Principal: Tony Williams Executive Head and Primary School Principal Lara-Ann Koch, High School Principal Phone PS: 011 435 0646 Emails: Primary: info@maristbl.co.za Physical address: East Street, Linmeyer, Johannesburg South, South Africa Postal address: PO Box 40, Linmeyer, 2105 Enrolment: 1186, Co-educational, Independent Aftercare facilities: Yes - Grades 00 to 7 Boarding: No School Fees: School fees About Marist Brothers Linmeyer Primary School MARIST BROTHERS LINMEYER IS A CATHOLIC DAY SCHOOL EDUCATING GIRLS AND BOYS FROM GRADE 00 THROUGH TO GRADE 12 Our school motto is “Certum Pete Finem”; this is Latin for, “Seek a definite goal”. If you want to become successful in life, you must have a definite goal — where you want to go, what you want to become, where you want to see yourself in the future. A definite goal will help you to remain focused on the work that matters most. Founded on the Catholic Marist values of humility, simplicity and modesty, we are guided by the example of St Marcellin Champagnat, our founder, and aim to produce resilient young people who are eager to make a difference in the world. Marist Brothers Linmeyer places equal focus on a differentiated academic curriculum, a wide range of sporting and cultural activities while still competing at a very high level. We maintain an important focus on community engagement through our dedicated outreach programme. Our committed teachers are subject specialists who are able to adjust to the ever-changing demands placed on education, without compromising standards and values. Our excellent IEB matric results and exceptional tertiary success are testimony to this. We aspire to grow leaders and thinkers who will leave our school gates, inspired and motivated, ready to reach their full potential and to achieve dreams and aspirations. Our Primary School: Our Primary School offers a safe and stimulating environment, where our adapted and modified curriculum focuses on meeting the needs of the modern child. It is our intention to encourage our boys and girls to think about the world and the work they will do in it, the importance of making a difference, and to always relate to each other with empathy and kindness. Guided by our Catholic ethos, we hope to develop a lifelong desire to learn and explore in our students by offering exciting lessons, challenging projects and different learning experiences. Our qualified teachers, who have exceptional subject knowledge, are given the freedom to teach creativity an be innovative within the structure of the formal curriculum. Students are taught the importance of self-respect, and respect for each other with whom they interact. School outings to a variety of exciting destinations, and workshops overseen by professionals include puppet shoes, theatrical productions and talks on various topics are enjoyed by all students and teachers. It is our aim that every student, while at Marist Brothers Linmeyer, enjoys happy productive and successful days. Our Teachers: Our committed teachers are subject specialists who are able to adjust to the ever-changing demands placed on education, without compromising standards and values. Our excellent IEB matric results and exceptional tertiary success are testimony to this. Our Academic Foundation Phase: (Grade 1 to Grade 3) The Foundation Phase lays down the building blocks for the educational foundation of children between the ages of five and nine (Grade R to Grade 3). Continuous assessment, parent meetings and reports keep our parents well informed of their children’s progress. We encourage students to develop confidence and to become more independent within their school environment and life. Grade 1 This is a most exciting year as our students begin to apply all the knowledge they have to different situations. Reading for enjoyment is a great achievement as they begin to decode and comprehend. The emphasis remains on creativity, sensory exploration and individual interpretation. Grade 2 In Grade 2 students begin to master skills, developing greater independence and more responsibility. Participation in group work allows students to negotiate and share, learning and understanding the value of friendship and empathy. Grade 3 Our Grade 3 students move beyond ‘learning-to-read’ and start ‘reading-to-learn’. Students learn to organise, structure and use their time appropriately. The foundation block that have been laid are now extended and built onto, preparing the students for their progression into the Intersen Phase. INTERSEN PHASE The Intersen Phase develops basic skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Natural and Social Sciences, Numeracy and Information Technology. Students are introduced to a broad range of concepts positive attitudes around learning are promoted. In this phase there are three classes per grade and students are taught by specialist subject educators. GRADE 4-7 SUBJECTS We offer the following compulsory subjects: English (Home Language Afrikaans or isiZulu (First Additional Language) Mathematics Social Sciences – History and Geography Natural Sciences and Technology Life Orientation which includes Religion, Life Skills, Physical Education and Creative Arts Technology and Economic Management Sciences (Grade 7) GRADE 4 Before moving to the Intermediate Phase, at the end of Grade 3 parents and students are introduced to the new model of learning and choose their First Additional Language. Children in this grade begin to enjoy collaboration and love to memorise facts, they have