Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – A relatively quiet day

2014-12-19 | puppy1952

Lauren brought coffee in bright and early this morning. “We’re still on farm time,” she said. It will take a while to get into holiday mode. With everyone sharing sleeping quarters it is difficult to sleep in and soon the entire menagerie of grandchildren were gathered in our room.

What time is it?

I love you Grandpa!

Before the hijinks began we rallied the troops and headed for the beach. It was overcast but there was not a breath of wind and the sea was as calm as a millpond.

The harbour – I never tire of it

The beach in the early morning

Lauren and Shan braving going in for a swim

I was the first to plunge into the deliciously calm and clear water – there were no waves; just some gentle swells. It was chilly at first but we all stayed in for ages as it was just so pleasant. Grandpa who is more of a fisherman than a bather came in too but was ever watchful and overprotective, admonishing us for drifting away from the group. Of course this just set the young ones off on an ever increasing mission to scare him silly!

We headed home eventually and Lauren whipped up a wonderful champagne breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, kidneys and toast) for 11 just in time for niece/cousin Peta-Ann and her hubby’s arrival from Gansbaai.

She is a chip off her Cheffing father’s block

Cousin Reunion

After breakfast I checked FaceBook and felt a twinge of jealousy to see my friend, Julian’s post about birds he was seeing in Robertson! Earl was impressed with the bass caught too!

Earl and me drooling over Julian's Face Book photographs - birding and fishing in Pat Busch Nature Reserve Robertson - So jealous

Earl and me drooling over Julian’s photographs – birding and fishing in Pat Busch Nature Reserve Robertson – So jealous

Peta Ann has not been too Struisbaai in more than five years and barely recognised the house and the town! We took her on a little shopping excursion to show her how it had all changed since its earlier days of one co-0p grocery store, a shell shop and a fish shop!

Shopping in the metropolis of Struisbaai!

The girls and me testing out the quality of the coffee in The Nursery Coffee Shop - It passed with flying colours

The girls and me tested the quality of the coffee in The Nursery Coffee Shop – It passed with flying colours

Peta Ann and Eugene left at 2:30 and Earl, Lauren, the boys and I went to a talk – Close Encounters of the Marine Kind with at the Sanparks boardroom in Agulhas.

Prof Gavin Maneveldt (Department of Biodiversity & Conservation Biology,University of the Western Cape) was amazing. We were the only people there and seeing that we had our grandchildren he geared his talk to their level. He allowed the boys to ask questions and engaged with them beautifully. It was a fascinating presentation and will culminate with a guided outing to the rock pools tomorrow morning. What a pity that more people did not respond to this invitation. We didn’t expect it to be so immensely informative. More on this tomorrow after our field trip.

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Birding with the Locals

2014-12-18 | puppy1952

I love the early mornings but up at quarter to five stretches it a bit when you’re on holiday! No just kidding when it comes to birding it’s definitely the best time of the day. Earl and I met up with 10 other crazy people and had a wonderful birding excursion led by Dr Wim de Klerk. We discovered that this outing was happening on a notice of events for the month of December displayed in the mall.

Arthur and Wally kindly offered to accommodate us in the former’s vehicle and we explored the edges of bodies of water and the salt pans using the car as a hide and getting out when appropriate.

This Agulhas National Park hosts a variety of habitat types and great biodiversity as far as birds are concerned. The patches of renosterveld host large numbers of Black Harriers and we saw them flying and two perched in a tree. Agulhas Long-billed Lark is a special for this area and we managed to see him briefly too. We also saw a number of marsh harriers. One of our target birds was the African Snipe and were delighted to find that too.

The Spotted Eagle owl greeted us at our meeting place

Many Spurwinged geese flew overhead – they are plentiful in this area

Kittlitz plovers were wading on the edges of the water and also further away

Kittlitz’s plovers were wading on the edges of the water and also further away

Our Fellow Birders

We had to get quite deep into the veld

Some young black-shouldered kites were still being cared for by their parents

Some young black-shouldered kites on the nest. Their parents were about still finding food for them.

