12th September 2014
Dear Parents
Welcome back to all and a special welcome to new pupils and parents who have joined Bishopslea this term.
We hope that everyone enjoyed the holidays, which ended on a special high note for all those who were able to watch the incredible Air Show last Sunday.
We have had a very smooth start to the term with everyone settling back into the routine very quickly.
This term we welcomed Mrs Omarshah, who is taking over Grade 7D from Mrs Dhliwayo, and two new Junior Mistresses, Miss Lauren Pechey and Miss Brione Dunkley. We also welcome Mrs Mitchell who is taking over from Mrs Bock while she is on maternity leave. Our congratulations go to Mr and Mrs Bock on the birth of their daughter. We also welcome Miss Fadzayi Musasa to the office as our receptionist.
Our holiday refurbishment to the Infants Playground has proved very popular and highly successful. The laying of 800sq m of artificial turf over the entire playground looks even better than expected and is a first in Zimbabwe with a technician being flown up from South Africa at the manufacturers expense to ensure that the turf was laid correctly. It has made the playground cleaner, safer and much more fun to play on. Our thanks go to the PTA and the Board of Governor’s Development Committee for this combined project.
The workers quarters have also been refurbished during the holidays and have been done to exactly the same standards as the school refurbishments and teachers’ accommodation refurbishments.
The Grade 7’s have certainly hit the ground running this term as they will be going on their environmental and leadership camp to Tree of Life next week. On Saturday our Wildlife Quiz team will be participating in the first round of the Inter-Schools’ Quiz.
Attached are the Afternoon Activities Time Table and the Term Calendar. Please note that afternoon activities begin on Monday.
The PTA are busy preparing for their annual Sponsored Walk & Fun Day, which will be held on Sunday 21st September. All pupils have been issued with Sponsor Forms, which we hope they are filling up. The PTA will be giving a Movie Ticket for the new Borrowdale Village theatre, which includes popcorn and a slush puppy, to every pupil who raises at least $50:00.
Please note that stalls will be available on the day at a cost of $50:00. These can be booked through the office. The Grade 7’s will also have their own stalls as has become tradition.
For those pupils and parents wanting some extra fitness on the day, there will be two hours of ‘Zumba’ fitness with professional instructors. Anyone wanting to participate can join in and leave at any time.
The Sponsored Walk & Fun Day should prove to be a highlight of the year as always.
School Fees
School Fees were due in full on the first day of term. Parents paying after the deadline of next Friday, 19th September, will be charged the $100 Administration Fee. All parents paying after the deadline or opting to pay in instalments are required to sign the ‘Acknowledgement of Debt form’ that will be sent home. Please note that this is a Board of Governors’ requirement. Would all parents please provide proof of deposit, as our bank statements do not indicate who deposited funds into our account or which pupils the fees are for. This also applies to internal bank transfers.
Calendar 2015
1st Term Tuesday 13th January – Wednesday 1st April
Half Term 20th – 23rd February
2nd Term Tuesday 5th May – Thursday 6th August
Half Term 19th – 22nd June
Third Term Tuesday 8th September – Thursday 3rd December
Half Term 16th – 19th October
Chisipite Open Day
Chisipite Senior School will be holding their open day for all Grade 6 pupils on 26th September starting at 10:00am. Parents are encouraged to accompany their daughters.
Arundel Open Day
Arundel School will be holding their open day on Monday 29th September at 1:30pm. Grade 6 parents are invited to attend with their daughters.
Ballet
Congratulations go to our 17 pupils who received Royal Academy of Dance certificates after the exams last term.
Ballet classes will recommence on Monday 15th September. The fees for the term are $80:00.
School Grade
1 1:00 – 1:45
2 1:45 – 2:30
3 2:30 – 3:15
Library Monitors
Thulilani Chiura, Saniyah Dudhia
Art Monitors
Norah Masango, Lindsey Wright-Goodale
Yours sincerely
R J Crook
HEADMASTER
