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4 / / 5 P retor i a Chi nese School - Yearbook 2 0 1 7 Pretor ia Chinese School - Yearbook 2017

General


Principal’s Report Discipline, Humility

& Respect

2017 HAS BEEN A YEAR FILLED WITH EXCITING PROGRESS AND SOME DIFFICULTIES.

PRETORIA CHINESE SCHOOL HAS AS ITS FOUNDATIONAL VALUES DISCIPLINE, HUMILITY AND RESPECT. THESE VALUES FORM THE CORNERSTONE OF ALL THAT WE DO AT THE

SCHOOL AND NEED TO BE GIVEN GREATER PROMINENCE.

I WELCOMED THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF STAFF AT THE START

OF 2017:

• MRS SILVIA CLOETE, WHO TEACHES ENGLISH IN THE SENIOR

PREP.

• MS CASEY STRONG, WHO TEACHES ENGLISH AND VISUAL

ARTS IN THE COLLEGE.

• MR FRANCOIS HORAK, WHO TEACHES EGD AND MATHS LIT IN

THE COLLEGE.

• MR GRAEME OERTEL, WHO TEACHES ENGLISH IN THE

COLLEGE.

AT THE END OF THE YEAR THE FOLLOWING STAFF MOVED ON TO

TAKE UP OTHER CHALLENGES:

• MRS HELEN ROBERTSON MOVED TO CAPE TOWN, REPLACED

BY MRS LOUISE PRETORIUS (PART-TIME MATHEMATICS IN THE

COLLEGE);

• MRS KIM BEZUIDENHOUT MOVED TO CAPE TOWN, REPLACED

BY MRS TINA HATTINGH (GRADE 1);

• MRS SILVIA CLOETE MOVED TO DURBAN, REPLACED BY MS

TAYLA WELCH (ENGLISH AND LO IN THE SENIOR PREP).

The difficulties have been faced by both parents and the school, as the economic situation in the country has not improved, and meeting financial obligations has been a challenge for some.

The education of one’s child should be the priority of every parent, but unfortunately this is not always the case. Any entity, such as Pretoria Chinese School, must meet its obligations to provide education of a high quality to the children that parents have placed in its care.

Teachers often take over the parenting role, as most children will spend more time at school that they do at home during term time. Nevertheless, it is still the parent’s primary responsibility to guide and direct the development of their child into a fully functioning member of society.

To provide this level of care and guidance, schools need to be assured that every parent will meet their financial obligations. Failure to do this necessitates

the school taking a vey strong position in relation to those parents, requiring them to remove their child from the school.

Pretoria Chinese School is an independent school that relies on the timeous payment of school fees for its continued successful operation. Parents who fail to meet this obligation are failing to see the education of their child as their primary priority.

Our pupils, together with their teachers, have continued to produce good academic results throughout the year, both in the

internal assessments and in the benchmarking tests that they write. Pretoria Chinese School will continue to benchmark itself against local independent schools. The Independent Examinations Board continues to provide leadership in the South African Educational space, and is always on the lookout for innovative initiatives.

The Pretoria Chinese School staff are involved in both the Independent Examinations Board and the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa subject forums where ideas are shared and standards are monitored.

I attend Principal’s meetings held by both organisations, where there is a opportunity to share experiences and discuss common issues.

Pretoria Chinese School has as its foundational values Discipline, Humility and Respect. These values form the cornerstone of all that we do at the school and need to be given greater prominence.

Once these values become part of our everyday life, the relationships that exist between children, between children and adults, and between adults, are strengthened by the mutual respect that natural follows.I am immensely grateful to the parents who give of their precious time to Pretoria Chinese School, in the form of additional fundraising activities, by supporting their child at sport and cultural events and by interaction with the staff in the best interest of their child. It makes a huge impression on the children if they can see the support given by their parents and friends.

