EDITION 4 13 February 2020
Calling
THE NAMING CEREMONY OF THE HELEN JOSEPH LIBRARY (story on page 4)
Deputy Principal: Marketing From the Marketing Desk... THE CLIFTON WAY Almost every day I take families for tours of the Clifton campus. These walkarounds are always different – no two days are the same. The weather, daily programmes and dynamic nature of our school ensures that each prospective family has a unique first impression of Clifton. l like that! There are many aspects to Clifton that I take for granted: the boys’ manners, engaging staff, along with the noninstitutional and homely surroundings which all blend to create a unique atmosphere. The families I walk around comment on these factors and many inform me they never knew “all of this” existed on the campus.
“The Clifton Way”: •
We are proudly Durban.
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We are part of the family.
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We encourage heritage.
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We allow pupils to ask questions and not just answer them.
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We orientate and welcome new pupils and families.
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We seize the opportunities presented to us at school.
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We celebrate the success of others.
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We speak proudly of our school.
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We believe in balance – school (and life) is busy.
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We cheer for our team/s regardless of the result.
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We take pride in our appearance.
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We try not to become an “invisible boy”.
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We are empathetic to others.
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We respect the code of conduct.
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We demonstrate “stickability”
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We have a common goal.
Many of my visitors refer to “The Clifton Way” and whether I could expand a little further with my understanding of what this “way” is. I have listed some of my thoughts on this topic. Perhaps you have been asked this question pertaining to “The Clifton Way”?
On the flip side, there are moments when boys do slip up:
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By not exercising mutual respect
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By being unable to laugh at one’s self.
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By letting the team down.
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By being disrespectful, particularly on social media.
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By failing to take responsibility
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By showing a lack of appreciation to family.
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By manipulating opportunities at the expense of others.
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By making a less than adequate contribution to school life.
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By falling at the final hurdle.
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By asking what your school can do for you, rather than what you can do for your school.
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By not seeing the bigger picture.
If you have any thoughts on what “The Clifton Way” means to you, please email them through to me. I attended a moving opening ceremony to The Helen Joseph Library at Stubbs House yesterday. Look out for this news item in the Calling. Save the dates for the visits of Paddy Upton and Megan de Beyer, we look forward to seeing you on our campus. Clifton’s reputation remains one of the cornerstones of our continued success. Thank you to all members of the Clifton Family who enhance and revere the good name of our school. Sincerely
BARRY MEZHER DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: MARKETING
Meander On Friday afternoon Mr White will be at the Prep cricket matches being played against Umhlali. On Saturday Messrs Ravenscroft and Boniaszczuk will join Mrs Achmad at the Grade R to 2 Dads and Lads session on the Whitehead Oval. Mr Ravenscroft will be at the Prep cricket matches being played against Umhlali. Mr White will be at Hilton watching the First XI at the Interprep Cricket Festival. Mr Mezher will be with his cricket team for their match against Umhlali. Mr Bresler will be with his cricket team for their match against Westville. Ms King and Mr Knowles will be at the College cricket and basketball matches being played against Westville.
THE HELEN JOSEPH LIBRARY Helen Joseph was born Helen Beatrice May Fennell in the United Kingdom. She was a student of English and it was at the University of London in the late 1920s, that she made friends with Dorothy Stubbs, daughter of founding headmaster of Clifton Preparatory School, Harry Stubbs. When Dorothy left her teaching position to get married, Harry Stubbs offered the job to ‘Ms Fennell’, who was on her way back to the United Kingdom after teaching in India. And so from 1930 – 1931, Helen was teacher of the junior boys at Clifton Prep. Helen met local Durban dentist, Billie Joseph, and gave up her teaching career to also get married. Helen Joseph, however, never became a housewife. During World War 2, she signed up for the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce and after the war she found work in the Garment Workers Union and as a social worker. She was confronted by the injustices of South African life and rebelled – becoming a founder member of the Congress of Democrats, which was a group of white activists who allied with the ANC. She was also National Secretary of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) in the 1950s. She read clauses of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People in June 1955 and is probably most famously remembered as a prominent figure and leader in the Women’s March on 9 August 1956. Unfortunately, through most of the 1960s and 1970s, Helen was terrorized and persecuted by the security police – facing house arrest and assassination attempts. It is sad that she never lived to see democracy in our country but at least she lived to see the release of Nelson Mandela – and when she passed in 1992 – she knew freedom was on the horizon.
