No 5 Newsletter of the German School Nairobi July 2012

DSN news

Editorial

“I wonder what the school will be like with a new management and all…”

This was what had been posted on Facebook, and what I had mentioned in the first newsletter of the

academic year.

In my opinion, this “transition year” has gone very well. And I must accord this to the support I have

received from all members of the school community. I would like to sincerely thank the following in

particular:

• you, dear students

• all my colleagues

• the Parent Representatives

• the entire Kenyan staff, without whom the school would not function

• our Administration Manager, Sandra Illi

• the School Board, and in particular Thomas Iten for his confidence in me, and for allowing me to

carry this position of responsibility. I also thank Oliver Stegen, the School Liaison Officer, with whom

I was able to work very closely and constructively.

• my School Management Team, i.e. Thurit Berge and Matthias Haße. A huge thank you to my Deputy,

Harald Mink, for the valuable support he gave me during the entire academic year, for his solidarity

in conflict and crisis situations. Working with him was, indeed, a pleasure. I wish him a successful

start as Head of the Upper Secondary in a comprehensive school in Hannover.

I wish the new Headmaster, Mr Boddenberg, the wisdom to be able to make the right decisions, and

the energy to be able to deal with tense situations with the Board, parents, teachers and students.

And you, dear students, I wish you a great holiday. “Happy days - Don’t cry because they are over,

smile because they happened.” (Rabindranath Tagore). It was a pleasure to teach for six years at this

wonderful school.

Kwaheri Kenya.

Franz Baur

The School Management in the academic

year 2011/2012

DSN news — 2

The winners of this year’s Reading Competition Everybody listens to Manja’s reading

Class 2 presenting its folk dance Japanese drums

Reading Competition in the Primary School

The annual Reading Competition took place in the library on the 12th of June. The audience was sur-

prised by a musical interlude sung by the new scholarship students of Class 4. The song, “Immer wie-

der kommt ein neuer Frühling” was sung with great enthusiasm under the guidance of Ms Stegen.

All the children from Class 1 then read a text from the children’s book, “Cornelius.” It is indeed very

impressive how well they can read in less than one year.

The actual competition took place after this. Unfortunately, Antoni Zeyer was unable to participate in

the competition as he was ill. Thus only Sophia Reim and Jascha Buchheit participated from Class 2.

David Hansert, Nicole Iten and Triziah Etarukot read for Class 3. Manja Buchheit, Sarah Marx and Nico

Hittmeyer from Class 4 read passages from a book of their choice. The judges then had the very diffi-

cult task of picking a class winner. Sophia Reim took the first place in Class 2, David Hansert in Class

3, and Manja in Class 4. These winners were then invited to read a passage from an unknown book,

to decide who the overall winner should be. Manja Buchheit took this prize. Congratulations!

A special thank you to Ms Semjank, who organized the library appropriately, and purchased the beau-

tiful book prizes.

Matthias Haße

Primary School

Cultural Day

The annual Cultural Day for this year took place at the Norwegian School on the 29th of May. Ms Ka-

koschke, Ms Steffens and Mr Haße accompanied students of Class 2 to the host school at 8.00 a.m.

We meet other schools at this very small school of just 20 students: the Dutch School, the Swedish

School, and the Japanese School. The motto for this year was “folk dance.” We all practiced a common

dance at first, as a “warm-up exercise”, and presented it at the beginning of the event. After a very

warm welcome, the children were split into different groups. Each country had a small stand at its

disposal, where they were able to practise their folk dance. The “Duck Dance”, led by Ms Kakoschke

was very popular with the children. Each country also had delicious snacks available. The crowning

glory was the almost traditional drum presentation by the Japanese School.

Mattthias Haße

DSN news — 3

Theatre Performance of Class 5

The 5th of June marked the beginning of a “fairy tale” exchange between the Kindergarten and Class

5. As part of their German lessons, Class 5 had written their own fairy tales, and studied Little Red Ri-

ding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel, which they presented to the Kindergarten children. The “Dolphins”

followed with baited breath how the hunter rescued Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother.

