Effingham Secondary School

THE OFFICE

OF THE PRINCIPALWednesday, 28 March 2018 No

11 : 4 of March 2018

TO : ALL PARENTS & LEARNERSDear Parent / Learner

We have come to the end of another successful and rewarding term at Effingham Secondary School. At the outset I would like to thank all the parents and members of staff for their dedication in developing our children. 1. MARCH STANDARDISED TESTS & REPORTING

These tests have been successfully completed and reports will issued to all learners on Friday, 13 April 2018. Parents are urged to study these results and take remedial measures where necessary.

The full analysis of these tests will be released in the new term. [Check our web page]

A TEACHER / PARENT / LEARNER CONSULTATIVE MEETINGThis has been scheduled for Saturday, 14 April 2018 at 13:00 to 16:00. Please take advantage of this opportunity to discuss with the educators ways in which to help your child produce better results.ANALYSIS OF THESE RESULTSThis will be sent to all parents with the next newsletter in the new term.

NOTE TO ALL PARENTS : EXAMINATION IRREGULARITIESWe strive to uphold the integrity of all our assessments at school and in this regard we will not tolerate any form of cheating or examination irregularity being committed. In this regard all parents and learners are urged to:

Read the School’s CODE OF CONDUCT : ANNEXURE A - EXAMINATION IREGULARITIES & SANCTIONS.

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1 Devshi Drive, Effingham Heights, 4051

TEL: 031-5640569Email : info@effinghamsecondary.co.za Website: www.effinghamsecondary.co.zaEMIS NUMBER : 500127132 EXAM CENTRE NUMBER : 5411217

Visit the School’s Website : www.effinghamsecondary.co.za

2. STAFFING MATTERS2.1 Ms. N Limbada

It is with mixed feelings that we have to say goodbye to Ms N Limbada. She will be leaving us as off today. We will miss her. We wish her everything of the best in her new and future endeavours.

2.2 We have a vacant HOD Humanities Post and a Level One post for Mathematics to be filled by the Department of Education.

3. GENERAL GROOMING AND DRESSING OF LEARNERSMany learners are showing total disregard for our School’s

Code of Conduct.Girls :Hairstyles, including the tinting of the hair / fringes falling

over their eyes / long and untidy braids / long hair not plaited / long and polished nails / use of jewellery more than that which is allowed.

Skirts are far too short [Skirts must be knee length or below].

Boys :Hairstyles include cut in two layers / comb overs and other

styles that are not allowed. Their pants bottoms are narrowed – not regulation pants.

All Learners :No blazers and those who have blazers, have no monograms. Defacing of the school tie by removing the threads along the stripes on the ties.THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE NEXT TERM.

DEFAULTERS WILL BE SENT HOME TO CHANGE AND RETURN TO SCHOOL

4. LATE COMING AND ABSENTEEISMLate coming and absenteeism is on the increase. Learners who arrive late at school will face serious sanctions next term [which may include detention / community service at school, banning form extracurricular activities, etc…]. Many learners are misusing the first period on a daily basis, this is impacting negatively or their academic performance.

5. SCHOOL FEES

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We would like to thank all those parents who have kept up with their school fees payment obligation. God Bless you.

It is sad that the vast majority of parents are not meeting their school fee obligation. This is making it extremely difficult to maintain this school.

An earnest appeal is being made to all parents to please pay their school fess by the end of April.

The process of listing parents on the Credit Bureau will start at the end of May for all outstanding school fees.

A First Quarter statement was sent to all parents on 14 March 2018.

6. ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEETING : FRIDAY, 20 APRIL 2018All parents are invited to our Annual Athletic Meeting which will take place on Friday, 20 April 2018 at 08:30 at King’s Park Athletic Stadium.

7. EASTERWe wish all those who are observing the Easter Religious

days a very blessedPeriod of prayer and goodwill.

8. DATES TO REMEMBER

8.1 Saturday, 14 April 2018 Parent / Learner Teacher Consultative Meeting

8.2 Friday, 20 April 2018 Inter Class Athletics [King’s Park Athletic Stadium]

9. REPORTS FROM HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS

9.1 DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND LIFE SCIENCES : MRS T. GOVINDASAMY TRIBUTE TO S.K. NAIDOOIt is with a very sad and heavy heart and still a great amount of shock and disbelief that I pay tribute to an extremely likeable fellow staff member and a wonderful friend of the Maths Department the late Mr S.K. Naidoo who taught Mathematics for the past 26 years. He was an extremely dedicated and hardworking educator who had a great passion for Mathematics and imparting knowledge to his learners. He strove to make certain that his learners understood complex concepts in the simplest ways possible – his absence now in the department of Mathematics has created a void that is going to be difficult to fill.His creative mind and ability to think and plan strategically contributed immensely to the development and progress of our institution over the years.

