The Life Orientation Department has been very busy, once again, this year.

The following activities have been planned and enjoyed by learners, parents and staff:

• The Montrose Support Programme, which includes counselling, Play Therapy, remedial lessons and extension lessons offered by qualified staff, has proven to be a necessary addition to our school extra-curricular programme.  The teachers involved volunteer their time to assist certain learners, who don’t have the same financial benefits as the more advantaged children, to improve academically, socially and emotionally.
• Therapists:  These therapists practise at Montrose and provide parents with a service at school.
• Optical Centre screening for grade 1 learners is scheduled every year to ensure the early detection of any visual problems in order to facilitate optimum learning for each child.
• Parenting Skills workshops:  These workshops are offered to parents who would like guidance on various aspects of parenting, such as: building a healthy, happy child.  This is an indirect support for child development.
• Manners for Minors: This worthwhile programme is run throughout the Foundation Phase and focuses on teaching values and the importance of manners to our little ones. It is presented in a fun way and the learners respond postively.
• Parents’ interest evenings this year included Dare to Love and Bridging the digital divide.  Unfortunately these evenings were not well attended by parents.
• As usual, “Winning Edge” and “Robotics” programmes ran throughout the year for interested learners.  These programmes are privately run and cater for learners who want to extend themselves academically, socially and technologically.  
• In February, the grade 7 learners attended a hygiene talk.  They were enlightened on the correct way to care for their developing bodies; with information on skin care, cleanliness and effective deodorants.
• In April, the Foundation Phase learners were treated to a presentation by The Clean Squad who taught them how to keep our bodies clean and free from germs.
• The Grade 7 FAMSA programme in June offered the grade 7 learners a chance to discuss their changing lives and environments.  This was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended.
• Anti-bullying Programme: This year, we attacked bullying head on in our comprehensive anti-bullying workshops that were run in every class.  Anti-bullying pledges were signed by every learner, teacher and parent in the school.  The effects of bullying are damaging and long-lasting and Montrose will continue to fight to ensure that every learner feels safe at school.  There are strict procedures and measures in place to deal with bullying incidents and every effort is made to support the “victim” and counsel the “bully”.
• D.A.R.E drug awareness campaign:  This programme is a no-holds-barred look at the devastation caused by drug and alcohol.  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 an annual event for the grade 6 and 7 learners. The same organisation came in to discuss the responsibilities needed when learners become involved in social networks.
• In September, the learners and staff took part in Casual Day, which benefits the South African Federation for Mental Health.  Learners and teachers had to wear casual clothes and buy a “casual day” sticker to show support for this worthy cause and everybody joined in the spirit of things to provide a colourful display of goodwill.
• Support for cancer research and treatment was 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 visited the Garden Village Methodist Home for the Aged to provide the old folks with entertainment and tea to celebrate Christmas.  Once again, Montrose parents and learners opened their hearts to the community.  In addition to these celebrations, the Montrose Learner Council also hosted a Grandparents’ Tea in October.  All our grannies and grandpas, oumas and oupas, gogos and abankhulu, nanas and granddads were invited to tea in the school hall.  They were entertained by our talented learners.  The morning is always enjoyable but this year, the old folks were treated to a variety of acts on stage - the learners involved did themselves proud!
• Leadership Programme: Developed and arranged by Mr Patrick Kabuya, our previous SGB chairman, this valuable programme is run on various Saturdays.  This programme has provided the school’s leaders with the support they needed to perform their duties with confidence, such as emotional intelligence, effective communication and assertiveness.  The councillors arranged a community outreach programme to Kids Haven in November.  This has proven to be a very worthwhile undertaking.
• In December, the whole school participated in activities which highlighted HIV/AIDS awareness.  These activities involved all learners in the school and covered the aspects of tolerance and support in dealing with HIV/AIDS.
• The private and public high schools are always interested in recruiting Montrose learners and visit at various times throughout the year to promote their schools.  Parents and learners were constantly updated on entrance exams or information evening at our surrounding high schools.
 

Being a part of this wonderful school is such a privilege for me and I am so blessed that whatever function or drive we have at school, parents, teachers and learners open their hearts and wallets and support us.  We are a community of very caring people and I thank each and every member of the Montrose family for your continued love and support.  I wish you all a happy and safe December holiday - filled with quality family time and lots of love.

Ms Anni Callander

HOD Life Orientation