The owls were able to relax when Hansel and Gretel freed themselves from the wicked witch. To con-

clude, the students of Class 5 presented the dragon fairy tale they had written themselves. The chil-

dren of the Kindergarten, enchanted by the world of fairy tales, decided to make their own

presentations. On the 26th of June, the children presented “Snow White” and the “Musicians of Bre-

men” to the students of Class 5, who were enthralled by their acting talents and the back drop.

Theresia Srikanthan

Fascinated audience Hansel and Gretel

DSN news — 4

Graduation of Realschüler 2012

Graduation Ceremony on 22nd June 2012

After a break from a Realschule qualification (qualification at the end of Class 10) last year, four stu-

dents took their final Realschule examinations this year. Nathalie Lammers, Kevin Srithar, Lena Stier

and Tarek Suleiman were the four candidates of the German School Nairobi. All four of them passed

the written and oral examinations, and received their certificates from the Acting Headmaster Franz

Baur on the 22nd of June 2012. The four candidates had been able to say farewell to their fellow stu-

dents in Class 10 the day before, in a happy and relaxed environment during a school excursion.

The Kindergarten choir, under the guidance of Ms Berge started off the celebration ceremony, followed

by the violon-duo, Maria Papathanasiou and an apprentice Nathalie Farr, and then the Class 2 choir,

led by Mr Haße. The new scholarship students stunned the audience with their rendition of a spring

song in perfect German. Almost every single seat in the gymnastics hall was taken, as in addition to

the families and teachers of the four graduates, the students of Classes 9, 10 and 11 were also invited

to attend.

Speeches were made by Ms Kirsch, as a representative of the Embassy, and by Mr Tenambergen as

the Chairperson of the Parents’ Representatives. Ms Kirsch emphasised her bond with the school,

which she attended herself, and Mr Tenambergen talked about future prospects from a career per-

spective. Mr Karl Schick, the class teacher, described the four students as new species being released

into the world, a description carried out with humour. The Student Representatives of Class 10, Natalie

Beck and Charmaine Ndolo spoke about the characteristics of their peers, and gave each one of them

a hand-signed kikoy.

Karl Schick, teacher of Class 10

The Graduates: Tarek, Kevin, Nathalie and Lena Graduation ceremony with many guests

The Primary School choir Our scholarship students singing their spring song

DSN news — 5

�

DSN news — 6

The benchwarmers

We, the Benchwarmers, have spent a great deal of our free time over the last two years working in-

tensively on our car Lucy. We have learnt and experienced a lot in these last two years.

The team (and Lucy), after months of hard training and preparation, was finally ready to face the chal-

lenge – the highlight and end of our project – participation in the Rhino Charge 2012.

Our results: we were placed eighth in our category. We revelled in all the attention we received for

this victory.

We would like to thank everyone, who helped us in any way to achieve this result. In particular, we

would like to thank Toyota Kenya and Bayer, as well as Krones, Phoenix Safaris, Nairotics, Maygani In-

surance Company Ltd., Amadeus, Sandai Lodge, the Board and parents of the German School Nairobi,

private donors, and the mechanics (Viren Goricha and Esmail Shazn).

Jan Semjank

�

������������������������������������������������

�

�

�

�

Lucy in full activity Lucy and the team performed well on the challenging

route.

The Benchwarmers: Luka, Nathalie, Vanessa, Jonas, Philipp, Rudi, Anna, Betawa, Amir, Jan, Lena, Niklas

DSN news — 7

DSN news — 8

Parents’ Sub-Committee (PSC)

The PSC reports:

Well, this is the last newsletter report from the “old” PSC. Here are a few points from our last meeting

on the 7th of June 2012:

• The school party was a financial success. Around KES 100,000 was collected. We will let the “new”

PSC (which will be chosen from all the Parents Representatives at the end of September) enjoy making

the decisions on how this money will be spent.

