CrawfordTimes 57

SPRING - OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2018

Starbound

Crawford kids destined for greatness WATER, CAVES & THRILL RIDES

KIDS PARTIES

BAD RAP

FOR MILLENNIALS?

MEET THE

MARVELLOUS

MS. REES Every child a masterpiece |1 PLUS: DOORSTEP WEEKENDS, EXCITING COMPETITIONS & 2019 TRAVEL TRENDS

2 | Crawford Times

CONTENTS 03 | Spotlight News 12 | Profile: Morag Rees 33 | Academics 43 | Leadership 49 | Sport 57 | Arts & Culture 65 | Service

17 | PARENT POINT 18 | Destined for Greatness:

Teaching Kids to Think 22 | Top 3 Travel Trends for 2019

85 | THE HANGOUT 75 | KIDS CORNER 76 | Doorstep Weekends

86 | Have Millenials been

given a bad rap?

78 | Little Jet Setters

90 | Career Files

80 | Proper Parties

95 | Teen Health

Published by: Contact Media Publishers: Donna Verrydt/Sean Press Editorial Director: Shelley Carroll (ADvTECH) Editorial Manager: Christelle Wolmarans (ADvTECH) Editorial Assistant: Kumari Lewis (ADvTECH) Editor: Donna Verrydt (Contact Media) Head of Finance: Lesley Fox (Contact Media)

Design Director: Candice Masson/Quinten Tolken Copy Editor: Angie Snyman Production Coordinator: Gwen Sebogodi Writers / Contributors: Donna Verrydt, Margot Bertelsmann, Melissa van Achterbergh, Traci Salter Repro & Print: Kadimah Print Every child a masterpiece | 1

2 | Crawford Times

SPOTLIGHT NEWS

Pepper Pops in I

n the previous issue of Crawford Times, we announced that Crawford Italia had won a visit from Pepper, the humanoid robot. There was great excitement at the school when Pepper arrived with her human dad, Scott Giles, Founder and MD of Deftech.

The kids spent the morning asking Pepper questions, learning about coding and artificial intelligence... all ending with a dance-off with Pepper. What a wonderful learning opportunity and a good look into the very near future. Thank you, Pepper!

For more information about Pepper, contact Scott Giles: Cell: 076 453 1129 | Office: 010 590 0740 Email: scott@deftech.co | Web: www.deftech.co

And Savannah takes it!

WINNER OF THE PHOTO COMPETITION A huge congratulations goes out to Savannah Van Onselen from Crawford College Pretoria for winning the Crawford Times Super Pix competition with her picture “Submerged�. Savannah, you have won yourself a Canon Powershot SX60 camera and a Burble Photobook.

Your prize will be handed over to you at your school!

Well done and keep snapping those super pix!

Every child a masterpiece | 3

4 | Crawford Times

Every child a masterpiece | 5

SPOTLIGHT NEWS

Big things coming to you and your teacher!

Is your teacher a super hero?

Has your teacher done a lot to help you or change your life? Do they need a huge pat on the back?

Get your nomination fingers ready, because in January 2019 you can nominate your best teacher for My Teacher Rulz, where they may win an overseas trip. And guess what? If you teachers wins, you and your family will also win an overseas trip!

What is the My Teacher Rulz campaign? ‘My Teacher Rulz’ is essentially a campaign of pride! The aim is two-fold: 1. To inspire pupils to positively analyse how great teachers impact them 2. To reward teachers who do amazing work and to inspire others to become unbelievable custodians of our youth.

6 | Crawford Times

STAGES PHASE 1: Nomination by pupils and / parents of their favourite teacher on the My Teacher Rulz website.

PHASE 2: The nominated teachers will go through a verification process.

PHASE 3: The shortlisted nominees will be announced.

PHASE 4: The shortlisted teachers will go through a panel interview process.

PRIZES

PHASE 5: Finalists will be announced and will have to do a final presentation to the judging panel.

The winning Teacher of the My Teacher Rulz Campaign will win an all expenses paid trip for him/her and their partner to a fabulous overseas destination. AND, the nominator (pupil / parent) of the winning teacher will also win an overseas trip for them and their family of four.

PHASE 6: The winning teacher will be announced at a glitzy event where they and the pupil/parent who nominated them will receive their prizes.

Look out for the start of the competition in the January 2019 issue of The Trinitonian. You could be packing your bags for an adventure of a lifetime!

Every child a masterpiece | 7

SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY RANKINGS SLIP

Following the fees must fall campaign, concerned parents started to make plans to send their children overseas to study.

Investment volumes by purchaser types

The ranking of South African universities has generally been on a steady decline since 2014.

£.21 bn OTHER

2018/19

2014/15

University £0.73bn

£1.4bn fund

200

171

University of Cape Town

381

331

University of Witwatersrand

405

401

Stellenbosch University

551-560

551-600

University of Johannesburg

561-570

501-550 (2017)

University of Pretoria

£0.37bn

751-800

651-700

University of KwaZulu Natal

institutional

801-1000

700+

North-West University

801-1000

651-700

Rhodes University

PRIVATE EQUITY

£3.1bn

0.32bn REIT

The university rankings are not the only thing, the personal safety of one children, is at the top of a lot of parent’s minds. The riots and class disruptions that were seen in the “Fees must Fall” campaign struck fear into the hearts on many concerned parents.

8 | www.onetouchinvestment.co.uk Crawford Times

010 300 1200 | enquire@onetouchinvestment.co.uk

The United Kingdom has been a long-time favourite for students studying abroad. Home to 18 of the top 100 global universities, parents worried about how the Fees Must Fall campaign could impact the desirability of it may be a possible destination for South African students. It is not just the education but the promise of a future life aboard.

The costs of studying in the UK is circa R360,000 per annum including university fees and accommodation. It makes sense to fix costs and income in the same currency, so it the idea of purchasing a student apartment in the UK could be a solution. The UK student property sector has been the darling of investment and pension funds; over the past two years’ institutional investors have ploughed in £5.1 billion and £3.1 billion respectively. Perhaps it is the fact that it has the lowest vacancy rate – typically just 1% – and an annuity style income that appeals.

Overseas students tend to choose student cities that they know and have an affinity with. There probably aren’t many South Africans that don’t know about Liverpool. The home of one of the world top global football clubs Liverpool FC whose dramatic Champions League final last year brought them back into the limelight. The bustling city centre is the perfect location for students to enjoy campus living that stretches from the Knowledge Quarter in the north to the Baltic Triangle in the south.

The University of Liverpool is consistently ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide and was one of the UK’s six original “red brick” universities. It is part of the research-intensive Russell Group and has the highest employment rate of any other university in that group, making it an attractive option for South Africans who wish to stay on and work in the U.K after graduating.

The idea is a simple one, purchase a student apartment in a purposebuilt block which is then fully-managed and let to student while reaping the returns. It is perfect for overseas investor looking to steady income.

One such example of a purpose-built student block is Granite House. It is a Grade II listed building on Stanley Street in central Liverpool. Built in the traditional construction style of the early 20th Century, it will be re-purposed to a boutique student accommodation development of 39 self-contained units with en-suite bathrooms and integrated kitchens. Communal facilities such as a gymnasium and breakout areas with TVs, foosball tables and pool tables.

The development is in a lively area surrounded by plenty of bars and restaurants and is also a 5-minute walk to the city centre and attractions such as Liverpool One and The Albert Dock, making it an attractive option for students.

Not only can students easily enjoy the cultural offerings and nightlife that Liverpool boasts, but the university campuses are close by. Liverpool Hope’s Creative Campus, The University of Liverpool and various Liverpool John Moores’ campuses (Copperus Hill, Brownlow Hill, City Campus) are all within a twenty-minute walk.

Studios in Granite House can be purchased from R1.17m and an 8.3% return is guaranteed for two years. This is a fully-managed investment so it is ideal for South African investors who cannot oversee the day-to-day running of the investment.

South Africans should be considering this now while the pound is relatively low in value, future projection of rand is 5% annual decline relative to the GBP. It is not all doom and gloom in SA as Ramaphosa has pledged to launch an initiative that will create jobs for the youth but without alluding to the cost, the first 139 farms earmarked for expropriation and foreign investors selling of 34.7 billion rands worth of SA bonds between January and June 2018 it is questionable where these funds will come from.

8.3% return

As children embark on creating their future careers, parents want to do their outmost to give their children the very best opportunities. It may not be clear which city your child chooses to study in, so it is worth remembering that the income from the property you purchase could be used to cover accommodation costs wherever they live. Parents can only advise their children; they will ultimately decide their plans but securing the ability to pay for overseas study is something parents can source with a pound income though student property investments.

One Touch Property is an award-winning property broker that has been helping people invest in a wide range of UK property classes including student property, retirement homes and commercial investments for the past 9 years. Arran Kerkvliet, the investment director, is originally from South Africa and has a degree in Economics and property valuation.

One Touch Property will be in South Africa between the 4th October – 13th October 2018. They will be hosting a seminar on the UK’s property investment sectors at Capital Hotel 20 West in Sandton on the 11th October at 5:30pm. Contact them on the details below to reserve a place at the seminar or book a personalised property investment consultation taking place in Cape Town and Durban.

www.onetouchinvestment.co.uk

Every child010 a masterpiece |9 CONTACT ONE TOUCH INVESTMENT NOW 300 1200(JHB)

SPOTLIGHT NEWS

TASTE BUD BATTLEF 2019 O N IO IT T E P M O C G IN K O O C TH E

?

Are you soup-erior in the kitchen ations Do people say your cooking cre are egg-cellent?

Then sharpen your knives and 2019 polish your spoons because in to ing The Taste Bud Battle is com Crawford Schools!

What is the Taste Bud Battle?

The Taste Bud Battle is a cooking competition, where young foodies with an interest in cooking can take part in a food battle with amazing prizes to be won!

Who can enter?

Any Crawford student may enter The Taste Bud Battle. There are various age categories, including: • Pre-Primary: ages 4 to 6 (must cook with a parent/adult) • Preparatory: ages 6 to 12 (must cook with a parent/adult) • College: 13 to 18 (can cook alone) 10 | Crawford Times

Prizes Besides becoming the undisputable culinary conqueror of the Taste Bud Battle, there are some unbelievable prizes to be won, including: bursaries for College Students, kitchen equipment, training courses and special chef masterclasses.

Y D A E R T E G TO GET !

G N I K O O C

How the 2019 competition will work: Stage 1: Digital registration of contestants Stage 2: “First Plate” presentation • The Taste Bud Battle judges will come to each CrawfordSchoolsTM where pupils have entered.

• The entrants will present a plate of food to the judges, along with their recipe.

• Judges will choose the semi-finalists from the “First Plate” presentation.

Stage 3: Semi-finalists’ challenge • Semi-finalists from the “First Plate” challenge will be tasked to present a unique three-course menu (with recipes) for a ficticious restaurant.

• 10 finalists in each category will be chosen.

Stage 4: Cookbook The 10 finalists will be included in the Taste Bud Battle Cookbook which will come out with the related issue of The Crawford Times.

Stage 5: Cook-off challenge • Finalists will be invited to the Taste Bud Battle Cook-off challenge where they will be given tasks by a special chef.

• The Top 3 Battlers in each age category will be announced.

• Note: Pre-Primary and Preparatory entrants must cook with a parent/adult.

Stage 6: Winner event Parents, Crawford Schools staff and pupils will be invited to a winner announcement cocktail event, where the ultimate Taste Bud Battle winner will be announced and prizes will be handed over.

Media coverage: • The Taste Bud Battle will be covered in The Crawford Times, online and on social media.

• It will also be photographed and filmed – which will be shared on various platforms.

Every child a masterpiece | 11

PROFILE

12 | Crawford Times

If you want something done, changed or implemented, you go to Ms. Rees! That’s according to absolutely everyone we spoke to about this amazing lady, who exudes unbelievable energy and a genuine love for the Crawford brand. No wonder she has two big jobs, that of Crawford Sandton Principal and Managing Director of Crawford Schools. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet a force to be reckoned with… the Marvellous Ms. Rees.

Ms. Rees, you have two massive jobs, both of which you’re doing simultaneously. How on earth do you cope?

Things are definitely hectic but I have an incredible team here at Sandton.

In fact, all the Crawford principals are amazing. They have been around for more than 15 years and they really know their stuff. So, my job is more about coordinating, liaising and aligning rather than managing.

Sounds like a great working environment.

Oh, it is. And we laugh a huge amount; we really do have such a good time and we honestly like and respect each other.

The Crawford way!

Yes, it is the Crawford way and I am totally and absolutely committed to the Crawford brand. My two daughters went to Crawford, and my son is currently at Crawford and whether I work for Crawford or not, I genuinely believe that it’s the best schooling option available.

What do you think differentiates Crawford from other schools?

We’re good at growing whole humans! I’m not saying other schools aren’t, but I’m saying that there’s something very special about Crawford… we change lives! We are good at finding that something special about each student; their special power or talent. And every student has something for us to find.

As a former art teacher, how do you creatively tap into a child’s talents?

If I had to equate it to art: there are children that are Picassos, some are Renoirs or Rembrandts and others, Dalis. All use different styles of painting but no one is less a masterpiece than another! It’s the same as our students. They may do things differently but each “way” creates something special.

Every child a masterpiece | 13

Why do the students like you so much?

Who says they like me? Ha, ha! I think they like me because I like them. People sometimes asked me, “How can you work with teenagers?” Sure, teenagers can be frustrating, infuriating and complicated but they’re also so enchanting. You can never be bored teaching a teenager because they’re thinkers and have so much to offer.

What’s your advice to parents with complicated teenagers?

Remember that everyone needs to be heard! Always listen to what they have to say and remember that they listen to what you have to say, so make sure what you say about them is always positive. If you say a student is fabulous and talented then they will be fabulous and talented.

You’ve been doing this for a long time…

Yes, I have. Thirty-something years to be vaguely exact!

I love what I do and I really look forward to coming to work. There’s always a buzz, a synergy, and most importantly honesty. Which is energising.

You’re definitely energised; you never stop!

I do have a lot of energy and I think it comes from my sense of purpose. Everyday, I wake up feeling passionate and filled with purpose and I am fuelled greatly by that.

What do you love most about Crawford?

There are so many things, but I love that Crawford gets it right! We have diversity and it’s so much more than just tolerance, it’s more like absolute acceptance.

No matter the gender, race or the culture, students at Crawford really get that it’s cool to be different; that it’s cool to be you!

