Trinitonian Edition 1

NEW TRINITYHOUSE

ONE HOUR AWAY

SUPERHEROES

VACAY!

THEY’VE ARRIVED!

DOUBLE DELIGHT BEHAVIOURAL GENETICS OF TWINS

READY, STEADY, GROW DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD THROUGH SPORT

ISSUE 01 MARCH 2016 The Trinitonian | 1

2 | The Trinitonian

CONTENTS ACADEMIC ARTICLES

TRINITYHOUSE NEWS

12/OUR RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD

02/FOREWORD

16/FIRST TIMERS - NEW TO SCHOOL

03/PRINCIPAL HEADLINES

62/TWINS - BEHAVIOURAL GENETICS

06/HEAD PREFECT NOTES

66/MAKING SENSE OF POCKET MONEY

08/MATRIC RESULTS

68/DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN THROUGH SPORT

10/TRINITOON

LIFESTYLE

21/SCHOOL SCOOP 46/ALUMNI ARTICLE

52/IN THE KITCHEN 54/HOW TO...

56/ONE HOUR AWAY VACAY 60/INSPECTOR GADGET 72/SPOTLIGHT PRAYER

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) Sales: Contact Media Sales Team (011) 789 6339 info@contactmedia.co.za

Content: Design Director: Candice Masson Copy Editor: Haley Abrahams Writers / Contributors: Angela Day, Barbara Eaton, Donna Verrydt, Kate Rose, Nicky Bush, Traci Salter Repro & Print: Kadimah Print The Trinitonian | 1

FOREWORD

FOREWORD Andries van Renssen General Manager: Trinityhouse

2016 started with the joyous announcement of IEB matric results… an event that saw Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge Principal Christo de Wit speaking passionately on television about the fantastic achievements of the 125 matriculants.

In January, we also attended the prestigious ADvTECH Top Achievers function at the Maslow Hotel, where all the top matriculants in the ADvTECH Schools Division were acknowledged, including our own Melissa Purdon from Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge.

This year is the first time that Trinityhouse will have matric results from two schools, as the Little Falls matriculants have entered their last year. We are awaiting their achievements in anticipation… followed by the Grade 10s at Palm Lakes, who will join the ranks in 2018!

Matric results are just the cherry on that cake, but we celebrate all the milestones of our pupils’, be they in Pre-Primary, Preparatory or the High School.

The year 2016 carries the promise to be a great one in the existence of Trinityhouse: • Little Falls High has moved into its own spectacular building in the foothills of Little Falls Ridge.

• Northriding has entered its second year of existence, with enrolments past a century. Additional classes have already been prepared and opened.

• At Palm Lakes, the year started with a fantastic doubling in pupil and teacher numbers. The building of an additional wing with change rooms will commence shortly, while the drawing up of the master plan for future development of the three schools and the boarding house is in full swing.

• At Heritage Hill, the Preparatory School introduced Grade 5. As we wait for the final go-ahead to complete the buildings, we plan to develop the current facilities to the best of our ability.

• At Randpark Ridge, we have plans to modernise part of the Pre-Primary School and to add additional parking south of the cricket nets. Continuous upgrades – such as bathroom refurbishings and computer laboratory updates – at the Preparatory and High Schools are also on the cards.

• On the academic front, all our schools are collaborating to develop a 21st century core skills curriculum, working towards producing school-leavers who are ready to meet the demands of the modern society in which we live.

My prayer for Trinityhouse pupils, staff and parents is that we may all keep our eyes focused on what really matters and not to get caught up in smaller trivialities. May we remain positive, always be aware of our privileges and be grateful for the blessings we have received.

Andries van Renssen 2 | The Trinitonian

PRINCIPAL HEADLINES

PRINCIPAL HEADLINES Christo de Wit Principal of Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge With 25 years experience in education – the past 10 years spent as Headmaster – Christo de Wit is passionate about the excellent, holistic education offered to pupils at Trinityhouse High School Randpark Ridge. He brings a dynamism that drives his ability to bring about change, whilst ensuring the school remains child and Christ-centred. Christo holds three education diplomas and a B Ed (Honours) degree.

Hilton Scott Principal of Trinityhouse Prep Randpark Ridge Mr. Hilton Scott has been part of Trinityhouse since inception in 1997. He has been an educator for 23 Years and completed his B.Ed Honours degree in Education Management, Law and Policy in 2012. He is a born-again Christian, and has a passion for seeing children being successful in many facets of their lives.

Andy Brann Principal of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Randpark Ridge Andy was born and bred in George and studied pre-school education at Barkly House College of Education in Cape Town from 1986 – 1989.

In 1993, she had the opportunity to teach in London for a year, where she gained much valuable experience. She married a “Gautenger” and moved to Johannesburg in 2001. She was one of the founding staff members of the very first Trinityhouse School, joining the team in 2002. She proved to be a loyal and committed member of staff and as a Gr R teacher for 13 years, upheld the Christian ethos and the teaching methodology. She has three beautiful children in Trinityhouse and is a respected, valued and well known member of the Randpark Ridge School community after all these years. In 2015, she was elected as Principal of the preschool and has had a memorable year, trusting God for his guidance as she has grown into her new position.

The Trinitonian | 3

PRINCIPAL HEADLINES

Lynn van Jaarsveld Principal of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Little Falls Lynn van Jaarsveld is the Principal of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Little Falls. She has been in the teaching profession for 31 years, with her experience ranging from Grade 000 to Grade 3. She was a Grade R educator at Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge before taking up the challenge to head the brand new Little Falls Pre-Primary campus in January 2012.

