BRIDGE HOUSE
PRE-PRIMARY · PREPARATORY · COLLEGE
P R E P
Issue 14
N E W S
www.bridgehouse.org.za
8 May 2015
“Will you help me make some bread?” asked the Little Red Hen. “No, not I!” said the
cat, the dog and the duck but, “We will!” replied all the Grade 1s eagerly. And so the
Grade 1s wrote letters to the Little Red Hen, expressing their willingness to help her,
(unlike the lazy farm animals) and they had great fun learning how to bake breadwhich was delicious!
-2-
-3-
Bridge House School astounds us with outstanding outings and this time they’ve done
it again! Last week the Grade 7s went on an outing to Koeberg. We learnt a collection of
things about the way Eskom operates and the future of nuclear energy. Our hostess,
Pauline Steenkamp, was brilliant and open end our minds to new thoughts and ideas. I
thoroughly enjoyed this outing and thank the teachers for giving us this amazing
opportunity. One thing I’m sure remained in all our minds is the possibility of having
loadshedding for the next five to ten years!
Demeye de Leeuw
-4-
-5-
Autumn leaves are falling down… orange, yellow, red and brown. Falling softly
as they do, falling over me and you. Thank you to Melanie and JD for bringing
us Yummy Autumn cakes!
-6-
Music Staff and Friends Concert
Music has the power and ability to stir the senses, bring people together, trigger the
emotions and transcend the boundaries of hearts and minds. – Hoda al Khamis Kanoo
This was truly the case on the evening of Thursday, 16 April, in the NG Church in
Franschhoek. Music Staff and Friends entertained an audience of just over 140 people in
the NG Church in Franschhoek. Members of the audience were treated to an array of styles
performed as solos, classical duets, trios and quartets, as well as jazz, cabaret, guitar
looping, contemporary songs and rap! We even had a quiz on guessing the titles of various
movie and TV series’ theme tunes.
Thank you for the support of the fantastic audience, the big boarding contingent, and the
Bridge House community. Proceeds of the ticket sales will be used for the further
development of Music in Bridge House. It really was a wonderful event and we look forward
to growing this in the future.
Music Staff and Friends
-7-
Long weekends - two in a row – are wonderful for the soul, but the first full week in a while can
be a shock to the system! In addition to a full sports programme - which included sending off
our u13 boys and girls to play hockey in Knysna - this week saw our annual Young Round
Square exchange day. Bridge House hosted 50 young people from the three participating
schools, and a full programme was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to all who assisted. Staying
with YRS, we wish Mr Barrow, Mrs Storey and our 8 Gr 7 delegates well as they head off to
Namibia on Tuesday.
Our Pre-Primary wing is nearing completion, and each day brings us closer to ‘the big move.’
If you have not yet bought your tickets for The Rockets (see advert in newsletter), don’t delay,
as space is limited. The proceeds of this exciting evening will go towards the nice-to-have
finishing touches in the new wing.
The Franschhoek Valley ‘goes literary’ next week, and Bridge House will
be a hive of activity with visiting authors, DEAR time, a dress up day…
books, books and more books!
In Barrow’s Barrow, we have been focusing on manners
(respect for others) both face-to-face and on the net – digital
etiquette. The weekly merit slips have been emphasising
the importance of courtesy, and respect. Today, I would like us to look inward, at
‘manners toward self’…self-respect, or pride. The way we carry ourselves in how
we wear our uniform or sports kit; the way we conduct ourselves regardless of who
is watching; the way we work in our notebooks: these ‘attitude-markers’ all tell a story.
They tell the story of how we view ourselves. Do we value ourselves? Let our ‘manners toward
self’ show that we do.
Good news from Angola is that our very own Jeanne Blaisse is raking in the medals for the
South African team. We are so proud of her!
Marc Barrow
Head of Prep
-8-
We look forward to hosting national and international authors, illustrators and poets
at Bridge House from 11-15 May. All pupils from the Playschool to Gr 7 will have the
opportunity to engage with the speakers during school hours.
Advance Notice!