People say you’re different, a real force to be reckoned with.

I do speak my mind. People always know where they stand with me because I’m straightforward. The most destructive thing is grapevine talk – between students, between parents and between teachers. I’m all about engagement. If there’s a problem, I immediately say let’s talk about it and let’s find a way to fix it.

14 | Crawford Times

Do you ever have a hard time with parents?

Not at all! I believe that if you prove that you’re trustworthy and competent and that you consistently demonstrate that you care about their children’s best interests, parents will never be an issue. It has taken a while for me to build up these relationships, but I have incredible support from our parents.

What are your thoughts on the increase of bullying in schools?

Don’t get me wrong, bullying definitely exists, but I think too much is being placed under the bullying umbrella.

We need to equip our students with the skills to deal with challenges and conflict. We need to teach them conflict management, coping skills and self-esteem, and not to classify every problem as “bullying”. And when it is a real bullying situation then that will be dealt with accordingly.

What do you hope to achieve with Crawford, as the Managing Director?

I will be aligning all schools, looking for opportunities to open new schools and growing the Crawford brand. The brand has always been a trailblazer and is known for its academic excellence, and I plan to keep the brand ahead of the rest. I really am so grateful for my job (both of them), for the people I work with, but most of all for every single wonderful child that I get to connect with on a daily basis! I am a very lucky lady!

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Every child a masterpiece | 15

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PARENT

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Every child a masterpiece | 17

FEATURE ARTICLE

DESTINED FOR

GREATNESS: Teaching Kids to Think!

By Margot Bertelsmann; comments by ADvTECH’s Traci Salter

Everybody agrees developing thinking skills are essential in the world we are part of today. Thinking that is critical, ethical, creative, logical, reflective needs to be exercised on a regular basis.

But… what are these skills actually?

A

sk parents if they want their children to be taught critical thinking and they’re almost guaranteed to say yes. Ask teachers if an exceptional school should include critical thinking skills in the teaching and learning taking place at the school, and the answer is: a resounding yes. Ask anyone what critical thinking skills are … and it’s somehow hard to put into words.

Critical thinking is a term used to describe forms of learning, thought, and analysis that go beyond memorisation and recall of information and facts.

Students need to develop this ability over time, and should be able to analyse, evaluate, interpret or synthesise information from multiple sources and perspectives. They need to apply critical thinking skills to form an argument, solve a problem or reach a conclusion. They need to be able to acquire knowledge from different sources and apply this knowledge in new contexts.

The term “critical thinking skills” sounds floaty and philosophical yet it’s firmly rooted in the scientific method - the tools scientists use to try to get as close to the truth as they can about the way the world is.

The scientific method says we use the best available

18 | Crawford Times

model (or theory) of how things are until we find an even better explanation. This eagerness to be disproven is one of the most powerful strengths of the scientific method.

When you are trying to prove a theory wrong or replace it with a better one, we must be able to observe, measure, postulate, conduct experiments, formulate hypotheses, and ask follow-up questions. To be able to do that, we need to be able to risk failure, overcome frustration as we persist in grappling with challenging problems, spot errors in reasoning, and be aware of our own blind spots as well.

We use this method for any knowledge we want to acquire, not just science - even when we want to analyse our feelings about a poem or improve our 100m sprint time. Teaching critical thinking skills means teaching your learners how to think - not WHAT to think.

Critical thinking is the willingness and ability to harness your curiosity. A critical thinker will acquire knowledge independently from a variety of reliable sources. A critical thinker can cope with not having a clear answer. A critical thinker can grapple with difficult concepts and not give up, even in the face of “failure”. A critical thinker can spot errors in reasoning, such as begging the question, straw man arguments, arguments from moral authority, false dilemmas, moral equivalence, and others, which enable them to recognise a strong and a weak argument, and crucially, they can apply that even to their own thinking. A critical thinker can tolerate dissent because they value the end goal of getting nearer the truth. A critical thinker can make predictions about their experiments and knows what questions to ask next.

Critical thinking skills are the tools we use to find out more about the world around us. As parents, we try hard to prepare our children for a future we don’t know enough about. We don’t know exactly what work will be like in generations to come. But we can theorise that the fourth industrial revolution will change the landscape of work and social life drastically. The world of work will change as greater and greater portions of even traditional professions are replaced by automated processes and artificial intelligence.

How will our children live in a post-work world? Will

there be a universal basic income? How much do we value truth? Are we heading for a post-facts society?

The entire scope of human knowledge is (in theory) accessible from the smartphone in your hand. It is less important than ever before that we are able to store facts in our brains - we have taken human knowledge and stored it off-site in the “cloud”. It is more important than ever before that we understand how to access the cloud, how to handle information, how to spot reliable sources of information vs untrustworthy ones, and how to be useful and co-create in the project of the expanding bank of human knowledge.

Developing and extending our thinking skills to grapple with these issues are more important in a knowledge economy, where access to information is more important than, for example, access to raw materials was during the industrial revolution.

MindBurst Workshop, an agency that teaches critical thinking skills in schools, developed ten so-called “rapid gains” for schools. Founder Andre Croucamp asked what small, short-term interventions can have long-term impact in both the teaching practice and school culture when developing and embedding these skills. ADvTECH’s Academic Strategic Development Advisor Traci Salter-Willis offers practical example or exercises to try in your class or at home.

1. Think out loud

Become aware of your own thinking habits. Allow your learners to hear some of your thought processes.

Traci suggests: “Ask ‘What if…’ questions such as ‘What if there was an extra day in the week’ or ‘What if friends lasted only a week’ and puzzle the answers out together.”

2. Encourage curiosity

Let learners ask more questions – including questions you cannot answer. The art of asking useful questions is the most important thinking skill there is.

Traci says: “A thought experiment can unlock useful questions. Discuss if you would rather live in the wilderness far from civilization or be homeless on the streets of a city – and WHY?”

3. Embrace complexity

Don’t collapse complexity into simple representations that hide what is really going on. Explore the multiple Every child a masterpiece | 19

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In addition to this, today’s Generation Z learners have specific expectations on how they would like to be taught.

Generation Z learners are true digital natives and are motivated by technology, instant feedback, fun and engaging activities, and rewards for progress.

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20 | Crawford Times

Through this programme, Afrikaans teachers can take the reins in technology-enabled learning geared towards results.

The portal also contains much additional study work and examples related to each language concept. For teachers there is also a fully integrated feedback tool which allows teachers to assess learners’ progress and areas of required development.

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variables and relationships in every situation.

Traci suggests: “Tell your class your neighbour is making large circles in his back garden by pouring oil from a can. Present theories for what he’s doing.”

4. Present knowledge as changing

Any idea could be shown to be wrong when we uncover new information or an alternative explanation.

Practical Example: “Pluto was a planet, then it wasn’t… then it was. Light is a wave or a particle – or both. Before germ theory, humans had amazing ways of explaining mishaps in their bodies. Acknowledge outdated explanations and point out why they were not powerful enough.”

5. Experiment!

If learning is the ability to change behaviour on the basis of experience, then responsible experimentation should be encouraged as a source of insight.

Traci says: “In maths, what is the probability of flipping two coins and getting two heads? Can your class construct an experiment and make inferences from that?”

6. Value failure

We learn more through the experience of failure than through success. Fear of failure is a major obstacle to personal growth and the creation of knowledge.

Practical Example: “Maybe the experiment you set up to test the probability of heads or tails failed – because you didn’t conduct it on a level surface. But the fact is the failure itself taught you something about experiments.”

7. Engage disagreement fully

The only guideline or rule that ensures mutual respect in a dialogue is: Engage the disagreement of others fully, giving it your energy, time and attention.

Traci suggests: “Set a task for your class to work in groups to improve on the design of a fridge by making something

bigger, adding a feature and removing something. Note the disagreements, and whether they improved the final outcome.”

8. Grapple with evidence

Seeking evidence is an attempt to move beyond bias and assumptions in order to engage the world as it is – not how we want to it be.

Traci says: “Give a task: in two minutes, name all the alternate things you can think of to make music with. Discuss which suggestions do not meet the criteria.”

9. Project into the future

Using your creative and critical thinking skills to project into the future increases your chances of participating in the creation of that future.

Practical Example: “Make a provocative statement such as, ‘In the future, we won’t driver cars/own homes/ get paid salaries/ work in offices’. Discuss how likely the scenario might be.”

10. Maintain the conversation

Instead of determining individual winners and losers in a debate, maintain dynamic conversations to find the best solutions possible.

Practical Example: “This is not a for-marks activity, this is a for-knowledge activity. You cannot win, and you cannot lose.

Says Traci: Critical thinking requires us to take our ideas and to apply reason and justify our reasons with logical evidence and arguments. The word ‘why’ or ‘because’ can provide the scaffold for these types of critical reasoning discussions.”

You can easily incorporate critical thinking in your home and work life too. Says Traci: “There are a myriad of experiences in our daily lives that provide opportunities for conversations and consideration to think critically and justify the reasons for the ideas and interpretations we hold.”

Every child a masterpiece | 21

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22 | Crawford Times

Every child a masterpiece | 23

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24 | Crawford Times

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TRAVEL

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I

f you’re thinking that Solo Travel (it’s in capital letters because it’s an actual thing), is “sad” travel, for people who are divorced, widowed or lonely, then think again. Solo Travel is on the rise because people have discovered that travelling alone offers many more opportunities to meet wonderful characters and to discover their own talents within – internal abilities they never thought they had.

Solo Travelling can be an experience that greatly promotes personal growth because the trip doesn’t have to be compromised by other people’s interests and needs. In fact, so popular is Solo Travel these days that travel companies are creating tailored solo packages and waiving single supplement tariffs too.

Here are three reasons to Solo Travel: 1. It’s all about you!

Discover yourself while you discover the world! Flying solo means you can travel without any expectations from family or friends and no responsibilities in the form of children and partners. As a solo traveller, you can do what you want, when you want, and you’ll not be dragged to places that don’t interest you. Your time will be yours and if you wake up and feel you don’t want to see the sights, then stay in... read a book or paint something! It’s all about you.

2. Meet people Because you’re not talking with your own travel companion, you’re more likely to be open to talking with other people, including the locals. Locals find solo tourists more interesting and are curious and concerned about them. Unbelievable friendships have been born through Solo Travel, relationships that last forever.

3. Learn more!

Solo Travel stretches your mind. You develop new skills and often learn more because it’s all up to you to not just navigate the way to places, but the people and the culture too.

There’s no learning experience in life better than living it. If you do, you will learn. And if nothing else, you will certainly learn what you’re capable of and you’ll probably gain self-respect and self-confidence too.

Great places to travel solo Hualien, east coast of Taiwan “Taiwan East Coast! I’m currently travelling by myself. I’ve been hitch-hiking up and down and I’ve never gone more than 10 minutes without someone stopping me. The people here are falling over themselves to offer their assistance. Taiwan is ridiculously safe, I leave the keys in my scooter with my backpack on the seat and no one has touched anything. I left a pen in a restaurant and the lady ran down the street after me to hand it back!” – Dez Days, comment on www.trekeffect.com Valletta, Malta “If you’re travelling alone, stay at Valletta. Accommodation is well-priced and you’re within walking distance of bus stops, restaurants, nightclubs, and beaches. Valletta is so popular, you’ll definitely meet people from all over the world, should you wish for some company. But if you prefer to remain solo, you will not be short of things to keep you occupied!” – Trisha Munn, Travel Blogger Every child a masterpiece | 25

TRAVEL

2. Yoga travel

N

ot just yoga, but wellness in general. It seems there’s an allnew obsession with healthy-living activities, of which yoga reins supreme. Many hotels worldwide now offer yoga packages.

The great thing about a yoga retreat is that it plucks you out of the madness of your daily life and carefully places you in an environment where yoga is your only focus. Your yoga practice will deepen, you’ll get a heightened sense of calm and in the right environment you can even have a deeply soulful experience.

Top three reasons to take that yoga retreat: 1. Me, Me, Me! There’s a huge difference between a holiday and a retreat. Even the word itself says it’s all! It’s about stepping back, going inwards, and allowing yourself the treat of time out.

2. Next level Maybe you’ve been doing yoga at the gym for a while now, but now you’re keen to discover more. Most retreats include yoga twice a day, which in itself will increase your strength, flexibility and your awareness. But the main gift of a retreat is that it takes you out of your comfort zone, in all ways. It’s easy to get caught up in what you “can” and “can’t” do but on retreat, you’ll be in a completely new and inspiring surrounding with new people and a new teacher.

You’ll go to the next level, guaranteed!

3. Detox your life Looking to cleanse your body, mind, heart and soul? Then look no further than a yoga retreat. The delicious, healthy food that most retreats offer will nourish and cleanse your body from the inside out, with some retreats offering one step further with juicing or the option of a full cleanse.

4. Bonus reason – because you’re worth it!

Great places to yoga travel Ananda Spa, India (at the foot of the Himalayan mountains) “A tranquil and peaceful place nestling at the foothills of the Himalayas; off the beaten path! Many free activities are scheduled for different days of the week, like an early morning trip to Kunjapuri Temple, yoga classes, Vedanta session and gym. I also liked the white kurta-pyjama sets they give the guests for each day of the stay.” – Shoba1, comment from Tripadvisor Power of Now, Sanur, Bali “The studio is so peaceful and I felt so welcomed by all the staff and yoga teachers at Power of Now Oasis. They cooked me delicious breakfasts and lunches each day – all vegan –and I felt right at home by the end of the week!” – Joel C, Tripadvisor

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TRAVEL

3. Dark travel It’s been described as a “disaster zone on Netflix” but the eight-part mini-series Dark Tourist has garnered plenty of international interest and discussion since its launch in July 2018.

Essentially, the series is a travel show where journalist David Farrier visits the world’s most macabre tourist spots in the world. While some have condemned the show, and even the actual tourist spots, as a money-making opportunity to feed people’s sick interests, it must be noted that many of these places have played a significant role in history. Take Ground Zero in New York, for instance, where 30 million people have visited since the 9/11 attacks. What about the Colosseum in Rome? A place where slaves were eaten alive by wild animals... much to the delight and entertainment of the Roman crowd!

The darker side of tourism is nothing new, and yes there may be a macabre interest but if we visit these sites, not just to tick the ‘sick’ box, but to remember a historical occurrence, and show an understanding of our past and all who came before us.

Three reasons to partake in dark travel...