• The parents of the Kenyan students will choose a contact person from the PSC, with whom they

can discuss the issues / cases specifically related to them.

• Parent representatives are still involved in working in the task forces set up by the school regarding

school development. Regular participation of the PSC members, as well as regular reporting to the

PSC would help improve this situation further.

the PSC

Students’ Council

Once again, the academic year is over, and that means a new Students’ Council (SV). We, the SV of

2011 / 12 would like to firstly thank you, the students of the GSN, for your support in various areas.

Not only did the student body participate in the expert groups, we also formed an organisational com-

mittee for the School Party, to help ensure it was a success.

In addition, we also set up a suggestion box this year. This box, which is opposite the reception, is

available to all students to share ideas and wishes with us. We also developed the idea of a “tuition

centre”, under the motto of “Students help Students”. This will be established as early as possible in

the new year.

A new SV means there will soon be new elections. And of course, as both Marie-Claire and Till have

completed their Abitur, we urgently need new blood. We hope that many committed students, who

have their fellow students’ interests at heart, will be available for election. Anyone who is interested

in taking up these positions can turn at any time to Luka (Cl. 9), Natalie (Cl.10), or Chris (Cl.11). Alter-

natively put your questions in the suggestion box (answers to anonymous questions will appear in an

information sheet).

We wish you all a great summer holiday, lots of relaxation from school stress, and a good start to 2012 /13.

Your SV

DSN news —9

School Board

Dear Parents,

Our school is a school community. We parents are all members of this community, and play a role in

the community, whether it is as active and dedicated Parents’ Representatives, or in the Parents’ Sub-

committee, in the School Board, or just simply as contributors of ideas and activities for school events,

the Project Week etc. We, the Board Members, would like to thank all those who contributed in any

way to the school community.

In the next academic year, we have a new Management Team at the school. That will make new things

happen, and there is always the possibility, that it will help further develop the school. And you, pa-

rents, will be asked once again, to help the school. We are a small school, and that is exactly why

there are many opportunities to participate actively in school matters.

At the AGM, which will take place at the end of September 2012, we will be electing new Board Mem-

bers. There are at least two seats available. If you already have experience as a Board Member, (either

at a school or elsewhere), have a way with numbers, or would like to be involved in any way, please

make an application. The new candidates will be introduced in the first newsletter of the new acade-

mic year.

The annual Parents’ Representative elections will also take place at the beginning of the new school

year. From dynamic and committed Parent Representatives, who get involved for the good of the

school, we can form a strong and active Parents’ Sub-Committee, who can help steer the affairs of

the school. Our request to you: help us, together with our new School Management Team, to make

our school even better from August 2012 – we look forward to your dedication.

We wish you all relaxed and peaceful holidays,

Yours,

Board Members’ Team

Sport

Apparatus Gymnastics Certificates for members of the Gymnastics Club

On Wednesday the 13th of June 2012, 23 participants of the Gymnastics Club successfully completed

their apparatus gymnastics course, and were awarded certificates from the German Gymnastics As-

sociation (Deutsche Turner Bund).

Children from Classes 1 – 4 had been learning the various gymnastics moves and exercises for one

semester. Under the leadership of Ms Rode and Ms Kakoschke, the students had made a lot of pro-

gress, and at the same time had been enjoying the adventurous and “fun” apparatus. On the day of

certification, each student performed courageously on 4 of the 5 official pieces of gymnastics equip-

ment (floor, balance beams, jumps, parallel bars, and the horizontal bar). Floor exercises such as for-

ward summersaults, straddling the vaulting horse, as well as more demanding exercises such as

reverse flips on the parallel bars, and even a cartwheel on the balance beams thrilled the parents and

friends of the students.

Jana Kakoschke

The successful gymnasts with their certificates

DSN news — 10

U9 Football

The U9 football team had two more matches this year, in addition to their normal training in school

on Tuesdays, and in Runda on Fridays.