Some curlew sandpipers

Purple Swamphen

African Snipe

Pelicans on the salt pan – Kelp gulls in the foreground

There were hundreds of Lesser flamingos - quite unusual to see so many

There were hundreds of Lesser flamingos – quite unusual to have them in this area

The vulnerable Denham’s bustard made an appearance

Wally is a really fun guy and I just loved his hat with its Ostrich Plume

Earl and I were really welcomed by this group of people. We will definitely get in touch again when we start spending more time in Struisbaai. Thanks to all, especially Emerentia (organiser) Arthur (driver) and Wim (leader) for including us on this wonderful outing.

We called it a day at 11 and Earl and I went to the Aviator’s Restaurant for breakfast. An ex-pilot runs it and has an old plane that he intends mounting on the roof! He also has a flying school and takes people on scenic flights. Struisbaai certainly is a unique place with something for everybody.

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Swimming, Shopping and Fishing

2014-12-17 | puppy1952

A perfect fishing day dawned again. Earl, Allan and Lauren got up at a very rude hour and quietly slunk off to sea, the latter two having dosed on sea-sick medication the night before!

My rising time, though not as bad mannered as theirs, might have seemed a little extreme to some. The young ones groaned when I cheerfully encouraged them to join me on the beach for a walk and swim. “Meet me there,” I called and left them to dawdle over bowls of Otees and debate as to whether or not it was worth the effort.

Once again it was a blissful morning made better that the masses had not yet arrived. I left my camera behind and regretted it when I spotted a rock kestrel on top of a “Christmas Tree” and then an oystercatcher on the shore line. By the time I was on my return lap down the beach, Simon and Josh appeared to look after my towel and glasses while I went in for a dip. Heavenly – the sea was calm and clear with hardly a ripple. A mom and daughter started chatting to me and asked if I were local. It was their first visit and they were delighted that they’d decided to camp here this year.

Struisbaai is indeed an idyllic place for a holiday. It’s off the beaten track and still a fairly well-kept secret although it’s grown tremendously since my introduction to it in 1982.

It was about quarter past nine when the boys and I returned home with croissants from OK Grocer’s bakery for breakfast(This has got to stop before I gain a ton!) An hour later the fisherfolk pulled in. Lauren had the biggest and best fish!

Lauren’s Fish

The females of the family decided to bond before lunch and how better to do that than to go shopping! Yes in Struisbaai! A new clothing store, Beach Bliss, opened just a week ago and is superbly stocked for men, women and children.

Beach Bliss

Wanien is the owner and there is something for everybody

What do you think, Gran?

This one …..

Or this?

We got quite a few items for Shannon – Christmas presents – so she’ll have to wait to wear them! Lisa and Lauren also got one or two things and I bought a beach bag.

We were almost done when Earl phoned to find out where we were. Not to be outdone we got him some new stuff too – from another lovely shop in the mall.

Earl in his new shorts and shirt

All that shopping is thirsty work so we stopped at Cafe dul Sud for coffee/milkshakes.

Two Strawberry milkshakes, one chocolate a Cappuccino and black for me please!

The girls headed home while Earl and I went to chat to our friends Lynn and Glyn who have a gift shop, Due South, in the mall. We also popped into the nursery coffee shop to get a Christmas loaf for tea.

Friendly Girl in the nursery/coffee shop

Nursery

Coffee shop

South Bound – a wonderful place to browse

We’ve been looking for a suitable bird feeder and found one a quaint little craft shop which sells all kinds of locally made stuff.

We love it’s name and the notice outside – Not made in China – Buy from your own people.

What a surprise to arrive home to the smell of fresh fish frying in the pan. Lauren has taken on the mantle from her dad! It was delicious – the young ones had the nerve to say – Even better than yours, Grandpa! Well equally as good anyway!

What a super star – She caught it – She cooked it

The beach was our next port of call – after 3:30 to avoid the harmful UV rays. And wow – the water was divine – I usually don’t stay in for more than 10 minutes but I just didn’t want to get out this afternoon and the kids were even worse.

