AUTUMN ISSUE - APRIL, MAY, JUNE 2017
LESSONS FROM
THE WILD TEAMWORK, ADAPTABILITY, BRAVERY
UNPLUG YOUR FAMILY
MAGIC IN MAGOEBASKLOOF
BACK TO NATURE The Trinitonian |1 PLUS! BUILD A BEE NURSERY, EAT LIKE A FLEXITARIAN AND LEARN TO SHARE
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
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CONTENTS TRINITYHOUSE NEWS
LIFESTYLE
02/FOREWORD
54/TRAVEL
05/TRINITOON
64/IN THE KITCHEN
06/SPOTLIGHT NEWS – WHICH ANIMAL ARE YOU?
66/HOW TO...MAKE A BEE NURSERY
17/SCHOOL SCOOP 48/ALUMNI: SHARK!
68/WHIPPERSNAPPER KIDS’ PAGES 72/INSPECTOR GADGET 75/CAR REVIEW 76/SPOTLIGHT PRAYER
FEATURE ARTICLES 08/HANDLING HUMAN NATURE: SHARING 12/POWERFUL LESSONS FROM NATURE
Published by: Contact Media & Communications Publishers: Donna Verrydt / Sean Press Editorial Director: Marthie van der Wat (ADvTECH) Editorial Manager: Christelle Wolmarans (ADvTECH) Editor: Donna Verrydt (Contact Media) Head of Finance: Lesley Fox Sales: Contact Media Sales Team (011) 789 6339 info@contactmedia.co.za
Content: Design Director: Candice Masson Designer: Quinten Tolken Copy Editor: Angie Snyman Writers/Contributors: Damian Murphy, Donna Verrydt, Kelsey Rayner, Lynn van Jaarsveld, Zelda Victor Repro & Print: Theta Graphics and Print The Trinitonian | 1
ACADEMIC FOREWORDARTICLE
FOREWORD Andries van Renssen General Manager: Trinityhouse and Glenwood House Schools Dear Trinitonians and friends, Can you believe that the first term of 2017 is already behind us? On Friday 17 March, just before the long weekend, the staff of all the Gauteng Trinityhouse campuses had a big get together called Enrichment Day. The theme for the day was Celebrating 20 years of Trinityhouse, and several staff who had been with Trinityhouse since the day it opened in January 1997, shared their memories with us. The theme for this Trinitonian edition is Nature, so I want to share part of my Enrichment Day devotion... as an introduction. I was recently reminded, by Dr Johan of the Rekord newspaper, of what was in the newspapers on 27 December 2016. It was all about the heat, the drought, the water crisis and the Vaal Dam that was 23% full. Newspapers were full of predictions of civil unrest that would erupt once our most basic resource, water, was going to run out. People were even encouraged to report their neighbours who transgressed the water restrictions; it was a truly frightening time. Experts predicted that, even if it started raining, it would take years to return to normal. 27 February 2017, just two months later, the news broke that the Vaal Dam is 100.11% full and that the flood gates were being opened! The so-called “impossible” had happened. Why? Was this natural catastrophe averted because we are good? No. Maybe because many people did the right thing? No. What about because all the requests for prayer on Facebook received enough ‘likes’? Definitely not! Only one word can describe this salvation and that is: Grace. God gave us and our beautiful country grace. Given the situation our country is in and whether we deserve it, He still gave us His overflowing blessings in the form of rain. Psalm 103 says: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will He harbour His anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west. So far He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103 preaches it; the Vaal Dam shows it: God rains His grace on us. If He gave us this, should we not trust Him to give our country, and our people, what we need? Should I not trust Him for what I need every day? This year, Trinityhouse celebrates 20 years of existence. We look back and we see God’s grace in the school’s history. We look forward and we put our trust in Him, for everything that Trinityhouse and its people will need in the future. And when we forget that, look at nature and see His presence: He is with us every day. May God bless you.
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ACADEMIC ARTICLE
The Trinitonian | 5
SPOTLIGHT ACADEMICNEWS ARTICLE
I’M A PRINCIPAL,
HEAR ME ROAR
There is a beast in all of us, we just have to figure out which one! We asked the principals of our Trintyhouse schools which animal they thought they are most like. We got some interesting answers...
What animal are you most like? I am most like a meerkat. Why? Just like these animals I have lots of energy, am highly alert and observant and am very family orientated. Darren de Gouviea-Smith Preparatory/High Palm Lakes
Andrea Brann Pre-Primary Randpark Ridge
What animal are you most like? I am most like an wolf Why? Just like the wolf, I put the pack ahead of my personal well-being . I am a firm believer in pushing or leading from behind and taking charge when need be. I am also tenacious and loyal, motivating everyone around me to strive for the best.
What animal are you most like? I am most like an African wild dog Why? Like the African Wild Dog, we live and hunt in packs. Each member plays a critical role in the pack. No-one is more important than the other, and all have a sense of responsibility to provide love and security to the pack. Lynn van Jaarsveld Pre-Primary Little Falls
What animal are you most like? I am most like an owl. Why? Just like our School Owl, I too believe in delivering good news. I have a calm and insightful nature, I’m a creature of great integrity and I’m a wise observer of human society. I use my faith and love for God to guide me.
Farone Eckstein High Randpark Ridge
What animal are you most like? I am most like a horse. Why? I can sleep standing up and I love to graze. I am also a little portly round the tummy with skinny legs. Noise impacts my behaviour and can add to my stress levels. I am a creature of habit and respond well to routine. I need exercise and constant grooming and I help others who feel anxious by soothing their fears. In a few years time, I hope I won’t be put out to pasture!
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Carolyn Slabbert Pre-Primary Palm Lakes
Andries van Renssen (GM) Trinityhouse and Glenwood House Schools
What animal are you most like? I am most like a squirrel. Why? Just like this little creature, I’m always busy. I can never sit still for too long. I even walk fast. I constantly get told to slow down. I always find something to do. Like the squirrel, I only relax once the job is done, and then I will still find something to keep me preoccupied. Squirrels are no doubt smart little creatures and are not afraid. They enjoy their family life and are extremely resilient.
Dennis Symes Glenwood House
What animal are you most like? I am most like a chimpanzee. Why? I’m an extrovert and am very playful. I’m also responsible and very protective of my youngsters. I like spending time with others and have a great sense of humour. I’m curious, which takes us on wild and wonderful adventures, but this can get me into trouble... sometimes!
What animal are you most like? I am most like a Beaver. Why? I work hard and ‘build bridges’ as part of a community. Beavers work together for a common goal and create lasting structures. In fact, the idioms “busy as a beaver” and “eager beaver” are synonymous with being industrious and hardworking. Beavers nurture small beavers and teach them life lessons on how to become the best adult beavers they can be.
Thinus Wentzel Preparatory Heritage Hill
What animal are you most like? I am most like a whale shark. Why? Just like these animals, I love to swim in warm oceans. They have thick skin and big mouths. While the whale shark is docile, it can be slightly dangerous so don’t get on their bad side. But overall, these are the gentle giants of the ocean.
Jacky de Blocq Pre-Primary Heritage Hill
Karen Cammell Preparatory Little Falls
What animal are you most like? I am most like a meerkat. Why? Just like the meerkat, I’m deeply ethical and idealistic. I’m loyal to family, close friends and colleagues. I’m guided by a desire to live life according to my personal values, but am also curious about those around me. I will not accept any threats to the security of my family or morals.
Lana Meintjes Pre-Primary and Preparatory Northriding
What animal are you most like? I am most like an elephant. Why? I am protective over my ‘herd’ be it my family, children or staff. My children say I have a presence about me, and when I put my head down in “charge mode” there is no stopping me! I am an avid reader, and my son once said “who needs Google when we have dad, a mind like an elephant”. With the knowledge that I have acquired over the years, I try to demonstrate leadership through wisdom and believe I have strong principles. I also own the title of being “stubborn”, dare I say it!
What animal are you most like? I truly never consider life along the lines of favourite colours, food, music or which animal I associate myself with, but my family believes that I am as follows: My wife: you are as hard-headed as a buffalo and as loyal as a canine. She also mentioned something about me being as stubborn as a donkey. My son: You are as strong, fun, protective and heavy as a lion. So who knows, maybe I am a mixed blend of good and bad character traits, kind of like the chameleon.
Lynne Davis High School Little Falls
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ACADEMIC FEATURE ARTICLE ARTICLE
HANDLING HUMAN NATURE –
SHARING! by Lynn van Jaarsveld (Principal of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Little Falls)
Some tips to help you through the war under your roof due to the ‘sharing’ issue.
A
young child has no clear perception of their place in the world. In their eyes, the world revolves around them and they only care about their immediate needs and gratifications. And when it comes to sharing… well, that’s just not in their nature, yet! Sharing has to be taught and the benefits of sharing experienced. Young children, from ages 1-4, play alongside other children, but not with them. They also form strong attachments to their toys and, of course, to Mom. These attachments are normal and very important in the emotional development of the child, but sharing any of these things can be a real challenge. As children begin to play properly with their peers, they form social bonds. They also start to learn how to co-operate in their play, and will eventually see the value of sharing.
Play lessons A good way to teach children any principles or values is through play. They are more likely to remember what they learned while playing than from any verbal lecture. A good start in helping children to share is to play “sharing games” with them. For instance, give your toddlers sweets, cookies or toys and then ask them to share these with everyone in the room. You want them to learn that sharing is a normal way of life and that it spreads joy and happiness. They will be encouraged by the happy face and the “thank you” they receive. The positive response to their sharing will make them feel good, almost heroic and they will start to feel the value. (Side note: while sharing is caring you may want to outline to your children the differences between sharing with people and animals. A sucker shared with your family pug is not the sharing we want to encourage!) 8 | The Trinitonian
The Trinitonian | 9 Credit: Shutterstock Images
ACADEMIC FEATURE ARTICLE ARTICLE
Sharing squabbles
“Time’s up!”
If a sharing squabble does break out, don’t interfere immediately. Rather observe quietly and see how it develops. If the situation continues to deteriorate, then intervene. But, there is more value in children learning to solve their own conflict situations, than you solving it for them.
Allocating time for each child to play with the same toy is also a good way to encourage your toddler to share. Tell them they will each have two minutes to play with the toy before they must swap. They might argue about who goes first, but you can manage this by giving them a number dice and seeing who rolls the highest number first. When you say “time’s up”, the toy must be given to the other child. Reassure them that they will have another turn to play with the toy.
Sharing basket A good opportunity to encourage and teach sharing is when friends come to visit. It’s natural for a toddler not to want to share their toys with a visiting friend. You are asking them to ‘give away’ their most valuable possessions. A good technique is to ask the parents of the friend to bring some toys along with them when they visit. Then, set up a “sharing basket” on the floor where they are playing. Ask your toddler to choose toys he would like to play with while his friend is visiting and then put these in the “sharing basket”. The little friend will do the same. Soon the basket will be filled with communal toys. Children get very excited when there are new toys to play with. Teach your toddler that in order to play with the friend’s new, and exciting, toys, he/she will have to let the friend play with one of his/her toys. This teaches them that sharing and taking turns is fair play and that everyone has fun when they share. Praise your toddler when he/she does share! Make a big deal out of the action.
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If they are still not willing to share, take the toy away and say they can only play with it again when they have learnt how to share. They will soon learn that it is better to share than to forfeit the toy completely.
Lead by example Children copy or mimic everything their parents do. When someone wants to borrow something from you, make this a teachable moment, example: “Mommy is sharing her scissors with Granny,” or “Look, I am sharing my popcorn with Daddy and because I shared my popcorn with him, he is now sharing his chocolate with me”.