A real South African hero. Helen Joseph’s contribution and legacy are commemorated most notably at Clifton School. In 2017, the College launched the Helen Joseph Oratory Competition between themselves, Durban Girls’ College and Maris Stella. The foundation of this public speaking competition was in the very spirit that motivated Helen – the power of standing up and speaking out! In 2020, we are further proud to honour her legacy by naming the Clifton Library – the centre of the Preparatory School – after her. Local artist Joan Martin was commissioned by the school to paint a portrait of Helen Joseph. The piece is composed with white acrylic, charcoal and black pencil crayon with Joan’s signature use of an old credit card to add texture. This beautiful piece was unveiled at a naming ceremony in recognition of a courageous and inspirational woman who fought against the iniquities of an unjust regime. “...One of South Africa's least likely, but greatest freedom fighters - a woman outside the conscience of the country's white mainstream but revered, especially by older people, in black townships.” - from the British Independent
News bits... To celebrate Valentine's month, both the Prep and College librarians have made an effort to ensure that books and reading share the love! In the Helen Joseph library, the Grade 4-7 boys could choose to go on a ‘Blind Date with a Book’, which involved them collecting a wrapped book to read. Age-appropriate books were pre-issued in their name, and they left the library with the books in the packaging, so that they didn't know what they were getting. Inside the book is a slip which they will fill in upon completion of the book and return to the library. These reviews will be displayed in the library, and will be a way for boys to easily see books that others have read. This may also get the boys who see the reviews, interested in books that they may not have considered before. There is also a Valentine'sthemed bookmark colouring-in challenge taking place for the Grade R-3s. With both the College and Prep libraries being central to the respective schools, we are thankful to have such creative and passionate librarians encouraging our boys to read.
#readersareleaders
OPEN TO ALL BOYS & STAFF OF THE COLLEGE Runners arrive at 05h25, put their bags in their lockers and meet in the lay-bye (Lambert Rd) Start running at 05h30, run ±4.2 km to Milky Lane near North Beach, have a quick swim and/or buy an ice-cream. Clifton bus collects runners at 06h30 and brings everyone back to school.
PLEASE DO REMIND YOUR SON/S AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO JOIN IN
#RunWithUs
FROM THE SIDELINES - By Nick Lambie THE BARRY RICHARDS/MIKE PROCTER TROPHY The Barry Richards/Mike Procter trophy is an anticipated fixture between Clifton Prep and Highbury Prep. The trophy was donated by Barry Richards (Clifton Old boy) and Mike Procter (Highbury Old Boy). The first game took place in 2014 at the Whitehead Oval, where Clifton recorded a famous 127 run victory over Highbury to lift the trophy at home. Clifton currently holds the trophy. Coaches Grant Bowles and Heino Beneke had this to say after the recently drawn match, ‘This is always an exciting game between two prestigious schools. Our boys had a great week of preparation and were ready to get some good cricket in. The Clifton boys had moments of brilliance with bat and ball as well as in the field. The Clifton boys must be commended for their composure during the game. Thank you to Highbury for hosting a memorable fixture. We look forward to our fourth term encounter’. Cricket enthusiasts will remember Barry Richards and Mike Procter being part of the 1970 Test Team who whitewashed Australia 4-0. This was arguably South Africa’s greatest Test Team featuring Lee Irvine, the Pollock brother’s Graeme and Peter, Ali Bacher, Eddie Barlow, Procter and Richards to mention a few. Sadly, after this triumph over Australia, South Africa went into sporting isolation ending the era of this great team. For Richards and Procter, it was the end of their international careers, but not their cricket careers. Both of them played Currie Cup cricket for Natal. Richards went on to play for Transvaal, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, South Australia and in Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket. Richards scored a hundred before lunch on nine occasions as well as a thousand runs in a season fifteen times.
