Sandton March 2026

School holidays are an important time for children to rest, play and enjoy a break from their usual routine. After a busy term, children need time to recharge, spend time with family and enjoy the freedom of slower days. At the same time, many parents know that holidays can quickly become challenging when children are restless, bored or spending more time on screens than planned. The goal is not to fill every hour with structured activities. Instead, school holidays can offer a healthy balance of rest, play, creativity, movement and simple learning moments. For Pre-Primary and Prep children, the best activities are often the ones that feel fun, natural and easy to enjoy at home. Keep a Gentle Holiday Routine Children often feel more settled when they know what to expect. A holiday routine does not need to be strict, but a simple rhythm can help the day feel calmer. Parents can include: A regular wake-up and bedtime range Time for outdoor play Creative activities Quiet reading or rest time Limited screen time Small responsibilities at home Family time in the evening This gives children enough structure to feel secure, while still allowing space for holiday fun. Encourage Learning Through Play Younger children learn best through play. Through everyday play, they practise communication, imagination, problem-solving and independence. Simple holiday play ideas include: Building with blocks, boxes or cushions Playing dress-up Creating a pretend shop or restaurant Doing puzzles Playing matching or memory games Using playdough or clay Making an indoor obstacle course Playing board games or card games These activities keep children engaged without making the holidays feel like schoolwork. Make Reading Feel Relaxed The holidays are a good time to encourage reading in a calm and enjoyable way. Reading supports vocabulary, imagination and concentration, but it should not feel like a task. For Pre-Primary children, parents can read aloud, look at picture books together and ask simple questions about the story. For Prep children, allow them to choose books that interest them, whether that is storybooks, comics, fact books or magazines. Even 15 minutes of reading a day can help children stay connected to language and learning during the holidays. Get Creative at Home Creative activities are a simple way to keep children busy while encouraging imagination and focus. Parents can try: Drawing, painting or colouring Making cards for family members Baking simple recipes together Creating a holiday scrapbook Making puppets and putting on a show Building with recycled materials Designing a treasure map The focus should not be on perfection. What matters most is that children are exploring, creating and enjoying the process. Keep Children Moving Movement is especially important for younger children. It supports their physical development, mood, sleep and concentration. Easy ways to keep children active include: Playing outside Going for a family walk Riding a bicycle or scooter Dancing to music Playing ball games Swimming, where safe and supervised Visiting a park Movement does not need to be formal. The aim is simply to help children use their energy in a healthy and enjoyable way. Build Independence Through Small Responsibilities School holidays are a good opportunity to help children practise small responsibilities without the rush of the school morning. Younger children can help with: Packing away toys Making their bed Helping set the table Watering plants Feeding pets with supervision Organising books or stationery These small tasks help children feel capable and trusted. Over time, they support confidence and independence. Set Healthy Screen Time Boundaries Screens can be part of the holidays, but they should not become the main activity of the day. Clear boundaries help children understand when and how screens can be used. Parents may choose to allow screen time after reading, outdoor play or tidying up. Families can also keep mealtimes and bedtime screen-free. It can help to create a simple holiday activity list so children have options before turning to a device.  Prepare Gently for the New Term As the holidays come to an end, children may need help adjusting back into routine. A few days before school starts, parents can begin moving bedtime closer to the usual school schedule, preparing uniforms and school bags, and speaking positively about the term ahead. For younger children, reassurance makes a big difference. A calm return to routine can help them feel ready and confident for the new term. Key Takeaways School holidays should include both rest and meaningful activity. Pre-Primary and Prep children learn through play, movement, creativity and conversation. A gentle routine helps children feel settled. Reading, creative activities and outdoor play support development. Small responsibilities help children build confidence and independence. Clear screen time boundaries create a healthier holiday rhythm. Preparing gradually for the new term can make the return to school easier. School holidays are a valuable opportunity for children to rest, explore and reconnect. With a simple balance of structure and freedom, parents can help younger children enjoy their break while continuing to build curiosity, confidence and independence.

Southdowns College to become Crawford International Southdowns Southdowns College will become Crawford International Southdowns from 1 January 2027 , bringing together two education names with a shared commitment to academic excellence, student development and future-focused learning. Southdowns College has built a strong reputation in Centurion for academic performance, a high-expectation learning environment, and a school culture that encourages students to grow in confidence, discipline, and purpose. The school’s Class of 2025 achieved a 100% pass rate, a 96.33% Bachelor’s Degree pass rate and 182 distinctions. Crawford International is recognised for nurturing students who are academically prepared, globally aware and confident in their ability to contribute beyond school. The Crawford International Class of 2025 achieved 1,428 distinctions across the group, averaging 2.7 per candidate. The move to Crawford International Southdowns strengthens the school’s value proposition by combining Southdowns’ established academic culture and community roots with Crawford International’s global outlook, future-focused learning approach, and leadership development focus. Students will continue to follow the IEB curriculum, supported by the same teaching teams and school leadership. The transition will be phased to ensure continuity for students, families, and staff, while gradually introducing the Crawford International identity on campus. Crawford International Southdowns will continue to serve families in Centurion with a strong academic offering, a commitment to holistic student development and a clear focus on preparing students for life beyond school.