The sea was extra blue today

Kites were flying

It’s amazing, Gran!

Shannon got busy with my bird stickers when we got back and they are a-ma-zing. Thanks you Leah for a wonderful gift.

Difficult to photograph but this one came out quite well!

So ended another lousy day in Africa! Tomorrow Earl and I are making an early start to go bird watching with a local expert. Watch this space!

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations Day 6

2014-12-16 | puppy1952

Abrie suggested a cure for my hand – sleep with an “Asyn Lap” and when you wake up all the bruising and swelling will have disappeared. Well I thought it was worth a try so Earl bound me up in a crepe bandage and poured brown vinegar over it and finally my hand was taped into a plastic bag. But in the middle of the night I woke up with an excruciating itch under the bandage which I ripped off to scratch. My hand looked pickled and I washed off the vinegar and went straight back to sleep! Admittedly the swelling has reduced and there is no bruising but it is not completely better yet!

Here are some pictures that Joshua took last night.

Laurie

Simon learning the art of tablet photography from an expert

Simon learning the art of phone photography from an expert

The Gang

Fooling around

Cuzzies

Shan and Annie

Chilled

This morning early Grandpa and I gathered the grandkids and headed to the beach. There was much moaning about the ridiculously early hour but they forced themselves and were glad of it later! As far as I am concerned the best time to be on the beach is early in the morning before it gets too hot or too windy.

Looking out to perfection on from the boardwalk

Miles of soft sand

A jellyfish being devoured by sea snails

Into the cool, blue sea

Chilly at first

The kids stayed in for ages

Simon

Walking back

Fishing boat returning

We returned at quarter to ten for a lovely breakfast and then chilled till later when the kids returned to the beach. Jay and Shan are a bit too sunburned for my liking! Earl did some chores around the house, I chilled doing very little for most of the days and Allan cooked an awesome curry for dinner. Laurie and Annie left for Cape Town just after 6 but they will join us at home next Monday – the house will be bursting at the seams till the New Year! What a pleasure to have everyone together – family bonding at its best.

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – A Visit to Springfield Wine Farm

2014-12-15 | puppy1952

Earl rushed me to be ready by 7:30 and dragged me off to the local doctor’s office. Of course it was closed so we went to the harbour to check out what the fishing boats were doing and then went to OK Grocer for freshly baked croissants. By this time the surgery had opened and Dr Fourie kindly took a look at my injured hand. “Best to have it x-rayed,” she said so after gulping down a croissant and jam we headed to Bredasdorp. I am happy to report that there are no bones broken. We called Lauren and Allan with the good news. While waiting for them to join us we had a quick cup of coffee at Wimpy – Earl ordered breakfast. It took ages to come and he hadn’t finished when the kids arrived. Service at Wimpy Bredasdorp much to be desired! Anyway, the kids parked their car and we headed off to Robertson where Abrie Bruwer was expecting us for lunch.

Allan is a bit of a wine buff and a huge fan of Springfield so this visit was a special treat. Many years ago Earl had done some refrigeration installations for Abri and he is also a fellow Struisbaai fisherman.

The drive to Robertson from Struisbaai is very picturesque and of course we did some high speed bird-watching too. We totalled over 30 birds of prey of which most were jackal buzzards but there were also some steppe buzzards, black shouldered kites, yellow-billed kites and pale chanting goshawks. There were also Egyptian Geese, Spurwinged Geese and blue cranes aplenty.

Blue Crane – Our National Bird

Steppe Buzzard

Jackal Buzzard

Pale Chanting Goshawk

We were served with chilled Miss Lucy wine and Abri cooked fresh yellowtail in a way that we’d never experienced before. He sliced the fish thinly, coated it with a mixture of 1 and half cloves of fresh garlic, salt and vinegar mashed in a pestle and mortar and then dipped each piece in flour before shallow frying it in olive oil. It was served with pumpkin and salad and was to die for.

After lunch he took us on a tour of the farm. Allan was in heaven!

Today the winemaking is an incredibly sophisticated science. The equipment used is mind boggling. Abri is a fourth generation winemaker and his children are all training to join the family business. It certainly is in their blood.

