EDITION 5 20 February 2020
Calling
Executive Headmaster Dear Clifton Family I last wrote to the Clifton Family at the start of the term, barely a month ago - and now we are already at half term! We have sweated through some incredibly hot and humid days, endured the frustrations of load shedding, and now it’s raining in buckets as I write this.
Science Block. More recently, the naming of the Helen Joseph Library warmed his heart. Victor has spearheaded the thinking around the next phase of building projects for the Prep and has passed on those proposals to his successor. Over his five years, innovations were made in the curriculum, with new ways sought to keep the young minds of our boys As the boys and staff start to enjoy a few days’ break engaged and active. from the busyness of school, today we also mark a moment in the school’s history, when the ninth Victor has also played his part on the provincial and leader of the Prep School steps down and takes his national stage. As one of the more experienced and leave of Clifton. Mr Victor White has been at Clifton respected Heads, he chaired the provincial sector of for a little over five years, having come down from SAHISA, the Independent Schools Heads’ association, Gauteng where he was a successful Head of Kyalami and sat on the national council. I would hope that he Prep. I didn’t know Victor in Gauteng, other than by is not lost to education once he has recharged the reputation, and that was as a dedicated “Preppy”. In batteries. I anticipate that we will see him involved in other words, he loves the Prep version of school, as some capacity, probably in a different guise, fairly opposed to the high school scenario. On his soon. appointment at Clifton in 2015, he brought with him Victor has worked hard with Mr Jason Brown, his vast experience and a homely type of wisdom that successor, to ensure a smooth hand-over. They have perhaps is not always appreciated in our fast-paced spoken on the phone and met on numerous world. Those who know Victor will know that his occasions, and Jason feels that he can hit the ground great pride and joy, and his love of the job, comes running when he officially takes over on Tuesday. For from working with the Prep boys in his care. For him this I wish to compliment and thank Victor, for they are the priority, and he has always expected his finishing his tenure well and ensuring that the Prep staff to give of their best for the boys. will be well looked after during the hand-over period. Like many Heads and Principals, very often the On a personal level I wish to thank Vic for his help to highlight of any day will be when one is not actually me, particularly when my wife and I first moved to in one’s office dealing with the issues, but out there Durban and to Clifton. As a fellow ‘Gautenger’, his with the boys – the reason, of course, why one goes advice and insight into the school, the community, into this profession in the first place! Victor loves to and what makes Clifton tick, were invaluable to me. read to the FP classes, for example, and anything to do with the Red Ants will draw his attention and put So, we thank Vic sincerely for his important contribution to Clifton and wish him well as he leaves a smile on his face - like the famous “Red Ant Comrades Day”. Similarly, he teaches Life Orientation us and enters another chapter in his life. Hamba to the older grades, and went on the UK Cricket tour Kahle, Vic, and enjoy the golf! in 2015 to keep in touch and stay connected with the Finally, we also wish Dr Sam Blom much happiness boys. His compassion for the boys (and indeed the and many blessings as she starts her maternity leave Prep staff), and his understanding of how boys of this this half term. age group think, act, develop and eventually flourish, is one of his strengths. He always had a concern that Have a wonderful half term with your sons, and if you are traveling, safe travels. boys can grow up too quickly. Victor takes great pride in Clifton Prep, and is fiercely Yours sincerely protective of “his” school, especially with the growth of the College on the campus. Under his guidance the upgrades of all the Prep classrooms has happened systematically, as well as the upgrade to DAVE KNOWLES Stubbs House and the official opening of the Art and EXECUTIVE HEADMASTER
Prep School Principal Dear Clifton Family I put pen to paper for the last time at Clifton. My five years as a member of the Clifton family has been a fulfilling, exciting and very happy time. Starting a new chapter inevitably leads to a time of reflection. This process started, for me, at last year’s College Speech Day when I looked at the College Honours Boards in The Ken Mackenzie Hall. They were littered with names of Clifton Prep boys however two boards really grabbed my attention. I noted that every Clifton Prep boy who was awarded the Dux or Dux Proxime in Grade 7, achieved the same at the College. I then cast my eye to the Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy boards. I was delighted to note every year, without exception, a Clifton Prep boy has been Deputy or Head Boy and in 2020 both the Deputy Head Boys and the Head Boy are Clifton Prep lads. I write this, not to praise the Prep School, but rather to emphasize that ‘One School, One Family’ is lived and breathed