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He was looked up to by his students who honoured and applauded him for the effort he put in at all times. The most common term used by so many of his former pupils to describe S.K. was a LEGEND. SK’s legacy will indeed live on forever, his name and association with the Mathematics Department shall forever be etched in our school’s history and remember while death takes the body, God takes the soul, our mind holds the memories, our heart keeps the love and our faith lets us know we will meet again.

PREAMBLE2018 is a very challenging year for Mathematics and Sciences. Learners seem to be facing many difficulties in the subjects. As Head of Department I will endeavour together with my team to bring about a great improvement to uplift these results in targeting that 60% of our learners attain over 60% in Mathematics and Science and a pass rate of 80% in each of the subjects in my department. We look forward to parental involvement and support to assist both learners and teachers in this endeavour.

HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR TERM 1

INTERVENTION

Intervention classes for Mathematics and Physical Sciences are held in the mornings to assist learners to improve their understanding of concepts taught in class. Mathematics classes are also held on Saturdays to assist weak learners. I am extremely grateful to these educators for their dedication and contribution towards improving results. Parents must ensure that their children take advantage of this and that they report timeously to classes in the mornings. Attendance is compulsory.

MATHEMATICS OLYMPIADThe first round of the Mathematics Olympiad Grades 8 to 12 was held on 14 th

March. 32 learners participated in this Olympiad. Our gratitude goes to Mr V.D. Malthoo in enrolling these learners for the Olympiad which exposed them to the many challenges in Mathematics.

MATHEMATICS CLUBThe club is coordinated by Mr S. Ramdhani. The Maths 24 was held on 26 February with Gr 8 Learners. 30 learners participated in challenging activity. The winner was Puja Maharaj

from 8E.The Maths 36 was held on 1st March for Gr 9 learners. 20 learners

participated in this challenge. The winners were Ntobeko G, Sizwe D, Qiniso M and Kairav Bechan 9E.Well done to all the learners.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

This will be held early in August this year. Most of the syllabi will be completed. Learners in the meantime are preparing to face challenges in Physical Sciences and Life Science/Natural Sciences Olympiad. Many Gr 8 to Gr 11 learners will be given the opportunity to participate.

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Mathematics and Maths Literacy : Mr V.D. MalthooMrs. S. BoodhooMr S. RamdhaniMr J. OmarMr V. Megnath

Physical Sciences : Mr. K. GovenderLife Sciences : Mrs. T. Govindasamy

: Mr. D.M. GovenderNatural Sciences : Mrs. T. Govindasamy

Mr D.M. GovenderMr K. GovenderMs. V. Megnath

9.2 DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES –NEWSLETTER – TERM 1 ; MRS R MAHARAJ

DAILY NEWS ROTARY TEAM SPEAKING COMPETITIONThe department of Languages has good reason to be proud of our achievements this term with the pleasant news that our learners fared extremely well in the Rotary Team Speaking Competition. The preliminary round was held at Effingham Secondary school. Four teams from schools in the province participated in this round and we emerged the victors. The following learners who excelled and were awarded first place were Olisha Chetty, Candice Nobantu Nongqayi and Moeketsi Theo Phetlu. This team then went on to the semi-final round. Although they were not placed in this round, they gave an excellent performance which was noted and praised by the adjudicators.HAMLET AT THE PLAYHOSUEOur Grade 12 learners attended a play based on the drama Hamlet, a

prescribed setwork this year. Our learners were praised for their behavior and more especially their responsiveness during the performance.BOOK CLUBOur Book Club continued with their purpose to promote a culture of reading in our school. They began the term by a fundraising campaign to enhance the resources of the club. Members are well on their way towards encouraging and enjoying the written word and appreciating the value of sound literature. Encourage your child to read on a daily basis.EXTRA LESSONS IN AFRIKAANSOur Afrikaans learners are being given extra tuition by our educators and we would like to wish them well and we know that this is of great benefit to our learners. We would like to encourage learners to derive the utmost benefit from these classes.Activities are being planned for the next term already and we want to urge our learners to participate in them. Once again, we would like to ask parents to encourage a culture of reading among your children.MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENTEnglish : Mrs. R Maharaj (Head of Department) Afrikaans : Mrs. I D Maraj

Mrs. N Osman Mrs. V SinghMrs. S Sivashunker

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Mrs. A K Devnarain IsiZulu : Ms L Mtolo

Mrs. D Moodley Mr. M R JiyaneMrs Z B Cebekhulu

9.3 DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITIES : MS J GOVENDER

ACADEMIC MATTERS

Term one has been a challenging term for the Department of Humanities.