She is a strong believer in the ‘learn through play’ approach, and that early childhood development is the foundation of formal education. As a strong Christian, Lynn puts God first in everything she does. A motto that has guided her since the start of this beautiful little school comes from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

Lynne Davis Principal of Trinityhouse High Little Falls Lynne Davis heads up Trinityhouse High Little Falls. She is a dynamic lady with a great passion for education. She strives to ensure that the students crossing her path are treated fairly and that they are given every possible opportunity to grow educationally, socially and emotionally. She has an affirmation of Christian values that lays the foundation of her life, and is very proud to be part of the Trinityhouse system.

Hennie Strydom Principal of Trinityhouse Prep Little Falls Hennie Strydom is a one-of-akind headmaster.

He takes an individual interest in the well-being of every pupil and their families. He conducts himself in a professional manner at all times.

He puts 100% into everything he does. He enjoys spending time in nature, mountain biking and skydiving.

Lana Meintjes Principal of Trinityhouse Prep Northriding Lana Meintjes is the Principal of Trinityhouse Northriding. She started her teaching career in London 20 years ago, and has taught in a variety of schools, in varying age groups ranging from Grade 000 to Grade 2. The majority of her time has been split between Sharonlea Primary School and Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge Pre-Primary. She is a devoted Christian and uses God as her lighthouse to guide her in everything she does.

4 | The Trinitonian

PRINCIPAL HEADLINES Jacky de Blocq van Scheltinga Principal of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Heritage Hill Jacky de Blocq van Scheltinga is the Principal of Trinityhouse Heritage Hill Pre-Primary School in Centurion, which opened its doors in January 2014.

Jacky completed her B Prim Ed qualification at Rhodes University in 1989 and started her teaching career at the Convent of St Agnes in Welkom, where she found herself in a managerial position at an early age. She was appointed as temporary Junior Primary Head of department and managed the Grade 1, 2 and 3 teachers. Jacky then left education for a few years, venturing into the tough retail world of sales, where she rose through the ranks from a Sales Representative position to a Brand Manager.

After a while in sales, Jacky could no longer resist her true calling and passion for children, so she purchased the Randburg Moms and Babes franchise (a sensory-motor development programme for babies between the ages of three months and one year). Her Randburg franchise ended up being the biggest branch, and she ran it for five years before joining Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge Pre-Primary in 2004 as a Grade 0 teacher. She moved to the Preparatory School a year later, and was appointed a senior teacher in 2009. In January 2012, Jacky transferred to the Trinityhouse Little Falls Preparatory School as a founding teacher for Grade 1, and assisted in the opening and establishment of this new campus.

Jacky’s rare combination of experience, skills and knowledge in education, management and business makes her well suited for her position as principal. She has been part of the Trinityhouse family for 11 years, both as an employee and as a parent. Her Christian values are high on her list of priorities, and she refers to the Bible as her guide and way of life.

Thinus Wentzel Principal of Trinityhouse Prep Heritage Hill Thinus is the proud Principal at Trinityhouse Preparatory School Heritage Hill in Centurion, Pretoria.

He assumed this position at the end of 2014. Thinus started teaching at Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys in 1996 and moved to Trinityhouse Preparatory School Randpark Ridge in 1998. He firmly believes that his children are his most important “clients” and also subscribes to the notion that “people make places”. Thinus enjoys interacting and networking with all the relevant stakeholders at his school. He successfully sat his Bed Honours degree in Educational Management in 2010.

Carolyn Slabbert Principal of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Palm Lakes Carolyn has been the Principal of Trinityhouse Palm Lakes Pre-Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal for the past three years.

She is passionate about children, their happiness during their development and their holistic growth in skills and confidence before entering a new grade. Carolyn left university with a B Prim Ed degree, but believes she will never stop learning. This quote rings very true for her…

“If kids come to us from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important.”

– Barbara Colorose The Trinitonian | 5

PRINCIPAL HEADLINES

Darren De Gouviea-Smith Principal of Trinityhouse Prep and High Palm Lakes Darren De Gouviea-Smith heads up the Preparatory and High Schools for Trinityhouse Palm Lakes. He is a qualified high school teacher specialising in computer science, geography and tourism. He has a B Ed (FET) degree from the University of Natal (Edgewood Campus) and a B Ed (Honours) degree in education management from the University of South Africa (UNISA). During his teaching career, Darren has gained a wide range of relevant experience in both primary and high schools, as well as in the sporting arena.

He is married to Kathy and they have two-year-old twins, Cade and Madison, whom they describe as “a blessing from God�. Their family has a very close relationship with the Lord, and they say it is a privilege to be part of the Trinityhouse family.

HEAD PREFECT NOTES Greg Jacobs Headboy of Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge Dear Lord God As we head into 2016, we thank You for yet another chance to experience the incredible wonders that You have laid out for us.

We pray that Your grace and mercy will be with us throughout the year, during times of joy or times of struggle.

Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful school, Trinityhouse, that you have blessed us with and for each, unique and special person involved in Trinityhouse. Guide us to fulfil our potential whilst always staying humble.

We pray that this year, being the last school year for some of us, will be one to remember. A year where we as a school share in the gift of knowledge and come together in unity, sharing an everlasting bond, full of memories and joy of the incredible year of 2016.

Help us, Lord, with a busy year, full of academics, sport and cultural activities, to never lose focus of the most important blessing in our lives. This blessing being You. We pray this prayer in your Holy and wonderful name Lord God. Amen 6 | The Trinitonian

HEAD PREFECT NOTES

Tanna Brownlee Headgirl of Trinityhouse High Randpark Ridge Our Heavenly Father and Special Friend Thank You for blessing us much more than we deserve. As we enter 2016, may we acknowledge, more than ever, all the miracles, gifts, beauty and goodness, that You surround us with each day.

We pray for peace and prosperity in the world, South Africa, Trinityhouse and in our homes. Guide our leaders and role models to act with wisdom and integrity, to respect others, and to practice discipline, humility, selflessness and love.

May we always see the good in others before we criticise and judge them. May we give hope to those who have lost faith and who face despair, and encouragement and support to all we meet to become the best that they can be.

