Dear Parents, Boys and Girls

Something is definitely happening… There seems to be a buzz underfoot.  I can’t quite put a finger on it because it isn’t tactile, but, there’s definitely an insidious positive energy that is spilling into our lives, school, community and country.  It definitely has something to do with the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but it goes beyond that. People have started the new year and new decade on a positive note. 

This week that exact point was illustrated to me when auditioning our senior pupils for the choir. The Grade seven pupils chose to audition and in the past about 10 pupils usually tried out.  Almost the all the children arrived at the auditions and I heard one girl saying, ‘Come on everybody, we’re all going, you must come too.’ Talk about positive peer pressure!  The music department has had a dearth of enquiries for pupils wanting to learn an instrument and the general response and positive demeanour of all our pupils have been an inspiration to all the staff.

I challenge you to catch the wave of optimism and do something positive for yourselves this year.  Do that course you’ve always wanted to, take up that instrument, learn to dance, get the bicycle out of the garage, and celebrate life!  Your children already have the ‘bug’. Enjoy 2010 with them!

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

Because of the overwhelming response we’ve had for lessons, we’ve acquired the services of two more staff members:

Jaco Allers       (Voice, Clarinet and Saxophone)  083 411 5066

Katie Morrison  (Piano)                                       084 617 6146

Please note that Andrie, Fritz and Bürhmann’s timetables are all full.  The Drumming teachers still have a few places.  Please contact the department if you are unable to place your child with an appropriate teacher.

BEAULIEU COLLEGE

The College will be sending their Rugby, Hockey and Netball teams over to New Zealand on a sport’s tour.  A very glossy sports tour magazine has been compiled by Mr Stanbridge. Exciting advertising opportunities in the tour magazine are still available at various prices.  There are various size options too.  The target market for this magazine falls within Beaulieu, Kyalami, Crowthorne and the surrounding areas. If you are interested, kindly contact Adi Stanbridge, 0836563147 

Beaulieu College New Zealand Touring Committee

ISIZULU EXTRA LESSON

IsiZulu extra lessons will be on Monday 2 – 3pm and Wednesday 2 – 3pm in Mrs Mantu’s classroom.

A reminder to parents about the IsiZulu Beginners’ Course starting from 4 February to 25 February, at 7pm to 8pm in my classroom.

Nkosikazi P. Mantu

CHAIN OF VALUES

Here are some confidence-boosting techniques when dealing with shy dogs.

• Shy dogs are unsure of themselves and lack confidence.  Anything that builds confidence will improve the dog’s behaviour.

• If your dog is afraid of people, get a friend to help you.

• When you first enter the room don’t make a huge fuss of the dog.

• Never make eye contact as the dog will see this as a challenge.

• Never surprise the dog by shouting, waving your arms around or by threatening the owner in any way.

• Never let the dog feel cornered.

• Once you are settled into the dog’s environment then gently put out your hand and allow the dog to sniff you.

• Always touch the dog’s head first.  If the dog is relaxed then you can slowly move down the body of the dog,   touching the dog slowly and carefully.

• Don’t use rough touches when you are working with the dog.

• Talk to the dog the whole time.  Use a soft, soothing voice. Never shout.

GOLDEN MOMENT

Mrs Wright: “Where are your glasses Rossie?”

Ross Nijland: “They are being fixed at the orthodontist!”

Warm regards

Lynne van Dellen

Deputy Head – Cultural Affairs