17 February 2017
Theme of the Week—Loyalty
“If you're not loyal to your team, you can get by for a while, but eventually you will need to rely
on their loyalty to you, and it just won't be there.” Tim Schafer
Valentines’ Day
On Tuesday, the school
was a sea of red, white
and pink - not too
much of the latter
though, it has to be
said! The Grade 5 boys
in particular, brightened up the Tree Quad
in their Valentines’
attire. Captured here
are a few of the boys in
Mr Williams’ class, rehearsing their Verbal
Dynamics pieces for
Drama Class—very convincing red, white and
pink washing machines
they were too—with
extremely creative
sound effects to boot!
Well done boys!
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
WHY SHOULD YOUR BOYS PLAY CHESS?
Chess requires critical thinking skills. A child playing chess will have to think ahead several moves before
moving. Chess is methodical. It allows children to use their own brains to come up with a solution. A
chess class gives children an opportunity to learn and think on their own. Children need brain power to
survive in the classroom. Dendrites in the brain grow exponentially when children are engaged in a game
like chess.
With chess, children develop analytical, synthetic and decision-making skills, which they can transfer to
real life. Chess also entails higher-order thinking skills, which helps children analyse their actions and
consequences and visualize future possibilities. They learn to analyse information on a higher level. Chess
teaches discipline and patience from a very early age. It teaches children to anticipate and to plan ahead.
Chess helps children to concentrate as it can be a long, involved game to play. When you’re involved and
enjoying something, you’re more likely to concentrate for longer. Chess improves your memory. All the
pieces have different functions and remembering how they all move is enough to stretch the memory.
Chess is a great 3D game and exercises both parts of the brain to function at their maximum capacity.
Chess improves reading skills and creativity, helping children come up with original, creative thoughts.
Our congratulations go to:
Matthew Hennig and Amedeo Mirosevic on their appointment as Chess Captain and Vice Chess Captain
respectively for 2017. We are sure that chess will continue to thrive under their leadership.
Chess matches vs Auckland Park Prep:
Another enjoyable evening of chess was had by all teams
this week. Our boys drew against the girls from Auckland
Park . The seniors won 19 -13, and the juniors lost 13-19.
The overall result was a 32-32 draw .
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Focus on Staff—Sicelo Bhengu
I grew up in the township of Umlazi—my parents
made difficult sacrifices to afford me a good education,
for which I am eternally grateful.
After spending three years in Law School pursuing my
LLB degree and being a member of the Black Lawyers
Association, I realised that Law was not for me. I completed my Degree in Law and History and then had the
wonderful opportunity to do my internship at Hilton
College in KZN. It was then that I found my hidden passion for education, and decided to follow in my parents’ footsteps—they are both retired principals. During my internship at Hilton College, I completed my
Post Graduate Certificate in Education. The education
space seemed to be the ideal career for me at this
stage, as it was rewarding and fitted like a hand in a
glove with my personality.
Mr Bhengu pictured here with his sister
After working for 3 years at Creston College where I was blessed with the view of the ocean from my
classroom, my ambition pushed me to pursue a teaching job in the bustling City of Gold. My breakthrough finally came when I was employed at a tranquil school in Kyalami, Summit College. During my
tenure at Summit College, I tackled an Honours Degree in Leadership and Management in Education at
Wits University. The positive impact I felt I was making on the lives of young people is what kept me going through the challenging times.
Three years later, I was invited for an interview, where the phrase, “Honour God, Honour Others, Honour
Self”, resonated with me and convinced me that this was the next chapter of my life. Being at St Stithians
College, feels like coming home for me because of the tradition and values it espouses which are quite
like my schooling at Durban High School. With the ambition and determination to succeed in life, I have
realised that it is important to invest in other things that will always be there despite the failures and
successes one might encounter, and for me that is family. In this demanding world in which we live, I
have learnt that balance is crucial—my spare time in the past few years has earned me the title of
Philanthropist, having devoted my time and energy to many Non-Profit Organisations, such as the Durban Youth Council, the South African Youth Leaders Network, the Catholic Youth Development fund and
a few others, which work towards making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.
