We have reached the brim, swiftly embracing the conclusion of the final Term.
This year has been extremely challenging for both Teachers and Learners. Many adversities were faced and most cases were resolved amicably.
The value of diversity and inclusion at York Road Primary
Our aim is to make York Road Primary a place where every teacher, learner or parent feels effortlessly comfortable, as though York Road is their “natural habitat”. This comfortable space can only exist when parents are invested in their children.
Discipline remains an element of concern, as it continues to disrupt the learning process. As educators, it is difficult to unravel transgressive behaviour, which in some cases are condoned or concealed by parents. Ensuring a sound foundation of constructive ethics, is a responsibility we all share and is essential to our purpose of effective teaching, both at home and at school.
Although a diverse and inclusive York Road family is essential, it can only come to fruition when teachers and parents work towards a similar goal, thus allowing learners the opportunity to prosper well in an everchanging world, while experiencing a unique York Road family concept, supported by an empowering culture.
The York Road culture must become our strategic differentiator. This will ensure that we, as an institution, position way above the rest. As a culture-driven (shared purpose) organisation, our values and morals must underpin and inform our conduct. Values, we strive to inculcate in our learners and community, should be known as the York Road Experience. An experience that positions our shared purpose as the overarching, significant determiner that guides all of our conduct as a whole:
How we position the York Road brand
How we communicate with and support each other
How we prioritise diversity and inclusion and create meaning at work, specifically focused on our purpose.
Our cultural vision drives our behaviour, standards and expectations. It enables us to fulfil our purpose and achieve our objectives and creates a distinctive York Road Experience which requires everyone to play their part in a reciprocal way.
The Senior Management Team together with learners and the greater school community are heartened to delivering the York Road Experience with the intention of creating value, maximising growth and enhancing performance. We value your cooperation and partnership as we work together to nurture responsible, disciplined and successful learners.
I recently came across the following and felt the need to share the extract with parents and guardians
“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.”
| “What we allow is what will continue. Let us guide our children wisely.” |
Year 2025 memorable activities & celebrations:
The year whizzed by with plenty of fun activities established to celebrate and commemorate York Road Primary’s 175th year of existence:
- Valentine’s Day Celebration
- Book Character Day
- Movie Night Under the stars
- Jazz Extravaganza
- Pie Day
- Pajama Day
- Springbok Fridays
- Car & Bike Show
- Grade R Concert
Quarterly Awards:
Learners and staff alike were thrilled with the inclusion of a new category for our Senior Awards: Most Outstanding Learner in the Grade, with certificates and medals received by the most outstanding learner in:
- Grade 1 – Mackenzie Wessels
- Grade 2 – Mansoor Abrahams
- Grade 3 – Jorja Payle
- Grade 4 – Nasheelah Damon
- Grade 5 – Zarah Hariby
- Grade 6 – Azalea Louw
- Grade 7 – Paige Herbert (Recipient of the DOUGLAS PEARSON trophy for Academic Excellence)
Congratulations to all our award recipients. Remember: “En Avant” – Ever Forward We Will Go!
To learners who aspire to be successful and improve their results, the new school year allows for positive changes to welcome in fresh goals and ambitious mindsets.
“Success does not come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently.” Marie Forleo |
Among the children who completed the exams there is an artist who does not need to understand Mathematics, an entrepreneur, who does not care about History or English! There is a musician whose Natural Science marks will not matter. An athlete whose physical fitness is far more important than Technology!
If your child achieved excellent marks, that’s great, BUT if your child was unsuccessful and failed to meet the pass requirements set by the WCED, discuss the way forward with a positive mindset that will inspire your child to persevere and not give up. DO NOT diminish their worth and strip away their self-confidence and dignity. Confirm your love and support for them and do not judge them.
(An excerpt from a letter sent to parents by a principal).
When there is no consequence for poor work ethic, and no reward for good
Work ethic, there is no motivation.
Staffing:
On behalf of the School Governing Body (SGB) and the broader school community we wish to thank Ms. C. Johnson (Grade 7) and Ms. C. Sinclair-Adams for their service to the school. The educators will be leaving York Road Primary at the end of this term. The SMT and staff wish both ladies well in realizing their future goals.
2026! Looking ahead
To find out more about Term One, 2026, please consult the attached Parent Term Planner, Dismissal times for 2026, Uniform details for Girls and Boys, as per code of conduct and the Extra Mural programme. Learners will wear the summer uniform for Term One. Our First Term resumes on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
Girls Summer Uniform:
| Boys Summer Uniform:
|
Learner safety:
Our learners’ safety is extremely important and we urge that learners and parents take heed of the dangers which may impact your safety. Please keep your children informed of all potential dangers. Take good care of their physical and mental health.
In conclusion, please remember that without your continued support we cannot provide our children with the quality education you have become accustomed to. Regular school fee payments are essential for the smooth and effective running of the school.
Please note the updated school fee structure for 2026, agreed to by the attending parents and SGB at the final Budget meeting 2025.
We have decided that if you pay your school fees by the end of March (2026) you will receive a 10% discount on the total school fee amount.
At our Annual Budget Meeting held on 13th November 2025, the following decision has been taken by the majority of our voting parents. That decision is legally binding on all our parents.
There will be an increase of 10% for school fees for 2026 from Grade R – 7. There will furthermore be a discount of 10% per learner if school fees are fully paid on or before 31st March 2026.
Grade R: R 10 340.00 per annum; or
R 1 034.00 per month (x10) commencing January to October 2026; or
R 2 585.00 per quarter (x4), payable at the beginning of each quarter.
10% Discount of R 1 034.00 = R 9 306.00
Grade 1 -7: R 7 150.00 per annum; or
R 715.00 per month (x10) commencing January to October 2026; or
R 1 787.50 (x4) per quarter, payable at the beginning of each quarter.
10% Discount of R 715.00 = R 6 435.00
Our Bank details is as follows:
Bank: First National Bank
Name of Account: York Road Primary School
Account no: 5488 163 0403
Beneficiary Reference: Learner’s Name, Surname & Grade
Bursar’s email address: finances@yorkroadprimary.co.za
We wish all staff, learners and parents a safe and special holiday.
Yours in Education
Mr. M. C. Johnson
(Principal)