desire for new knowledge and have a wonderful sense of adventure and exploration. Grade 4’s start applying important values, skills and knowledge within-subject areas. Study skills and assessment techniques are put in place to support learning, and lessen students’ anxiety with regards to newly introduced formal assessments which form part of the continuous school based assessment. This is the year that novels are introduced and form part of a love of reading and an avenue to discuss pertinent socio-cultural topics. GRADE 5 Independence is key, as Grade 5’s start to manage their belongings, organise their day, and take responsibility for their tasks and classwork. This age group matures hugely; finding a place in society with their passion of new ideas and opinions and are beginning to build stronger peer relationships. Help and support are always available from teachers as they navigate their way forward, some beginning their journey into adolescence. GRADE 6 Exciting new opportunities encourage our students to grow in confidence, independence and responsibility. There is a focus on blended learning, students use a variety of modes to enhance their exploration, and develop their ability to use technology safely. This is the age where children develop a positive image and develop service and leadership qualities becoming more responsible student. GRADE 7 Academic standards increase exponentially as they move into the senior phase and new subjects are introduced. Grade 7s get the chance to demonstrate their leadership skills in a number of ways. At this grade we expect dedication and commitment from this age group, as they navigate the added pressures of this phase. At the end of Grade 7, students are prepared well emotionally, physically and intellectually to start the next chapter in their young lives, High School! Our Information Technology: Marist Brothers Linmeyer aims to incorporate evolving technology, relevant to the needs of our students and teachers whilst establishing a balanced learning environment. The Primary School engages in interactive teaching tools such as Apple TV’s and iPads to provide technology enriched lessons. Platform based skills are taught using Google G Suite and Knowledge Network. The use of technology, both information and design, are integrated into many aspects of our curriculum, to develop skills which will grow students into responsible and skilled digital citizens. Technology is used as an integrated tool that enhances the lesson in the classroom. Our Aftercare: Our well-supervised aftercare is managed by highly qualified staff employed by Marist Brothers Linmeyer. Our aftercare starts at 13h30 and students are given an afternoon snack and juice. Our spacious outdoor environment allows children the freedom to have fun while playing games with friends and having a game of hopscotch. Focused homework supervision classes ensure that students receive academic support, enrichment and guidance. The aftercare ends at 17h30 and all students need to be signed out by an adult. Outreach: Marist Brothers Linmeyer believes that community service, in the form of outreach, is an essential part of the development of the child. By increasing awareness of those less fortunate than ourselves, our students will come to the realisation that even a small donation, be it material, monetary, time or in kind, goes a long way in easing someone else’s hardships. An outreach programme is actively encouraged with all classes in our school “looking after” a charity of their choice. These include homes for abandoned babies, children, senior citizens and other groups who support the underprivileged in some way. Several other drives are also supported throughout the year like grocery and pet food donations, can pull-rings and “bread buddies”. An annual monetary donation is also made to Hospice; other charities are supported by funds raised from students for “Civvies” days. Two Grade 7 students are chosen every year to represent the school at the Johannesburg Mini-City Council. This is an extension of our outreach programme. Our outreach programme ensures that each girl and boy has an opportunity to contribute to the community at large. Our Spiritual Journey: Our Religious Education Programme is designed to suit the needs of our students, as part of the secular-society in which we all live. Spiritual education is provided via the formal curriculum, as set out by the Catholic Schools Office and the Catholic Institute of Education. Students take part in daily Bible readings and prayers, monthly school masses and have the opportunity for termly confession with our school Chaplain. As a grade, students take part in a Retreat Day, the content of this day draws on our religious education curriculum. We mark important feasts in our school year by the celebration of mass and following tradition. Preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation is offered to Catholic students in accordance with diocesan policy. Marist Brothers Linmeyer provides students with a sound spiritual foundation on which to base their daily lives. Our Extra-Curricular Activities: We strive to adjust and adapt our list of extracurricular activities every year in order to ensure that the needs and interests of our students are met. Sports: Athletics, Cricket, Netball, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Touch Rugby. Cultural: Alter Servers, Art Club, Chess, Choir, Coding, Drumming, Eisteddfod, IT Club, Marimbas, Music, Public Speaking and School Productions.