Our children are involved in a wide range of activities. These include sports (Soccer, cricket, netball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, swimming, athletics), cultural activities (Chinese Culture Club, public speaking, PCS has Talent, Choir, Newspaper Club, Drama) and academic activities such as Olympiads and Bridge Building in addition to support lessons. It is very important that children are involved in a range of activities, as they may find that their talent lies in an activity they had not tried before.

The staff continue to work hard to ensure that they provide the very best for the children they teach. Academic activities always take priority, and the staff are continually on the lookout for worthwhile visits off the school property that will add value to the academic curriculum. The camps that are held for the Grade 6 and 11 pupils prepare them for the leadership roles they will fill in Grade 7 and 12.

The tuckshop (Snoopy) continues to provide wholesome food for the children and is open from 07:00 till 16:00 every day. Parents are welcome to stop by for a cup of coffee in the mornings. SherpaKids provides a well-structured aftercare service on the school property, as well as a holiday programme when the school is closed.

Every child at Pretoria Chinese School is in a privileged position. The collections that the school undertakes during the year for those who are less fortunate make a difference to the beneficiaries. Santa Shoebox, Onse Huis, Tshwane Place of Safety, Hong Nin Old Age Home and other collection drives have been very well supported.

Thank you to all who made these a success. The PCS PRIDE garden is an ongoing community project.

2018 promises to be an exciting year for Pretoria Chinese School as we embark on new initiatives to strengthen the education that the school provided for its pupils.

It is a privilege for me to be the Principal of Pretoria Chinese School.

Thank you for your continuing support.

John Gelling - Principal

Reflections Reflections


2017 Annual Report

Being a completely independent and self-financed school, all income derived is ploughed back to cover operational expenses and to continue improving our facilities.

OUR 3 PILLARS OF ‘RESPECT, HUMILITY AND DISCIPLINE’ ARE CONTINUOUSLY EMPHASIZED.

SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS WERE ACHIEVED INCLUDING THE

FOLLOWING:

• ADDITIONAL 4X CCTV CAMERAS

• PAVED WALKWAY (ADMINISTRATION BUILDING TO THE HALL)

• REFURBISHED LAPA ROOF

• BUS AND STAFF PARKING SHADE NETTING

• EXTRA GRADE 00 PALISADE FENCE

• WATERPROOF THE NEW BUILDING WALKWAY CEILING

• PAINTED CONCRETE PERIMETER WALLS

• NEW CHAIRS AT OLD TUCK SHOP AREA

• HALL QUAD SHADE NETTING

• POOL AREA SHADE NETTING

• HALL BUILDING STAIRCASE ROOFS

• CARPARK STOREROOM ENCLOSED

• CLASSROOM CURTAINS

• PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

• RECEPTION AREA REVAMPED

• LED TV MONITOR IN RECEPTION

• TRADITIONAL LION STATUES

Director of Business & Admin

The year 2017 was a challenging one, where we had to work harder to maintain the standards expected of us.

Our school pupil numbers remained stable despite competition from many other independent schools in Pretoria. PCS sees itself as place where a child can be receive a good education, grow and develop as a well-rounded person, within a safe and holistic environment.

Our 3 pillars of ‘Respect, Humility and Discipline’ are continuously emphasized.

On the business and administration side it has once again been a difficult and busy year, especially with the school budget that has to be balanced between important academic salaries & requirements, and then the necessary maintenance & building improvements.

A concerted effort was continued to maintain the upkeep of the buildings & classrooms as well as the cleaning of the entire grounds and storage areas, to the best of our ability and within our limited annual budget.

Being a completely independent and self-financed school, all income derived is ploughed back to cover operational expenses and to continue improving our facilities.

There are so many items on our “wish-list”, that we are always thinking of ways and means in order to make them come to fruition.

PCS IS GRATEFUL TO PARENTS WHO HAVE MADE GREAT SACRIFICES TO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN EDUCATED AT OUR SCHOOL.

PCS is grateful to parents who have made great sacrifices to have their children educated at our school.

