EASTER HOLIDAY EDITION
1 April 2015
Dear Parents
“THE GREATEST GIFT THAT YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF
IS A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR OWN ATTENTION.”
By Anthony J. D’Angelo
Joshua Smith and Sebastiaan Swanepoel, two of our Grade 11 leaders who attended one of the Grade 8 camps, pictured here with a beautiful owl.
1) ACADEMICS
FAIRMONT ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION
CLASSICAL MUSIC EVENING : 17 APRIL 2015
You are invited to attend our annual prestigious classical music evening in the Clive Wigg Hall, 18h30 for 19h00. Tickets cost R30-00 each and are available from the Finance office.
PARENT CONSULTATIVE EVENINGS
Please be aware of the opportunity that parents have to consult with the teachers of their children in the second week of next term and we strongly urge parents to make bookings for these evenings as soon as possible.
Grades 8 – 9 Monday, 20 April
Grades 10 – 12 Tuesday, 21 April
Details and a booking form will be enclosed with the first term report.
Of note is the number of teaching days that our Matrics have until they leave to write their Finals. The table below indicates that there are just 74 teaching days remaining and that our Grade 12’s will be wise to start the new term in earnest to prepare for the three major approaching exams.
We thank our Teachers, Pupils and Parents for their support this term.
MATRIC FOCUS
74 TEACHING DAYS
School Holidays
Public Holidays
Matrics writing exams
2015 April (14 Days)
May (19 Days)
June (2 Days)
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4
1 2
1 2 3 4 5 6
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
26 27 28 29 30
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
28 29 30
July (10 Days)
August (19 Days)
September (3 Days)
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4
1
1 2 3 4 5
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
26 27 28 29 30 31
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
27 28 29 30
30 31
October (7 Days)
November
December
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2 3 4 5
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
29 30
27 28 29 30 31
2) IMPORTANT NOTICE: TEST CALENDAR FOR 2ND TERM
APRIL 2015 TESTS Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
12 13 Schools start 14 TEST 15 16 TEST 17 18
8 - Afrikaans 8 - English
9 - Geography 9 - Afrikaans
10 - Afrikaans 10 - Business Studies
11 - CAT Prac. 11 - History
12 - Design 12 - Geog. / Music
19 20 TEST 21 22 23 TEST 24 25
8 - Geography 8 - History 10 - Physical Sc.
9 - Maths 9 - English (Assembly)
10 - English 10 - Accounting
11 - Geography 11 - Business Studies
12 - CAT Prac. 12 - IT Prac.
26 27 Freedom Day 28 TEST 29 30 TEST
8 - English 8 - Maths
9 - Natural Science 9 - Afrikaans
10 - History 10 - Maths
11 - IT Prac. 11 - Afrikaans
12 - Life Sciences 12 - Business Studies
MAY 2015 TESTS Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Workers’ Day 2
3 4 TEST 5 6 7 NO TEST 8 9
8 - Natural Sciences One Act Plays 10 – Geog./Music
9 - Maths (Assembly)
10 - IT Prac.
11 - Life Sciences
12 - Accounting
MAY 2015 TESTS (continued) Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
10 11 TEST 12 13 14 TEST 15 16
8 - EMS 8 - English 10 - Design
9 - Natural Sciences 9 - History 11 - Maths
10 - CAT Prac. 10 - Consumer St. 12 - History
11 - Consumer St. 11 - Accounting (During assembly)
12 - English 12 - Consumer St.
17 18 TEST 19 20 21 TEST 22 23
8 - Afrikaans 8 - Maths 10 - Vis. Art
9 - EMS 9 - English (Assembly)
10 - Life Sciences 10 - Physical Sc.
11 - English 11 - Design
12 - Maths/Maths Lit 12 - Physical Sci.
24 25 NO TEST 26 27 28 PRE-EXAM 29 30
9 - Banango 9 - Banango 8 - 12 Life Orient. 10 - 12 Exams start
Workshop Workshop
31
JUNE 2015 TESTS Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5
8 – 9 Exams start 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 School Holiday 16 Youth Day 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 SCHOOLS CLOSE 27
EXAMS END 9 - Aptitude tests 10 - Community Serv.
10 - Community Serv. 11 - Job Shadow
11 - Job Shadow
28 29 30
URGENT NOTICE FOR ALL PUPILS
NO pupils will be allowed to go home early on any day or after a test without a written letter from the parent requesting this. No emails!
Permission for going home early will only be allowed for emergencies.