Help us to be able to look back on the year with gratitude, knowing that with Your help and love, we left our footprint in making the world a better place to live.

We ask these things in Your holy name.

Amen

Hannah Ainsley Headgirl of Trinityhouse High Little Falls I am proud to be part of the Trinityhouse family. My wish is that the school will become a home to many pupils in the future, as it has been home to me in recent years. I pray that each new pupil will experience the love and acceptance for them as individuals that I have experienced; that they will want to grow in all the spheres of school life to become the individuals that God has planned for them to be.

It has been a blessing to be part of the establishment of a new school building against the mountain in Little Falls – the view of the mountains in the distance is an inspiration to want to succeed. My hope is that each pupil at this school will be inspired to always give their best in 2016 and that their commitment to and pride in the school will spread throughout the community; may their love for the school and what it represents in their lives become their memories forever.

May each Trinitonian of Little Falls be blessed with true happiness and the success that they deserve during the year which lies ahead.

Thomas Jordaan Headboy of Trinityhouse High Little Falls I am truly blessed to be part of the first Grade 12 group at Trinityhouse Little Falls, and also to experience being in the wonderful new building for my final school year. My prayer is that we will remain humble as the number of pupils continues to increase dramatically each year, and that we as a school will go from strength to strength across all aspects of school life.

I also pray that we will always have teachers who are loyal and committed to the school and the pupils. I am thankful for their continued encouragement and support across the academic, cultural and sporting spheres.

I am thankful that I could be part of the growth of the school, and that I could be part of the legacy that has been created at this new campus in Little Falls. It has been an amazing experience to contribute, participate and grow!

I am in awe of the selflessness of the pupils at Little Falls – they are always willing to assist or participate, without expectation of reward.

My hope is that the legacy of being a Trinitonian will always remain untarnished, and my wish for 2016 is that each person at this campus will be blessed with happiness and success.

The Trinitonian | 7

MATRIC RESULTS

RANDPARK RIDGE MATRIC

SUPERHEROES

What unbelievable matric results Trinityhouse achieved in 2015! We are so proud to announce that our students achieved the following: five students achieved four distinctions; ten students achieved five distinctions; three students earned themselves six distinctions; and a whopping six students attained a very impressive seven distinctions! In January 2016 at the ADvTECH Top Achievers event, held at the prestigious Maslow Hotel, Trinityhouse top students were acknowledged, including Randpark Ridge’s Melissa Purden, who was celebrated for her overwhelming achievement. Here are all our heroes…

6

7

DISTINCTIONS

DISTINCTIONS

Emily Wedepohl

8 | The Trinitonian

Melissa Purdon ­­ 7 Distinctions and overall top achiever

Caitlyn Thompson

Donovan Bester

Katie Bultitude

Stephen Kettley

Jade Govender

Kayleigh Wood

Lente Haselum

5 DISTINCTIONS

Astra van Niekerk

Candice Dalton

Daniella de Wit

Jon-Jon Jenks

Keith Venter

Michele Boult

Mihka Roos

Rian Breytenbach

Saskia Wagner

Wisani Mabuza

Michael Sent

Nkululeko Kubeka

4 DISTINCTIONS

Christina Raxenidis

Jacqueline Bath

Zoe Allison

WELL DONE MATRICS - YOU MADE US PROUD! The Trinitonian | 9

10 | The Trinitonian

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The Trinitonian | 11

ACADEMIC ARTICLE

OUR RAPIDLY

CHANGING

WORLD INTRODUCING THE CORE SKILLS Traci Salter

Learning in the 21st Century – What we need to know

T

wenty-first century skills is a hot topic in education today – some even call these the new building blocks of learning. Our children will need to survive and thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape and, at the same time, be able to collaborate with others from all over the world.

So how do we prepare our children for the jobs of the future?

What new skills will kids need?

Experts worldwide acknowledge that today’s children need more than the traditional ‘three Rs’ (reading, writing and arithmetic) to prepare for 21st century careers.

12 | The Trinitonian

An entire set of core skills is needed alongside the more traditional knowledge gained in classrooms – and these global competencies are key to being part of the landscape and expectations of the world of work as it is now known.

The ADvTECH Academics Department has recently completed research into the practices within different schools and curriculums across the world. This has resulted in the development of an ADvTECH Core Skills Continuum Framework, which will be introduced in Trinityhouse Schools in this academic year.

The ADvTECH Core Skills identified include: • Thinking Skills (Critical, Creative and Reflective Thinking) • Research Skills (Inquiry, Information, Media and Digital Literacies) • Communication Skills (Personal sharing of information) • Social Skills (Personal Behaviour and Collaboration) • Self-Management Skills (Organisation and Self-Reflection) The Trinitonian | 13

INVITE YOUR CHILD TO HELP YOU SOLVE COMMON HOUSEHOLD PROBLEMS

BY ENGINEERING NEW SOLUTIONS

The complete set of skills – and how to develop it in the classroom – will be discussed, unpacked and developed across the Trinityhouse Schools, in alignment with the ages and abilities of our students.

Fostering 21st century skills at home While our schools are beginning to make the shift towards embedding these core skills, there’s a lot you can do as a parent to foster these skills at home.

And while some of these 21st century skills may not seem relevant for young children, it’s important to provide a good foundation at an early age.

Try these ideas as starters for supporting your child’s success

• When children play together, offer them a collective set of play materials (such as a bin of crayons) rather than individual sets, to encourage sharing, turn-taking and social skills.

• Introduce phrases in different languages from around the world – such as the words for ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ – and expose your child to ways of thinking from different cultures. Which languages and cultures are not important at this stage – the goal is to show your child that there are many different ways to think, speak, eat and celebrate, all worthy of respect.

