I have neglected our blog and do apologise! Same old same old ... RUSH !!! Sorry. At the moment we are busy with the Drama Production which promises to be such a hit. I have been hanging around on Wednesday afternoons and just glow with the privilege of being able to see sneak previews. You are gonna LOVE IT !! Many of our pupils are getting the opportunity to be the "the star of the show" - just like we like it !! I will be printing tickets tomorrow morning so buy soon - I expect a huge rush.

This photo is from the archives but when I stumbled upon it I just had to share it. The theme in the class was "heritage" and Tlotlo just hit the spot. Isn't he just so cute.

The Cultural Evening on the 19th July is causing its usual havoc but I am sure the evening will, as always, impress us as parents and wonder how the teachers actually get our children to produce these awesome displays.

Reports and parent interviews are just the cherry on the top and we look forward to presenting you with your child's report and to meeting with you individually to discuss their progress.

So we will be seeing a lot of each other over the next few weeks before the glorious August holiday and I look forward to it.

D

FRIDAY ASSEMBLY

RUGBY GAME AGAINST PECANWOOD

Player of the Match - Gerdus Korb

Most Improved Player - Tyrone Simmonds

SOCCER GAME AGAINST PECANWOOD

Player of the Match

Dylan Botha

Motshwanetsi Ramatlhape

Well done guys. Although we lost the rugby match - the margin is closing fast and furiously. The boys played like heros and we are very very proud of each and every one of them. WATCH THIS SPACE ....

Ms van Zyl and Petrus are glowing with pride at the moment - their players are just going full force ahead and the little feet are finding themselves resulting in a win.

D

COTTAGE COUNTRY FAIR A HUGE SUCCESS BOTH FINANCIALLY AND FUN-FACTORILY !!!!!!

The only words that come to mind are YIPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ..... What a fantastic day we had at our Cottage Country Fair. The event was everything we expected it to be. The children got so involved with the preparation that the journey was as rewarding as the destination - and isn't that the point !!

Tombola hosted by the Grade 5s was sold out before the day started and I must say that the prizes were awesome. We must thank the Bakker Family for the huge contribution they made to the grand prizes for the day. They arrived last week with boxes of school bags on wheels, watches, sweaters, MP3 player and car visors.

The Scratch Patch was a firm favourite with the littlies and Aunty Hafieza had them closing their eyes digging for gold almost all day. The Grade R's roller ball manned by Sheridene and her daughter had my mother (who has very bad legs) on her knees going for the Roy Orbison CD. Grade 1's started very slowly and then didn't stop. Sue Marx was the last person standing (pardon the pun) when the final round of the Pillow Fighting Championship of the day resulted in Keagan Strydom being crowned. Sandy Gordon and the Grade 2 pupils and moms had a wonderful stall where throwing beanbags at Monster Tins was the challenge, except as I walked passed on many occasions, there were moms putting their faces where the tins were saying "Gooi na mam seun". How cute. The Grade 3s had it easy thanks to Belinda du Toit and Harold Trollope who blazed a trail around the field taking very excited little people for walks on the horses. I think Grant had a silent heart attack when he saw the activity on his precious field but thankfully kept it to himself and swallowed hard. Thanks Harold for arranging the horses.

Mrs Gohre accompanied by Grade 4 moms created beautiful beaded necklaces and I saw a couple of girls with tattoos that they were only too happy to show off. Umm, I think it was a case of parents being very thankful that one wash would get rid of the body art but being very aware of the little warning of things to come ......

The Grade 6s and 7s pulled off the scariest Haunted House that our children had ever experienced. After a few of the younger children came out screaming and crying, the queue REALLY grew and never stopped. I must apologise publicly to the people concerned because when it came to 13h00 on Friday afternoon and NOTHING had happened, I had (and voiced) my doubts about how a haunted house could suddenly appear before Saturday. Was I put in my place ... The creativity and planning was truly amazing and I must congratulate them on a job well done.