Parent-teacher meetings are among the most valuable opportunities to support your child's education. They offer insight into academic progress, classroom behaviour, social development, and overall wellbeing. Yet many parents arrive without a clear idea of what they want to ask, leaving the conversation feeling rushed or incomplete.  Preparing a few thoughtful questions beforehand can help you gain a clearer understanding of your child's strengths, challenges, and next steps. This guide expands on our previous advice and shares 12 practical questions every parent should consider asking before their next parent-teacher meeting. Why Preparation Makes All the Difference The most productive parent-teacher meetings are conversations, not one-way updates. While teachers provide valuable insight into your child's experience at school, parents offer equally important perspectives from home. Taking a few minutes to prepare beforehand helps you guide the discussion towards the areas that matter most. Writing your questions down ensures nothing is forgotten, even if time is limited. If you're new to school life, you may also find a guide for first-time school parents helpful as you navigate your child's educational journey. Before the Meeting: What to Do at Home Review your child's most recent report, assessments, or feedback. Think about any recent changes in their mood, confidence, or attitude towards school. Ask your child if there is anything they would like you to discuss with their teacher. Write your questions down before the meeting. Remember that meeting times are often short, so focus on the topics that matter most. 12 Questions Every Parent Should Ask at a Parent-Teacher Meeting The following questions can help guide a meaningful conversation and leave you with practical next steps to support your child's success. Academic Progress and Performance 1. Is my child working at the expected level for their age and grade? This provides an overall picture of academic progress. Listen for whether your child is meeting, exceeding, or working towards expected outcomes. 2. Which subjects are they strongest in, and where do they need the most support? Understanding both strengths and challenges allows you to encourage continued growth while supporting areas that need additional attention. 3. How does my child approach assessments? Do they prepare well and manage pressure? Success is influenced by more than knowledge alone. Ask about preparation, organisation, confidence, and how your child responds during assessments. 4. Are there any gaps in foundational skills that could affect future learning? Small gaps can become bigger challenges over time. Identifying them early allows parents and teachers to work together before they impact future progress. Behaviour, Effort, and Classroom Engagement 5. How does my child participate during lessons? Find out whether they ask questions, contribute to discussions, remain focused, and engage confidently with classroom activities. 6. Are there any behavioural patterns I should know about? Teachers may notice behaviours that are different from those seen at home. Understanding both positive habits and areas for improvement creates a fuller picture. 7. How does my child respond to feedback or correction? Learning how your child accepts guidance helps build resilience and a positive attitude towards continuous improvement. 8. Does my child persevere when work becomes challenging? Resilience is an important life skill. Ask whether your child keeps trying when tasks become difficult or tends to give up too quickly. Social Wellbeing and Relationships Social wellbeing plays a significant role in both emotional health and academic success. 9. How does my child interact with their peers? Ask whether they have positive friendships, collaborate well with classmates, and feel included within the classroom community. 10. Have you noticed any signs of social difficulty, conflict, or exclusion? Early conversations about friendship challenges can help address concerns before they affect your child's confidence or learning experience. Support, Next Steps, and How Parents Can Help 11. What is one thing I can do at home to support my child right now? Teachers often have simple, practical suggestions that can make a meaningful difference between school and home. 12. If my child needs additional academic or emotional support, what does that process look like? Understanding the school's support structures ensures you know what help is available if needed. Learn more about Crawford's approach to academic support and how we help every student reach their potential. What to Do After the Meeting Once the meeting is over: Write down the key discussion points while they are still fresh. Share the feedback with your child in an encouraging and age-appropriate way. Follow up with the teacher if any questions remain unanswered. Arrange another check-in if ongoing support or monitoring is needed. Remember that a parent-teacher meeting is the start of an ongoing conversation, not the end of one. Making the Most of Your School Partnership Strong partnerships between home and school are built through consistent communication, shared goals, and mutual trust. Parent-teacher meetings are just one opportunity to work together in supporting your child's development. Staying engaged throughout the year helps create the best possible learning experience. If you're exploring educational options, our guide to choosing the right school offers practical advice on what to look for when selecting a private school. Key Takeaways Preparation helps you make the most of every parent-teacher meeting. Arriving with written questions leads to more focused, meaningful conversations. The most valuable discussions cover academic progress, classroom engagement, behaviour, social wellbeing, and next steps. Parent-teacher meetings work best when they result in practical actions both at school and at home. Engaged, informed parents play one of the most important roles in supporting a child's long-term educational success.