1. To understand The desire to visit a place like Auschwitz is not necessarily out of an interest in the macabre, but possibly out of a need to understand. It may be for people to understand what family members went through, for others to verify the historical facts, for some to come to terms with humanity – in all its ugliness.

2. To be inspired After a recent visit to Choeung Ek in Cambodia, a group of tourists spoke of the positivity of the people who lived through the Khmer Rouge regime. The old lady who sold them fruit on the street had the warmest smile and was happy, welcoming and grateful. Even after experiencing the horrors of the regime, the people were clearly among the most beautiful, caring souls on the planet. An inspiration!

3. Learn the lessons of our past “To remain silent, and not record and interpret historical events for tourists, may encourage future generations to ignore or forget these terrible periods of human history. Dark tourism, like our dark history, occupies an important part of our understanding of what it is to be human.”

– Professor Lennon, who coined the phrase “Dark Tourism”.

Top Places to be a Dark Tourist 1. Catacombs, Paris “It was an interesting tour. We queued for about half an hour, paid a reduced rate and then proceeded at our own pace. There are a lot of steps and walking and it’s very damp and musty. The tunnels are cool but very creepy, we couldn’t believe there were six million skeletons in there. There are also a few elements of surprise which were well worth it!” – Staphanie618london, review on Tripadvisor 2. Auschwitz, Poland If this is your first visit to Auschwitz, even if you think you know everything about the Holocaust, I strongly suggest you go with a guide, or ‘educator’. I must say that at Auschwitz they choose their educators very well. Their sensitivity is really extraordinary and I left feeling that I had paid tribute.” – Celia Mattana, travel blogger 3. Dunkirk, Northern France Granted, Dunkirk is not a destination for a two-week break, but visiting for a weekend gives you a sense of right-ness. It is a place where fathers and grandfathers fought, suffered and died in a moment in history. It was a place where the Allies had hoped to save 45,000 men in WW2, and they would have if Hitler hadn’t stopped his Panzer’s outside Dunkirk!” – The real Dunkirk: why France’s miracle port is worth visiting today, Daily Telegraph Every child a masterpiece | 29

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CRAWFORD CATCH UP

ACADEMICS

Every child a masterpiece | 33

COLLEGE

ACADEMICS

Crawford College Pretoria

Saien and Laolou, along with their Indonesian teammates, developed a mobile application that links to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The team prepared before leaving South Africa for the competition, fine-tuning their project proposal, developing the mobile app and preparing for the pitch deck, which they presented on the first day. They also created a promotional video for the application to show that it is worthy of funding. They also had to create a slideshow presentation illustrating how the application can impact society.

Crawford College North Coast

Kaitlyn Kuber and Sunesan Reddy both represented Crawford College North Coast in the highly spirited Best Speaker Competition in which they were required to deliver both prepared and unprepared speeches against some of Durban’s finest public speakers. Both of our students placed in the final rounds of the competition in their respective age groups.

Crawford College North Coast

Crawford College Pretoria

Our talented students, Kasmira Vather (Grade 8), Leo Huan (Grade 9) and Saien Naidoo (Grade 12), were chosen to represent the Gauteng North Region in the 2018 ASSA South African Mathematics Team competition. The team will compete against 50 other teams from South Africa. Congratulations to Kasmira, Leo and Saien. Good luck to you, you make us very proud!

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Ethan Luyt graduated as winner of the prestigious highest achiever award at the world-famous Dale Carnegie Generation. Next course. The programme sets out to develop students’ EQ, and to instil positive attitudes and behaviours, equipping them with the confidence and an ability to better cope with balancing the pressures of academics and extra-curricular activities whilst simultaneously working and planning for their futures.

Crawford College Lonehill

Crawford College Sandton

Joshua Jankelow, a Grade 11 student at Crawford College Sandton started his debating career in 2016. In 2017, he was also selected onto the Gauteng Debating Team where he ranked 20th nationally resulting in him being chosen to attend trials for the prestigious South African Senior Team. He succeeded in being selected onto the 2018 National Debating Team. Following eight months of training, the five-person team left to compete in the World Debating Championship in July in Croatia.

Crawford College Sandton

Tomer Melnik, a Grade 12 student, was one of 12 students who made it through to the last stage of the National Science Olympiad.

Thereafter, only three students were selected to represent South Africa in the international competition in July. Tomer came first in the country in the finalist’s examination.

Congratulations to Tomer who was, therefore, selected to represent South Africa at the 50th International Chemistry Olympiad (ICHO) held in Prague from 19 to 29 July.

Grade 9 students at Crawford College Lonehill, Shreya Maharaj, Amanda Tembe, Declan O’Callaghan and Joshua Coetzee, hard at work investigating the effect that increasing mass has on the stretch of a spring. This activity was part of the unit on Forces that the Grade 9s are currently learning about, and also includes the fundamental concept of the difference between mass and weight.

Crawford College La Lucia Crawford College La Lucia Crawford College Lonehill

Muhammed Abraar Omar is the second Crawford College La Lucia student to achieve all three awards, Bronze, Silver and Gold for the President’s Award. The Gold Award is very prestigious as it indicates the degree of perseverance and dedication of the candidate, as well as offering him or her an opportunity to be part of an international family of Gold Awardees.

Students from Crawford College La Lucia participated in The Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge. Congratulations to one of our budding entrepreneurs, Grade 10 pupil Sachiel Subramoney who made it into the top 10 overall and came first in one of the weekly challenges.

Crawford College Lonehill’s latest recipients of the Honours blazer are Ryan Van Wyk (Grade 11) and Armin Sadigh-Loghmany (Grade 12). Ryan is the first Grade 11 to receive this honour – the highest award a student at the College can receive.

Every child a masterpiece | 35

PREPARATORY

ACADEMICS Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

Sabine Mulder from Crawford Preparatory Pretoria received the highest mark for the Grade 6 Science Expo with her project on the effect of computer gaming on reflex response times. Sabine is pictured with the app she programmed to test reflex response times.

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

Approximately 20 000 pupils enter the Design-an-Ad Competition, which is run by the Pretoria News each year. The advertising company chooses the winners for their product and then judging is done by the Pretoria News. Nikolai Musk from Crawford Preparatory Pretoria was chosen as the winner for the Grade 4 & 5 category.

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

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Grade 7 pupil, Yariv Rampersad from Crawford Preparatory La Lucia answered the question of whether indicators determine the difference between acidic, basic and neutral substances in his Science Fair project, and concluded that different acids and bases will indeed change into different shades of colour at certain pH values on the pH scale, using different indicators.

Crawford Preparatory North Coast Grade 7s recently presented their Science Fair projects. They set up their displays and presented to several judges. We’re really proud of the excellent standard achieved this year.

Scan the QR code to view some of their presentations. Well done, Grade 7s!

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Grade 7 pupils Tatum Teunissen and Courtney Veenstra from Crawford Preparatory La Lucia investigated whether fingerprint patterns are created randomly or if they’re influenced by genetics in their Science Fair project. They proved their hypothesis of which the influence of genetics played a role, to be correct.

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

Crawford Preparatory North Coast classrooms have recently come alive with pupils exploring the wonders of augmented reality in their STEAM lessons (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) with Mrs. Jansen. Poppy Dixon and Sana Tewary are scanning a picture that comes to life.

Scan the QR code to watch a picture by Michael Cocker come to life.

Crawford Preparatory Italia

Crawford Preparatory Fourways Zoë Viktorin

Rising star Katelyn Naidoo from Crawford Preparatory Fourways always maintained high academic standards throughout her preparatory schooling. She achieved full academic colours and placed in the Academic Top 3 since Grade 4. She believes that consistent work throughout the year and treating every task with excellence is the key to success.

The annual Crawford Italia Masterchef challenge formed part of academics this year. The theme for academics in July was Food. The four pupils participating in the final rose to the occasion and treated the judges to delicious food. Well done to the winner, Georgia Bailey and runner-up, Zoë Viktorin on a job well done.

Georgia Bailey

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

It must be in their genes, these two siblings at Crawford Preparatory Lonehill, Louise Verheij (Grade 5) and Sarah Verheij (Grade 7) are both Number 1 in the Academic Top 10 in their respective grades.

Getting to the top is hard work, but Kutlwano Rangwato in Grade 5 at Crawford Preparatory Lonehill made us believe that it is possible. He made a 9% jump in his overall marks from term 1 to term 3. He’s climbing the academic ladder steadily and we’re enjoying watching this star rise!

Mathematics is a subject that makes students either jump for joy or tear their hair out. At Crawford Preparatory Sandton we’re so proud of sisters, Leen and Nour! They’re excelling in Maths both in and outside the classroom!

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PRE-PRIMARY

ACADEMICS Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria

Technology is changing the world of learning.

Kalayvani Pillay, a teacher from Crawford PrePrimary Pretoria, is equipping her Grade 00 pupils with the skills to use technology to enhance their learning experiences. The pupils used iPads to research their favourite dinosaurs and created fact sheets based on what they had learned.

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria’s Grade 000 Willow Tree Class is taking the lead in the use of the de Bono Thinking Hats and Global Competencies. Here the pupils are using the blue Critical Thinking hat, also known as Mr. Thinky Think, for an activity in which they had to collaborate and build their own group fire truck.

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

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While learning all about the letter C, our pupils went on a walk to c... c... count the c... c... creatures in our c... c... conservancy.

Looks like they had a real adventure!

The introduction of Bee-Bots at Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast has certainly added the element of fun in learning. It’s encouraged pupils to create, explore and problem solve to achieve a desired outcome.

An obstacle course made for very interesting conversation, involving directional language and the pupils were able to practise their newly mastered commands for their Bee-Bots.

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia

What a great way to teach our young pupils how to discover and explore the world around them by visiting the Grade 7 Science Fair. Science and Technology are vital skills for the 21st Century.

Thank you for inspiring our budding young scientists from Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia.

The Grade 0s at Crawford PrePrimary North Coast have experimented with various concepts.

They recently learnt about rain and the water cycle and, working in teams, used their collaborative skills to make their own rain clouds.

What excitement when the “clouds” eventually broke and the “rain” came down!

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill

Khieren Slater, George Smith and Arush Vyas from Crawford PrePrimary Lonehill enjoying interactive games during their iPad lesson. The pupils have the pleasure of learning while they’re having fun. The iPads prepare them to use computers in Grade 1.

Crawford Pre-Primary Sandton

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill

The Discovery Centre at Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill has BeeBots, iPads and a variety of perceptual activities. Here the pupils are learning one to one correspondence. The lesson is facilitated by Di Holm, our Perceptual Teacher.

In a world of high-tech, computer-savvy children, we believe it is very important to stimulate our pupils curiosity for programming by bringing in new exciting apps and robots to our classrooms.

Our Grade 0 pupils are extremely excited to show off their programming skills while interacting with and giving instructions to our Bee-Bots. It’s a new level of excitement in the classrooms since these little guys have arrived.

The Grade 0s at Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways used their inquiry-based learning skills and their de Bono Thinking Hats to learn about turtles.

The research was done through books and the Internet. After group discussions, we thought of how we could use things in our environment to create the lifecycle of a turtle.

Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways

It’s never too early to start learning new skills!

The Gr 00’s are learning to apply their problem solving skills to simple everyday construction.

Their task was to build a washing line that would keep their washing dry. They had to measure and cut their own clothing to fit on their own LEGO built washing line. Their washing line also had to be strong enough not fall down in the rough winds that will dry our clothing. What great out of the box thinkers we have!

Crawford Pre-Primary Village

The Grade 0s at Crawford Pre-Primary Village have been doing a great job at writing sentences, both simple and detailed ones. The pupils had to choose a Time2Read card and create a sentence with an accompanying picture using that card. They’re encouraged to listen to the sounds in words and write down what they hear.

Crawford Pre-Primary Village

Messy play at Crawford Village is lots of fun and has many academic benefits.

From moulding play dough and threading beads to imaginative, fantasy-fuelled play, pupils indulge in sensory exploration to learn about the world around them.

Cognitive, language and physical development can be gained through these exciting sensory experiences.

Every child a masterpiece | 39

ACADEMIC ARTICLE

KAGAN FACILITATORS IN THE MAKING D

ecades of research have shown that high-quality childhood education is one of the best investments a nation can make in its young people.

The key words here are “high-quality”, which means paying attention to: • Physical, social and emotional well-being • How students approach learning, language and literacy • Cognitive knowledge and processes • Having great learning environments and, most of all, • Having excellent teachers!

Making inroads in teaching are the Kagan Development Structures that are all about engagement!

Central to most Kagan publications and workshops are the Kagan Structures. You’ve probably heard of some popular Kagan Structures, including Numbered Heads Together, Timed Pair Share, RallyRobin, and Quiz-Quiz-Trade. These and many more are now used worldwide from pre-primary to adult education in all academic subject areas to boost student engagement and learning.

Recently the Kagan School offered 2 000 teachers across the globe a very powerful five-day training workshop at the Kagan Summer Academy in Orlando, Florida. Privileged among the select few invited were Nontsikelelo Mamane and Terry Pretorius, who are both teachers at Crawford Italia.

40 | Crawford Times

“Before the training in Orlando, I used only a handful of the structures to develop stronger bonds within the class… after my training I believe I have a better understanding to do so much more with the Kagan Structures,” - Nontsikelelo continues.

Zulu teacher, Nontsikelelo had the following to say about the experience, “To be invited was such an honour! We worked side-by-side with top teachers from around the world, and developed new skills, new insights and new inspirations to help us become powerful Kagan trainers in our schools.” Terry, who is an English teacher, felt it was unlike any training she’d ever experienced.

Terry encountered Kagan Cooperative Learning two years ago when Petro Boers (Deputy Principal at Crawford Italia) walked into her classroom and paired the students up with face and shoulder partners, while Nontsikelelo says her introduction to these wonderful techniques was witnessing Terry using them. “I was immediately inspired and completely hooked!”

Subsequently both became Kagan teachers and have witnessed first-hand the impact of the Kagan Structures’ learning approach. Traditional methods, which tend to foster unhealthy competition for the teacher’s approval, are turned on their head: students experience being on the “same side” – encouraging, coaching, praising and communicating with each other.

While in Orlando, Terry and Nontsikelelo met and engaged with Dr. Spencer Kagan who refined his novel approach to Cooperative Learning back in the 80s. Its success in schools has made it a global phenomenon, with teachers in many countries now embracing it.

The recent conference in Orlando assisted teachers to deepen their knowledge and share many classroom success stories. “It was a fabulous networking opportunity where global friends came together with a common goal in mind,” says Terry.