Lauren and Allan enjoying a glass of Miss Lucy

Abri Frying Fish

A delicious lunch

View from the house

This sprayer negotiates the narrow aisles between the rows of vines – amazing

Examining the crop

This incredible contraption creates tensions the support wires for the vines using a winch and a stain gauge which regulates the strain on the wire on the wire so it does not break. The I beam down the side of the tractor allows the winch mechanism to cover three rows of vines.

First the bottles are washed

We watched the wine going in, being capped and finally they are ready for packing

We were also shown the cooling tanks which were huge and quite fascinating. Everything is so high tech. No more hand picking the grapes and stamping them with bare feet!

It was certainly an interesting day. Thank you Abri!

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations Day 4

2014-12-14 | puppy1952

My eyes sting with the saltiness of the sea water, and I reel against the sudden chill as a wave crashes over my shoulders. But soon I am revelling in a refreshing swim as I become accustomed to the temperature. I frolic in the breakers feeling like a kid again. It is 8:00 a.m. and Josh, Simon and I have walked and run along the most beautiful beach in Africa for half an hour. How amazing to start the day in the delicious Indian Ocean at the Southern Tip of Africa. A more idyllic place would be hard to find.

First stop – the harbour

Interesting Vehicle

Simon intrigued by the barble washed ashore

Simon intrigued by the barbel washed ashore

The boardwalk connects the harbour beach to the long beach

A Kelp Gull sheltering among the rocks

The boys brave the cool waves

Wrapping up after

Life guards coming on duty

Back home we found a daughter cooking breakfast

Grandpa and Jay, in the meantime, were enjoying a perfect morning at sea – the seasick ones remained at home today!

Jay’s Catch

After breakfast – croissants – the boys and I managed to get the last 10 from the OK Grocer’s bakery – and egg and bacon cooked by Laurie – we headed back to the beach. This time we decided to enjoy the calmer waters of the harbour.

It’s a safe family beach

Even the dogs are having fun

After we all enjoyed a swim in the safe waters we enjoyed soft serve ice creams and then spotted Kiora racing into to the harbour.

The boat to match the vehicle we saw earlier!

Getting Kiora onto the trailer

The Champions – a lovely catch of cob

Shannon and I had a little mishap while watching the hitching of the boat. Shan wanted to climb up onto the boat and walked down the slipway which was covered with green, slimy sea moss. Oops she slipped and slid down on her back, hitting her head to boot. She lay unable to get up and I instinctively went to her aid and yes you guessed it slipped in the same way myself! In my effort to save myself I hurt my wrist but no other damage done – I might, though, have a small broken bone in my hand! I will only find out tomorrow when I go to Bredasdorp for an x-ray! Shan has grazes on her back and a bit of a headache but otherwise – no harm done!

Annie is suffering from torn ligaments in her ankle and had a spare brace that is perfect for my hand which has a rather suspicious looking swollen lump on it- I am managing to type so it can’t be too serious – fortunately it’s my left hand.

Annie and Shannon creating a delicious salad

Grandpa braaing the cob

Jay and Simon getting digital

Lovely fish

Helping the daughter

Fab meal

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Day 3

2014-12-13 | puppy1952

Yes – Today dawned bright and still, heralding good fishing conditions. Earl, Lauren, Jay, Josh and Simon were on the sea by 7 o’clock and were lucky enough to spot dolphins and flying fish! I could be persuaded to board a boat to see that! The fishing was not too shabby either. Grandpa got a lovely red roman and the others were happy to get a few silver fish. The bad news – they were all sea-sick except for Jay and Gramps! But they did not suffer long and were back on land by 9:30.

Red Roman

Some of the silver fish

Jay, Simon, Lauren and Josh (looking a bit green about the gills)

After the fishing excursion the wind got up but the kids went off to the beach and spent some time there. Lolz, Annie and I went down for a while but were soon blown back home.

For lunch we enjoyed Earlie’s fabulous fried fish and later in the day the kids headed back to the beach for a swim.

