As educators we are becoming increasingly alarmed by the emotional well-being of our students. It has become the norm rather than the exception for children to be on some sort of medication to treat mental health or conditions related to it. Now, although we are not medical professionals and admit that there is a place for certain of these medications, the concern is the increase in percentage of children that do need it.
It seems as if there is a silent tragedy that affects our children today. Statistics alert us on a 43% increase in ADHD, 37% increase in teen depression. These are concerning numbers and we have to take the time to look at why this is happening and what can we as adults to assist our children other than medicating these conditions.
Our children are the future. They are the next generation who will lead, inspire and teach the next generation. We cannot allow society or environmental influences around them to rob them of the opportunity to do this in a healthy condition and in a good state of mind.
Despite our efforts, with regards to providing our children with the best opportunities, we also have the responsibility to ensure that they have a well-balance environment and the guidance from their parents.
How can we do this?
Be available to your children emotionally.
Have them play outdoors and take them camping!
Give them chores around the house that will teach them responsibility.
Teach them boundaries and to respect others boundaries.
Give them responsibilities (too many children have a sense of entitlement as opposed to responsibility).
Instant gratification makes room for boredom (this is taught by too much technology).
When a video game has an age restriction, stick to it and do not provide young children with games that are not age appropriate (we see the results of this in the anger they display at school).
These are just some areas that we can change to encourage our children to be stronger and healthier human beings. I wish to encourage you to start with these small steps today and make a change in the lives of your children.
We are looking forward to great weather over the weekend and Cape Town provides us with plenty of opportunities to have our children outside and not enclosed in the house behind the television set!
Have a wonderful family time with your children this weekend.
Warm regards
Edna
Weekly Planner
Year 1 outing to the Green Point Park
On Friday the 26th of October the Year 1's attended their final outing of the year to the Green point park. In Science we are learning about plants and the students were able to identify the parts of the different plants in the 'biodiversity garden' in the park.
There are many sections to the park and the students also learnt how to tell the time using a sun dial and their bodies, the date and their reflections by holding their hands above their heads. We were able to use the outdoor gym equipment and after the tour around the park we enjoyed a picnic. The students played on the amazing jungle gyms that the park has to offer and were also able to use the outdoor gym equipment.
The Year 1's had a great outing and we look forward to going again next year.
I asked a few students in my class what they thought about the outing, here are some of the responses.
“I liked the adult gym very much “ Emily Rohlandt age 6.
“My favourite part was that we played cricket in the park” Mitchell Koen age 6.
“I liked the jungle gyms and the animal statues that we saw” Nasri Idris age 7.
Miss T White
Year 1
Year 7 and 8 Camp
On Monday morning, 21st October, the Year 7's and 8's left for camp at High Africa Adventures. During the bus ride we were all excited about what lay ahead and what the camp would be like. Shortly after arriving at camp, the students quickly found themselves faced with many situations in which they needed to live and work in harmony with others. Bunking together with their classmates was exciting for them, but they soon realized that living in a shared space came with many obligations.
During the days ahead they were faced with different challenges, along with new situations that required them to rely not only on their own abilities but on their fellow group members. Overall, it was a great experience for the students as they learned not only new skills, but also community values such as teamwork, endurance, and reliability. The different activities included rock climbing, solving challenges as a team, completing the highest obstacle course in the Western Cape and ending the camp with a "potjiekos" competition.
Ms Madelein Roodt
Year 7
We asked some of the students what stood out most for them during camp, they responded with:
Marvelous Nwadike Y7: “Because of the heat we experienced during camp, I enjoyed it most when we got to swim in the lake on the last day.”
Aeryn Reynecke Y7: “I enjoyed the different water activities the most because we had to rely on our group members in order to successfully complete it. I had a great team and we all worked together very well.”
Altesse Cimbalanga Y8: “I really enjoyed getting to know the year 7’s while on camp. I made a lot of new friends. Doing the high ropes obstacle course also stood out for me, as I got to conquer some of my fears during camp.”
Sport News
This week was another great sporting week for the school. The U10 cricket team played their first match for the term against Blouberg Ridge and despite strong and cold winds, managed to be victorious. All the players displayed excellent sportsmanship and encouraged their own teammates as well as the other team throughout the match.
Well done to Dale Barker who was awarded 'Man of the Match'. Next week Monday the U10 team will face Curry Century City at the Parklands Sport Complex. We hope to see our supporters there.
Ms Yvette Fourie
Sports Coordinator
KS2 Sport Results
Sport Fixtures
News from IES & SEK Schools from around the World
SENSE-ational You
For Kindergarten’s Unit of Inquiry, “SENSE-ational You,” the students learned about the 5 senses, the human body, and the different ways to stay healthy. To start the unit, they listened to the story Skeleton Hiccups, as well as many non-fiction books including Our Skin and Bones and The Amazing Human Body. The students used their creativity to craft their own skeletons with straws. After labeling the different bones such as the skull, tibia & fibia, spine and the ribs, the Kindergarten scientists took a trip to a high school classroom. During their lesson with Miss Tylar, the students learned about all of the bones in their bodies and how to keep them healthy! How many bones are in the human body? 206 to be exact! The Kindergarten kids at Boca Prep are so knowledgeable!
Boca Prep International School USA
The Lava Lamp Science Experiment
Introducing Science experiments in the early stages of learning is an effective means of getting young students interacting with the world around them. As part of our educational curriculum, we carry out experiments where our students observe how two or more ingredients combine - sometimes to create a new substance or sometimes to give unexpected results! The Lava Lamp Experiment.