• Encourage out-of-the-box thinking by asking your child to come up with one or two new rules

14 | The Trinitonian

to a familiar game. (Make sure the rules are still fair!) Try playing it their way, and then ask them what they thought went well and what could have gone better. Decide together whether to change the rules again, and brainstorm new ways of playing. This helps kids to learn how to evaluate their ideas, and problem-solve in a group.

• Invite your child to help you solve common household problems by engineering new solutions. How can you get the back door not to stick? What’s a tidier way to bathe your new pooch? How can you fit all the suitcases in the car without blocking the driver’s view?

• Encourage your child to participate in family decisions and problem-solving, and then praise your child’s efforts to reason through different situations. If they seem hesitant to throw in ideas, get the ball rolling by brainstorming together. Write everyone’s ideas on a whiteboard or piece of paper, giving equal consideration to each one. Once your child understands that all ideas are welcome, they may feel more confident in contributing their own.

Trinityhouse will introduce and unpack the ADvTECH Core Skills during this academic year, while our teachers across the schools collaborate and enter into ongoing discussions on how to teach and include these skills across all ages.

Watch this space!

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The Trinitonian | 15

ACADEMIC ARTICLE

First-timers!

Barbara Eaton

Congratulations to our Trinityhouse Pre-Primary parents for making the Trinity choice!

You have ensured that your child will receive the best education, in a nurturing environment.

Obviously, for any child starting at ‘big school’, the experience can be an anxious one. But hopefully by now they have all settled into Pre-Primary well, and the education partnership between our school and all our parents is establishing itself nicely. However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be some offdays! By following our 12 tips in this article, you can minimise the likelihood of any meltdowns going forward:

16 | The Trinitonian

Tip 1. Tears

Tip 3: Snacks & water

Your child has been in school for a few weeks and the excitement levels may have faded a bit. It’s now all about routine and preparation, and with this may come the realisation that it’s not all fun and games – there may be some tears. Please know that this is not unusual and your child is not unhappy – it is just part of the process of adaption. Some stresses may develop as the routines become more permanent and it is possible there may be regression in toileting, eating, sleeping or behaviour. Don’t be alarmed! Stick to the routine and don’t discuss any problems in front of your child.

Take a small snack and some water for your child to have on the way home from school, when their blood sugar is low and they are often exhausted. This will help divert tears and tantrums during the journey.

Tip 2: Breakfast Breakfast is very important. You may be leaving home so early that your child doesn’t want to eat. In this case, mix a smoothie with fruit, raw-skinned almonds and yoghurt and allow it to be drunk in the car. Containers with spout lids will prevent a mess. If eating breakfast at home, ensure that your child gets a high-protein meal with sufficient complex carbohydrates to keep their blood sugar level stable until snack time at school. Cereals marketed for children often have less nutrition than the packet they come in, and are equivalent to putting rocket fuel in a Mini!

Tip 4: Dont bombard them Don’t bombard your child with questions about what they did and who they played with. Rather let them have a quiet afternoon, with a short rest and an early bedtime routine. This will keep emotions on an even keel. When they are ready and willing, they will tell you all about their friends and the stories that happened in class.

Tip 5: Immune Systems Stress can lower a child’s immune system, so do give a good multivitamin as well as lots of veggies, fruit and water. Also, teach the value of frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water to avoid spreading unnecessary germs. If you child does come down with a cold or tummy bug, keep them at home until they are better, and be prepared for a possible few days of difficult separations after the break from routine.

Tip 6: Don’t Linger Don’t be tempted to linger at school in the morning. Greet the teacher and settle your child at an activity. Say a quick goodbye and leave. Your child may cry, but keep going! We have staff experienced in settling children, and they will always contact you if your child is overly distressed. Prolonged goodbyes and waiting around usually makes a young child cling and cry even more.

The Trinitonian | 17

Tip 7: Lunch

Tip 10: Independence

If you are packing a snack lunch, please omit processed foods high in sugar. These may delight your child, but will do nothing for their concentration and can lead to exuberant behaviour that could harm them and others.

Again, stick to fruit, complex carbohydrates and protein. Our brains also need plenty of water, so avoid fruit juices. They contain 45% sugar and – rightly or wrongly – are now being blamed for contributing to the high levels of obesity in children.

Encourage independence whenever possible. Dressing and undressing, eating with a fork (and later a knife) at the table, tidying toys, etc. are all skills a child can do for themselves from three years old. Let your child fail at things and learn to try again. This teaches grit and perseverance, and shows them that mistakes are okay if we use them to learn. Praise effort, not intelligence or physical attributes.

Tip 8: Straight Up Many young children are finding it very difficult to maintain a sitting posture, even for a short time, because they are not developing sufficient torsal muscle tone.

This can be blamed on a sedentary lifestyle with more and more time spent on electronic devices. Afternoons and weekends should involve plenty of active play, preferably outside. This develops important spatial and planning skills and concepts of one’s own body, which are the foundations of learning.

9. Friends Please don’t stress if your child does not make friends as quickly as you would like.

Little children tend to choose the activity rather than the companion, and many are still playing next to, rather than with, one another.

Arranging playdates will always encourage social interaction, and be prepared to ‘try’ a few children to see with whom your child bonds. Some children prefer one friend and others like to mix widely.

18 | The Trinitonian

Tip 11: Expertise You have chosen a Trinityhouse School for the professional expertise of the staff, so do listen to them when suggestions are made as to how you can enhance your child’s progress.

Tip 12: Be a part of us!

Be part of the school by reading notices and responding to requests. Send a short note or email to the teacher if there is something you wish to say without involving your child.

Arrive at school on time and collect your child on time. It is distressing for your child to arrive when the morning ring has started, and to be the last one left at home time.

Above all, enjoy your child’s first year at school and make the most of all the opportunities offered.