The Beer Garden was really helped along by Adele Venter who supplied the containers, ice and stock on consignment. This made it very easy for us and we appreciate your effort.

Aunty Sandy and her crew (Lydia and Violet) wowed us with a Tea Garden that was so quaint and such a nice place to be. Not so quaint was the amount of cake they had for sale! We must say a special thank you to Mrs Roberts, Mrs Herd and Mrs Beneke who really pulled out the stops and provided very special home made goodies. Thanks must, however, go to everyone who contributed.

An annual event for sure !!!

D

The days just whizz by and if it were not for the email reminders I receive to update the blog, I might never make it back here (it's nice to know people out there are actually visiting the site! xxx thanks).

My personal theme for the week is GRATITUDE so let me say I am blessed with too many things to actually mention. I think the blog would EXPLODE if I were to try to make a list, but on the theme of school, I am soooooooooooo grateful to be surrounded by colleagues who make coming to work a joyful experience. I listen to my friends who all complain about Mondays - "Bring It On" I say... I love being where I am and I thank every person I come into contact with - sometimes with a valid criticism and sometimes with a wonderful tale that brings goosies. The parents at this school make our task that much easier and we are grateful for the support and love that comes from YOU!

Congratulations
To Christine Livingston on the arrival of her baby sister ... we know you are going to be the best big sister ever;

To Dylan Botha who achieved great success over the weekend in a show jumping competition. He rode for his school and had all the gear especially made and embroidered. He came an impressive SECOND in his very first competition! WELL DONE DYLAN.

To Ruben Marais who continues to follow in Fordyce's footsteps in a big way! Ruben participated in the ANWN cross country at Lichtenburg. There were 37 athletes in his age group. He made his parents very proud by achieving a third position. His time was 7 min 35 sec., less than 4 min per kilometer. GOOOOOOOOOOOOO Ruben.

Note to parents: Please assist us in the Admin office with your child's achievements. Although we do try to keep up with all the wonderful things going on around us, we do sometimes slip up especially when the events take place over the weekend or is achieved with private tuition. It would be so helpful to receive an emailed photo accompanied by a brief explanation of your child's moment of glory. dtaylor@cottageschool.co.za.

The rush of the week is the Cottage Country Fair on Saturday. I believe that this day is going to be filled with glorious fun for the children of our school (and the beer garden will assist with the fun factor for the dads). Each class is hosting a stall - real old fete style - with tombola, haunted house, egg and spoon races, tug-of-war, tea garden with eats provided by Sandy Roberts (of Margaret Roberts). My son will be turning 18 on this day and in his true gentleman kind natured style, he has agreed to have his "family celebration" lunch at the Fair. I think I am very privileged to have this young man in my life and I thank him for allowing me to do what I love doing and simply fitting in most of the time... So when you see a table with balloons and great celebration - it's us.

Have a happy day & tell at least one person why you are grateful to have them in your life.

Daleen

I was very proud of our team who, considering this is only their second game ever, certainly proved one thing - we are going to be a team to be reckoned with. We have "GEES" and the boys really pulled together against all odds (spot the size of the guy in the photo). To the parents who were there - YOU GUYS ROCK !!! How fantastic for our children to be supported like this. Darryl has been inundated with offers to assist coach and the boys have now decided to train twice a week. GO COTTAGE !!!! Well done to Conor Woods who was voted Man of the Match. What gutzpah you showed Conor.
When considering the drive regarding rugby injuries in schools, I can only say that when we are approached for games by any school, it will be made VERY clear that age relevance is essential.
We are hosting netball games against Pecanwood on Monday. Support is very welcome. Tea and cake will be served.

Remember to diarize the Cottage Country Fair on the 9th June. Beer & Tea Garden, games, stalls, food and FUN FUN FUN for EVERYONE. It really is going to be a fun day for the children (and the beer garden will assist with the fun factor for the dads) so please make sure you support this day. The children are very excited about the day.

Have a fab weekend. Be safe and warm. See you Monday.
D

We are playing a rugby match against Pecanwood this afternoon .... GOOD LUCK all our precious players. WE ARE HOLDING THUMBS FOR YOU !!