Therefore we once again appeal to those parents with outstanding fees to keep to their financial agreements made, and ensure that all school fees owing are paid accordingly and in time.

As mentioned previously it is only with the outstanding income recouped that we can continue to build a bigger and better PCS in 2018 and beyond.

We would like to thank the academic, administration and maintenance staff for their hard work during the year, to the Parents & Friends Association for their enthusiasm in fundraising in order to

improve our facilities, to our generous benefactors, and also to the Board of Executives (BOE) for their unwavering input and support.

May I again take this opportunity to especially thank the parent body and pupils for your continued support of PCS, especially to those that have walked this journey so loyally with us for so many years, and wish you a successful year in 2018.

Kind regards

Mr Jerrold Law- Director of Business & Administration


/ 11 Pretor ia Chinese School - Yearbook 201710 / P retor i a Chi nese School - Yearbook 2 0 1 7

CURTAINSCARPORT STOREROOM

HALL QUAD SHADEGRADE 00 FENCE

NEW BLOCK PASSAGE WALKWAYLAPA ROOF

OLD TUCKSHOP CHAIRSNEW PAVED WALK WAY



PLAYGROUND JUNGLE GYMPERIMETER WALL PAINTED

RECEPTIONPOOL SHADE NETS

RECEPTION TV MONITORRECEPTION

STAIRCASE COVERSHADE AT BUS & STAFF PARKING



Story of Honour

Mrs. Olive Fernie - a Heritage of Great Honour1995 2017In 1934 the Chinese community, living at that time in Mountain View, near the Pretoria Zoo in Struben Street, had established a school for their children there. A need arose among the parents to learn English so that they could understand and assist their children in their education.

The parents decided to approach the Central Baptist Church in Arcadia to assist them with English lessons. An agreement of mutual benefit was reached. Bible classes began, and a relationship of long-standing friendship was forged between the Christian community and the Chinese community and school. Eighty years have passed and the honouring still continues till today.

Mrs. Olive Fernie was the dedicated member who offered to teach the families. She had a signature scripture which was part of her daily prayers, Timothy 2:12: “… but I have

THE OLIVE TREE MINISTRY

not lost confidence, because I know who it is that I have put my trust in, and I have no doubt at all that he is able to take care of all that I have entrusted to him until that day.” Verse 13: “Keep as your pattern the sound teaching you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. You have been trusted to look after something precious; guard it with the help of The Holy Spirit who lives in us” (NIV Study Bible scripture quoted).

Her teaching lead to the Bible Hour at school. The school then moved to Wingate Park suburb in Pretoria where the entire school participates once a week in a time of reading, singing, colouring-in and prayer together.

Bible Hour is led by volunteers from many different communities. Grannies and pastors as well as youth leaders offer their time

freely, sharing love, light and life. It is focused on building relationships and imparting confidence to each child, whatever their faith might be. A happy community which expresses what Jesus called “The Kingdom of God” which is among us and within us. Olive believed in God and a space and a place for each, no matter where they were on their journeys individually and corporately.

Principles and practice are crucial for readiness, as beyond the school walls there are many opportunities to express how one feels. Open discussions lead to fruitful results that often lead to enduring friendships. The Chinese were very close to Olive Fernie’s heart and she prayed much for them. She had many visitors and students, right up to her death at the grand age of 92 years, spanning eighty years in the Lord’s service. Her funeral was held at the Central Baptist Church in Schoeman Street, Pretoria.

“… but I have not lost confidence, because I know who it is that I have put my trust in...”

I never met Olive, but I got to attend the Memorial Service.

The Service was large and people from many walks came to express their sadness. A lot of wonderful stories and testimonies were heard. I felt I knew her heart, when one after another stood with tear-filled eyes at the podium and spoke of Olive Fernie, the Faithful Servant of the Lord, who was their friend, mentor and teacher. I also discovered that most people thought that her schooling was no more, only to hear with joy that the work continues to flourish and that her signature scripture, shared earlier, has continued with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to become a God honouring presence at school. The school has kept honouring their mutual agreement from 1934 up to today, and we are welcome to share Christian ethics using the Bible every week among our diverse students.

