Life Orientation

The Life Orientation Department will continue with what have become annual events in 2012:

The Montrose Support Programme, which includes counselling, Play Therapy, remedial lessons and bridging lessons offered by qualified staff, is still a valuable part of our extra-mural timetable.  Please be advised that these lessons are by invitation only.

The “Winning Edge” programme is being offered once again for learners who would like guidance in building self-esteem and growing in all spheres of life.  This programme is privately run and caters for learners who want to extend themselves academically, socially and personally.  

In the second term, the grade 7 FAMSA programme will be offered, to give the grade 7 learners a chance to discuss their changing lives and environments.  This is always a valuable programme and it is strongly recommended that you avail your child of this opportunity.

Anti-bullying Programme: This year, the teachers will undergo more training on how to deal with bullying.  Montrose Primary School is a no-bully zone!  Every parent, child and staff member will be required to sign our “anti-bullying pledge”.  If we all stand together to make sure every child feels safe and valued at school.  Please remind your child to report bullying incidents to the teachers, as nothing can be done if we don’t know about it.

D.A.R.E drug awareness campaign:  This programme is a no-holds-barred look at the devastation caused by drug and alcohol abuse.  It emphasises the dangers of drugs and the effects on those around the drug users.  The talk also highlights cases of first time drug users who have died or developed severe mental and physical conditions as a result of experimentation with drugs.  This programme will be offered towards the end of the year for the grade 6 learners.

In September, the learners and staff will take part in Casual Day, which benefits the South African Federation for Mental Health.  Montrose Primary School is a regular supporter of this worthy cause.

Support for cancer research and treatment is shown by learners and staff for Bandana Day in October.  Another example of the Montrose family’s support and care.

Grandparents’ Day:  The Learner Council visit the Garden Village Methodist Home for the Aged to provide the old folks with entertainment and tea to celebrate Christmas.  In addition to these celebrations, the Montrose Learner Council also hosts a Grandparents’ Tea in October for all the Montrose grannies and grandpas, oumas and oupas, gogos and abankhulu, nanas and granddads.  Don’t forget to book for this wonderful event.

The Leadership Programme for the Learner Council will be run on various Saturdays.  This programme provides the school’s leaders with the support they need to perform their duties with confidence.

In December, the whole school participates in activities which highlight HIV/AIDS awareness.  Although the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS has lessened in recent years, we still have a long way to go in South Africa to ensure that our citizens are knowledgeable about prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

While we go about our stressful day-to-day lives, let’s remember that the people around us need to be treated with care and consideration, so before you speak, always ask yourself: is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true?  If you answer “no” to any of those questions, rather don’t say anything!

Ms Anni Callander