Terry was certified as a Kagan Coach, while Nontsikelelo was certified as a Kagan Cooperative

Learning Educator in Orlando. They also both attended the “Brain Friendly” course. “I was really inspired by this workshop,” says Terry. “Using Kagan Structures in the classroom is truly brain-friendly – just consider what it achieves: nourishment, safety, social skills, positive emotions and extended attention. Meeting these needs leads to an optimal level of thinking and learning.” In addition to her qualification, Nontsikelelo was certified as a Kagan Brain-Friendly Educator.

“Before the training in Orlando, I used only a handful of the structures to develop stronger bonds within the class… after my training I believe I have a better understanding to do so much more with the Kagan Structures,” Nontsikelelo continues.

Terry encourages teachers to effectively implement even just one Kagan Structure for an improvement in social, emotional and thinking skills within a short space of time.

Even better, she suggests attending the full-day training course run by the certified trainers through Kagan South Africa, and recommends some follow-up coaching.

Resources can be found at www.kaganonline.com and reading the free articles online comes highly recommended. One can also purchase SmartCards which are summarised versions of the large Kagan Books, while the software offers rules of the structures and how to facilitate them. These rules are for teachers and students too, so they can understand what’s required of them.

In a nutshell, Kagan is a multi-faceted pedagogical approach that ultimately raises student achievement across the curriculum – and that is when the magic really happens!

Every child a masterpiece | 41

With us YOU’RE sure to stand out With average class sizes of 60, our focus is on you.

TAKE LIFE TO THE NEXT LEVEL www.varsitycollege.co.za

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Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002). Company registration number: 1987/004754/07.

CRAWFORD CATCH UP

LEADERSHIP

C - 30 Y - 100

M - 0 K - 0

C - 100 Y - 45

M - 55 K - 30

C - 100 Y - 30

M - 35 K - 0

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COLLLEGE

LEADERSHIP

Crawford College Lonehill

Crawford College Lonehill

Congratulations to the new Crawford College Lonehill Exec for 2019. This group of newly elected Grade 11s recently went away with their mentors for a two-day team building and planning camp to Sparkling Waters, where they presented their ideas on how they intend contributing to our College as a team. We wish them well in their new term of office.

The SRC councillors at Crawford College Lonehill undertake to represent the interests of the class groups and to act as ambassadors of the College. Congratulations to the new SRC 2019 elected members, (clockwise from bottom right) Sharon Ajiboye (Co-Secretary), Gilles Teuwen (Public Relations), Gemma Rushton (Vice President), Amy Bradley (Co-Secretary) and Cameron Peter (President).

Crawford College Pretoria

Crawford College Pretoria

The newly appointed Student Executive at Crawford College Pretoria went on their Executive Camp at Witsieshoek Resort in the Drakensberg. The aim of the camp was to encourage team bonding through a variety of activities and challenges, which included an 18km hike and the infamous chain ladder.

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Excellence is pursued, embraced and cherished at Crawford Pretoria. Students are free to learn, to question, to think and apply themselves to their own levels of personal excellence. Our Grade 8s took part in a very special ceremony which locked them into excellence for the next five years. Each student locked a padlock with their name engraved on it, as a symbol of their commitment to uphold the highest standards of excellence in all that they do. These locks are attached to our “Locked into Excellence� wall until they matriculate in 2022.

Crawford College North Coast Crawford College La Lucia

Crawford College La Lucia

Spring Day was the first event organised by our new Execs. Students were swaying along to the musical talents of our own Crawford students as well as guest performers with the highly anticipated Andrew Sutton. All proceeds from the event went towards Verulam Day and Frail Care Centre as well as Bill Buchanan Old Age Home.

Crawford College North Coast

Sunesan Reddy, a Councillor in the Advocacy Committee of the Durban Youth Council and Judiciary Member of the Student Executive has launched “Upskill”, a tutoring programme for students managed by students.

Crawford College Sandton

We congratulate the following pupils on their selection and appointment as the 2018/2019 Executive body: Kamvehlihe Buwa, James Cameron, Skylo Clark, Diolan Govender, Warren Januszkiewicz, Hannah Jassat, Rearabilwe Khumalo, Luyanda Khuzwayo, Damian Lagoa, Leah Mari, Zoë Meneses, Denzil Mhlongo, Minneke Visser, Jaime Watkins (absent: Bella Gosnell).

Mandy Mdlongwa, a Member of the newly elected Student Executive and Councillor in the Arts and Culture Committee of the Durban Youth Council most certainly fits the description of a rising star. As a member of the KZN Youth Choir, she participated in the World Choir Games in Pretoria recently and brought home Silver. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Mandy!

The CFO Junior first started in 2017 as a South African National High School Case Study Competition.

It has now developed into a continental challenge, Crawford College Sandton open to high schools across Africa. As a cadet version of the main competition, it challenges teenage high school students to prove their leadership potential. Students compete to solve a set of ‘common sense’ real-life business management problems by drawing from their knowledge of Accounting, Business Studies, Economics and Mathematics in their school curriculum. The objective is to embed early in their development the attributes of logical and critical thinking as well as the research, public speaking, team collaboration, entrepreneurial, competitive and problem-solving skills that are vital to their success in higher education and subsequent career journey. It’s a premier and annual continental event that brings together students, entry-level professionals, high schools, universities, professional bodies, country representatives and education policymakers for one purpose: to inspire the next generation of CFOs and global business leaders. Crawford College Sandton is proud to be part of this initiative and congratulate their students for winning the competition! We are extremely proud of you all!

A Peer Counsellor (PC) is a student who assists his/her fellow peers to solve their own problems by listening, supporting, educating and by being a role model. Students are invited to apply to be a Peer Counsellor. They are then trained in a series of workshops. One initiative by the PCs is that they placed six posters on bullying, depression, anxiety, family/ relationship issues, new to the school/struggling to speak English, study skills/time management issues in the bathrooms, offering students help. There are tear-off strips at the bottom of each poster with the PCs’ names and numbers so students can pull off a name and number and approach a PC via text message.

Every child a masterpiece | 45

PREPARATORY

LEADERSHIP Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria celebrated Mandela Day by reading to pupils at various Pre-Primaries in our surrounding area, and handing out books which were donated by our own pupils, parents and staff. Coins were also collected and donated to charity.

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

A group of Grade 7 pupils participated in World Speech Day. This took place at the University of Pretoria where the presentations were recorded and uploaded onto the International website. Mrs. Janet Bekker; Alek Musk; Mukona Nangammbi; Nikolai van Niekerk; Abigail Yohannes; Aleksandr Sik; Trevaden Govender.

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Spring Day is such a very special occasion at Crawford Preparatory La Lucia and the community.

Parents and pupils support in making it a wonderful, positive and fulfilling experience, especially when it brings so much joy to the elderly who received the beautiful flower donations.

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Neven Camporiondo from Crawford College La Lucia gained inspiration through the Reach For A Dream broadcast on the radio. Nevan saved two thousand rands in his piggy bank for a PlayStation.

He decided to donate this money to a worthier cause as he realised that other people need it more than he does.

46 | Crawford Times

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Neo Thejane from Crawford Preparatory Lonehill was elected to the executive at the JHB mini city council and has attended most of the functions and service to underprivileged communities and organisations. She leads with boldness and confidence yet be humble and compassionate enough to serve others in need without needing recognition.

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

33 of our Grade 7 pupils at Crawford Preparatory Lonehill pledged to: Put service before self, honour the high office of counsellor, mirror the attributes of integrity, honesty and an empathy for others, be a credit to myself, my family and my school. We thank our young leaders for the example that they set for those around them and for their selfless service to our school.

Crawford Preparatory Fourways

Cameron Gall says that leadership has a different meaning for different people.

Gall, encourages individuals to follow his views by creating an inspiring vision, and then motivate and inspire others to reach that vision. He believes that the difference between good from bad leaders is honesty and integrity.

Crawford Preparatory Fourways

Crawford Preparatory Italia

Being a leader takes a great deal of courage, responsibility and hard work. As a Grade 7 student at Crawford Preparatory Fourways being a leader has made me realise that with all my hard work and responsibilities I can set a good example for everybody around me and that’s what I call a Great Leader.

Says Sagna Solene.

Atinzwa Mureriwa and Nicholas Goddard represented Crawford Italia on the Johannesburg Mini Council. They both have grown into responsible citizens who can proudly, as the first Italia council members pass the baton onto the 2019 councillors. Thank you Ati and Nick for representing our schools’ name with pride.

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

At Crawford Preparatory Sandton we offer a wide variety of sporting and cultural activities. Within this arena we offer pupils the opportunity to showcase their leadership. We are proud of our Leaders in our Sports and Cultural arena!

Crawford Preparatory North Coast Grade Sixes are leading the way and inspiring our school towards greater kindness and gratitude. These girls started a “Good Gossip Box” in the library which is a resounding success.

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

Carmen Smith and Brendan Ewen stand proud as our Mini-City Councillors for 2018. Already making a difference in the world at such a young age!

Meet our Media Centre leadership team of Crawford Preparatory North Coast Grade 7s. These pupils give of themselves selflessly on many occasions and proactively offer their assistance in keeping our Media Centre an organized and inspiring space for the entire school to use.

Every child a masterpiece | 47

CRAWFORD CATCH UP

SPORT

Every child a masterpiece | 49

COLLEGE

SPORT Crawford College Lonehill

The Junior Soccer girls recently participated in the Greenside Tournament and won a Bronze medal.

Crawford College Lonehill came 9th at the same tournament last year. They also participated in the Dainfern Festival, winning three games, drawing one and losing one match. Hard work is definitely paying off for this young side who will surely be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Crawford College Lonehill

The Crawford College Lonehill horse riders conducted themselves admirably at the recent Gauteng Champs, where Shannon Schofield, Gabriella Tobler, Tarryn Meyer, Lara Bouwer and Captain, Petra Saringer took part. From those results, the following riders have been selected to represent Gauteng at the SANESA Nationals: In the A-Team: Shannon Schofield and Gabriella Tobler (for Show Jumping: SJ), Petra Saringer and Gabriella Tobler (for Handy Hunter: HH). In the B-Team: Gabriella Tobler and Petra Saringer (for Equitation: EQ). The Nationals will take place over the week of 2 to 5 October.

Congratulations to Tahil Bedesi, Grade 8, who came first amongst 104 players in the U15 Open Gauteng Schools Individual Chess Championships. An amazing achievement!

Crawford College Pretoria

Crawford College La Lucia

50 | Crawford Times

Crawford College Pretoria

The Crawford College Pretoria U14 Soccer Team won the SSL as well as the Super League Championship; the U15 Team is the Football Association of Pretoria Champion; and the U17 Team is also the Champion of the SSL and Football Association of Pretoria.

The Crawford College La Lucia U15 Netball Team participated in the U15 Kay Motsepe National Schools Challenge where we played to determine the Umlazi district winner. After winning this match against Kuswag, we consequently played in the KZN round against several schools winning two out of the three matches.

Thereafter, we played Wykeham Collegiate in the finals and won 9-4, which qualified our girls to play from 23 to 26 August in Johannesburg against the other provincial school winners to determine the top SA U15 school!

Crawford College North Coast

Crawford College North Coast

Crawford College North Coast’s equestrian superstar is Kyla Picken in Grade 8.

Kyla thoroughly enjoys horse riding and she spends 30 hours a week on her sport.

Her goal is to compete at the Olympics and the International Longines Competition. Kyla’s best equestrian achievement was being placed 3rd in the Equitation discipline at the SANESA Nationals in Gauteng in 2016.

Kaylee Nel from Crawford College North Coast says that the Junior Touch Rugby World Cup was an incredible experience. She played alongside her teammates from different provinces and is the only female from KZN for the U18 Mixed Team. “I’m honoured to have played with such amazing and talented teammates who worked extremely hard to bring back a Bronze medal!”

Crawford College Sandton

Congratulations to Grade 11 student, Ashleigh Irvine-Smith who has qualified for and been selected as part of the South African Triathlon Team to compete at the ITU Triathlon World Championships to be held in Australia on the Gold Coast this year. Competing at Worlds means Ashleigh will be awarded her Junior Protea Colours.

Crawford College La Lucia

Crawford College Sandton

The Crawford College La Lucia undefeated Girls’ First Team Soccer has been outstanding this year. The team was able to work together and bring home trophies from both the Kloof High School Tournament and the annual Five-a-side Tournament. The tough competition made for some very competitive matches, which the team was able to learn and grow from.

Congratulations to Crawford College Sandton students Pumlani Ngonyama (Grade 12), Alex Butler-White (Grade 11), Jessica Potgieter (Grade 10) and Michelle Chadehumbe (Grade 9) who were chosen for the South African Touch Rugby Team which represented South Africa at the Youth World Cup in Malaysia. Our Touch Coach and Business Studies teacher, Mr. Motsumi accompanied the team and also represented South Africa at the World Cup in the over 20s Team.

Every child a masterpiece | 51

PREPARATORY

SPORT

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

We’re extremely proud of our Chess players – they are superstars and fabulous sportspeople!

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria’s U9 and U13 teams came 1st in the Gauteng Championships recently, and were awarded Top Chess School in Gauteng. 15 pupils have been invited to participate in the National Championships later this year.

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

Isabel Guirdham from Crawford Preparatory La Lucia is an accomplished athlete who LOVES running. She spends most of her ‘free time’ training and running. She has excelled in Cross Country running as well as doing exceptionally well in Duathlons and Biathlons. She has recently been selected for the KZN U13 Girls Cross Country Team and is a South African Triathlon and Duathlon Champion.

Kaedan Govender from Crawford Preparatory La Lucia represented South Africa in the African Youth Championships in Kenya. He was in tied first position, on 7 out of 9 points, but unfortunately, Kaedan lost in the tiebreaker. He’s currently ranked Number 2 in Africa.

Well done Kaedan, we’re very proud of you!

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria 1st Team Soccer won all three competitive trophies in our local leagues. Two of these trophies were in honour of Mr. Ian McLeod (late Headmaster of the Preparatory). It was such an honour to win these trophies. The team decided to dedicate their year to Mr. Mac.

Crawford Preparatory Italia

Crawford Preparatory Italia

The 2018 Field Hockey season transformed the Italia U12 Girls’ Team into a team the opposition were reluctant to face. It was our first year of playing full Field Hockey, with a goalkeeper. A special mention needs to be made of Brynn Stuart who now is a fearless goalkeeper with the heart of a lion.