Master Chef of Struisbaai

Finger food

We had a little mishap with a little sugarbird today. It flew against a closed window and stunned itself. Jay picked it up with a dish towel and rubbed it a bit. It just lay in a stupor but slowly started to flick its wings and eventually flew onto some washing hanging on the line. Eventually it felt strong enough to take shelter at the top of the milkwood tree. I do hope its headache is over soon! We must put those lovely stickers I received as a gift onto those windows soon.

Concussed female sugarbird

Let me rest a while

What just happened?

A malachite sunbird in transitional plumage looks on

Struisbaai – A week with three generations – Day 1 and 2

2014-12-12 | puppy1952

Thursday 11 December 2014

Today began a new chapter of my life – RETIREMENT! Well I have had a chequered on and off career of teaching but with Earl’s retirement I know that the time has now come for me to call an end to my career too. I bade farewell to my principal and colleagues just after 9 0’clock yesterday morning no regrets as the last three and half years have been very happy and I’ve left on a high note!

It was just an hour or so later than Earl and I along with our two teenaged grandsons hit the road to our holiday house in Struisbaai.

The Kokstad Clan – Daughter Lauren and Son-in-law Allan travelled up with the kids Shan 12 and Simon 10 overnighted in Graaff Reinet and arrived an hour after us at 3:30 this afternoon.

Simon, Earl, Josh, Jay, Shannon

Proud Grandfather with his brood of grandchildren

Josh and Simon play fighting

UNO – A favourite of our youngsters

Friday 12 December 2014

This morning we were horrified to wake to rain and wind. Not a fishing day! But this did not dampen our spirits and it wasn’t long before it cleared up. A trip to the local supermarket produced freshly baked break and croissants which accompanied Grandpa’s famous Earlie Brekkie.

Bonding over an “Earlie” Breakfast

The adults went off to the Wine Boutique in Agulhas while the kids went to explore the rock pools. Earl and I also popped into Potpourri a favourite gift/coffee shop that I love to browse in. Grandpa spotted a poster that he just had to have. Most appropriate don’t you think?

Excursion to the Rock Pools

My favourite granddaughter – (I’m your only granddaughter, Granny!)

Gathering the family together is far from peaceful. It is full of noise, attention seeking, teasing, laughter, bantering, chatter and fun, fun, fun.

Our older grandsons are amazing with their younger cousins. Jay 17 and Josh 16, always relate well to them and make sure they have a good time. They include them in the board games, take them off to the beach without the adults and make sure everyone does their fair share of the chores!

Our other two daughters had to work till lunch time today so only joined us at 3:30 this afternoon. Laurie brought her friend, Annie, visiting from London along too. So we now have a household of 11!

Laurie and Annie

Lisa and Earl – Allan braaing in the background

Annie, Shannon, Laurie

Simon, Shan and Jay

Playing Clue

Good old S.A. Braai

Back in the Classroom – Awards Ceremony, Teddy Picnic and so we say Farewell

2014-12-10 | puppy1952

And so my last year of full time teaching has come to an end. I admit to having become just a tad emotional on a few occasions this week! But I live just two minutes from my school and they’re not getting rid of me that easily and even though Hubby and I have plans to seldom be at home, I am sure I will be popping in to help from time to time.

On Monday I had the honour of presenting the special awards to the Grade Threes at our Foundation Phase Awards Ceremony. What a thrill to see some of my past girls doing especially well.

Board of Governor’s Award

The winner of The Speaker Reader Trophy is the grandson of a very special person in my life and I also knew his late father who was at school with my daughter. Muriel, he is just so very much like his daddy and you can be as proud of Noah as you were of your special boy, Reagon.

After this, one of my past Grade Ones presented me with a bouquet of flowers, a gift voucher and a gold medal inscribed with MASTER EDUCATOR! Well I guess if you’ve been teaching on and off for 4 decades you do deserve a medal 🙂

Our Awards Ceremonies are lovely. Each teacher pre-records a message and as her children come up onto the stage, it is broadcast over the sound system. I love listening to everybody’s speeches and it is specially good to hear what they have to say about the ones you’ve taught in the past or got to know at sport or just from seeing them around. Here are my precious class proudly standing on stage with their certificates.

