MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Phased in return of pupils to ACS 

Dear Parents and Guardians

Assumption Convent is in line with other independent schools in working hard to reopen all grades as soon it is practicably possible. The caveat is that the safety of pupils and teachers is non-negotiable. Regrettably, continued uncertainty prevails.  On 1 June, in the Government Gazette, we finally received the go ahead to reopen our grade 7 and 12 classes and this has gone ahead relatively smoothly. On 3 June, I submitted all the required documentation per Gauteng Educational Department guidelines, to phase in our other grades during the month of June. Regrettably, on 4 June, I received new documentation which had to be completed and submitted to the Education Department. This will be done as soon as possible. We will keep you informed. The Independent Schools Association (ISASA) is working tirelessly in trying to resolve this urgent matter.
We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Working Hard to Keep our School Safe

Prior to welcoming our Grades 7 and 12 classes back to school, we have been implementing all the necessary measures to ensure that that we comply with government health protocols. This has included training for all staff. On Thursday 28 May, our school underwent detailed inspection and we received our ‘Certificate of Compliance.’ This morning, our school underwent another independent inspection and this took an hour and half to complete. The report back from the occupational and safety practitioner was very positive and we are grateful to him for his invaluable input. Going forward, school management is committed to implementing independent inspections every week.  We need to ensure that as we establish our routines we do not allow for any complacency.  Furthermore, there is always room for improvement.  

Kind regards

Neville Workman
School Principal

Assumption Convent School Policy guide to preventing and addressing social stigma related to COVID-19

Dear Parents

Mrs Debby Zambon has collated a policy to address possible social stigma related to COVID-19.

This pandemic respects no boundaries and all of us are directly or indirectly affected by it. We cannot be judgemental. No one choses to be infected with the virus and a positive diagnosis is not an indication that someone has behaved recklessly. If and when someone within the Assumption community presents symptoms indicating she/he may have COVID-19 or, if indeed someone receives a positive test result, they are assured of the full support of school management.

In overcoming this pandemic, it is essential that we work closely together. We ask parents to be alert and proactive. If your daughter is not feeling well, please let her recover fully at home before returning to school. She will receive lessons on line. If any member of the family has received news that someone they have been in contact with within the previous 14 days, is suspected of having or has COVID-19, please immediately inform either Debby Zambon or myself. You are assured that we will be discrete and this information will not be made public. 

Please also remember that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, (NICD), provides professional advice 24/7. Their Corona Hotline is 0800 029 999. Their website is also most informative.

Please find our policy to address social stigma below.

This policy serves to provide for the support and guidance for students, staff and parents who experience Covid-19 through contact, infection or recovery.  

Covid-19 is a new and unknown disease which has caused anxiety and fear. This fear of the unknown can result in the social stigmatisation or discrimination of those perceived to be associated with the disease in some way.

What is social stigma?

Social Stigma in the context of health is the negative association between a person or group of people who share certain characteristics of, or associations with, a specific disease.  
Perceived links to a disease such as Covid-19, may result in people being labelled, stereotyped, discriminated against, treated separately or experiencing a loss of status. This treatment can negatively affect those with the disease, as well as their caregivers, family and friends. 

Social Stigmatisation can result in isolation and exclusion which will in turn impact on community relationships and mental health. Fear of stigmatisation can cause people to conceal their symptoms and so prevent them from seeking appropriate health care as well as from observing the protocols critical to controlling the spread of the disease (Covid-19).  

How Assumption Convent aims to address social stigmatisation: 

The school’s Occupational Health and Safety measures and Standard Operating Procedures relating to Covid-19 will be clearly communicated.  
The school will encourage informative, open, honest and age appropriate discussions with our students and staff. 

