As Much Fish as You Can Eat!

These penguins are lucky they were taken to SANCCOB for care.

When I arrived, there were penguins, in their black and white cozzies (that’s South African for “bathing suits”), hanging around the pool area. Several, faces to the warm sun, were catching some afternoon rays. Others were showing off their swimming skills. One was looking for a waiter to bring her a drink and a snack. I’m sure they were thinking, “Life is good!”

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A Surprise Participant at an Environmental Conference

Our surprise guest, a Vervet Monkey, trying to look innocent.

He wasn’t supposed to be there. He wasn’t invited. The conference room door was closed, so he climbed through the window! Men yelled. Women screamed. Papers flew! The speaker stopped mid-sentence. The hairy beast, a gleam in his eye, jumped from table to table, clearly enjoying all the commotion he was causing! He quickly scanned the room, looking for a mid-morning snack. Seeing none, he disappeared back out the window, back into his own habitat.

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A Day with a South African Girl

I’m Chloe.

Hi! I’m Chloe. I’ve lived in South Africa all my life. I love it here! There are so many beautiful outdoor places to visit. Nature is all around us!

My ancestors come from The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and France, so I’m a mixture of all of these nationalities. At home my family speaks Afrikaans, which is similar to Dutch, but we also know how to speak English. Here’s a typical day in my life.

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St. Cyprian’s School

St. Cyprian’s School Front Entrance

I really enjoyed spending the day at St. Cyprian’s School. They’re a private girls’ school in Cape Town. That’s right, ALL of the students are GIRLS! I know that will seem very strange to Cottage Lane students, but most of the private schools in the area are either boys’ schools or girls’ schools. What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages?

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Ms. Christie-Blick Encounters Great White Sharks

A wetsuit is made out of rubber. It helps keep you warm in the water.

He glided swiftly, silently, steadily, through the murky water, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet at the tip of Africa. I was in the water. I couldn’t see the dorsal fin moving toward me, slicing through the choppy waves with ease. The bright rays of morning sunlight slashed through the ocean’s surface, making it difficult to see. I was unaware of the giant jaws and razor sharp teeth moving in my direction until I heard the yelling. “Dive down!” yelled the captain. I took a quick breath as my heart began to race. I followed his command, and submerged my head into the icy water. 

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International School of Cape Town

International School of Cape Town

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Grade 4s at the International School of Cape Town. The children and teachers were very welcoming. Their lessons are similar to those at Cottage Lane, but there are only about 15 children per class! There are two classes of each grade at the elementary level, and there are classes for kindergarten all the way up through high school at this one school. I’m sure you’ll all notice right away that the students wear uniforms to school. 

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