Circular 04/2025

We have concluded, what has presented as an excessively busy term.

School fees

I wish to use this opportunity to thank parents and guardians, who continue to display steadfast commitment to the school and our children.  Hereby investing in the maintenance of an established building, consistent development of educational resources and the regular payment of school fees.

Without your loyal support, we will not be able to function optimally and will not be capable of providing our learners with the quality education anticipated from both parent and child.

York Road Primary is identified as a quintile 5 fee paying school.  Our position indicates that we are responsible for all matters pertaining to the maintenance and further development of the school’s infrastructure, utility bills and additional teaching resources.

School fee payments are crucial.  We depend on parents to ensure that their child(ren’s) school fees are paid routinely and timeously. It is essential to prioritize the child’s academic needs.  We are assured that parents envision a space where their children can be nurtured and kept safe.  Ensuring that school fees are paid, secures a sustained investment for learners and allow us to fully secure our infrastructure to enhance this vision. Among others:  sufficient teaching staff, class assistants, maintenance and security staff, educational resources for all classrooms, improvement of ablution facilities and classrooms.

PLEASE NOTE:  The cost of school fees for 2025 has not been adjusted.

School fees paid, as at the 7^th March 2025 totalled at R 441 435,00.  Since the start of our school year, essential expenses on salaries and maintenance of key areas in and around the building has mounted to R929 026,50.  A continued shortfall will result in staff reduction and the removal of all technological resources which merit regular upkeep in the classrooms.

Please, honour your commitment to the school by paying your child’s school fees or alternatively, apply for school fee exemption from the office.

Behaviour

The staff express thanks to parents and guardians who availed their time to attend York Road Primary’s first Parent Teacher meetings (23/01 – 29/01/2025) and subsequent individual meetings. Most learners have adjusted to their new classrooms, educators and peers, with some learners finding difficulty, expressing their anxieties through unacceptable behavioural patterns:  bullying, fighting, name calling, refusal to adhere to classroom rules and the school’s code of conduct.

The Zero Tolerance Strategy this term, has been implemented to emphasize the importance of acceptable conduct.  All learners should feel safe at school and feel comfortable in and outside the class.  It is expected that parents, discipline and share community supported morals and values with their children.

During the Valentine’s Week learners were encouraged to exercise good values; respect, kindness, sharing, patience and politeness, towards their educators and peers.  Learners are also introduced to the following values, in the classroom:  COMMITMENT, PURPOSEFULNESS, ACCOUNTABILITY, SERVICE, COURTESY, HONESTY, RELIABILITY, HELPFULNESS, CLEANLINESS, DILIGENCE, RESPONSIVENESS and JOYFULNESS.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to exhibit these values, for our children to follow in their exemplary footsteps.

Celebration

This year YORK ROAD PRIMARY marks its 175th year.  In itself an amazing milestone and we are truly humbled to be able to witness this salient event.

To celebrate this significantly, historic event, York Road Primary will be hosting a Jazz evening on the 30^th of May, 2025 culminating in our very first Spring Carnival, scheduled for September 2025. Support from our parent community will ensure success, as we celebrate a magnificent milestone and continue to provide our learners with essential resources.  Further details will follow in upcoming circulars, on Rise Communicator.

Systemic Results 2024

York Road Primary systemic results for our Grade 3 and Grade 6 learners, have been released:

We congratulate all staff members and parents who diligently monitor our learners’ academic progress.  There remains room for improvement and we encourage staff and parents alike to raise the bar for the 2025 Systemic results. “En Avant” ever forward we will go!

Parent Teacher Meetings

Our much anticipated ‘one-on-one’ parent meetings will occur from 14 April 2025 to 17 April 2025.  Parents have been invited to select 15minute meeting slots and will meet the educators in their classrooms, at York Road Primary.  These meetings are crucial to; foster parent and teacher face-to-face relationships, reporting of March results with required recommendations, parent input and enquiries concerning learner development or health and the way forward.  All educators are required to meet with all parents, in this first face-to-face meeting at the school and will submit a meeting register at the end of the sessions. Confirmation letters will be issued when learners return in the first school week of April, Term Two.

Van Kalke Studios

From 22 April 2025 Van Kalke Studios will be taking individual learner photographs, at York Road Primary School. A flyer, with details, will be posted on the Rise Communicator, should parents wish to order photographs of their children.

Uniform

Learners will be returning to school on the 8^th of April 2025 and will wear the WINTER UNIFORM:

No deviations permitted. It is essential that all clothing items and other belongings are marked with the name and surname of the owner.

The school’s 2^nd hand clothing store will be accessible via the office, from 08h00 – 11h00.

In addition:

Conclusion

We are engaged in earnest planning, to ensure further development at York Road Primary, which may include, but is not restricted to, the construction of an indoor pool and necessary improvements to our hall, sport facilities and classrooms. None of the planned projects can be accomplished without your unwavering support.

Staff

To the staff of York Road Primary School, which include:  teaching staff, the maintenance team, support staff and the safety team, I proclaim an immense measure of appreciation.  THANK YOU for your perseverance and untiring efforts to enrich the lives of young boys and girls entrusted to your care. The difference you make in the lives and indeed the future cannot be quantified.

Be proud of how you’ve been handling these past few months. The silent battles
you fought, the moments you had to humble yourself.  Wiped your own tears
and patted yourself on the back.  Be proud of YOU!

Special thanks to parents who have sent inspirational words of encouragement to staff members in the form of praise and adulations for the difficult situations they have to endure, on a regular basis. Our staff truly appreciate these kind tributes.

Parents and learners

Please take care good care of each other and allow the children to have a restful break.  Learners who have not been academically successful, this term, must utilize this period for revision.

Don’t give up yet! You’ve not reached your goal.

To our Muslim community. York Road SGB, management and staff convey heartfelt wishes for a wonderful Eid, filled with peace, love and joy.

Sincerely
Mr. M. C. Johnson (Principal)