52 | Crawford Times

Crawford Italia is privileged to have two boys excelling at soccer. Miguel Rodrigues De Sousa and Junior Muntanga have both been selected for the Easterns Soccer Teams. We as a school are extremely proud of what the boys have achieved and are looking forward to watching them develop.

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

Ruby Dixon from Crawford Preparatory North Coast has a passion for Swimming.

The many hours she spends training are a clear indication of her commitment.

She’s extremely talented and has achieved her South African Junior times.

Ruby is a true role model to her peers. She embodies all the values that we as Crawfordians hold dear.

Hannah and Luke James, Crawford Preparatory North Coast sibling duo, have excelled in all that they do and have been true ambassadors for our school.

Hannah excels in Swimming, Netball and Dance, and Luke is exceptionally talented in the pool as well as in both Cross Country and Athletics.

Not only do they excel in all they put their minds to, they also receive their accolades with poise and humility.

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Jason Malan in Grade 6 at Crawford Preparatory Lonehill is like a fish in water and twice as fast. He puts in hours of training in the swimming pool with focused dedication. Jason is currently ranked Number 2 in the country in the 100m Fly, and the 200m and the 400m Freestyle events. He is ranked Number 4 in the 50m Fly event and Number 5 in the 100m Freestyle event. We’re very proud to be able to call Jason one of our own!

Crawford Preparatory Fourways

Crawford Preparatory Fourways

Nalumango Milimo from Crawford Preparatory Fourways expresses his passion for Soccer: I started playing soccer when I was three years old. I’m very passionate about the beautiful game and find my inspiration in skilled players.

I was selected to play for Supersport United Academy U11 Squad. This sport has made me a very disciplined boy and has taught me to be determined to achieve success in my Soccer career.

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

The Discovery Johannesburg Primary Schools Soccer Programme hosts a series of Soccer tournaments for primary schools in Johannesburg. This season, Crawford Prep Sandton celebrates in style, taking the cup as winners of the Discovery Cup. Congratulations to our U11 boys, we’re so proud of you!

Autumn Knight from Crawford Preparatory Fourways shares her passion for Swimming: I love to swim and was always playing in the pool. About two years ago I realised I wanted to take Swimming more seriously. I started watching Swimming on television and in particular, Chad le Clos at the Olympics. My goals for this year are to get full colours for swimming and to win all my races at the InterCrawford Gala.

Under the guidance of Coach Russell Munroe, the Hockey 1st Team is undefeated and Crawford Preparatory Lonehill has no doubt that they’ll also be victorious at the upcoming D9 play-offs. We’re especially proud of the fact that this team helped to grow and develop the Captain of the Southern Gauteng Girls Team, Siwe Khumalo, and the Captain of the D9 Hockey Team, Holly Bell.

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

Crawford Preparatory Sandon’s Netball Team just keeps getting better and better – winning all their district games and winning their inter-district games. We’re so proud our Open Netball stars… the D9 district league winners!

Every child a masterpiece | 53

Crawford Pre-Primary Sandton

PRE-PRIMARY

SPORT

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia Grade 0 pupils compete in the Foundation Phase Cross Country every year. We were proud of them as they showed tremendous excitement and commitment to completing the course and giving of their best. It’s in challenges such as these that a pupils is given the opportunity to experience success through participation and effort.

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia

Crawford Pre-Primary Grade 0 pupils got a taste of what next year will have in store for them when they move up to Grade 1, by enjoying all the different s porting activities offered by the Preparatory. This included Hockey, Soccer, Dance, PE and Ball Skills as well as making use of the Astro facilities.

Our Grade 00 pupils are eager little sports stars who jump at any opportunity to participate in a good game of Soccer. These five pupils decided to practise their ball skills in order to perfect their game. We guess practise really does make perfect!

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

When attending our Grass Roots Lessons, the pupils are exposed to many different types of physical activities. This term, one of the focuses has been on Hockey. Look at the passing, trapping, dribbling and collaborative skills we’ve learnt so far!

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

Michael Mandim, a Grade 0 pupil at Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast competed in the 11th GTF Taekwondo World Championship in Durban on 14 July 2018. He won Gold and was World Champion for the 5 to 7 years age group for Yellow Belt.

54 | Crawford Times

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast and Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia enjoyed a morning of fun and friendly rivalry as they participated in a Soccer Tournament organised by Chanelle Sampson from Soccer Kids. Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast was the overall tournament winner.

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill

This year Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill did something different for our annual Sports Day. Instead of running on the field we opted to set up an obstacle course.

The pupils enjoyed running and hopping from one course to another. Pictured here are Liam Labuschagne (front) and Emily Harisson (back).

Every year the Grade 0 Class at Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill enjoys a fun-filled day of sports and activities. Parents who were available on the day came to watch. Here the runners gun for the finish line as if the winner takes all!

Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways

Pupils need to learn many essential skills in Swimming, but Swimming needs to be fun as well. Nneiche Chika and Nyla Mdluli from Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways are gaining confidence while jumping safely from the edge of the pool. This skill helps the swimmer learn to resurface from various depths.

Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria pupils are exposed to horse riding as an extramural activity and we have some enthusiastic, Grade 0 Netball Stars from Crawford Pre- budding young riders Primary Pretoria, learning all the tactics to in the making. Riding is becoming top Netball players. The pupils fun and develops gross receive excellent coaching from a young motor skills, and it teaches age, which instils a love for the game and the child resilience and builds team spirit. This is a firm favourite patience. Our Pre-Primary with our girls who love going to netball in is one of the few schools the afternoons. that offers horse riding.

Crawford Pre-Primary Village

The egg and spoon race at Crawford Pre-Primary Village is a simple gross motor game, which involves balancing a coloured plastic egg on a matching coloured spoon while walking or running towards a target. It also improves balance, co-ordination, fine motor skills, visual skills and concentration.

A lot of planning and co-ordination was required for the Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways Grade 00s to complete the hoop skipping race.

Crawford Pre-Primary Village

Throwing, kicking, bouncing and catching a ball is vital to a young child’s physical development at Crawford Pre-Primary Village.

Playing with balls helps children improve grasping skills, eye-hand co-ordination, tracking and their fine and gross muscles. Working collaboratively with their teammates helps advance social skills to equip our little ones to share and communicate efficiently.

Every child a masterpiece | 55

Full time courses

Animation Drama Fashion Design Film, TV & Video Production Graphic Design Make up & Special Effects Marketing Management Musical Theatre & Dance PR & Event Management Photography Sound Engineering

Upcoming OPEN DAYS Pretoria Saturday 17 November 08h30 - 12h30 Somerset West Saturday 17 November 08h30 - 12h30 Johannesburg Saturday 24 November 08h30 - 12h30

CREATE and INSPIRE doing a course that you LOVE! Pretoria: 012 361 0416 Somerset West: 021 850 0383 Johannesburg: 010 591 7314 56 | Crawford Times

info@oakfieldscollege.co.za admin@oakfieldscollege.co.za jhb@oakfieldscollege.co.za

CRAWFORD CATCH UP

ARTS & CULTURE

Every child a masterpiece | 57

COLLEGE

ARTS & CULTURE

Crawford College Lonehill

Crawford College Lonehill

Tammy Craggs has truly excelled in Visual Art this year. She was awarded third place in the Crawford College Lonehill Annual Art and Design Exhibition in 2016 and since then has steadily improved her technique and is now at the top of her class. The passion, dedication and diligence that she puts into the subject is extraordinary and she deserves to be the Visual Art Bright Star for this year. We look forward to keeping track of her success in the future, and particularly her progress from 2019 going forward at the Open Window Institute where she has been provisionally accepted.

Naledi Mofolo, a Grade 11 student, made it through to the finals of the NEA (National Eisteddfod Academy) Competition. She sang her way through four rounds on Saturday 19 May competing against over a thousand participants. She made it into the final round where she competed against thirty other performers.

Naledi sang a pop ballad called “Figures” by Jessie Rayez. Naledi has truly made our school and especially our Music Department proud!

Crawford College Sandton

58 | Crawford Times

Our Junior Debaters won the final of the SACEE Development Debating Competition held recently.

They were up against Curro Krugersdorp who had beaten Steyn City in the semi-final. We congratulate our young speakers, Sayuran Moodley, Sarita Govender and Simomele Lebese, as well as the researchers Mansaa Pandey and Reyah Chetty.

Crawford College Sandton

Our Poetry Club started in 2017 at the College.

This team consists of Junior students who write their own poetry and then perform their opinions and views using voice and movement, both individually and in a group. The club performs for a variety of audiences at inaugural events. On 24 August, the Poetry Club in collaboration with Fidelitas Secondary School, performed in Pretoria for the Department of Basic Education to celebrate Women’s Day. At this event, the poetry revolved around female stereotypes, social ills and women abuse. Everybody in the audience appreciated the performance and was inspired by it. The Poetry Club has also been invited to perform at the University of Pretoria.

Crawford College Pretoria

Crawford College Pretoria

Three hundred choirs from fifty-nine countries took part is the world’s biggest choral competition based on the Olympic ideals. We are very proud of our Crawford College Pretoria Choir that received a Gold diploma and came third in the Folk Song category. Congratulations to our Choir, Mr. Mashabela and Miss Dedekind for their hard work and dedication.

The 17th Concerto Festival showcased our talented students accompanied by the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Professor Eric Rycroft. The afternoon was another resounding success for our Music Department.

Thanks to Mr. Marius Du Plessis, our music teacher, for all the hard work and dedication he has put into this department.

We also acknowledge all the hard work of various staff, parents and students who contributed behind the scenes to make this event possible.

Crawford College North Coast

Crawford College La Lucia

Karley was mostly known for her skills in sport and running around with a hockey stick… until she was cast in the lead role for the school show. It was then that she became “Beryl”, a total loser who is an absolute hypochondriac, using a neck brace (when she remembers) and who doles out warm tea and advice… that no-one listens to.

Crawford College North Coast

Micaela Kok is a vibrant and enthusiastic Visual Arts student. She has keenly developed her drawing skills over her college years. Now for her Grade 12 Retrospective exhibition, she breaks the mould of traditional charcoal drawing and creates original, bold and very expressive portraits.

Crawford College and Preparatory La Lucia joined forces to present a celebration of musical talent in their annual Musical Soirée. It was an evening of melodic delight across a variety of genres, both vocal and instrumental, which also included solo and ensemble work, with the youngest performer being just seven years old.

Crawford College La Lucia

The KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) held a pop-up exhibition to showcase artworks from students of Durban Girls’ College and Crawford College La Lucia. This is an exhibition by one of our Grade 11 pupils which explores the themes of gender identity, narrative and representation.

Every child a masterpiece | 59

PREPARATORY

ARTS & CULTURE Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

Weien Amy Luo was awarded eight trophies at the Queensburgh Eisteddfod including a trophy for being the Most Outstanding Performer in the event. Weien Amy is 10 years old, she is in Grade 5 at Crawford Preparatory La Lucia and plays piano and violin.

Reabetswe Kungwane recently competed in the American Dance Awards. She represented us well and received two trophies in her category.

Congratulations to Uyanda Thupana who competed in the Royal International Miss in Florida, USA, over the July holidays. Uyanda achieved six category prizes.

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

60 | Crawford Times

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Congratulations to the two published Grade 4 authors in our midst! Reabetswe Kungwane with her book ‘Stories you’ve never read before’ and Adaeze Ugwu with her book ‘The duck who thought it couldn’t swim’.

We’re very proud of you!

Crawford Preparatory North Coast dancers participated in the Dance Sport School League.

Hannah James, Kimberley Arthur, Olivia Grassie and Lange Jiane were selected for the U13 KZN team. They all went on to dance their way through the Inter-provincial Tournament and were selected for the South African All-Stars Team.

Obed Ephraim is in Grade 4 and he plays in the Crawford College La Lucia Drumline. They won the KZN Drumline Competition for the second year in a row. He also played with the rest of the Drumline at the 2018 Hilton Arts Festival.

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

Crawford Preparatory North Coast pupil Manzil HarikaranGiandev plays piano, violin, guitar and drums and is achieving distinctions in ABRSM and UNISA examinations.

Manzil was a finalist in Crawford’s Got Talent and won Best Guitarist at the Queensburgh Eisteddfod. Manzil not only juggles a busy practice schedule but also achieves on the sports field and in the classroom.

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Eighty pupils and five teachers at Crawford Preparatory Lonehill participated in the 2018 M.A.D Club Production and created “The Princess in the Fog”. Our M.A.D (Music, Acting and Dance) Club has worked tirelessly throughout the year, under the passionate guidance of Mrs. Harito, Mrs. Munroe, Miss Mngadi, Mrs. Pretorius and Mrs. Schroëder.

Sekeata Talbot (Grade 5) at Crawford Preparatory Lonehill is our very own professional theatre actress. She first set her little feet on stage at the age of five when she took part in a ballet concert.

From there, her love for the stage just grew. Sekeata took part major productions including “Alice in Wonderland” at the People’s Theatre, The Johanthan Roxmouth Show at Monte Casino and Born To Perform at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City.

Crawford Preparatory Fourways

Crawford Preparatory Fourways

Olwethu Makhaye expresses his love for Music: Music turned my whole life around.

I remember the exact moment the judge announced me as the 2014 Crawford Fourways Idols winner. I received awards from NEA and the South African Talent Championships. I have been singing at NEA for four years, and I have been getting diplomas every year.

Crawford Preparatory Italia

Jadyn Marais from Crawford Preparatory Fourways shares her passion for Drama: I love to perform, and I love the thrill and the heat of the moment. Every time I go on stage, I get a sense of relief and let go of all my emotions. Performing is my passion, and I love it. I received numerous awards at the National Eisteddfod because I worked hard to improve my acting talent.

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

South Africa is showing off its talent with the Kids Got Talent competition. Crawford Preparatory Sandton pupil, Lebo Mofolo, is showcasing his skills in drums right through to the finals. Good luck! Crawford and SA are rooting for you!

Mrs. Paula Fehrsen was selected as a judge for the 2018 World Dance Championships, held in Blackpool in the UK at the end of June. She was the only South African judge selected.

Crawford Italia is proud to have Teacher Paula as part of their staff. Not surprisingly, she is the Dance teacher.

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

Caitlin Capon, not only our All-rounder Performer in the Interhouse Play Festival, but a Prestige winner in CAF and a competitor in Kids Got Talent!

