social or gender distinctions. It all starts with kindness.

Galatians 3:28 : There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Prayer for our Children and for an End to Violence

Dear Lord

You love our children more than we do, and we trust You with their lives. Please give our children stamina to handle trials and struggles. Help us, as parents, to teach our children to always follow You, to be kind and compassionate, and to always know that any kind of violence against another is wrong. Help us to teach our children love and respect, and to turn away from discrimination and stereotyping. Help our children to hear Your voice and Your presence. In Your Holy name. Amen

Mrs Bondonno

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Grade 7 Creative Arts:

The Grade 7 girls presented the one-act play, Alice in Wonderland, during their Dramatic Arts lesson. They had to work together as a performance team including costumes, props, music, and sound effects. They had a lot of fun while preparing their presentations and every member of the group played an important part.

The Creative Arts Festival hosted by the Crawford Schools concluded on Thursday, 9 June. The Assumption girls worked with dedication and achieved excellent results during this year’s festival. They were always immaculately dressed, well-behaved, and presented their pieces with confidence and poise. They were excellent ambassadors of our beautiful school.
A very big thank you to all the parents for your positive encouragement and involvement in your daughter’s Eisteddfod season.

The last sections of the festival took place on Saturday, 4 June, Sunday, 5 June, and Thursday, 9 June.

The results were as follows:

Prestige Awards (95-100%):

Hazel Lynch (English Own Choice Poetry)
Olivia Rivera Aub (English Prescribed Poetry)
Amé Smith (English Prescribed Poetry)
Arianna Nagar (English Own Choice Poetry & Afrikaans Own Choice Poetry)
Janessa Figueira (English Own Choice Poetry)
Karina Figueira (English Own Choice Poetry)
Ava Howcroft (English Prescribed Poetry)
Summer Fillis (English Own Choice Poetry & Afrikaans Duo Verse)
Megan Gerber (Afrikaans Duo Verse)

Honours Awards (90-94%):

Pippa Engelbrecht (English Prescribed Poetry)
Izabella Pires (English Prescribed Poetry)
Amé Smith (English Own Choice Poetry)
Martha Emwanu (English Own Choice Poetry)
Janessa Figueira (English Prescribed Poetry)
Leruo Hlophe (English Own Choice Poetry)
Talita Mark (English Prescribed Poetry)
Priyal Nagar (English Prescribed Poetry & Afrikaans Own Choice Poetry)
Peyton Smith (English Own Choice Poetry)
Kayleen van Houwelingen (English Prescribed Poetry)

Gold Awards (80-89%):

Hazel Lynch (Afrikaans Prepared Reading)
Emily Rhodes (Afrikaans Prepared Reading)
Priyal Nagar (Afrikaans Prepared Reading)
Maya Koopman (Afrikaans Duo Verse)
Talita Mark (Afrikaans Duo Verse)

Mrs Swanepoel

Grade 1 - Reptile Demo

The Grade 1s were privileged to be invited to a show at Baby Steps 2 Assumption. The girls met snakes, a tortoise and a bearded dragon. They were allowed to touch the animals and had so much fun.

Thank you Baby Steps

Mrs Brown

PRIMARY SCHOOL EXTRA-MURALS

Netball

Our Grade 1 - 3 Netball girls participated in the Inter-Catholic Netball Tournament at Sacred Heart on Saturday, 4 June. This was the first and only game for our Grade 1s & 2s and the final game for all the girls, marking the end of their netball season. Our girls made us very proud and have proven that with hard work and dedication, comes great results. Our girls were superstars both on and off the courts and did the school proud by supporting each other as well as other schools. Keep up the great work, girls!

Hockey

Kit requirements:

1. We can supply the hockey stick and ball (but you can buy it if you want - please label them).
2. Girls will need navy blue school hockey socks with an anchor on them (from Esquires), if they don’t have them in stock, you can have any plain navy-blue socks (same navy blue as school socks).
3. Shin pads.
4. Gum guard (your choice but as a school, we encourage all girls to get gum guards).

Match Fixtures:

The fixtures will be finalised at my Head of Sports meeting next week Tuesday, they will then be added to the newsletter.

Practices:
1. There will be NO hockey practice for Grade 4 – 7 hockey girls during the week of exams.
2. We will have practice for Grade 4 – 7 hockey girls this Friday, 10 June, from 13h00 - 14h10.

Updated Extra-mural Timetable

An updated Grade 1 – 3 Extra-mural timetable has been uploaded onto the app and has been emailed to all parents. Please familiarize yourself with the changes. There has been a change to the Grade 3 hockey times.

Grade 4 – 7 Extra-murals during exams

There will be no extra murals for the Grade 4 – 7 learners during their exam week.

Grade 4 – 7 Inter-house Netball

The inter-house netball will take place on Wednesday, 15 June, from 08h15 – 09h41. The girls must wear their sports skorts and their house t-shirts. The team lists will be placed outside the Sports Office for the girls to have a look and know their teams and game times for the day.

Private Tennis Coaching at Assumption

Our new tennis coach, Kent Joubert, is now offering private lessons. These lessons will be held at our school courts. Please contact Coach Kent for further information: 079 506 6846

Swimming Club at Assumption

We are excited to promote the new swimming club that will be running from the Assumption School pool during the summer months and from Planet Fitness Bedfordview during the winter months. The club offers swimming sessions for all levels and all ages. This is a private activity, and all queries must be sent directly to the club itself. Please contact the below numbers for more information.

Swim Waves: Janine – 076 585 1509
Raven Aquatics: Eden – 083 566 5114

Ms Tennant

BABY STEPS 2 ASSUMPTION

Another fun week has passed, we had some colorful and funky fun with kiddies and teachers on our funky hair day.
“Children are naturally creative. It is our job to give them the freedom, materials & space to let their creativity blossom to its full potential – Jean Van’t Hul

WE NOW OFFER

PORTUGUESE LESSONS

We now offer Portuguese Lessons.
“The limits of my language are the limits of my world”
-Ludwig Wittgenstein-

New Banking Details

Please forward POP to bs2assumption@outlook.com for prompt allocation

Photo's

Extra Clothes

No toys to School

Please ensure your children are at school by 8am sharp as learning starts taking place. It can be dissruptive to the class if children arrive late, and they also miss crucial learning. Thank you for your understanding in this regard.
If your child is sick, has a fever or a runny nose and cough please do all possible to keep them at home until they are well so we do not spread germs. With COVID we cannot be too careful and need to take extra precaution. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this regard.
The school provides all meals and snacks, please do not send in any food unless arranged with Chantal due to severe allergies etc.
Please do not send your children to school with toys from home. This can cause conflict amongst the children, and we unfortunately cannot be held liable if the toy is lost or broken.
Please make sure you log onto our school app. – PROSUM – babysteps2assumption (one word) should you need any assistance please contact your school manager - Chantal.
This app will help keep you updated and connected with all the happening of the school and important dates to remember. You will also be able to view our daily photos there.
Please note our banking details have changed – please ensure updated your end.
Kindly note school fees are due on or before the 1st of every month. For prompt allocation, please forward POP to bs2assumption@outlook.com

15 June: DAD’s to drop littles ones off at school on this day a little treat awaits
16 June: Youth Day – BABY STEPS WILL BE CLOSED 16 & 17 JUNE
24 June: Occupation Dress Up Day
27 June - 1 July: School is Closed