Dress up day on Friday 15 May from Grades 1 -7. Details to follow…
DON’T MISS OUT on the free
FLF Book Week for Young Readers
event, “The Gift of Stories”
presented by Niki Daly, talented
musician, artist, illustrator, multi–
award winning writer, teacher, and
publisher.
Bridge House Prep Hall
Tues 12th May 2015
08.15 – 10.15 (please arrive by 08.00)
Coffee, tea and scones will be served
Please RSVP to Martine on
[email protected]
by Monday May 11th
-9-
Swimming Stop Press!
Bridge House Swimmer Jeanne Blaisse wins
gold for the SA Team!
Netball vs Rhenish Primary – Tuesday 5 May
U10A
U11A
U12A
U13A
won
won
lost
lost
4-0
9-1
4-7
4-21
Hockey vs Noord Eind Primary – Monday 4 May
Girls:
U10 A won
U11 A won
U13 A won
8-0
6-0
2-0
Boys:
U10 A drew
U11 A won
U13 A lost
2-2
2-0
0-2
- 10 -
Hockey vs Hugenote Primary – Wednesday 6 May
Girls:
U13 B girls
U13 A girls
U11 A girls
U10 A girls
won
drew
lost
lost
2-0
1-1
3-0
2-1
lost
lost
won
0-1
1-2
5-1
Boys:
U13 A boys
U11 A boys
U10 A boys
Mountain biking - Delta Trap
The annual Delta Trap was held on Sunday 26 April at Solms
Delta. Bridge House representation included students from
the Preparatory and College, Parents and Staff. Most
notably, our very own Mr Barrow! Congratulations to
everyone who completed either the 20 km, 40 km or 60 km
route, with special mention of Kate Gordon who placed 2nd in the Ladies
Open 20km race and won the u13 section!
BH Prep pupils who took part were Aidan George, Destin Burgin, Kate
Gordon, Liam & Byron Daniels, Tulga Saffery, Paul Roux, Ben Clode,
Casey Grant and...Mr Barrow.
Reminder of the Bridge House Fun ride on Saturday 9 May at 8:30 at Bridge House School.
SA School Sprint Canoeing
Championships – Roodeplaat
Last weekend James Horner and
Luca Colombo represented Bridge
House at the SA Schools canoe
sprint
championships
held
at
Roodeplaat Dam, Pretoria.
Competition was tough and both
boys are to be congratulated on their
excellent results. Many thanks go to
Coach Wayne August for his
coaching and encouragement and to
the boys’ parents for their commitment and enthusiastic support at
the event as well as in the weeks of training prior to
the event.
We would also like to congratulate our past pupils
Andreas Beukes, Peter Meihuizen, Rebecca
Meihuizen, Luc van der Westhuyzen and Pierre van
der Westhuyzen, and the Paarl Development paddlers
who excelled in their age groups. Our sincere thanks to Mary
Heistein for accompanying our paddlers.
- 11 -
JAMES HORNER
(U16)
LUCA COLOMBO
(U10)
1000M
5th
Bronze (3rd)
500M
Silver (2nd)
Bronze (3rd)
200M
6th
5th
LONG DISTANCE
Bronze(3rd)
Bronze (3rd)
VICTOR LUDORUM
4th
Bronze (3rd)
U18 K2 LD
6th
U18 K2 200M
5th
Boland Cricket
Congratulations to Lloyd Phillips (U13) and Lesedi Ralebepa (U11) who have both been
selected for the final Boland cricket squad. We wish them the best of luck in their attempt
to make the final provincial teams later this year.
Boland Hockey
Congratulations to Migael Adams who has been selected for the U13A Boland Hockey
team. James Raisbeck and Emile Pirouz were selected for the Shiraz Regional team. Well
done, boys!
Central Boland Rugby
Congratulations to Teubes van Niekerk who has been selected as part of the U13 Central
Boland team to take part in the final trials, on 15 and 16 May, where the U13 Boland Craven
Week team will be chosen. Good luck, Teubes!
