13 February 2012

Dear Parents

A hearty welcome back to all Middie parents and learners.  We extend a special word of welcome to our new Middie parents and learners.  We believe and trust that 2012 will bring numerous successes for every one of you.  May the bonfires of joy remain burning as we tackle the rest of this year together.

1.       SCHOOL FEES/SUBSIDIES 2012:

According to the S.A. School Laws, a parent/guardian entering a child at a particular school remains legally bound to pay the required/prescribed school fees.  School fees for the year 2012 amount to R9600,00 per learner.  Please note that certain parents may qualify for partial or total exemption of school fees based on the combined gross annual income of both parents.  Detailed particulars of application procedures, the criteria as well as the scale according to which this is calculated can be obtained from the school fees office.  Applications in this regard must be submitted to the school fees office on/or before 15 MARCH 2012.  (Forms are available at the school fees office).  Parents or guardians remain responsible for ALL school fees until the application has been approved.  If the full amount is paid before the end of February, parents/guardians qualify for a R500,00 discount.

2.      GRADE 12-ACHIEVEMENTS 2011:

160 learners wrote the NSC examination at MHS in November 2011.

They passed with a combined average of 66, 35%.

A symbols = 263

B symbols = 242

C symbols = 248

Top 10 matriculants of 2011:

Elsa Kleynhans received not only the prize as best learners in English First Additional Language, but was also placed overall second student in the province.

3.      NEW STAFF MEMBERS:

At Middies we are proud to introduce to you our latest green-blooded additions:

Mrs B. Odendaal, Misses C. Marx and A. Sadie, as well as Messrs K. Odendaal and R. Boshoff.  Three of these are MHS alumni and we believe the other two also already feel at home at Middieland.

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4.      TERRAIN DEVELOPMENT: SECURITY AND SAFETY AT HOËRSKOOL MIDDELBURG

Because we at MHS intend maintaining a long and meaningful acquaintance with you, we candidly request you to consider a financial contribution in the form of a sponsorship or donation towards erecting stainless steel palisades right around the premises to ensure more effective security and access control - two aspects which currently cause great concern, particularly pertaining to the safety of our children.  

This palisade fencing will comprise of:

·         12m Sections (each of which can be sponsored by parents, classes, sports teams, alumni, businesses, etc.)

·         One 12m section costs R14 400,00.  (R1 200 per running metre).

·         All stakeholders with an invested interest at MHS are invited to approach us for the sponsorship of 12m sections.  A plaque stipulating the name(s) of the sponsor(s) will be mounted against the pillar of each section.

·         Columbus Stainless has donated the steel.

·         Existing walls will be fitted with an added 1,2m palisade on the upper layer of bricks, while full length palisades with a height of 1,8m with a three-layer brick wall at the bottom and adjacent to the uprights will be erected similar to the new walls next to the tennis courts.  These sections will replace all the existing wire fencing..

If you are interested in acting as sponsor/donor, please contact Ms. Erika Meyer at Hoërskool Middelburg.

NETBALL - + TENNIS COURTS:

The netball - as well as the tennis courts are being resurfaced and will be ready before the new season.

SQUASH COURT:

The squash court is nearing completion and will be ready at the beginning of the second quarter.

5.      GOLF DAY:  24 FEBRUARY 2012:

Please support our Golf Day for the advancement of our indigent learners' fund.  You can sponsor a hole or participate yourself.  Contact Mr Jacques van Niekerk at the school for further enquiries.

6.      MINING, AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY (MECHANICS) AS SUBJECT:

Interested learners can contact Mr P.J. Haarhoff at the school.  These subjects will commence as early as at the beginning of the second quarter.

7.      WEBSITE:

Visit our school's website at www.middies.co.za for essential information, all Middie news, Middie accomplishments, Middie photographs and much, much more.  Immediately register on our school communicator.  Either fetch a CD from the marketing office or follow the link from the MHS facebook page.  We encourage everyone to use the school communicator.  It conveniently keeps you informed about the latest developments at Middies.  Download it to your cellular phone at the following link: cellphonecommunicator http://mobi.d6communicator.com/mobile/home and facebook www.facebook.com/hsmiddelburg.  You will notice the complete year's calendar has been loaded for your convenience.

