PROSPECTUS

HOUGHTONSCHOOL

Address:
Telephone:
Fax No:
E-mail:
Website: / P O Box 95012 Grant Park, 2051
483-2550 483-1450 483-3308
728-6987


Dear Parents,

My Staff and I bid your child a very warm WELCOME to HOUGHTONSCHOOL.

We all look forward to meeting you and trust you and your child will enjoy a happy and fruitful association with our school.

At HOUGHTONSCHOOLwe believe in the total education of the child, i.e. intellectual, physical, cultural, social and spiritual, as well as fostering leadership growth.

1.MISSION STATEMENT

We at HOUGHTONSCHOOLbelieve that creating the correct atmosphere is important for the social, academic, cultural, spiritual and physical development of each child. This all rounded approach helps integrate our pupils successfully into the community at large.

At HOUGHTONSCHOOLwe are committed to:

  • Having respect for others by respecting ourselves
  • Developing academic potential
  • Academic self reliance
  • The development of the whole person
  • Creative and caring environments
  • Sportsmanship and fair play
  • Developing leadership skills
  • The fostering and development of inherent gifts and abilities
  • Tolerance of different cultures, experiences and views

These aims can only be realised with the full support and involvement of everybody at HOUGHTONSCHOOL, including the parents.

2.THE STAFF

The Staff at HOUGHTONSCHOOLare responsible for the efficient and effective running of the School in all its facets - in the classroom, culturally and extra-murally.

We are a child centred body and any decisions taken are always for the benefit of our pupils. Parents should know that my office is always open to those who would like to discuss any problems they or their child may have. Interviews can also be arranged with your child’s teacher before or after school hours, to discuss your child’s progress or any problems. We at HOUGHTONSCHOOL are always available to discuss any problem concerning your child’s Work/Homework/ Behaviour/Attitude, and will always do everything in our power to assist you.

3.THE PUPILS

Our pupils are most important and form the focal point of our day-to-day school life.

TODAY’S PUPILS ARE TOMORROW’S LEADERS

HOUGHTONSCHOOLwhere every person is considered and treated equally strives to be a community in which:

Justice prevails / Where every person is considered and treated equally
Equity / is cherished and each contribution is important and respected
Integrity / is maintained and honesty in relationships is encouraged
Full participation / is promoted and opportunities are created for everyday involvement
Inclusion / is emphasised as each member of HOUGHTON SCHOOL is made to feel that they belong

4.PARENT ACTIVITIES

We want and encourage all our Parents to be involved as much as they are able, to fulfil our triangular relationship of Parents, School and Child.

A)THE GOVERNING BODY represents the Parent community of our School. Members are elected every three years to give guidance regarding the School’s building, grounds and other related matters. Members are also involved with the very important task of making recommendations in regard to Staffing and Finances.

B)PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION This is a group of hardworking parents who are elected each year. The main purpose of this body is to organise Social Functions and Fund raising activities for the School.

5.SCHOOL UNIFORM

Parents are reminded that pupils are required to wear school uniform at all times.

Stockists: •Squires of Yeoville – 63B Raleigh Street, Yeoville, Tel: 648 9180/1.

•McCullagh & Bothwell – Sacred Heart College Campus, 15 Eckstein Street, Observatory. Tel: (011) 487 0197.

BOYS:

Summer: White short sleeve shirt with school badge on pocket; grey shorts; knee length grey socks with school colour trim; black lace-up school shoes.

Winter: Maroon Blazer with school badge (optional); white long sleeve or short sleeve shirt (as above); grey long pants; grey socks OR maroon parachute full track suit (available at the school) to be worn with black shoes, not ‘takkies.

GIRLS:

Summer: Maroon and white checked dress; white socks; black school shoes.

Winter: Grey gym tunic /grey pants /grey skirt; white school shirt; school fleecy top; knee length grey socks with school colour trim or thick grey tights; black shoes OR maroon parachute full track suit (available at the school) to be worn with black shoes, not ‘takkies.’

Dry-macs with the school badge are optional and are available from the school office. (The School blazer is optional for both girls and boys)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: / ALL PUPILS REQUIRE:
White Houghton golf shirt (available at school); Maroon shorts (available at school); White takkies; White socks. No other clothing is acceptable!
SWIMMING: / Every child must have a waterproof swimming bag, (clearly marked with the child’s name) to hold a costume and towel. Swimming is a compulsory activity and no child will be excused unless a note is brought from the parent, or a medical certificate is produced.
BOYS: / Black costume; swimming cap (compulsory) – available from school
GIRLS: / Plain black costume; swimming cap (compulsory) available from school.
HAIR: / No highlights in the hair!
GIRLS: / Long hair must be tied back away from the face. The fringe must be short and not in the eyes. Hair accessories must be maroon, white or black. No gold or silver accessories must be worn in the hair.
BOYS: / Hair should be neat at all times and must not touch the collar of the shirt.
ACCESSORIES: / ONLY girls are allowed to wear earrings, provided they are studs or sleepers. No rings, nose rings, bangles or ankle chains are allowed. Religious chains are allowed, provided they are not visible.
The following is available for purchase at our office:
Knitted maroon scarves, gloves and beanies; HoughtonSchool peak caps.
All articles of clothing must be clearly marked with the child’s name.

6.SWOP SHOP

Mrs. Saladino (who works in the Office) endeavours to assist with the provision of used School clothing at most reasonable prices. If you have items of School clothing that are too small, but still in good condition, use the SWOP SHOP each weekday, between 8.00 and l3.30.