My class were last to be presented with their awards and at the end of my voice-over I continued with a brief thank you. What a lovely response I had to that – thank you everybody. I have posted my voice over at the end of this blog.

The girls didn’t come to school on Tuesday as it was the turn of the Intermediate phase to have their awards ceremony. It was my pleasure to take care of a Grade 4 class while they waited excitedly to be called.

Today we ended the term with Teddy Bear’s Picnic! The girls arrived in a great state of excitement armed with their amazing bears and also some gifts for me! I said, “You are all very naughty. You’re not supposed to spoil your teacher.”

“Oh yes, we are!” they chorused back.

Thank you moms and dads. Your gifts, cards and letters wishing me well in my retirement are much appreciated. I am posting just a few of the many photographs kindly taken by Teacher Assistant Carol.

The Girls, The Bears, Paddington and Me

What a lovely elephant!

Totally relaxed with my bear

One very spoilt teacher

We love our bears – we love each other!

A person’s a person no matter how small! The same goes for bears!

What a gorgeous cuddly leopard telling me how special I am!

Earlier in the day I was banished from the classroom so that the girls could create something special for me – A Card – I suspect has been put into my pigeon hole and I shall collect it tomorrow, last day for the teachers. While I was in the staffroom waiting to be allowed back in – I smelled an amazing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Can’t be, I thought, as our machine is not working – but there was Danielle carrying a tray for one towards me – “Ek wil iets nice vir Ms Fenwick doen – want ek sal jou miss!” Nice – Danielle – that’s the nicest thing you could ever have done to this coffee starved teacher at 9 in the morning! I am hugely touched!

Danielle doing something nice for me

And that is what is so special about my school. Everybody from the top down cares and will go the extra mile for a child or a colleague.

Thank you to all the parents of all the children I have taught, for your support as teacher assistants, transporters to outings, providers of cakes for cake sales and for helping with homework and supporting me in every way. It has been a pleasure and privilege to be part of your children’s lives.

Voice-Over 2014

Precious girls– This year has been very special for me. From Day 1 I have savoured every moment knowing that it would be my last as a class teacher. Thank you for making it a special one.

You have been a class of diverse little characters and you will each, along with all the other little girls I have taught at Sun Valley, for ever hold a special place in my heart.

Jenna Cothill – Your persistence and positive risk taking has helped you overcome so much – well done my girl.
Jenna Cumming. Your display of wonderment and awe at everything new is inspiring. Keep enjoying every fresh moment of your life.
Montana – I will miss your quiet determination to succeed. Keep it up my clever girl.
Zoe – You may be small but you are full of character and everybody’s favourite. You go girl.
Olivia – clever, outgoing, spunky and full of fun – Hold on to that positive attitude.
Caitlin – You ask good questions and insist I teach you till you understand. You’ve kept me on my toes.
Amber G – beautiful girl well done for coming out tops. You are very special
Rachel – my creative dreamer – you have amazed me with your progress.
Feisty and determined Aphila – you have jumped hurdles and I am so proud of you.
Little Sam – persisting and taking positive risks – Never give up.
Tatum – so creative and full of energy – keep striving to do your best.
Tahila my quietly confident angel, I will miss your beautiful work. You go girl.
Precious Scarlet – full of inner strength – keep up the good work.
Linet – you have a strong character which will take you far – I am super proud of you.
Tenacious Tino – you have surpassed yourself – You have filled me with admiration.
Sierra breezing in daily with a positive attitude – you rock.
Leah – my deep thinking, smart girl – keep up the good work
Shaqayeq – beautiful, exotic and quietly brilliant – you have impressed me.
Mbali – my precious, feisty girl who has worked so very hard, you are an inspiration.
Sienna – my flexible thinker, you do not miss a beat and if I do, you are quick to set me right. Keep it up my girl.
Indyana – you think and communicate with clarity and precision while showing compassion for others – you are a very special girl.
Jennissa – your batteries are constantly charged and you are always ready for action. You go girl.
Sweet, talented Aniqah – keep reaching for your dreams – you have so much potential
Cassie you seem so often to be in your own world but you always come up with the right answers – well done my angel.
Gentle but determined Michaela – you have made strides this year. Keep it up special girl.
Amber T – you have strived for accuracy and produced beautiful work. You have made me proud.
Masintle my sweet, gentle girl, your calmness inspires sanity in me.
Julia you have worked well and impressed me with your independent thinking – I will miss your shy smile.
Faith what strides you have made this year. You blasted off slowly but at the end raced to the target. Well done sweet girl.
Zjonte you bounce into class with zest every day – I will miss your enthusiasm and energy.
Lucie – my creative, innovative and imaginative thinker – You have your own unique approach to your work – Keep on that path, girl.