ISK Tournament on the 26th of May 2012

12 teams participated in this tournament, and our team managed to get to the semi-finals. Unfortu-

nately we stood no chance against the boys from Kibera, and lost 0:4. We had won against the same

team in the last tournament in a penalty shoot-out. Kibera played against the team from Babadogo

in pouring rain, and lost. Our centre –forward player Timon was the recipient of the Best Player title.

Babadogo kicking-off

Timon is nominated as

Best Player

Scene from a match at the

ISK tournament

The teams of GSN and Babadogo

Home match against Babadogo on the 9th of June 2012.

The same Babadogo team that beat Kibera boys in the ISK tournament was invited to the school on

this Saturday morning. The aim of such invitations is to “look over the fence”, and get to know other

football clubs in the city. We therefore had lunch (kindly sponsored by the German School Nairobi) at

12.00 p.m. together with these boys. Lively and interesting conversations took place during lunch

amongst the children from both teams. Babadogo is an “over-crowded and disadvantaged” suburb

of Nairobi near Mathare. Their football team is made up from a Primary School population of 1,500

children. 3 coaches and 2 teachers had accompanied the children.

David almost scored twice, but not quite. Towards the end of the match, our guest team was still

better than ours, and won the game with a “goal of the month”. Our youngsters fought back bravely,

Max tried to score gain and again, and Antoni did not let another goal in the net. The others, who

helped maintain the score to 0:1 were Njeri, Toby, Timon, Karl, Jascha, Hilario, Robin and Jojo.

Dr. Ernst Tenambergen

The U9 Team

DSN news — 11

News from the Tennis Club

The tennis Club has recently appointed a Rhoda Wandaka. She will be responsible for the administra-

tive work involved in memberships, guest vouchers, as well as “taster-vouchers”. She has taken over

these duties from the School Administration. She will also inform members about the latest develop-

ments and the activities at the Tennis Club. Rhoda can be reached on 0720 407 992 or by e-mail on

Rhoda.wandaka@gmail.com.

A fresh breath of air blows through the tennis club…

Es tut sich was! The tennis club members said goodbye to each other for the summer holidays last

Saturday with an extended “End of Season Tournament”. Many members, and above all new members

and guests were able to “swing their rackets” for the last time before the holidays. Also present were

Kenya’s who’s who in the tennis community, such as Allan Cooper and Paul Wekesa! Both of them

showed the representatives of the German Tennis Club that they still have some way to go, before

they can become tennis champions!

However, they were not the recipients of the prizes; our long-term member Markus, our new member

Steve, and our coach Pius were the final winners – congratulations to them for their impressive per-

formance. At this point we would also like to especially thank our sponsors, SWISS, Private Safaris

and Pomodoro Pizza Village Market.

However, the conviviality did not end with pizzas, barbecue and cake. Rhoda, the new colleague at

the Tennis Club had everything organised, and announced the new holiday highlight to our newco-

mers: the holiday special offer to non-members and guests for the months of July and August

(5,000 Ksh adults, 3,000 Ksh kids, Ksh 7,000 family). Everyone is welcome, and can play as often as

they want!

In the new year, the club is also making some announcements. For all children from Pre-school to

Class 8, we will try to offer tennis lessons from the new season. The groups will be split into four:

- Tennis for pre-school kids (Kindergarten)

- Tennis for Primary School kids, class 1 and 2

- Tennis for Primary School kids, class 3 and 4

- Tennis for Mid school Kids, class 5 – 8

Our experienced coaches peter and Pius will help to turn your kids into tennis pros! This applies to

beginners too. No equipment? No problem! Children’s racquets and balls will be provided. We will

give out further details for this in the new academic year.

Tobias Heinemann

The winners of the day: Steve, Markus, Pius All participants ofthe tounament

Rhoda Wandaka, new employee of the Tennis club Also the kids had fun

DSN news — 12

Tips from the Nurse

Healthy teeth start with good habits from childhood

Tooth decay and dental erosion are two preventable causes of damage to children's teeth.Our mouths

are full of bacteria that build up on the teeth in a sticky layer called plaque. These bacteria digest

some of the sugar in our food and drinks, making acids that can weaken the tooth enamel (the hard

outer layer of teeth). If acid remains on the tooth surface for a long time, it can cause those areas of

the tooth to decay. This can happen if children often have sugary foods or drinks, or do not clean their

teeth properly.If your child has tooth decay that is not treated by a dentist, it will eventually reach

the centre of the tooth and can cause an infection or toothache.

