Dear [NAME]

ACADEMIC PRINCIPALS MESSAGE

A short note for a short week!

Enjoy the midterm break and please return safely to Grantley on Tuesday 2 March.

Please take note of the following information on alcohol abuse with particular reference to our youth.

It really concerns me that many adults perceive alcohol to be less dangerous and less addictive than many other drugs when in fact it is probably one of the most dangerous substances our adolescents are exposed to.

A few reasons why.

• It is readily available in the home
• Parents introduce their children to alcohol at festive and celebratory events, believing that it is better to expose them to alcohol consumption in a controlled environment
• Drinking is seen as socially acceptable in our society and is widely advertised in the media
• Binge drinking at teenage socials is widely accepted as par for the course

Please read the following information - BE INFORMED
I invite all our parents to attend the talk by John Buswell on the 20th May. Please book your place early.

Thank you

G.C. McQUEEN
ACADEMIC PRINCIPAL

DATES TO DIARISE  FIRST TERM

13 March
Prefects Workshop
09h00 - 15h00

22 March
Public Holiday

26 March
Grantley Sports Day
College closes 12 noon for the holidays

12 April
Students return
Second Term begins

ALCOHOL
IS A POWERFUL & ADDICTIVE DRUG

A lot of people who would never consider using dagga consider beer and wine to be perfectly acceptable. But the fact is, beer and wine contain alcohol. And alcohol is a very addictive drug - probably the most abused drug there is.

Based on self-reports, it is known that a large number of male high school seniorsand often girls as well can be called problem drinkers Meaning they`re repeatedly drunk, have problems with school authorities and difficulties with friends and the police. And of course, there is always the problem of drinking and driving. Over fifty percent of car accidents involve alcohol, and teenagers account for a disproportionate share of alcohol related car fatalities.

The simple fact is that a single can (about 340ml) of beer contains the same amount of alcohol as a shot (about 40ml) of spirits (whisky, brandy, gin etc) and about 140ml of wine. So, if you drink more than a bottle of wine or a third bottle of spirits, you`re getting a very powerful dose of an addictive drug.

EARLY SIGNS:
An increase in the frequency of drinking and
An increase in amount

AS THE PROBLEM ESCALATES
Memory blackouts
A physical tremor
A deterioration in personal care and appearance
Poor concentration and co-ordination
Irritability and agitation when without alcohol
Inappropriate drinking (time, place, amount)
Secret drinking
Missing work or school due to effects of drinking
Drinking alone

LONG TERM EFFECTS

Heavy consumption of alcohol over a long period of time can cause damage to many parts of the body. Impairment of brain and liver functions can be permanent. If the persons diet is also poor, this can further affect their health. Emotional difficulties, such as depression and relationship problems, are also likely.

OTHER POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS INCLUDE

Cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, lips, liver brain injury, loss of memory, confusion, hallucinations high blood pressure, irregular pulse, enlarged heart and changes in red blood cells weakness and loss of muscle tissue sweating, flushing and bruising of the skin inflamed stomach lining, bleeding and stomach ulcers increased risk of lung infections severe swelling of the liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis inflamed pancreas tingling and loss of sensation in hands and feet for men, impotence, shrinking of testicles and damaged and reduced sperm for women, greater risk of gynaecological problems

For our teenagers - check out this site regarding alcohol abuse: www.thecoolspot.gov

ADMINISTRATION

Thank you to parents who pay timeously and communicate with us.

Please use your childs Family Code as example: the banks beneficiary reference: 3MORT01 when doing a payment

For easy reference our banking details are as follows:
Grantley College, Standard Bank 200489062, Parktown Branch 000355
lvcoller@grantleycollege.co.za / sms 083 707 0122 / fax 011 6431418.

CASH FREE ZONE

To further improve our security arrangements Grantley College will become a cash free zone from the end of the month.

From the 18 March 2010 all payments to the College must be made via our bank account. The only exception to this will be the tuckshop and certain designated fundraiser events.

Robin Sandford
OPERATIONS PRINCIPAL

SPORTS FIELD GRAND OPENING

We will formally make the opening of our new sports field on Saturday the 15 May 2010.

Please note that this will be a compulsory day for all students. The staff are busy planning the days event and I am sure it will prove to be a very enjoyable event and certainly one not be missed.

Robin Sandford
OPERATIONS PRINCIPAL

REMINDER!!! TUCKSHOP

The tuckshop will be closed on Tuesday the 2 March and re-open on the Wednesday the 3 March.

FROM THE PSYCHOLOGY DEAK OF DR. KRUGER

How to motivate your child to learn

Fill your child's world with reading.
Encourage your child to express his/her opinion, talk about their feelings, and make choices.
Show enthusiasm for your child's interests and encourage him/her to explore subjects that fascinate them.
Point out the new things you learn with enthusiasm.
Ask about what they are learning in school, not about their grades or test scores.
Help your child organize their school papers and assignments so they feel in control of their work.
Celebrate achievements, no matter how small.
Focus on strengths, encouraging developing talents.
Turn everyday events into learning opportunities.
Don`t have unrealistic expectations of your child or compare them to anyone.
Remember to give rewards and verbal praise for good behaviour.
Be in contact with the teachers and check your childs diary regularly.
Emphasize positive attitudes and values.
Talk with your child about the future to understand that the purpose for schoolwork is to prepare them for life after school.
Take pride in your childs schoolwork. Have a display or scrapbook.
Clearly define the goals for the year.

GOD MADE TEACHERS . . .
Author Unknown
God understood our thirst for
knowledge, and our need to be led
by someone wiser;
He needed a heart of compassion,
of encouragement, and patience;
Someone who would accept
the challenge regardless of the
opposition;
Someone who could see potential
and believe in the best in others . . .
So He made Teachers

E-MAIL - TEACHERS

Teachers are available on e-mail. Please contact the school for teachers e-mail address.

TIMETABLE

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