Some learners are experiencing difficulties in some of the subjects that fall into the department. Learners’ poor attendance, non-completion of homework, projects and tasks, an indifferent attitudes towards school work are some of the reasons that are contributing factors for poor performance.

Whilst we may be experience these challenges our dedicated team of Educators continue to provide a positive learning environment as we strive to produce excellent academic results. Our aim is to motivate, nurture and bring out the best in learners.

The Department of Humanities is committed to meet the constant challenges that we face.

ACTIVITIES

1. Professional development workshops: Department members attended workshops in Hospitality Studies, Tourism, Dramatic Arts, Geography, Life Orientation and Social Science.

2. Workshop attended : ‘Passport’ – Learners to visit Local History Museums with the purpose of becoming aware of our country’s rich history.

Learners in Grade 8 and 9 will visit the museum early in term two. 2018 theme is inspired by the late Nelson Mandela

3. The ESS Environmental Club and Social Science Club was formed with the aim of increasing awareness of environmental issues in our school and community. We are hoping to get involved in the monthly beach clean-up operation and a visit to the Beachwood Mangroves.

4. A successful Blood Drive was held this term in February – our targets were met. Learners listened to an inspiring assembly talk delivered by a representative of SANBS.

4. Towards the end of January, Grade 12 Career Assessments was administered by the Counsellor. his assessment highlights the alignment of the career path, personality, and abilities of learners when considering which field to follow.

5. On 7 February 2018, the new elected RCL Representatives were given a talk by members of

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Amnesty International. On the same morning the entire school assembly was also addressed by this dynamic team. Amnesty International will be working closely with our school this year to ensure our learners become more aware of their rights and dignity, as well as responsibilities.

6. Miss Nelvia Rawheath, a member of the Amnesty International group and a Human Rights lawyer has formed a programme specifically directed towards important issues at our school. For now she is working with the Grade 9 learners to talk about some of these issues, like their rights, bullying, teenage pregnancy, drug use and much more. She does practical applications and fun games to make these “hard to talk about” topics more interesting and interactive.

7. Amnesty International has also held a Human Rights Day programme on 17 March 2018. Educators and two learners per school from surrounding schools attended this programme. This programme introduced the 60 plus people to pertinent information on Human Rights especially in the school environment.

8. We held 2 different sessions on Drug Awareness which was hosted by the RAUF organization based in Clare Estate. The initial session was held for Grade 12 learners and another session was held with Grade 8 learners at their camp-out this term.

9. Group sessions were held by the counselor with all Grade 8 learners. This focused on Managing their behavior, Bullying, Fights and Anger Management. Further sessions were held with problematic classes and certain individual learners. Such sessions also took place with two Grade 9 classes and one Grade 10 class.

10. Grade 12 learners attended the Amanzimtoti Career Fair held by the Department of Education. Learners were transported to the venue for a valuable career information session and they also got to talk and collect pamphlets by the different Tertiary institutions present.

11. Effingham Secondary learners supported the “Feed the Babies Fund” charity this year. The amount collected thus far is in excess of R6000. This helpful contribution will support many infants that require simple necessities. A talk was given in assembly by one of the representatives Ms. Sandy Davies.

PLANS FOR TERM TWO

1. Achieving a better pass rate in all subjects in Humanities department.2. Geography Olympiad (SANGO) scheduled for 15 May 20183. Inter class Social Science and Geography Quiz for Grade 8 to 11.4. Visit to Beachwood Mangroves.5. A few learners will be participating in the Aqualibrium and Bridge building

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Competition hosted by SAICE.