Dental erosion is the gradual wearing away of the enamel on the whole surface of the tooth. It is cau-

sed by acid attacking the surfaces of the teeth. These acids usually come from drinks such as fruit

juices, fizzy drinks and squashes – even the sugar-free varieties. Acids can also be produced if your

child vomits or has stomach problems.Dental erosion can cause sensitivity and pain. Although enamel

doesn't grow back, dental erosion doesn't usually need treatment. If your child has a seriously eroded

tooth, his or her dentist may protect the tooth with a filling.

How can you protect your child's teeth?

Children usually need dental visits more often than adults. Milk teeth are smaller and have thinner

enamel than permanent teeth, so decay can spread very quickly. Regular check-ups help your dentist

to help you prevent and treat decay before it causes toothache.

• Take your child to the dentist regularly. This helps your child get familiar with the people and the

surroundings at the dental clinic. Your dentist will look in your child's mouth in an informal way, and

may count how many teeth have erupted and spot any early signs of decay. Quick check-ups like this

help to encourage good co-operation with the dentist when your child is older

• Do not give your child too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks. Reducing sugar in your child's

diet is the best way to prevent tooth decay.

• You should start cleaning your child's teeth as soon as they come through the gums.Encourage your

child to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make tooth brushing a

regular activity, in the morning and before bedtime, so that it becomes part of your child's daily rou-

tine. When your child is about seven, teach him or her how to brush his or her own teeth, using a

gentle, circular motion.

• Take advice from your dentist about protective treatments such as fluoride supplements and fissure

sealants (when needed)That is in case you live somewhere where there is no fluoride in the water or

if your child's teeth are particularly at risk of decay, your dentist may recommend extra fluoride in

the form of tablets, drops or mouthwashes.

• Some children have very deep fissures (crevices) in their permanent back teeth, which can be diffi-

cult to keep clean. These fissures can be sealed with a resin film to protect the surface from decay.

Diet

Keep squashes, fizzy drinks, natural fruit juices, sweets and cakes to a minimum. Do not give your

child sugary foods and drinks as snacks between meals or before bedtime. Fruit, vegetables, nuts,

cheese and milk are all healthier snacks because they contain natural sugars. Remember, however,

that as well as natural sugars, fruit contains acids, which can cause decay if eaten in large amounts.

You can help to protect your child's teeth against erosion by finishing a meal with an alkaline food

such as milk or cheese. This will neutralize the acid in your child's mouth.Plain water and plain milk

do not cause tooth decay or erosion. Your child may find it hard to drink plain water or milk if he or

she usually has sweet drinks, but most children get used to it over time.

Frida-Christina Brick

DSN news — 13

DSN news — 14

Prevention of Substance Abuse

Drunk without alcohol

Class 7 had the special opportunity of dealing with the topic “intoxication” on the 5th of June 2012.

The day before, Ms Fogt had given several students the job of bringing along plastic containers, stop

watches, or playing cards, without giving us any indication of what her intentions were.

We went to the next German lesson, filled with anticipation. Finally Ms Fogt’s intentions became clear

to us. We were to deal with the issue of the consequences of consuming too much alcohol, and had

to carry out certain exercises while wearing the so-called “intoxication spectacles”. We had a choice

of two sets of glasses – one that showed the effects of an alcohol content of 0.8 pro mil and the

second with 1.3 pro mil.

We left the classroom, and went to the field, where we had to line up opposite each other. The first

exercise was to go up to one’s partner, and greet him / her with a handshake. This may sound like a

really simple exercise, but which could become a downright torturous exercise if intoxicated. Neither

could we walk straight, nor were we able to grasp the hand of our partner. We also understood why

we had to carry out this exercise in the field – otherwise, we could have fallen and injured ourselves.

