TERM 3 NEWSLETTER
Curriculum: Standing Shoulder to Shoulder
Term 3 has been a whirlwind of excitement both inside and outside the classroom as we stood shoulder to shoulder, supporting one another as a staff and school. Our Foundation Phase learners prepared and performed their 2025 production, Upon a Star, while Grades 4 to 7 engaged in a project-focused term, creating and presenting a variety of tasks. The highlight was the Powerful Presentations keynote, with finals scheduled for early next term.
Staff and learners have brought their best from start to finish this term. Next term, our focus shifts to Moving Forward, as we wrap up the year with assessments, Awards Ceremonies, Meet the Teacher for 2026, the Grade 7 Farewell, the Valedictory for Grade 7, and many more exciting events as we prepare for the new year.
The 2025 journey is flying by! Let’s continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our children, encouraging them to bring their best academically as they move forward into a new year and grade in 2026. May they reflect on this year and truly enjoy the journey of 2025.
IT DEPARTMENT: EMBRACING NEW SKILLS
Our IT Interchange lessons have been buzzing with energy this term as learners dive into the world of Resolute Coding and Robotics!
In the Foundation Phase (Grades 1–3), learners have been eagerly embracing new coding skills on iPads. These lessons introduce them to fundamental coding concepts while also building confidence as effective tech users. It has been wonderful to see them exploring the Resolute platform with enthusiasm, growing more skilled with every drag and drop.
Meanwhile, the InterSen Phase (Grades 4–7) has taken things a step further. Learners are sharpening their problem-solving and coding abilities as they progress through the Resolute platform. Their hard work is setting the stage for exciting projects, including programming robots such as the Music & Lights Robot, the Micro:Bit Car, and the Automated House.
We are incredibly proud of how quickly our learners are adapting to these vital 21st-century skills and can’t wait to see where their creativity and innovation will take them next!
library DEPARTMENT: Grade 6 Learners Shine at Katie Kirby Meet and Greet
Sun Valley Primary School’s Grade 6 learners had an unforgettable experience at the recent Katie Kirby meet and greet.
Our curious students eagerly asked questions, gaining insights and inspiration from Katie herself. The event was full of excitement, with learners winning fun prizes and creating memories they will treasure for years to come.
It was a day that highlighted the enthusiasm, curiosity, and spirit of our Grade 6 stars. We are beaming with pride at how our learners engaged with such an inspiring role model, making the event a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT: Music, Memories, and Milestones
Term 3 has been a truly exciting and rewarding one for the Music Department, with our learners taking part in a wide range of performances and events.
On 2 August, our Marimba Band travelled to GrandWest Casino to participate in the Marimba World Record attempt. Playing alongside 1,170 learners from 75 schools across South Africa and Zimbabwe, they created extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime.
The Star Performers Concert on 19 August gave our music students a wonderful opportunity to shine in front of their friends and families. A number of soloists, together with the orchestra and string ensemble, performed beautifully and showcased the hard work and progress achieved this year.
Our Senior and Junior Choirs were very active throughout the term, performing with enthusiasm at the Valley Notes Choir Festival hosted by Kommetjie Primary on 27 and 28 August. They loved sharing the stage with other choirs from around the valley. Later in the term, 25 selected Senior Choir members formed the Production Choir, supporting the Foundation Phase Production (22–26 September) and adding energy and atmosphere to every show.
Within the school, three lunchtime concerts provided relaxed platforms for our music students to perform and share their progress. In addition, several of our singing students participated in the Western Cape Eisteddfod, earning excellent results that reflected their dedication and passion.
This term also marked the arrival of ukuleles for class music — an exciting addition that is helping our learners explore rhythm, melody, and teamwork in new ways. Alongside musical achievements, we also celebrated kindness, recognising learners who went out of their way to support others in and around the department.
The term ended on a high note with International Music Day on 1 October, when learners came to school dressed as famous musicians, bands, and song titles — filling the day with laughter, colour, and creativity.
We are incredibly proud of the commitment, enthusiasm, and growth shown by all our young musicians, and we look forward to another term of music-making and inspiration ahead.
ELO: Discover, Create, and Grow
As Term 3 draws to a close, we’re excited to celebrate another fantastic season of Extended Learning Opportunities at Sun Valley Primary! Our brand-new Kids Clay ELO was a huge hit, with young sculptors getting creative, messy, and imaginative with their clay designs. Meanwhile, our ExperiBuddies scientists explored the wonders of science through fun experiments, and Robotix learners enjoyed building and programming their own unique creations. The African Dance group has been working with energy and dedication, gearing up for their big assembly performance on 17 October in Term 4—we can’t wait to see their vibrant showcase!