During his short four-match test career he scored 508 runs at a average of 72.57, including two hundreds and two fifties with a highest score of 140 in the second test at Kingsmead. In a career that spanned nineteen years (1964-1983) Richards scored 37 372 runs in 576 matches through 812 innings including 75 not outs. Mike Procter’s test career was between 1967 and 1970 playing seven tests during that period. Procter is regarded as one of the world’s greatest allrounders to have ever played the gentlemen’s game. In his short test match career, he took 41 wickets at an average of 15.02 with best figures of 6/73 in the fourth test in Port Elizabeth. On the batting front Procter scored 226 runs at an average of 25.11 with a highest score of 48 in the first test at Newlands. Procter’s cricket career didn’t end after South Africa’s sporting isolation. He played for Natal with Richards as well as for Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), The Orange Free State and Western Province. Procter put many memorable performances together for his county side Gloucestershire. While playing for Rhodesia Procter scored six centuries in a row in the early 1970’s. In a career that lasted twenty -four years (1965-1989), Procter played 679 matches scoring 28 786 runs through 933 innings with 78 not outs and a highest score of 254 in first class cricket. On the bowling front he took 1802 wickets in that time. With best figures of 6/73 in tests, 9/71 in first class cricket and 6/13 in A List cricket.
Both Barry Richards and Mike Procter will leave an everlasting legacy in the cricket world. ‘May Cricket continue to flourish and spread its wings. The world can only be richer for it.’ – Sir Donald George
me reflect on my own challenges that I had overcome. It changed me because I realized that good and bad things will happen regardless of what you do and ultimately it is your attitude that determines whether or not you enjoy your life. Which book do you think every gent needs to read before leaving Clifton? It’s difficult to answer that question because everyone is going to find value in different books. I would recommend reading something that will stick with and help you later in life. For me, that book Name: Anthony Traicos would be Talk like Ted, on public speaking secrets Grade: 12 from the World’s greatest speakers and presenters. You could say it started me on my own speaking Portfolio/Role: I am a Prefect who co-runs the journey where I’ve had incredible experiences and cultural portfolio and I am also the Debating Captain made unforgettable memories. for this year Can you share the secret to your success here at What are you currently reading? Clifton? I am reading 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson Take hold of every opportunity that is offered to Which book have you read that changed your you. Clifton offers so much to its students but it’s up life/inspired you? to you to take that step forward. I regret some of the things I missed out on in Grade 8 and 9 and I Anyone who knows me, knows that I love fantasy writer, Terry Pratchett and I could say that any of his wouldn’t want anyone to look back and think to books inspired me in their own weird way. However, themselves, “If only”. the one that really left its mark on me was Snuff, one What valuable lessons have you learnt? of the last books he ever wrote. Attitude defines the way you lead your life. For How has it changed you/inspired you? example, I have learnt that confidence is something that allows you to make the most of the Snuff was the last book in one of Pratchett’s main opportunities you are given. I only really started to series that followed a poor police officer turned grow as a person when I started to believe in myself. affluent Duke who rose from nothing due to hard To have confidence in your abilities lets you keep work, determination and utter luck of the draw. aiming higher but also allows you to be content with Saying goodbye to this character whose journey I had followed for years, through good and bad made who you are while knowing that you can achieve if you push yourself.
New members of the Clifton Film Academy are enjoying learning how to use the cameras
DEBATING | MARIMBAS | FILM ACADEMY | POETRY | THEATRE | PUBLIC SPEAKING | ORCHESTRA | VOICE | MUSIC | PHOTOGRAPHY... The Arts certainly are alive at Clifton from Grade R to Matric!