The experiences I have encountered have taught me to remain grounded, humble and less selfconsumed. As I take on 2017 in this magnificent institution and doing my Masters in Leadership and Policy in Education at Wits University, I am inspired to live out my motto that “the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra”.
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Grade 3 Maths
On Friday 10 February the Grade 3
boys had lots of fun creating constructions using recyclable materials which had been collected for
the purpose. This was a creative
exercise linked to learning 3D
shapes in Maths. The boys had a lot
of fun whilst learning at the same
time.
Grade 3 Recycling
The Grade 3 boys participated in a very exciting recycling initiative. The boys used recyclable materials
and their vivid imaginations to construct many interesting things. There were robots, planes, rugby fields,
space rockets, alien ships and much more.
Grade 6 Music
The Grade 6 boys are discussing various
South African musical genres during their
lessons. They are researching current
South African bands to determine which
styles they use in their music.
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Grade 6 Natural Science
The Grade 6 boys have been looking at atoms and compounds as part of the Natural Science curriculum.
They have been busy building models of various substances and then researching properties and common names of these substances. Do YOU know which elements make up Methane?
World Read Aloud Day is celebrated by millions of people
in more than 100 countries, who participate and spread the
word across the globe! St Stithians Boys’ Prep celebrated
the day by reading aloud and taking action on behalf of the
758 million people world wide who cannot read. Mr Pascoe
read the story New Day, New Friends by Alexander London
and illustrated by Ying Hwa-Hu. The response from the boys
shows that reading aloud is sometimes necessary, regardless
of age—pictured here is a Grade 7 group in rapt attention.
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Grade 7D visited Nehemiah School at Ivory Park on
Thursday 9th of February.
The boys settled in straight away, helping the moms
take all the donations and food inside before running off to find their buddies.
They did bubble wrap paint prints, they played with
balls and hoops, threading and sticking stickers onto
caterpillar templates—however it was apparently
more fun to stick them on themselves first! It was all
part of the fine motor strengthening though
It was such a happy visit and Grade 7D looks forward
to the next visit.
Grade 5 iPad Security Evening
The Power Point presentation used on the evening has been added to the portal and may be accessed via
the link below:
https://stithian-public.sharepoint.com/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BEFF3D6A3-40134973-B2CC-37E50ADC2697%7D&file=Security%20evening.pptx&action=default
Scholarship Applications
The closing date for applications has been extended to 7 March 2017. Forms for Sport, Music and Academics can be found on the Website, under Admissions.
http://www.stithian.com/content/page/admissions
Midmar Mile
This event is always a popular
one on the swimming calendar,
with lots of families making the
trek to KZN to participate. We
are proud of Josh Melvin in
Grade 5, and Michael Zietsman
in Grade 7 who participated
with their families. They are
pictured below, proudly displaying their hard earned medals.
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
REPORT ON THE CORNWALL CRICKET TOUR
After much excitement, Cornwall finally arrived on Friday, 10 February. We were all looking forward to the
cricket matches, but we were watching the weather at the same time – it looked ominous and the predictions were not favourable.
Our first day/night match on Friday evening was 35 overs and started at 15:30. We won the toss and opted
to bat first. Their opening bowlers were really strong and took wickets convincingly. We managed to put
on a total score of 143 runs, all out.
After the first innings, we sat down to a scrumptious dinner in the new Boys’ College Pavilion that was set
up by our wonderful team of moms. During dinner we realised that the weather might not play along.
There was lots of lightning in the distance to the great amusement of all the Cornwall parents and children.
By 19:30 we went back to the field to put the covers on the pitch, but then good news arrived when Mr
Lennox gave us the all clear signal for a 20:00 start to the second innings. Our formidable team of bowlers
managed to get Cornwall out for 71 at 22:00.
Twelve hours later we were back on the field. Cornwall won the toss on Saturday morning and elected to
bat. It was a 45 overs match. The Cornwall boys tried their best but couldn’t hold out to our strong team
of bowlers. They were all out for 96 runs. After another delicious lunch, it was our turn to bat. Their bowling was really good. They took 7 wickets before we were able to win the match 97/7. We won both matches.
It was a wonderful experience for us to play ‘international’ cricket. They are a great bunch of funny boys.
