Dear parents

We are now well into the third term and it has definitely lived up to the notion that the third quarter in the school year is the most action packed and by far the busiest. Needless to say, the Primary School campus is abuzz with excitement, as both the Senior and Junior Primary concert rehearsals are in full swing with our budding singers, actors and actresses being put through their paces by the teacher’s co-ordinating the events. Both of these productions come off the back of a highly successful High School Fashion Show and Primary School Windermere Art Exhibition which once again showcased the tremendously talented and creative children, which make Embury College such a uniquely diversified institution, which caters for Learners of all intelligences.

Below I have listed some recent developments which need to be taken careful note of:

· Security: Owing to the unfortunate incident which occurred on the last day of the second term, our security has been significantly improved. The following measures have been taken to ensure the safety of our children, staff and parents:

- Security cameras within and on the perimeters of both High School and Primary School campuses have been installed.

- In addition to our permanent car-guard, you would have noticed that we have employed an additional two security personnel on a permanent basis.

- As with the office on the High School premises, the Primary school office will have an additional security gate installed that needs to be buzzed on entry.

- Our security company is supplying the staff with a cell phone operated system, by which they can make emergency contact with the company with the ‘push of a button’.

- The side gate on the Primary School campus has been permanently bolted shut.

- A Trellidor has been fitted in House 1 for the benefit of the Aftercare programme, which uses this house as an exit point in the afternoons.

· ‘My School’: Although we have previously attempted to ‘roll-out’ the My School programme, we have only received a limited response. Additional forms were handed-out to parents a few weeks ago and we urge parents to please apply and begin ‘swiping’ your My School cards at the participating retailers. It costs the parent nothing but is an easy method of raising funds for the benefit of your child’s schooling.

· D6 Communicator: On Tuesday the 23rd of August, we will be launching Embury College’s D6 communicator. The system will be explained via a newsletter, which will accompany a CD for each parent to download onto their PC’s. The Communicator is ensured of revolutionizing communication with our parent body and is currently being used successfully in various schools nationwide.

· Development of further Multi-Turf facility at Embury Primary: A decision was taken recently to develop the area on the side of the Senior House by Mrs Naicker’s classroom, into another practically usable playground facility for the children. Consequently, the veranda and storeroom which were there have been demolished, and the area has been smoothed in preparation for multi-turf to be laid. The project will be completed within the next couple of weeks and I am sure that our children are going to relish the opportunity of another ‘green’ to play on!

· Change in Grade 3: It is with great regret that we have to bid farewell to Mrs Walker in Grade 3. Mrs Walker has been a part of the Primary School staff for the past 5 years and she will be sorely missed both as an Educator, colleague and friend. We wish her the best of luck in Hong Kong, where she will be taking up a post in the near future. She will be replaced on a permanent basis by Miss Hayley Woodley, who we warmly welcome into the Embury family.

Finally, tickets for both our concerts are running out fast, and we urge parents to book their seats as soon as possible. Both shows promise to be highly entertaining and enjoyable events which simply cannot be missed!