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SCHOOL

SCOOP The Trinitonian | 21

SCHOOL SCOOP

TRINITYHOUSE

PRE-PRIMARY HERITAGE HILL T

rinityhouse Pre-Primary Heritage Hill had a truly phenomenal 2015, filled with God’s many blessings, and successfully completed the second year of our existence as a brand-new school in Centurion. We embraced all the challenges set before us through faith in our Heavenly Father.

With the input of all the critical members of ADvTECH’s background support team, our support staff, admin staff and teachers, we managed to achieve most of our goals, which resulted in what you see before you today! Our academic year progressed well, providing ‘An Education Beyond Expectation’ right from the very beginning.

At the outset, the staff of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Heritage Hill and I committed ourselves to uphold the vision of the Trinityhouse brand, of providing holistic, high-quality, Christian-based education through the application of traditional values.

The key to providing consistent, high-quality service delivery lies in the school’s ability to attract and retain well-qualified, experienced and enthusiastic staff. God has blessed us with 22 | The Trinitonian

Sandcastle “team building” in the sandpit during playtime. a professional, competent and dedicated team of academic and support staff. We have all acknowledged the special privilege that we have of being the founders of this branch of Trinityhouse. It is an absolute honour to be the principal of this wonderful school and to have the opportunity to guide it into becoming the leader in pre-primary education in the Heritage Hill and surrounding communities. Thank you to all my staff for all your hard work and the long hours that you have invested into preparing your classrooms to be the jewels of excellence that they are, and for providing a clean

and organised campus that is pleasing to the eye. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

To all the ADvTECH people, who I now consider to be an integral part of the Trinityhouse Heritage Hill family, and who have helped to bring this difficult but exciting project to fruition, thank you very much.

Anyone who has not been part of the process cannot understand the contribution that each of you has made to ensuring that Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Heritage Hill exists, and is already making a name for itself in the surrounding community.

Orapeleng Thipe (in the blue shirt) and Khumo Handel in Gr 00 enjoy Breakfast at school as part of our Food theme.

Our little ballerina’s “curtsey for the photographer. Ballet is offered to our little people as an extra mural activity on a weekly basis.

The Gr R Elephant children listen attentively and partake in the theme discussion.

“Dogzcool” entertain our children on the Heritage Hill field.

To our Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Heritage Hill parents, pupils and families, thank you for taking a leap of faith, for believing in us and entrusting your children to us. Thank you for your unfailing support, love and encouragement. Your continuous positive input – evident in the many positive thank you emails I received from you over this past year – is truly appreciated.

We have had a fantastic 2015 and have been truly blessed with all that has taken place on our campus this year. It is plain to see that God’s blessing is over our school and that

Gabriella Esterhuizen in Gr 00 builds her burger.

God’s hand can be seen in all our endeavours. We continue to have faith in God’s word, as contained in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Fireman Etienne visits our school to teach the children about Fire Safety.

May our school grow from these humble beginnings into an educational powerhouse that benefits all our stakeholders into the future.

Kind regards Jacky We have fun at Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Heritage Hill!

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TRINITYHOUSE

PREP HERITAGE HILL

O

ur budding young school reached the end of its second year, 2015, of existence.

What a privilege to be part of what is, slowly but irrevocably, developing in to a very beautiful story. 2015 – like 2014, and certainly like a number of years to come – may comfortably be referred to as ‘a year of firsts’.

The academic offering at Trinityhouse is certainly not a ‘first’. We are privileged to have top-class teachers who, in collaboration with Trinityhouse campuses across Gauteng and in KwaZulu-Natal, work hard to maintain a time-tested, childcentred product.

The Grade 4 children wrote the SIAT tests for the first time in 2015. The Schools International Assessment Test is compiled and administered by the Educational Assessment Australia Unit of the University of New South Wales, Australia. The tests are written by more than two million school children in numerous countries throughout the world. They provide us with an excellent tool to benchmark our performance and progress against international standards.

We eagerly await the results.

Classroom for the first time.

How exciting to know that every child in our school has a Gmail address, ready to be used from Grade 4 upwards. Soon, elements of Intersen homework and classwork will be submitted from home. The Grade 4 Environmental Camp was also a first.

Our Intersen Academic Department also ventured into the wonderful world of Google

This year marked the ‘first of’ for a number of extracurricular activities. Not only did we offer

24 | The Trinitonian

Supporting the Springboks swimming for the first time, we also offered tennis, chess, choir, senior cricket, senior rugby, bulletjie rugby and senior netball for the first time. We had our very first inter-schools Winter Sports Day and two inter-schools athletics meetings.

Our mini-cricketers and bulletjie rugby players played their very first matches. The highly successful and long-planned Music Centre also opened in 2015.

Heritage Hill Estate Expo

Bulletjie Rugby Training

The Trinityhouse bus on the busroute

Nothing more inspiring than a child learning a classical instrument

Concentration on the Tennis Court

Hardball Fun

The sports year was definitely highlighted by the completion of our very own tennis courts in June, and the establishment of Founders Field.

Fun day with mom and dad at school

Learning about Madiba

Trinitonians celebrate their musical talents

Walt Disney once said: “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

passionate people teach, coach, plan, mark, clean, fix, listen, answer, console, guide and smile their way through each day. Take a bow, Trinityhouse Preparatory School Learning Centre staff, Music Centre staff, support staff, academic staff, admin staff and private service provider staff – you dream big and your efforts are evident.

Our campus is certainly no different. A very small number of

Daily campus life is a constant reminder that growth equates

Painting faces for M.A.D. Day

life. Facilities are added, numbers are growing, new activities are offered, new academic horizons are explored and children smile – all day. In a remote corner of our car park is a young oak tree. It was planted by a passionate Trinitonian after our Winter Sports Festival this year.

At a stage, it was feared the tree had died. Today it stands young, proud and full of life.