Praise, praise and more praise Remember to keep praising your toddler when he shares as this will make him feel secure within himself when he has your approval. This feeling will encourage your child to do the right thing, and share with others.
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ACADEMIC FEATURE ARTICLE ARTICLE
Powerful lessons from nature by Zelda Victor, writer and mom of two
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” – Albert Einstein The wisdom of the late and great Albert Einstein encourages us all to look for life lessons that are hidden in nature. These lessons are in the bravery of the lion, the persistance of the ant and the gentleness of the elephant!
BE AS BRAVE AS A LION!
Credit: Shutterstock Images
In the wild: The lion is known as the ‘king of the jungle’ for a reason. He is a brave leader, providing protection for the pride, and occassionaly helping the ‘ladies’ hunt for dinner! But no matter who does the hunting, a lion does it without fear! Have you ever seen a lion take down animals five times their size, like buffalo, giraffe and even elephant? There is no time to be afraid, they just get in there and do the job. In our life: Narges Nirumvala, the CEO of ExecutiveSpeak Coaching International and a worldrenowned leadership communication expert, says that bravery is the foundation upon which all great leadership is built. As a leader of your cricket team or even as a class captain, you will need the courage to: make good decisions, say what you think, ask questions if you don’t understand, remain silent when necessary (and to know when that is), and to fight for what you believe is right. Go forth and roar...
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BE AS PERSISTENT AS AN ANT! In the wild: Have you ever spent a few minutes watching ants? They’re everywhere, moving along in lines, carrying things much heavier than their little bodies. They are busy creatures with one goal in mind and not much time to stop and chat. Even if you block their path, they won’t wait for you to move, they will immediately make a new plan: going around, or over, or under to get to their target. And if the challenge gets too difficult, they simply call in the troops to come and lend a helping hand… or six! In our life: Persistence, determination and resilience is what we can learn from these little guys. They never give up! We’ve all heard it before: If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. When an obstacle blocks our path to success, don’t stop… find another way, try a different approach or simply go right over. And if the load becomes too heavy, don’t be embarrassed to admit your limitations; ask for help! People love helping others, they just don’t always know what you need.
BE AS COMPASSIONATE AS AN ELEPHANT! In the wild: It almost seems ironic that an animal that stands more than three meters tall and weighs six-thousand kilograms, could be the gentleset and most compassionate being. Researchers say that elephant behaviour shows a deep intelligence where things like grief, self-awareness, and compassion are witnessed. When one of the herd dies, those left behind will mourn the loss by covering the body with leaves and grass, and hang around for days. And, similar to humans returning to gravesites of loved ones, elephants visit the bones of their dead. According to Brett Smith for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online, research has shown that when an elephant experiences distress, the others will pull closer and use their trunks to carefully touch the distressed ellie’s face. In our life: So, if a huge animal like an elephant has a soft side, helping others in stressful situations and caring for the well-being of one another, then why can’t we do the same? Listen to your friends when they speak. Hear what is going on in their lives, sit with them, hug them, support them and be there for them and you will make an elephant proud!
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ACADEMIC FEATURE ARTICLE ARTICLE
BE AS VERSATILE AS A CHAMELEON In the wild: How amazing are chameleons? Not only can they change their colour to blend in with their surroundings (becoming invisible), but their eyes can also move around 360 degrees, so they can see the bigger picture! But camouflaging themselves is not just a form of protection, it is also a way for the chameleon to adapt to its surroundings, for instance they regulate their temperature by changing colour. In order to warm up, they become darker during the morning to absorb more heat, and to cool down they become lighter to reflect the sun. In our life: In a similar way, the human body is very adaptable. We are one of the few species that can live in various conditions: humid tropical forests, dry deserts or cities with scary amounts of pollution. Other animal and plant species are restricted to a few environments only. This tells us that we were made for change and we should embrace it. Some find it easier to do than others, but being open to change helps you survive and thrive in any environment. Whether you are going to a new grade, or joining a new group, do what the chameleon does… adapt, protect yourself, keep a close eye out, and thrive in any environment!
BE A GOOD TEAM LIKE THE WILD DOG In the wild: In his book, Natural Teamwork, Vernon Cresswell describes African wild dogs as exhibiting an excellent example of effective teamwork. Being very social animals, wild dogs live together in tight-knit packs that sleep, hunt and feed together. It’s critical for the wild dog to operate in a pack and to have strength in numbers. In many situations, “two heads are better than one”. Therefore, a healthy relationship with each other is essential. In our life: Humans were also not meant to roam alone. Whether you form part of a family, a group of friends, a school or a church, we all have an emotional need to belong and to be accepted. And all of us want to form part of a greater purpose. We should strive to nurture and work on relationships with other team members to ensure that we succeed. Although animals communicate by way of sounds, we have the ability to talk to each other and to say exactly what is on our mind. After all, “teamwork makes the dream work”.
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A PHONE FOR YOUR CHILD
PEACE OF MIND FOR YOU
CALLING: Make and receive calls to preset contacts. SOS: Press button to alert when in trouble and send location to approved contacts. GEOFENCE: Receive notifications when watch exits predetermined boundary. MESSAGE: Two-way voice messages. One-way text messages. GPS TRACKING: Makes use of GPS, LBS, Wifi and Google Location Services. SCHOOL MODE: Remotely deactivate all features, except for location tracking, SOS and time. www.tinytrack.co.za
OLED black and white screen. The touch Trinitonian | 15 Full colour screen.
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
SCHOOL
SCOOP
ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
GLENWOOD HOUSE
PRE-PRIMARY Getting in touch with nature Thomas Berry said, “Teaching children about nature should be seen as one of the most important events of their lives”. And at Little Glens we see it as a privilege. Recently, an American study found that children are more easily frustrated – often crying at the drop of a hat, falling out of their chairs and generally being less attentive and clumsy in class. Certainly this is an issue that wasn’t that apparent in past years. However, when one sees how little time children are spending spontaneously learning about the world around them, one can’t help but think there is a link between active free play in nature, learning about nature and exploring the environment with all their senses, and a happy preschooler. This term at Little Glens, we have therefore embraced this concept. Teachers were encouraged to have a visible thread of nature running through our weekly themes, and have had many fun experiences as well as exciting adventures learning about the world.
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Grade 0: Our Cheetah and Giraffe classes enjoyed learning about the ocean, so much so, that we arranged a wonderful outing to Mossel Bay. They visited Shark Lab where they were able to see an octopus feed. It was the first time for many children to see this creature up close and in action. They were also told how to correctly handle a starfish, and saw some juvenile sharks. During discussion time, the children were able to use the knowledge they gained to understand that sharks are not dangerous by intention, and that sharks should not be hunted, as their numbers are dwindling. At the Diaz Museum, they spent some time exploring the “touch and feel” tank, which is home to many sea creatures. Starfish, sea anemones, urchins, and tiny prawns were all very visible to the children. As Glenwood House is blessed to have a beautiful wetland area, where several different biomes are visible, the Cheetah class decided to go on an insect hunt. The trail through the different plants was filled with insects of all varieties. The children took magnifying glasses, and thoroughly enjoyed finding grasshoppers, butterflies, dragonflies and even a praying mantis. After the refreshing rain
shower, the Insect Hotel (a project built by our College eco-club), had no vacancies, and the children were able to see the different types of habitats that attract the insects. On their return to class, the children painted the most beautiful pictures of what they had seen! Lastly, at our family camp, held at Hartenbos, families created the most wonderful sand sculptures, and enjoyed a fantastic day at the beach together. Grade 00: The Leopard and Hippo classes have introduced gardening to their Grade 00s and after explaining the concept of growing plants, each child was given the opportunity to dig in, and get planting. Recycled yoghurt containers were used, and the children filled these with soil. A little seed was placed inside, and while the children are expecting the sunflowers to be flowering by next week, Ms Claire and Ms Tracey explained that a little love, nurturing and some more time will bring joy with the sunflowers. We look forward to filling our school with these bright flowers soon! There is no better way to learn about, and appreciate nature than to go to a farm and spend
Bug Hotel
Cheetah class wetlands
Insect Walk
Insect pictures
the morning surrounded by verdant green fields and farm animals. Thanks to our kind parents who helped with the transport, we were off to visit the farms in Sinksabrug. The children experienced flocks of sheep, and even a demonstration by two working sheep dogs. Children were able to touch and cuddle the soft, white lambs. After a relaxing picnic on the lawn by the dam, we were off to the next farm to see cows, goats, chickens and bunnies. The farmer was kind enough to take the children on a tractor ride through the fields. A lovely morning was had by all, and as the tired Little Glens waved goodbye to the farmer,
Hattingh & Jamneck families
Mud pit
they were chatting about all they saw and learnt. Grade 000: Spontaneous learning is a very important part of the Meerkat class, as these little ones just love to get messy and stuck into nature all around them. After a night of welcome, drenching rain, the children has so much fun, exploring and experimenting in the muddy puddles on the playground. Some were happy to splash around in their gumboots, while others enjoyed the squishy mud between their toes. After listening to Ms Sian teach them about Jack and the Beanstalk, during their Once upon a time theme, they were
Payton, Simone and Cuemi
Mud dance
so excited to grow their very own beans. They sprouted their beans in a little cotton wool inside a plastic bag, and once they were big enough, transplanted them into yoghurt containers. They have been looking after them every day, by giving them a little water and just enough sunlight. Some are looking very strong indeed, maybe there may be a golden hen at the tippy top of one of them soon! In closing, to borrow the words from Dr Seuss, “When you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing”. We are in awe of God’s Creation, and thank Him daily for His love, and the ability to learn and experience it.
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ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
GLENWOOD HOUSE
PREPARATORY We bring you…Nature from Glenwood House Preparatory School, situated on the beautiful Garden Route! FEATHERBED NATURE RESERVE The Grade 7 natural science pupils study Life & Living and Biodiversity as part of their curriculum. Recently they visited the Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head of the famous Heads in Knysna, a premier eco-experience on the Garden Route. The outing kicked off with an exciting ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon where children were educated about the history of the area as well as the wealth of sea life that exists in this estuary. On reaching the Western Head, they were whisked away on a 4x4 trailer drive up the headland onto the reserve, stopping at spectacular viewpoints to enjoy the vast fauna and flora. After disembarking, the children then undertook a 2.2km hike through coastal forest, fynbos and ancient sea caves. The outing ended with a delicious burger and coldrink shared with good friends in the shade of the mighty milkwood trees, indigenous to the area. Wow, what a superb experience! With a nature reserve guide with us throughout our visit, this was one of the highlights of our Nature and Biodiversity outing. Taken by boat to the reserve, we then had great fun travelling by trailer to the top of the hill, followed by a fairly easy walk back down. The views were breathtaking and the guides were very helpful and knowledgeable – they obviously love the place, and quite rightly so! What an awesome experience for all our Grade 7 Glenwoodians!
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Featherbed outing
SOUTH AFRICAN ANIMAL SANCTUARY ALLIANCE The Grade 6 class of Glenwood House visited the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) consisting of Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay. Here our learners came so close to the heart of the Garden Route and its beautiful nature. Birds of Eden’s unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans a gorge of indigenous forest. “We need another, and a wiser, and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals... In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth. “ (Henry Beston) That is our “nature” in Glenwood House!
IN THE SCIENCE LABORATORY At Glenwood House we not only go out to explore nature, we also bring nature into our science laboratory! The petunia flower that is part of the angiosperm group of flowers, makes an ideal specimen for dissection. Scalpels ready… and cut!
Alicia Potts, the wonder of nature through the eyes of our future scientists… amazing!
