How We Use Cookies
Last updated: 5 August 2026
Most websites place small files called cookies on your device. Ours places none at all unless you sign in. This page explains what cookies are, the small number we use for the parent and staff portals, and how you can control them.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file that a website stores on your device so it can remember something about your visit, such as the fact that you are signed in. Cookies cannot run programs, install viruses or read other files on your device.
Browsing the public website
If you are simply reading our website, we set no cookies. No analytics cookies, no advertising cookies, no tracking of any kind.
We do measure how many people visit and which pages are read, using a service that does this without cookies and without identifying anyone. It records that a page was viewed, not who viewed it, and nothing is stored on your device.
Because we set no cookies while you browse, there is nothing for you to consent to and no cookie banner to dismiss.
When you sign in
Parents and staff who sign in to the school portal do receive cookies. These are strictly necessary: without them the portal cannot tell who you are and you would be signed out on every page.
| What it does | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| Keeps you signed in | Until you close your browser, or up to 30 days if you tick “Remember me on this device” when signing in |
| Remembers your sign-in preference | 30 days, and only if you chose “Remember me” |
| Protects certain actions against misuse | Session or up to 8 hours |
These are used only to operate the portal. They are not used to track you, and they are not shared with anyone.
Dark mode, and any similar display preference, is remembered by your browser itself rather than by a cookie, and never leaves your device.
Embedded video
Our homepage includes video hosted by YouTube. We use YouTube privacy-enhanced mode, which means YouTube sets no cookies unless you actually press play on a video. If you do play one, YouTube may set its own cookies, governed by Google’s privacy policy rather than ours.
Managing cookies
You are always in control of the cookies on your device. Most browsers let you see which cookies a site has set and delete them, block cookies from particular sites or from all sites, and clear all cookies when you close the browser.
Step-by-step guides for the most common browsers are available here:
Please note that if you block the strictly necessary cookies described above, the parent and staff portals will not work. Everything else on the website will.
Changes to this policy
If we start using new cookies, or change how we use existing ones, we will update this page with the date of the change. Significant updates will also be highlighted in school communications to enrolled families.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the cookies we use, or about how we handle personal information more generally, please contact the school office:
Newberry House Montessori SchoolLourensford Estate, Somerset West · Spier, Stellenbosch
Email: secretary@newberry.co.za
Telephone: 021 847 1585
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