THE TRAVELLING BOOKSHOP WILL BE VISITING US NEXT THURSDAY the 31st May and FRIDAY 1st June. He will be here from about 11.30 to 2.30 on Thursday and 7 to 1 on Friday. His prices are absolutely brilliant so please make use of this wonderful inexpensive service - a good time to stock up on birthday presents and to add a few to your child's stock.

Brrrr - how grateful I am that we have electricity. Many people are without power today and I cannot imagine how they are managing to go on with their lives. Mrs Gomes' soup was so welcome today. Uncle Grant is going to a soccer workshop in class today instead of going outside.

Reminders :

Kunsfees entry fee - Gr 1 to Gr 7 - R10 per item
Olympiade entry fee - see letter handed to pupils for details.

Please set Saturday the 9th June aside for the Cottage Country Fair to be held at school. We will be having a fete (like the good old days) with tombola, fishing, beading, tug-of-war, egg&spoon races - you get the picture. It is going to be a day aimed at family entertainment. Please join us.

The Lion King is on at Monte Casino. Apparently it is one not to be missed!

Pictured here are our budding Ensteins who emerged victorious from the Science Fair which was held at school this week. Overall winners were Connor Jensen from grade 4 and Mikayla Fallick in the grade 5 area followed closely by Francisca Millward. Ms van Zyl remarked at assembly that this was THE BEST display of experiments and demonstrations she had ever seen. THAT IS REALLY SAYING SOMETHING because we all know how clever she is !!

CONGRATULATIONS to our two little stars **

Magrian Makube & Sarah de Jongh both achieved a GOLD PLUS PLUS award for their poetry recitals.

We are so proud of you - well done !!!

Yes, we might be boasting but it is as simple as this .....

WE CAN !!!

Have a special weekend!
D

Wasn't the Speech Festival great! I really enjoyed class hopping and seeing the very gifted little people as well as those who were very shy but stood up nevertheless. Well done to all of you. And you parents ........ what can I say - the turnout was so impressive. We understand the pressure it puts you under to take a whole morning (or day) off work to attend a 20 second presentation by your child but never under-estimate the effect this effort has on your children. Of course some parents simply cannot make it and I saw aunties being sent instead. Good on you!





There have been so many little bundles of joy brought into this world lately we can't keep up in the office. We hope you are enjoying your new additions and if you are reading this blog, things must be going reasonably smoothly. Congrats to all.

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother aways has to think twice: one for herself and one for her child." Sophia Loren

Aunty D

Shewie !! Where does the time go? Can you imagine that it's May ........... and mid-May at that.

We are very privileged to be playing a small part in assisting with the establishment of a home in Bethanie for children needing full-time medical care and also a day care for aids orphans. There are fifteen ladies who volunteer their services (and love) to these children. We have invited the volunteers (in small groups) into our pre-primary class to observe our teachers in action in an effort to equip them for the task ahead. They have a building but very little else (except the will to succeed, of course). We will, as a school, be supporting them by having a day of fundraising at some time but in the interim, if anyone is interested in getting involved - a small as donating a cooking pot, any assistance will be welcome. The feeding project is probably the aspect that needs most attention so if there are business owners out there who can donate, for instance bread, on a regular basis, that would be a real win.

Nicole Sittig dressed for the Grade R Pirates Day.

Congrats to the Sittig Family on the birth of their new addition on Sunday (Mothers Day). How cute. We welcome the little girl into the world. We know you will be a wonderful older sister Nicole.

The rugby match at Pecanwood went off extremely well on Saturday. Well done to all the players who took part. We were four players short and still held our own. Watch this space - I expect BIG THINGS.

Thank you so much to Ms Gordon, Zsanett, Rachael, Refiloe and Mrs Darne who spent the morning at Wellness World representing the school. I was totally kitted-out in my school tracksuit and so on to arrive at around 11 but I got held up by a couple of lion cubs and ended up leaving Ukutula Lodge in the afternoon! I knew that the school stand was in good hands and I am so grateful to have such wonderful people to rely on. Thanks guys.

