19th March 2021
Farewell from Yellowwoods’ outgoing Principal - Mrs Amy Ballantyne
Dear Parents
As my time at Yellowwoods draws to a close and I write what will more than likely be my last newsletter for Yellowwoods, I have found myself reflecting on my years at this special school.
I started at Yellowwoods in 2004 as a student-teacher and by 2007 was appointed as the Grade 2 and 3 class teacher. I have moved around teaching various Grades over the years.
Both my children have attended Yellowwoods and have done extremely well. They have been exceptionally happy coming to school every day. Yellowwoods really is a school in a million, and despite the many ups and downs, it has remained strong and has a bright and successful future ahead of it. Yellowwoods has an extremely special place in my heart and my family’s heart, and it is going to be heart-breaking to drive out of the gates for the last time. However, I leave knowing that Yellowwoods is in excellent hands with a strong council and a wonderful and dedicated new Head and teacher. Julie Sparks was at Yellowwoods before I started, so she knows the school very well. The school means a lot to her and I know that she is going to do the most amazing things with this school. Yellowwoods is going to FLY!
I would like to thank the council for their unwavering support over so many years. Without them the school would not run as smoothly as it does. To all the parents and children that I have taught over the years, you have all been amazing and hold a very special place in my heart. I love seeing how well each child does as they move onto bigger schools and I hope that I will continue to receive news from parents about their children. To the staff who I have worked with and lead through the last few years, they are all the most wonderful people in the world, and I can assure you, that your children are getting the very best education. Being a teacher is my dream job and I love every moment of it. I will miss the children and the Yellowwoods community, but I hope to still be involved and pop in from time to time.
Getting back to school matters. The teachers have all been very busy writing the most detailed and comprehensive reports about each child. Please take the time to read these reports very carefully and go through them with your child.
Having a good understanding of how to assist your child will go a long way in bettering their education.
I wish you all a very happy and blessed Easter with your families.
Mrs Amy Ballantyne
Yellowwoods Principal
Greetings from Yellowwoods’ incoming Principal
I would like to thank Mrs Ballantyne for inviting me to spend the morning at Yellowwoods last Friday.
It was wonderful to meet all the staff and children and it felt familiar and warm.
This first term is racing to its end and I would like to thank Mrs Ballantyne most sincerely for all the time, help and support she has given me so that I can take over next term confidently and with everything in place. She is leaving behind a very happy staff who have supported her one hundred percent and pupils who are thriving and never missed an educational beat during Covid.
I wish her and her special family well as they embark on a new adventure in Grahamstown.
A little while ago I was asked to be involved in the discussion and survey around the homework policy. The staff and I will be meeting before the second term commences to discuss all the feedback received from the parent body. Thank you to all the parents who completed the survey. I will be sending out communication regarding an amended homework policy early next term. We are looking forward to celebrating the schools 25th birthday in June so watch this space for exciting events taking place.
Wishing you all a Blessed and Peaceful Easter holiday and I look forward to getting to know everyone who is part of the Yellowwoods family.
Mrs Julie Sparks
Yellowwoods Principal