at Clifton School. These notable achievements are the result of the Foundation Phase laying the bedrock and ‘foundation’ to the boys’ journey at Clifton, followed by the Senior Preparatory School ‘preparing’ the boys during this journey and then the College ‘bringing it home’, enabling our gents to face their next chapter well-armed and well-prepared. The end product of this journey is a well-rounded, confident “Clifton gentleman”. A young man who is ready to take his place in the 21st Century not only as a problem-solver, inventor, and critical thinker but also, and perhaps more importantly, as a caring human being. We are aware there is no utopia in schools, however I believe I have been part of a school that continues to ‘walk the talk’. We are all, boys, staff and parents, indeed blessed to be part of Clifton School. I leave you with a quote that has always been close to my heart, and perhaps even more relevant for the times in which we live. People take different roads seeking fulfilment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost. - Dalai Lama
VICTOR WHITE PREPARATORY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
News bits... Congratulations to the following players who have been selected for the EU Nations Junior Men’s Water Polo Cup to be held in Brno, Czech Republic: Chad Uys Reserve - Jack Aylward We also congratulate these boys who were selected to participate at the CANA ZONE IV Water Polo Championships in Harare: U18 Simon Taylor Reserves – James Parry, Noah Ditz U15 Reserve - Jedd Poovan U14 Oliver Ditz Ross Strauss Reserve - Reece Rezac
The following Clifton College gents won their respective Ethekweni District Tennis Trials sections and are through to the KZN trials: Thomas Rey - U19 Calum Jestin - U19 Karan Varyani - U19 William Hermelin - U15 Well done and best wishes from the RED, BLACK, WHITE for your KZN trials, gents!
Our Prep 1st XI cricket team continued their winning ways in a 30 over encounter against the touring Kings College boys from the UK. Batting first, our boys amassed a very impressive 243 runs for the loss of 5 wickets with solid contributions from Jason Adams (41) and Jayden Roux (31). The evening however belonged to Tim Saulez who dismissed the opposition bowlers to all parts of the ground in a dominating knock of 117 runs off 92 balls. Congratulations Tim on a very well-deserved century! Well done as well to Arav Soodyall (63 not out) and Ryan Futcher (53 not out) who contributed superbly to the 3rd XI's victory over Kings College. Both games were played under lights.
In preparation for the Dusi Canoe Marathon our canoeists have ramped up their training and competed in a number of races over the past week. Jarryd Walker participated in the following events: •
The Marine Surf Ski Series Race 6 where he placed 1st in the U18 age group in an almost photo finish.
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The Dash and Crash K2 race from Camps Drift to Low Level bridge on the Msunduzi River with Alex Masina. They placed 3rd overall and 1st in the U23 age group.
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The Campbell’s Farm to Dusi Bridge race on the Msunduzi River with his dad. They finished 42nd overall.
Ben Maehler also participated in the Campbell’s Farm to Dusi Bridge race with his dad. Well done, gents and keep up the effort! Congratulations to the following boys who made it through to the next round of trials on 18 February at Kings Park. The results are as follows: Ben Wilson 4th in 1200m Keagan White 2nd in 1200m Kyan White 3rd in Long Jump Keagan and Kyan will now represent the District Team at the KZN Athletics Championship.
Awesome stuff, lads!
Clifton congrats to Damien Angel, Luc O'Brian (Grade 8) and Samuel Pearse (Grade 9) who have been selected to represent KZN in both the Surf Lifesaving and Still Water Lifesaving teams to compete at the Nationals on 2 & 3 May in Durban. Enzo Marcon (Grade 8) was selected to represent KZN in Surf Lifesaving. Well done, gents!
Well done to Declan Jackson (Grade 6) who has been selected for the U13 KZN Biathlon team to compete at the SA Champs in Outshoorn.
Clifton congrats to the following Clifton Grade 4’s from Durban Surf who took part in the Nippers KZN champs over the weekend. The boys did Clifton proud, helping Durban Surf win KZN Champs and collecting many medals along the way. Beach Run 1st U9 Male Keagan White
Beach Flags 4th U09 Male Keagan White
Run/Swim/Run 1st U10 Male Nicholas Taylor
Run/Swim/Run 4th U09 Male Keagan White
Surf Swim 1st U10 Male Nicholas Taylor
Taplin Relay 4th U10 Mixed Keagan White
Beach Relay 2nd U10 Mixed Max Fowlds
Taplin Relay 4th U10 Mixed Nicholas Taylor
Beach Relay 2nd U10 Mixed Keagan White
Beach Sprint 5th U09 Male Keagan White
Bodyboard 2nd U09 Male B/b Keagan White
Beach Flags 6th U10 Male Alexander Verster
Beach Sprint 2nd U10 Male Max Fowlds
Beach Relay 6th U10 Mixed Alexander Verster
Bodyboard 2nd U10 Male Nicholas Taylor
Surf Swim 8th U09 Male Keagan White
Clifton hosted the annual “You’re History Quiz”, which was attended by a wide range of schools in the area and as far as Pietermaritzburg. It was very well attended with Mr ‘Boni’ as the excellent Quiz Master. 1st: DHS 2nd: WBHS 3rd: Clifton Well done to the Clifton History department for the organization of this event.
