Dear Friends
Easter is approaching and we love the message of hope. Hope for better futures and hope for happier and more prosperous communities. Our hope is that we can continue to transform rural education through quality education initiatives and we thank every community contributor for their contribution. We announce our inaugural winners:
The Cavern – Andreas Scherer
Sungubala Eco Camp – Laurie Kohrs
Montusi Mountain Lodge – Kate Morrison
Our next draw takes place on the 30th June and each donation of R100 or more (monthly or once-off) enters you into the running! We are very grateful for the ongoing support and through these giveaways we hope to share our collective gratitude, thank you!
Reading: Imagination, fun and success!
Cait Gordon
Reading has so many incredible benefits for children, taking them into a world of imagination and possibility. As life is filled with increasing challenges it is imperative to give children the opportunity to escape, have fun and feel optimistic. Reading has the ability to increase knowledge, understand emotions, improve vocabulary and allow them to hold interesting conversations. It creates a space and desire for learning while developing focus and provides a space free from stress and worry.
Dr Seuss and his collection of wonderfully wacky and humorous books reminds us that it is good to be silly at times and that laughter really brings people together. Reading his books allows us to experience so much joy from inside the pages of a book. A world of complete imagination and endless possibilities where the sky is the limit.
The Grade 4 classroom theme at RDPS is Dr Seuss and in honour of his birthday on the 2nd of March we celebrated by reading and dressing up as some of his most well-known characters and books. The class arrived at school each day excited and in anticipation for what their teacher and friends would be wearing, giggling together and strengthening friendships and the unity of the class.
The highlights of the week were definitely Wacky Wednesday where we came to school with our clothes inside out and back to front and Crazy Socks and Shoes Day where we wore different socks and shoes. It was so wonderful to see the laughter and smiles as they all embraced each day of funny outfits.
The children were eager to share some of their favourite moments of the week:
I really enjoyed the Cat in the Hat book; all the pictures were very funny. – Sphamandla
I love Dr Seuss because he made lots of crazy stories. – Phiwokuhle
It was a fantastic week, especially when we wore our clothes inside out. – Abongile
It was cool and funny week celebrating Dr Seuss Birthday. – Snakhokonke
The children could not wait for reading time each day to find out what the next book would be, roars of laughter were heard from the classroom as they immersed themselves into the wonderful world of Dr Seuss and his very interesting words and crazy antics in the pages of each book.
At RDPS we believe that by developing a love for reading we have the potential to help children open doors to new worlds, expand knowledge, and foster creativity allowing them to dream. A love for reading from an early age can lead to a lifelong appreciation for learning and personal growth.
The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you will go!
Royal Drakensberg Learners Discover, Create, and Grow: The Power of School Clubs!
Hanelie Van Der Spuy
For the past two terms, our school has been buzzing with excitement during second break, as students eagerly take part in different clubs made to expand their learning experience. These clubs provide a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and have fun outside of the classroom.
Our Chess Club challenges students to think critically, strategise, and solve problems. The Drama Club allows students to express themselves creatively, build confidence, and improve their public speaking skills. In the Fitness Club, our students learn the value of teamwork, determination, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, the Reading Club fosters a love for literature, strengthens comprehension skills, and encourages imaginative thinking.
These clubs do more than just keep students engaged-they give them opportunities that will benefit them in the future. Whether it’s learning how to think ahead in chess, express emotions through drama, stay active and keep fit, or develop a lifelong love for reading, each club plays a role in shaping well-rounded individuals.
We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated teachers who generously offer up their own time to run these clubs, ensuring that students have a space to learn, grow, and explore their passions. Their commitment and passion have made a huge difference in the lives of our learners, and we truly appreciate their efforts.
To highlight the impact of our clubs, we’ve gathered a few words from the teachers who have been leading them this term:
Royal Drakensberg Learners Shine on Stage: The Magic of Drama Unfolds!
Miss Mpume
Dramatic Art is a vibrant and dynamic form of expression and has been a cornerstone of human culture for centuries. Through our theme “Create, interpret and improvise” we have climbed the ladder of performance-based learning from grade one to grade four. Drama has created room for dramatised learning and role playing for understanding. With our own percussion instruments we have created our own musical beats following rhythmic patterns and acting on a role for understanding and performing with purpose. Creative Arts has provided a platform for our learners to explore their creativity, develop communication skills, reflect on real life experiences and celebrate our diversity through creativity and collaboration.
Royal Drakensberg Learners Embrace the Game of Kings!
Miss Mpilo
The school is always looking for innovative ways to enrich our learners’ educational experiences. This term, there was much excitement surrounding the introduction of our children to the exciting world of chess-a game that challenges the mind, fosters strategic thinking, and builds essential life skills. Our young learners have expressed great enthusiasm in grasping most of the fundamental rules of the game. It has been a joy to witness their curiosity and determination as they explore different strategies, learning from their mistakes, and refine their skills.
