Inspiring the Love for Books at Loreto School Queenswood

September month is International reading month! Every year we celebrate it with “Donate a Book Day”-DAB DAY

At Loreto School Queenswood, we are inspiring the Love for Books through initiatives like DAB Day, these initiatives have a positive impact on our children. 

In a world filled with screens and digital distractions, fostering a love for reading in our children has never been more critical. DAB Day, short for “Donate A Book Day,” is a remarkable initiative that not only encourages children to read but also instils in them the profound values of giving and sharing. As we celebrate this wonderful tradition, it’s vital to recognize the invaluable lessons it imparts and the long-lasting benefits of cultivating a reading habit from a young age, particularly during primary school years.

DAB Day, typically observed in primary schools, is a day of celebration and learning rolled into one. It involves children donating books and dressing up as their favourite book characters. This simple act of generosity opens doors to numerous educational and moral lessons that stay with them throughout their lives, lessons that resonate with our vision, mission, and values. 

DAB DAY Inspiring a Lifelong Love for Reading

One of the most significant advantages of DAB Day is its power to ignite a passion for reading among young children. By encouraging them to donate books, the event communicates the idea that books are meant to be shared and cherished. When children see their peers donating books, it sends a powerful message that reading is a communal and enjoyable activity. As a result, they become more eager to explore the magical world of books, thereby laying the foundation for a lifelong love for reading.

Teaching the Values of Giving and Sharing

Beyond the love for books, DAB Day instils essential values in children, namely, giving and sharing. It teaches them that giving can be as rewarding as receiving. When children donate books, they experience firsthand the joy of helping others access knowledge and stories. This selflessness fosters empathy and compassion, qualities that are essential for personal growth and building strong, caring communities.

Fostering a Sense of Community

DAB Day also promotes a sense of togetherness and community within the school environment. The act of dressing up as beloved book characters creates a shared experience that bonds children together. They begin to see their classmates as fellow readers and adventurers in the world of books. This sense of belonging not only encourages collaboration but also makes reading a social activity, reinforcing the idea that books are meant to be shared and discussed.

The Cognitive and Academic Benefits

The benefits of reading from a young age cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that children who read regularly from an early age develop stronger vocabulary, better comprehension skills, and improved cognitive abilities. Reading is not just a source of knowledge; it’s a tool that sharpens young minds and prepares them for academic success.

DAB Day is not just a celebration; it’s an investment in the future. By inspiring children to read, teaching them the values of giving and sharing, and fostering a sense of community, DAB Day equips our youngest learners with the tools they need to become compassionate, educated, and successful individuals. The benefits of reading from an early age ripple through their lives, influencing their academic achievements and shaping their characters.

As we embrace DAB Day, let us remember that in promoting a love for books, we are nurturing the leaders, thinkers, and compassionate citizens of tomorrow. Encouraging our children to read and share the magic of books today will undoubtedly lead to a brighter, more literate future for all.

Grade R class in their Character Costumes
Ms Sharp Grade 1 Teacher
Mrs Prinsloo and Ms Sharp-Grade 1 Teachers
Mrs Maditshego-Sepedi Teacher and Mrs Gerber Grade 3 Teacher
Grade 3 DAB Day Theme

Written by: Nthabiseng Sherillyn Nyamane, Loreto School Queenswood

Loreto School Queenswood

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Discover the Future of Kids’ Safety and Connectivity — Meet the Freedom 2

It’s a Saturday morning at a bustling shopping mall in Johannesburg. Little Thando, full of curiosity, wanders off while his mom browses the toy aisle. In seconds, panic sets in — that heart-stopping moment every parent dreads. But unlike most stories, this one ends differently. Thando’s mom opens the Freedom 2 app, taps “Locate”, and within moments, she sees his exact position — just outside a nearby store. Relief floods over her as she spots him, still holding his ice cream, completely unaware of the worry he caused.

In a country like South Africa, where safety is always top of mind, the Freedom 2 isn’t just a gadget — it’s peace of mind on your child’s wrist. With increasing concerns about public safety, this smartwatch gives parents a practical way to stay connected and prevent tragedy before it happens.

Why the Freedom 2 is a Must-Have

If you’re looking to give your child both freedom and safety, the Freedom 2 by Fabulously Fit is a standout. Designed with parents and kids in mind, this smart watch blends advanced technology with kid-friendly features — providing peace of mind for you and fun for them.

1. Stay Connected Anytime, Anywhere

With full 4G support, the Freedom 2 enables 2-way voice calls, video calls, text messaging, and even WhatsApp — letting your child reach you instantly, and you keep tabs on them with ease. 

2. Precision GPS Tracking for Added Safety

This smartwatch uses GPS + AGPS + LBS + WiFi to track your child’s position with 5–15 metre accuracy. Set up geo-fences — get alerts when your child enters or leaves a safe zone. Review their route playback. Activate an SOS alert if they need help. All this gives you real-time confidence. 

3. Dual Cameras, Smart Tools & Kid-Friendly Features

Your child can snap photos or make video calls with a dual-camera setup. The watch also includes smart tools: WhatsApp, MP4 player, voice recorder, class-schedule tracker, math games — blending safety with learning and fun. 

4. Durable Performance & Long Battery Life

Built on Android 4.4 with 2 GB RAM + 4 GB ROM, a Nano-SIM slot for connectivity, and a robust 1 000 mAh polymer battery. It also features a 1.69″ IPS colour touchscreen (240×280 pixels) and modes for vibration, voice or silent notification — ideal for in-class use without distraction. 

