CLIFTON
EDITION 25 29 August 2019
Calling
GRADE 4 HARBOUR TRIP
A Message From the
College Principal
“I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD…” Psalm 121 (NIV Translation)
Dear Parents This opening line of Psalm 121, resonated with me when Mr Rudi Clarke, the Head Instructor from Spirit of Adventure, addressed each of the Grade 10 Groups before their group hike into the mountains around Cobham, last Thursday morning. He spoke about what they should do and what they would likely experience being in this wonderful natural environment, one of the Heritage sites of South Africa. He highlighted the beauty, the natural rivers with their clean water, and the sense of space, silence and the age of the mountains. These experiences would hopefully let them also experience something greater than all of them – a ‘higher’ being and bring them closer to that in thought, relating to God and the presence of spirituality in this environment. It struck me that this was also about taking time out from our hectic lives and just ‘being’ in these beautiful natural surroundings.
an educational agency that works with hundreds of schools globally. He reported back to the boys and staff, in an assembly and lecture, on some of the research findings around ‘Character Education’ in boys’ schools belonging to the IBSC. He spoke about the four steps on the pathway to excellence to becoming a good man: 1. Self-Awareness – know yourself through your values and character. 2. Relationship – Earn your place by demonstrating character competency and by creating good relationships. 3. Service – Grow from me → you → us by moving from self-interest to selflessness and self-efficacy. 4. Commitment – Find your calling by claiming a worthwhile purpose, showing your true character through values and actions by serving your fellow man. Click on the link to watch a short video that sums it up very well: https:// vimeo.com/330177574/4c7cd9063b
Each Grade Excursion has something that helps to mold the character of our boys though their Community engagement projects such as teaching, assisting, building, painting, cleaning or learning how to lead. We were also fortunate to have Dr Phil Cummins at Clifton earlier this week. He is the Managing Director of CIRCLE (An Australian Organization) which stands for the Centre for Innovation, Research, Creativity and Leadership in Education,
The College will also be participating in a research project, on ‘Excellence in Boys’ Schools’ in September this year. A letter will be sent out later to the various groups, including parents in the College, giving relevant information on this new research project. It would be appreciated if parents would support this important initiative. If anybody is interested in finding out more about Dr Cummins and the work that CIRCLE do, this can be accessed on the website www.circle.education. The matrics are in the middle of their Trial Examinations and will be completing these on Thursday next week, just in time for our Founders’ Weekend, which starts next Friday. These examinations are always of benefit in making the boys aware of what is required in their Finals. It helps them to assess the length of the papers, the careful use of time and the question types that they
can expect. Another positive is that over the years forced on them. Find their passion and support and we have seen a definite improvement in the marks endeavor to help them realize theirs. from the Trials to the Final Examinations. Enjoy the weekend! We are also enjoying the last weeks of the soccer season before we move to the summer sports, emphasizing how quickly the year has passed. In conclusion, it becomes apparent to me every day that having a balance in life is so important. It sounds so easy to achieve but requires a conscious effort and plan to realize it. Please support and help your sons to achieve this balance. Remember that they are living their own lives and that our wants and desires should not be
Meander
Mezher’s
Mr Ravenscroft will be with our Prep 1st Hockey Team who are participating in the SA Prep Schools Hockey Festival at St Stithians. On Saturday Mr Mezher will be at the College soccer matches being played away at Westville Boys’ High. Mr White will be at the Prep hockey matches being played against St John’s (Zimbabwe) at Riverside. The College Principals are involved with 2020 planning this weekend.
Clifton
Congratulates Chad Leslie-Smith (Grade 7) who literally ‘danced his socks off’ this weekend, bringing home the win! Well done, Chad!
The following boys who made the respective KZN Soccer teams: U16A Slade Jewell and Kwazi Makhanya U14B (non-travelling reserve) Armaan Latoo
GERRY GOEDEKE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
George Edward (Grade 11) who competed at the British Lifesaving National Champs in the U17 age group. He earned no less than 8 medals whilst competing for the Gyllyngvase Club from Falmouth. •
Board race 1st
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Surf swim 1st
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Long run 2nd
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Iron man 3rd
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Surf ski 6th
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Board relay 1st
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Taplin relay 2nd
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Double Ski 3rd
All the boys who presented at the Grade 7 Plastic Recycling Expo in the Sutcliffe Theatre this week. There was such a wealth of creativity and environmental awareness! Well done to the boys and their teachers.
Clifton
Cameos
Some of our Grade 2 boys during the interactive day at Durban Girls’ College on a beautiful, sunny day.
CLIFTON FOUNDER’S DAY CRAFT MARKET 2019 The Clifton Founder’s Day Craft Market will take place on Saturday 7 September in the Ken Mackenzie Hall. There are a number of tables available for hire for the morning. Only genuine crafts will be exhibited and there will be a restriction on the number of tables selling similar merchandise. For further details and to book your table, please contact Wendy Meyer on wmeyer@cliftonschool.co.za or message her on 082 789 3338
The Prep Tennis touring team departed today for their tour to Sun City. We wish them and the Prep 1st XI Hockey team everything of the best. The hockey lads are off to the St Stithians Festival.
There have been some developments in the Prep library with a tent installed, new books on display and a bookmark competition underway. #readersareleaders
Skye Meaker (Grade 11) has been invited to speak at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town next week. He will be speaking for half an hour on 4 September from 15h00 to 15h30. Skye, along with other cultural leaders, will be having dinner with our President on one of the evenings. Enjoy your trip, Skye!
Grade 8 boys painting bags that will be used for care packages as part of the Community Outreach programme.
Over 70 of our Prep School boys had their art work exhibited at the Virginia Art Exhibition last week. Here is Brody Jackson proudly pointing out his masterpiece. Well done, Prep boys!
The Grade R boys had a great time fishing for their letters. Some of them deeply focused on the task at hand whilst others work out how best to approach the task.
Ahmed (Grade 2) is pictured here at home, holding an EcoBrick which he got his family to fill AND he’s wearing a bow tie which he made using the French knitting/finger knitting skills he’s learnt at school!
The Grade 1 Masterchef Boys Baked bran muffins. Yum! Healthy and delicious!
Christopher Geils, Bronson Larsson and Matt Williamson (Grade 11) had their ‘doodle art’ selected by the Vega panel for inclusion in the ‘Night of 1000 Drawings (Doodle Auction). The Art boys created doodles on A5 paper and they were given the freedom to do anything, using any materials. The Vega initiative is a fundraising auction that will take place on 30 August at ‘Barrows’. All doodle sales on the evening will be donated to the Vega Grant Fund for bursaries to be allocated to deserving students. Cash, Zapper or cards are accepted on the evening and all are welcome to attend, including our boys who donated their doodles and their parents. Tickets to the auction are R50 (available on Quicket.co.za) or may be purchased at the door.
Clifton
Classifieds
HOUSE AND/OR BABY SITTING Please call Amy Mezher on 064 687 5934 or email: amymez6@gmail.com if you are looking for a reliable House Sitter or Baby Sitter. HOUSE TO LET 3/4 Bedroom house convenient to Clifton available to rent. Please call Sarah - 031 312 6262 R18 000.00 per month excl. utilities. HOME OFFERED FOR AN UNLOVED ‘ORBITREK’ Mr Mezher is looking to take ownership of an Orbitrek exercise bike. If you have one at home that isn’t being used, please contact him. Tel: 082 808 6880
6-7 SEPTEMBER