Dear Parents

THE ART OF TEACHING IS THE ART OF ASSISTING DISCOVERY
As we come to the end of a long and busy Term 1, it is important to take time out and reflect. It is something I do in both a personal, as well as a professional capacity. As a school, it is vital that we look back and reflect in order to build towards the future. Reflection has many facets. Reflecting on work enhances its meaning. Reflecting on experiences encourages insight and complex learning. We foster our own growth when we control our learning, so some reflection is best done alone. Reflection is also enhanced, however, when we consider our learning with others.

As mentioned in my title, it was Mark Van Doren who said it best: The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.

What an amazing statement. For me, this statement nails it. This philosophy of Mark Van Doren, professor of Columbia University, unites all the best findings in the area of teaching. In one simple sentence, he has expressed what a learning process should feel like for every single child. However, what exactly does this statement mean?
 
The best way to describe this process is to remember how you learned to ride a bicycle. Your father or mother taught you everything about walking it properly, keeping balance and avoiding falling. You were eager to try, and finally you mounted it and rushed forward. Wasn’t it one of the greatest moments in your life? Probably, your triumph went on for only a few minutes and your father was most likely running beside you, holding your bicycle. That said, it was your achievement.
 
This is an ideal model of how learning should be facilitated. A teacher assists in the process, but he or she never takes away the discovery component. A child should gain some knowledge through his or her own efforts. Information obtained in this way is much more valuable and better retained.

Teachers who promote reflective classrooms ensure that children are fully engaged in the process of making meaning. They organise instruction so that the children are the producers, and are not just the consumers, of knowledge. To best guide children in the habits of reflection, these teachers approach their role as that of ‘facilitator of meaning making.’ All things considered, please know that it is the aim of our teachers to assist discovery and promote curiosity within the walls of our classrooms.
 
I have enjoyed many positive discussions with parents this past term. Once again, I repeat the call for parents to come in and engage with us. We are in a partnership with your child and his or her well-being is central to this partnership. From personal experience, I understand walking in the front door at home to be faced with this issue or that issue from school. I always make sure that I have the facts in front of me before making a final decision.

From a staff point of view, Mrs Roberg will assume the mantle of Grade 5 Head effective Term 2. I would like to thank Mrs Joachim for her commitment to this post and we look forward to what lies ahead under the leadership of Mrs Roberg.

I would like to thank Mrs Evans for her upcoming second Orange River Experience, which runs from Friday 31 March to Tuesday 4 April. What a wonderful opportunity for your children! My thanks also go to Miss Abdulla and Mr Toro for joining in the fun and adventure. My best wishes go to Anke Smit who is getting married to Jandré Stramrood on Saturday 1 April. May you have many happy years together and I wish you both God's richest blessings.

Please note that the school photograph packs will be coming home on Friday. These will be billed to your school account as per the letter sent out on 14 February. That said, if you do not wish to purchase the photo pack, it can be returned to your child’s class teacher on the first day of next term and your account will not be debited.

Further to this is that Mrs Rehana Farmer will also be taking class photographs later this year, so you will also have an opportunity to purchase these photographs. These photographs will be available to purchase via Rehana's website, details of which will be advertised in a newsletter closer to the time.

Thank you for engaging with the teachers during the recent Parent/Teacher Meetings. I believe that these opportunities are of vital importance. I also believe that these conversations need to be ongoing as we roll out continuous assessment. In brief, continuous assessment looks at your child’s overall capabilities over a period of time whereas a Test Week provides a snapshot of a child’s ability during a very limited period of time. I do believe, supported by research, that continuous assessment provides a better way to judge a child’s level of knowledge, skill and expertise. That said, we need to prepare your children for differentiated assessment.

Please do not hesitate to continue to be in touch with staff as we collaborate in nurturing and challenging your child to be the best that they can be. Please be reminded that the Grade 6 and 7 Test Week takes place from 25-31 May. I would like to extend my thanks to the teachers for their planning and preparation for the three days of Parent/Teacher Meetings.

As we end off this term, I would like to wish each family a special Easter period whereby the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated. May you and your family experience a wonderful rest together. Enjoy the holidays with each other. Appreciate the small things and have fun!