Nina Goussard inspecting a flower closely Emma van der Linde, Alicia Potts, Nina Goussard and Ilse Smit enjoying being young scientists.
James Helling, Marnus Oosthuizen and Justin Scholtz wonder at the intricate design of this beautiful flower.
Food dehydration: Tiaan Hugo and his friends share a light moment while preparing their fruit for dehydration.
Starch testing: In Nature plants can produce their own food! A group of Grade 6 girls are using iodine to see if plants can really produce their own food. The wonder of nature!
Enzo in the Grade 6 Class, showing off the fruit which he dried using various dehydration methods.
And yes… it is positive! Plants can produce their own food.
A group of Grade 6 Scientists testing for starch in a variety of food groups.
Tiaan, Cuan and Sipho sporting “cool” eye protection.
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ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
GLENWOOD HOUSE
COLLEGE Glenwood Environment Society Speaks Up for Nature The Glenwood House Environment Society (GHES) is a group of 30 students who have a mission to improve the environment of Glenwood House School, as well as initiating projects to protect nature in our community. Our motto is ‘Pro Terra’. We see ourselves as custodians of our natural world and place emphasis on protection, conservation and care of indigenous plants, animals and the environment. We prioritise biodiversity, ethical treatment of wildlife and learning how to live sustainably. We take responsibility for educating our entire school by hosting assemblies, concerts, special days and fundraisers at the school.
fills and empties with the seasons. It holds back huge volumes of water from flooding the adjacent rugby pitch and stores this water during dry periods. Wetland plants filter the water, trap sediment and add oxygen. The wetland also offers a place of shelter for a huge community of organisms.
GHES is involved in a number of initiatives and projects in our school and the community:
The wetland is used as an outdoor classroom and the school has even hosted visiting lecturers from the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW).
School Wetland and Biomes Project In 2009, members of GHES set out to create a wetland on the school grounds by digging a trench in a muddy area of the school grounds. In the last eight years, this habitat has flourished and attracted different species of insect, six species of frog and many indigenous birds. The school wetland is fed by rainwater, which 22 | The Trinitonian
Since initiating the project, we have added several other biomes including: the fynbos biome, the succulent bank, the medicinal plant garden and the forest biome. Students maintain the wetland and biomes project, cutting back vegetation, composting cuttings, weeding and planting.
Leopard and Predator Project The school partnered with the Landmark Foundation in 2009 in an effort to raise awareness of the risk to local leopard populations. “There are probably no more than 350 leopards left in the Western and Eastern Cape Fold Mountain areas”, says Monica Vaccaro, Education Officer for Landmark
Foundation. The leopards’ habitat has gradually shrunk and become more and more fragmented, meanwhile leopards are under constant threat from farmers who shoot or gin trap the animals in bid to protect their livestock. “What these students are doing is part of a critical body of scientific research,” explains Monica Vaccaro. The Landmark teams have set up numerous camera trap grids to count and identify the leopard population in the area. The Glenwood students work with the foundation, manning their cameras, and regularly give feedback to Landmark about the animals whose images they capture, including leopards and their prey. “This project is incredibly exciting,” says Clare Van Rensburg, Natural Science Teacher and Environment Society Coordinator. “The students are fascinated by these predators and tracking them has proved to be an excellent educational opportunity,” she continues. The students were so inspired by leopard conservation that they raised funds and purchased their own motion detection cameras in 2012. The group regularly places them in remote forest locations around the George and Wilderness area.
A forest rain frog viewed at the Glenwood House wetland
Hannah O Brien and Kyla Jacobs set the camera
Donkey at the Barnyard Donkey Sanctuary in George
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Keighan Bradfield and Raynard Stammer photographing aquatic insects at the Glenwood House wetland
The Donkey Foster Programme Our latest project is the Student Donkey Foster Programme. We have successfully mobilised the entire high school in raising funds to adopt a donkey at the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary in Prince Albert. The threats to donkeys were first brought to our attention in February after one of our students watched a Carte Blanché exposé on the trade in donkey skins for the Asian market. It is incorrectly believed that the gelatin contained in donkey skins has medicinal properties. This has created a market for the skins in the orient that is driving a grizzly industry on our doorstep. Since South Africa does not have sufficient formal infrastructure to slaughter donkeys, they are often stolen, killed in a brutal manner, skinned alive and dumped in the veld. Glenwood House students conducted their own ‘donkey
Glenwood environment society members learn how to secure the camera trap
Painted reed frog at the Glenwood House wetland
Teacher, Clare Van Rensburg, helping students to fill in the insect hotel at the Glenwood House wetland
auction’ on 13 March where six students and two teachers were ‘sold’ for an astounding R6 840. The Environment Society students also made bracelets in support of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary and our local Barnyard Donkey Santcuary in George. The bracelet will be sold at school for R40. Our goal is to be able to reach R10 000, to visit the donkey sanctuary and to participate with the sanctuary in vetting adoptive farms for the rescued animals. CEO of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, Jonno Sherwin, congratulated the Environment Society on their leadership and dedication to this initiative. Recycling Project The Environment Society maintains a recycling project at our school that involves all students, teachers, staff and parents. There are four recycling stations on the school campus that consist: one each for plastic, paper, cans and non-recyclable waste. There are also stations in each class. The bins are then
Caracal
emptied out and taken to the recycling centre on a daily basis ‘This group of teenagers have done an enormous amount, often way beyond the call of duty, to further conservation and environmental education in Glenwood House School,’ says principal Mr Dennis Symes. ‘They are showing us the power of student-driven environmental education,’ he says. The Glenwood Environmental Society has achieved multiple awards including the Diamond Decade Status as an EcoSchool and the WESSA National Award for a Group. We hope to encourage more learners to join us in the fight for a better world, starting with our school Environmental Society. We hope to go from strength to strength and make the world a better place for all! Danielle Marx, Chairperson of Glenwood Environment Society The Trinitonian | 23
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TRINITYHOUSE
PRE-PRIMARY HERITAGE HILL Time2Read – by Debbie Warschkuhl, Grade 0 Zebras class teacher
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ime2Read is a revolutionary reading methodology that has been implemented at Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Heritage Hill. This system was received and put into practice with great eagerness by all the teachers. We, as teachers, are often reluctant to change, especially in systems that play such an integral part of our daily teaching regime. Teachers tend to favour methods that have been used for years, methods that have earned their way into classrooms. Time2Read on the other hand, has made such an impact on Trinityhouse Heritage Hill Pre-Primary educators, that even years of experience could not fight the logic behind it. Reading is not a natural skill, but an acquired skill. Deciphering this human invented writing system demands expertise, and is a fundamental component of reading instruction. Reading written language requires children to consciously think of the sounds present in different words, for example: the word ‘cat’ is made up of three different sounds, c-a-t, and these sounds are represented by different symbols/letters in print. It also requires children to manipulate the individual sounds in words. For this reason, a writing system forms an integral part 24 | The Trinitonian
of all reading instruction. The English language is based on an alphabetic writing system. McGuiness (2004) defines a writing system as a “code in which specific elements of a language are mapped systematically to graphic signs or symbols”. People are not naturally aware of the sounds in a language; children who will be using an alphabetical writing system need to be explicitly trained to listen to the sounds in speech. Structured lessons systematically need to lead the developing brain of the reader to facilitate links between the sounds of the language and its symbols. When you read through the above-mentioned paragraph, it makes perfect sense why Time2Read hits the nail on the head. Children need to start at a level that is appropriate for their age group. Auditory perception is the most important starting block. Taking on this immeasurable task, and turning it into a big success was the main focus of Trinityhouse Heritage Hill PrePrimary in 2016. The pre-primary team immediately started brainstorming and followed the Time2Read system carefully to ensure that the implementation thereof was successful. The teachers came up with a “master
plan” of how to implement this system, still ensuring that it fits within the Learn-through-play philosophy of our school. In the age groups 3-4 years and 4-5 years, the focus falls strongly on auditory perceptual skills. auditory perception refers to the ability of the brain to interpret and create a clear impression of sounds. Good auditory skills enable children to distinguish between different pitches, volumes, rhythms and sources of sounds and words, which has, amongst others, significant benefits for learning to read. The learners start with lessons that include syllables and compound words. The teachers only work with visual cues like pictures and never the written words, ensuring that the focus falls on the auditory skills. Sound awareness is an important link in breaking the code of the alphabetic writing system. Training sound awareness before and during beginner reading, produces significant advantages in reading achievement. It influences reading comprehension and predicts later reading achievement. Children can’t simply be taught to memorise words, because languages simply have too
Together we work to build compound word puzzles.
We learn about syllables in different ways. The Gr 0 Lions play Syllable Sort.
I can build these compound word puzzles on my own too.
Peg the Number – How many syllables?
many words. A reading method that is based on partial or total memorisation of sight words is presently resulting in failure for many children. When children move to Grade 0 (5-6 years), the instruction changes significantly. Term 1 focuses on auditory perception, ensuring that all the necessary skills are taught. In term 2, the learners start working with the 5 SKILLS that are critical to reading and spelling success (Level 1). In Level 1, children learn to master the Foundation Code of English. In the Foundation Code, children learn that one sound in a spoken word can be represented by writing one letter only. Successful mastery of this level lays a strong foundation for future mapping of English sounds to symbols which tend to be much more complex – hence the name – Foundation Code. The 5 skills are: coding – the ability to hear and identify individual sounds in words and represent each sound with a sound button, sound line or sound smile
Left to Right: Kwanda Dube, Zander le Roux, Kwena Rabothata and Shyla Marimuthu from the Gr 0 Lion class play the Compound Word game.
The Gr 0 Elephant class children busy with Coding.
encoding – the ability to represent spoken sounds with written symbols decoding – the ability to match written symbols with spoken sounds chunking – the ability to break multi-syllabic words into small manageable elements sound manipulation – the ability to change, add and delete individual sounds in words. Instruction is strengthened by a systematic introduction of the written code. Written symbols need to be introduced systematically, starting with simple words containing foundation code only and systematically moving to more complex code/mapping. All aspects of reading and spelling need to be taught explicitly, ensuring understanding of all mappings. Sounds are introduced first, fast and furious. (FFF) First – sounds are first taught and then linked to letter symbols Fast – more than one sound/ symbol is introduced each week. No sound is learnt in isolation.
Emma Bell from the Gr 0 Giraffe class busy with Coding – identifying the beginning, middle and end sounds.
Furious – lots of opportunity for consolidation and repetition of the code. Fluent and accurate word recognition will necessitate fluent code knowledge CONCLUSION: Research supports the fact that 95% of all children can be taught to read well; we cannot settle for anything less. Reading fluently and with comprehension should be an ethical and professional imperative. If scientific research has come up with specific methods, activities or skills that are essential to reading success, these need to be included into all forms of reading instruction. This ensures that no child will be left behind and with the unnecessary frustration that accompanies a child for 12 years (excluding occupational limitations) of his/her school career. Accepting accountability is a challenge every reading teacher should commit to. References: Time2Read, 2017. http://www.time2read.co.za/teachersupport/
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ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
PREPARATORY HERITAGE HILL The most significant public holiday of the year
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or many years of my life I lived firmly in the belief that Christmas is the most important day of the year. It marks, after all, the birth of our Creator, the Lord, Jesus Christ. That has changed. During those years I strongly associated Easter with chocolate bunnies, candy eggs and egg hunts. The Easter Bunny became, as is the case with modern secular society, the “face” of Easter. Oh, and lest we forget, a dandy long weekend to boot. MS Lowndes argues that easter eggs can be seen to represent ‘new life’ because new life hatches from the egg, and Jesus was resurrected on the third day – giving us new life in Him. It was only a matter of time before I came to the realisation that I had Christmas and Easter confused and, more profoundly, I had forgotten the significance of both. As a matter of fact, I did not even realise that Lent is an integral part of Easter. Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. Many churches subscribe to Lent. Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus. Through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for
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Showing our love on ‘Have A Heart’ MAD day all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. In Old Testament times, the priest would bring bulls, goats or a spotless lamb without any blemishes to be sacrificed as a sin offering for himself and for the people. The blood would purify and make atonement for their sins. When Jesus came, He was a representation of the sacrificial lamb to take away the sins of the world. He was the final sacrifice. We no longer have to sacrifice animals to make atonement for our sins. Jesus has done this once and for all when he suffered on the cross. It’s His blood that cleanses us from all sin.
