Welcome to the Blue Sky News website!!

Blue Sky News - Midrand ended its 5^th year running with issue 89 delivered to 70 schools

in and around Midrand, Midstream, Irene & Rooihuiskraal

The Edenvale, Bedforview & Kensington Blue Sky News – a brand new franchise

will start 2012 with issue number 4

(for a full distribution list please click on TO ADVERTISE)

A new pricelist will be posted in the New Year.

All advertisers & participating schools can be found on this website

but feel free to contact us should you have any queries

For Midrand please send an email to susette@blueskynews.co.za

For Edenvale please contact tamara@blueskynews.co.za

Have a beautiful, peaceful festive season

Sofn’free n’ Pretty GroHealthy Hampers Winners!!

Karabo Mafolo, Sagewood
Nozuko Mantanga, Summerhill School
Grace Mhlanga, Kidz-R-Kidz
Ruhan Nair, Midrand Montessori
Matoyva Molala, Jubilate Primary School
Thobeka Zondi, Halfway House Primary School
Lethabo Kotsokoane, Bright Buddies Play School
Crystal Lee Eldamer, Sunshine Corner
Alicia Dlamini, Sagewood
Caron De Fortier, Christ Church Prep School
Wandi Zharare, Christchurch Prep School
Mudiwa Zharare, Midway Pre School
Refilwe Marumo, Sagewood School
Anita Elton, MW de wet primary School 
Rivoningo Maluleke, Summerhill School
Gugu Madalane, Sagewood pre-school
Maiya Simelane, Earthkids pre-school
Anita (Juan) Ferreira, Kidz-r-Kidz
Isabella Ferreira, Kidz-r-Kidz

Please email me susette@blueskynews.co.za to arrange collection.

Johannesburg City Parks in association with Bush Encounters

EnviroFriends School Holiday Programme.

DAILY PROGRAMME

(Times and topics subject to changes)

Time	Activity/topic	Description
07h30	Registration.	Indemnity forms and payment.
08h00	Introduction.	The do’s and don’ts in Rietfontein Nature Reserve.
08h30	Guided walk on nature trail.	All about the indigenous fauna and flora of the reserve.
10h00	Our planet Earth.	Climate change, nature conservation and current topics.
11h00	Wildlife demonstration.	A highly informative, interactive session with wildlife species.
12h00	Wildlife rehabilitation.	The rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild animals.
13h00	Lunch break.	Participants bring own lunch.
14h00	Bushcraft and survival skills.	Food from the veld, fire-making, cooking Bushman-style …
15h00	Snakes, scorpions, spiders …	Identification, and what to do when you encounter them.
16h00	Programme ends.	Please collect children punctually.
16h30	Gates close.

EnviroFriends

December School Holiday Programme

Rietfontein Nature Reserve

Weekdays from 5 to 15 December 2011

07h30 – 16h00

A fresh breeze of activities for children during the December school holidays has blown into Johannesburg! In an exciting new partnership, Johannesburg City Parks and Bush Encounters are conducting a daily environmental education, nature conservation and bush experience programme in the pristine 25 hectare Rietfontein Nature Reserve in Paulshof, Sandton. This programme will run during the school holiday on weekdays from 5 through to 15 December.

The holiday programme is aimed at primary school learners from 6 to 14 years old. Mindful that children will just have finished exams, this programme is a mix of informative presentations, demonstrations and hands-on activities aimed at creating awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Topics include climate change, water and energy saving, recycling, nature conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, bushcraft and survival skills. The presenters are experienced in teaching learners of all ages.

Registration is at 07h30 at the Environmental Education Centre at Rietfontein. The morning’s activities include a guided walk on the nature trail where participants learn about indigenous fauna and flora, a presentation about current environmental issues, animal demonstrations, and a talk on the rescue and rehabilitation of animals.

The afternoon programme leads participants into the natural bush of the Rietfontein Nature Reserve where FGASA-qualified presenters engage them in fun bushcraft and survival skills activities: food from the veld, identification of wild animal spoor and droppings, tracking techniques, starting fire by friction (rubbing sticks), cooking in a self-made inverted (underground) oven, Bushman style! And more …

One of the most captivating sessions of the day is kept for last: a demonstration of snakes, scorpions and spiders. Participants learn how to identify the various species, and what to do (or not to do) when encountering these in the wild, garden or home! (Please note that the presenters are professionals and there is absolutely no danger to anyone attending.) How does one treat bites, stings … and frights by any of these! Elder siblings and parents would certainly benefit from joining children on this programme.

The programme is absolutely for girls and boys … everyone who care about the future of planet Earth.

The Environmental Education Centre at Rietfontein Nature Reserve is sheltered against the elements, safe and secure (24-hour security). The holiday programme is overseen by qualified education staff with first aid training. Participants need to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, and bring their own food and drink for the day. (There is no tuck shop!) Also remember hats and sun screen. Parents are required to sign an indemnity form.

Physical address

Rietfontein Nature Reserve

138 Holkam Road (off Witkoppen Road)

Paulshof, Sandton

Website www.jhbcityparks.com

Enquiries/bookings

Rietfontein Nature Reserve: 011 803 9132

Nicole Fergusson, Environmental Education Specialist: Mobile 082 492 3253, email nferguson@jhbcityparks.com

Eckhart Piprek, Bush Encounters: Mobile 082 901 3796, email info@bushencounters.co.za

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