Soccer Pieter Langeveldt – Tuesday 26 April
The U13 boys played really well against Pieter Langeveldt Primary. Their fighting spirit
and determination carried the team from the kick-off till the final whistle. Their structure
and communication as a team was amazing and exceeded all expectations. Although the
result didn’t go our way, we managed to be a really good team on the field.
The U11 boys displayed good passing soccer and good team spirit; playing till the end. Although the
game was lost, Bridge House proved to be a good team overall. Well done, boys!
Rugby vs Dalabuhle – Thursday 28 April
U9
U11
U13
lost
won
won
0-5
20-15
30-0
Netball vs Dalabuhle – Thursday 28 April
Dalabuhle
Dalabuhle
U11A vs BH U11B
U13B vs BH U13B
lost
lost
5-8
5-18
- 12 -
SANESA (Schools’ League) Equestrian results
Congratulations to Cameryn Luis, Nicky Hurst, Tatum Killops and Keraliloe Nyabonda for
participating in the Boland Core League Qualifier 4 in Worcester on 24 - 25 April. These girls
are all new to competitive riding and are showing improvement at every show. We have not
yet heard all the results but, so far, Cameryn earned two third places in performance Riding and ShowJumping, Tatum a fourth in performance Riding and Nicky a second in Working Hunter, third in Show
Jumping and fifth in Prix Caprilli.
Well done to all the equestrians!
Jana Jorgenson won the gold medal in the U9 age group at the Medal
Mania Gymnastic Competition in Paarl, on 1 May. Well done, Jana!
SA Kids Golf – Junior Open
Victor Linell, Kristinn Kristinsson and David Brunt took part in the SA Kids Gold Junior Open held
at the Boschenmeer Golf Club on the 26 April. David Brunt took in the 9-10 year ager group and
finished in 8th place. Victor Linell placed 3rd amongst the 11 year olds (9th in 11-12 year category)
and Kristinn Kistinsson finished first amongst the U11 year olds (5th in the 11 -12 year category).
Well done, boys!
Tennis
Victor Linell and his doubles partner, Sebastian Salo (Rhenish
Primary) have made it through to the 3rd and 4th place playoff in
a tennis South Africa tournament.
Jake Downie took part in one of the WP mini Series tournaments last
weekend. He won 2 out of 4 matches and placed 7th overall. He also
entered the doubles competition with his partner from the Boland and the
pair managed to win the tournament. He then took part in one of the Wilson
Series tournaments held in Ceres on the same weekend. He won 6 out of 7
matches and placed 3rd overall. Well done on these fantastic results, Jake.
OF THE WEEK
Junior Primary: Luca Colombo & Isabella Zieve
Senior Primary: Siena Prowse & Miko von Palace
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday
12 May
Wednesday 13 May
Thursday
14 May
Soccer vs St Ida’s Primary
Soccer vs William Lloyd Primary
Hockey vs Hugo Rust Primary
Netball vs Rietenbosch Primary
Rugby vs Rietenbosch Primary
- 13 -
Bridge House
Paarl
Wellington
Stellenbosch
Bridge House
Uniform Shop Hours!
You are reminded that the opening hours for the uniform shop are as follows:
Tuesdays and Thursday 07h30 to 08h30
Fridays 13h00 to 14h30.
Please try and think ahead about uniform needs, especially for sports matches,
because special requests to obtain items of uniform outside of these opening
hours cannot be met.
Farewell, Dale Dunbar
On 30 April, we bade farewell to our librarian, Dale Dunbar. After more than 6 years
at Bridge House, Dale has accepted a position with The President’s Award where
she will have the opportunity to work with young people from a broad range of
backgrounds. In her position as librarian, Dale helped to introduce the students
from both the Prep and the College to new literature and reading material and she
has also been integral in teaching students about a number of key academic
practices. When the ORTP initiative was introduced, Dale quickly stepped up to
take on the role of manager for the school and she has helped the programme to
find a firm footing at Bridge House.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dale for her service to the staff and
students and to wish her every success for this wonderful new chapter in her life.