At Trinityhouse we teach our children that Easter symbolises new life. It is a festival of victory, good over evil, light over darkness, eternal life over eternal death. It is during this time that we are reminded of God’s unconditional love for us. Not only did he sacrifice his only Son, He also resurrected Him so that our souls may live forever. Easter is without a shadow of doubt the most significant public holiday celebration of the year, and Christmas is where it began. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Thinus Wentzel
BIG smiles for Friday afternoon team tennis
Phehello Mashilo, Ethan Cloete, Pheladi Malunga and Azize Dambuza in Gr 1 presenting their group posters about pets.
Maths is fun when we work together.
Got their game faces on for the first gala of the year.
Bernice Manyuni and Adriano van der Colf, our budding Grade 2 artists.
Gr 2s collecting eggs on their outing to Willow Feather Farm.
Some half-time motivation
Saturday mini-netball tournaments.
Our Grade 1s working together in groups to visually display what pets need to survive and be happy.
Thumbs for Gr 2 computers. TheupTrinitonian | 27
ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
PRE-PRIMARY LITTLE FALLS Core Skills Implementation Last year Core Skills were introduced into the pre-primary. This year we have hit the ground running and the Core Skills are taking place in full force across all grades. So what exactly are the Core Skills we are focusing on? Below is a diagram depicting exactly that.
Overview of the Core Skills We are living in an incredible time of change and many jobs our children will be doing haven’t even been created yet! If we consider the top skills employers seek in a job candidate today, we realise just how important it is to expose and teach our children these skills from a young age. All five Core Skills are implemented using various tools which allow for optimal understanding and practice at an age appropriate level. Some of these tools are: Communication Skills – Kagan Structure’s InsideOutside Circle (tool) There are many tools in the Kagan Structure that are used to elicit engagement between learners. Inside-Outside Circle is one of them. The benefits of this tool are each child interacts with a number of classmates, and they enjoy rotating as they never know who their next partner will be.
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COMMUNICATION SKILLS: • Personal interaction with others • Communicating information with others
SOCIAL SKILLS: • Personal Behaviour • Collaboration
THINKING SKILLS: • Critical Thinking • Creative Thinking • Reflective Thinking
CORE SKILLS
RESEARCH SKILLS: • Inquiry into • Information Literacy • Media & Digital Literacy
SELF MANAGEMENT: • Organisational Skills • Self-Reflection • Affective Skills
Thinking Skills – Six Thinking Hats (tool) The Six Thinking Hats technique of Edward de Bono is a model that can be used for exploring different perspectives towards a situation or challenge. Seeing things in various ways is often a good idea in the decision-making process. The purpose of each hat is help the children ‘picture’ the various ways of thinking. Optimism
Creativity
Structure
Emotion
Information
Cautions
Inquiry Learning: The little Trinitonians discovering something new and triggering their curiosity
The little Trinitonians creatively design their thinking hats
Creative Thinking – P4C, i.e. Philosophy 4 Children (tool) P4C is about getting children to think and communicate well, to think better for themselves. It is well documented that P4C has an impact on children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Children are taught how to create their own philosophical questions. They then choose one question that is the focus of a philosophical inquiry. Research Skills – Inquiry Learning (tool) Inquiry-based learning starts by posing questions, problems or
scenarios – rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge. The purpose of the inquiry model is the creation of new ideas and concepts, and their spreading in the classroom. In summary, both our children and teachers have embraced Core Skills wholeheartedly. This will ensure your child is well equipped for the exciting and dynamic challenges they will face in the future. We are very excited to be part of 21st century learning.
Inside-Outside Circles: This is a discussion technique that gives our pupils the opportunity to ask and respond to questions, and/or discuss information with a variety of peers.
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ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
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PREPARATORY LITTLE FALLS Teaching nature!
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hildren are knowledgeable: they know more about polar bears and pandas than we do! They get their knowledge from surfing the Internet or watching Nat Geo Wild while sipping a drink from a plastic bottle. Unfortunately these same children who can tell you all about the plight of the polar bear also firmly believe the following: • That any insect is out to sting you. If a proper girl spots an insect, she yells. A proper boy, on the other hand, is brave and squashes it; • That when you’ve finished your drink, you bin the plastic bottle. You’ve done your duty; and • That nature is far away; you have to book a holiday, pack the four-by-four and travel to get to it. Realising that children will benefit from connecting to nature where they are, Trinityhouse Preparatory Little Falls established a nature club (for grade 1 to 3 pupils) and an environmental club (for grade 4 to 7 pupils) a few years ago. Nature is after all very much in evidence in the schoolyard: it is the diesel-filled air in the parking lot, the mud on our shoes, the bee on the flower; the bat trying to sleep in the dark corridor near the English class. 30 | The Trinitonian
Look what we’ve planted and grown in nature club! Some of the activities we’ve done over the last three years include: • Experimenting with the biodegradibility of materials like paper and plastic; • Making bird feeders; • Planting living gifts for mom on Mother’s Day and trees on Arbor Day; • Making watering cans, pen holders and lanterns by reusing plastic bottles and tin cans; • Growing cuttings and sowing seeds; • Making insect hotels;
• Participating in clean-up activities; and • Visiting nature reserves and even a car dealership to find out more about hybrid vehicles But how can you help your children to have meaningful contact with nature? You don’t have to book and expensive holiday, you don’t have to pack the four-by-four. Begin in your own backyard: • Recycle glass, plastic and paper; • Take time to watch the bees, lizards, insects and birds; • Get an owl house or a bat box in your garden;
Max sits in the driver’s seat of a hybrid car. The car is environmentally friendly!
Water gives life! The nature club waters the plants and nutures their planted seeds.
• Don’t immediately grab the pesticide when you see an aphid on your roses. Mix your own organic spray or have patience, and in a few days’ time you might notice praying mantises or beetles feasting on the aphids; and
The environment club got to visit a car dealership to learn about hybrid cars .
• Switch off the lights, the computer and the TV (even while they’re watching Nat Geo Wild!). Call the children and listen to the stars and feel the moonlight. Pandas and polar bears are important; but so is the humble moth fluttering around the patio light, the slimy earthworm and the plastic bottle lying in the bin.
Always take time to smell the flowers! #FlowerPower
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ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
HIGH LITTLE FALLS “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26) With Easter just around the corner, it is important to remember that Christ should always be central to all in our lives. The first term at Trinityhouse High School Little Falls has been an amazing time in which we have been able to put Christ first and worship Him with our actions and achievements. In January, we welcomed the Grade 8s to the pride at a moving induction service. At the service, Christ-centred servant leadership was emphasised as Jordan Anastasiou, our head girl, and Jayson Pledger, our head boy, washed the feet of two Grade 8s. The all-round achievement of our pupils was recognised at our Academic Awards assembly, which also took place in January. At this event, we awarded our fifth white blazer to Kayla Summers and acknowledged our top achievers for their consistent work of the highest standard. Our swimming team swam their hearts out at inter-high and came fourth out of seven schools. Four of our athletes ran at Prestige Athletics, with Jordan 32 | The Trinitonian
Shaylee Pretious, Leigh Venter, Courtney Houston-Brown, Kaleigh-Jean Roodt, Micheala Janse van Rensberg, Benjamin Shipster and Johnathan Nicholl pose at the Valentine’s Ball. Anastasiou and Shaan Glennistor now representing our district. Our girls’ tennis team remains undefeated and our winter sports season has begun. During Gees Week, which culminated in our first Derby Day on Saturday, 11 March, each grade reflected on how they perform, participate and study for the glory of Christ. The theme was clear: with Christ at the centre, we can be braver, stronger, bigger and better
than we have been before. The Derby Day was great fun, with a number of our teams performing exceptionally well. The pupils were also so proud to host the event at their school and were courteous hosts. Almost a third of our school has also been heavily involved in preparing for – and staging – our first major production, Grease. The performances in the last week of the term were a resounding success and a great
Jayson Pledger, our head boy, washes the feet of a Grade 8 at the induction service.
Tumelo Noah umpiring at school netball trials.
Dylan van Rensburg, Laurie Smith, Lesedi Segapo and Rachel Kallman make up the Gr 9 Public speaking team who achieved an A+ at their public speaking competition.
first for our school. The singing, dancing and mature acting made the event one that the performers and audience will remember for a long time. Public speaking has also been a highlight of the term, with Kayla Summers achieving an A+ in the individual competition and the Grade 9 team achieving an A+ in their section. In the classroom, pupils and staff have been busy engaging
Luke Cave, Simon Brits and Panos Tjirkos rehearsing as the T Birds for our Grease production.
Thando Mazibuko using the Red Emotion hat for a De Bono’s activity in visual arts
Amy Fisher swimming butterfly at our school’s interhouse Gala.
in Core Skills, with cake pops being made in IT, science pracs being done online, playdough animations being made in art, and speed dating being used for revision in mathematics. As we reflect on this term, we praise God for His support, comfort and strength and know that by continuing to put Christ first in all that we do, in all that we teach and in all that we say, we will continue to live in His name. Kayla Summers is awarded an honours blazer for academics, culture and music.
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ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
PRE-PRIMARY & PREPARATORY NORTHRIDING A
s a school with an overtly Christian ethos, we believe the journey begins with our staff and children embracing the Christian foundation on which Trinityhouse Schools stand, and that is celebrating the miracle of Easter, the death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The good news is not that Jesus lived and died but that He died and lives. The beautiful thing about the Christian life is that Jesus is the one who wants a relationship with us and keeps it alive in us. We love Him because He loved us first and it is from His love for us that our love flows for one another. We want children to extend Godly grace and love to one another daily. He has called us into a relationship with Him so that He can show Himself through us to others. It is not by works but by grace, as a branch in a vine, as long as it is in the vine, the fruit will freely flow and abundantly manifest. We often refer to Galatians 5:2223 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
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Joy in action As we continue to encourage one another to become more like Jesus, spend time with Him and get to know Him better, the spiritual fruit will show itself in our lives, our friendship, on the playground, sports field and in the classroom. His thoughts will become our thoughts, and His purpose will become our purpose. Our daily prayer for the children, parents and staff members in
all the Trinityhouse Schools is that we will be like the man in Jeremiah 17:7-8. Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water. That extends its roots by a stream. And will not fear when the heat comes, but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.”
Valentine’s day - Nubia Majozi, Lufuno Tshabuse and Alexandra Grant
Tristan Greenwood practicing self-control by waiting for his turn to speak.
Kindness – Kuhle Dandala, Aiden Chetty and Devaj Naidu.
Friends for life – Alexia Baillie, Magan Vorster and Chaeny Lee.
Group work needs a lot of patience and practice.
Paige Scott, prayer is part of everything we do.