Every child a masterpiece | 61

Crawford Pre-Primary Sandton

PRE-PRIMARY

ARTS & CULTURE Teachers at Crawford Pre-Primary Sandton use a hands-on approach when teaching the pupils and enjoy sharing in the fun. Hand painting is one way of allowing the pupils to explore their sensory abilities and learn that a mess is never a bad thing. After all, creativity is messy, and we’re very creative here!

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria enjoyed a lesson on Russianborn French Expressionist painter Wassily Kandinsky. One of his most recognisable pieces of artwork is his colour study known as Squares with Concentric Circles/Rings. Pupils enjoyed painting their squares with watercolours and used powder paint to create circles from small to large in the blocks.

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria Crawford Pre-Primary Sandton

Daniel only started playing Chess last year but has achieved amazing results in a very short period of time.

He recently competed at the Tshwane Junior Chess Championships where he qualified for his Gauteng colours, in the U8 category. He’s the youngest competitor and has to play against pupils a few years older than himself.

When learning about new themes being taught in the classroom, various skills are the focus. Teachers draw attention to these skills in creative arts and challenge the children’s abilities. They are asked to use their planning skills to correctly align their artwork to the size of the paper for example. Each theme brings new and exciting challenges, bettering their skills on a daily basis.

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia

Congratulations to our talented Rising Stars whose artwork was exhibited at the Durban North Art Exhibition. Through their curiosity, spontaneous creativity and sense of wonder, children find their place in this world and share with us a joy we have long forgotten. At Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia, we celebrate this journey.

62 | Crawford Times

Children move to achieve mobility, they move to express a thought or feeling, and they move because it’s joyful and feels wonderful. When their movement becomes consciously structured and is performed with awareness for its own sake, it becomes dance. At Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia, the pupils learn a great range of motion, body awareness, balance, muscle strength, co-ordination and endurance through dance.

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

Integrated learning is an integral part of learning at Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast. The Grade 00 pupils had fun integrating the theme of Fairy Tales in learning. Each class chose a different story, relating it to the various learning areas. The pupils used collaborative skills to dramatise the story.

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast Grade 00 pupils explored the feelings that art evokes and learned about the different art mediums and significance of paintings. Using a medium of their choice, the pupils created their own interpretation of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet’s Water Lilies.

Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways

The grandparents of Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill were treated to a special preview of our upcoming School Concert.

Afterwards, they enjoyed a delicious tea in the garden and had the opportunity to mingle and chat.

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill had their first concert that the entire school participated in. In the past the concert was only for the Grade 0 pupils. After many days of rehearsals, we are proud to say that we pulled it off. It was a full house on the stage!

The theme of the Grade 00s Concert at Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways this year was The Faraway Tree.

They took a magical journey to an enchanted land filled with music and dancing. Humpty’s Kings Men, Little Miss Moffat, Pink Elephants and friendly little Spiders, to name a few, came to life in this wonderful showcase.

Process Art is a time to explore, mediums, materials and techniques, a time to let our imagination run riot. Each piece is a masterpiece and our creative juices have been flowing and, who knows, Nathi Phatswana from Crawford PrePrimary Fourways could be the next Picasso!

Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways

Crawford Pre-Primary Village

The Grade 0s at Crawford Pre-Primary Village used their de Bono White Thinking Hat to paint factual representations of animals. While photos were provided so that pupils could look at the photo and decide what colours or parts of the animal to paint, each painting was as unique a masterpiece as the pupil who painted it.

Crawford Pre-Primary Village Grade 00s spent time learning about their roots and South Africa. They were introduced to the various national symbols and spent time learning about some of South Africa’s rich history.

Indigenous flowers were a favourite and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed painting our national flower, the Protea.

Crawford Pre-Primary Village

Every child a masterpiece | 63

Building a brighter future.

P R O F E S S I O N A L S P O RT S S U R FA C E S

64 | Crawford Times

CRAWFORD CATCH UP

SERVICE

Every child a masterpiece | 65

COLLEGE

SERVICE

Crawford College La Lucia

Crawford College Lonehill

For the second year running the LRA and Otters Estate partnered with Crawford College Lonehill to bring the much-loved LRA Fun Run to our Lonehill community. We had around 900 participants (and many dogs) on a wonderful sunny Saturday afternoon.

Congratulations to our College runners, Ryan Van Wyk (Grade 11), Nicolas Malan (Grade 9) and Tushar Maharaj (Grade 11), who came in the first three places in the College boys’ section.

Georgia Hassolanidis (Grade 11) came third in the girls’ College division and our Sports Co-ordinator, Kate Meintjes tied in second place in the ladies’ race.

Crawford College Lonehill

Our Crawford College Lonehill Cares team has spent many afternoons volunteering and spending time with the 12 chronically ill children, from ages 7 to 14 years, at Marang House. As a result of the generous support from our students, they’re able to provide the children with an even better chance of surviving the many challenges they face.

66 | Crawford Times

Kaylee Smit, a Marine Biologist, and Jaime Watkins, a Grade 11 student at Crawford College La Lucia, organised a beach clean-up at Durban Underwater Club which was attended by other Crawford students and some of the local ocean lovers. Ten bags containing litter and environmentally hazardous nurdles (small bits of plastic) were collected.

The Johannesburg Junior Council (JJC) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation consisting of 72 young leaders from 36 different schools around Johannesburg, who aspire to incite change within society.

Crawford College Sandton Maia Traub and Akshay Satish, Grade 11 students, represent the College on this council.

Recently, the Johannesburg Junior Council (JJC) hosted an event for Mandela Day. This occasion was for more than 300 elderly women from underprivileged backgrounds. As councillors, we had to ensure it was enjoyable and festive by providing them with tea and a cupcake on arrival, as well as lunch later in the day.

We had a chance to mingle with the ladies and make them feel comfortable and there was entertainment as well. It was so rewarding to see the joy on their faces.

They received goodie bags, which included blankets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and some snacks to take home with them. All of the councillors agreed that it was a special day for us too, and to be able to share it with these women in remembrance and honour of the great man, Nelson Mandela, made it even more meaningful.

Crawford College La Lucia

Crawford College North Coast

The “Judiciary” are two executives (voted for by the teachers) who take on the communication role between the student body and management at Crawford College La Lucia. It’s their duty to ensure that the student leadership term of office runs smoothly and successfully. Congratulations go to Rea Khumalo and Luyanda Khuzwayo on their appointment.

Crawford College Pretoria

Kimmy Malope Miss Star International finalist from Crawford College Pretoria was invited to address the audience in Polokwane on Friday 20 July and 20 of our Grade 11 students went to support her and help with the handing over of donations such as sanitary items, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and roll-on deodorants.

Crawford College Sandton

Crawford College North Coast’s message is spreading and we are proud to announce that CNC’s Community Service Club has grown significantly this year and is currently transforming into an official Interact Club which will be sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ballito.

Crawford College North Coast

Crawford College North Coast had the opportunity to be a part of a group of 46 eager College students and five equally eager teachers (plus two helpful dogs) that went down to Westbrook Beach armed with black bags, rubber gloves and a determination to eradicate pollution.

The senior Crawfordians continue empowering the Grade 8 and Grade 9 students of Fidelitas. Eighteen tutors spend their Saturday morning helping the juniors of Fidelitas Secondary School with Algebraic fractions. Fractions are mind-boggling at the best of times, but our competent tutors left the juniors feeling confident and they – students and tutors – were smiling at the end of the session. The tutors shared their success stories before travelling back to school with Ms. DuncanBrown and Ms. Donald and suggestions were made to make the Peer-to-Peer Teaching sessions even more successful.

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PREPARATORY

SERVICE

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

Crawford Preparatory Pretoria

The Crawford Preparatory Pretoria pupils were spreading their love on Posy Day with beautiful bouquets of flowers. We visited three retirement homes and the Life Groenkloof Hospital where the flowers were handed out to the residence and patients.

Recycling and Pollution are topics in the Life Skills curriculum for Grade 3 at Crawford Preparatory Pretoria. They researched the effect of pollution and decided to collect bottle tops to recycle. The bottle tops were used in donating a wheelchair to a worthy cause.

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Crawford Preparatory La Lucia

Two pupils from Crawford College La Lucia showing their support for the Reach For A Dream Foundation Slipper Day. They believe it’s vitally important to create awareness within our schools towards the less fortunate. This is a most worthy cause!

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

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As part of the Crawford College La Lucia Grade 5 “We Care” initiative for Term 3, the focus was on getting to know and appreciate the people who work around our school. Pupils worked in groups to set up a picnic, interviewed a personality and worte up a report. These reports will be displayed around the school.

The Photography Club at Crawford Preparatory North Coast comprises of Miss Jansen and a group of Intersen pupils who meet each week. They are learning to compose good photographs, take photographs according to a theme for competition entry and how to edit their photographs.

Crawford Preparatory Fourways Crawford Preparatory Italia

Crawford Preparatory Fourways

Bandaru Satya from Crawford Preparatory Fourways says her most memorable event was Madiba Day, where they served and entertained 300 senior citizens. Charity and service have brought a great amount of happiness and joy to me, and as Mother Theresa says, “Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.�

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Crawford Preparatory North Coast

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

Being a Johannesburg Mini Council member has been a life evolving experience.

It brought various schools together with a common purpose. Learning to work as a team was a huge learning curve. The one experience that will live in me forever is that of being able to give back to the community. Visiting different homes and interacting with children and the aged was a truly humbling and rewarding experience which I will carry through to my adult years.

Siddhant Modak from Crawford Preparatory Lonehill is often seen around our school with a big bag of lollipops.

Not because of his sweet tooth, but because he feels passionate about the charity that he supports, called Poverty Sucks. This organisation believes that empowerment through education, skills development and support is key to creating a better community, and so does Siddhant.

Crawford Preparatory North Coast is well on its way to building a family a home with our Buy-a-Brick-Build-aHome outreach. Many bricks have been bought by our pupils and families. We look forward to the build starting shortly.

Children are never too young to learn the value and joy of helping others and at Crawford, we give each pupil the opportunity. From orphans to the elderly to birds and puppies, Crawford Preparatory Sandton pupils selflessly help those in need with pride. We thank each pupil, family, parent and teacher that helped to give to those who needed it the most this year. #CrawfordPride

As part of the School Sleepout in aid of Saint Laurence Haven, the Grade 5 pupils at Crawford Italia delivered the collected items to the orphanage in Roodepoort. They enjoyed the interaction with the children at the home and this made us aware of how much we have to be grateful for.

Crawford Preparatory Italia

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill

Crawford Preparatory Sandton

At the end of Term 3, Mrs. Jill Meintjes left Crawford Italia to be Principal of Crawford Village PrePrimary. Thank you for three years of showing us kindness and caring.

Mrs. Meintjes, you will be missed but never forgotten. We wish you luck in your new position!

Shriya from Crawford Preparatory Lonehill is a volunteer at a non-profit organisation in Johannesburg called The Lightworkers Foundation, which aims to help people in need to find a path from poverty to prosperity.

Shriya has been actively involved with child welfare projects, outreach projects to orphanages, and events planned to aid families in need.

Owls are both fascinating and beautiful animals.

Their presence in your garden offers hours of intriguing viewing.

Furthermore, they provide an efficient means of pest control. Dhiara Chetty and Nawal Ntsele, care for our owls and educate their peers while at it!

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Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia

PRE-PRIMARY

SERVICE Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia gathered to show their support for our Winter Warmth Blanket Drive in support of Mandela Day. Each grade was challenged to be the first to bring 67 blankets to school. Our Grade 0 pupils have been exploring the options of using a bar graph and decided a Nelson Mandela hand print could represent each blanket collected.

It is important to involve pupils in acts of service. The school community at Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria are stars when it comes to acts of service. Parents always generously support our school in all our charity initiatives. We’ve raised lots of money in support of the Down Syndrome Association by taking part in Casual Day over the years.

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria

Crawford Pre-Primary Pretoria honoured Mandela Day by embarking on a book drive. The books were donated to the Mohau Children’s Home. Children need to be taught from a young age about the importance of giving.

They’re naturally egocentric and are still learning to consider the needs of others. Developing a sense of empathy is an important developmental skill.

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Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia showed their support for Reach For A Dream Foundation Slipper Day. We believe it’s vitally important to create awareness within our school for children who need our support. This is a most worthy cause! The pupils had a cosy day wearing their slippers to school.

Pupils at Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast displayed their kindness and took pleasure in putting smiles on the faces of underprivileged children by assisting in the collection of Easter eggs which were donated to the Umhlali SAPS as part of their Easter Campaign.

Pupils at Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast spent 67 minutes of Mandela Day learning that they too can do their bit for social upliftment. Every pupil helped to make sandwiches which were delivered to a local school as a contribution to their feeding scheme that provides meals for the underprivileged children in attendance there.

Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast

Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill support staff spent time at Rise Against Hunger, packing food parcels for needy children. They managed to pack a total of 4 300 parcels in one day. We’re encouraging everyone to play their part in the greater community as part of the CSI. The Crawford Pre-Primary Fourways pupils managed to raise over 60 beautifully decorated gift bags in just three weeks! These were filled with winter essentials for children and families in need. We’re proud to know people who care so deeply about the needs of others.

Crawford Pre-Primary Sandton

Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill

Funky Sock Day was celebrated in collaboration with Aaron Rocks Your Socks where over 1 000 pairs of socks were donated by our school children to those less fortunate. The children were invited to wear crazy and funky socks to school and drop a pair of socks into our giant sock box. This was a huge success and many cold feet were warmed with the help of our generous Crawford pupils.

Crawford Pre-Primary Sandton

Our CSI initiative for Term 3, was called the “Cup of love and warmth”.Crawford Pre-Primary Lonehill’s families were asked to use new or used mugs and fill them with various goodies. Jacqui Smallbone (left) and Caroline Miller (right) with all the generous donations received from our families.

The Johannesburg Fire Department came to visit our Pre-Primary pupils along with ER24 ambulances. This was an unforgettable experience where firefighters taught the children important phone numbers and what to do in an emergency. We also had the opportunity to explore the fire truck and see inside the ambulance. We were very lucky to meet such amazing real-life heroes!

Bakerman is a charitable initiative that actively involves each pupil at Crawford Village.

Money is raised annually to be shared between three different nonprofit organisations.

The pupils bake a delicious treat at home and “sell” their goods to their classmates. This learning experience teaches children the value of giving as well as numeracy skills.

Crawford Pre-Primary Village

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Parco Bags can custom make almost any type of bag according to your specifications & needs.

Parco International is a Boutique store in Johannesburg that sells beautiful, high quality bags.