7.TUCK SHOP

Our TUCK SHOP makes fresh wholesome rolls and toasted sandwiches daily, which are available during first break. Sweets, cold drinks, crisps etc. are available during second break and after school.

8.SCHOOL FEES

School fees are subject to annual revision (refer to attached form for the current structures).

9.AFTER CARE

HOUGHTONSCHOOLhas an excellent AFTER CARE facility at the school to assist working parents, offering teacher controlled homework and play supervision both during school terms and holidays. For further information regarding fees, times, etc. please contact the Office.

10.SCHOOL HOURS

School starting time Monday to Friday – 07:30 for ALL learners

School ending time Monday to Friday, grade R-2 – 1:05pm

School ending time Monday to Friday, grade 3 – 1:30pm

School ending time Monday to Friday, grade 4-7 – 1:50pm

11.SCHOOL HOUSES

We have four houses at our School, and families are kept together.

They are as follows:

ELAND – BlueIMPALA - Red

KUDU - Yellow SABLE - Green

12.NEWSLETTER

The School produces a general Newsletter approximately every second week. This is sent home to parents via the children. Please read it carefully as it contains important information, and is our way of communicating with you, the parents.

13.LOST PROPERTY

All lost property found, is put into a special cupboard and controlled by a teacher and the prefects. Parents are requested to ensure that ALL property is CLEARLY AND FULLY MARKED with the child’s name. It is essentially the child’s responsibility to look after his/her own property. Lockers are available at a cost of R5-00 per annum and we strongly urge that children use this facility, as lost property can be a problem.

14.MEDICATION

NO medication from home will be given to any child, unless we receive written authority from either the Parent or a Doctor. A form will be sent to Parents regarding allergies, medication etc. Please complete this and return it to the School for our records.

15. CODE OF CONDUCT

We have implemented a Code of Conduct, which has been approved by the Gauteng Department of Education. This is available for perusal at our school office.

16. SCHOOL CURRICULUM

PRE-PRIMARY (Grade R)

Language based on O.B.E.; Music; Developmental Play; Introduction to Letterland; Number-concept; Perceptual Development and Spatial Co-ordination.

FOUNDATION PHASE

Grade 1 to Grade 3 – Literacy, Numeracy, Life Skills, Handwriting, Physical Education/Swimming, Music, M.U.G., Computer Studies and Technology.

Afrikaans is only introduced from Grade 3

INTERMEDIATE PHASE & INTERSEN PHASE

Grades 4 - 7 - OBE Curriculum 2005– English, Afrikaans (Language Literacy and Communication) Mathematics (MLMMS) Economics (EMS) History and Geography (Human & Social Sciences) Natural Sciences (NS) Design and Technology (DT) Art and Culture (AC) Physical Education/Swimming, Music, Life Orientation (LO) Computers.

17. HOMEWORK

A HOMEWORK timetable is given to each class at the beginning of the year

Grade 1 / Reading and Phonics (from 2nd term onwards)
Grade 2 / Reading, Phonics, Sentences, Numeracy, Handwriting
Grade 3 / Reading, Phonics, Sentences and Numeracy
Grade 4 / 30 minutes per day
Grade 5 / 30 minutes per day
Grade 6 / 45 minutes per day
Grade 7 / 60 minutes per day

While parents are encouraged to guide and assist their children where necessary, please remember the purpose of Homework is to teach children to think and act for themselves. This is negated when parents “HELP” their children by doing the homework for them.

18. TESTS and EXAMINATIONS

OBJECTIVES of EVALUATION and TESTING

a)To assess how the pupil is progressing, not only within a subject, but also emotionally and intellectually as well.

b)To assess how successfully a teacher has taught and to identify any weaknesses on his/her part.

c)To establish which children need extra help and what kind of help is required.

d)To get to know the children, where their strengths and weaknesses lie and how to extend and enrich them.

PRE-PRIMARY PHASE(Grade R)

Continuous assessment – Fine motor control; Gross motor control; Perception; Spatial; Language

FOUNDATION PHASE

There is no formal testing in the Foundation Phase. Evaluation is done on a continuous, daily basis. Children are assessed according to the following criteria:

Excellent; Has mastered, can apply skills; Has mastered basic skills; Needs assistance in many areas; Not yet competent.

The learning areas assessed are:

LITERACY, NUMERACY and LIFE SKILLS

INTERMEDIATE/INTERSEN PHASE

One full examination is set in November for Grades 4 – 7. All other classes in the Intermediate/Intersen Phase write Cycle Tests throughout the year. Children are continuously assessed in all learning areas. Evaluation is done continuously and a report is handed out at the end of each term.

19. EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES

Every child is encouraged to participate in EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES, as this is a part of a child’s education and growth to adulthood, as well as improving his sociability skills.

ACTIVITIES OFFERED ARE:

  • SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Football; Netball; Tennis; Cricket; Chess; Swimming; Athletics; Orchestra; Balls skills; Remedial
  • OTHER ACTIVITIES offered at the school on a private basis (parents are liable for payment of tuition) Karate; Ballet; Tennis coaching; Exercise and Dance classes; Music Lessons; Art Lessons; English and Maths enrichment.
  • OTHER FACILITIES which are also offered on a private basis and for which there is often a need – Psychological Assessment; Language Enrichment

CONCLUSION

We at HOUGHTONSCHOOL, feel we have much to offer your child! We hope that he/she will take full advantage of all we have to offer and consequently grow from strength to strength, fully equipped to face the future. Your child’s determination to make a positive contribution to school life will ensure a relationship of mutual benefit and lasting value.

Our school motto is “WE LEARN. WE GROW”

A.J. Morris

Principal