I AM BECAUSE WE ARE - Enjoying the Grade 2 & 3 Gala
Dear Parents, Staff and Pupils
Raving about reading
The cosy weather over Half Term was so conducive to reading that once
again, as an avid reader and lover of all things bookish, I was led to revisit the
research on reading.
It came as no surprise that although reading is a complex activity which
requires mediation with regard to skills such as comprehension and analysis,
the basic skill, like any other, can only become honed with practice. Sheer
volumes of reading develop competency and reading competency remains the
single highest predictor of successful academic outcomes.
Daily reading practice increases the number of words that a child is exposed to
and thus children who only read for 15 minutes a day are likely to encounter
significantly fewer words than children who read for 30 minutes a day.
Over time, the collective impact of spending a little extra daily time reading is
astounding. This graphic shows the exposure to words over time.
Monday 6 March
SP Maths Assembly - Mr Ramollo
07h30-08h30
Auditorium
Friday 10 March
Civvies Day - Own choice
All day
JP Assembly - Grade 3S
All day
Auditorium
Monday 13 March
SP Music Assembly - Mrs Koller
07h30-08h30
Auditorium
Tuesday 14 March
Pi Day
All day
Wednesday 15 March
High School production - GREASE
18h30 Auditorium
Thursday 16 March
High School production - GREASE
18h30 Auditorium
Friday 17 March
High School production - GREASE
18h30 Auditorium
It remains a fact that high-performing students read a lot. The sooner, though,
one addresses the issue of reading, the easier it is to address falling academic
outcomes. Research shows that students who are struggling, but who begin to
spend time engaging in appropriately challenging texts, from seven or eight
years of age quickly start to accelerate growth and narrow the achievement
gaps. High quality instruction coupled with more time spent reading, additional
encounters with new words and chances to demonstrate reading
comprehension enables struggling readers to surge forward and be better
prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in further schooling and even in the
workforce, where ongoing professional development through reading, is often
a key differentiator.
MySchool Card
The MySchool Card programme
raises welcome funds for the PA and
our outreach programmes - it is so
easy to use, too!
If you are new to our school
please contact Jacqui to arrange a
card for you. Contact her at 072
290-0601
or
by
email
at
[email protected].
Click here to learn more about this
programme
Newsletter Classifieds
The Classifieds section appears in
all three of the Dainfern College
newsletters each week.
The Classifieds appear in all three of
our weekly newsletters and rates are
highly competitive.
The statistics are showing that despite changing patterns of reading behaviour,
most high achieving individuals read for pleasure.
A report that analyses reading patterns of United States children, adults and
teenagers from more than 40 sources shows that the fact that nearly one third
of American teenagers drop out of school is inextricably connected to declining
literacy and reading comprehension. Low levels of reading and writing ability
correlate with achievement in the job market. Deficient readers are less likely
to become active in civic life, voting and volunteerism. Reading correlates with
almost every level of successful personal and social behaviour surveyed.
Simply put, reading advantages one and has been shown to correspond
directly to success in every realm of life; the achievement of personal goals,
success as a citizen, success in the workplace and success in every social and
economic sphere.
Most alarming is that presently less than half the adult population of America
reads for pleasure and the percentage of teenagers who read nothing at all has
doubled over the past 20 years. More than 20 percent of adults read at or
below a fifth-grade level, which is far below that required to do basic work.
There is no doubt that the cost of illiteracy to business and economies is
significant.
In her book, “The Smartest Kids in the World”, Amanda Ripley, investigating
achievement in the international academic benchmark assessments, makes it
quite clear that there is a critical link between academic success and children
who are read to from birth and exposed to dinner-time conversations.
Whilst we at Dainfern College engage, excite and intentionally try to ignite the
fire of reading in our pupils, parents also play a crucial role in modelling
reading as a purposeful, pleasurable and rewarding activity in their homes.
Parents need to read and talk about the books they are reading. They also
need to read to their children, facilitating and mediating these books and
stories too.
Reading should not be something we have to drive. Like breathing, eating and
sleeping, it is not negotiable.