Website: www.parcobags.com

Crown City • Unit 23 Kings Square Commercial Park • 51 Genesis Blvd • Crown Mines • Johannesburg • South Africa

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KIDS’ PAGES

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DOORSTEP ADVENTURES

WHERE “PEOPLE OF THE HIPPO” MEET CHILDREN OF THE FUN!

Bakubung means “People of the Hippo” which is quite apt considering we drove into the gate and stared a massive hippo straight in its beady eye! That was the start to a fantastic, no-fuss weekend for us and our five kids – that we couldn’t recommend more to other families.

Our 8 Reasons to weekend at Bakubung!

1. It literally is on our doorstep!

Two hours in a car with five kids is actually doable. By the time they look up from their iPads to ask “when are we going to get there?” you’re driving into the entrance.

Bakubung is in the Pilanesberg National Park, just 220km from Johannesburg and 180kms from Pretoria – which is fantastic for manic working parents who can’t afford to be out of the office for long periods of time.

Leave at noon on a Friday and you’ll arrive for the 2pm check-in and still benefit from a swim, an afternoon snooze and the evening game drive.

2. Close encounters of the Big 5 kind On social media, the Pilanesberg nature reserve is called “The Gem of the North West” and for good reason!

It’s the most convenient spot for Joburgers to enjoy our country’s most valuable natural resource... Big 5 wildlife! Not only did our family experience amazing sightings of hippo, lion, giraffe, brown hyena and rhino in abundance, we also had the added “excitement” (a word we will use loosely here) of being charged by elephant. Our nerves were completely shattered, but we were pleased we didn’t have to deal with the other most dangerous beast in the bush – the mosquito! The Pilanesberg is a malaria-free area.

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3. Pool As a parent, you will know that a swimming pool is your “get out of jail free” card! It’s the one place where they can go wild, while you chill beneath a pair of sunnies with a cocktail in your hand. The kids really enjoyed the layout of the pool, with lots of nooks and crannies to hide in and some rocks to jump off. It also has a baby pool attached.

The best part? The pool bar offers delicious cocktails in the full “parent” form and the lighter virgin version.

4. Guided game drives Back to the charging elephant issue... if we hadn’t been in a Bakubung game vehicle with an experienced guide, chances are that elephant would have caught us. Rogue male elephants in the Pilanesberg are well known for flipping vehicles. The quick reaction of the guide turned a potentially deadly situation into a learning opportunity and a bit of a wild adventure that our kids are still talking about. Having the internal communications between the guides from Bakubung and various other camps meant that guides made sure that we were taken directly to where the lions had been spotted – and being in the truck gave us the height advantage to see all sightings clearly.

5. Boma – African experience Being African ourselves, we sometimes overlook the opportunity to enjoy African cultural experiences. The Boma dinner was certainly more than dinner under the stars!

Greeted by drumming and singing as we arrived, the kids

became emersed into their heritage. As the evening went on, I watched them dancing beside the bushfires to the local marimba band sounds.

We felt proud... and full! Nothing like lamb chops cooked on an open bushfire!

6. Rooms with a view – don’t have to drive Back to the charging elephant issue again... saying ALL the children thought it was an exciting adventure was an exaggeration. Not ALL the kids loved the experience, our 11-year-old daughter was a bit of a wuss, which was fine because the Bakubung Lodge rooms all open out onto the waterhole where resident animals can be spotted from the comfort (and safety) of your very own bed! A magical experience – especially for wusses!

7. Buffet breakfast For me, there’s no greater happiness to my heart than a buffet breakfast – and I was proud to discover that all our kids feel the same way. Pancakes and waffles, cooked before your hungry eyes, fresh fruit, pastries, cold meats and cheeses from around the world!

Followed by the usual hot breakfast of eggs, bacon and huge variety of sausages, hash browns and, and, and...

Basically ‘breakfast’ was a fuel stop, which got the kids going in the morning and kept them going all the way through to dinner!

8. Kids’ play areas and kids’ club So this is how the days went for the family: early morning game drive, buffet-breakfast (did we mention how amazing that was?!), swimming for hours, time spent at the kids’ play area and sports facilities, afternoon snooze, game drive, dinner, best sleep ever!

As much as I joke (not joke) that I need time away from the kids, we actually enjoy doing activities with them. Besides watching our 4 year old going down the slide again and again, we loved playing giant chess, table tennis, tennis and volleyball with all the others. It’s rare that we get to play together!

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KID’S PAGES

Find of the

N

century!

o child needs 4 000 toys as birthday presents so here’s something different – a gift that’s fun, educational and something that will last for months!

Little Jet-Setters is a simple and affordable monthly subscription box, delivered to your door, perfect for children between the ages of 5 and 11, that offers a host of country-themed activities and souvenirs so your child can learn about countries of the world.

Every month a package with a new country theme will arrive full of activities, crafts, games and goodies to discover all there is to know about that country.

When you subscribe you’ll initially receive an Introduction Box, which consists of:

Step 2 Facts: Boost your knowledge of Egypt by having fun with the puzzles and games.

• A large world map • Three sheets of reusable stickers – landmarks, flags and animals • Your very own Little Jet-Setters passport • “Flags of the World” sticker book • Postcard album

Step 3 Colour: Use the pencils provided to decorate your Egypt colour sheets.

After the Introduction Box, you’ll receive a different country box every month. We received the Egypt Box next, and these are the steps we followed: Step 1 Location: Place the Egypt country stickers on your world map.

Don’t forget to put the sticker in your passport and slip your Egypt postcard into your postcard album.

78 | Crawford Times

Step 4 Dig: Use the provided digging tools and dig for the mummy inside the pyramid.

Step 5 Stencil: Use the hieroglyphic alphabet chart and write your name on the cartouche.

Step 6 Souvenir: Enjoy your special Egypt collectable souvenir – soon you’ll have souvenirs from around the world.

WIN!!!

with Little Jet-Setters!

You could win: 1 x Introduction Box 1 x Egypt Country Box for your child, delievered directly to your home.

Simply email: crawfordtimesreporter@ contactmedia.co.za with your name, cellphone number and suburb, and make the subject line Little Jet-Setters and you could be a winner.

Step 7 Collect: Collect the themed sticker trading cards for your “Flags of the World” sticker book. Swap with your friends.

www.littlejetsetters.co.za | email: info@littlejetsetters.co.za

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S E I T R A P R E P PRO GET OUT THERE

That’s How you do it!

Bouncing parties, disco parties, ice skating parties, pool parties, pamper parties, zoo parties, snowboarding parties... you’ve done it all! Or have you?

Welcome to The Crawford Times party recommendation page. We have two adventure party ideas for you, both hosted outside of your home... because nobody needs 20 kids sitting on their couch in wet costumes while eating chocolate cake. Nobody! These options are high adventure and will quite certainly put your child on the map as having the party of the year!

Stoked @ StokeCity! d

StokeCity AdventurePark, Midran

W

elcome to this unbelievable watersports paradise!

We’re talking a floating obstacle course, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and beach volleyball – what more could you want?

Situated in Midrand, conveniently between Pretoria, Johannesburg and the East Rand, StokeCity AdventurePark is considered the best-kept secret in Gauteng because the park offers one-of-a-kind activities that can’t be experienced anywhere else in the province!

Activities offered: They offer boatless kneeboarding, water-skiing and wakeboarding. Riders are pulled continuously around the lake by a cable system. They also offer the AquaPark, South Africa’s only floating obstacle course!

The AquaPark is made up of a series of inflated obstacles connected together, floating in a clean dam. The AquPark has become a very popular attraction, offering inflated fun for people of all ages.

And when the kids are over the water, there’s a beach volleyball court, large rolling lawns and table tennis. The large observation deck also allows a full view of the dam and water activities.

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StokeCity AdventurePark parties are different because...

• You can party all day long!

If your party has a scheduled activity (such as a 1pm reservation on the AquaPark or Wakeboarding cable), that does not mean your party starts at 1pm or ends directly afterwards.

• They are flexible. Whether it’s a two-hour stay or an all-day affair, they don’t have individual party rooms or hosts who will be keeping you on schedule to leave – they like guests to stay and spend the day!

• Different party packages exist to suit anyone’s budget.

WIN A PARTY FOR 10!

Win a party for 10 kids and two adults at StokeCity AdventurePark. Simply email crawfordtimesreporter@contactmedia.co.za with the subject line, “I want to win with StokeCity” and you could be having a rip-roaring time with your friends in the water.

For more information: www.stokecity.co.za | info@stokecity.co.za | LIKE them on Facebook!

Cnr. R562 & Olifantsfontein Road, Olifantsfontein, Midrand | 082 348 6706

EXPERIENCE

WELCOME TO OUR PLAYGROUND! StokeCity AdventurePark is a water-sports paradise.

Come visit our beautiful oasis of water, sun and fun.

We are the only resort in Gauteng offering 'boatless' water-skiing, kneeboarding and wakeboarding.

Riders are pulled continually around the lake with the use of cables. We offer lessons & equipment hire.

The AquaPark is SA's only floating obstacle course, a very popular attraction, offering inflated fun for all.

With a large observation deck, rolling lawns, various on and off-the-water activities and an assortment of food and beverages, StokeCity is the perfect place to spend a fun, chilled day out with friends or family.

We cater for birthday parties, team building, product launches, any celebration you may have.

Escape the grind and experience adventure!

WWW.STOKECITY.CO.ZA stokecitywake info@stokecity.co.za | +2782 348 6706 Cnr. R562 & Olifantsfontein Road, Olifantsfontein, Midrand,

The Trinitonian | 81

Party @ Bat Cave Wild Cave Adventures, Cradle of

Humankind

Jump into an overall, put a helmet on your head and grab a torch, and let yourself be lowered by rope and harness into the dark tunnel of excitement! There will be a little clamouring, a little crawling, some climbing and lots of laughing and excitement with this unique birthday party idea.

Activities This adventure was featured in the reality show The Amazing Race when the Americans came through a few years ago, so you know it’s good! It’s not just a gentle walk through a cavern; everyone needs to be relatively fit and healthy to take part – but it’s very safe and professional guides are there to guide your party every step of the way.

When you arrive you’ll be given the correct caving clothing. You will then abseil into the cave through the roof, experience a 1.5-hour adventure through the cave to the exit on the other side. Above ground, you can jump on trampolines and enjoy party treats and cake.

The entire party experience lasts 2.5 to 3 hours.

Minimum age Kids over 8 are welcome, but it’s the older kids that have the most fun. Why not let your teenager book the Twilight party, where they come out of the cave to a starry sky and hot pizza!

Bookings and costs Minimum number required, special kids party rate: 10.

Price: R250 per person = R2 500 for the party activities.

This includes the cost for a private timeslot, guide and all necessary overalls, helmets, torches and abseiling gear.

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Adults, who normally pay R450 per person for the trip, come in at the kids’ rate of R250 per person and there can be as many adults as you like If your numbers are more than 10, an additional guide will need to be brought in.

TImeslots 9.45am meeting time for 10am (done by lunchtime) 1.45pm meeting time for 2pm (done by 4.30/5pm) 4.15pm meeting time for 4.30pm (done by 7.30pm) Please factor into your trip at least a 40-minute drive from JHB/PTA so you can be on time.

Food options The cave is under veld and adventurers have never had a problem plonking down on a patch of grass or using the rocks for chairs. Many parents order pizza delivery to the cave grounds for after the adventure or some parents take the kids across the road for burgers and the local restaurant.

For more information: www.wildcaves.co.za | Email: info@wildcaves.co.za | 011 956 6197 or 082 486 2464 Tripadvisor Certificates of Excellence (2014-2018)

Birthday Thrills

Gold Reef City, Johannesburg

Don’t bring the part home, take your party to “thrill central”. Gold Reef City has thrill rides, a trampoline park, a 4D Theatre and an animal farmyard – and now it has a party venue too.

Save more than R600 when you book your birthday party at the Gold Reef City Theme Park and be the party prince or princess.

What does the birthday child get?

• FREE entrance to the Theme Park, including all applicable rides • A FREE birthday meal, juice and ice cream • A FREE birthday gift • A FREE party pack that includes sweets and toys!

For party children 1.3m tall and above (minimum five guests) • R260 per child • All applicable rides included • A meal, juice and ice cream • A party pack that includes sweets and toys!

For party children under 1.3m tall (minimum five guests) • R215 per child • All applicable rides included • A meal, juice and ice cream • A party pack that includes sweets and toys!

Bookings: To book your birthday party, complete the form on the Contact Us page on www.goldreefcity.co.za. Gold Reef City’s party co-ordinators will contact you to finalise your booking. Alternatively, call 011 248 6879 during office hours.

WIN!

Win a birthday party for you and five friends!

Simply email crawfordreporter@contactmedia. co.za with the subject line, “I want to win with Gold Reef City”, and it could be you. All entries will be placed in a draw. Winners will be announced in the next Crawford Times (January).

Every child a masterpiece | 83

The most unique party venue in Jozi!

With a selection of thrilling party options available, let us organize your kid’s birthday!

BOOK TODAY 011 248 6879 goldreefcity.co.za 84 | Crawford Times

THE

HANG OUT

Every child a masterpiece | 85

TEEN FEATURE

HAVE MILLENNIALS BEEN GIVEN A BAD RAP? COUNTERACT THE BAD PRESS AND BECOME THE RISING STAR YOU ARE.

By Margot Bertelsmann

Millennials: People born between 1980 and 2000, the youngest adults in our society Generation X: People born between 1965 and 1980, do-it-myself latchkey kids Baby Boomers: People born between 1946 and 1964, postwar attention-hoggers Silent generation: People born between 1925 and 1945, the shut-up-and-suffer-through-it crowd

L

et’s get one thing out of the way: calling an entire generation of people lazy, narcissistic or overindulged, as Millennials are being labelled, is not just bad science, it’s not even science at all! It’s dealing in stereotypes, the same as if we said women are bad drivers or Japanese people are polite or Mediterraneans too loud: you can find plenty of evidence for your belief if you are looking for it – and plenty of exceptions, too. People just simply are not coerced into having characteristics by the year they were born (or the geography of their birth or the body parts they have, for that matter).

What’s far more likely to be more formative to your emerging “work” personality are your parents, your country of birth, your language and religion and cultural practices, and your income and education levels.