First day of school started with unconditional love between father and daughter
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ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
PRE-PRIMARY PALM LAKES Enjoying nature
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ever too young for science and nature! The Grade 000 Sea Stars have a love of exploration. During the Senses series, while they were exposed to various smells and tastes, and they had to use their words to describe what they thought it could be. Smelling cinnamon, cat food, toothpaste and (with a bit of persuasion from the teacher) tasting sweet, sour and bitter items as well as feeling a range of different textures whilst being blindfolded, became the norm. When asked, where flowers take in water from, the majority of the children were under the impression that the water went into the petals, leaves or the centre of the flower. Their excitement at seeing the white flower change colour was almost too much to handle. Every child got to play a role in this experiment, whether it was measuring out the water, putting in the food colouring, or cutting the stem of the flowers. Science activities equip the children from the tender age of 3 with new vocabulary to explain their surroundings a little better. The joy of recycling includes the collection of apple boxes amongst other household waste. During the weekly Bible story, the Grade 00 Seahorses enjoyed 36 | The Trinitonian
Matthew Page with his pet pug. Grade 0 learning about the concept of pride while exploring the Tower of Babel. While they learnt about the origin of different languages, they built their own tower as a class. These 4 year olds practised the core skills of communication and collaboration as they had to build their own tower in smaller groups using recycled boxes, going smaller and lighter nearer the top until it came crashing down.
The Grade 0 Seals spoke about their pets’ different appearances, habitats and care, as well as the importance of hygiene for both animals and people. They were curious to find out which pet was the most popular in their class and enthusiastically explored data handling, forming a graph together. It was interesting that dogs proved to be the most popular. This inspired their creativity when drawing their beautiful black fluffy cats!
Building the jungle gym. Dogscool show: Ruel Mokoena, Reneiloe Lesenyeho, Veren Subramanian, Lonk’uthando Shabalala, Emma Morphew, Teacher Roxy Grobler, Matthew Page
Aadi Balgobind, Mikah Rebelo, Jared Marais, Luca Rebelo in Gr 00. Communicating effectively during their box construction tower build.
Mckenzie Wilkinson, Sebastian Kroell, Verena Subramanian, Brody de Vry (Grade 0)
Cade de Gouviea-Smith and Teacher Tammy Grant with the flower experiment in Grade 000
Ruel Mokeona and Emma Morphew (Grade 0) with their fluffy black cats
Gr 0 Seals class with their pets for Show and Tell
Gr 00 collaboration: front row: Ria Hiralal, Desana Naiker, Zachary Balgobind. Back row: Aadi Balgobind, Mpumelelo Gumede, Luca Rebelo, MJ Viljoen, Mikah Rebelo.
Gr 00. The final result – an extremely tall tower of Babel!
The Gr 0 Seals learning about pets.
Joshua Govender at the smelling scienceThe table Trinitonian (Grade 000)
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ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
PREPARATORY PALM LAKES I
n January, we welcomed a full class of excited Grade 1 pupils for the 2017 school year. An exciting event in the new Grade 1 learner’s agenda was the meeting of their Grade 8 “buddies”. The Buddy system is a process whereby the children are paired up with an older buddy and the system encourages communication between the age groups and also helps to instil a sense of confidence and self-assurance amongst the new Grade 1s. A further set of activities designed to help the Grade 1s settle into formal school routine included a host of fun art activities intended to help make their classroom full of beautiful and colourful art. This creates a sense of belonging and ownership and it’s been fantastic to see the pride in which the Grade 1s took in transforming their new classroom. Following on from this, was an official visit to the Principal’s office in which the Grade 1s were thoroughly excited to learn all about what Mr D does and to see inside his ‘revered’ office. The highlight of the outing was perhaps the opportunity to draw Mr D and his big desk. The start of Grade 2 has also been extremely exciting and educational, with the children 38 | The Trinitonian
Clockwise: Tahir Mohangi, Mzwakhe Bultitude, Christian Heafield, Tama Myburgh learning so much about “my school”, and with art lessons full of colour and enjoyment, the children created absolutely stunning works of art depicting the school. A brilliantly memorable mathematics lesson was also enjoyed, where the students practised the concept of halving with delicious Smarties. Luckily the pup ils didn’t have to share their Smarties with their teacher, but got to devour their special treat after the lesson. WOTALOTIGOT! The Grade 3s have also learned many new and exciting
concepts, such as vertical sums, money, nouns, verbs, adjectives and many more. They have just recently finished the Life Skills theme on recycling, where they learnt the importance and need to recycle our used goods. The children have also been very creative and took on the challenge to make their very own recycled paper, which they will reuse for Mother’s Day coming up next term. Our Grade 4 and 5 pupils have settled in nicely and not only have we fully incorporated
L-R: Eryn Govender, Clinton Emmeka Ego and Melissa Anneen Viljoen
Grade 2s using Smarties during a maths lesson.
L-R: Tshifhiwa Dau, Tristan Peter Smuts and Suvan Poonmassy
L-R: Mangaliso Mthembu, Phakade Mchunu and Ari Hurbans
Core Skills and Kagan’s Techniques but we have introduced an eBeam and SMART Technologies into the classroom. This helped make the transition a bit easier as they are now connected with a “language” that they are interested in. As a school we decided to incorporate a Study Skills workshop into the academic day to assist with effective study methods that target the pupils’ personal learning style in order to ensure that we maximise the pupils’ ability to perform exceptionally well in cycle
Thandolwethu Mthembu
Thandolwethu Mthembu in Grade 5 working on her history PowerPoint presentation in the computer room.
Taye John van Niekerk showcases his work.
tests and class tests. They have had an exciting term, filled with experiments in natural science and learning about a variety of topics in a practical manner. English has been just as enlightening, as we have worked through our set books, developing our English ability in the process. Sport at Trintyhouse Palm Lakes has grown to such an extent that our extracurricular timetable has expanded and our pupils are able to choose an activity that suits their interests. The pupils were able
Sayush Poonmassy, Jayden Benniman and Tristan Smuts in Grade 5 working on their mathletics in the computer room.
to choose between tennis, cross-county training and swimming. Our main sporting event for the term was our first competitive inter-house Swimming Gala. On the cultural side the pupils could select between chess, arts and crafts, and drama. The new year has been filled to the brim with lots of fun, educational activities and our children are definitely developing holistically with all the clubs, sport and academic experiences they get at Trinityhouse Palm Lakes. The Trinitonian | 39
ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
HIGH PALM LAKES T
rinityhouse High Palm Lakes welcomed an eager group of new Grade 8 pupils at the start of the year; with an orientation programme keeping them busy on their first day of High School. The fun activities helped them to get acquainted with the school in general and their teachers. Academically, pupils in all grades have engaged in many activities during the term which required them to use various core skills to complete their allocated tasks. A key core skill is communication, and this has been taken to another level this this term with writing with a purpose. One of the most fundamental purposes of communication is to have our voices heard; whether this is orally or in written form. It is therefore important to create authentic opportunities for our children. Grade 11 pupils have been crafting their persuasive writing techniques and one of their assignments was to choose an article from the local newspaper that resonated with them. They were given the opportunity to respond to the article by submitting a letter to the newspaper. Five of our students were thrilled to see their letters published during the month.
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Calib Naidoo, Divashen Luke, Sahil Dinanath and Gakenia Kinyua making sandwiches
Our life science and natural science children have been very busy this term with many practical investigations, and they have enjoyed the opportunity to use the local environment and rivers as a source for their respective investigations. As a Valentine’s outreach initiative, the pupils decided to put love and caring into
practice, by showing love to their fellow neighbour. Our pupils made sandwiches and distributed them to patients awaiting medical assistance at the Shakaskraal Clinic. In addition, we were also able to distribute sandwiches to members of the Shakaskraal Association for the Aged as well as offering them to local workers who were busy doing a street clean up.
Caitlin Barkley, Ciaran Slabbert, Yusharia Naidoo, Nikita Sukhu, Gakenia Kinyua, Catherine Hampshire and Nothando Majozi ready to distribute sandwiches to the street cleaners.
Mpande Dlamini ready to distribute sandwiches at Shakaskraal Assosciation for the Aged.
Mentorship.
Darius Govender and Amelie Zeelie seen outside the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve.
Aston Malik Pillay, Ayanda Rick Mbele, Priyanka Maharaj, Chloe Susan Khaled, Nqobakha Shange, Sarah Shevonne Samuel, Amelie Sak and Mateo Maistry.
Aaron Rajcoomar chatting to the ladies at Shakaskraal Assosciation for the Aged.
At Trintyhouse Palm Lakes the main sporting codes offered this term included swimming, as well as cricket for the boys and netball for the girls. Our newest activity, cross-country, has seen continued growth in the participation numbers.
The idea of a this programme is to enhance the “family environment” in the school. It creates an environment where pupils feel valued, where they have someone to turn to during challenging times and to know that there will always be someone supporting them.
Our newest addition to our school programme is our Mentorship Programme.
Using our wild dog mascot as a foundation, each “pack” consists of a Dog, Cubs and
Pups, thereby including all our pupils from both the preparatory and high schools, and with a teacher allocated to oversee each Pack. Every week a new theme is allocated to be discussed. So far we have covered themes of being connected, teamwork, communication and we have recently begun looking at the Fruits of the Spirit. The Trinitonian | 41
ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
PRE-PRIMARY RANDPARK RIDGE by Andrea Brann, Principal of Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge
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onsidering our very interesting theme of nature for this Trinitonian, gave me the opportunity to think back to my carefree upbringing in the heart of the Garden Route, in the little town of George. There is a very true saying in life, that one only really appreciates something when you don’t have it anymore… So in saying this, I honestly don’t think I really appreciated the combination of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains in my backyard or the short 20-minute drive down to the nearest beach, Herolds Bay. As a child growing up in this quiet, little town meant I lived opposite the most beautiful golf course in the area at the George Golf Club. As kids, we would stop at the stop street which would lead us into town and towards my high school, and us four kids would wave enthusiastically to my dad on the 17th tee as we leaned out our old combi window. Little did we know then that 30 years later, we would throw my Dad’s ashes on that very same hole. Even though so much had changed and great sorrow had come to our family, the beauty of that golf course and that fairway was still exactly the same…
eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth”; verse 5 and 6 continues, “ The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night”.
God speaks many times in the Bible of how He shows Himself through nature. My favourite psalm, Psalm 121, begins with these two verses, “ I lift up my
For a child, seeing God in nature is easy. Children have no preconceived ideas. It is simple for them to experience God’s power in the raging
42 | The Trinitonian
Outdoor imaginative play seas after pouring rain, down at Victoria Bay at the end of the pier; powerful lightening and piercing hail on a tin roof during a violent Highveld thunderstorm; or viewing a beautiful full moon in the sky the way I did with my 12-year-old daughter last Sunday night. God’s great love for us using the backdrop of His beautiful nature is very clear to a child. We as preschool teachers are very blessed. Often it is the children, who cause us to pause and look at a tiny ant, or
Gr 000 Owlets movement ring
Gr 000 Ducklings playing an outdoor game
Left to right: Jackson Van der Westhuyzen, Joshua Mott and Guy Brighten playing in the sensory tray.
Left to right: Madison Deetlefs, David Livie and Michal van der Merwe enjoying the boat swing.
Teacher Fra playing a maths game on “love day”.
Gr Rs boys playing rugga.
Gr Rs relaxing.
Gr 00 water play.
Wearing yellow to support Trisomy.
ladybird they have found on a leaf outside. They understand that “killing spiders is wrong, because even though they are very ugly, they are God’s creatures!” In the end, often through their natural love for the outdoors and Godgiven compassion for animals and nature, children are the “teachers’’ and we are the “students”.
Gabi Tuffek and Roxanne Salter
The Bible also speaks of letting little children lead them. I believe Jesus means that if we could look at life with the eyes of a child, we would be able to constantly experience the same joy and delight they do in looking at the world and all the many gifts God has given us, starting undoubtedly with His beautiful Gift of nature.