What a sporting weekend! Our College cricket (featured on the cover of The Ridge magazine) and water polo 1st teams followed on from victories against Kearsney to register wins against Westville. The U14A water polo team came 4th in a highly competitive Pitcairn Cup Tournament in Cape Town while our Prep 1st XI returned unbeaten from the Interprep Cricket Festival hosted by Cordwalles. Well done Matthew Adams, Marco Mottura and John Munford who received their commemorative caps on their 50th appearance for the school's 1st X1. The team celebrated the occasion in style as they beat Westville by 67 runs after posting an imposing total of 267 runs. Three half centuries were recorded by Nabeel Jeewa, Josh Platford and Matthew Adams. A great all-round day for our 1st XI.
Despite the rain, the swimmers gave it their all at the KZN Top Schools Gala hosted by Clifton on Tuesday evening. 1st Westville 222 2nd Clifton 174 3rd DHS 144 4th Hilton 132
5th Kearsney 126 6th Maritzburg College 108 7th Northwood 107 8th Glenwood 92 9th Michaelhouse 51 Well done to all competitors. On Wednesday the Clifton swimming team travelled to Michaelhouse where they placed first, followed by Hilton, Kearsney, Michaelhouse and St Charles. Well done, team Clifton!
PLEASE REMIND FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO MAY BE CONSIDERING CLIFTON PREP TO ATTEND.
After much anticipation, the Clifton lads finally got to meet their ‘buddies’ on Tuesday. There has been so much excitement as this day has grown nearer. Boys were wondering what their buddies would be like. “Will we get along? Does he play cricket? I hope he doesn’t support Liverpool…..” were just some of the questions they were asking. When the day finally arrived, the first session got underway with minimal fuss and loads of enthusiasm. Tuesday was about the boys introducing themselves and a special handshake was the activity. Creating and practicing a unique greeting that the buddies can use every time they see each other was great fun!
infused with leadership, responsibility and sensitivity. To witness our big Prep lads treating the Foundation Phase youngsters with empathy, interest and care was a wonderful experience. Grade 7 boys paired with Grade 3, Grade 6 with Grade 2 and Grade 5 with Grade 1. This structure means that a Grade 1 boy will have his buddy for three years as he moves through the Foundation Phase, creating a long-lasting bond. He will then, as a Senior Prep boy, have the opportunity to become a big buddy and mentor a boy through his journey across the Foundation Phase. We hope that this will instill a deeper feeling of family and community in our wonderful school.
Many thanks to all the teachers that have taken on The buddies can expect more of these enjoyable the responsibility of facilitating one of these groups, activities as the program develops further. The focus and to Mr Ravenscroft and Mrs Meyer who have will be on fun and fellowship, with a bit of social pushed so hard to introduce this into Clifton. We are awareness added in to facilitate camaraderie. sure it won’t take long to see the benefits of such a The aim of this program is to create relationships wonderful program. across the school, to give boys a sense of belonging #oneschoolonefamily
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
Ne
This week Mr Knowles caught up with some of the gents that were new to Clifton College this year. Pictured with Mr Knowles from left to right are Andrew Rustin in Grade 12, Zaid Jadwat, Dylan Palm and Matthew Beuster in Grade 10. They enjoyed a delicious doughnut and juice while chatting with Mr Knowles about their adjustment to the Clifton way. All seem happy and well-settled, which is great news! The Grade 6 Photographic Club were tasked with looking for reflections in puddles and capturing some droplets on surfaces. Some interesting shots here, lads! Cameron Jones
Abdulla Osman
Cameron Jones
Our Grade R Red Ants have loved seeing each other's and the teacher's families which have been showcased during our "Family" theme. #oneschoolonefamily
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
Old Boys
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
A reminder for all Clifton Old Boys from the Prep and the College to get in touch with our Old Boys secretary, Susannah Knowles: cobweb@cliftonschool.co.za Make sure we have your contact details so that we can keep our growing database updated. As we build towards the celebration of our Centenary, make sure you keep connected and feel free to send in your news and updates!