If a pupil is too sick to stay for the full day after a test, then they must not come to school to write, but must provide the school with a medical certificate.
PLEASE NOTE!
All pupils are required to be at school at the regular time - 07h55 - even if they are not writing a test. This time will be used for consolidation or tasks organized by various subject departments.
All parents are asked to please be aware that when your child misses a Monday or a Thursday test, a relevant chemist slip (the date on the slip must pertain to the pupil’s absenteeism and medication bought), a certificate from the clinic or a doctor’s certificate is required. A medical certificate from either the clinic or the doctor is applicable for missing any exam. A note from you excusing your child from school for the days missed is also required.
Grade 9 and Matric pupils must produce a doctor’s certificate for tests and exams missed as these are the two exit phases and their marks are externally moderated by the Education Department.
Learners are not allowed to go home immediately after a test if they are ill. They have to stay until first break. If they are ill, then they should not come to school. A doctor’s certificate will be required.
3) WINTER UNIFORM
Please note that the official change-over to the winter uniform will take place on Tuesday, 28 April 2015. As from Monday, 13 April 2015, pupils may wear winter uniform should the weather be inclement.
Pupils may wear either summer or winter uniforms from 13 April to 24 April 2015, but may not inter-mix summer and winter uniforms.
The winter uniform requirements are as follows:
BOYS - WINTER
Dark brown blazer with Fairmont badge (compulsory)
White long-sleeved collared shirt with tie
Tie – official school tie
Brown chino longs with embroidered badge and brown anklet socks, or shorts with embroided badge and long brown socks
Official dark brown shoes (not suede)
Official dark brown pullover or long sleeve jersey (optional)
Dark brown and white scarf – official design (optional) [available at school shop]
Dark brown gloves (optional) [available at school shop]
Dark brown blanket – official design (optional) [available at school shop]
Plain white Dri-mac (optional) [available at school shop]
A blazer must be worn to and from school
Only official school belt may be worn with brown chino / shorts
GIRLS – WINTER
Dark brown blazer with Fairmont badge (compulsory)
Brown pleated skirt with embroidered badge, or brown slacks with embroidered badge (optional)
Official white long-sleeved shirt with embroidered badge and tie
Tie – official school tie
Official dark brown winter stockings to be worn with skirt (from school shop) or white socks to be worn with brown slacks
Official dark brown socks can be worn in addition to the stockings (optional, from school shop)
Dark brown shoes with laces or with bar
Official dark brown pullover or long sleeve jersey
Dark brown and white scarf – official design (optional) [from school shop]
Dark brown gloves (optional) [from school shop]
Dark brown blanket - official design (optional) [from school shop]
Plain white Dri-mac (optional) [from school shop]
A blazer must be worn to and from school
Shirts must be tucked into the skirt / slacks when wearing a short-/long-sleeved jersey.
Please note:
No tracksuit tops to be worn as part of the uniform.
No headgear at all to be worn.
No wrap around blankets.
Only items listed above (other than sport attire for sport matches) form part of the school uniform.
Should the weather turn severe, pupils may wear thermal vests, long sleeved jerseys, white ‘Dri Mac’, blazer, scarf and gloves which should all be school recognized items.