They were good opposition and showed fantastic sportsmanship. We cannot wait to meet up with our new
friends in Cornwall in August when we play them on their home turf.
All in all it was a great cricketing weekend against a great team! Thank you Cornwall.
ARMAND CARSTENS Grade 7
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
BOYS’ PREP IS COLLECTING AND RECYCLING USED “NESPRESSO”
CAPSULES TO CREATE A COLLABORATIVE VISUAL ART PROJECT
THIS YEAR
PLEASE CAN YOU DROP THEM OFF EVERY FRIDAY AT
RECEPTION OR IN THE NEW ART ROOM!
Please click on this link to access the application form: https://stithianpublic.sharepoint.com/Boys%20Preparatory/St%20Stithians%20Enrollment%
20Form%20Feb%20Half%20Term%20Holiday%20Club.pdf
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
In support of the Cancer Association
St Stithians College will be hosting our very own
“Spray – a –thon”
On
Thursday 23rd February 2017
Our annual Shavathon is almost upon us once again. Over the last eight
years, our learners and staff have always really enjoyed this ‘crazy’ day.
In order to streamline the day with regard to admin, we will debit your
child’s school account with R50-00 as listed in the 2017 Fees Booklet.
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
OLD STITHIAN ASSOCIATION
Dear Parents
February 2017
CRUSADERS JUNIOR RUGBY CLUB
As part of the Old Stithian Association’s continued support towards the growth and sustainability of the school, we are proud to continue with the 5th season of Crusaders Rugby
Club. We have developed a 12 week program focusing on basic skills, techniques and
conditioning required for rugby at all ages. We will be using the experience and skill of
professional coaches during the season.
The program will focus on:
Individual skills development
Understanding Sport
Speed & Agility
Fitness and Strength
Hand, eye, foot coordination
Technical sport specific training
Friendly games if possible
These sessions will coincide with the build-up to the Prep Rugby season and will focus
on equipping the boys with skills and knowledge to enhance their own game or introduce
newcomers to the sport, with the ultimate goal of ensuring their readiness for rugby in the
College.
The age groups will not play any club games for the 2017 season, but friendly games
might be organized. Our season will run from the beginning of March till the end of June.
The time table for these sessions is as follows and practices will take place on the Wayne
Joubert Field below the One & All Club at St Stithians School :
Monday/Wednesday
Tuesday/Thursday
:
:
17h30-18h30
17h30-18h30
:
:
U7/ U8 & U9
U10/ U11/ U12 & U13
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Crusaders Rugby will be running on the same academy style format as it did in 2016,
focusing on skills and drills to enhance the rugby in the junior ranks at St Stithians and
support the work being done in the Prep and the College in preparing the boys for College rugby. The Crusaders Coaching team will manage the 12 week program and will try
to arrange friendly games with local clubs to expose the boys to rugby. Unfortunately,
the Gauteng Rugby Union will not allow us to setup a full club without a full set of age
groups, which is not part of the growth plan of the club at the moment.
Needless to say, the coaching and guidance that the boys will receive through this program will be of a world class standard and develop the existing skills.
The season will run for 12 weeks and comprise of two age group sessions per week,
starting on the 6 March 2017 until the 22 June 2017, with a break for the end of the
term (13 April till 2 May 2017). The sessions will be at a cost of R1000.00 for the
season and will include the cost of the Crusaders Rugby Training Jersey which will be
ordered and delivered at the start. During the holidays a private clinic will be run for
those children that are interested, this would be at an additional cost.
All members need to sign up between the beginning of February and end of February so
numbers can be finalized. There will be a meeting with all the parents just before the
start of the season to go over everything, as well as hear the views from any parents.
If you would like to register your child, please complete the attached application form
and e-mail it to Nicky at the Crusaders Sport Office at [email protected]. Or
for more information please contact Shaun at [email protected].