Create a realistic mid-year exam revision timetable for Grades 8–12. Learn how to plan your study time, stay organised, and revise with confidence.

When Leah Mari matriculated from Crawford International La Lucia College in 2019, she already had a passion for music, performance and storytelling. Today, she is one of South Africa's most exciting young performers, building an impressive career across musical theatre, film and music. A graduate of the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in Cape Town, Leah has quickly earned recognition for her talent and dedication. Following her graduation at the academy, she received a nomination for the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Most Promising Student in 2024, highlighting her emergence as a rising star in the performing arts industry. Born and raised in Durban, Leah's creative journey began long before she stepped onto professional stages. A singer, pianist and emerging composer, she recorded her first EP whilst doing Grade 9 in 2016 and was a member and soloist of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir. In 2019, she was awarded the prestigious DALRO ACT Scholarship, further supporting her pursuit of a career in the arts. In 2021, Leah was one of two winners of the national Cabaret and Beyond Songwriting Festival. The achievement led to the creation of her original one-act musical, Call Me A Fool, which was produced in association with The Centre for Creative Arts and staged in both Gqeberha and Durban in 2022 under the direction of Steven Stead. A second production followed later that year in collaboration with LAMTA. During her studies, Leah performed in a number of theatre and musical theatre productions at Theatre on the Bay and Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre. Her credits included roles in Mephisto, The Seagull and Cosi, as well as several original South African productions including All Together Now, Come Together and Being Steve. Leah made her professional debut as the alternate Maria in Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera's production of The Sound of Music in 2023 and 2024. She followed this with a role in the South African premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Company in 2024. Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Her acclaimed performance earned her both a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award and a Naledi Theatre Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical, cementing her place as one of the country's leading young musical theatre performers. In 2025, Leah expanded her career into film, making her feature film debut as Meera in Lucky Fish. She also appeared in several short films, including Gangsters Tea and At Horizon's End, showcasing her versatility as a performer across different mediums. Most recently, audiences have seen Leah on stage in Chicago: The Musical and Pretty Woman: The Musical. It has also been announced that she will take on the role of Sophie Sheridan in the highly anticipated return of MAMMA MIA!, adding another iconic character to her growing list of achievements. Leah’s journey from Crawford International La Lucia College to award-winning performer highlights how Crawford empowers global leaders to thrive on the world stage. Her success continues to inspire current Crawford students to pursue their ambitions with confidence and creativity. As her career continues to flourish on stages and screens locally and internationally, Leah remains a shining example of what can be achieved when talent is nurtured and dreams are pursued with determination.

Pre-Primary Africanarra Reggio Reading Extravaganza - A Day to Remember Our students enjoyed a magical Reggio Storytelling Day exploring the themes of water, wind, peace, dreams, hope, wishes and the colour blue. Through stories, discussions, art, and creative activities, they used their imagination, shared their ideas, and made meaningful connections to the world around them. It was an amazing day that celebrated literacy, creativity, and the wonder of learning.

Pre-Primary Grandparents and Caregivers Day Our Pre-Primary students recently welcomed their grandparents and caregivers to a very special Africannara celebration, filled with warmth, connection, and joyful memories. Africannara is a beautiful celebration of African heritage, family, storytelling, community, and togetherness. It honours the important role that grandparents, elders, and caregivers play in the lives of our children and highlights the values that unite us across generations. The morning was filled with picnic fun, laughter, camaraderie, and meaningful moments shared between loved ones. It was truly heartwarming to see our students spending quality time with the special people who support, guide, and inspire them every day. Thank you to all the grandparents and caregivers who joined us and helped make the day so memorable. It was a wonderful celebration of family, culture, and community, reminding us of the strength and beauty found in coming together. What a truly special day of connection, celebration, and cherished memories

Pre-Primary Balzer Drive Our Pre-Primary School was visited by East Coast Radio Breakfast Host Darren Maule this month, as part of his #UltimateBlazer project collecting as many school pins as possible from KZN schools. The school tour is part of a personal project leading up to his fifteenth consecutive year as breakfast host later this year. A Crawford International parent himself, Darren delighted in seeing our newly refurbished spaces at the Pre-Primary and loved meeting some of our very youngest students age 2 and upwards in our Grade 0000 class. A Crawford Leadership pin was presented to Darren by Thabo Goba one of youngest students, joined by Mvelo Shabalala a Grade 7 boarder and matric student Skyler Carmichael - a member of our school’s Judiciary leadership team. Mrs. Curtis proudly showed off our new Grade 0000 classrooms and Darren got to spend some quality time in the outdoor shaded play area, with some of our Grade 0000 students.

Learn what executive function skills are, why they matter in primary school, and how parents can help children build organisation, focus, memory, and self-control.