The measures and procedures, aimed at promoting social and mental wellbeing while preventing social stigmatisation will include: 
• Ensuring our school counsellor is available to students and staff wishing to share their concerns or anxieties. 
• Showing empathy with those affected by understanding the disease itself.
o Encourage thoughtful conversations with reliable and trustworthy information and advice. 
o Speak accurately about the facts and risks related to Covid-19 based on scientific data using appropriate and accessible terminology.
o Emphasise effective, supportive and practical measures so students and staff can keep themselves and their families safe. 
• Sharing of stories and images of people within the diverse community who have experienced the disease (COVID-19) and have recovered or who have supported someone through recovery. (Demonstrate that most people do recover from COVID-19).
• Communicate support and encouragement for those who are on the frontlines of the response to this outbreak i.e. health care workers and leaders
• Promoting positive and inclusive language with vocabulary that respects and empowers all people in all communication channels. (Refer to Addendum 1: ‘Words Matter when talking about the new coronavirus - COVID-19’). 
o Sharing communication strategies that combat stigmatisation with staff and students so that these are adhered to by all.
o Create an ethical environment where behaviours and emotions based on care and empathy are modelled by staff. 
o Promote diversity and respect for different ethnicities by showing how all people are working together during this time

In prioritising the continued mental well-being of our school community during this period the school will regularly refer to anti-stigma guidelines offered by organisations such as the WHO and The SA Federation for Mental Health which promote an ethical environment based on care and empathy. 

Resources:

1. CIFRC, UNICEF & World Health Organisation (2020). Social stigma associated with COVID-19. Retrieved from

    https://www.epi-win.com/sites/epiwin/files/content/attachments/2020-02-24/COVID19%20Stigma%20Guide%2024022020_1.pdf 

2. SA Federation for Mental Health (2020) Combatting stigma and maintaining good mental health during Covid-19. Retrieved from

    https://www.safmh.org.za/index.php/news/item/233-how-to-look-after-your-health-during-coronavirus    

3. Health Policy Project. 2014. “Capacity Development Resource Guide. Stigma and Discrimination.” Washington, DC Futures Group, Health Policy Project.

Resources collated by Debby Zambon
21 May 2020
Principal Primary School
Assumption Convent School

WELCOME BACK TO THE GRADES 7s AND GRADE 12s!

On Tuesday, 2 June we welcomed our Grade 12s and Grade 7s back to what will be their 'new normal' school environment for the next few months. Our girls have been away for 10 weeks since the lockdown, and we have missed them terribly. We thank our Principals, staff, ground staff and management for the safety and health protocols and procedures that have been put in place to ensure the safety of our pupils and staff.  We wish our Matrics and Grade 7s the best of luck, we can't wait for the rest of our pupils to return as well.

Mrs Sousa

HIGH SCHOOL RELIGION REPORT

South Africa has been in lock down for more than 60 days now, and this global pandemic can seem like a hopeless situation. Pope Francis has something to say about how we can address our frustrations to God.

Trusting in God does not mean never arguing with Him, Pope says.
In the story of the patriarch Abraham- honoured by Jews, Christians and Muslims- faith becomes a direct relationship with God that is marked by constant prayer, which sometimes takes the form of "debating" with God, Pope Francis said.
While most ancient people saw the gods as inapproachable cosmic forces needing to be appeased, "the God of Abraham becomes 'my God,' the God of my personal story, who guides my steps, who does not abandon me, the God of my days, the companion in my adventures," Pope Francis said June 3.
"I ask myself, and I ask you, do we have this experience of God?" the Pope said, during his live streamed general audience from the library of the Apostolic Palace. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors and pilgrims still are not present for the audiences. In his main talk, part of a series about prayer, the Pope said that with Abraham, "the life of a believer begins to be understood as a vocation, that is, as a call."
Abraham had heard God calling him to leave his homeland for a land that God would show him, promising to make of him and his descendants a great nation, although he already was old and childless.
Abraham was not weighed down by uncertainty despite the "enigma," the pope said. Instead, he "believed in the promise of God. He believed and set off without knowing where he was going."
The account of Abraham's life in the Book of Genesis mentions how, along his journey, he built altars to the Lord.
Through his prayer, the pope said, "Abraham became familiar with God, even capable of arguing with him, but always faithful. He spoke to God and he argued."
And when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham continued to trust in the Lord, "living his faith as an ordeal, like walking while groping in the dark, under a sky deprived of stars this time, but with faith," the Pope said. Then "God himself stops the hand of Abraham, which was ready to strike, because he saw that his willingness was truly total."
"We, too, often feel like we are walking in the dark, but with faith," the pope said. That is why people must pray, like Abraham, and sometimes question God like he did.
Getting angry with God can be a form of prayer, he said, "because only a son or daughter can get angry with his or her father and then come together again."
"Let's learn from Abraham to pray with faith, to dialogue, to argue, but always being ready to welcome the word of God and put it into practice," Pope Francis said. "Let's learn to speak to God like a son or daughter does with a father: listen to him, respond, discuss, but transparently, like a child with his or her father."