This has provided them with a unique space for problem-solving and critical thinking, skills that are invaluable both in and out of the classroom. The formation of our Chess Club has been a milestone in our ongoing mission to transform rural areas through quality education initiatives. Every move on the board is a step towards greater focus, resilience, and intellectual growth. The children’s gratitude and appreciation for this learning opportunity is truly heart-warming, and their eagerness to engage in this new challenge makes the school very proud.
At Royal Drakensberg, we believe that education is not just about academic success but also about equipping our learners with tools that empower them for the future. Chess is one of the tools we use to enhance concentration, patience, and logical reasoning. Our journey is to continue and consistently grow confidence and upskill our young ones, one move at a time.
We look forward to the rest of the terms as we introduce new clubs, providing even more exciting opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and discover their passions.
The Best Aid!
Thobani Ndlovu
While it is a common yet unspoken belief that children are a walking hazard, schools take the necessary care of preparedness for these incidents. Though we try our best to avoid these, many of the incidents are inescapable. Children grow by exploring the environment with their bodies, figuring out where they end and where the world begins. As they explore these limits they are often met with injuries. Having the correct training and appropriate apparatus can help sooth their pain and anxieties. This is why at the peak of the term, Khanyisela Projects held a first-aid training for all ECD practitioners and gifted them with First Aid kits to serving as capes to their super hero duties that they undertake each day. The ladies broke into song hoisting up their goodies, proudly, equipped for any ailments they may encounter at their centres.
On a recent porridge run, I was the unsuspecting damsel and a happy patient to their gentle care. Walking in confidently with a large sack resting on my left shoulder, I attempted to tiptoe on the rocks beneath my feet. Choosing carefully to avoid the streams of water in the entry way, I placed a foot just outside the gate and slipped on what deceptively turned out to be muddy clay. Trying not to collapse on the floor, while being dragged down by my heavy load, I grabbed on the gate for balance. Sadly, I gripped a bit too quickly and too tightly on barbed wire, gashing (well more like pricking) my middle and index finger. I shrieked at the sensation or perhaps it was the sight of slow trickling blood. In that moment, I knew exactly where my fingers ended and the barbed wire began.
One of the creche practitioners lifted up the load from my shoulders as if it was a feather, while another held me carefully by the wrist leading me to one of the classrooms. Navigating through toddlers playing on the front lawn, I realised that if it was not for the impeding embarrassment, I would have wailed! She brought out the first aid kit, swiftly dressing her hand with a latex glove. I would have been fooled to think they were woollen had it not been for snap at the end, as it hit against her skin. With the most care, she dabbed my wound with cotton wool coated with Savlon. Revealing beneath it what was just a little more than a scratch. I thanked my melanin for hiding my blushing cheeks as I felt silly for the fuss while enjoying the tenderness, just shy of kissing it better. I drove away with my heart singing a familiar tune, “Phakama Khanyisela, ixesha lifikile“. A song they sang at the first aid training loosely translated as, “Rise up Khanyisela, your time has come!“
Khanyisela Supervisor’s Tea: 20 20 Thrive!
Cait Gordon
“To teach is to touch lives forever!” A quote we often hear and a lovely statement for the wonderful morning the Khanyisela Project Creche Supervisors got to enjoy at ATKV Drakensville. We’d been invited to listen to a talk by Andre Hendricks, a past teacher who spends his time travelling the country motivating teachers to reignite their passion while making sure they are looking after themselves.
A teacher does more than simply teach, the roles can feel endless at times. We take on the job of counsellor, mentor, role model, coach, therapist and so much more. And we aim to provide many experiences so that our approach is holistic and we provide opportunities that develop the whole child.
This is a large responsibility and there are some important steps to remember:
As teachers we should always:
DRESS UP: choose to be kind each and every day.
SHOW UP: be the best version of yourself for your children and colleagues.
STEP UP: know your job and do it!
OWN UP: be brave enough to acknowledge that even teachers make mistakes, a valuable lesson for children that no one is perfect.
TIME UP: leave a good legacy as you move onto the next journey, leave a mark that you really did make a difference.
Children don’t learn from people they don’t like – Be the teacher that cares!
We wear multiple hats and we juggle daily. We need be the best possible teacher in our careers and we need to change hats when we leave the school gate. Our personal and fun hats mean we are part of a family and a circle of friends. At times we drop balls, and these might be fragile and so as teachers we were reminded of the importance to take the time to look after ourselves too.
Five to thrive, a guide to thriving: take care of yourself!
- Set Boundaries: know your limits and allow yourself to say no to the good so you can say yes to better.
- Reflect, Reconnect & Recharge: unclutter your mind, ask yourself what is really worth your energy.
- Physical Movement: movement is medicine.
- I need help: ask for help when needed, this is not a weakness.
- Your Circle: fill your circle with quality people that fit with your journey.
Let’s make 20-20-Thrive a year to thrive, make it your year! Whatever that means to you!
Final Word
We wish you all a Happy Easter!
Warm wishes,
Teacher Thoba, Loretta & Megan