The second exercise was to run along the “snake” in front of the Primary School building. Most of us

awkwardly staggered across the wave-shaped snake. Each student had another two students (one on

each side) to prevent a fall. The third exercise, and in my opinion, the hardest, was to stack plastic

containers on top of each other in a specific amount of time. This caused us all some trouble! The

last exercise was to collect scraps of paper from the ground and put them into a container.

After these quite shocking exercises, it became clear to us, how dangerous the effects of alcohol can

be. We noticed how dependent we are on our eyes, and it was really quite scary to see double, not

to be able to judge distance anymore, and only to rely upon your sense of touch.

I enjoyed these experiments very much, and they also help to point out to students, that alcohol con-

sumption can have severe consequences.

Camille Zingg, Klasse 7

(Red. G. Fogt)

Handshake under difficutt conditions Collecting of paper scraps

DSN news — 15

News from the REsource Centre

A review of the Resource Centre, as my co-founder leaves…

It has been three years since Franz Baur and I took over the responsibility of setting up and establishing

the Resource Centre. Three years, during which we have tried to make something concrete out of

this abstract idea of a “resource centre”. In 2008, as part of the Partner-School Initiative (PASCH), the

German School Nairobi received a one-off sum of 80,000 Euro from the German Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, with the task of setting up a Resource Centre. The aim of such a centre is to promote the Ger-

man language and culture, as well as to address the issue of intercultural exchanges.

The money has been since used to set up two highly modern Computer Rooms, as well as to purchase

technical equipment, such as a laptop / projector suitcase and a video camera, which have since be-

come an integral part of lessons and seminars in the school. We have also been able to set up a small

‘German as a Foreign Language” library.

However, what good are rooms and equipment without people? It was our wish right from the be-

ginning that we should be able to set up a varied programme of events, in conjunction with, and not

in competition to other German cultural institutions in Kenya, such as the Goethe Institut, the German

Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the German Embassy. The results of this wish: workshops

for German teachers in East Africa, meetings between German and Kenyan students, lectures, panel

discussions, information events, an opera, a charity dinner, a football tournament just to mention but

a few things! In short: the Resource Centre provided us with a fantastic opportunity to bring Kenya

and Germany closer together.

Franz Baur was there from the beginning. We were able to conceptualise, organise and supervise

events together. Without him, the centre would not have been what it is today. At the same time, we

had three years in which we worked together closely, (despite the tasks being very demanding and

intense at times), and three years in which we always had great fun, which is not just important, but

also rare! For all that, Franz, thank you very much.

Karin Häggmark

Miscalleanous

A Year in Africa

Many people wonder, who in their right mind would think of spending a year in Africa, when she has

the possibility of going to the USA, Australia or New Zealand. “High-school life“, the American dream

of being a cheerleader, and water ball games - this is the image one has of many schools abroad, whe-

reas Kenya is a developing country, where there is no water or internet. I came to Kenya without any

idea of what it is like, how it smells, and what the people are like.

On the 25th of July 2011, this was the scenario – I had just had an eight-hour flight from Hamburg to

Nairobi, Kenya. It feels like yesterday to me, when I came out of the plane at 3.00 a.m. to an unbelie-

vable temperature of 25°C, and went to my new home. To a place, where I was to spend one year of

my youth. Sky-scrapers, hotels, and the latest music on the radio in a continent in which one thinks

there are only the sun, giraffes and “bush people”? I felt at home from the very first moment. My

first few days under the African sun flew by, and I knew I would have a great time. After two weeks

of summer holidays, and as I got ready for school, my days were no longer as if I was on holiday.

German School Nairobi, Class 10, 14 students. A huge difference to my class of 30 students in Germany,

but of course much cosier. So what did I have? The Boarding House directly next to the school, mea-

ning I could eat well (and German food!) every day. The Village Market Shopping Centre directly op-

posite meaning that I always had enough to do in my free time. And, for all those times I needed to

switch off completely, when everything got a bit too much, a beautiful garden!

