school matters - midstream college · 2021. 1. 21. · to start the academic year, there will be a...
TRANSCRIPT
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School Matters FROM THE HEADMASTER’S OFFICE
In the past, I have often referred to the fact that January is named after the Roman god Janus, protector of gates and doorways. Janus had two faces, one looking into the past, the other into the future. I believe we will need all the perspectives we can get in 2021 to help us through these different times. While looking back at 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, we have learned many lessons that will serve us well as we face the challenges of the new year. I would like to welcome back our loyal parents and learners. My message to everyone is to be positive, seize every opportunity and stay safe. A special fist pump to all our new learners and their parents. I am proud to say that we have our biggest grade 8 group ever. Hang on for the ride and enjoy every minute of your five years in high school. Carpe Diem! We will be communicating with you more than usual until things are back to normal, hence bear with us while we ride the tide. I want to reassure you that the safety of our learners and teachers is of the utmost importance and our highest priority. All Covid-19 protocols, and more, are still in place. In line with the minister’s plea that we postpone the start of onsite schooling with two weeks, we are using this week to get learners ready for their new grades and online schooling, which starts next week. As soon as the final Department of Basic Education directives are published, we will inform you when we will welcome learners back on campus. Bear in mind that private schools have more manoeuvrability than public schools in this regard. Our hearts go out to every family that has been affected by Covid-19. We mourn the loss of family members, loved ones and friends in our broader Midstream College community. Please stay safe, seek medical attention when you feel ill and isolate when required. During these times, I trust the words of Psalm 121 will bring you peace.
I look up to the mountains;
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains…
God guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always.
The Message (verse 7 and 8)
Circular 01/2021 21 January 2021
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Academics WEEK 1 ARRANGEMENTS
To start the academic year, there will be a formal address from Dr Kriek and the grade heads on Monday morning. The links to these videos will be on our website on Monday morning. Herewith a reminder that online school starts on Monday, 25 January. Each day will commence with a register period at 07:30 on Google Meet. During this time, the register teachers will take register and ensure that all learners are ready for the online school day. Important information regarding online schooling and other relevant matters will be shared during these periods. The online school day will follow the normal school timetable, starting with Day 2 on Monday. (The period times are included below.) Should you have any queries, you are welcome to contact your child’s register or subject teachers. Period times for online school (Week 1: 25-29 January)
School starts 07:30
Period ends
Register 08:00
Period 1 08:40
Period 2 09:20
Period 3 10:00
Period 4 10:40
Break 11:20
Period 5 12:00
Period 6 12:40
Period 7 13:20
ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS
Additional subjects may be taken by learners in grades 11 and 12, on condition that they have an overall average of at least 75%. The only additional subject that may be taken in grade 10 is Advanced Programme Mathematics. This year, the following subjects are available as additional subjects in grade 11 and 12: Business Studies, Geography, Tourism and CAT. As learners are currently not onsite, we request that you e-mail the relevant teachers to express your child’s interest in taking an additional subject.
EXTRA CLASSES
All staff members are available to assist learners with academic enquiries on Mondays from 14:15 to 15:15.
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MID-YEAR AND FINAL EXAMS
Kindly note that both abovementioned examinations will run until the last day of the term (see the school diary) and that all learners will write on that day. Parents who are planning holidays abroad must especially take note of this, as no learner can be excused from scheduled examinations for holiday purposes. Your cooperation in this regard is appreciated.
Culture GENERAL
Information regarding cultural auditions and internal competitions will be communicated to learners on an ongoing basis. Some of our competitions will take place online this year. If you would like more information about auditions, competitions and general information, you can also visit the school’s website. We will commence with the various cultural activities offered at the school as soon as possible. The necessary protocols will be followed at all times. We want to encourage learners to participate in the cultural activities on offer this year.
ORATORS
More information and new dates will soon be made available for our internal public speaking competitions. Entries for external public speaking competitions are limited and therefore preference will be given to learners who have participated in the internal competitions. The topics for the ATKV oratorical competition are already available on the school's website under KULTUUR - Redenaars. For further inquiries, the following staff can be contacted:
Afrikaansredenaars Ms Sharon de Bod ([email protected]) English Orators Ms Caitlin Page ([email protected])
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NON-SCHOOL CULTURE
We would like to acknowledge these achievements. Kindly send all relevant information to Ms L’Mri Lamprecht ([email protected]).
Sport GENERAL
The Covid-19 pandemic and associated regulations have had a major impact on our sport programme. The Woerie Cricket Week has been cancelled, as well as the friendly athletics and swimming meetings. At this stage, the in swimming inter-high has been postponed. Once the various governing bodies have made a decision, we will inform you.
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In the meantime, the various sports will be able to continue with practices within the permitted Covid-19 regulations. Strict protocols are still followed and we want to encourage learners to keep practising where possible. We trust that we will soon be able to return to normality on the sports field.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NON-SCHOOL SPORT
We would like to acknowledge learners’ achievements in non-school sport. You are requested to send relevant details to Mr Hans van Vreden ([email protected]).
General COMMUNICATION
In the light of the current situation, communication to parents will be weekly; either via our circular or a communique.
LET’S COMMUNICATE: For all circulars, as well as other information, you may visit or contact us at:
www.midstreamcollege.co.za
Facebook (search Midstream College)
Instagram (midstream_college)
NEXT CIRCULAR Thursday, 4 February 2021