Contact Leanne Ford for further
information onIssue
082 900
1 7390 or at
[email protected].
16 April 2014
Helen Fish
Chair of the PA
076 750 1255
Contact the PA:
Email: [email protected]
Website links:
About the PA
Tuckshop Cards
CANSA Shavathon
Sincere thanks to Mrs Norton, Mrs Dube and all the moms and teachers who
helped ensure that this fun drive to raise funds for Cancer research was once
again a great success. It is so important for our community and children to
learn to reach out to others. It is in that empathy and the understanding of the
power that is within us to make a difference that we come to understand “I am
because we are.”
Civvies Day: 10 March
Next Friday, 10 March we have a civvies day for the whole school. The
children can enjoy the opportunity to be creative and comfortable and simply
to wear something that they choose to wear!
Have a happy weekend!
Patti Blackhurst
Principal:
Dainfern College Junior Preparatory
Earth Hour: Saturday 4 March 2017
As has become tradition, the High School will be celebrating Earth Hour on
Saturday 4 March from 18h00 to 21h00 - come rain or shine! This is aimed at
highlighting our commitment to environmentalism as one of our Round Square
IDEALS. Our Grade 7 pupils, as part of their senior privileges, have been
invited to attend a wonderful evening with the rest of the High School as
we acknowledge climate change. Pupils who are going to attend are asked to
bring along their picnic baskets and blankets to celebrate the evening. Further
information may be obtained from Mrs Sonia Claassen, Head of Round Square
at [email protected].
The Book People: 9 & 10 March 2017
Parents and children are invited to come to the Media Centre and buy books
from The Book People on 9 and 10 March, from 09h00 to 15h00 on both days.
Card facilities will be available.
We hope to see you there!
Michelle Macaulay
Media Centre
High School major production – Book now!
GREASE: It's the word... it's got groove... it's got meaning…!
The worldwide hit is back! Dainfern College High School proudly presents a
contemporary production of everybody's favourite musical - Grease. Set in a
fictional high school, Grease tells the story of a group of teens trying to
negotiate the complexities of adolescence. Rock and roll music and popular hit
songs accompany this high-energy production which highlights the themes of
understanding somebody else's story, what it means to fit in, personal values,
friendship and love. Grease runs from 15 to 17 March, in the Dainfern College
Auditorium, at 18h30. Online booking is now open – click here or use our
Facebook and website links. Tickets are R80 each - book soon to avoid
disappointment as we are expecting sell-out performances!
Note: When booking tickets, parents should keep in mind that, like the popular
movie, this stage version of Grease may include some mild swearing, ‘drinking’
and ‘smoking’ as well as a reference to teenage pregnancy.
Easter egg collection for Outreach
On 1 March we started our Easter egg drive for our identified schools and
crèches. This annual collection of Easter eggs will certainly help to put a smile
on the faces of those less fortunate. If you would like to participate in this
whole school initiative, please hand in your chocolate marshmallow eggs to
your child's class teacher. Many thanks for your continued support.
Sheila Norton & Busi Dube
JP & SP Outreach Coordinators
“Be anxious for nothing, but in
everything
by
prayer
and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known to
God; and the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6 - 7
Our children are significantly shaped
and moulded by their experiences at
school.
One
of
the
great
contributions you, as a parent, can
make over these years is to PRAY –
not only for your own children, but
also for other students at Dainfern
College, the staff, and all aspects
relating to the school. We have
started a Parent Prayer group that
meets weekly to pray over the
needs of our school community.
The focus of the focus of the prayer
group is:
 To bring the needs of our
children and the school before
God.
 To support and encourage one
another as parents of Dainfern
College.
 To pray for the Heads, teachers,
staff and parents.
 To be a Christ-centred, positive
and supportive influence at
Dainfern College.
The parent prayer group is a very
informal meeting of parents, where
time is spent praying over the needs
of our school. Everyone is welcome.
The prayer meetings take place
every Friday at 07h30 in the meeting
room behind the Main Reception. If
you would like more information
please
email
me
at
[email protected].
