MESSAGE FROM MRS HILL

A wave of mixed emotions washes over me as I write this farewell letter, but I am reminded that every ending is the precursor to a new beginning. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” and now it is time for me to say goodbye. I say farewell knowing that the Lord is in control of everything.

During my 18 years at Midstream College, I have witnessed the remarkable growth, resilience and achievements of our learners, their thirst for knowledge, their passion for learning, and their desire to make a difference in the world. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of each learner’s primary school journey.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my dedicated and talented staff. Your commitment to providing a nurturing and engaging environment for our learners to reach their potential has been truly amazing. Your tireless efforts to build the school into the vibrant and leading school it is today, have not gone unnoticed. I have been fortunate to have worked with each of you, and I am grateful for the unwavering support and cooperation we have shared. Working with you, as principal of the school, has been a truly rewarding experience.

To the parents who entrusted the education and well-being of your children to us, I thank you for your trust in our school and for actively participating in your child’s educational journey. Your partnership has been invaluable, and together we have fostered a culture of excellence and a sense of belonging within our school community.

Change is an inevitable part of life, and I am confident that the school will continue to flourish under new leadership. My best wishes and prayers accompany Mr Wouter Rothmann on his journey with each one of you. I have absolute confidence in the collective strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment of this community. Embrace the opportunities ahead, nurture the potential within each learner, and continue to strive for excellence in everything you do.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Principal. Midstream College will always remain precious to me. I know that I am a better person because of the influence of the parents, teachers, and learners in my life. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. I will carry the memories of this incredible school in my heart forever and treasure the time we spent together.

Farewell my dearest learners and staff. Live life to the fullest and may you continue to shine brightly and make a profound difference in the lives of others.

YADAH

In solidarity with the Midstream Mile for Cansa, this week we pray specifically for families affected by cancer. We pray that every patient, family member and friend will be filled with courage and hope. We pray for God’s hand of healing, strength and wisdom in the process everyone is going through. May all find comfort in God’s loving embrace.

INCREASED SCHOOL FEES FOR 2024

After much deliberation and careful consideration of the economic climate and increased living expenses, please be advised that the directors have agreed to the following increases in school fees:

SCHOOL FEES STRUCTURE FOR 2024
Grade            % Increase in school fees                 School fees per month           Monthly payment       
Grade 1         2.22%                                                    R5 990.00                                 Payable for 11 months
Grade 2         6.01%                                                    R6 370.00                                 Payable for 11 months
Grade 3         6.09%                                                    R6 790.00                                 Payable for 11 months
Grade 4–7     6.13%                                                    R7 130.00                                 Payable for 11 months

Should you pay the full amount before 1 February 2024, you will receive a discount of 5%. We remind you in the event that a learner leaves the school, the deposit is only refundable if you have given one term’s written notice. Should your child be leaving the school, please send an email to corrieb@midstreamcollege.co.za.

AFTERCARE FEES FOR 2024
The aftercare fee for 2024 is R2 200.00 per month per learner.
The aftercare fees will be added to your school account and will be payable for 11 months.
An ad hoc fee of R225.00 per day is payable, but if the learner attends aftercare for 10 days or more, the full monthly fee of R2 200.00 is payable.

CROSS COUNTRY

Our learners achieved excellent results at the South African Cross Country Championships in Gqeberha.
André le Roux (U8) placed 4th and received a Gold SA team medal.
Luke Annandale (U9) placed 5th and received a Gold SA team medal.
Banie Claasen (U11) placed 21st and received a Bronze SA team medal.
Lise-Mari (U12) placed 23rd.
Mizé Raubenheimer (U13) placed 34th.

FIRST HOCKEY TEAMS

Congratulations to our First Boys and Girls Hockey teams who had a blast at the Northerns Blues Primary School Hockey Playoffs, held at Hoërskool Garsfontein.
Our girls walked away as winners, and our boys as runners-up! What an achievement!

Our First Girls and Boys Hockey teams are on their way to Potchefstroom to participate in the “Champs of Champs” competition. This is a national competition that will take place at the NWU Astro on 29 and 30 September. Only teams that placed first or second in their union are allowed to participate. The winner of “Champs of Champs” will be crowned the best U13 hockey team in the country.
We are incredibly proud of our teams and wish them all the best.

WHEN IS A FRIENDSHIP HEALTHY, WHEN IS CONFLICT NORMAL

Friendship plays a vital role in a child's overall growth. Unfortunately, children often encounter disputes and conflict within their friendship circles. Navigating these issues as a parent can be challenging and daunting. We are pleased to inform you that Ms Karien van der Merwe and Mr Julian de la Hunt, an informative and highly acclaimed speaker, as well as a father to primary school children himself, will address the topic "When is a friendship healthy, when is conflict normal?" with our parents. Please join us on Thursday, 12 October at 18:30 in the Auditorium.

Please take note that this talk will be presented in English.

HERITAGE DAY

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand”. – Nelson Mandela.

We will be holding a Heritage Day Celebration simultaneously with a Rugby World Cup initiative on Friday, 22 September. All learners are invited to wear either an outfit to celebrate their heritage or green and gold or alternatively any other colours of a South African sports team. We look forward to a colourful last day of term.

ATHLETICS

Please click on the link below for more information regarding the athletics which will take place during
term 4.
Please click on the relevant button to join the different WhatsApp groups

TENNIS TRIALS FOR 2024 TEAMS

Please note that our annual tennis trials, to finalise teams for 2024, will take place in Term 4. The following practice arrangements will apply:
Monday: 14:00-17:00 (Only trial matches)
Wednesday: 14:00-15:00: Normal tennis practice for Grade 2 to 6 players not participating in trials.
Fridays: 14:00-17:00 (Only trial matches)

IMPORTANT:
• GRADE ONE PRACTICES ON MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS, ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ARRANGEMENT.
• Grade 7 players will join the high school practices. These take place on:
 Tuesdays 18:00-19:30: Social
 Thursdays 14:15-15:15: Beginner players
 Thursdays 15:15-16:15: Team players

PARENTS’ AFTERNOON

The parents’ afternoon will take place on Wednesday,18 October. Appointments must please be made on the Parent Portal. The Parent Portal will be open from Thursday, 12 October at 14:00 until Tuesday, 17 October at 22:00. No appointments can therefore be made later than 22:00 on Tuesday, 17 October.

Sign on to the Parent Portal with your “Parent ID” (code starting with the number 3) and password.
Click on the “Student tab”.
Click on the learner’s photo.
Click on the “Parent/Teacher Appointments”.
Select a teacher.
Click on a timeslot.

You will then receive an e-mail confirming your appointment.

EXAMINATIONS (GRADE 4 – 7)

Here are the examination timetables for your information. We would like our learners to have a good rest and enjoy the holidays ahead. The exam breakdowns will be sent to you by 16 October for each grade and there will be adequate revision done next term before the exams take place.

THE UNIFORM SHOP

September / October Trading Hours
22 September: 07:00 – 15:00
23 September – 4 October: Closed
5 – 6 October: 08:00 – 16:00
9 October: 08:00 – 17:00
From 10 October: 07:00 – 17:00
For urgent requests, call 064 937 0551