After her passing, a volunteer from the Afrikaans Church, Mr. Johan Heyns, asked if he could plant some trees before leaving for

Thailand to serve. I suggested he choose the trees that appealed to him. He wished to leave a memory of the many years among the children whom he loved.

A week later he arrived with three olive trees and a special Assembly was called and the matric class of 2001 planted the trees. We prayed together for the blessing of unity, trusting that the school would go from strength to strength. At that time there were insufficient classrooms and no school hall.

On his final day upon at the school, I said I would like to share something with him. I told him that the olive trees were A Whisper from Heaven to him of “thanks” and a message to Olive, the Faithful Servant of the Lord, who entrusted to him her works on Earth. He was very emotional when he left.

Today the trees are all over three metres high and stand in the playground tall and strong. A memory of fortitude which can be seen in all that offer their time, which is a gift indeed.

Mrs Christine Harding was superintendent for many years and one day she asked if I would just “come and see”.

I never left, and now 22 years later, I am still teaching and have had the privilege of seeing the new Hall, new classrooms and more things to come. Ms. Trienie Boshoff took over after Chris moved on, and after Trienie left I became the Bible coordinator for the school. Today Wendy Maree ably keeps the administrative ship afloat.

I close with a Heritage of Great Honour which I have had the privilege of participating in since 1995 up to 2017. Eighty years to cherish what a blessing it is that we have received from a faithful Servant of the Lord.

Thank You.

Lindsey Geyer(As I remember it)

Features Features


Parents & Friends AssociationCommunication is key in making any organization function at its full potential. Through the years the Parents & Friends Association, or P&F, has evolved and re-invented itself in an attempt to serve this purpose.

In 2017 our main aim was to be a communication channel between management, teachers and parents. A platform that could be used to share information, send out reminders and assist the school in raising much needed additional funds.

The P&F, under the leadership of Sumiya Govind, organised: • Monthly cake sales • The annual PCS Walkathon that took place on Saturday 29 July • The Family Sport & Fun Day that happened on Saturday 30

September

The Walkathon is a fun day at school where students, their parents and guests dress up and do a 5km walk in Wingatepark. Afterwards the children have fun on inflatables and other rides, while parents bond over delicious goodies on sale. It also hosts an informal market where parents and extended family can introduce the PCS family to their products. This year we ran a Walkathon Talent Competition where students could show off their skills and the winner walked off with a beautiful trophy donated by the Phalatse family.

The Family Sport & Fun Day sees children compete against their parents and teachers in soccer, hockey, netball, table tennis, spoon and sack races and much more.

Over the past three years the P&F has continually managed to raise in excess of R100 000 annually. These funds have helped us improve facilities at PCS.

Mrs Dorette Nel

Features Features


News Activities

2017 started with its annual Staff Quiz, hosted by our very own Quiz Master, Ms. Hundermark. It has been an afternoon to remember, filled with snacks, laughter and mind boggling questions.

We wish to congratulate the winning team, The Christmas Crackers and we look forward to our quiz afternoon in 2018!

Ms. Kate Hundermark

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

JUST KEEPCHEERING

FIESTA

NEW MOMMY

Mr and Mrs van der Walt were blessed with a beautiful baby daughter this year! We know it was the answer to long awaited prayers and we want to congratulate them on this precious little girl. We know that she will bring them much joy and happiness.

Mrs Riana Janse van Rensburg

STAFF QUIZ

MR & MRS VAN DER WALT

MR GELLING 60TH BIRTHDAY

23 June 2017

MR GELLING’S 60TH BIRTHDAY

Staff Matters Staff Matters


Teachers Day Breakfast

Bible Teachers Tea

Staff Matters Staff Matters


Staff MattersStaff Christmas Lunch

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