It’s safe to say that Term 3 was full of fun, learning, and growth, giving our learners so many ways to explore their passions and develop new skills.
Looking ahead to Term 4, we’re thrilled to launch two brand-new ELOs: Thinking Lab, a five-week boost in study strategies and problem-solving, and iNGENiO Digi Art Club, where screen time is transformed into creativity and future-ready skills. Don’t miss out—sign up now and be part of the Term 4 adventure!
Jars of Hope: Community Kindness in a Jar
We are delighted to share the final results of our Mandela Day Jars of Hope collection. With the goal of supporting those in need, our Sun Valley families came together in an extraordinary display of generosity and compassion.
Together, we collected almost 600 Jars of Hope — providing close to 2,400 nutritious meals for members of our community facing food insecurity. These jars have been handed over to My Father’s House, who will ensure they reach those who need them most.
We are so proud of the kindness shown by our families and so grateful to be part of such a caring and supportive community. What a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together!
Grade 1: Exploring, Creating, and Shining
Grade 1 has had such a busy and exciting term! One of the highlights was our very first field trip to the Noordhoek Common, where we explored the fascinating world of plants with the help of Harry Goemans from the local plant nursery. The children loved discovering more about nature and spotting different plants in their environment.
Another special moment was the Foundation Phase school production, where our Grade 1s shone brightly on stage, showing off their confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
It has truly been a term filled with learning, discovery, and plenty of proud moments for our young learners!
Grade 2: Creativity, Curiosity, and Confidence in Action
This term has been filled with excitement and creativity for our Grade Two learners as they prepared for their much-anticipated play. From Little Red Riding Hood to Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, and Rumpelstiltskin, the children embraced each challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Every rehearsal was full of laughter, teamwork, and growth, as learners discovered the joy of performance while building confidence on stage. Their energy and perseverance shone through as they tackled each scene with grit and creativity.
Beyond the stage, our Grade Twos also explored the wonders of the world around them. They delved into the changes of the seasons, bringing their knowledge to life with a cooperative bee hive craft. Working in teams, they designed imaginative hives, learning the value of collaboration while expressing their creativity.
To round off the term, we welcomed Nature Connect, who delivered an engaging presentation about the ocean and its fascinating creatures. This session provided the perfect introduction to an exciting Term Four outing, a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, where our learners will have the opportunity to experience the magic of marine life firsthand.
Term Three has truly been a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and confidence for our Grade Two learners. We look forward to seeing them continue to explore, learn, and shine in Term Four.
Grade 3: Shooting for the Stars!
Grade 3 has had a fantastic term, soaring into Space and discovering their own capabilities both in and out of the classroom. Our children have shown incredible growth, determination, and resilience.
The highlight of our Space theme was a memorable visit to the Iziko Museum and Planetarium. Learners were captivated by the Planetarium show on the Milky Way Galaxy, and afterwards explored fascinating exhibits in the museum. The day ended with a joyful picnic lunch in the sunshine — a perfect combination of learning, wonder, and fun.
Another shining moment was our Grade 3 Play Production, where our learners dazzled on stage with confidence and flair. Their dances, costumes, and “razzle dazzle” lit up the stage, proving they are more than ready for the challenges of the InterSen Phase.
In the classroom, our Grade 3s have impressed with their resilience. They tackled complex Maths concepts, including expanded multiplication and the start of their times tables journey. In Literacy, they are working eagerly towards earning their Cursive Licence, while Afrikaans lessons have introduced them to exciting new vocabulary. Beyond academics, they have shown determination and teamwork on the sports field, shining in their matches.
We also added plenty of fun to the term with our ever-popular cake sales, which brought smiles (and a few sticky fingers!) all around.
This term has been filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories. We are so proud of every Grade 3 learner and can’t wait to see them continue to grow. Grade 4 — here they come!
Grade 4: Exploring, Learning, and Caring
Term 3 has been a vibrant and meaningful one for our Grade 4 learners, filled with exciting learning experiences and heartwarming community spirit!
A standout moment was an unforgettable visit from Steve at Deep South Reptile Rescue. Learners got up close with a variety of fascinating snakes while learning about their vital role in our ecosystem and how to stay safe around them. The presentation was both thrilling and educational — a favourite for many of our students!
