PIE News will always have something for your students to work on. This time there are puzzles at 3 levels, based on current events, so you can actively join!

Punctuation (formerly sometimes called pointing) is the use of spacing, conventional signs and certain typographical devices as aids to the understanding and correct reading of handwritten and printed text whether read silently or aloud. Another description is "The practice action or system of inserting points or other small marks into texts in order to aid interpretation; division of text into sentences, clauses, etc., by means of such marks."

In written English, punctuation is vital to disambiguate the meaning of sentences. For example:

"woman, without her man, is nothing" (emphasizing the importance of men)
"woman: without her, man is nothing" (emphasizing the importance of women)

"eats shoots and leaves" (which means the subject consumes plant growths)
"eats, shoots, and leaves" (which means the subject eats first, then fires a weapon, and then leaves the scene).

The Hluhluwe / Umfuluzi Game reserve is located in Kwazulu Natal and is actually 2 reserves in one. The reserves joined in order to accommodate the freedom of movement for the animals during drought, to assist with wildlife conservation and the protection of rhinos. The reserve is smaller than Kruger but is well stocked with wildlife so you will end up seeing much more! Accommodation is fantastic and provided in a truly warm and welcoming African style!

This is the only place in the world where you will find the Big 7 (rhino, leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant, southern right whale and great white sharks) within a few km of each other.

Note of caution: Don’t leave your chicken on the braai (BBQ) as the hyenas will end up having a good dinner and you will go hungry. Humba Kahle (Travel well)

"Our school is very proud to be a member of Anglia Network. We always try to offer our students meaningful, useful and interesting extracurricular programmes and being an Anglia Member is one of the opportunities to enrich our programme. The projects that we work on enable our students as well as the teachers to improve language and communicative skills, to develop digital competences, to learn about new cultures, meet new friends and maybe even make new friendships. In addition, English Education Group offers Summer Schools and Anglia Examinations. Through the step-by-step approach students improve their English.

Slovenia is a very small country. Its population is only 2 million. We all are aware that speaking English (fluently) gives us opportunities for our future. We like learning English and the fun part of Building Bridges classes are the Skype sessions. We meet peers from other countries, learn about their culture and their lifestyle. Also, we are more aware about our own culture and values that we usually take for granted.

We plan to create new projects, meet new friends, learn a lot and have fun.

 Erika Gajser Bizjak | Osnovna šola Tončke Čeč

"The English language is a work in progress. Have fun with it."
-    Jonathan Culver -

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
-    L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables -

Our colleague Sascha is originally from South Africa. She is willing to share a traditiona SA-recipe: Potjiekos.

A potjie is the pinnacle of all braai (BBQ) cuisine, it is what the south African boerman (Afrikaaner) works his way up to his whole life: The Perfect Potjiekos! This is the reason why my family reunions always manage to include a potjiekos competition. Parts of the family from different provinces are allocated a type of meat to include in their potjie. Typical choices include lamb, beef, wild boar or springbuck- the  more exotic the better, which is how we ended up with a crocodile potjie! After a full day of preparations and “braaing”, the potjies are ready to be judged. Each member of our family gets to have a taste of all the potjies and have their say. This is when it really gets heated. There is no prize for the winner, other than bragging rights of course!

Experienced potjie chefs all share a few of the same attributes - they are excessively possessive of their fire, ensuring that it is never directly under the potjie pot but close enough to ensure the pot stays warm, and they are dead set against the idea of a stirring a spoon! To stir a potjie is to end the world as we know it! In order to ensure the best flavor experience, a potjie pot must be lined with oil and then the ingredients should be added according to the length of time they take to cook. The ingredients, such as meat, potatoes and carrots, which take the longest are layered at the bottom of the pot. Once these are settled in, you can then add more layers of veggies. Never stir! Add plenty, plenty wine or the famous OBS (Old Brown Sherry) and close the lid. Inside the pot it will become a steam room. The potjie is now left on the fire for a good 6 hours or longer. This is the time to “Kaier”. Kaier is the term used to describe hanging out with friends and family in a relaxed, warm and welcoming manner.

Now for the part you have been waiting for… The Recipe.
This recipe is originally from my aunt, Gaedry Graaff, who lives on and owns a wine farm, hint the extra pinotage being added to the pot! Blombos is a wildlife farm on the coast and is where they have their holiday house. This is usually where meals like this are enjoyed.