Dear RGHS Families

A hardworking team of cleaning and ground staff at Rustenburg have helped us create a safe and sanitised environment for our learners and the staff.  The Grade 12s have settled into a routine and I hope that they feel they are as safe as possible while at school.  We are confident that the Grade 10s and 11s will take comfort when they see the Grade 12s, who have already been here for a month, feel at home on campus.  Although it is natural to feel some apprehension when returning to a space you have not occupied for a long time, the learners quickly become accustomed to the “new normal”.  

As each of the grades have returned to school, they’ve had the opportunity to reflect on their lockdown experience and form support groups. They have also had a chance to  discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the Matrics’ protest.  A copy of the demands handed to the school by the Matric class of 2020 is available at the following link.

In order to keep the school safe and sanitised, the classrooms are fogged each morning and are therefore not ready to receive learners before 7:30am.  If at all possible, please avoid dropping learners at school before the screening stations open at 7:15am.

An enormous amount of thought, juggling, measuring, painting and hours of timetabling and planning went into the preparations for the return of the next grades.  This resulted in a decision to alternate the attendance of Grade 10 and 11 learners on campus, as explained in a letter sent out on 19 June with the amended school calendar.  As we become aware of positive COVID-19 cases affecting families we will keep you as parents informed.  A letter with information on recent infections will be sent separately to RGHS families.

All learners will continue to have the option of wearing civvies, thus allowing time for their clothes to be washed at home.  At present, Bugs’ Boutique operates sporadically.  We will post dates on the Uniform shop page on our website.

The teachers continue to adjust to teaching with a mask and to filming their lessons for streaming.  It is to their credit that they have made these changes with humour and grace and it is also a mark of the resilience and fighting spirit we all need to see us through these difficult times.  Rustenburg is fortunate to be in a position to offer facilities like livestreaming for learners who are unable to attend school during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

For those learners who have advised the school that they do not have access to the internet at home,  arrangements have been made for them to use the school’s facilities.  

It is my hope that we have learned something from this time.  Most of all, my wish is that we have learned to be grateful for what we have; for things like a family and a home.  When we get down to basics, it becomes clear that  these are the things that really count.

While we all eagerly anticipate the day when it is safe to live mask-free, I urge you to stay safe and follow protocols for a while longer. 

CIVVIES: Learners are reminded to dress appropriately for school and tie their hair back. This means no pyjamas, onesies or slippers please.

REMINDER: The tuckshop is open every day for general sales

COVID-19 resources folder

Bugs' Boutique

Life Orientation Matters

• “PREPARING MY BACKPACK FOR AN UNKNOWN JOURNEY?”
  CAREER GUIDANCE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES. This package is designed for students who are unclear about their academics, career or life in general. Before deciding on what their “destination” is, they should determine what is in their “backpack” in order to prepare themselves better, by being able to make informed decisions. Click here to download the flyer.
• The AAA School of Advertising has launched South Africa's first Ad Room aimed at grade 11 and 12 learners. Learners are invited to participate and stand a chance to win 1 of 3 bursaries including many other prizes along the way. The Ad Room is an amazing platform to harness skills and get a lot of career insights for the media, marketing, advertising and digital industry. Click here for the welcome letter, introduction and prospectus.
• Western Cape Government Health Bursaries available. Click here for more information.