When *Liziwe arrived at iThemba, she would storm out of the classroom whenever she was upset, sit and cry in the corner when she could not have what she wanted, and she displayed aggressive behaviour to the other children when required to share. After three years of consistent, loving care and positive behaviour reinforcement, she has blossomed into a happy and confident little girl who listens well in class, verbalises her problems and shares easily with others. She is looking forward to taking up her place at a local Primary School in Grade 1 next year. * Name has been changed
OUR CHILDREN AND CLASSES OF 2015
The year has passed very quickly and we are delighted to say that our numbers have grown from 45 to 54 children, in preparation for our full complement of 60 in January 2016. Our little Sunflowers (3-4 years) have developed many new skills with Teacher Edith and Assistant Ziyanda, and are eager to return in 2016 as Busy Bees, augmented by 5 new children. There will be 16 new Sunflowers in January. Our current Busy Bees have had a very productive year with Teacher Natalie and are looking forward to moving up to Grade R. We are always sad to say ‘Goodbye’ to our graduating children, but are very proud of how mature our Grade R Class of 2015 has become under Teacher Ncumisa and the many Volunteer Assistants. Assistant Teacher Chrishance continues to present a positive male role-model to all our classes. Three of our Grade R children will be doing Grade 1 at Sun Valley Primary in Fish Hoek and most of the rest at Marine Primary in Ocean View.
STAFF CHANGES
It was with sadness that we said Goodbye to our Administrator, Ann Barge, who had been with us since iThemba began. Elizabeth Laubscher has taken over as part-time Administrator. After one term of teaching the Sunflower class alongside the Principal role, Janet Webb is focusing on the overall running of the school, mentoring of teachers and Bible teaching. Lungiswa Kwezi is now our Cook/Cleaner assisted by a part-time Cleaner, Thandi Yoko, who helps with the increased number of children.
VOLUNTEER FROM ENGLAND: FIONA COOPER
The wintery month of July brought a visitor from overseas. Fiona and her flute spent the month with us and did a great deal of work in the organisation of the school’s library and early learning resources.
FAMILY DAY – 12 SEPTEMBER
A very successful Family Day was held, where visiting family members heard a Bible talk, were able to participate in activities with their children and inspect the school facilities.
CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION – WESTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
As of 5 November 2015, iThemba is registered as an ECD Independent School offering Grade R.
ASTRO TURF & PAVING
One of the greatest events of our year was when the back door was opened in October and the children ran out onto a new back yard completely covered in wonderful astro turf. This has revolutionised the play area and we are extremely grateful to our very generous donors for making this possible, AND for the additional gift of paving along the side of the school, where everything with wheels is run up and down with glee on a beautiful flat surface.
GRADE R CLASSROOM UPGRADE
Thanks to yet another very generous donor, we were able to refurbish the Grade R classroom during the October holidays, with regulation sized chairs and desks, which help prepare the Grade R children for Grade 1. The furniture enabled changes to the teaching programme to align with WCED requirements.
GRADE R OUTING TO FISH HOEK BEACH
With the help of our volunteers, the Grade R children were transported to Fish Hoek beach for a morning of fun in the October sun, with ice cream!
SUN VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL GRADE 3 VISIT
Once again the children of Grade 3, Sun Valley Primary read stories, played games and sung songs with the whole school. Their kind morning visit at the end of term 3 was much appreciated.
WRIGGLE AND RHYME
This marvellous musical programme has greatly enriched the children’s musical appreciation throughout the year. We greatly appreciate the time and resources which Kirsty and Heather give to the school.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Every last Friday of the month we celebrate birthdays. This is a much anticipated event in each child’s year and our heart-felt thanks go to Anna for the cakes she supplies, and to Penny for painting the faces of the birthday children of that month. We have often visited the sports fields opposite the school on Party Friday.
VOLUNTEERS
A band of faithful volunteers from St. Peter’s Church have continued to come and help with our English Enrichment Programme, where they read and speak to small groups of children. The children love this and it is a great help in developing their understanding of English. We look forward to continuing this in 2016. There are always things on our wish list and that need to be fixed. Our wish list and our facilities have been well maintained by all the wonderful volunteers who have given freely of their time and resources in the upkeep of our equipment, plumbing, electrics, computers, website and general maintenance. We so appreciate every one of you.
DONATIONS FROM HOME & OVERSEAS
iThemba has been greatly blessed this year, with God’s people opening their hearts to support the work of the school. We have been able to increase our teaching resources and outdoor equipment and meet our expenses thanks to our generous sponsors and donors. Providing sufficient opportunities for children to play and enough teacher resources are essential in creating a disciplined, loving environment. During times of great trouble, St Peters Church family has also reached out with practical support for our families who live in Masiphumelele, and we thank God for everyone who has shared with us this year.
We wish every one of our supporters a very blessed Christmas and pray that God’s peace will reign in your hearts in the year to come.
From Janet, Staff & Children
MY SCHOOL PROGRAMME
We are members of the Woolworths “My School Programme??? and we appreciate all those who have taken cards or registered their cards on our behalf. If you wish to help us in this way please go onto their website and register at www.myschool.co.za for iThemba School.
