Parent Guide to PNPS 2014 | Page 16

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL To celebrate your child’s birthday, he/she will be allowed to attend school wearing civvies on their birthday, or the day closest to that day should their birthday be a holiday or weekend. If pupils celebrate birthdays during the holidays, they can choose to wear civvies during the week before or after the holidays, but not on the first day of term or final day. Please ensure that when your children wear civvies to school, you are happy with the clothing they wear. Please don’t allow skimpy or see-through clothing to be worn; it’s not appropriate at school. If you want to send birthday treats to school, these are always welcome. If you send cake, please cut it first! Cupcakes are the easiest, but remember the school’s healthy eating policy. COMMUNITY OUTREACH Our Early Act group, made up of pupils and teachers, makes sure that PNPS reaches out to the wider community. The group mobilizes support for various charities and raises awareness of people in need around the world and closer to home. Our outreach programme includes a charity tuck shop, collecting Christmas presents for underprivileged children and participating in national campaigns such as ‘Reach for a Dream’. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS Environmental awareness is high on our school agenda. In all grades, environmental issues are integrated into our lesson plans. Our Environment club has already ensured that we are part of the Eco Schools Programme and is developing new plans to raise environmental awareness and promote ecologically sustainable practices. ECO ACTIVISTS The club makes sure that our voices are heard by taking an activist approach. Its members manage the school’s weekly recycling with the help of faithful parent volunteers. They also write letters to decision makers and have even picketed at parliament. GREEN FINGERS Our school grounds are being transformed. We are planting more indigenous trees and have implemented various water saving measures. We grow vegetables and herbs in our school garden and have started a succulent garden with the assistance of Kirstenbosch Gardens. 16 Pinelands North Primary School