Dear Parent/Guardian

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ.

This is the last communication for the second term. We thank you for your understanding throughout this term as we continue to face Covid-19.

Second term Last Week:

Please note that the last school day for this term for learners is Friday, 2 July 2021. Learners writing this week are expected to return to school for their exams. The last day of school for learners is as follows:

• Grade 1’s last day – 25 June 221
• Pre-grade R, grade R, 2, 3, 4 and 7’ last day – Wednesday, 30 June 2021
• Grade 6’s last day – Thursday 1 July 2021
• Grade 5, 8 and 9’s last day – Friday, 2 July 2021

Principal’s Desk:

After an uncertain start this year due to the pandemic, we eventually got into our regular rhythm of work. Our academic programme is on track and we thank God Almighty for that.

Absenteeism: We have had too many learners staying at home or learners bunking class towards the end of the term. We remind you of the stipulations of the school’s Code of Conduct for learners, that it is a requirement that learners attend school regularly and only be absent in unavoidable circumstances. As a parent/guardian, you are responsible to ensure that your child attends school regularly and communicate telephonically or via a letter notifying the school of the reason for him/her to be absent. Failure to comply could lead to your child being deregistered – we cannot take responsibility of your child’s safety and progress if these measures are not followed strictly.

Academics: A special appeal to help us achieve the best with your child through helping them appreciate school work: monitor their study habits as we strive to work together as a three-legged pot: child, school and parent/guardian. Please also encourage reading: of newspapers, books and stories found in different media platforms.

Finance

We thank the parents/guardians that have been faithful in maintaining the school fees timeously, and working according to the school’s finance policy. Parents/guardians that have not been meeting their financial obligations are strongly advised to do so and communicate with the school about the payment dates. We ask that the finance policy signed be fulfilled as agreed upon to avoid the consequences stipulated.

We ask that payments made use EFT, debit orders, cell phone banking and internet banking or the speed point machine at school. Please ensure the correct reference is used to avoid incorrect balances – the child’s name, surname and grade.

Conquesta:

Please note that payment for the Conquesta exam has been extended to 29 July, 2021. If learners have not paid yet, they may do so. Please ensure the reference is the child’s name and surname and Conquesta if payment is made at the bank or online.

Third Term

Please note that all learners from grade R to grade 7 will attend school from the first day. Day Care and Pre-Grade R will also be opening on the same day. Grade 8 and 9 will continue rotating in the third term. Grade 8 will start the term with us.

The school will follow the opening dates announced by the Minister of Basic Education – that means we will open on 19 July 2021. Please note that if there are changes regarding the reopening of school closer to the dates, we will communicate via sms, WhatsApp and on our Facebook page. Please also see our website www.stepaheadprimary.co.za for updates and news. It is of the utmost importance that we have the updated contacts of all parents/guardians. If you have not received a sms regarding the opening during the holidays, please see our website, Facebook page, or WhatsApp for updates.

Reports

The second term reports will not be available for collection at the end of this term. Instead, reports will be issued to learners in their first week of the third term to the learners attending. We would ideally like all parents to receive the reports so as to track the learner’s academic progress. Please ensure that fee are up to date.

We understand that we live in uncertain times, with information changing based on the current state of the country. As a school, we are obliged to keep within the laws of the country and those of the Department of Basic Education. We will always give our best to ensure we communicate correct information as soon as possible so that learners are not disadvantaged. Therefore, we ask for patience as we move through the year, communicating changes and attempt to maintain a stable teaching and learning environment for all learners and staff.

May we join hands together and fight Covid-19, reminding learners to always wear masks in public and maintaining hygiene at all times.
We hope the holiday is a safe and restful one for all.

 

Yours in service

 

Principal