4) IMPORTANT NOTICE : GENERAL CALENDAR FOR END 1ST TERM AND 2ND TERM
Wed, 1 April Schools Close
Mon, 6 April Orange River Camp (6 – 11 Apr)
Tue, 7 April U14 Hockey Tournament in George (7 – 11 Apr)
Wed, 8 April U19 Hockey Tournament (8 – 11 Apr)
Mon, 13 April Schools start
Tue, 14 April Appearance check
Fri, 17 April Music evening
Art Exhibition (17 – 21 April)
Sat, 18 April Bellville sport day (Away)
Drummie 1st Large Drill Competition
Mon, 20 April Gr.8-9 Parent meeting
Tue, 21 April Gr.10-12 Parent meeting
Thu, 23 April Gr. 9 Science Expo (23 – 25 April)
Fri, 24 April Senior Citizens’ Day
Sat, 25 April Father / Son Day
Mon, 27 April Freedom Day
Mon, 4 May One Act Play Technical Rehearsal (4 – 6 May)
Thu, 7 May One Act Plays
Blood Clinic
Fri, 8 May Gr. 10 Leadership Camp (8 – 10 May)
Sat, 9 May Bergvliet Derby (Home)
Drummie 2nd Group Competition
Wed, 13 May Cross Country Event
Fri, 15 May Wildlife Society Camp (15 – 17 May)
Matric Dance Expo (15 – 16 May)
Tue, 19 May Appearance check
Fri, 22 May Matric Theme Day
Sat, 23 May Drummie 2nd Large Drill Competition
Tue, 26 May Gr. 9 Banango Workshop (26 – 27 May)
Thu, 28 May Gr. 8 – 12 Life Orientation Exam
Friday, 29 May Gr 10 – 12 Exams start
Sat, 30 May Drummie Breakfast
Fri, 5 June Gr. 8 – 10 Exams start
Sat, 6 June WP Group Championships (Drummies)
Mon, 15 June School holiday
Tue, 16 June Youth Day
Sat, 20 June WP Drill Championships
Wed, 24 June Exams End
Thu, 25 June Gr. 9 Aptitude
Gr. 10 Community Service
Gr. 11 Job Shadow
Fri, 26 June Schools Close
Gr. 10 Community Service
Gr. 11 Job Shadow
Westering Sport Tour leaves
5) NETBALL RESULTS
The Brackenfell Sports Day results are as follows:
Age Group Vs School Win / Loss Points For Points Against
Under 14 Drostdy Loss 3 4
Bernadino Heights Win 8 3
Piketberg Loss 4 6
Under 16 Bredasdorp Loss 4 8
Jan Van Riebeeck Loss 5 8
HTS Bellville Won 10 5
Under 19 Outeniqua Loss 3 14
Namakwaland Win 8 2
Bredasdorp Loss 1 18
6) BOYS’ HOCKEY TOUR TO HOLLAND - UPDATE
We would like to wish our hockey teams well as they depart for various tours and tournaments in the holidays.
Both our 1st Team Boys’ and Girls’ Teams as well as our U16A girls will be playing at our Easter Fairmont Hockey Tournament.
Our U16A boys will be playing in the Rondebosch Tournament, while our U14A boys and girls will be touring George and will be playing in a tournament at Outeniqua High School which our U14 boys won last year.
U/16A HOCKEY GIRLS MAKING WAVES
The team took part in the Brackenfell Sport’s Day as an invitational side. We played Drosdy’s 1st Team and beat them 4 : 0. To understand how awesome this team is, the odds need to be stacked. First of all, it was the first match they played as a team. The girls had no time to warm up since the traffic caught us off guard and we arrived a few minutes before we were to be on the field. The team played on grass which is obviously not what we are used to, and then we could only start with 10 players instead of 11.
What a great game! Look out for them when they take part in the Easter Tournament, again taking on some U19 teams.
Team Manager
HOLLAND TOUR
We have had an absolute blast in Holland and we can't believe that the time over here is almost done. We would like to thank the School and all the Parents for making this one unforgettable trip.
Our Boys’ 1st team are currently sitting on 5 wins and 1 loss, while the 2nd Team have won 1 and lost 5. The 2nd team boys have played some great hockey and have lost 2 of the games by 1 goal.
We had a great time in Belgium where we got to see the city of Antwerp. We also played hockey matches at K.H.C Dragons which they call "The Hockey Mansion". We spent our off day in Den Haag at Duinrell a theme park and at Tikipool which has many water slides.
We have one last game against Tilburg before we head on home and prepare for the Easter Tournament.
A major highlight for the boys is being hosted by the opposition and spending time with them and their families.
Robert Goslett
7) SOCCER REPORT
Fairmont High School is planning to once again make sporting history, this time with our U19 soccer boys. This prestigious tournament will have U19 Boys’ teams participating from around the country. We shall be embarking on tour on the 27 June 2015 to East London, and will be returning on 2 July 2015. The accommodation will be at the Areena Riverside Resort.
We are very excited to bring home the gold and to make the Fairmont family proud.
8) RUGBY RESULTS
Brackenfell Sports Day 2015 – Friday, 28 March 2015
Fairmont 1st vs President 1st
The Fairmont team looked like a team to be reckoned with and this could be echoed when they came from the change rooms to warm up. The warm-ups started rather gingerly, yet focused. As time passed, one could sense this was a team hungry to play their first match of the season.
Final words of wisdom were spoken by the coaches with a clear message: “Stick to the basics and play for each other as this will be the last Brackenfell sports day you will ever play in for those in matric - one for the memory bank.”
The game kicked off 08h00 sharp and one could sense that the opposition was going to run at us. The scrums were tough and there was not enough protection at the breakdowns.