Rebecca Vogel, Class 10

DSN news —16

DSN newswww.dsnairobi.dewww.germanschool.co.keinfo@germanschool.co.ke

Tel.: + 254 (0)20 - 7121400, + 254 (0)20 - 7120371

Franz Baur, Acting Headmaster

Stefanie Thomas, Editor

Shital Shah, English Translations

Lucas Alcamo participates in the “Deutsche Schulakademie”

The “Deutsche SchülerAkademie” (roughly translates into the Summer School for German Pupils) is

an out-of–school programme to further challenge bright and academically motivated students. It is

financially supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and by the Asso-

ciation for the Promotion of Science and Humanities in Germany. The founder of the programme is

the not-for-profit organisation, “Education and Talent Ltd”, and falls under the patronage of the Ger-

man President.

It is the aim of the academy to offer interdisciplinary and intellectual challenges to the students, and

to promote the adolescents’ abilities and interests with age-mates who share similar interests. The

participants are thus encouraged to learn different approaches to their work, to broaden their hori-

zons, and to exploit their full potential. The academies take place during the summer holidays, and

normally last 16 days. They consist of up to six different academic disciplines in various science fields.

This year, the German School Nairobi recommended Lucas Alcamo from Class 11. He has been accep-

ted by the academy, and will attend one of the 12 such academies in Germany. We wish him every

success, and a lot of fun with this course.

Further information in German can be found on the website: http://www.deutsche-schuelerakade-

mie.de/ and in English under http://www.cde-ev.de/node/36

Kathrin Blumenstein

Evaluation of the School Survey

In May 2012, we asked you to tell what could be improved in the administration department in your

opinion. The main emphasis was on the school reception, punctuality of invoices and receipts, re-

sponse to phone calls and e-mail, as well as flow of information from the administration section. From

the limited responses we had (41 responses), we would like to assure that the rest are very happy

with our work. In case we have misinterpreted this, please feel free to give some feedback without

questionnaire.

As a result of the survey, it has come to our attention that a few areas could be improved. As far as

invoices and receipts are concerned, we have established a schedule, and are confident, that we will

be able to avoid further “traffic jams” in this section. 20% were of the opinion that responses to phone

calls and e-mails take too long at times. We have taken the comment to heart, and will keep those

concerned with long correspondence matters updated at regular intervals. Our doors have already

been better marked, so that you can find the right person faster.

We were happy to note that 90% feel welcome at the school, and more than 97% feel that they are

always addressed in a friendly way. Our goal is to make the rest of the sections like this. And, as we

have said many times before, we are always willing to receive suggestions on how we can make further

improvements.

Thanks for your participation and we look forward to a further successful co-operation.

Your Administration Team

DSN news — 17

Is something bothering you, or do have any serious issues?

Come to the “Boat”! In the “Boat” you will have the chance to swim away from school and speak about what is wrong: trouble at home, or with teachers, or even poor grades in class. Or you may have just argued with a friend, and you simply want to talk about it to someone.

All this is possible in the “Boat” - you can talk to me, or someone else, who I would be able to recommend. And whatever is discussed in the “Boat” stays in the boat, i.e. it remains confidential.

Teachers, you too are welcome to the “Boat”. If you are stressed about other colleagues, or your students, or even if you have any non-school related issues, you can “dump” them in the “Boat” – a cup of coffee or herbal tea always helps! And again, everything we discuss stays in the “Boat”.

Dear Parents, you may be concerned about your children, if they do not feel “at home” in the school, are being harassed in some way, or simply don’t seem to be coping… Pass by and talk about it in the “Boat” – the next steps to be taken will easily fall into place.

Welcome one, welcome all!

Psychosocial counselling helpline available from September 2011 in Room 21, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1.00 – 2.00 p.m.

Dorothea Schulz-Ngomane Pastor / Religion Teacher 0733824514