Dear Parents, Boys and Girls

Many pupils believe that Maths is an inherited ability; that they either have the Maths gene, or they don't. But recent research shows that inborn talent might not be as important as we think. In the long run, the most successful pupils are often those who work the hardest, not those with the highest IQ's. These pupils believe that perseverance, not an innate gift, is the key to achievement.

In her book "Mindset, The New Psychology of Success", Carol Dweck argues that a positive mindset is what makes some pupils push themselves when others give up. Pupils with a "fixed" mindset believe that they were born with a certain set of talents. They see challenges as a sign that they've reached the limit of their natural ability, and they stop trying. But pupils with a "growth mindset" believe that there are no limits on their potential, and view challenges as a chance to learn and improve. They know that their intelligence can be built though experience and effort, and are not held back by the idea of inborn restrictions.

Geoff Colvin delivers a similar message in his book, "Talent is overrated". He demonstrates that success is almost always the result of what he calls "deliberate practice," a concentrated effort to improve one's skills through focused effort. Inborn talent might make a difference when a subject is first tackled, but years later it's the hard workers who are the most successful. 

Parents play a key role in cultivating a child's mindset. Without positive role models, children can succumb to the idea that if something's not easy, it's not worthwhile. Here are some DOs and DON'Ts about helping your child learn that Maths, like life, is less intimidating if we cultivate the right mindset.

1. DO tell your child that anyone can succeed in Maths. Remind him that even Einstein struggled at first: when he was nine, his teacher told his father that no matter what profession Einstein chose, he would never succeed.

2. DON'T make excuses for your child. I've heard several parents say, in front of their children, "I was never any good at Maths." That gives the children permission to give up, to believe that Maths is beyond some people's reach. 

3. DO praise your child when you see hard work pay off. Use specific examples like, "You really earned the improvement you made in your last test. You did an extra practice test and worked with a study partner." This reinforces the idea that he is in charge of his own success, and emphasizes the importance of improvement over perfection.  

4. DON'T compare your child’s performance to his peers. This sets up unrealistic measures of success, and takes away from the message of personal improvement.

5. DO use failure as a chance to learn. If your child does poorly in a test, talk about a time when you struggled. Recount what steps you took to do better. Help him make a study plan for the next test: make flash cards, ask the teachers to review test mistakes, and ensure your child raises his hand when he doesn't understand the answer to a homework problem. 

6. DON'T go crazy if he fails a test: you'll miss your chance for a teachable moment. Remind him that challenges are our best chances to learn and grow. Enquire if he can redo the test, or do the test corrections with your child. Encourage him to let go of the past and focus on the next opportunity to work hard and improve.

7. DON'T get into a homework battle. If your student enjoys working with you, then by all means keep it up. But if studying together causes a fight, find someone else to help your child. A fresh perspective without inter-personal tension may be just what is needed to motivate your child.

8. DON'T insist that your child be placed at a higher level than the teacher recommends. Many children are being pushed by their parents to take advanced classes like Algebra at an age where their brains are not developmentally ready. In those cases, no amount of hard work can make them successful.

9. DO talk about the importance of character. Find occasions to praise your child's resilience, curiosity, and persistence. These are qualities that really drive success, in the Maths class and in life.

10. DON'T dwell on your child's natural intelligence. If you tell him he’s naturally "good" at Maths, he'll feel bewildered when things do eventually get hard. Conversely, if you tell him he's "not a Maths person," he'll have a hard time overcoming that mindset. It's best to avoid all labels and focus on effort instead.

11. DO look for examples of famous people who refused to give up. For instance, Michael Jordan was cut by his high school varsity basketball team. Undeterred, he got up at 6am every day to practise on his own. When he made his college team, his coach remarked that he was struck by how he worked harder than anyone else. Basketball didn't come easily to Michael Jordan: he earned every point he ever made.

12. DON'T miss the chance to speak up when you hear a story about a "natural talent." For instance, if you hear someone mention Serena Williams or Mozart's inborn genius, be sure to mention the thousands of hours of practice they put in with their fathers from a very early age.

Having the right mindset is critical to success. Children need to believe in their ability to overcome challenges through concentrated effort. If you encourage him to work hard, there's no limit to what he will be able to accomplish.

by Cindy Donaldson

MATHLETICS

As always, at Kyalami Prep, we try to keep abreast of changes in the world of Education.  We have researched the benefits of Mathletics, both from the organisation itself as well as researching which other schools have made use of it. 