At the same time, human beings love to see tendencies and ascribe attributes to groups of people for easy identification, because it saves time and allows our brains to hold more information at once. Being able to

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recognise a large animal and immediately diagnose “danger” allowed us the evolutionary advantage of time to run away. Categorising a Millennial as a lazy worker with no loyalty to an employer means you manage your expectations accordingly when trawling through a pile of CVs. Older people have struggled with “the youth” since we’ve been humans. In 1907, K.J. Freeman summarised complaints against children in ancient Greece, saying they displayed “luxury, bad manners, contempt for authority, disrespect to elders, and a love for chatter in place of exercise. Children began to be the tyrants, not the slaves, of their households. They no longer rose from their seats when an elder entered the room; they contradicted their parents, chattered before company, gobbled up the dainties at table...”

Sound familiar? Says writer Matt Clibanoff, “Every generation since the Baby Boomers has been called the ‘Me’ generation.”

Take it from whence it comes Like any prejudice, throwing shade at Millennials says more about the Generation Xers and Baby Boomers who are doing it. What it tells us is that the old folk are feeling threatened, as every ageing generation before has felt when confronted with the vigour and vitality of young people with new ideas, the energy to implement them – and opinions about their parents’ way of doing things!

Nobody knows better than a Millennial, the first generation who consumed the Internet with mother’s milk,

that to test the validity of a claim, you always interrogate the source. Once you understand that many harsh judgements of Millennials come from people whose sun is setting as your star is rising, you’ll be better able to write off unfair criticism, and accept the helpful nuggets of advice that are buried in there, too.

So let’s get to it: What are people saying about Millennials?

“They are narcissists who are addicted to technology” The so-called “selfie generation” has been harshly criticised for their inability to experience something if it hasn’t first been mediated through their smartphones. The future will show to what extent previously unparalleled levels of screen time (and screen lives!) will have on us. (Despite hysteria around screen time, no one really knows the answer to this one.) But living online has meant that Millennials are comfortable with being disarmingly honest about their interior lives, specifically about struggles with mental health and sexuality, in a way that your grandparents could never be. One positive result has been a more tolerant, more informed and more open society.

Millennials have also successfully migrated every piece of human knowledge online, initiated the shared economy, and demonstrated unheard-of levels of generosity with, for instance, crowdfunding, open source software and knowledge sharing. Millennials have taken Generation X’s global village and figured out how to create “villages around the globe”, where local, incredibly specific and nuanced knowledge becomes

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easily available to anyone who needs it. And guess what, business owners? There’s money to be made out of knowledge as detailed as this. Hire that Millennial!

“Millennials are coddled and entitled!”

Generation X complained about their parents’ hands-off parenting style. Some may say they’ve overdone the pushback, drowning their Millennial offspring in positive reinforcements, self-esteem-building messages, love, attention and participation trophies. Now, bosses are complaining new employees at the bottom of the career rung want feedback constantly, are fragile snowflakes whose self-esteem melts at the first sign of stress, have unrealistic expectations of how fast they will be promoted, and have no grasp of their immaturity, or of how much they still have to learn.

Of course, nobody who is young and inexperienced knows yet how much they do not know. We bet every senior executive can remember with red faces career missteps and embarrassments committed in their youths.

The challenge for Baby Boomer bosses is to harness the self-belief and can-do attitude of your Millennial employee into the right directions. Think fewer pep talks (they may not need or trust them) and more how-to demonstrations. It’s easy to adapt your management style once you understand what motivates the person in front of you.

“Millennials are lazy!”

Is this fair to a generation that’s overwhelmingly likely to be self-taught in at least one area of technology, such as coding or networking? A Generation Xer’s “lazy” is a Millennial’s refusal to tolerate chunky inefficiencies and create the ingenious disruptive technology of the gig economy (think Uber and Airbnb). Of course, the gig economy has itself been criticised as being potentially exploitative and contributing to job insecurity and low pay – another two less salubrious traits of Millennials’ jobs.

“Millennials are impatient” Life has been speeding up steadily over several generations and Millennials are not the first to be accused of seeking “instant gratification”. But they do take it to the next level: binge-watching entire TV series instead of waiting for a whole week for the next airing; shopping online and expecting next-day delivery straight into their homes; swiping left or right on Tindr instead of taking weeks to build up the courage and wait for the right occasion to ask someone out on a date.

The organisational consultant and motivational speaker Simon Sinek says the learning opportunity for Millennials here is patience. He reminds us that, unlike downloading eight consecutive series of Game of Thrones in an instant on Netflix, the journey to love, fulfilment at work and happiness with your life is long and arduous. “There is no app for meaningful relationships and job satisfaction: they are slow, meandering, messy uncomfortable processes,” he says.

At work, Millennials can be impatient while learning the ropes because they apparently prioritise meaning in their work over income, and don’t value boring tasks.

Don’t we all, especially when young? Older people have possibly merely learnt that a) even meaningful work has an element of repetitiveness and drudgery to it, and b) it takes time to learn your skills.

For some of us, learning life lessons is a bumpy ride, and we annoy others and create conflict while we attain maturity. But, as Matt Clibanoff reminds us, “For every Millennial horror story there are hundreds that are not written about because they behave themselves in a normal manner.”

Go easy on yourself. You have a lot of skills to offer the world. As your Generation X parent may have told you a little too often, you really are special.

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Rise to the Top of the Food Chain

By Melissa Van Achtenburgh

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arah Graham’s Food Safari, Reuben Riffel’s Robertsons Herbs & Spices partnership and Siba Mtongana’s TV show Siba’s Table are just three examples of South African chefs rising and shining.

As a chef, the world really is your oyster and there are always opportunities for you to be creative, to be different and to become the master of your own kitchen.

Yes, you may have to endure the fiery depths of hostile, Gordon Ramsay-esque kitchens on your way up but, oh, the life lessons you will learn and the sweetness of success you will taste.

Meet Chef Wandile Mabaso, a Sowetan chef who realised his passion for the culinary arts as a young child, in his mother’s kitchen. Despite many life challenges, Wandile fought to pursue his passion for food, eventually enrolling in Capsicum Culinary Studio.

And it was here that Wandile discovered the glory of French cuisine, which paved the way for a successful career in fine cuisine.

Wandile’s enthusiasm afforded him a position in a special overseas culinary programme that whisked him from Miami to New York, and from New York to Paris over a ten-year time frame. He often reflects on his culinary career, which took him from mom’s assistant in Soweto to sous-chef to world-famous chefs in Paris.

Through his international experiences, Wandile became known in the global culinary industry. He has inspired chefs from all corners of the globe to follow their dreams and always keep their eye on the pie!

If you’ve got your sights set on the very top of the food chain, take note of Capsicum Culinary Studio’s industry insights to inform you of exactly what’s cooking in the cheffing world.

Lesson 1: If you can’t handle the heat, then get out of the kitchen!

A career as a chef means a lot of blood, sweat and tears. There’s a lot of heat in a kitchen, and we’re not just talking about stovetops, ovens and feisty chefs!

You need to have the mental resilience to perform optimally in an extremely stressful environment. Always remember to: • Abide by kitchen health and safety guidelines, in terms of fresh ingredients, appropriate equipment, attire and favourable working conditions.

• Abide by the kitchen chain of command by being an efficient team member or ensuring the efficiency of each team member. It takes just one rotten egg to spoil the batch.

• Expect the unexpected and be prepared for unpredictability, all day, every day!

Lesson 2: Sacrifice comes before success!

If you’re already dreading the idea of a nine-to-five job, then your hopes of becoming a chef are halfbaked. As a professional in the food industry, you probably won’t have a set schedule. You need to

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prepare for long nights all week long, over the weekends and especially during the holidays.

Lesson 3: The physically fit can enjoy their vices!

Vices are “guilty pleasures” and naturally, the culinary industry comes with a whole lot of temptation. It’s important to understand the need for a healthy lifestyle in this industry, where you’re likely to work long hours on your feet, be bent over chopping endless amounts of ingredients and have the mental clarity to produce worldclass food. A chef’s job is physically strenuous, and while the temptation is high to indulge in the fruits of your labour (the food you make), you need to be mindful in making sure that you don’t lose control. Being physically fit will allow you to do more, for longer – thus achieving your goals and rising to stardom.

Lesson 4: If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life!

Or so they say! But if you’re in the culinary industry Capsicum Culinary Studio Capsicum Culinary Studio offers courses for inexperienced chefs that will equip you to choose exactly what it is you would like to do once you graduate.

Pastry and Confectionery: City & Guilds Diploma in Patisserie (with the option of specialisation once completed) Professional Cooking: Combination programme (cookery and pastry) Certificate or Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking Over and above this, Capsicum Culinary Studio offers several other specialised courses, as well as professional training to those who already have experience and would like to enhance their skills or learn something new!

purely for the money, think twice. As an entry-level chef, your earning potential is directly related to the number of hours you work. Practical experience is your currency, which is why institutions such as Capsicum Culinary Studio, endorsed by City and Guilds, offers competitive industry placement in their programmes.

This ensures that students get as much high-quality practical experience as possible to better equip them once they have graduated.

Lesson 5: Tough times never last, but tough people do!

Like any industry, there are bad days; there are incidences, mistakes, criticism and rivalry. If you can get through these bad days then you will be rewarded with good ones filled with smooth sailing, successes, praise and camaraderie. You gotta be tough! And remember, no matter what type of day you’re having, there are always opportunities to change. Today you may be a chef in a hotel kitchen, but tomorrow you may be cooking in the wild for a catering company.

Live your culinary dream with Capsicum Culinary Studio, a chef school and cooking studio with campuses across the country: Cape Town 263 Victoria Rd, 6th Floor, Rex Trueform Office Park, Salt River Phone: 021 442 0600 Durban Suite 300, Granada Square, 16 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks Phone: 031 561 1959

Port Elizabeth 67 Newton Street Phone: 041 365 2606 Visit their website at www.capsicumcooking.com If your dream is to become the next hospitality hero, check out The Private Hotel School with campuses in:

Johannesburg (Boksburg) Unit 6, Bartlett Lake Office Park, Cnr Leith and Trichards Roads Phone: 011 918 2690

Stellenbosch 33 Stellenbosch, Vlottenburg Road Vlottenburg Phone: 021 881 3792

Johannesburg (Rosebank) 3 Keyes Avenue Phone: 011 234 1896

Johannesburg 3 Keyes Avenue Rosebank Phone: 011 234 1896

Pretoria 134 Aramist Avenue Waterkloof Glen Phone: 012 993 0071

Visit their website at www.privatehotelschool.co.za

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS INJURIES Compiled by Donna Verrydt

I

f you have a kid who’s destined for sporting greatness, then this information may be important to you. It is often at high school level where a child’s sporting future is determined due to the type of coaching they receive, their fitness levels and most important whether they can avoid or manage sports injuries. One severe sports injury at school level can alter their course to sporting greatness.

TYPES OF HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS INJURIES Injuries among young athletes fall into two basic categories: acute injuries and overuse injuries. Both types include injuries to the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) and bones.

Acute Injuries Acute injuries are caused by a sudden trauma, including collisions with obstacles or other players. Common acute injuries include contusions (bruises), sprains (a partial or complete tear of a ligament), strains (a partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon), and fractures. A forceful twist to the lower leg or foot is a common cause of ankle fractures, as well as ligament injuries (sprains).

Overuse Injuries Overuse injuries occur gradually over time when an athletic activity is repeated so often, parts of the body don’t have enough time to heal between playing. These injuries can affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and growth plates. For example, overhand pitching in cricket can lead to injuries to the elbow. Swimming can cause injuries to the shoulder, while gymnastics can cause injuries to the wrist and elbow. But one of the more serious injuries is a stress fracture. Bone is in a constant state of turnover, which is a process called remodelling.

New bone develops and replaces older bone, but if an athlete’s activity is too great, the breakdown of older bone occurs rapidly, and the body cannot make new bone fast enough to replace it. As a result, the bone is weakened and stress fractures can occur, often in the bones of the feet.

Catastrophic Sports Injuries Every mother’s nightmare! Contact sports, such as rugby, have dangers that put young athletes at risk of severe injuries. Even with rigorous training and proper safety equipment, kids are at risk for severe injuries to the head and neck with damage to the brain or spinal cord. Young athletes who sustain concussion or neck injuries need to be assessed by a neurologist before being cleared to play sport again.

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Growth plates are areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones. When a person becomes fully grown, the growth plates harden into solid bone.

Because growth plates are the last portion of bones to harden (ossify), they are vulnerable to fracture. Growth plates regulate and help determine the length and shape of adult bone, therefore, injuries to the growth plate can result in disturbances to bone growth and cause bone deformity.

athletes following injury create the impression that any athlete with proper treatment can return to play at the same ability level, or even better.

PARENTS TAKE NOTE

Prevention Many high school sports injuries can be prevented through proper conditioning, training and equipment.

Many injuries can be prevented with regular conditioning that begins prior to the formal sports season. Injuries often occur when athletes suddenly increase the training intensity of their activity. Young athletes who are out of shape at the start of the season should gradually increase activity to build back up to a higher fitness level.

Prompt Medical Attention Whether an injury is acute or due to overuse, a high school athlete who develops a symptom that persists or that affects his or her athletic performance should be examined by a doctor. Untreated injuries could lead to permanent damage or disability. Some athletes may downplay their symptoms in order to continue playing. Coaches and parents should be aware of the more common signs of injury, such as pain with activity, changes in form or technique, pain at night, and decreased interest in practising.

Treatment Treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury and may include a combination of physical therapy, strengthening exercises and bracing. More serious injuries may require surgery.

Return to Play A player’s injury must be completely healed before he or she returns to sports activity. In the case of a joint problem, the player must have no pain, no swelling, a full range of motion, and normal strength.

In the case of concussion, the player must have no symptoms at rest or with exercise and should be cleared by the appropriate medical provider. Media stories about the early return to competition by professional

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It’s important for players, parents and coaches to understand that depending on the type of injury and treatment required, the young athlete may not be able to return to the game at the same level of play – no matter how much effort is put into injury rehabilitation.

Using proper technique for the position being played is also key to preventing injury, as well as having the proper equipment – including having the right shoes! In addition to technique and equipment, sportsmanship can also play a role. Injuries can be prevented when athletes understand and follow the rules of the game, and display good on-field ethics.

Because many young athletes are focusing on just one sport and are training year-round, doctors are seeing an increase in overuse injuries. Specific tips to prevent overuse injuries include: • Limit the number of teams in which your child is playing in, in one season.

• Don’t allow your child to play one sport year-round.

Taking regular breaks and playing other sports is essential to skill development and injury prevention.

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