BRIDGE HOUSE
PRE-PRIMARY · PREPARATORY · COLLEGE
P R E P
Issue 17
N E W S
www.bridgehouse.org.za
29 May 2015
Ancient Sands - Windhoek, Namibia
80 young delegates, 9 schools, 3 countries. All congregated at St George’s Diocesan School in Windhoek for 5
days of challenging experiences, enriching opportunities, new friendships and loads of fun!
Bridge House was represented by eight Grade 7 delegates: Lloyd Philips, Christopher Dicey, William van Niekerk,
Katya Van Dyk, Emma Wainwright, Lieve Louwerse, Ashley Cork and Kirsten Armitage. They were accompanied
by Mr Marc Barrow and Mrs Kim Storey.
The delegates were divided into various groups for the duration of the conference and this encouraged interaction
with pupils from other schools and countries.
Bridge House presented their ‘Can Do’ attitude in the opening ceremony by speaking confidently and
enthusiastically about their school.
Young Round Square
IDEALS
Internationalism, Democracy, Environment,
Adventure, Leadership and Service
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All the delegates spent a day at Na’an ku se, a reserve
outside Windhoek. We were shown the animals that are
being protected and rehabilitated. We were able to
watch a variety of carnivores being fed. We then had an
incredible opportunity to interact with the San People
from this area. They taught us how to make beads from
ostrich egg shells and shoot with a bow and arrow. We
walked with the San through the bush and listened to
animated stories being told with much clicking and
gesticulating....with a translator! The delegates played
with the children from the Bush School, painted a new
mural on the pre-primary and built a little cycle route.
What a rewarding achievement to see the mural and the
cycle route totally completed in that one day! Amazing
what can be achieved by 80 determined young people!
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The next 2 days were spent sight-seeing
around the city, learning about Windhoek
and Namibia. The adventure activities
brought out the competitiveness in the
groups, with lots of laughs as well! The
highlight of the day was the ‘Pay it
Forward’ service project which involved
decorating takkies and bags to hand over
to children from local children’s homes the
next day. These children arrived at the
venue and were incorporated into the
delegate groups; they all got involved in
boeresport and then they handed over of
the takkies and bags. This was possibly
one of the most meaningful activities that
took place as the delegates engaged and
played with the children from the children’s
home.
"Round Square was an amazing trip. It opened my eyes to so many new opportunities, I saw things I have never
seen ...The obstacle course was a chance for me to bond with my barazza group and have a great time while
doing it. ...The opening and closing ceremonies were great fun as at the opening ceremony there was a dance
floor. Sadly the closing ceremony eventually came around and none of us wanted to leave! Unfortunately the
departing day came and we were all itching for our own bathroom but our new friends and memories made us
want to stay forever and as the bus drove out of Windhoek , our hearts were sad to go but happy to be going
home. We made some truly unforgettable memories and
life-long friendships.
Emma Wainwright
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During the closing ceremony certificates of participation were handed over to each of the delegates
and then the hard task began of saying goodbye to new-found friends.
After 5 days every one of the IDEALS had been explored, experienced and embraced. Each of us left
with unforgettable memories and a greater sense of being part of the Round Square family.
“The experience of going to the Young Round Square Africa Conference…was definitely an
unforgettable one. It ‘touched’ me in a way that I will never be the same person that I was before it. All
the different events and activities that we participated in were really enjoyable. I especially took
pleasure and care in making the bags and shoes for the orphans, who came on the last afternoon….”
Christopher Dicey
“It was an amazing honour to be chosen to go to Namibia and I enjoyed this experience because I
met new people, faced my fears and tried new things….”
Kirsten Armitage
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The Grade Fives experienced three days, in rain and sunshine, learning more about
their heritage. Exploring the fascinating history of the Early Cape and gaining
knowledge about the indigenous people who lived in these parts for thousands of
years, was done with interest and engagement. Being at Scratch Patch amongst the
sparkling gemstones and visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach, rockpools at
Simonstown and midden and beach at Llundudno, added to the excitement of this
time. Our beautiful campsite, set amongst the mountains at Rocklands, became an
integral part of this experience and was a “home from home”. Being close to our
two oceans - and feeling their power and beauty, stirred our love for this exquisite
part of the earth. Bonds of friendship were cemented, inner strengths were tapped and good memories were made. What a special time was had by all!
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PRE-PRIMARY BUILDING SITE
Although the fences are down, please keep out. Landscaping has
begun, and this is still a restricted area.
