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Dear Parents and Guardians
 
We can be proud of the nine days of distance learning we have under our belts. No one has commented that it has been easy, but many have said the experience has taught them an immense amount. My last week has been filled with meetings connecting with as many people as possible. This has included management, teachers, girls and CPL parents. Your feedback has been invaluable and again on Friday, the staff met to evaluate their teaching thus far, and reflect on your input.
 
Feedback on the Foundation Phase offer:
 
Parents have enjoyed using the seesaw platform and 'welcomed' the increased workload of the last few days. The work is clear and the assignments engaging. The girls have enjoyed the regular written feedback given by teachers. The teachers in turn, have loved receiving comments, voice notes and videos from their students.  The peeps they get into the girls’ lives during lockdown have been precious and animals seem to be getting much coverage!
 
In the Foundation Phase class setup, girls are not used to long stretches of independent learning. There is constant interaction and the 'vibey' atmosphere draws them in and keeps them focused. Without this, parents have had to step in and give much support. Thank you. For those of you who are juggling jobs, children and household chores, it is impossible to oversee your daughter’s entire school day. Please concentrate on the core academic subjects of Mathematics and Literacy, with a session of Mathletics. As time passes, the girls will increase their ability to work independently and this skill cannot be rushed.
 
What has been sorely missed is the personal interaction between teachers and girls. For this reason, the Teams platform was introduced this past week. Every child is now able to meet and talk to the teacher as well as enjoy small group teaching and interaction which commenced this week. There will also be learning support tutorials with Miss Edries giving valuable input too. Teachers will also be introducing some pre-recorded lessons as well as live classroom interaction. As the girls become familiar with this, they will learn the etiquette required for this to be a successful forum. It is encouraging to see how much they have learned in just nine days of teaching.
 
Intermediate Phase feedback:
 
Parents are happy with both the amount of work given but also want more pre-recorded lessons and personal interaction with the girls. This past week, teachers have been focusing on this aspect as well as experimenting with live (recorded) lessons in some classes. Pre-recorded teaching has been most successful and girls have managed their independent learning reasonably well.
 
Teachers believe that a few girls are not taking advantage of the potential distance learning offers. The academic assignments are not there for days when the girls feel like working and the small group teaching is potentially the most enriching part of the day. The girls’ non-attendance affects the entire group and they miss vital information  and discussion as well as social connectivity. Other girls are not finishing or submitting work which is frustrating. For those girls who run into problems, there are many ways to contact the teacher. There may be a myriad of genuine reasons why a student cannot go online and submit work. However, this is the time when they need to show tenacity and accountability in their approach to their work. Many have proved they can navigate through different social media platforms with ease and now they have to use these same internet skills with their work.
 
Distance learning may have given you new insight into the true nature of your daughter. If she is naturally diligent and has high levels of concentration, she is probably soaring in this new arena. However, for those who need the discipline of the classroom setting and struggle with task completion, it will be more challenging. Teachers know their customers and are making every effort to support their individual students according to their particular needs. Where possible, please help your daughter in her journey towards independent learning.
 
While I have met with our CLP parents and listened to their insightful feedback, I miss the connection with parents generally. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email me.
 
As soon as there is an announcement by Minister of Education, Angie Motshekga - a date which continues to move -  Mrs Frayne will outline our plans for a staggered return to school if that's allowed. We are all keen to be back at work and our teachers are missing their charges desperately. 
 
Finally, I wish our Muslim families peace and enlightenment during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem.
 
Warm regards,
Carol te Water
 
 
 

Grade 1

 
Erin Gardiner, Grade 1MW, giving her teachers some advice for the day:

“You can do it, I believe in you.”

The morning message was “Have courage and be kind.”



Miss Cooper's cat, Kohl, wants to be a part of all of her online teaching sessions. He has become so loved by all of her girls that they send him fan mail!
 
Luciana Glansbeek doing Number Sense with her dog.

 
 
 

Grade 4

 
Grade 4s carrying out science experiments - learning about the water cycle and phases of matter - they learnt how to make their own clouds.

 
 
 
 

Grade 5

 
Grade 5s had to listen to information about the planets and then draw a picture representation. They needed to include relevant details. Here is Lily Powers with her beautiful illustration.
 
 
 

Grade 6

 
Grade 6s had to make lockdown memes. Here is one from Kate Dalling. They also had to come up with an Afrikaans name for a meme - hers is 'n lag lag.

  Grade 6 English cartoon activity

 
 
 

Grade 7

 
Grade 7s created Lockdown themed memes as part of a visual literacy activity where they explored AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) principles and techniques.

 

 
 
 

Ms Lang's Artroom

 

Caitlin Hartog, Grade 7, explores the effects of Covid-19 on our planet in her submission: "Protect the planet the way you would protect yourself."

Excellence in Education Awards says "The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 encourages everyone to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. With rising greenhouse gas emissions, climate change is
occurring at rates much faster than anticipated and its effects are felt worldwide. We challenge students to raise awareness on this pressing matter."


Chiara (Grade 5) and Rafaelle (Grade 1) Miglietta - bonding through being at home and being able to do activities together.
 
  Ms Lang asked the Grade 2s to create art using nature as we celebrated Earth Day this week. They had to take inspiration from artist Andy Goldsworthy.



Warm and cool colours by Amelia Mockford Grade 3

 

Grace Pienaar Grade 5 Paper Fashion Dolls


Kira Henning Grade 5 Paper Doll


Helena Suska Grade 4 Zentangle Name Plate


Kate Seaward Grade 6


Amelia Theron Grade 6
 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Stay strong. Stand up. Have a voice."

- Shawn Johnson
 
 
 
Water Wise
 
 
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Gorge Road, Oranjezicht, Cape Town 8001 Tel: +27 (0)21 461 1090 www.stcyprians.co.za
 
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