Teacher Tammy’s craft table on love day
Remembering Joost.
Bear class on love day.
The Trinitonian | 43
ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
PREPARATORY RANDPARK RIDGE Science – hydroponics The science department set out on a new quest this year ensuring we keep up to date with the latest technology and movement regarding science. We are very excited to introduce hydroponics to all our parents, pupils and staff. Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, the method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. Terrestrial plants may be grown with only their roots exposed to the mineral solution, or the roots may be supported by an intern medium, such as perlite or gravel.
Hydroponics: the future is here.
The objectives of introducing people to hydroponics are: We, as the science department, are looking forward to creating a new interest in agriculture and the science thereof. Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge swimming Trinityhouse Preparatory Randpark Ridge experienced a phenomenal swimming season and we have emerged as the top swimming primary school in Johannesburg. Our coaches and swimmers have worked 44 | The Trinitonian
exceptionally hard over the last few seasons to establish themselves well and truly as one of the leading swimming schools within the A, B and C leagues of seventy schools. During the season Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge managed to win all of the various leagues which culminated in a final prestigious gala for the A-team on Friday, 3rd March. Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge was one of the top 5 primary schools in Gauteng invited to attend.
The gala was hosted at Trinityhouse Little Falls at 11am. The skies were grey and gloomy and shortly after starting, the rain began. We continued swimming through the rain and cold, stopping briefly for a lightning warning. Our swimmers were brave and determined, and swam their hearts out despite the miserably cold conditions. The competition was stiff but Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge emerged the clear victors in the end.
Our swimming A-team.
Congratulations, A-squad on an outstanding performance – We are the top Johannesburg Primary School! The final results are as follows: 1st Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge (500), 2nd Bryneven Primary School (398), 3rd Deutsche Schule Jhb (349), 4th Hurleyvale Primary School (303), 5th Reddam House. (298) Trinityhouse’s B-squad and C-squad emerged top of their leagues this season and they look forward to competing in the top 5 Schools’ gala on the 24th March. Open water swimming The Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge open water swimming team has had a very exciting start to the year. We opened up the development swims (otherwise known as the fun
Open water swim, where the development begins
swim events) to the Foundation Phase, and to anyone else that showed an interest in the sport. This was done to encourage new swimmers into the sport and for them to get a feel of the open water swimming events. We had an influx of children from the Foundation Phase, and they all did fantastically well. This has created quite a significant growth in numbers from last year to this year’s team. Most of our Foundation Phase swimmers have gone on from the fun swims to doing the mile swims. We currently have about 25 swimmers in our team and we practise on a Tuesday morning and a Thursday afternoon. We have eight swims on our Trinityhouse open water swimming calendar this year and we expect the children to swim two less than what is on the calendar, which have to
include either the Midmar Mile or the Sun City open water swim. We can be very proud of our open water swimmers and their achievements in these events. One of our swimmers, Orin Rocha, came first in his age group in the Ebtose open water mile swim in Benoni this year. We also had nine eager participants swim the biggest swimming event in South Africa, The Midmar Mile. Our school was really well represented at the Time Freight Lake Heritage open water swim at Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge. We have also had quite a few of our Trinityhouse parents very involved in the open water swims, much to the delight of their children. We have two more swims coming up in Term Four; The Sun City open water swim and then our final one to wrap up the open water swimming season will be at Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge. The Trinitonian | 45
ACADEMIC SCHOOL SCOOP ARTICLE
TRINITYHOUSE
HIGH RANDPARK RIDGE 2
017 began at a frenetic pace. The excitement of celebrating our 20th year has added greatly to the vibrant atmosphere around the school. The honours prize-giving ceremony held in January afforded us the opportunity of celebrating and recognising the 2016 academic achievements. Our stellar matric results were highlighted with many of our distinction candidates present to personally receive their accolades. Some noteworthy statistics included the 96% bachelors pass in matric and the fact that 45% of our Grade 8 and 9 pupils averaged over 75%.
Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge cheerleaders at the 2017 A-league inter-high gala held at Ellis Park swimming pool
Our Grade 8 induction was a beautiful, dignified ceremony. It is the culmination of our orientation programme and represents our Grade 8s being formally accepted into the school body. Our servant-leader philosophy is evident through the feet-washing ceremony in which our prefect group wash the feet of every single Grade 8 pupil, whom they mentor throughout this first year of high school.
resources being available on one device. This is a significant step in preparing our pupils for their tertiary studies, whilst making them more technology savvy. Parents are now able to monitor how actively their children have engaged with their educational resources. We firmly believe that this is the first step in what will become an important educational development in our school.
The introduction of an e-learning platform for Grade 8, 9 and 10 has led to much excitement, with all textbooks and teacher
The school received a further boost to its already flourishing cultural offering with the addition of a second choir. The Trinity
46 | The Trinitonian
Singers girls’ choir was formed due to the overwhelming numbers that participated in the auditions. The choir is led by the experienced and talented Mrs Andrea Dawson and has already performed an impressive debut at a recent school assembly. We feel incredibly blessed to be able to boast two phenomenally talented choirs at our school. The highlight of our sporting calendar to date was the performance of the swimming team at the A-league inter-high gala held at Ellis Park on 1 March.
Gabi Grobler Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge who broke two longstanding records at this year’s A-league inter-high gala.
Grade 8 induction
Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge Grade 8 pupils at the 2017 A-league inter-high gala held at Ellis Park swimming pool.
Gabi Grobler received the 2016 Sportswoman of the Year Award.
There was a very real threat of relegation as we were faced with opposition schools who were much bigger and arguably more talented than ourselves. Thankfully the team displayed a great amount of bravery and passion to pull through and retain its fourth place, A-league status. The undoubted star of the show was Gabi Grobler who won all three of her individual races, breaking two records including the Open butterfly record that has stood for 27 years!
Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge prefects and pupils at the 2017 A-league inter-high gala held at Ellis Park swimming pool.
Trinityhouse High RPR girls’ choir.
The Trinitonian | 47
ALUMNUS ACADEMICARTICLE ARTICLE– LEIGH DE NECKER
SHARK! NAME: Leigh de Necker ALUMNI YEAR: 2008 ACCOLADES AT THE SCHOOL: Half colours for swimming x2 STUDIES: Master of Science (MSc) Marine Biology; Open Water scuba instructor CURRENT CAREER: Marine Biologist and guide at African Shark Eco-Charters
Every kid, at some stage, has wanted to become a marine biologist, and you did it! From a very young age I wanted to work with animals, but marine biology was one of the less appealing careers because, like most kids, I loved the ocean but I had an irrational fear of sharks. So how did you end up with an office under the sea then? When I was 16, my mom convinced me to do a scuba diving course. I was initially against the idea, but after my first few dives in the sea I found I enjoyed it. Then my mother 48 | The Trinitonian
convinced me to do a shark diving course and surprised me with a bull (Zembezi) Shark Speciality course. At this point I wondered whether she was trying to kill me because bull sharks are considered one of the top three sharks responsible for attacks on humans. With much prayer, I did it and this became my lifechanging, career-deciding experience. What happened? Coming face-to-face, and within arm’s-length distance (I have short arms) with one of the apex predators of the ocean, was humbling and I realised they don’t want to hurt us and also how
…so you became a marine biologist! What did you study? I started with a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with majors in Zoology (study of all animals, both terrestrial and aquatic) and Fisheries Science and Ichthyology (the study of fish). There are few universities that offer Marine Biology as an undergraduate degree, so starting off broad with Zoology and then specialising later in Marine Biology at postgraduate level is the road most aspiring marine biologists follow. Did you have to wade through lots of fish poop to qualify? Ha, ha! Starting off, the studies are very broad, including long lectures of a variety of subjects. The afternoons were spent in the labs dissecting all kinds of smelly creatures and working with chemicals that could kill you. It was terrifying and overwhelming initially, but when they give me a cool lab coat I felt like a hard-core scientist who was going to save the sharks! It got me through. Now that you are qualified Marine Biologist what is a typical day like for you? No two days are alike. As a researcher, days are spent at sea – catching, tagging, sampling and safely releasing sharks, and on great days, diving with them too. Other days are spent in the lab, and most days are actually spent behind a laptop, doing statistics on the data you’ve collected at sea and writing about what you have discovered.
You are also a guide at African Shark EcoCharters? African Eco-Charters is a great white shark cage diving boat and my role is in education and ecotourism. Basically, I get to share my passion, knowledge and experiences with people from all over the world. We take them out to Seal Island, False Bay, to encounter great white sharks and they get to see sharks in their natural environment and to marvel at their power, grace and beauty, as I do. What has been the largest great white you have seen? Captain Hook, as we affectionately call her, was easily 5.5 metres in length! Yowzers! Why is Gansbaai a hot spot for great whites? Gansbaai, Mossel Bay and False Bay are all considered hot spots because they all have seal colonies, where sharks feast in winter, and they have inshore areas where the sharks can rest and feed on migratory fish and other species of shark in summer. Sharks do migrate along the coast for reproductive reasons, and undertaking these longdistance swims requires a substantial amount of energy. There is no better source than vulnerable seal pups, so if “home is where the food is” then the above-mentioned spots can appropriately be considered “home of the great white.” The great white gets a pretty bad rap. Where are they in terms of the endangered list? Great whites have been protected in South Africa since 1991. This means that no one is allowed to catch and/or kill a great white shark in South African waters. However, this doesn’t The Trinitonian | 49
Credit: Shutterstock Images
mysterious and beautiful they are. At that point, I just wanted to know more, like: why aren’t they attacking me? Why are they full of scars? There was only one way to find out…
ACADEMIC ARTICLE stop poachers from targeting them and since sharks migrate, they are in danger of being killed, legally, when they leave our waters into Mozambique, for example. Great whites are not considered endangered (yet), but are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). What is being done to help them? What can we do to help? As much as they are a protected species, the enforcement of this is often slack. Creating awareness is a great way to help so we share information via social media or through presentations at schools, universities and businesses. How can people help? Donations to non-profit organisations such as Shark Spotters, who are involved in active and ongoing research and conservation of sharks, is a great way to make a contribution. What is the most interesting situation you have found yourself in? Miller’s Point, in False Bay, is an aggregation for broadnose sevengill sharks (cow sharks). We were receiving reports of sevengill carcasses that had been found at this site, and our research team decided to do an investigatory scuba dive there. We also found a carcass, and as we brought it back on to the boat, an orca/ killer whale swam underneath us. All the carcasses were reported to have clean slits to their throats with only the livers removed. Initially it was thought to be fishermen but after being caught in the act and performing autopsies on the carcasses, we realised the orcas were to blame. At this time, all the great whites disappeared from False Bay too. It is fascinating to think that the white sharks is not actually the top predator in False Bay.
What is the biggest life lesson you have learned? Most importantly, it’s that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Other than my faith, honesty is the foundation on which I live my life and has been what has brought me through my greatest challenges. Not only being honest in all my relationships, but being honest (and patient) with myself is paramount. What do you do for fun? For fun I enjoy swimming, scuba diving and free diving, especially with the sevengill sharks. I’m a keen athlete and keep physically fit playing underwater hockey competitively. I also spend a fair amount of time in the gym and thoroughly enjoy endurance running. We’re spoilt here in Cape Town so my friends and I often hike, spend time on the beaches and chase sunsets with weekly braais being part of our routine. As a Trinity alumnus, what is it about the Trinity Schools that you most appreciated? I most appreciated that Trinity is built on strong Christian values. Do you still keep contact with your Trinity friends? I do! Social media makes it easy to keep up to date with what everyone is up to. My best friend, Cailyn Sonderup, who I met at Trinity in Grade 8, also moved to Cape Town so we have been best friends for 10 years now. What advice would you give to your younger self, and the current Grade 12s? Nothing worthwhile is ever going to come easily. Faith, patience, persistence, passion and hard work will take you beyond what you ever thought you were capable of.