We were also incredibly proud to take part in the Simon’s Love Project community service drive. With the generous support of our families, learners helped create care packages for women bravely battling cancer, demonstrating kindness, empathy, and the joy of giving back.
A heartfelt thank you to all our Grade 4 parents and learners — your enthusiasm and generosity made this term truly memorable!
Grade 5: Celebrating Learning, Adventure, and Teamwork
Grade 5: Celebrating Learning, Adventure, and Teamwork
Grade 5 had a fun-filled and productive term, striking the perfect balance between working hard and taking time to rest, play, and enjoy one another’s company. The learners approached every task with enthusiasm and demonstrated remarkable teamwork, tackling new challenges with positivity and determination.
The term ended on a high note with Adventure Day, a day packed with exciting activities, laughter, and opportunities for personal growth. Learners not only had a great time but also learned valuable lessons about communication, perseverance, and working together. It was the perfect celebration of their hard work and achievements this term.
Grade 6: Creativity and Learning Take Center Stage
Our Grade 6 learners have been hard at work showcasing their creativity and skills through exciting Term 3 projects that integrated all learning areas. From science and technology to language and the arts, students demonstrated their knowledge and talents in innovative and engaging ways. Each project reflected curiosity, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the concepts explored in class.
A highlight of the term was the much-loved Dog Show, where the curriculum came to life in the most delightful way. Learners had a doggone good time learning about caring for our furry friends, while applying what they’ve learned in fun, hands-on ways.
Grade 7: Lessons for Life
Each year in Term 3, our Grade 7 learners take part in one of Sun Valley Primary School’s most unique and impactful traditions, the Baby Project. Running successfully for over a decade, this project is more than just an educational experience, as it equips learners with the tools, skills, and understanding needed for life beyond the classroom.
The Baby Project is carefully integrated across all subjects, creating a holistic learning experience. In Life Orientation, learners explore the physical, emotional, and social consequences of parenthood, gaining insight into the sacrifices of time, sleep, and personal freedom. In Natural Science, they investigate vaccines, developmental milestones, and the importance of the APGAR score in assessing newborn health.
Economics and Mathematics play a vital role, as learners create budgets, both once-off and monthly, to understand the true costs of raising a child. They also apply skills like area and perimeter when designing a baby’s room, balancing creativity and practicality within a set budget.
In English, learners keep detailed journals reflecting on their daily responsibilities, emotions, and challenges while “caring” for their baby, building empathy, self-awareness, and writing skills. In Art, they design and decorate their ideal nursery, combining imagination, design thinking, and financial responsibility.
The project also includes hands-on skills such as holding, burping, feeding, and changing a baby, along with strategies for calming and putting a baby to sleep. These practical lessons are often humorous, but carry a powerful message that raising a child is a lifelong responsibility, and early parenthood must be carefully considered.
At its heart, the Baby Project teaches responsibility, accountability, and foresight, helping learners understand the impact of early parenthood on education, careers, and personal growth. For over ten years, it has been a highlight of the Grade 7 journey, continuing to grow in depth and significance each year.
The Baby Project is more than a learning experience, it is an unforgettable journey that shapes character, builds compassion, and prepares our learners for the future with wisdom and maturity.
Winter Sports Journey: Victory, Growth & Team Spirit
The 2025 sporting year at Sun Valley Primary School has been one to remember. Across all disciplines, our learners have shown growth, talent, teamwork, and an incredible sense of school spirit. From the netball courts and rugby fields to the hockey astro, football pitches, running trails, squash courts, and chess boards, the Valley teams have competed with heart, passion, and pride.
Netball
Sun Valley Primary’s netball season has been a fantastic display of talent, teamwork, and spirit. With an impressive four teams per age group, our girls competed fiercely week after week, making every match exciting to watch. The close-knit netball community continues to be the backbone of the sport, fostering growth, camaraderie, and a love for the game. A special mention goes to our U13A team, who showcased their skill and determination by winning both the SVPS Champions Cup and the Westcott Shoot-out, as well as securing a strong 2nd place at the Reddam tournament. These achievements highlight the dedication and excellence that define Sun Valley netball.
Rugby
Rugby at Sun Valley in 2025 has been an absolute treat, with growth and skill on full display across all age groups. Our youngest players, the U7s and U8s, embraced the fundamentals and improved week by week, while the U9s enjoyed their final year of half-field rugby with enthusiasm and determination. The U10s took on the challenge of full-field rugby, and the U11s truly unlocked their potential, excelling in Term 3 with standout performances.