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TRINITYHOUSE

PRE-PRIMARY LITTLE FALLS T

he most prevailing thought that I have when I step into the Pre-Primary school every day is that it is with God’s grace that this little school has grown from strength to strength. Our young children have learnt to recognise each other’s differences and talents, and to apply them with zest and enthusiasm.

Our fourth term started with great excitement when the mobile zoo came to visit us during our first week back.

The children were given the opportunity to touch all the interesting little animals and creepy crawlies. The tarantula was only admired from a distance, though, as no one was brave enough to touch it.

Eduvet and Fish Friends came to visit our school. This is always a favourite with the children, as they learn to dissect a fish. The boys, of course, are always the ones who love touching and squeezing the intestines, and showing the girls what it is all about.

All our little Grade Rs had their graduation photos taken, and wore the graduation gowns with great pride. One little boy’s comment was: “Teacher Lynn, now we are really big.” Our 26 | The Trinitonian

The play areas are designed to accommodate the 3 different age groups. The older the little ones are, the more adventurous the equipment is. These jungle gyms are very important for gross motor development. graduation ceremony was a smart occasion, as all the children were dressed in black and white.

It was very special and emotional as they each received a scroll and said what they wanted to be when they grow up.

On 14 November, we hosted our annual Newcomer’s Party. All the children arrived with huge smiles on their faces, eager to meet their new teachers and friends for next year.

One of the highlights for the term was when Betty Button came to visit. This year, the children were entertained to a ‘cruise on a ship’ for the festive season. The children’s laughter was contagious throughout the production.

Our little Grade 00 children presented the birth of Jesus to the rest of the school during our nativity play. They were all dressed up as stars, angels, inn-keepers, wise men, various stable animals, Joseph and Mary. The real meaning of Christmas was evident when we all sang the various Christmas carols together.

Our outreach programmes have once again been well supported by all our wonderful parents. This year, we have been supporting the Ekukhanyeni project in the informal settlement of Lawley, south of Johannesburg. We have been assisting in their 16 early childhood development (ECD) centres by mentoring their

Teacher Racquel Tim hands a donated present to a little boy from Lawley during our Outreach Programme.

Cara Nobili (Gr 000) and the rest of our children watched little chicks hatch when Farmer Chris visited with his mobile zoo.

teachers and decorating their classes. In addition, Christmas gifts were collected for 350 children during the term, and were handed out to the children on 19 November at their various Christmas parties. This has taught our little children what it means to give to those less fortunate than themselves, and to be thankful for God’s grace over their lives.

Gregory, Serena and Hayley Karam, Etienne, Angela and Kiara Uys and Melissa and Kristen Prinsloo enjoying the Newcomers party.

I can only express my gratitude to our Heavenly Father this year.

He has guided us to educate these young children in His way.

With God as our lighthouse, we move into 2016 confident in the knowledge that we will continue to establish ourselves in the Little Falls community.

God bless and warm regards Lynn van Jaarsveld The staff from On Cue Theatre productions entertained the children to “Betty Button visits Grandpa’s farm during the festive season”.

Louise from Eduvet visited our school during our “Fish” theme.

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PREP LITTLE FALLS T

rinityhouse Preparatory Little Falls continues to offer a full and relevant curriculum in a holistic environment that inspires and nourishes the Christian character.

The teachers create a vibrant, stimulating and enjoyable atmosphere while aiming to teach habits of good work and study, which will equip each child to succeed. They encourage pupils to create good morals that could set them on the path to reach their full potential.

During the 2015 academic year, Trinityhouse Preparatory achieved many successes in the academic, cultural, sporting and social responsibility arenas.

Nicolai Paraian was chosen to represent the Johannesburg Metro at the South Africa Junior Chess Championships.

The U11 cricket side had a wonderful year. The team displayed excellent sportsmanship and represented Trinityhouse proudly, and achieved the runners-up award in the Central West Friendly League.

Rachel Ross and Lex Harvey competed at the International Maths and Science Olympiad in 28 | The Trinitonian

Trinityhouse Preparatory Building - Education Beyond Expectation

Thailand. They were Trinityhouse Preparatory Little Falls’ first two representatives to take part.

They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and wish their peers good luck in their preparations for the 2016 examinations.

As part of the Grade 7 Life Skills Programme, Mr Berman introduced the Grade 7 pupils to a basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course. The pupils were empowered to assist in an emergency and a basic programme, which planted some seeds for something bigger. We are proud to look forward to the

possibility of our Trinitonians becoming emergency first responders, trauma and accident specialists – and possibly a handful of doctors.

The Environmental Club looked at planting succulent gardens in pots, and explored creepy crawlies. Its focus is on droughtstricken areas at the moment.

Trinityhouse also shared many Other People’s Days. One that stood out was the colourful affair of ‘Flower Power’, celebrated in October last year. A total of R2 500 was contributed by

Horseriding award - Mia Hume

Diploma recipiant - vocals Janice Brits

Netball under 13 - Mia Rogers

Lunch time Among Friends

Trinityhouse Preparatory, and we also donated tinned and dried food to FORA, an organisation that looks after abandoned pets.

Some of the Grade 6 girls sold baked goods at a second break and the money was used to buy food, blankets and bowls for FORA. The girls raised an amount of R2 000.

Soapbox Derby - Cade Harris, Oluhle Cele And Jordan Venter

Our prayer, as always, is that God will bless our growing school and that we will honour Him in everything we do. We wish everyone a wonderful 2016.

OPD Day - Flora Collecton -Spring

Reading Dad - Caitlin Wessels and her dad (Jacques) reading together

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TRINITYHOUSE

HIGH LITTLE FALLS T

his year has been remarkable for Trinityhouse High Little Falls, with the growth of a new school building out of the dust behind the Prep School and the appointment of the first prefect group for 2016.

The school excelled in sport.

The swimming and athletics teams both won their leagues, cricket took off for the first time and three girls were chosen for external softball teams.