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ACADEMIC ARTICLE
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The Trinitonian | 53
ADVENTURE ACADEMIC ARTICLE
G U L UNP THE FAMILY! by Donna Verrydt
Top 7 reasons to visit Magoebaskloof WHERE IS IT? Limpopo Province, between Polokwane and Tzaneen. HOW FAR FROM JHB IS IT? Four hours by car from Johannesburg. HOW DO I GET THERE? Take the N1 North towards Polokwane, then toward Tzaneen. BEST MONTH TO VISIT? September. Spring! A WORD OF CAUTION: some roads in and out of Magoebaskloof are sand and after heavy rain can be extremely muddy and slippery. Check your route before you drive.
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or most families, the end of 2016 felt like an R-rated action film… way too fast and furious. We all hoped that the start of 2017 would be calmer, with a gradual build up. But alas, here we are again hitting break-neck speeds on the life highway! Why does it feel like we’re forever on fast forward? Technology, that’s why. Technology has sped up business, created an instant gratification culture and a “it’s not enough” mentality. It’s affecting our stress levels and our health and the health of our family too. It’s time to shut down and unplug! Get your kids back to nature in 2017 by visiting the magical Magoebaskloof.
54 | The Trinitonian
1. FOREST POWER Magoebaskloof is known as Once theofdrilling is done, “The land the silver mist”simply prop the nursery into because thebee mountains and the fork of a tree and secure with valleys are branch often covered in light nails.This You has could also hang it on cloud. resulted in the lush a boundary wall or secure to a greenery of the forests – theitoasis using a piece of rope. oftree the trunk Limpopo bush! We’re talking thick forest canopies, 35 metrehigh cabbage trees, fungi, ferns, moss and lichen-adorned tree trunks and meandering mountain streams. All of these things should be a part of something called ‘nature’s first aid kit’ because immediately upon arrival everyone feels better. Perhaps it’s the clear mountain air, the whispers of the trees, the cacophany of bird song or soul-enriching views. But, whatever it is, it works and should be taken all day, everyday for best results.
The Trinitonian | 55
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
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P R O F E S S I O N A L S P O RT S S U R FA C E S
2. FARMHOUSE STYLE Kurisa Moya is an eco-lodge set in 422 hectares of indigenous forest in the Magoebaskloof area. There are three different accommodation options on the farm, including treehouses, the mountain cottage, and our personal favourite, the 10-sleeper traditional farmhouse – perfect for big families or weekends away with friends. Built in 1937, the farmhouse comes complete with old-style farm kitchen, fireplaces throughout the house, wrap-around stoep, perfect lawns for play, breathtaking views and the best part – no electricity! Okay, there are LED lights throughout the house, hot water at all times and gas to run the fridges and stoves, but if you’re looking for a plug to charge your iPad, it ain’t going to happen! Our kids (and maybe their parents) were a little apprehensive about having no power, but after perfect days of hiking, river wading, bow and arrow training and evenings spent beneath the stars, beside the fire playing boardgames, we didn’t even know where our tech devices were! Tel: +27 (0)71 658 6980 | Cell: +27 (0)82 200 4596 | email: info@krm.co.za | web: www.krm.co.za
3. NIGHT SKY, NOW WE BRAAI The land never seems to get dark in Magoebaskloof. As the sun does its daily swan act, a performance of rich reds and oranges, the billions upon billions of stars stand by to re-illuminate the earth with their brilliance. It’s simply a mind-blowing sight, best to be enjoyed on your back, on a sleeping bag with your shooting star-ready eyes on high alert. There is very little pollution in Magoebaskloof and so the celestial sky lies exposed for all to see. Orion’s Belt, the Three Sisters and Southern Cross are all constellations that your children should have fun trying to find – throughout their entire childhood! And while the kids search for other planets, parents can prepare the traditional South African braai, and juggle the pots of potatoes, butternut and corn on the old-fashioned stovetop! Don’t forget to skewer the giant marshmallows for after dinner overindulgence. The Trinitonian | 57
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
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4. WALK THE WALK Magoebaskloof boasts many hiking trails and five family-friendly ones actually start at the Kurisa Moya farm. These hikes vary in terms of time and difficulty, but all offer unique rewards, such as the views at the top of the koppie, the deep forest explorations and the amazing guided bird walks. In fact, Kurisa Moya’s David Letsoalo, a BirdLife South Africaaccredited bird guide, won the Eagle Award for being the best local guide in South Africa, so you’re in good hands. Our favourite hike at Kurisa Moya is the Umsenge Forest Walk, which lasted about an hour and took us to the famous ‘champion tree’ – an enormous Cussonia spicata which features in Thomas Packenham’s book In Search of Remarkable Trees, as well as ancient yellowwoods. These trees are so ginormous that, standing at the base, you feel like you’re looking up at the Faraway Tree. But if you’re into a more technical, overnight hike, the Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail is a great option. It’s a 50-kilometre circular trail, that lasts for three, tread-full days. The trail cuts through extensive forest and pine plantations, and you’ll enjoy encounters with samango monkeys, bushbuck and bush pigs on your route. There’s also something extraordinary to see, called the huilklip or “crying rock”. This is a natural rock that sounds like a gong when it is struck with a stone.
5. DEBENGENI FALLS An absolute, must-not-for-any-reason-be-missed thing to do in this area is a visit to Debengeni Waterfall. Named by the Pedi tribe, debengeni means “place of the big pot” because of the massive pool of water at the base of the waterfall – thousands years of water erosion. The waterfall plunges 80 metres from the Magoebaskloof mountains and the pools have become a popular swimming spot for visitors. The water is said to be some of the cleanest you will find in South Africa, so your kids will be safe while they splash. Do beware though, the rocks are extremely slippery, great for sliding down, but not so great if you are fully clothed and it’s winter. Surrounding the rock pools, and on the outskirts of the forest, are built-in braais and (if the people that were there before you had any manners) clean picnic tables. So bring your picnic and your cozzies and come on in, the water’s fine. The Trinitonian | 59
6. TUBING THE GREAT LETABA / ZIPLINE Tubing is one of the greatest family adventures you will ever do with your kids – eventhough it may entail you screaming off cliffs, falling over rocks or spluttering in icy water. Sound terrible? It’s not, it’s wonderful and well-worth every minute. Really! For kids, 10 years and over, tubing starts with a safety briefing and equipment allocation at the top of the gorge. Then it’s the steep, downward hike to the water, made even more tricky as you will have an inflatable tube on your head. Initially the water seems very cold, but after a few minutes and adrenalin pumping through your veins, you will soon not notice the cold. The adventure features gentle Sunday river floating, followed by churny white water rapids, over-boulder climbing, waterfall jumps (up to 10 metres) and even tube surfing – who can stand up on their inflatable the longest? What seems like a gratuitous adrenalin exercise on the outside, tubing is actually an important source of some life lessons, such as: teamwork, bravery, perseverance and achievement. Everyone will come out of this elated. But if you absolutely must remain dry, then try the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour. The tour will take you over indigenous forest and along mountain cliffs. There are viewing platforms to admire the three giant waterfalls which tumble 20 metres into the sparkling river below. www.magoebaskloofadventures.co.za | Cell: 083 866 1546 | email: adventures@thabametsi.com
7. HAENERTSBURG VILLAGE Like Dullstroom, Parys and Pilgrim’s Rest, Haenertsburg is a charming little village, dotted with curio, antique, gift and art shops, not to mention many, many eateries. Most restaurants are laid-back, even some of the staff unfortunately, but our advice is to embrace the pace, order a beer, relax and enjoy some really tasty food. For breakfast try Sandford Heights Nursery and Tea Garden – great food and a chance to wander around and pick up a few plants and shrubs for your garden too! For lunch, try the Iron Crown Pub and Grill – the steaks are renowned in this area. And dinner... Picassos! try the schnitzel. The village itself is small, home to about 350 families, and is great for a breakfast stop by, with an hour to browse. The Trinitonian | 61
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
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ACADEMIC HEALTH & ARTICLE FOOD
FLEXITARIANISM! By Kelsey Rayner
Say whaaaat?!
FLEXITARIANISM: eating predominantly, but not strictly, vegetarian! A big food trend in 2017.
D
id you know that it was Sir Paul McCartney and his daughter, Stella who began the No Meat Monday revolution back in 2009! Clearly South Africa is a little behind as it only became a trend here about two years ago, and has had meat lovers crying into their lamb potjies ever since. No Meat Monday is the most brilliant excuse to focus on the incredible variety of veggies out there and exploring the wonderful dishes you can create with veggies alone. In fact, so popular was No Meat Monday that it inspired no meat Wednesdays – and a general rise of ‘clean eating’ aka veganism! But don’t panic meat lovers, 2017 has brought “flexitarianism” – a more achievable alternative to going full vegetarian or vegan. It’s all about balance, having your (health) cake and eating the meat too. Studies have shown that cutting down on meat has a number of health benefits including reduced 64 | The Trinitonian
risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease, and flexitarianism gives people a way to improve their health without going the whole hog (excuse the pun) and giving up on the ribs and steak they love. For it to work you need to introduce protein-rich vegetarian/vegan and raw food into your weekly diet. It may be a matter of ‘meating it’ on the weekend and then winding down on the Monday and Tuesday to vegetarian, Wednesday and Thursday to vegan and Friday plain raw! Now we are sure you’re thinking, “carrot sticks on a Friday, 1000 times no!”, but here’s why you should be saying “yes!” Eating raw helps your body to avoid a build up of toxins caused by food fermenting in the colon. Raw vegetables provide high amounts of minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium, which our bodies need, and fruits also provide a wealth of
vitamins, fibre and antioxidants – as long as these fruits and vegetables are not cooked! The core goodness of fresh food is often lost in the cooking process. So, to ensure you get the purest goodness you can, dedicate at least one night a week to eating raw. And try to eat the
rainbow when you do eat raw, that is different coloured vegetables that provide different vitamins and minerals. Below is a lunch or dinner time recipe to get you started:
RAW RAINBOW WRAP WITH HUMMUS This rainbow wrap is bursting with numerous whole foods, wrapped in a collard leaf (like kale or cabbage for instance), which are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K and an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Add a spread of home-made hummus for an extra creamy protein burst!
Preparation time: 20 minutes (1 hour for chilling) Wrap ingredients: 4 large collard/kale leaves 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips 1 large carrot, sliced into thin strips
Method for wraps:
1 large tomato, sliced into thin wedges
1. Put raw collard leaves in a plastic bag and freeze until they turn bright green – about 1 hour. This makes them more pliable without losing any raw nutrition.
1 large baby marrow, sliced into thin strips 1 medium red cabbage, shredded Lemon vinaigrette ingredients: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ teaspoon crushed garlic ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste Hummus ingredients: 1 can chickpeas 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons tahini 1½ tablespoons lemon juice (plus more to taste) 1 large clove of garlic, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Sprinkle of paprika (for presentation)
2. Mix together all Lemon Vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl, then whisk until combined. 3. Run the leaves briefly under cold water and lay them topside down on a cutting board. Using a paring knife, gently shave down the raised part of the spines so the surface of the collard is nice and flat. 4. Combine all the vegetables, pour the lemon vinaigrette over them and toss until everything is coated. 5. Distribute the vegetables evenly among the leaves, laying them parallel to the spines. Be sure to leave about 2cm on each edge uncovered. 6. Optional: spread a generous helping of hummus on top of aligned vegetables. 7. Roll the collard tops and bottoms (stem side) inward, fold one of the long sides in, tucking all the filling underneath it, and continue rolling the leaf from that side to the other side to get a tight wrap. Slice in half with a sharp knife. 8. Serve with hummus.