I look forward to seeing the Power of
Prayer active at Dainfern College.
Cheryl Coetzee
High School Deputy Principal:
Pastoral Care, Leadership &
Outreach
"Old" branding on uniform items
As we have refreshed our logo and thus changed the branding on our
uniform over the past two years, many families now have uniform items with
old branding that they are no longer using. We have arranged to donate all
these items to the Gift of the Givers organisation who will then distribute them
outside of Gauteng to a deserving community.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to donate old uniforms
to a good cause, please send these items to the College Shop by Friday 10
March 2017.
Deidré Proxenos
Marketing Manager
Music
Several pupils from Dainfern College entered the Viebz competition which
was held at St Andrew’s School last week. Congratulations to Robert van den
Steen and Jaimie Piguet who qualified for the finals. We are also delighted to
inform you that Jaimie Piguet came second in this very prestigious
competition. Well done, Jaimie!
Many students are also currently performing at the National Eisteddfod
Young Performers Competition which is being held at the Roodepoort
Theatre. We wish all our pupils performing the best of luck.
Gillian Koller
Acting Head of Music
Kidi’s Korner
Last week’s question: What is half of a third of 90?
Last week’s answer: 15
This week’s question: Eight girls share a 1kg box of chocolates equally
among themselves. How many grams does each one get?
Friday 3 March
Montrose Night Series
16h00
Cricket: Innings 1
17h21
Netball: 1st match
20h00
Cricket: Innings 2
18h45
Netball: 2nd match
19h27
Netball: 3rd match
Monday 6 March
Open 3rd XI Cricket vs Beaulieu
14h00
Home
Wednesday 8 March
Open Girls’ Tennis vs HeronBridgel
14h00-15h30
HeronBridge
Bus departs at 13h15, returns 17h00
Thursday 9 March
Softball vs King’s College Sandton
14h00
King’s
College
Sandton
Bus departs at 13h00, returns 17h00
Open Boys’ Tennis vs Beaulieu
14h00
Home
Kidi Ramollo
Head of Mathematics
JP Sportswoman of the Week:
Emily Kruger for excelling in Equestrian at the first qualifier of the sea.
JP Sportsman of the Week:
Dylan Boermeester for demonstrating sportsmanship and tenacity at
Tennis.
Cultural Stars of the Week:
Tyra Nelson for her quick thinking in Chess.
Cameron Wolpert for his clever moves in Chess.
Extramurals
Our first term extramurals are nearing the end of their respective seasons and
the new “Winter” extramural programme becomes effective from Wednesday
22 March. The new programme will be available within the next two weeks.
InterHouse Netball and Soccer
These matches have been scheduled for Wednesday 15 March from 13h30 to
14h30.
Softball Tournament
As mentioned last week, our first internal Softball tournament will take place on
Thursday 16 March from 14h15 to 15h15. Details will be communicated to the
players to the players and parents via email from the respective coaches.
Netball
The official Netball season starts on Tuesday 14 March for all U9 to Open
players (Grades 3-7). Due to public holidays, other school events etc
please take note of the following practices that have been scheduled:




Tue 14 March 14h15-15h15
Thu 23 March 14h15-15h15
Tue 28 March 14h15-15h15
Thu 30 March 14h15-15h15




Fri 21 March 13h30-14h30
Tue 4 April 14h15-15h15
Thu 6 April 14h15-15h15
Fri 7 April 13h30-14h30
Website links
Grade 3-7 Extramural Timetable
Hockey Coaching
High Performance Centre
Grade 2 & 3 Gala
The rather cloudy and chilly weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of our
little ones! It was wonderful to see the incredible spirit and passion of our
participants. Griffin had an epic day, finishing first overall and being awarded
the spirit trophy!
Overall results
1st - Griffin
2nd - Kraken
3rd - Phoenix
Montrose Night Series
The Montrose Night Series continues next week with our Open Cricket Boys
playing their first innings at 16h00 and then taking to the field again at 20h00.
