Dear Parents and Guardians
As we approach the end of a full first term, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a very encouraging start to the year. There has been a noticeable shift in tone across the school, with a growing sense of confidence and shared direction. What has stood out most is the strengthening of our community. Staff are working together with greater clarity of purpose, students are taking increasing ownership of their learning, and there is a sense that we are building something meaningful. Our aim is to be a school of academic excellence, grounded in care, where everyone understands their role as a respectful and contributing member of the community.
Thank you to parents for engaging in this process, whether through constructive feedback or by raising concerns when something does not feel right. This kind of engagement matters. My experience this term has been that we are busy creating a solution-focused environment where parents, students, and teachers can raise issues openly, with the shared understanding that we are working towards what is in the best interest of our students.
End-of-Term Reports: What to Expect
Term 1 reports will be emailed to all parents by next Friday 27 March 2026 . In addition to academic results, the Term 1 report will include comments from the tutor class teacher. The tutor class comments will be based on feedback and analysis from subject teachers and are intended to provide a clear and balanced overview of a learner’s progress, highlighting areas of strength, as well as identifying where greater focus, support, or consistency may be required. The aim is to report on performance and to guide each learner along a pathway of growth, helping them to better understand how to improve and take ownership of their progress.
Individual Parent-Teacher Meetings: Wednesday, 15 April
As a follow-up to reports, parent-teacher meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, 15 April, from 15h10 to 19h30. The parent-teacher meetings provide an opportunity for parents to engage with subject teachers individually. The goal is for parents to be able to gain further insight of their child’s performances across various subjects. These conversations are vital to allow us to align expectations, identify what needs attention, and agree on practical next steps.
Parents can book meetings with their child’s teachers via the Bookem system. Lily will send out the details on Monday, 23 March (bookings will open on Tuesday 24 March). Grade 7 parents will be allowed to book a double slot with Mr Pienaar. Should any parent require more time for discussion with specific teachers, these meetings can be scheduled afterwards through the school office.
Assembly Themes & Encouraging Kindness
Our assembly programme is intentionally focused on building both character and awareness in our students. Anchored in our core values of perseverance, integrity, courage, empathy, and self-control, we explored this term what it means to act with purpose and responsibility, both in learning and in relationships. Themes have included navigating social dynamics with maturity, standing up against unkind behaviour, and understanding the influence of social media on wellbeing.
A key thread throughout these discussions is the development of social-emotional intelligence. This is a practical life skill focused on the ability to manage oneself, to understand others, and to respond constructively when relationships are tested. As we know, the teenage years inevitably bring moments of tension, misunderstanding, and emotional complexity. These moments, however, are also opportunities for growth. When approached well, they help young people develop resilience, self-awareness, and the capacity to engage with others in a thoughtful and respectful way.
Dates to Diarise for Term 2:
- Tuesday 14 April – School re-opens
- Wednesday 15 April – Parent-Teacher Meetings
- Monday 27 April – Public Holiday (Freedom Day)
- Tuesday 28 April until Thursday 30 April – School Holiday
- Friday 1 May – Public Holiday (Worker’s Day)
- Monday 4 May – Pearson Edexcel AS Examinations Start
- Friday 8 May – Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Examinations Start
- Wednesday 20 May – Pearson Edexcel AS Examinations Finish
- Thursday 21 May – Grade 12 return to class
- Monday 1 June – Gr 10 & Gr 11 CAPS Examinations Start
- Monday 8 June – Gr 7, 8, 9 CAPS Examinations Start
- Monday 15 June – School Holiday (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Examinations Finish)
- Tuesday 16 June – Public Holiday (Youth Day)
- Thursday 25 June – CAPS Examinations Finish
Pieter Steyn
Principal
The Bay Academy