And so girls, you have come to the end of your very first year of big school. Remember, if you dream it you can do it. YOU ARE FABULOUS. GIRL POWER TO YOU ALL.

And this is where I’m meant to stop but as this is my last Awards Ceremony I would like to take this opportunity to express my farewells. It has been my privilege to have had an 11 year association with Sun Valley School. First it was in the capacity of room parent, class rep and/or supply teacher. In 2011 I came for four months but stayed for almost four years!

I have had a chequered career in education for 4 decades and loved every minute and I am privileged to go out on a high note from this amazing school.

My colleagues in every grade have been awesome but the bond I have with my Grade colleagues now is beyond amazing. Lisa, you were there quietly supporting me as a gap when I arrived in 2011 and you’ve been an inspiring colleague. I really do want to be like you when I grow up. Bridgette you totally get me and help me keep my sense of humour, I will miss your wonderful laugh. Monique thank you for being my memory and relentlessly driving me to get things done weeks before deadline. Somehow you failed to see my advancing years and kept me young.

You guys rock and I can see that I will be drawn back to assist in the Grade One passage between trips across the planet.

Thank you to my amazing boss, Gavin for having me crew on this ship of exploration into the world of innovative education. The journey has been exciting, stimulating and adventurous. It has been the best trip of my life.

To everybody at the Sun Valley Group – children, parents, Estate staff, Admin, Exco and teaching staff. What a privilege it has been to be on this A team. I will miss you all. Farewell but not Goodbye

Back in the Classroom – They’re on their way!

2014-12-06 | puppy1952

It only really hit me on Friday that the end had come. I have been taking it one day at a time, sticking to routine, enjoying the specialness of each precious little girl and not thinking about the fact that I would soon be sending them on to the next teacher!

Of course we had spoken about how they felt about moving on in a care circle. This is what they said: “I am a little bit nervous but I’m also excited” “I am looking forward to learning new things” “I know in Grade 2 I will learn about birds and bats and that’s exciting” “We’re going to build things and I like that” “I will miss you and I hope my new teacher will be kind” “I want you to be our new Grade 2 teacher!”

Who the new teacher would be was a closely kept secret. They’re all going up together so their was a great deal of speculation as to who it could be – was it the teacher who took last year’s girls? I told them it could be anybody – Maybe Coach K (Grade 7 male teacher) would come down to teach Grade 2 – anything is possible. They shrieked in delight and at home time one reported to her dad – Coach K might be my new teacher!

Friday finally dawned. The girls arrived full of excitement and expectation. They were noisy, fidgety, over-the-top and I had to calm them down before we could do anything constructive. The choir girls (half my class) had to go off to practice so normal routine could not be followed. The remaining girls did some fun worksheets until the others returned. I just managed to complete handwriting when we all had to go to our Award Ceremony Practice. And that was that. We returned to pack up, tidy the classroom, have our snack and go out to break.

At 11 o’clock, armed with their stationery I took them to the meeting place. Mrs K announced who the Grade 2 teachers would be. My class were first and they cheered when they heard the great news that they were to be with pretty, young Miss Mey!

Waiting in anticipation

Where is Mrs Fenwick’s Class?

In the new classroom on a much bigger mat!