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8.     CELL PHONE POLICY AT MHS:

·       Learners and teachers may bring cellular telephones to school.  Before and after school cell phones may be used.  During school hours, thus from 7:30 - 13:40 cell phones may only be used with explicit permission.  This rule is also applicable during breaks, movement between classes and invigilation periods. Staff may make and receive only official or essential calls during school hours.

·       Content of electronic communication (cell phone, bbm, facebook, twitter etc.) must be of unquestionable nature - it may not subject anyone to any kind of embarrassing predicament.  Be very wary of disadvantageous content on the above-mentioned media.

·       Parents and teachers share a great educational responsibility regarding the ever-growing electronic media.

·       If learners do not abide by or respect the above rules, punishment will be meted as follows:

1.     First violation: Confiscation of cell phone;  R100 fine to retrieve it.

2.    Second violation: Confiscation of cell phone;  R200 fine to retrieve it..

3.    Third violation: Confiscation of cell phone;  R300 fine to retrieve it.

4.    Fourth violation: Confiscation of cell phone;  Learner summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee.

9.     DISCIPLINE/DETENTION:

·        When a learner has 100 negative points on the disciplinary system (regardless what positive points might have been attained) such learner will sit detention from 13:00 - 15:00 (two hours) on an allocated Friday.

·        When a learner has 200 negative points on the disciplinary system (regardless what positive points might have been attained) such learner will sit detention from 13:00 - 16:00 (three hours) on an allocated Friday.

·        When a learner has 300 negative points on the disciplinary system (regardless what positive points might have been attained) such learner will sit detention from 13:00 - 17:00 (four hours) on an allocated Friday.

·        When a learner has exceeded 300 points on the disciplinary system, he/she will receive a final written warning, accompanied by conversations with parents by the headmaster, deputy headmasters and the disciplinary committee of the governing body.

·        It may also be required and expected of a learner to assist with menial tasks on the school terrain during detention sessions.

Consult the homework booklet in your child's possession for encompassing information regarding the code of conduct.

10.   ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:

Our motto clarifies this unambiguously and unambivalently:  Fide Et Officio (Faith and Duty).  This is basically why every learner is at MHS.  Your child has a duty towards him-/herself to develop and perfect those gifts he/she has received from our Creator in preparation for life itself, whatever the academic requirements.  As first priority he/she must retain faith in their Maker and be aware of their calling on every rung of life's ladder en route to the top.  Therefore faithfulness in even small matters is crucial.

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Perseverance, self-discipline and the commitment to keep striving for success are not negotiable, they are of absolute critical importance.  Preparation for every examination starts on the very first day of the school year.  Ensure that your child takes every assignment, test, examination - every aspect of his/her studies - seriously.  Experience has taught us that once a child lags behind, it becomes increasingly difficult to catch up.  Motivate, motivate, motivate - it's in your child's interest, and only that individual can reap the benefits of his/her efforts.

11.   ABSENTEEISM:

Parents must try their utmost to arrange appointments for after school hours (dentist, doctor and licences).  It's disruptive for learners, and doesn't lighten an educator's load if work has to be repeated.  Take our hand by helping to minimise absentees to absolute emergencies.  If it becomes unavoidable, furnish the register teacher with an explanatory or doctor's note.  This will serve as official proof of your child's legitimate absenteeism.  Ensure that your child makes arrangements to catch up on lost work him-/herself.  It remains the individual's responsibility.

12.   SCHOOL RULES/CLOTHES:

The school rules are distinctly contained in the homework booklet in your child's possession.  Ensure that you and your child thoroughly acquaint yourselves with its content.  Specifically note that only official sports wear may be worn to and during sports meetings and -matches.  Every Middie is expected to meticulously adhere to all school rules at all times.  You must promote your school's image.  You must be a Middie in heart and soul.

13.   IN CONCLUSION:

Be as positive to be Middie parent as your child is to be a Middie learner.  Keep in mind that optimism is healthier, happier and more popular than pessimism.  As headmaster, educators, management team and governing body our doors remain open to any suggestions, complaints, inputs and assistance from you as parent.  Do not hesitate to utilise this opportunity.  We listen and help with pleasure wherever it is possible.  I wish each of you all of the best for a very busy and crammed quarter, and conclude with these wise words: "May I be protected from the wisdom that refuses to keep learning, the philosophy which does not allow for humour, and the importance which has no time to listen to a child."

Friendly Middie greetings

______________________

J.H. STRONKHORST

HEADMASTER