The Science Fair held yesterday was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !!!! Wow our children are so clever. I spotted eggs, marbles, water, sand, wire, lights, batteries, fans, cheese, chocolate, bricks, shoe polish ... you get the message - IT WAS REALLY INTERESTING. Well done to all the participants. Thanks a million to Alan who came to adjudicate on the day.

On Friday the staff will be spending the afternoon "TEAM BUILDING". Our span is so tight at the moment, I don't think we need any team building - in fact I think we could give our rugby team a good go .... ha ha - I am sure we are going to have great afternoon and I really look forward to spending this time with my colleagues where the focus is on our individual personalities - I cannot wait.

To the mommy who popped her head around the corner of my office yesterday saying "Thank you for giving us such a special school" - bless you. My heart still feels fuzzy!!!!! Obviously this message is intended for each and every person associated with the school - maintenance staff, admin staff, teachers, learners and parents. We make a heck of a team.

Speech festival TOMORROW !!! Good luck, don't be nervous.

Soon,

Daleen

What a busy day! Preparations for Mothers Day has consumed the school and the resulting energy is amazing.

Mr Errol Bakker, a parent architect, is sitting at this moment discussing Pre-Primary vision, things like "cog-walls" and "sensory tunnels" are being envisaged. Thanks Errol. Your time and expertise are so welcome.

Don't forget the Wellness World Gym tomorrow. We have a Shoot The Hoop stall going at the Mardi Gras where Zsanett, Rachael, Refiloe and Sthandwa will be assiting Ms Gordon and Mrs Taylor. Pop in if you are driving by.

See you Monday. I am off to a Game Lodge overnight to cuddle FOUR DAY OLD CUBS.

Oh what a wonderful day we are having at school. We started off with a production by Hooked on Books which is always such a hit. The actors are so talented and are truly inspiring to our learners. Just getting back from taking a walk to the tuckshop, I passed the Grade 3 classes making the most beautiful paper. They had mashed paper, coloured the water and strewn flowers in the mix. They then used a screen press to squeeze out the excess water and the most beautiful works of art are hanging around the amphitheatre to dry. I can see that they are really enjoying this project.

While admiring the paper making process, I got invited to the Grade 6 class who were in the process of making electroscope out of glass jars, pieces of wire and tin foil. Furious rubbing of balloons against full heads of hair to create the necessary reaction (never mind the hair styles that were created) resulted in Oooohs and Aaaahs. Our children are so lucky to have Melinda van Zyl to keep them motivated and interested with projects that are simple to make and yet very so effective. She never stops .......... !!!!!!!!!

Today Erica Gohre commented on how happy she was with the drama turnout yesterday afternoon. 61 learners arrived !!!!!!!!! As the auditions of a few students took place, the heart of the our school became so apparent. As shy little people stood up to do their thing, very quiet and insecure, so the children watching would clap in unison to support the budding actor or dancer. This, without fail, prompted an instant response and the performer suddenly would find it within themselves to sing really loud with dance moves, nogal!

Happy birthday to Sandy Gordon today!!! She brought in lovely tart (from Mrs Salad) and a melktert.

The picnic is firmly on hold for the moment. We think we might rather host it at school. The venue is not quite ready and still very much in the development stage. We wish them luck - maybe next year.

Grade Rs don't forget to dress up as pirates tomorrow. We can't wait to see you.
Grade 4 & 5 Science Fair is on Monday - good luck. I have already seen some absolutely mind blowing projects.

On Saturday 12th May Pelindaba will be opening the doors to the reactor in celebration of National Science Week. Go see ...

Newsletters have gone out today so look out for it.

GO BULLE ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

THE MOUNTAIN COTTAGE SCHOOL

Hi Parents,
How cool is this !! What a fantastic way to keep in touch and inform you about things "hot off the press" on a daily basis. Still learning, so bear with me.
Daleen Taylor