This is not the teacher were we were expecting!

She helps us too!

Do you like it?

While my girls were wrenched from my care I was left feeling rather bereft – I had no new little ones to welcome to soften the blow but I know I’ll get over it – there are new horizons for me too.

At the end of the day the girls returned content with the knowledge that they had landed on Planet Second Grade without mishap and the continuing journey is going to be just as exciting.

But it’s not quite over in Grade One yet! We have our Awards Ceremony on Monday, Tuesday – no school for you, girls. And on Wednesday we bid a final farewell to each other with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic – So remember to bring you favourite cuddly toy, a healthy snack, juice and a treat!

Back in the Classroom – Grade Seven Market Day

2014-11-29 | puppy1952

The term is fast drawing to a close – just one full week to go and then three days of Awards Ceremonies and Breaking Up. It is a time when the children begin to realise that their time in Grade One is coming to an end and they need to prepare themselves change yet again. Therefore they are restless and a little emotional so the best thing to do is stick to routine as much as possible – not easy when there is so much out of the ordinary happening.

I am so proud of my girls, though, as they are still working very hard to that next level in Reading and to master their sums in the higher number ranges. How far they have come since that first tentative step into “big school”

One of our big interruptions this week was the Grade Seven Market Day. Everything was beautifully set up in the hall and the courtyard outside. The girls could buy books of 10 tickets for R10 and then go and spend to their hearts content. And what a lot there was to buy! Our money lessons were put to practical use as they carefully counted their R1 vouchers and considered about how best to spend them.

I got my face painted

A sugar high was the order of the day

The Grade Sevens were super attentive

We promise we won’t be hyper!

Yum!!

Look what we got with money to spare!

I think I’ll try this hat

Everything looked so exciting

But in spite of regular interruptions for all things exciting we still had a good week of work and next week we will be making booklets for our Grade 2 teachers. They need to know how very smart we are!

Back in the Classroom – Outing to Rondevlei, Gala and Birthday

2014-11-23 | puppy1952

As promised here is the report about our amazing field trip to Rondevlei.

The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is located in Grassy Park, Zeekoevlei and Lavenderhill, suburbs of Cape Town. The bird sanctuary covers approximately 290 hectares of mostly permanent wetland and consists of a single large brackish lagoon which attracts many water birds.

Once again Ann and Andrea were there to present a puppet show and teach the children about the importance of wetlands. After this there was a nature walk, a climb up a tall tower giving us a bird’s eye view of the vlei and a visit to one or two of the hides.

The children had an amazing time and surprised their teachers and guides with their informed answers to questions and interest in their environment.

Ready for the puppet show

Monty helped a baby Spoonbill find his mom. “Look at my beak and look at my feet. Go and find some other birds to meet.”

Enjoying a picnic in a beautiful setting

We learnt about creatures other than birds too.

It was fun in the hides.

Other than going to places far and wide we have been preparing for our Assembly presentation of the Dr Seuss stories we’ve been reading. What fun the children had reciting extracts from The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, The Lorax and Gertrude Mc Fuzz. Our class made bird masks and two performed the part of Gertrude and Lolla Lee Lou. And how well they did that. We also had some solo singers for “Let it grow.” The teachers were very proud of their performance on Friday.

Gertrude Mc Fuzz and Lolla Lee Lou

The entire cast singing Let it Grow from The Lorax

Friday was an exciting day as we also had our Foundation Phase Gala straight after Assembly. Imagine the excitement! There were championship races and then the Fun Races. The Grade Ones were supported by the Grade 7 life savers as they swam a width, claimed a pair of socks and put them on their wet hands and then swam back again. The little ones were safe but I did fear for the life saver when one decided to ride on his back!

Ready to swim!

I have my goggles

Ready with the life savers

Am I winning?

Keep kicking

Get those socks on

The Champions

And to add to all the excitement the girls somehow got wind of the fact that it was my birthday next day. So there were gifts to open and cake to be consumed! This had to wait till right at the end of a long and exhausting day. Thank you parents for allowing your children to spoil me.