Members of the Department OF Humanities :

EDUCATOR Subjects taught GradesMrs J Govender Tourism 12

Geography 10 & 11Mr I Govender Geography 12Mr R I Boodhoo Geography 12Ms J J Govender Tourism 10 & 11

Life Orientation 10 & 11Mrs A Koulessar Hospitality Studies 10, 11 & 12

Social Studies 8 & 9Ms F C Suleman Life Orientation 12

Technology 8 & 9Ms D Basdev Creative Arts 8

Social Studies 8 & 9Ms R Girraj Life Orientation 8 & 9

Mr D NairLife Orientation 8, 9, 10, 11 &

12Technology 8

Mr A Ellan Geography 10Social Studies 8 & 9

9.4 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE : MRS T CHANDARMAN Members of the Department

EDUCATOR Subjects taught GradesMrs T. Chandarman Economics 11 and 12

Mr A. P. GordhanAccounting 10,11, and

12Business Studies 10 and 11EMS 9

Mrs A. Harkoo Business Studies 11 and 12EMS 9

Ms N. LimbadaBusiness Studies 10Economics 10EMS 8 and 9

Miss R Girraj EMS 81. It is pleasing to note that most learners doing the commercial subjects

have good work ethics. These learners must be complimented for their effort put into completing their tasks timeously. However, a few learners require special attention which the Commerce team is working on.

2. Extra lessons, in the mornings and afternoons, by Mr A.P. Gordhan and Mrs A Harkoo is proving to be a useful tool to bring the learners up to

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the required standard. Lunch break tuition is also useful to remedy weak areas of learners not performing to the required standard.

Post Budget (2017/18) PresentationIt was a privilege and an honour for the Commerce Department to be invited to the post budget presentation hosted by PKF, a leading accounting firm, at the ICC on the 22 February 2018. David Shapiro was the key note speaker and gave a rather interesting viewpoint of how the budget affects the South African economy. The top grade 12 accounting and Economics learners – Sarith Ramlakan S.,Orstin Naidoo, Yudisthir Narothan, Ariana S. Rugbeer, Nishta Jaikaran, together with Mrs T. Chandarman attended this seminar and will certainly find the information useful in the teaching and learning of commercial subjects.Commerce Club ( C Club)It is heartening to see learners getting involved in this club. Some of the planned activities for the second term will be a Commerce quiz ( internally and externally) Speech contest and a debate on the South African economy.National Accounting Olympiad – 2018The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) will be hosting the Accounting Olympiad for grade 11 and 12. Many learners have shown interest in participating in this competition which will be held in May. South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) – will host the Olympiad for the grade 9 learners in May The INTERACT CLUBThe Interact Club teaches the learners to be socially responsible and show appreciation of what we have. 40 learners are members of this club and are actively involved. Most of them participated in the first Bread Buddies Project. The sandwiches were delivered to our the dear learners of Avoca Primary. We would like to thank all learners and their parents for their continued support in this regard. Remember THE MORE YOU GIVE, THE MORE YOU GET. Currently the members are working on an Easter Egg drive which will be delivered to Columbia Primary. We are also in liason with the Ethekwini Municipality with regard to a beach clean up in May.OUR PROJECTS FOR TERM TWO INCLUDE :

Bread Buddies – Hot Dog Roll Visit to an old age home/ Lakehavan Homes Beach Clean- up Beach Fun Run (Preserving the Mangroves) Nelson Mandela Day (Informal Settlement)

10. CONCLUSION

10.1INCIDENTS OF BULLYING & USE OF VIOLENCE Incidents of bullying and violence has increased over the last term. This anti-social behaviour cannot be accepted at school. Please discuss this with your child and refer them to the School’s Code of Conduct.

10.2SOME OF THE FUNCTIONS / ACTIVITIES HELD THIS PAST TERM

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EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE CLUB

President - Kairav Mahabeer Vice President - Bukeka Selela Secretary -

10.2.1 Awards Day – good turnout of parents 10.2.2 Grade 8 Campout – very successful.10.2.3 RCL Elections – went of smoothly10.2.4 RCL & PREFECT Inductions & Leadership

Course – a great success.10.2.5 SGB Elections 2018 – 2020. This was covered in

detail in the last newsletter.10.2.6 Valentine’s Day Programme & Mini Disc0 –

went off well.

We wish all parents, learners and educators and other members of staff a restful Easter Vacation and learners are urged to spend a few days getting all their back logged work up to date and to prepare for the Second Term which starts on Tuesday, 10 April 2018.

===THE SCHOOL NEEDS & VALUES YOUR SUPPORT===

Once again we thank you for your support thus far and wish you well.

God Bless! God Speed!

Yours in education

Inderan Govender [Principal]

EFFINGHAM IS A DRUG & GUN/DANGEROUS WEAPONS FREE ZONE

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2016 Back to Basics - Preparing a Learning Nation Through Reading

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