Our Netball fixtures start at 17h21, the second match at 18h45 and the final
match of the night at 19h27. We encourage you to come along and support our
teams and be sure to wear something ORANGE!
Rugby and Hockey players
As the Pharos Sports Concussion testing is compulsory for all pupils
wishing to play rugby and hockey at Dainfern College, we are providing
the opportunity for you to have your child enrolled and tested in this
programme at the College.
The testing will take place in the Computer Lab on Wednesday 15 March
2017 from 13h30 to 15h00. The cost of the programme is R380 per pupil.
Please ask your child to collect a letter from Mr Watson in the Sports Office,
complete the return slip and return to Mr Watson by Friday 10 March 2017.
The Pharos Sports Concussion Programme is a comprehensive programme,
integrating clinical assessment of the injured player and computer software for
neuropsychological (brain function) testing. This concussion programme is a
South African Rugby Union (SARU) endorsed initiative that has been initiated
by South African sports physicians with several years’ experience in provincial
and SuperRugby.
“The five Ss of sports training are: stamina, speed, strength, skill, and spirit; but
the greatest of these is spirit.” - Ken Doherty
Tessa Shellard
Deputy Principal: Sports & Extramurals
Tuckshop & student cards
The new tuckshop system is now
operational. Credit can be loaded
onto pupils' accounts by depositing
money into the following account:





GC Boffelli
Standard Bank
Fourways Crossing
Branch 009953
Account 281 479 607.
Please use your child’s name and
surname as the beneficiary
reference.
Once payment is reflected in the
account the account will receive
the credit and pupils may make
purchases at the Tuckshop by
having
their
student
cards
scanned. Pupils are encouraged to
use their student cards at the
Tuckshop to keep the College a
cash-free zone.
Should you require any more
information please contact me at
[email protected].
Gian Boffelli
Tuckshop Manager
Unfortunately, all our fixtures last week were rained out so there are no sports
results.
LOST PROPERTY
& COLLEGE SHOP
Mondays
Tuesdays
Help feed a child
07h15-08h00
13h15-14h00
07h15-08h00
13h15-14h00
Wednesdays 07h15-08h00
13h15-14h00
Thursdays
07h15-08h00
13h15-14h00
Fridays
07h15-08h00
Dainfern College
Broadacres Drive
Dainfern
Johannesburg 2055
South Africa
Phone: +27 (0)11 469 0635
Fax: +27 (0)86 550 8930
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.dainferncollege.co.za
427 children at our partner schools in
Diepsloot are in desperate need but
we only have the funds to feed 330.
With your help we can feed all 427
children each month.
Please contact Tracey Blyth:
[email protected]
and make a difference in a
child’s life today.
Do you have a business in the area or have something to
sell? Advertise in the Dainfern College Classifieds.
For more info contact Leanne:
[email protected]
3 BEDROOM CLUSTER IN DAINFERN VALLEY TO LET:
Lovely 3 bedroom home in Dainfern 16 East - 400m from
Dainfern College. Kitchen with granite tops opens onto dining
room and lounge with air conditioner, guest toilet and store
room. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs. The main bedroom
has full en suite bathroom, air conditioner and small private
patio. Low maintenance garden. Double automated garage.
R15 950 per month excl. electricity, water and refuse.
Available 1 April 2017.
Contact Kenneth on 083-651-0608.
DAINFERN COLLEGE CLASSIFIEDS DISCLAIMER:
Dainfern College makes no warranties or representations
and bears no responsibility of any nature concerning
goods, services or otherwise advertised here. All
advertisements displayed are accepted for publication in
good faith.
Need help with Maths?
Qualified maths teacher with IEB experience available for
one-to-one assistance. All grades welcome.
Contact Amy on 0726036925 or email
at [email protected]
Top Tutors and Au pairs
We offer tuition from Grade1
to university level as well as Au
pairs.
Highly qualified Tutors
available to come to your
home and reliable Au pairs
suited for any family's needs.
Contact Chandelle Claassen
0823723333
Email: [email protected]