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MATHS IN CHINA
Having been chosen as a non-traveling reserve for the IMC in
Hong Kong and China, Tanya Brits has been attending weekly
training with the Team in preparation for the event. Tanya's
commitment, work ethic and exceptional mathematical
competence have so impressed the organising committee that
she has now been selected to travel with the Team to Beijing
in July.
Tanya, we are so proud of you! Congratulations!
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The Flu Bug has really hit us in the Prep School, with a number of staff and pupils affected by the virus
that is doing its rounds. It is a nasty virus and seems to linger for longer than expected. Please be
careful if you contract it; and make sure you take the necessary time off to recover.
During the past week, Belinda Lindhorst, one of our Grade 6 teachers was booked off and admitted to
hospital with pneumonia. She is at home now, but will be away next week and our good wishes for a
speedy recovery go to her. Mrs Caroline Meihuizen, a past Grade 6 Teacher of the school, has made
herself available to step in: thank you, Caroline, for coming in to reinforce “the troops”.
On Thursday, our Learning Commons was bubbling with energy as Early Childhood Development
(ECD) and Pre-primary practitioners from the valley engaged in a workshop hosted by Care For
Education and the LEGO Foundation. The workshop took teachers through a number of activities that
encourage learning through play. Each school was then allocated a big box of Duplo LEGO to take
back to their school. Special thanks go to Brent Hutcheson and Nancy Frank for coming through to
Franschhoek to train teachers and put this wonderful product into the hands of our crèches and
schools.
I was fortunate enough to join our Grade 6 pupils at their camp on Tuesday and despite the inclement
weather, spirits were high and staff and pupils were fully involved in the camp programme. A huge
thanks must go to our special group of teachers who mucked in at the last minute to cover for staff who
had taken ill leading into the camp.
For Barrow’s Barrow, I thought it apt to put in a quote from the leading character in the LEGO Movie.
He is challenging every one of us to be positive, believe in ourselves and strive to be the best that we
can be.
Today we showed a number of
prospective parents around our school at
our Pre-Primary Open Day. It is always
such pleasure to be part of such a
dynamic environment and I never tire of
‘talking up’ our wonderful school! Please
help by spreading the word that our new
Pre-Primary will be opening from Term 3
and that we have extra capacity
throughout the Prep school.
Should you have a friend or colleague
who would like to have a tour around the
school, please ask them to contact Samantha Ruiters to set up an appointment.
Our Grade 7s begin their first mid-year formal assessment - exams! - next Friday, and our good wishes
go to them as they complete their preparations for this new experience.
To end, I would like to wish our hockey players all the best for the Hermanus Hockey Festival that takes
place tomorrow. I know a number of families will be heading out that way and using the time to get
away for the weekend. If you are one of the families getting away, enjoy yourselves! For those
participating, keep the Bridge House flag high and play with pride!
Marc Barrow
Head of Prep
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Netball vs Pniel Primary – Thursday 21 May
U9A won 14-1
U10A won 6-2
U12A won 0- 22
U13A won 14-3
Rugby vs Pniel Primary – Thursday 21 May
U9 A won 5-0
U13A lost 5-20
Girls Hockey vs Paarl Girls’ High – Wednesday 27 May
U9A lost 0-7
U9B lost 0-7
U9C lost 0-4
U10A lost 0-4
U10B lost 0-5
U11A lost 0-6
U11B drew 1-1
Boys’ Hockey vs Paarl Boys’ Primary – Wednesday 27 May
U9A lost 1-3
U9B lost 0-12
U9C lost 0-5
U10A drew 3-3
U11A lost 4-0
U13 Bridge House Hockey Festival – Saturday 23 May
Five schools came to visit Bridge House for our U13 Hockey Festival. It was a rainy winter’s
day, but the players braved the cold and gave their all on the field. The U13 A boys and girls
won 1, lost 1 and drew 2 matches. The U13 B boys were mostly players from our U11 team. It
was the first time for many of them to play full field hockey and they improved with every game.
The U13 B girls lost 1 match and drew 3. There was a positive competitive spirit between the
teams which led to a good standard of hockey. Well done to all our hockey boys and girls.
Thank you to all the parents for your support next to the field.
Boland Karate
Congratulations to Demeye de Leeuw who has made the Boland Judo team. She will be
competing in the SA Judo Championships in Stellenbosch from 28 June to 4 July. Well done,
Demeye!
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We are in the process of restructuring the tennis programme on offer at Bridge House. As of
term 3, Step Ahead Tennis Academy will no longer be operating on campus. We have secured
the services of Mrs Mariaan Grobler, who is already coaching some of our top players. In
addition to helping us to restructure the tennis programme, she will be running private tennis
lessons at Bridge House and in Franschhoek and running the Pre-Primary tennis sessions. To
book your slot and check availability, please contact Mariaan directly. See details below.
