Circular 04/2022

Dear Parent

On behalf of the School Governing Body and all staff members we wish to thank you for your continued support during this term. We have started the next journey as far as the academic year is concerned.  We yet again are faced with an uncertain future in these turbulent times we find ourselves in.  We have had numerous challenges thrown in our path.  We have had to navigate the return of our precious learners to full school attendance and this has not been an easy transition to say the least.

Even before the pandemic, schools, irrespective of their level of educational performance, provided much more than formal learning.  They represented spaces of structure, routine and predictability where, through daily interaction with others, children learnt relational dynamics and socialization.  These are extremely important aspects of a child’s overall development and contribute towards creating a sense of containment, social boundaries and self-regulation.

Since the start of the pandemic, due to physical distancing regulations, children have not been able to play as usual during break time.  The loss or absence of play has resulted in poor concentration and a lack of participation in classroom activities, especially among younger children.  Reduced physical development as a result of diminished play has been reported by primary school teachers as a grave concern.

The absence of social interaction through play, connection and appropriate physical contact has already affected the healthy development of children and adolescents in many ways – cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically.  Instead of providing structure and routine, the majority of schools in our country have due to the pandemic become fragile spaces of uncertainty and unpredictability.  The impact has been felt at York Road Primary with a noticeable rise in unacceptable behaviour amongst our learners.  Learners no longer seem to know how to act or socialize with one another since the full return.  I therefore appeal to the parents to monitor our precious learners, check their cell phones to prevent WhatsApp groups from being created as the inevitable pack mentality will set in.  Please take note of the company your child is keeping especially during this short break.

We as a York Road Family and greater community owe it to ourselves to have faith that we will get through this difficult time.  Until that day arrives I urge everyone to practise safety when interacting with others especially during this holiday period.  We must not let our guard down as the risk is far too great.  It is especially during difficult times that we as a community realise just how resilient we are, how despite all the challenges and battles ahead we remain steadfast in our resolve to persevere and be victorious. I truly believe there is no substitute for the human spirit.

PARENT INFORMATION

It is essential that our school have all the relevant and updated information for each learner/parent. In light of this I thank all parents who have promptly returned their York Road Primary Data Information Sheet.

2023 ADMISSION

We encourage all Grade 7 parents to complete their online application for Grade 8 (2023). Please note that Online Applications for Grade R, 1 and 7 closes on 15 APRIL 2022.

TERM 2

School commences for the learners on Tuesday 05 April 2022.

FUNDRAISING

Upcoming fundraiser “Collect a Meal”. We would like to extend a huge thank you to those parents who have generously donated towards our fundraiser and who have placed their orders. Unfortunately, despite postponing our Collect-a-meal due to poor parent response, we have only received a third of the orders placed during our previous Collect-a-meal held in 2021.

A reminder: “Collect a Meal”, is on Friday 8 April 2022. The last day to place orders will be on Wednesday 6 April.

UNIFORM

During Term 2 and 3 it is compulsory for all learners to wear the winter uniform as stipulated in the School’s Code of Conduct. (Available on the schools website SCHOOL RULES)

Extract from Code of Conduct