Mr Shaun Kirk
Stellenbosch bus
The notice below was placed in the newsletter for two consecutive weeks but only four people
responded. This number does not make the introduction of this bus service viable. However, the
school is always open to facilitating the communication for requests of this kind. You are welcome to
communicate with Janis Christian [email protected]
“If there are any families who are interested in a 17h15 bus service back to Stellenbosch via
Boschendal, Pniel, Lanquedoc, Kylemore, Orangeville, Banhoek Valley and Stellenbosch, please
contact Janis Christian on [email protected]
This notice is to gauge interest for this service. The school bus and driver are not available for this
return journey to Stellenbosch and the service would have to be provided by an outside contractor.”
In the interests of good and improving communication between school and parents, Mike Russell and
Marc Barrow, Heads of the College and Prep respectively, will host the termly 60 Minutes with the
Heads meeting, on Monday 1 June in the Prep Hall, from 08h00 to 09h00.
In order to help the Heads prepare properly for this, please e-mail any questions or concerns (of a
general nature) you may have, to [email protected] by or on Monday 25 May. The PA has
kindly offered to bundle these into a folder and forward them to the Heads, who will then prepare
responses to the matters raised, and e-mail out the agenda. Parents interested in these agenda items
will be welcome to come along and participate in the conversation.
Please note that any issues mailed to PA@bridgehouse after that closing date will not be on the
agenda for this meeting, and will either be replied to in the interim, or carried over to the next 60
Minutes in the third term.
- 14 -
The rules for 60 Minutes are simple:







it's a constructive and collaborative initiative;
matters raised and mailed through need to be of a general nature;
if deemed a better option to do so, the Heads can respond directly by e-mail to any issues
before the meeting;
there will be honest and frank responses and discussion around the topics on the agenda;
questions from the floor need to be only about the agenda issues: no "surprises" and no
"general" please!
giving the Heads some preparation time is simply so that if figures and data are required for an
answer, or if someone else's expertise is needed, there is an opportunity to gather this and give
full answers (and perhaps put it into a presentation of sorts);
time: strictly 60 minutes for the forum, so that it's short and sharp and those attending can plan
their morning.
Mr Mike Russell
Congratulations!
Bridge House Business Manager, Janis
Christian, is a granny! Two weeks ago,
her daughter Melanie gave birth to a
beautiful baby girl, called June. Last
week, Janis managed a short visit to
meet her granddaughter and the family
who live in London.
PA AGM
You are reminded about the PA AGM which takes place on Tuesday 12 May in the Prep Hall at 18h00.
You will have received the notice via email about the PA AGM which takes place on Tuesday 12 May in
the Prep Hall at 18h00. If you would like to add a specific item to the agenda for this meeting, please
contact the PA on [email protected], no later than Thursday, 7 May 2015. To nominate a
parent as a member of the committee, please fill in the form which was sent to you and place it in the
box at College reception before 12h00 on Friday 8 May.
Wine Donations
The PA is looking for donations of wine, from single bottles to cases, to use at events. If you are able to
donate wine please contact [email protected].
Outside Scholarship Tests – 23 May
Applicants who are in Grade 7 outside Bridge House and who would like to write the scholarship tests
for Grade 8 scholarships on offer in 2016, should contact Gill Malcolm 021 874 8100
[email protected] for the details about the tests to be written on Saturday 23 May.
New security entry stickers for your cars
The Parents’ Association have had very smart new Bridge House stickers printed to replace
the paper version which we have been using on our cars. Please call in to the Prep or College
offices to collect a sticker/stickers for your car/cars. These are free of charge.
- 15 -
Pre-primary Open Day postponed to 29 May
Please note that the Pre-primary Open Day which is advertised on the Term calendar for Friday 15
May has been postponed to Friday 29 May because Marc Barrow will be attending the Young Round
Square Conference in Namibia at that time.
Please invite your friends who have children wanting to join our Pre-primary to contact Sam Ruiters
021 874 8100 or [email protected] about the details for the Open Day. We extend a
warm welcome to all prospective parents to come and see the Pre-primary in action and to hear
about our new Pre-primary buildings, which are due to open in July, and which will create extra
capacity for children wanting to join our school at both Playschool and Pre-primary level.