Article sourced from Catholic News Service, written by Cindy Wooden.

https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2020/trusting-in-god-does-not-mean-never-arguing-with-him-pope-says.cfm

Sr Kgomotso

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES

Our deepest condolences to Dominque Salgado and family on the passing of her grandfather.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

HIGH SCHOOL 

Dear Parents and Pupils

We enclose a letter recently received from the executive director of the IEB, Anne Oberholzer. Whilst she is writing to our grade 12s, I think her profound message is for all of us: pupils, parents and staff.  

Kind regards

Neville Workman
Principal

LETTER FROM IEB 

PIT PRODUKSIES GRADE 12

Our Grade 12 pupils would have been privileged to be entertained by an energetic and professional group of actors from “Pit-Produksies” at Assumption Convent School on the 12th of June this year. This company dramatizes the Grade 12 prescribed novel and poetry, according to IEB standards and requirements. However, due to the unforeseen change in circumstances due to COVID-19, they will not be performing LIVE. They have however, managed to secure the rights to produce a mini-film of what would have been their live show. They will be sharing the link with us, which we will give to our girls so that they can view it over a period of 2 days. This link will be given to the girls on the 5th of June and will expire on the 6th of June. This is excellent timing because they are writing their Afrikaans exam on Tuesday the 9th of June and this will be a good source of revision. 

Please ensure that you have paid the R90 to Mrs Nienaber or Mr Goosen by the 4th of June. 

Mrs Taffara

ENGLISH EXPERIENCE

Grades, 11 & 12 Pupils and Parents/Guardians

Unfortunately, due to the reasons e-mailed to us on the 21 May (below), the webcast will now be rescheduled to Friday, 12 June 2020 between 15h00-17h30.

The English Experience’s managing director, Nicola Stone, would like to confirm that the live webcast has been rescheduled and will now be streamed from 15h00 to 17h30 on Friday 12 June 2020. This decision has not been taken lightly, but the original date (Tuesday 26 May) coincides with the funeral of a close relative of the English Experience family, who recently succumbed to the Coronavirus. Many teachers have also expressed concern that the original date and time was inopportune for students busy preparing for, and writing, prelim examinations. We hope that you will find the new, earlier time on a Friday afternoon more suitable. We remain excited to be bringing you this value-packed webcast. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and to thank you for your understanding.

A panel of experts will be discussing the IEB prescribed set works. Author Craig Higginson will be joined by a panel of expert guest speakers, including literary luminary, Digby Ricci; leading Shakespearean authority, Professor Chris Thurman; top South African futurist and author, Graeme Codrington, and renowned therapist, Hanan Bushkin (PhD).

This event is for our students in Grades 11 and 12, because the expanded format of the webcast features insightful presentations on IEB 2020-2021 Grade 12 prescribed works, including The Dream House, Anthony and Cleopatra and The Tempest, together with a thought-provoking presentation on 2025: the future of careers and work and expert advice on Managing stress and anxiety in uncertain times.
As a result of this postponement, we will continue to receive payments until the 3 June 2020. Kindly pay via an electronic funds transfer, using the banking details below:

Account Name:  Assumption Convent School
Bank:  First National Bank
Branch:  Bedford Gardens
Branch code:  252155
Account number:  59630038353
Reference:  Daughter’s Surname + Eng webcast
Cost:  R100.00

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

Yours faithfully

The English Department

CULTURAL AND SPORTING AWARDS

Due to Covid19 and the lockdown, our girls will unfortunately not be able to fulfil the goals they have set for themselves for term two in sports and cultural activities. Cognisant of this fact, the Awards Committee will endeavour to ensure that no one is disadvantaged and that all participants will receive due recognition. In this regard, the Colours Committee will strive to see that each pupil is allocated the points she would have earned, had she been given the opportunity to fully participate in her chosen field.

