15 April, 2016
Dear Parents,
It is with much trepidation that we follow the various current events in the media
related to amongst other things: the recent politically charged findings of
constitutional court, the strength (or not so much) of our currency and the looming
threat of a national credit downgrade, the terrible GDP growth forecasts for 2016 (and
beyond), and the subsequent increased financial pressure brought about by increasing
inflation and interest rates.
It is with this in mind that we, as parents are constantly reminded that our children
may very well in future, find themselves faced with the difficult decision of staying in
South Africa or seeking socio-economic prosperity (or even just stability) in another
country. This is an unpopular reality, but one that we must make peace with, and
embrace for the sake of our children’s futures (and for our sanity).
This leads me to the much needed adjustment that we as parents and teachers must
adopt in our attempts to understand the “how” of cultivating our children for global
citizenship. At the core of this adjustment lies the principle of application. We used to
say that “knowledge is power”. This may still be true to an extent, but the reality is
that in the modern information age, the application of knowledge is where the real
power lies.
At Founders Hill College, we are, and will continue to find creative ways and means to
“give life” to subject content. It is our ambition to challenge our learners to develop
the ability to apply, make judgments and ultimately create new knowledge which in
turn will position them for life as global citizens.
Warm regards,
Chris van Niekerk
PRINCIPAL
GENERAL INFORMATION
OPEN DAY
We had our first open since the inception of the school in January earlier this week.
We had approximately 200 visitors on the day, and 140 application packs were taken
by prospective parents. This all bodes extremely well for the future growth of the
school. I would like to thank Mrs. Goslin as well as the following parents who
assisted with hosting and information on the day: Jane de Klerk, Antonella Illman,
Lee-Anne Verberne, Julian Pitse and Nalize Browne. Thank you for giving so
generously of your time. Your efforts are valuable and much appreciated.
SUPERSPORT FOOTBALL
As you know, we have partnered with the Modder Sports Complex in several of our
extra-murals. As part of this arrangement we are happy to introduce the Supersport
Schools football programme. This programme is an elite soccer offering endorsed by
Supersport and aimed at talent development in soccer. Attached to this newsletter,
you will find an introduction and information letter from the organisers. This
programme is for the parent’s personal account and is offered over and above the
current soccer coaching in the extra-mural programme.
ROBOTICS
We are happy to announce that we will be phasing in robotics as an extra – mural
during this term. We intend on starting with the grade 4’s and will extend the
programme to the lower grades in terms 3 and 4. To launch the programme we have
accepted a “robotics challenge” from the University of Johannesburg where they will,
upon the successful completion of the project donate the first “robot kit” to the
school. We are, with this in mind, looking for a mechanically oriented parent to
partner with the learners for the UJ challenge. Will any interested parties please
contact Ms. Bev Singh at [email protected] to get involved? Your
contribution in this regard is highly appreciated.
THE WEEK AHEAD – SPECIAL EVENTS
Day
Friday
April
Event
22 Hearing Test
Information
The 2nd round of hearing tests conducted during
school time.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Occupational Therapy: Hayley Leonardi (072 552 7285)
Speech Therapy: Robyn Mordt (082 423 3601)
Educational Psychology: Dr. Mavis Clark (083 258 2810)
(Please collaborate with teachers)