Fairmont’s Jonathan Nel scored a try in the 1st half. In the second half, Ryan McCintosh managed to score a try that was converted by Joshua Julies. President got two tries against us due to poor tackling by the Fairmont team, but could not manage to convert the tries.
Final score: Fairmont 12 : President 10 (Well done boytjies!)
The game showed that the team had great character and that we can look forward to a very interesting season of good rugby.
Thank you to all the past pupils and parents who came out to support the team.
Ou Pappa Bear
9) PARENT FORUM
APPEAL FOR PROPS FOR ANNUAL PRODUCTION
Every second year, Fairmont’s actors, singers and dancers put on an Annual Production. This year, we look forward to another original production from our talented script writer, Mr Fanie Basson. Although the Production will take place in August, there are a couple of props that may prove a little difficult to source and so we are asking Fairmont families for help in sourcing these early. We are looking for pieces of antique furniture similar to those shown below. If any Fairmont families have any which they would be willing to sell, donate or lend to the school, we would be grateful if you would contact us. Alternatively if you have contacts in the antique furniture business, perhaps you could help us?
Tanya Burness 082 6587587 [email protected]
Colleen Wilson 082 7819887 [email protected]
ONE DIRECTION WINNERS!
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Fairmont One Direction Competition:
1. Carla Luijk, a learner at Brackenfell High School
2. Fairmont Parent : Anne Tout (Sarah Gr. 11)
3. Fairmont Parent : Kareemah Gamieldien (Shaqeel Gr. 9)
We hope you all thoroughly enjoy the Concert!
The following lucky draw winners (Fairmont learners) all won a hamper of Lindt chocolates and a One Direction mug:
Justin Waddy
Tyler von Gunten
Kayleigh Hordijk
Jenna Peirone
Jenna Dolpire
A special thanks again to Kfm, and the Pretorius, Gdanis and Makin families for their generous sponsorship.
MATRIC EXPERIENCE EXPO 2015
Last year saw the Parent Forum embarking on a new fund-raising venture in the form of a Matric Dance Expo.
The event, titled MD-X, was popular amongst both exhibitors and visitors, and proved to be quite a success.
This year, we are planning on doing things on a much larger scale……….Go Big or Go Home they say!
The expo, which will be titled MEˣ, will include all aspects of the complete Matric Experience, and will take place from the 21 - 24 May 2015, at the TYGERVALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE!
We are very excited to be partnering with the Tygervalley Centre Management team, as well as with Cream Library, an events company, in planning this event!
Watch this space for more information, fantastic opportunites, and news about absolutely awesome competitions and prizes!
10) MOTHERS WHO PRAY
CALLING ALL MOTHERS!
A very warm welcome is extended to all moms
wishing to join our “Mothers Who Pray” group.
We meet every Wednesday, at 07h30,
in the Boardroom of Fairmont High School.
Please come and join us, or contact Amanda (072 072 1047
11) MATCH THE TEACHER / BABY COMPETITION WINNERS
The winner of the Match the Teacher competition is James Vermeulen (Gr. 12) who received a prize of R100-00.
Second prize went to Laura van Wyk (Gr. 8) who received a prize of R50.
Thank you to all those who took part.
12) MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Hennie Joubert Music prize
Congratulations to Zara Scott and Andrew Hill who have been awarded the Hennie Joubert Merit Prize for their excellent results in Unisa Theory Examinations in 2014.
This prize is awarded to candidates who have the highest results in their Theory or Practical exams in the country.
Zara obtained 99% for her Grade 4 theory exam, and Andrew 100% for his Grade 3 theory exam. They will both receive a cash prize from UNISA for their achievement.
Well done to these two music students from Fairmont. We are really proud of you.
13) WON LIFE : VOLUNTEER AT OUR LITERACY CENTRE
The Literacy Centre, run in Fisantekraal, is a volunteer-driven organization that relies on willing members of the public to volunteer their time reading with those learners eager to learn this very important milestone.
With each volunteer, Won Life is able to extend their reach and really make a difference in the community of Fisantekraal. If you can spare an hour or two each week, please email Won Life on:
Watching the faces of these children as they reach each small milestone will give you a great sense of reward.
14) INTERACT FEEDBACK
Interact hosted a second hand clothing stall this weekend past in Athlone and raised R2500 for Christine Revell Children’s Home.