Rugby, netball and tennis continued to flourish, as did boys’ and girls’ hockey, and the children were recognised for their achievements at the first Winter Sports Awards dinner.

Inter-house activities such as athletics, World Cup soccer and swimming promoted house spirit and teamwork, whilst ‘Gees Week’ gave each grade an opportunity to build school spirit under the banner of our mascot, the lion.

A chess league was entered this year, the worship team continued to grow and 3:16 enjoyed a memorable camp.

The choir gained some male choristers for the first time, and led visitors in a moving carol service. The inter-house play competition saw the three houses perform adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, and the 30 | The Trinitonian

Our annual ‘Gees Week’ was a resounding success, with the 2015 Grade 11s showing off their awesome school spirit in the final assembly of the week. creative talents of the children were highlighted at the second annual art exhibition and in the photography competition.

Twenty-six children also experienced the literary and historical sites of the UK on the school’s first overseas tour.

Outreach activities such as Debs and Squires and providing lunches and a Christmas party for ‘Lappies en Laalies’

continued. A number of staff and children also passed a level one first aid course, whilst Footprints Environmental Club continued to clean up the Little Falls Nature Reserve.

As the High School moves into its own building next year, 2016 promises to be full of even more firsts and new adventures, as Trinityhouse High School Little Falls continues to grow.

In July, 26 children and 3 staff members travelled to the UK for an enrichment tour.

September, the Grade 11s baked and sold cupcakes and donated all proceeds to Cupcakes for Cancer.

We moved to our new high school building. Fascinating to watch the building rise out of the dust.

Praying as a team before we won the Interhigh athletics.

November, we hosted our second annual art exhibition.

Grade 7s joined the High School for a one-of-a-kind group photo.

Our classrooms are always a hive of activity and we have very exciting learning experiences to offer.

November, the first prefect body was announced.

2015 Colour Award winners.

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TRINITYHOUSE

PREP NORTHRIDING O

n Monday, 5 January 2015, I unlocked my office door, full of anticipation to start a new chapter for Trinityhouse Schools.

We built the school layer by layer to depict the three pillars that all Trinityhouse Schools are built on – namely a holistic, traditional and Christian education. It remained our central goal to encourage spiritual, emotional, physical and educational growth in all our children.

Trinityhouse Northriding is unique because of its size. We are a small, intimate school, and we aim to create a sense of family where our little ones learn to respect our three families – the family with whom we live, our school family and, most importantly, the family of God to which we all belong.

Founding members of Trinityhouse Northriding our children will learn at an early age that privilege comes with responsibility.

The Preparatory School children joined Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge during the National Rugby Festival, to support its U13 team game against Rondebosch Prep.

Our parents were invited to We participated in a variety of special events such as the Family mini-netball and TAU rugby Sunset Picnic, Mother’s Day, festivals, and an external sports Father’s Day and Our School coaching company, The Sports Concert, just to name a few, and Academy, coached our cricket, we extended a special invitation swimming and tennis teams. We to our grandparents, who spent a participated in the cross-country lovely morning at school with us. league, and the drama and art classes were well represented by Our monthly M-a-D Days our learners.

(Make-a-Difference) have been well supported by our Trinityhouse Northriding would children, parents and staff. We not have been able to function supported a variety of outreach at its optimum were it not for initiatives, and our hope is that my wonderful team of teachers, 32 | The Trinitonian

administration staff and support staff, who have all played a vital role in making our school the success it is.

A special thanks to Hilton Scott (Headmaster), Tracey Venter (HOD, Foundation Phase) and Foundation Phase staff of Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge for assisting us and continuously supporting us. They have truly partnered with us this year and helped us to become true Trinitonians.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that the GOOD news is not that You lived and died but that You died and LIVE! Thank you that in You we have eternal life and hope. Today let us put our hope in You, our Living God. Through you ALL things are possible.

THN Rugby & Netball team on their way TAU Festival

Bonga Kundembe International Burger Day

Kesalya Govender displaying joy for art

Teacher Lara Hutton and her daugheter Rachel Hutton during our M.A.D day

Jordynn Gunn enjoying the Summer Time at Trinityhouse Northriding’s year end celebrations

Corne Vermaak taking stage in leading role of Trinityhouse Northriding’s first concert

(BR) Shriya Govender, Isabella Kruger, Nubia Majozi, Kesalya Govender (FR)Angelique Cochlan, Gugu Mhlongo

Milena Schmidt improving her fine motor skills using a peg board

Wesley Faver celebrating International Burger Day

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PRE-PRIMARY PALM LAKES HIGHLIGHTS OF 2015 The Pre-Primary children visited Flag Farm animal farm, where they had a chance to ride a horse, feed the animals, milk a cow and pet the wolves. The goats got loose and ate our feed packets straight out of our hands!

The first day back at school was celebrated with National Bandana Day. We loved wearing our bandanas in support of the Sunflower Foundation, which this year was very close to our hearts. We have a lot to be grateful for. We truly believe that faith can move mountains!

The 2015 concert was called ‘Our Magical Movie Marathon’, and was our biggest yet. With every child in our school participating, we had actors ranging from our youngest (three years old) to our 15-year-olds taking part. It was a huge success!

During our ‘Reptiles’ theme, we visited Crocodile Creek. We needed one of our sunhats to be rescued from the crocs’ beach, and got up close and personal with an enormous python We had a visit from the Fire Department and were entertained by their playground of foam, which brought on 34 | The Trinitonian

Zenzosi Dlamini, Vuyolwethu Xaba, Nqoba Dlamini, Siyanda Zungu, Jayden Marais, Reneiloe Lesenyeho, Carolyn Slabbert, Shiloh Jayakaram, Aleah Viramuthu. squeals of delight from our children!

Our annual fishing picnic ran for the second time, and most of us had to be extremely patient.

But despite the drought and us amateurs disturbing the river banks, we still had some ‘biggest catch of the day’ stories to tell.