The U12s were our most improved side, taking on top-level opposition and showing remarkable growth, while the U13 boys led from the front, playing the “Valley Intense Rugby” that we know and love. A special congratulations goes to Nic Maree, Liyabona Zongwana, Connor O’Sullivan, Jack Bentz, and Zach Olckers, who were selected for the very first WP U13 Touch Rugby team. Almost every game was played at home, giving each team the chance to harness that crucial home-ground advantage. 2025 has been a season of progress, pride, and passion for Sun Valley rugby.
Hockey
Hockey continues to grow at Sun Valley Primary, with three teams per age group fostering fierce competition and driving player development. Our sides enjoyed strong performances across multiple junior-level hockey festivals, highlighted by an impressive 3rd place for the U11 girls at the prestigious Herschel Twilight Tournament.
The season ended with the iconic Fish Hoek Winter Sports Festival, a wonderful celebration and farewell for our U13 hockey stars. Special congratulations go to Lea Uys, Angelica Daniels, Lily Villers, and Saarah Moosajee, who represented U12 Southern Zone hockey this year, and to Dhiya Ramnarayan, who made the WP U13 Girls’ Hockey team. Sun Valley is truly blessed with a wealth of talent and rising hockey stars.
Soccer
Sun Valley Primary’s soccer program has grown strongly this year, with a minimum of two teams per age group for both boys and girls. With soccer being such a major sport in Cape Town, all our players had the opportunity to participate in numerous festivals and tournaments, gaining valuable experience and showcasing their skills.
The footballing landscape is extremely competitive, making the teams’ results even more impressive. Our sides competed in the Reddam Tournament, SVPS Champions Cup, RBPS Unity Cup, and the CWS Boys Football Challenge, consistently reaching the podium. A standout moment came when our U11 girls finished 4th in a tightly contested CWS U11 Girls Football Challenge, and our 1st Team football boys brought home silverware in their final tournament of the year.
Cross Country
The Sun Valley Primary cross country season took our runners through the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, blending training with competitive racing. Four of our standout athletes, Menzi Tolbadi, Josie Van Zyl, Kgalalelo Sefara, and Adalayde Hoffman, represented the school at the Cape Metro Championships in Bellville, showcasing grit and determination.
Weekly outruns became a highlight of the season, with runners exploring the Silverglades Sand Dunes, Fish Hoek Beach, and the Silvermine Nature Reserve. Supported by a group of dedicated parents, these sessions provided both challenge and inspiration, helping our young athletes grow in skill, stamina, and love for the sport.
Squash
The 2025 squash season was a standout year, with the Sun Valley team dominating the D League. Reuben Coetzee, Malakai Cloete, Noah French, Bella Kerr, Rohan Marshall, and Lucas Todd won all their matches except one against Bishops A, displaying both skill and sportsmanship. Practice sessions were competitive and fun, with each player pushing to outwit their opponent.
This talented group represented the school with pride, and the team now looks forward to stepping up to the C section in 2026.
Chess
Term 3 was a busy and successful one for Sun Valley chess. SVPS competed in all friendly team matches provided by the league organizers, with the U9, U11, and U13 divisions all finishing in the top two. At the Paul Greyling Primary School Teams Contest, our U9 and U13 teams won their divisions, and the U11s came second.
In the Curro Individual Tournament, Grace finished second in the U11 girls, Seth placed third in the U13 Open, and Broden came fifth. At the Curro Online Tournament, we entered nine players, with top results from Broden (5th), Seth (6th), Grace (11th), and Oliver (9th), who tied with Seth’s score. SVPS also hosted an exciting Inter-House Chess Tournament, as well as seven online Arena tournaments that drew players from across Cape Town and the South Peninsula.
This initiative is likely to grow, with hopes of hosting an over-the-board tournament in the South Peninsula next year. Although Lichess development and training took a step back this term, the foundations are strong for future success. SVPS is becoming a formidable chess force in the Deep South. A special thank you to Alex Buss, Angela, and all the parents for their invaluable support.
This year has truly highlighted the depth of talent, dedication, and enthusiasm in Sun Valley’s sporting community. Our young athletes, coaches, and supportive parents have made 2025 a season to remember, and the future of sport at Sun Valley Primary looks brighter than ever.