We are indeed fortunate to have a group of passionate and dedicated teachers who promote the arts and provide the young men at this school with every opportunity to explore and develop their talents in many different ways across the arts. Indeed, some of the teachers involved have gained experience in the industry in their specific area of expertise, and so bring a depth to growing boys’ aptitudes in the arts. Long before the boys act on a stage or speak before a lectern or sing before an audience, the arts staff have spent countless hours preparing, tutoring and rehearsing. Employers who are searching for workers who can think creatively, collaborate and communicate, may well find them among graduates who have had arts education as part of their higher education. There is no doubt that digital literacy, technical skills and STEM knowledge are important for employees however the demand for this knowledge shifts and alters as technology develops and changes workplace operations. The skills that remain in constant demand are the soft skills that make it possible for people to work together and accomplish more than they could on their own. With our vibrant arts programme, Clifton boys will be future-ready! - Shaun McCabe: College Director of The Arts
Well done to all swimmers that competed in the Clifton College Championship Gala. Congratulations to the following boys who were placed first in their age group categories: U14: Damien Angel U15: Jedd Poovan U16: Josh Haswell U17: Connor Buck U18: James Matthews Well done, gents! DAMIEN
JEDD
JOSH
CONNOR
JAMES
Grade 2 Craft Club. Supreme concentration is needed to get the needle through the hessian. Lovely patterning, boys!
The Grade 3 boys enjoyed learning all about birds of prey and making their own project posters.
Jack Spence celebrates his win at the ATU Junior Triathlon Africa Cup.
Clifton congrats to Jack Spence (Grade 11) who raced the ATU Junior Triathlon Africa Cup in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Jack placed 1st in the Junior Male category. He has now been selected to attend the ATU Triathlon Training Camp in Harare, Zimbabwe commencing on Sunday 16 Feb, which will culminate in the ATU Sprint Triathlon Africa Cup In Troutbeck Zimbabwe on Sat 22 February.
Congratulations to the Prep 1st XI cricketers who were presented with their white caps yesterday prior to the day/night victory over Umhlali at our sports campus at Riverside. This is a long-standing tradition at Clifton. Well done, boys.
Our Grade 4 History class met up with some of our Grade 12 boys at the Nelson Mandela display at the top of Rosetta Road yesterday afternoon. Sculptor Lungelo Gumede worked for a year to complete these statues to mark the anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. What a wonderful experience for our boys who are learning about leaders!
ARE YOU A
A reminder that the Clifton Shop is open every weekday from 07h15 - 10h30. Besides pre-loved and new uniform items, Mrs Jackie Psannis also stocks a range of supporters gear. The shop is at the Barry Richards Pavilion and is easily accessed from Innes Road. For your convenience, you may also shop online at: www.cliftonshop.co.za
Classifieds HOUSE SITTING/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. CHILD CARE Tersia Brenna has eighteen years of experience in supervising and teaching children from 3 months olds to 5year-olds. She also has experience with autistic and ADHD children. She is available to au pair, assist with homework and holiday care Monday to Friday and weekends from the 15 December onwards. Please contact her on 063 535 1952.
MAID AND AU PAIR Live in full time maid required in the Morningside area, preferably in her 30’s, well spoken and presentable. Must have cooking skills. Au Pair with solid experience looking after children, honest and dependable for ad hoc au pair work. Please contact Greg on 083 775 6992 ____________________________________________ ABOUT CLIFTON CLASSIFIEDS
Clifton Classified advertising is open to current parents and staff of Clifton. The cost per advert is R100, which will be debited to your son’s school account. For bookings, email: marketing@cliftonschool.co.za
Old Boys We congratulate Dylan Nel (Class of 2010) who will be starting for the Chiefs this weekend. Best of luck, Dylan! The RED, BLACK, WHITE will certainly be right behind you as you make your debut!