What is Mathletics? Mathletics is a Maths website that allows children to work through Maths concepts and while doing this, they compete against other children from different countries around the world.

How does one become a registered member? Visit the website:  www.mathletics.co.za .  You can look at the program, the benefits and other general information.  You will also get guidance on how to register, should you wish to do so.

Mrs N. Ortlieb

STAFF NEWS

Congratulations to Candace, Michiel and Jedd Bester on the news that Mrs. Bester will be expecting her second child. Mrs. Bester will take her maternity leave in the third term and we wish her all the best with her winter pregnancy!

Mr Cavanagh will take his sabbatical in second term and Mr Robus who completes his "Honours" this year will take his long leave in the third term.

I too, shall be on long leave for the second term. I am fortunate to have been accepted by Harvard Graduate School to do a course with them in Boston. I shall start this course in late March. I shall also be a "volunteer" at the World Cup 2010... if I happen to be your car guard please don't forget to tip!

We are currently putting together our locums for the various teachers and will keep you appraised of these appointments.

Mr V. White

DATES TO DIARIZE

18/3    Interim Reports to Parents

17/3    Interview lists up in the foyer

23/3    Parent Interviews: Senior Prep and Junior Prep

24/3    Parent Interviews: Senior Prep

25/3    Parent Interviews: Junior Prep

Mr D. du Plessis

SEFIKENG OUTREACH

 As a school we have adopted Sefikeng Primary School as our ongoing Outreach Program.

Currently there are two ways in which you can make a contribution. Firstly, the reading program: we read to the children twice a week on Mondays from 9am to 11am and on Wednesdays from 9am to 10am. We are constantly looking for people who are willing to come and read, even if it is only for half an hour, once off. Secondly, any clothes, books, blankets or food that you care to donate to the school and the children would be much appreciated. 

Please email  Sue Blane at blanesm@iafrica.com if you have any queries. 

KPS PTF 

PRESTIGE GALA

The annual Prestige Gala has been moved from Friday 5 March to Friday 12 March 2010, for various reasons. It will take place at Dainfern College during school time, starting at 10am in the morning. Further information will be provided in due course.

KPS PTF EVENTS - 2010

We are planning the following fun and fundraising events for our KPS children, parents, friends and family - some dates are still provisional, all the first term dates are confirmed.

12 March   -  Senior Disco (confirmed)

13 March   -  KPS Cycle Race (confirmed)

25 March   -  Easter Egg Hunt (confirmed)

22 May      -  Barn Dance (still to be confirmed)

23 July       -  Donkey Derby (still to be confirmed)

11 Sept      -  KPS Camp Out (still to be confirmed)

7 Oct         -  KPS Golf Day (still to be confirmed)

to be confirmed -  KPS Art Auction

We look forward to seeing you

KPS PTF

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE GENIUS 

Week 2: Megan Stock                       Gr 4W

Week 3: Thea Dennett                       Gr 5V

Week 4: Tuscany Kitch                      Gr 7C

Week 5: Dylan Andrews                     Gr 6O

CHAIN OF VALUES

When thinking about what to do for our Gr 7 assembly, I found an article on the internet on how to have confidence. It listed these 25 tips. To find out more about these useful tips, please attend our assembly on Friday 19 February. 

1.   Love yourself

2.   Do things that make you feel good

3.   Look in the mirror    

4.   Talk to YOU

5.   Listen to YOU

6.   Remove negatives

7.   Surround yourself with positives

8.   Rumours die

9.   Total honesty

10.  Responsibility

11.  Pretend

12.  Keep trying

13.  Credit where credit is due

14.  Stand tall

15.  Say hello

16.  Never say never...ever

17.  Get active

18.  Happy foods

19.  Face your fear

20.  Willpower

21.  Ask questions

22.  Learn

23.  List

24.  Help out

25.  Show the way

GOLDEN MOMENT

"If the book gets wet, dry it with a hairdryer. If you are a girl resist the urge to curl the book while blow drying."

"Books should be kept out of the sun because it damages the book. (and don't try put sunblock on it)"

Joshua Leroni

ATTACHMENTS

My School Card Information (Word Format)

Warm regards

Jeremy Robus

Deputy Head - Extracurricular