15) FAIRMONTS’ EQUESTRIAN TEAM
Fairmont’s equestrian team has fared very well at the first two SANESA qualifiers this year. We have six new members to the team who has already made their mark with exceptional results in various disciplines at the last two Qualifiers. We would like to welcome Sasha Lee Kingwill, Dana van Zyl, Hannah Gardiner, Chelsea Brooks, Cassidy Procter and Natalie Hoal to Fairmont’s equestrian team. Below is the results of the last two qualifiers and photos taken by Natalie Hoal.
SANESA 1st QUALIFIER (21 - 22 February 2015)
1. Megan Marinus
3rd for Equitation
3rd for Prix caprilli
2nd for In-hand utility
2nd for Working Riding level 3.
2. Ashley Rebelo
1st Working riding level 1
4th Show jumping 70 cm
4th Show jumping 70 cm
5th Equitation level 2
3. Sasha Lee Kingwill
1st in Working Hunter
1st in Show jumping 2 phase
2nd in Working Riding level 1
3rd in Equitation
3rd in Show jumping competition
4. Hannah Gardiner
1st in Show jumping 70cm
1st in Show jumping 70cm
SANESA 2nd QUALIFIER (14 – 15 MARCH 2015)
1. Megan Marinus
1st for Show jumping 70cm ideal time
2nd for prix caprilli test 2
2nd for prix caprilli test 3
5th for Show jumping 70 cm accumulator.
2. Ashley Rebelo
2nd Working riding level 1
3rd Working Hunter level 1
2nd Show jumping 70 cm
3rd Show jumping 70 cm
3. Sasha Lee Kingwill
2nd for Show jumping
2nd for Show jumping
4. Hannah Gardiner
2nd for Show jumping 60cm
2nd for Show jumping 60cm
5. Natalie Hoal
6th for Show jumping 70cm
6. Claudia Theiner
2nd for Dressage novice test 4
16) ADVENTURE CLUB
The adventure club went surfing this past Sunday the 29th of March. Attached are some photos if you would like to put anything about it in the circular or grapevine next term.
17) WELL DONE
Daniel van der Walt (Gr. 8)
Daniel participated in the second round of the South African Mountain Biking Cross Country Cup Series in Pretoria. The physically demanding course was designed on Proclamation Hill under the shadow of the Voortrekker Monument. Overcoming early season flu, Daniel won the race after establishing a commanding lead on lap one. Daniel therefore maintains his number one ranking in South Africa.
Kelly Vroon Gr. 10
Kelly has qualified to compete in the Senior Youth Nationals from 13 April to 19 April.
All the best for the competition, Kelly!
Daniel Marais (Gr. 8)
Daniel, has been selected to represent South Africa later this year at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan, from 20 July 2015 to 10 August 2015.
The World Organisation of the Scout Movement is the largest non-formal education youth movement in the world with more than 35 million members in 150 countries.
Every four years Scouts from almost every country in the world gather to contribute to building a better world. These events, held each time in a different country, are called World Scout Jamborees and the next one will be held in Yamaguchi, Japan from 28th July to 8th August 2015.
World Jamborees are special events because they bring together tens of thousands of young people from many different cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and countries, in solidarity and in promoting world peace. More than 30,000 Scouts are expected in Japan this year!
For the young people who participate in a Jamboree, it is an experience of a lifetime! These Scouts return home inspired and motivated, ready to become future leaders both in Scouting and within their local communities.
Through Jamborees, Scouting shows the world that the impossible is possible. We learn to build a world where people care about one another and the environment, a world of dialogue, friendship and co-operation; a world of peace.
This letter serves to confirm that the abovementioned learner has been selected to represent South Africa at this event and as such will thus be away from school from 20th July 2015 until 10th August 2015 and I ask that you give special permission to be absent from school for that period.
18) PRINCIPAL
Our reports for Term 1 of 2015 were released today. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our pupils who worked hard to produce good results and for those who did not achieve to their full potential, to make every effort in the new term to overcome any difficulties experienced.
It might also be noted that the first term marks comprise academic exercises including comprehensions, projects, orals, tests, practicals and, in some cases, classwork exercises.
While not trying to take away the elation of achieving good marks, it must be considered that the nature of the accumulated marks can have the effect of inflating the marks. The June/July marks will be a more accurate assessment of progress as they will be largely compiled from the formal mid-year examinations.
This is by no means a message of discouragement, but rather one to congratulate those who have achieved, and to encourage every pupil to work hard next term.
For now, it is a time to relax in preparation for the academic demands of Term 2.
Have a great holiday.
Yours sincerely
Mr R Dingley PRINCIPAL
Disclaimer: Fairmont High School does not necessarily endorse the products/services advertised in this circular.