Kind regards
Shaun Edmeston
Chair
Please click on the following link to access the application form:
https://stithian-public.sharepoint.com/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B400A313ED8FC-4BBA-9CCD-D8D9C5E75121%7D&file=Crusaders%20Rugby%20Letter%20and%
20Registration%202017.doc&action=default
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE. MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
ST STITHIANS BOYS’ PREPARATORY SCHOOL
EXTRA MURALS PROGRAMME - MACFARLANE TERM
20 - 25 FEBRUARY 2017
PREP SESSION
14:00 - 15:30
All
IT Lab
SWIMMING
CHOIR
14:00 - 15:00
Senior Practice
06:15 - 07:00
BP Music Room
13:45 - 15:15
Practice
14:00 - 15:30
R Williams’ Classroom
TENNIS
BC Courts
MONDAY
SQUASH
14:00 - 15:00
Non-Team Practice
WEDNESDAY
Practice
Aquatic Centre
PREP SESSION
CHESS
14:00 - 14:40
Team Training
All
IT Lab
CRICKET
14:00 - 15:00
Open Practice
Preparatory Nets
15:45 - 16:45
U9 & U10 Practice
Preparatory Nets
14:00 - 18:00
Open 1st, S, V & 3rd Matches
APFP
College Courts
WATERPOLO
CRICKET
U9 & U10 Practice
Aquatic Centre
U10A, B, C, D & Blue Matches
APFP
14:00 - 15:30
U11 Practice
Aquatic Centre
14:00 - 15:00
U9 Practice
Preparatory Nets
17:00 - 18:00
U12 & Open Practice (non-compulsory)
Aquatic Centre
15:45 - 16:45
U11 Practice
Preparatory Nets
WATER POLO
U12 & Open Practice
14:00 - 15:00
U11 / U12 & Open Practice
Aquatic Centre
BASKETBALL
14:00
U11A / U12A / Open A Festival
College Courts
APFP
FRIDAY
14:00 - 15:30
THURSDAY
14:00 - 15:15
14:00 - 18:00
CRICKET
All day
Saracens Cricket Tour to Glenwood High School 20/20 Festival
All day
Saracens Cricket Tour to Glenwood High School 20/20 Festival
APFP
CRICKET
APFP
PREP SESSION
All
IT Lab
CHESS
14:00 - 14:40
All
R Williams’ Classroom
SATURDAY
14:00 - 15:30
CRICKET
All day
Saracens Cricket Tour to Glenwood High School 20/20 Festival
APFP
CHOIR
14:00 - 15:00
Junior Practice
MINI TENNIS & SQUASH
BP Music Room
BLUE WEEK
ORCHESTRA
15:30 - 16:30
BP Music Room
CRAFT CLUB
14:00 - 15:30
Grade 3 & 4
BP32
SWIMMING
14:00 - 15:30
15:30 - 16:45
Senior Session 1
Junior Session 2
Aquatic Centre
Aquatic Centre
CRICKET
14:00 - 18:00
U11A, B, C & D Matches
APFP
15:45 - 16:45
Open Practice
Preparatory Nets
BASKETBALL
14:00
U11A / U12A / Open A Festival
APFP
3T
THURSDAY
12:00 - 13:00
3N
WEDNESDAY
12:00 - 13:00
3J
FRIDAY
12:00 - 13:00
TEACHERS-IN-CHARGE OF ACTIVITIES
TUESDAY
Orchestra
DIRECTOR OF SPORT
Mr R Lennox
[email protected]
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVITY
Mrs L Humphrey
[email protected]
CRICKET
Mr. E Tlhabanyane
[email protected]
BASKETBALL
Mr. S Rubinek
[email protected]
CLIMBING
Mrs M Gundu
[email protected]
SQUASH
Mrs L Humphrey
[email protected]
TENNIS
Mrs L Vickery
[email protected]
GOLF
Ms J Dryden
[email protected]
PREP SESSIONS
Mrs S Stockigt
[email protected]
CHESS
Mr R Williams
[email protected]
MARIMBA
Mr M Sibanda
[email protected]
CHOIRS / ORCHESTRA
Mrs G Reynolds
[email protected]
APFP
As per FixturesPro
www.stithiansport.com
KEY
BP Sport Guidelines
www.stithian.com
Golf Practice
Bryanston CC
R60.00 per player per 1 hour session
Junior Swimming
U9 & U10
Senior Swimming
U11 / U12 & Open