Professional tennis coaching in Franschhoek!!
Play & Stay:
Ages 4-8 30 min Group
30 min Private
Juniors
Ages 9-13 60 min Group
45 min Private
Seniors
Ages 13-18 60 min Group
45 min Private
60 min Private
8 lessons per term
8 lessons per term
R500
R1200
8 lessons per term
8 lessons per term
R600
R1800
8 lessons per term
8 lessons per term
8 lessons per term
R600
R1800
R2560
Adult coaching also available.
Players who are interested in coaching, please complete the General Info form and send it to
[email protected] before 12 June 2015.
OF
THE WEEK
Junior Primary: Jana Jorgensen & Nicholas Green
Senior Primary: Christopher Dicey & Tatenda Matinanga
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Upcoming Events
Sat
Tues
Wed
Thurs
30 May
2 June
3 June
4 June
Hermanus Primary Hockey Festival
Soccer vs Devon Valley
U13 A & B Girls vs Paarl Girls High
Rugby vs Wemmershoek Primary
Netball vs Wemmershoek Primary
Hermanus
Stellenbosch
Bridge House
Wemmershoek
Wemmershoek
Condolences
We extend our sincere condolences to past Bridge House History teacher, Frank Geraghty and
his wife Nicola, whose baby boy, Sean, passed away soon after his birth. The thoughts and
prayers of the Bridge House community are with you at this very sad time.
60 Minutes with the Heads - cancelled
Please note that only one matter was raised for possible discussion at Monday’s 60 Minutes
with the Heads. As this is a very specific matter to do with homework demands in the Senior
Primary, it has been decided to call off the 60 Minutes meeting. Marc Barrow will issue an
invitation to a special workshop at the start of Term 3 for parents specifically interested in or
concerned about this issue.
New Parents’ Tea
A tea with Marc Barrow and Mike Russell will take place on 9 June at 10h30 in the dining
room. Invitations have been emailed to parents who are new to the school this year. If you did
not receive an invitation, please contact Jenny Jones on [email protected].
Andrew Merryweather Talk
Thank you to the Parents’ Association for organising the Andrew Merryweather talk for parents
and College Pupils on Tuesday. Andrew’s story of the devastating effects of mindless bullying
was also an inspiring message of the power of inner strength and positive thinking. The talk
was an invaluable lesson for all.
The Parents’ Association and Andrew Merryweather would like to thank Susan Huxter and Le
Quartier Francąis for the accommodation which they provided.
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Developments at Huguenot House
If you drive past Huguenot
House Boarding House every
day or if you are a parent
collecting
your
child
from
boarding, you will have noticed
how the gardens and surrounds
are developing and making
Huguenot look really settled.
Thank you to the grounds staff
who have been working on this
area.
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Parent Initiative - Recycling for Art at Wemmershoek
Primary.
We kindly ask that people donate the yellow rulers attached to some school uniform items for
art lessons at Wemmershoek Primary. There is a box for these in the uniform shop. We are
also very keen to do murals and sculptures with the children. We therefore need to collect
hundreds of plastic coloured bottle tops (screw-on, not the spouts) and the little plastic bread
tags. We will leave containers in the Prep and College reception. Many thanks, Steph Brits &
Debbie Roberts.
Winelands needs your help
We are a NPO and PBO based in Berg River Park in Paarl where we run a 2 year holistic enterprise
development programme that empowers unemployed mothers to start a small retail trading business.
We source excess clothing and household goods from the major retailers and the general public in
South Africa and use this as the tool to teach.
We are looking for volunteers to help in our receiving department. If you can offer some of your time (as
little
as
1x
morning
per
week)
please
contact
Tracey
on
0834477813
or
[email protected]
Changing lives one garment at a time….
.
Please note the following advertisements were paid for by the advertisers.
Bridge House School does not in any way endorse any of the products, events
or businesses advertised in this newsletter and takes no responsibility for
the use of any of the products which are advertised here.
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For Sale -Pedigree Miniature Schnauzer Puppies
Salt and Pepper
3 Male - R3000 each, 2 Female R3500 each, inoculated and dewormed.
Contact: Michelle du Plessis - 0727572727
Winter is here! Last minute Companion Fares available, pay for one
and get one free in the Tasting Room a Le Quartier Français.
Open Tuesday to Saturday. Please note that bookings only become
available on the day for that evening.
Please contact Ebeneze on [email protected] or call
021-8762151.
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