Method for hummus: 1. Drain the chickpeas in a seive and rinse under cool running water. If time and patience allows, pinch the skins from each of the chickpeas; this will make your hummus smoother. 2. Combine the chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor or blender. 3. Process the hummus continuously until it becomes very smooth, for 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to integrate any large chunks. 4. Taste and add more of any of the ingredients to taste. If your hummus is stiffer than you’d like, add more lemon juice or olive oil to thin it out and make the hummus creamier. Hummus will keep for up to a week in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
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ACADEMIC HOW TO...ARTICLE
by Linsey McCreedy If “no bees mean no food”, then we, as human beings, are in serious trouble because the bee populations of the world are dying out due to toxic pesticides, urbanisation and deforestation. We need to do more to help the bee!
Did you know? Bees pollinate 80% of flowering plants on earth, which means one in every three bites of food is derived from plants that have been pollinated by bees! Seeds, fruit and berries eaten by birds and small mammals are all from bee-pollinated plants therefore bees make an invaluable contribution to ecosystems around the world!
The solitary bee The solitary bee is not a honey maker but rather a top pollinator, and every female is fertile, and always in search of the perfect nest. The female typically creates a series of cells in wood and will lay an egg within each one. She will then make numerous trips to flowers, collecting pollen and nectar, which she packs into each cell. It’s during these trips that the allimportant pollination of plants and crops takes place.
How to make a bee nursery:
1
The most common bee nursery is made out of a wooden log or cut tree trunk.
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2
Drill holes of different sizes, a few centimetres apart. We recommend you use a 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 14mm and 19mm drill bit for this purpose.
3
Drill the holes quite deeply into the wood, but don’t break through to the other side.
Once the drilling is done, simply prop the bee nursery into the fork of a tree branch and secure with nails. You could also hang it on a boundary wall or secure it to a tree trunk using a piece of rope.
The bee water station Bees also need water, but sadly many drown when trying to drink. Aid bees by making a bee water station. • Use a shallow dish.
Bee-friendly herbs To attract more bees to your garden, plant bee-friendly plants and herbs. These include: vygies, fuschias, geraniums, rosemary, lavender, thyme and fruit trees, to name a few.
• Fill it with water and place a few pebbles inside. This will be the landing zone for the bee so that it can drink from a secure spot. • Hang the water station in a tree.
Final word To make a difference in this world, you don’t need to be powerful, rich or talented. You just need to care. If we all do our little bit, we can make a bee-g difference!
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ACADEMIC ARTICLE KIDS’ PAGES
s e g a P ’ Kids THIRSTY GIRAFFE!
MEERKAT MISCHIEF
Find 12 differences
It’s been a long, hot summer! Help Gerry Giraffe find water...
WIN!
A TEKNO ROBOTIC PUPPY! The Tekno Robotic Puppy is programmed to act like a real puppy, taking voice and hand commands. In fact, Tekno is so advanced that you can stop it from walking by simply putting your hand in front of its face. Tekno can walk, move its ears, turn its head and wag its tail. It can also sit, like a "good boy!" Included in Tekno’s box is an electronic bone and a ball.
To enter answer the following question: How can you make your Tekno Puppy stop? Email your answer, name and number to trinitonianreporter@contactmedia.co.za * Tekno is available at leading toy retailers countrywide. For more information go to www.primatoys.co.za
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Valued at R1 799!
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DID YOU KNOW THAT... A lightening bolt is four times hotter than the sun.
A group of frogs is called an army.
One tree can provide enough oxygen for two people to live off for their whole lives.
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Rain contains Vitamin B12 – so dance in the rain.
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? You can tell how healthy a kudu is by how white its stripes are.
Bats are the only mammals that fly.
60 volcanoes erupt on earth every year – that’s about one every week!
The longest ride ever ridden by a surfer on a wave lasted 37 minutes.
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The Big Five is actually a hunting term coined by hunters in the 19th century as the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.
Beetles taste like apples, wasps like pinenuts and worms like fried bacon.
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ACADEMIC ARTICLE KIDS’ PAGES
LAUNCHING SOON!
THE NEW TRINITONIAN COLOURING-IN BOOK! The Trinitonian is launching the Trinitoon colouring-in book soon. Look out for it at your school. There are lots of prizes to be won. Simply colour in the Trinitonian mascots and submit your entries to your class teacher by the due date, and you could win a Crayola art hamper worth R2 000! The winning picture will also be featured in the next Trinitonian. In the meantime, practise your colouring with Trinityhouse Little Falls’ lion here.
Ready, steady, colour!
70 | The Trinitonian
7 Natural Wonders
! d l r o W e h t f o Do you know what they are?
in Brazil
2. in Zimbabwe
1.
seen in Alaska, Denmark, Scotland, Canada, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Russia.
3.
in the USA
in Mexico 6.
7.
in Nepal
in Australia
Answers: 1. Victoria Falls, 2. Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, 3. Aurora Borealis, 4. The Grand Canyon, 5. Paricutin, 6 The Great Barrier Reef, 7. Mount Everest
5.
4.
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INSPECTOR GADGET ACADEMIC ARTICLE
GREEN GADGETS SUNFIRE 15 SOLAR COOKER R2 462 The SunFire 15 is a 1.5m utter focus, parabolic solar cooker or “dish”. The SunFire allows you to cook without the need for electricity or fossil fuels. The Sunfire 15 can boil a litre of water in five minutes and produces 1000 watts of power. www.sustainable.co.za
SMART INDOOR MICRO GARDEN R1 275 Micro hydroponic gardening is now at your fingertips thanks to this ingenious Smart Indoor Micro Garden. It’s a lot less complicated than it sounds – this nifty gadget allows you to grow your own herbs and micro greens in your own kitchen year-round without any soil. Made up of a hydroponic basin that allows the plants to regulate their own water intake and an LED grow light suspended above that feeds your plants all the light they require. A great green gadget that not only fits your lifestyle but also your décor with its sleek design.
www.faithful-to-nature.co.za
BOA WATER PEBBLE R225
The Water Pebble uses amazing capacitive technology as a really useful tool to help you conserve our precious water resources, reduce your ecofootprint, as well as save on water bills. Showering for just one minute less every time you shower can end up saving a huge amount of water, especially if you are in a family. The water-activated Water Pebble helps you regulate your shower by monitoring water flow and uses coloured lights to indicate the beginning, middle and end of your shower. Relax, love the earth, and take the guesswork out of your daily water usage, the Water Pebble will take care of that for you.
www.faithful-to-nature.co.za 72 | The Trinitonian
Disclaimer: Prices are recommended retail prices and are correct at time of print
THE CONSOL SOLAR JAR R129 The principle of the Consol Solar Jar is simple, solarpowered LED lights that are safely housed in a 1-litre Consol classic jar, which store energy during the day when placed in sunlight and releases light at night. The sustainability of this product is enhanced as the glass jars are 100% recyclable and on average each Consol glass container consists of 35% recycled content. The Consol Solar Jar is perfect for when the lights go out, for patio dining, or romantic dinners, camping, in fact any outdoor activity that needs soft, safe lighting. www.superbalist.com
POWER TRAVELLER POWERMONKEY EXPLORER R1 149 From the heart of Africa to the Hardanger Glacier, the Apple-approved Powermonkey Explorer portable charger has proved to be an invaluable piece of kit, providing essential power in the most remote locations. Incorporating the Solarmonkey solar charger, the Powermonkey Explorer lets you charge wherever, whenever. www.thegadgetshop.co.za
GREENER MILE APP FREE Greener Mile is a GPS tracking application with a difference. It has all the features you’d expect, like tracking your journeys, it keeps a log of them, you can view them on a map and there is even Facebook integration. But this app comes with a few green extras like being able to track journeys by journey type (walking, cycling, car, public transport, etc). You can also view CO2 savings you make by travelling by greener modes of transport and you can also view and share statistical break downs of your journeys on social media.
The Trinitonian | 73
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
Roof trusses to trust!
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Prices applicable at participating stores. Prices valid while stock lasts at BUCO Honeydew store. Promotional stocks are limited. Prices include VAT. Non promotional products and prices may vary from store to store. Selected products may not be available at all stores. Actual product might differ slightly from images represented. No traders. Savings are calculated using average market-related selling prices. Errors and Omissions Excluded.
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DRIVE A CAR, SAVE A TREE! The BMW i8 by Damian Murphy
W
hen ‘green’ cars first hit the market they were reported to be sluggish, cumbersome and awkward – clearly not focused on what they were created for in the first place. But, as technology has advanced and environmental issues have escalated, we now describe these cars as ‘progressive’, ‘efficient’ and ‘revolutionary’. The technology used to produce them has come so far in the last five years that even the most basic runarounds now have some form of hybrid technology under the bonnet. With Carbon Emission Tax driving up the price of the gas guzzlers, manufacturers are looking to produce cars that go further and emit less than ever before. Even Formula One cars are now hybrid! Toyota used to own the hybrid market with the very popular Prius, but as other manufacturers have joined the green race, the Prius has fallen down the pecking order and BMW has stepped in and taken the reigns. The BMW i8 and the BMW i3 are two of the very best hybrid cars available on the market and despite the slightly hefty price tags, these two, part-electric, partmechanical vehicles, are dominating their segments. The BMW i8 has been described by many as the most innovative sports car to be produced within the last 20 years. It is more efficient due to intelligent lightweight carbon construction and a clever aerodynamic design that drastically reduces drag. The i8 delivers the perfect combination of
driving pleasure and responsibility by making no compromises. The i8 is a plug-in hybrid that brings together the technologies of an innovative electric motor and a combustion engine to deliver optimum performance and outstanding efficiency. The result is incredible drivability, low fuel consumption and even lower emissions. The intelligent eDrive propulsion system of the BMW i8 combines the benefits of an electric motor and a petrol engine, delivering an exceptional driving experience. The electric motor is located on the front axle and delivers a respectable 96kW of power and the twin-turbo 1.5-litre petrol engine delivers its 170kW of power to the rear axle. When combined, these two drive systems can accelerate the BMW i8 from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds – with fuel consumption of just 2.1 litres per 100km driven, with CO2 emissions of 49g/km. That is premium sports car performance on better than budget consumption. The reason the i8 is the perfect performer is because the BMW technology switches between just electric, just combustion and a combination of the two, to deliver the best possible drive. It uses braking and acceleration to charge the electric motor, which in turn reduces the output from the twin-turbo engine. Without some of the optional extras, this 250km/h hybrid sports car will set you back around R 2million. The Trinitonian | 75
ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHTARTICLE PRAYER
A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE FOR CREATION by Fiona Murdoch, Eco-Congregation Ireland God of our universe, We thank You for Your many good gifts – For the beauty of creation and its rich and varied fruits, For clean water and fresh air, for food and shelter, animals and plants. Forgive us for the times we have taken the earth’s resources for granted and wasted what You have given us. Transform our hearts and minds, So that we will learn to care and share, To touch the earth with gentleness and with love, Respecting all living things. We pray for all those who suffer as a result of our waste, greed and indifference, And we pray that the day would come when everyone has enough food and clean water. Help us to respect the rights of all people and all species,
Credit: Shutterstock Images
And help us to willingly share Your gifts today and always. Amen
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ACADEMIC ARTICLE
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