Awards Committee

PRIMARY SCHOOL 

An interesting question, one which staff at a school in England were asked. Can you put a straw through the middle of a potato? This is what one of the staff members reported, “Is it possible to get the straw through the potato?” We proceeded to debate and discuss it; at first we were not allowed to handle the items.  Then, after our initial deliberations, we tried out various drilling methods … all to no avail. In my group we concluded that it could not be done.  Then the instructor told us how he’d given the same task to some year 10 students with the instruction ‘Get that straw through the potato’. One boy picked it up and ‘bosh’ … plunged it straight through at the first attempt. We felt suitably pathetic.”
Children are full of surprises. As parents and teachers, we know the difficulties the past few weeks have brought. We understand the implications of financial worries, isolation, the risk of sickness…the list goes on and on.  Our children have had to cancel family birthdays and holidays, they have missed out on movies, parties and even matric dances. Life has been put on hold for them, and as parents, guardians and educators, we feel their loss because we too have experienced it and we want to protect them from all the sadness and fear. But the truth is, when children struggle and have problems to face, they become stronger and learn very valuable lessons that will last them a lifetime. They become resilient, and are able to solve their own problems, just like being able to put a straw through a potato!

So, although this pandemic has caused stress and anxiety, it has also presented us with the opportunity to teach our children real-life lessons that will help them to grow into strong members of our society. With empathy, kindness and support, we can guide our children through these hard times. We can teach our children that in life there will be difficulties and disappointment, and that they will not always be able to control events that happen, but they can control the way they respond to occurrences.

We find in the Gospels that Jesus loved children, He valued them and enjoyed spending time with them. He also empowered them in their faith. We need to empower our children so that when they are faced with life’s hurdles, they can cope with strength and faith. We need to teach them that with tenacity and resilience, a straw can be put through the middle of a potato.
Jesus famously rebuked His disciples for turning away those bringing children to Him. “When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’” (Mark 10:14-15). In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus told His followers, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

Mrs Bondonno

GRADE 2

As we move from Autumn to Winter, the Grade 2s drew and decorated their own ‘Seasons Tree’ depicting the 4 seasons of the year.

The Water Cycle - evaporation, condensation and precipitation…what big words for our little Grade 2s! 

GRADE 3

Grade 3s prepared a well balanced meal based on the food pyramid! It was so exciting to watch the videos and share them on our online sessions. I look forward to seeing some master chefs in the near future!

GRADE 4

During the past week the Grade 4 girls performed their Afrikaans poems about their Grannies and Grandpas. Some girls even dressed up as the Granny, the girls had lots of fun!

 

In English the Grade 4 girls have been working with the theme “Food, glorious food” and during this week’s poetry lesson we worked with the poem Making a sandwich. Not only did the girls learn how to rewrite this poem as a recipe, but then they also made their own yummy scrumptious sandwiches for lunch. 

JOHANNESBURG MINI COUNCIL

BABY STEPS 2 ASSUMPTION

Dear parents

Another week has passed, and children are still learning from home. Packs can be collected again on Monday.
Our Pre-grades had an awesome PJ Zoom class. Some staff are at school preparing for our children's safe return.

What parents can do to prepare their children to return to school:

• How strange it is that we now have to “unteach” our children what we have taught them all these years; like shaking hands, sharing and being social which they now cannot do, due to the virus.
• Parents need to take the time now to teach their children how to wear a mask and get them used to wearing them for their return back to school.  
• When doing home-schooling take short periods in the day where the mask must be worn.
• It is up to the parents to make sure their child is in good health before sending them back to school every morning.
• Parents are to teach their children about the basic principles of staying safe, wearing their mask and to wash and sanitize their hands regularly.
• It will be the school’s responsibility when your child/children arrive back at school that the same health and safety issues are performed.  

HANG IN THERE MOMS AND DADS, YOU’VE GOT THIS!
We hope to be back very soon
  

Baby Steps 2 Assumption getting our school clean and ready for your children’s return   

                                                      
The children thoroughly enjoyed their pyjama day



Our children have been working so hard, thank you for your lovely work!
                                                         
   

                                                            

Wishing you a great weekend and week ahead, stay blessed!

Kind Regards

Tracey Urquhart
Baby Steps 2 Assumption Principal

Please be advised that Esquires online facility is available for school uniform. Check it out on www.esquires.co.za. Esquires will be open for deliveries from 1 June 2020.  7 Days delivery time from date of order and some stock items limited due to lockdown. Parents can also order via email on email address: eyedeas@worldonline.co.za. . Orders will be packed and will be ready for collection from 1 June 2020 when the shop will reopen. No returns policy unless in original packaging and items are unopened. 

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