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The move to Sacred Heart College
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Three2Six newsletter - January/ Februrary 2025
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The Three2Six team, supported by some parents, spent a lot of the first part of December moving furniture and books to the Sacred Heart College campus. Thank you for all the helping hands!
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The classrooms were painted and readied by the school. Books and resources were placed in the appropriate classrooms, and surplus materials were placed in storage rooms.
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New beginnings
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On Saturday 11 January 2025, we ran a registration day to introduce parents to the new programme. Students returned to school on Thursday 16 January 2025. They spent most of the day getting to know each other, and the older students wrote baseline tests. The children also received stationery and other materials. Teaching and learning started on the second day of school, and the children are enjoying being back at school on the Sacred Heart College campus. Children who needed uniform replaced received new items and the new Grade 1s all received new uniforms.
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The children were provided with food from the first day even while we were redecorating the new Three2Six kitchen. School is in full swing now, and the children are fitting into the rhythm.
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From 10-12 February, our Grade 4 to Grade 7 students had the incredible opportunity to embark on a three-day adventure at Sediba Kwele Adventure Camp. Excitement filled the air as we set off early in the morning for the 2.5-hour bus ride. Thanks to generous support from a donor, 138 children were able to attend this camp. For many, it was their first time leaving Johannesburg, making the experience even more special.
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Upon arrival, the students were thrilled to discover a wide range of exciting activities awaiting them. The children participated in team-building games that helped them develop collaboration and communication skills. Ziplining and obstacle courses pushed them out of their comfort zones, helping them build confidence. Night hikes gave them the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the bushveld after dark. Concerts and group activities sparked their creativity and allowed them to showcase their leadership skills.
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Throughout their stay, the children were provided with nutritious and delicious meals, which kept them energised and added to the overall positive experience.
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This camp was more than just an adventure—it was a transformative experience for the children. Many discovered newfound confidence, learned how to work effectively in teams, and realised leadership qualities that they hadn’t seen in themselves before. The excitement and joy were evident in every moment, whether during the activities, mealtimes, or even the bus rides.
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We are extremely grateful to Roddy Payne for raising money for this initiative. Your support has given these children memories, lessons, and a sense of possibility that they will carry with them for years to come!
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On 5 February, our students kicked off their school day in a truly special way by coming together to celebrate the power of storytelling. All Three2Six students gathered to listen to an engaging story, immersing themselves in a world of imagination and discovery.
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Stories have a remarkable way of transporting us to different places, broadening our perspectives, and teaching valuable lessons. They spark creativity, nurture a love for reading, and help us connect with one another. Moments like these remind us of the importance of storytelling—not just as a source of entertainment, but as a tool for learning and growth.
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By fostering a culture of reading and storytelling, we hope to inspire our students to become lifelong learners. Through stories, they can dream, explore, and build a future full of possibilities.
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Critical thinking workshop
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Recently, our learners took part in a workshop focused on sharing, learning, and supporting one another through their experiences as migrants. Each learner has a unique story, and the facilitator created a safe and open space where they could freely express their thoughts and emotions.
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Moving to a new place can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges. The workshop gave learners the opportunity to talk about their journeys—adjusting to a new culture, school, and environment. They shared their feelings, fears, and hopes, realizing that they are not alone in this experience.
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The facilitator reminded the children: “Despite the difficulties, each of you carries strength, resilience, and dreams. Together, we can explore ways to overcome challenges and build a future filled with hope and opportunities.”
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Workshops like these empower our learners, helping them find comfort in their shared experiences and strength in their resilience.
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We are incredibly grateful to St Benedict’s College in Bedfordview who facilitated a generous donation of food to Three2Six. The support will have a significant impact on our project and the children we serve.
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At Sacred Heart College, we are fortunate to have our own kitchen and dedicated cooks who prepare fresh meals for the children every day. This ensures that they receive nutritious food, which is essential for their learning.
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A warm thank you also goes to Standard Bank for their generous donation of schoolbags and stationery for our students. The students absolutely love their new supplies! Seeing their enthusiasm reminds us how impactful such donations can be. Every pencil, notebook, and eraser is a step towards helping them achieve their academic dreams. From all of us—students, teachers, and the entire community—thank you, Standard Bank! Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated.
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We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Colette Lay for her wonderful donation of books to the Three2Six project. Thanks to contributions like yours, our students have access to inspiring stories and valuable learning resources that nurture their curiosity and love for reading. Your kindness makes a meaningful impact, and we are deeply grateful for your support in empowering our children through education.
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St Dominic`s Catholic School for Girls
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Our heartfelt thanks goes to St Dominic’s Catholic Girls School for their donation of stationary. Having the right supplies is essential for our children’s education. Your contribution ensures that all of our Three2Six learners have the tools they need to learn and succeed. Thank you, St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls for your commitment and support!
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Volunteers
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This year, we are excited to welcome three new passionate and dedicated volunteers to the Three2Six Project. Having all recently matriculated, they bring fresh energy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to education.
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Each of them has shared their thoughts on what being a volunteer at Three2Six means to them. Their words reflect not only their passion for teaching but also the meaningful impact this experience has had on them.
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“Being a volunteer teacher at Three2Six is a rewarding experience. It gives me the opportunity to give back to my community and make a positive impact on the lives of the learners. I am very passionate about education, and being part of Three2Six opens up opportunities for me to develop new skills and better understand the minds of individuals. Being a volunteer at Three2Six allows me to grow both personally and professionally.”
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“Working in the Three2Six project and with the children has been a wonderful experience. We recently went on a camp with the Grade 4 to 7 students, and I was pleasantly surprised at their excitement. Typically, I work with Grade 2 and 3 learners. Reading with them and watching them figure out their maths are some of the best parts of my day.”
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“Working as a volunteer at the Three2Six project has given me the opportunity to gain teaching experience, as I aspire to become a teacher one day. Being with the children takes me back to my primary school days, filling me with a sense of warmth and joy every day.”
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We are incredibly grateful to have such enthusiastic volunteers who are making a real difference in our learners’ lives. Their dedication and willingness to support the students not only enhance the learning environment but also create meaningful connections that will last long after their time at Three2Six.
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Welcome to the team and thank you for your passion and commitment.
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The first Alumni Day of the year was a great opportunity for our former students to reconnect, share ideas, and plan exciting activities for the months ahead. The day was filled with creativity and laughter, as everyone participated in fun games like drama improvisation which sparked joy and gave participants an opportunity to work in teams.
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The event ended with a shared meal, giving everyone a chance to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.
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It was heartwarming to see familiar faces and feel the strong sense of community that continues to grow among our alumni.
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Each donation counts and helps us make a valuable change in the lives of our learners.
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