Accommodation Needed
Child friendly, pet friendly accommodation, which is not too far from the school, is needed for Bridge
House staff. Please contact Janis Christian [email protected] if you know of any suitable
accommodation.
Condolences
We extend condolences to Adele Bate and family on the tragic death of Adele’s uncle over the past
weekend.
New security entry stickers for your cars
The Parents’ Association have had very smart new Bridge House stickers printed to replace the paper
version which we have been using on our cars. Please call in to the Prep or College offices to collect a
sticker/stickers for your car/cars. These are free of charge.
PA Family Golf Day
The PA Family Golf Day which was to be held on Friday 15 May has been cancelled due to lack of
interest.
Calling all Bridge House Mountain-Biking families
The first of what we hope to be regular Bridge House Mountain-Biking mornings will be held on
Saturday 9 May at 8:30 at Bridge House. There will be a looped track on campus of about 1 km for
the younger nippers and two outrides of between 10 km and 25 km for parents and older children.
All rides will include adult supervision and “sweep” riders.
The purpose is for us to meet as a Bridge House Cycling Community to discuss the potential for
cycling as a sport at Bridge House. At the same time we will get onto our bikes and enjoy the lovely
setting and surrounding mountains. The intention is to ride for no more than 90 minutes and for 30
mins to meet and chat. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further details or
clarification on 0724973576.
Mr Pieter van Deemter
- 16 -
The Franschhoek Literary Festival at Bridge House
College brought to you by Porcupine Ridge and
Sunday Times
Bridge House parents and friends are invited to the The Franschhoek Literary Festival at
Bridge House College brought to you by Porcupine Ridge and Sunday Times on Thursday
14 May. Events begin at 10.30 and end at 14.45. The cost is R60 for the day (3 sessions of your
choice).
The information about the speakers has been emailed to you. Bookings can be made online at
http://litfest.bridgehouse.org.za and there you will see who is speaking at what times and you will
be able to book your places. Tickets for the day are R60 per person and you can pay either with
Jenny Jones at College Reception or you can pay via EFT using the following information:
Bridge House School Fund Account
First National Bank
Current Account Number: 62 309 231 306
Branch code: 250 655
Reference: LitFest/Surname
Once you have completed the online booking, you will receive an email with your talk details.
Please retain this email as proof of booking as it will be used as your ‘ticket’ to gain
access to the talks.
(Please note that the Niki Daly talk advertised below is not part of this day, and so booking for the
talk will not happen through the website.)
- 17 -
- 18 -
Lunch Platters
Guests love to visit Avondale to experience our delicious unique slow wines made with Mother Nature’s approval.
Now we are taking this experience to the next level and invite you to indulge in the new Avondale Lunch Platter.
Our beautiful fresh platters are laden with a sumptuous selection of mouth-watering treats created by Chef Matt
Manning. They include farm style sandwiches with your choice of filling, specialities such as risotto balls and
fishcakes and a fresh garden salad accompanied by a selection of cheeses with homemade pickles and compotes.
The contents of our Lunch Platter may vary as we use fresh and seasonal products, so be sure to ask about the
latest delicious offerings when you make your booking.
In keeping with Avondale’s ethos, we have sourced the best quality produce and ingredients from local growers
and artisan producers.
Purchase our wines by the glass or carafe to accompany your Lunch Platter, and enjoy the views from our farm
and the impressive backdrop of Klein Drakenstein Mountains. Dine alfresco on picnic blankets on our tree-shaded
lawns, on the vine-covered terrace, or relax in the comfort of our elegant Tasting Gallery.
All in all, our Avondale Lunch Platter offers a fine dining experience with good honest food paired with slow handmade wines on our picturesque working farm.
Platters will be served Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R320 (suitable for sharing). Booking is
essential – call 021 863 1976 or [email protected]
- 19 -
Best Mother's Day gift EVER! The gift of a child that sleeps
through the night.
Phone Sister Heike Millar on 082 954 8376 and quote "Bridge
House" to receive 15% off Mother's Day Special in the month
of May.
- 20 -