5. Designed with Kids in Mind

A “No Disturb” mode ensures the watch won’t interrupt learning time. A pedometer and sleep monitor support wellness tracking. Remote monitor and remote shutdown features let you discreetly check that everything’s okay. 

🎯 Why It Matters for Your Family

Modern parenting comes with a tough dilemma — you want your child to stay connected and safe, but you don’t want to hand them a smartphone too soon. Too much screen time, access to social media, and unrestricted internet exposure can harm focus, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.

The Freedom 2 offers the perfect balance. It gives parents the ability to call, message, and locate their child instantlywithout placing a smartphone in their hands. Your child gets independence and responsibility; you get reassurance and control. It’s connection with boundaries — the healthy middle ground every family needs.

🛍 Get Yours Now

Available in Blue, Pink, and Black, the Freedom 2 is ready to become your child’s everyday companion.

Shop now at Be a Boffin 

Loreto School Queenswood
Make Maths Fun: How the Twinkl Maths App Can Help Your Child Build Skills Through Play

Many children struggle with maths, but what if practice could feel more like a game than homework? For parents looking for a way to boost their child’s confidence in maths, the Twinkl Maths App is a simple, safe, and effective tool that turns mental maths practice into fun, bite-sized games.

Why Mental Maths Matters

Strong mental maths skills are the building blocks for success in the classroom and everyday life. From adding up prices in a shop to working out time or measurements, children use these skills all the time. But for many, practising times tables or number bonds can feel repetitive and dull, which is exactly where the Twinkl Maths App makes a difference.

What Is the Twinkl Maths App?

Created by teachers, the Twinkl Maths App is designed to help children master key maths facts and build speed and accuracy through engaging, game-like challenges.

The app covers core skills such as:

  • Times tables
  • Addition and subtraction
  • Number bonds
  • Doubling and halving
  • Division facts

With over 100 different game modes, your child can practise exactly what they need — whether they’re just starting out or building up speed for school tests.

How Does It Work?

Children can choose from two main modes:

  1. Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)
    Perfect for children preparing for quick-fire multiplication tests. They answer 25 questions with six seconds to respond to each, building confidence under time pressure.
  2. Skill Safari
    This adventure-style mode takes children through colourful worlds like jungles, oceans, and icy landscapes. Along the way, they answer maths questions, earn stars, and unlock new levels — making maths feel more like play than work.

A Safe, Flexible Way to Practise

Parents can feel confident knowing the Twinkl Maths App:

  • Is completely ad-free, so there are no distractions or pop-ups.
  • Works offline, making it ideal for car trips, waiting rooms, or places with no Wi-Fi.
  • Lets you track your child’s progress through clear dashboards and heat maps, so you can see exactly where they’re improving or where they might need extra help.

Why Parents Love It

Parents often say the Twinkl Maths App keeps their children focused, happy, and motivated. Because the app feels like a game, children are more likely to spend extra time practising — and they often don’t even notice how much they’re learning while they play.

“It’s super engaging and easy to use — no interruptions, and you can even use it without Wi-Fi.” — Parent review

Try It Today

Whether you want to support your child’s homework, help them prepare for a multiplication test, or simply encourage them to see maths in a new light, the Twinkl Maths App is an easy way to build skills through fun, daily play.

Ready to make maths practice something your child looks forward to?
Download the Twinkl Maths App today and see the difference for yourself.

Loreto School Queenswood
Making Maths Easier for Every Child: Discover the Twinkl Maths App

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably experienced the daily homework battles or tried to make sense of the methods your child is learning in Maths today. The good news? Help is finally here – and it’s as simple as downloading an app!

The Twinkl Maths App is designed to make learning Maths fun, interactive and easy to understand – whether your child is just starting to count or preparing for high school assessments. Covering the South African curriculum from Preschool to Grade 9, the app provides bite-sized, curriculum-aligned questions and activities that build your child’s confidence and help them master key concepts step by step.

With colourful illustrations, child-friendly questions, and instant feedback, the app is perfect for practising at home, whether for homework, revision, or extra support during the holidays. What makes the Twinkl Maths App even more appealing is that it’s designed by educators who understand what children need – and what parents are looking for. 

Maths Made Easier – In Your Language

As part of its Maths Made Easier campaign, Twinkl has also released a range of dual-medium Maths resources for Grade 7 learners. These resources are now available in English alongside isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sepedi, Setswana and Sesotho – helping more learners understand tricky topics in a language that makes sense to them.

It’s part of Twinkl’s ongoing commitment to making education accessible, inclusive, and empowering for every South African child.

Win a Set of SHARP EL-W535SA Scientific Calculators for Your Child’s Class!

To celebrate Maths Month and the launch of their dual-medium Maths content, Twinkl is giving away a full class set of SHARP EL-W535SA Scientific Calculators on their Facebook page!

To enter, simply visit our Facebook group and look out for the Math Made Easy Competition post with the entry details.

It’s that easy – and it’s a great way to support your child’s learning while standing a chance to win a prize that makes a real difference in the classroom.

Download the Twinkl Maths App from your app store today, or explore free printable resources and bilingual Maths support at www.twinkl.co.za.
Follow @TwinklSouthAfrica on Facebook to enter the competition and get involved in the Maths Made Easier campaign!

Loreto School Queenswood
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