Dear Parent
On behalf of the School Governing Body and all staff members we wish to thank those parents for their support during this term. We have had numerous challenges and on more than one occasion had parents send letters of complaint to the Education Department without giving the School Management Team an opportunity to deal with the issue at school level. This practice has become more prevalent across the Province. The Education Department refers the matter back to the School Management Team to address the parent’s concerns. I urge parents to please follow the proper channels and afford us the opportunity to deal with the issues at school before escalating it to a higher authority.
During Term 2 we have seen a massive increase in vandalism at school. This is particularly worrisome as it is our own learners defacing the bathroom walls. We have always ensured that our ablution facilities are clean and sanitary. To have it destroyed by our learners is unacceptable. If it continues we will be forced to implement stricter bathroom access. We appeal to parents to speak to their children about proper behaviour when using the bathrooms at school.
Since the start of the pandemic, due to physical distancing regulations, children have not been able to play as usual during break time. 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. The impact has been felt at York Road Primary with a noticeable rise in unacceptable behaviour among our learners. Learners no longer seem to know how to act or socialize with one another especially after the full return.
We have reprimand a number of learners for bullying, the use of unacceptable language and the sharing of inappropriate content on social media. Our learners are also posting tik tok videos without the necessary safety precautions. We live in an age where our learners can so easily find themselves in a situation that they are not equipped to handle. Technology, used properly is a tool we depend on but it can be dangerous especially for our children. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s cellphones use and prevent WhatsApp groups from being created.
We have seen an increase in learners using Vape’s at school. Learners are in fact purchasing these products at cafe’s in the area. Please take note of the company your child is keeping especially during this short break.
TERM TWO HIGHLIGHTS
Despite the aforementioned concerns there have been many memorable moments this term.
- School Eye Campaign during which 88 learners had their eyes tested and received spectacles
- Jade Schoeman a Grade 4 learner has qualified for the Cape Town Table Tennis Squad and will be playing in the SA Table Tennis Open
- Community Outreach – donations of food and toiletries to Cheshire Home
- Successful start of the following extra-murals: Mediators, Netball, Soccer, Chess, IMAD, Catrobat kidz
- Grade 5 Excursion to Classroom in the Clouds
- Visit form SAPS to address learner safety
- Presentation to Grade 7 learners by UCT online High School
- Visit from Film and Publication Board for Grade 6 & 7’s
- Tea4Kidz parent workshop for Grade R-3 parents was well supported by our parents
- Learner & Staff Netball matches
TERM 3
We will resume school on the Tuesday, 19 July 2022.
As many parents are aware the National Minister of Health, Dr Phaahla, repealed Regulation 16A of the Regulations Relating to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions: Amendment, 2022, in Government Gazette No. 46590 of 22 June 2022. It is therefore no longer mandatory to wear face masks in indoor public places. This also applies to public schools. Learners, educators and school-based public servants are therefore not required to wear face masks at schools. However, should a learner, educator or staff member wish to continue to wear a face mask for health reasons, they may continue to do so.
Extra-Murals which will be starting during Term 3: Art, Book Club, Ball Skills, Science Club and Reading Programme.
DISMISSAL TIMES
Dismissal times are as follows:
| GRADE | MONDAY – THURSDAY | FRIDAY | ||
| TEACHING TIME / CONTACT TIME | ARRIVAL AT GATE | TEACHING TIME / CONTACT TIME | ARRIVAL AT GATE | |
| R | 08h00 – 13h00 | 13h05 – 13h15 | 08h00 – 12h00 | 12h05 – 12h10 |
| 1 | 08h00 – 13h40 | 13h45 – 13h55 | 08h00 – 12h05 | 12h10 – 12h15 |
| 2 | 08h00 – 13h50 | 13h55 – 14h10 | 08h00 – 12h10 | 12h15 – 12h25 |
| 3 | 08h00 – 14h15 | 14h20 – 14h30 | 08h00 – 12h10 | 12h15 – 12h25 |
| 4 | 08h00 – 14h20 | 14h25 – 14h35 | 08h00 – 12h15 | 12h20 – 12h30 |
| 5 | 08h00 – 14h25 | 14h30 – 14h40 | 08h00 – 12h15 | 12h20 – 12h30 |
| 6 | 08h00 – 14h30 | 14h35 – 14h45 | 08h00 – 12h20 | 12h25 – 12h30 |
| 7 | 08h00 – 14h35 | 14h40 – 14h50 | 08h00 – 12h20 | 12h25 – 12h30 |
PARKING
Please do not park at the access gates or on the bend in Lower York Road. Parking is available in all the side streets. Park away from the Access gates and walk your child to the entrance. It is our intention to maintain our positive relationship with our school neighbours so please do not park across their driveways or block the access to their premises.
PLEASE OBSERVE ALL ROAD RULES!
Thank you to all parents who are courteous and respectful towards our safety officers, staff, neighbours and other road users. We appreciate your patience and co-operation.
SCHOOL FEES
We appeal to parents to pay School Fees as the funds are required to create a clean and safe environment as well as to provide quality education.
Please deposit school fees directly into the School’s Bank Account.
| ACCOUNT NAME: | York Road Primary School |
| BANK: | First National Bank |
| BRANCH: | Lansdowne |
| BRANCH CODE: | 203 209 |
| ACCOUNT NUMBER: | 5488 163 0403 |
| REFERENCE: | Name Surname and Grade of learner |
Please send proof of payment to the Bursar by email: bursar@yorkroadprimary.co.za
Please take care and let the learners have a restful break. Learners who have not been academically successful need to utilize their holidays for revision.
I would also like to thank the parents who have sent inspirational words of encouragement to staff members in the form of praise and thanks for the often difficult work they do on a daily basis, it is truly appreciated.
I urge everyone to practice 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.
I recently came across the following and felt that it would be worthwhile to share….
“Parents, if you let your child argue with you, they will argue with me.
If you let your child speak to you in a disrespectful tone, they will take that tone with me.
If you allow your child to break the rules without consequences, they will not do what I say either.
You see, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.
We can only Build on the foundation you’ve laid at home.”
To the staff of York Road Primary School I would like to say THANK YOU for everything you continue to do on a daily basis to enrich the lives of those entrusted in your care. The difference you make in the lives and indeed the future of our learners cannot be quantified.
Mr. M.C. JOHNSON
(Principal)