Our third set of Grade 0s graduated from the Pre-Primary.

They did us proud with their rendition of Special Star by Mango Groove. They have grown so much this year, and are truly ready to move on.

Spring Day wouldn’t be the same without our cherubs

wearing their spring bonnet creations during the parade.

We had petals and flowers and ribbons and promises of new life, which all took a bit of a knock during the day, as no one wanted to take their bonnets off!

We supported Vision153’s feeding scheme by having a food drive during October.

The food collected allowed the volunteers to reach the needy and plan for Christmas parties in the community.

A highlight of the year was our Make a Difference Summer Party. We love these opportunities to reach out to others, and this smile says it all!

Teacher Patience and Jayde standing behind with the fire fighters from Kwadukuza. First row: Christian Lauderdale, Zenkosi Dlamini, Christian Heafield, Jenna-Wade van den Heever, Matthew Page, Saige Van Niekerk, Milisa Mantanga, Leah Naidoo, Gabriella Biagi, Caitlin David, Aleah Viramuthu, Ziyanda Ngema, Mangaliso Mthembu, Olivia Latter.

Jayden Marais, Mangaliso Mthembu, Christian Heafied, Nqoba Dlamini, Christian Lauderdale, Matthew Page, Ryan Franz Behind Principal - Pre-Primary: Carolyn Slabbert

Cooper Pears at the fishing picnic

Boarding Matron: Sandy van Rooyen standing behind. Front: Eryn Govender, Melissa Viljoen, Emma Chisholm)

Nothando Majozi, Nokulunga Ngobese, Nqobakha Shange, Nhlakanipho Cele

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PREP PALM LAKES T

rinityhouse Preparatory Palm Lakes celebrated a full year of exciting activities.

The year started with a welcome picnic, where Trinityhouse families spent the morning together. Everyone had a fun morning and enjoyed all the goodies that moms and dads had packed into the picnic baskets. Everyone then moved down to the sports fields, where they were entertained with different sporting activities and matches as a family.

On the first day, the Grade 1 children were very brave and looked very smart in their school uniforms. The Grade 2s were very pleased to have some new friends joining them for the year.

Later that week, the Grade 1s were introduced to the Grade 8s, where they were each given a Grade 8 mentor and buddy for their first year of ‘Big School’.

At Trinityhouse Palm Lakes, we consider the Preparatory Phase to be a crucially important time in the development of a child’s life. We encourage our pupils in a holistic environment, underpinned with a Christian ethos. Pupils receive the opportunity to be awarded certificates highlighting their 36 | The Trinitonian

Nonkosi Xaba, Tessa Heafield, Owami Makhunga, Ethan Naidoo and Asanda Zama are very proud of their little plants academic achievements, as well as their fruit of the spirit.

The Preparatory children are also offered the opportunity to explore different activities. This includes spending their break time on the bike track or in the sensory garden. They are allowed to ride on the different tricycles, while learning the rules of the road and to stay safe by doing so and wearing their helmets. They also learn to be patient and wait their turn, or keeping themselves busy with other activities.

The Grade 2s had a fun lesson about plants. Their eco-lesson allowed them to plant beans in cotton wool, and they were amazed when these grew into

plants. They had to care for their plants by watering them every day. They also made little scarecrows to help protect the plants from birds and insects.

The little ones also enjoyed a ‛camp-out’ to end of their English theme of ‘Camping in autumn’.

They were allowed to bring a sleeping bag, a pillow and a story book to school. They had to work as a team to pitch the tent, and got to share some stories with their friends. The camping experience was ended off by making s’mores – the microwave was used to melt the marshmallows, as a campfire would not have been a safe option at school.

Some of the grade 1 boys first day of school – Front Cooper Pears and Owethu Gxobole and Cristiano Fuller at the back Thando Mthembu – Grade 3 – achieved a Magic Effort Award with her teacher Mrs Mandi Franz Lungi Radebe with her daughter Imitha at Welcome Picnic

Dale Anderson, Cooper Pears and Taniel Dhaver buddies for 2015

RJ Serafim Tennis Star

Tessa Heafield, Owami Makhunga, Leeam Naidoo and Amelie Sak riding their bikes

Grade 1 Slipper Day Owethu Gxobole and Dylan Hugo on the Tricycles while Imitha Radebe waits her turn

Asanda Zama prefers to spend his time skipping

At Trinityhouse, we recognise the importance of an extensive extramural programme, and we are proud to say that through the year we’ve excelled in the sporting and cultural arenas. Trinityhouse pupils also opened their hearts in the form of the Make a Difference Days and Other People’s Days.

We look forward to an exciting 2016.

Everyone helped to pitch the tent

Dylan Hugo enjoyed a tasty s’more

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TRINITYHOUSE

HIGH PALM LAKES T

he 2015 year was filled with many activities that allowed Trinityhouse High Palm Lakes to excel in sport, culture and academic achievements.

The year started with the announcement of the timehonoured tradition of the buddy system, with the Grade 1s and 8s of Trinityhouse Palm Lakes being introduced to each other. Each Grade 8 pupil, in their first year of high school, acts as a mentor for a Grade 1 pupil, in their first year of ‘Big School’. It establish bonds and friendships that last for a lifetime.

Trinityhouse was honoured to celebrate Ascension Day – the 40th day after Easter, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, according to Christian belief. Trinityhouse Palm Lakes observed Ascension Day with each of the children contributing a personal prayer and attaching it to a helium balloon. They discussed the significance of the day and celebrated the privilege of expression of faith. To loud gleeful cries of “Amen”, everyone from Grade 000 to Grade 9 watched the 10 balloons with glinting tails of hopeful prayers soar higher and higher, helping to bring a visual meaning of ‘ascension’ 38 | The Trinitonian

Everyone stood in a big circle when the balloons were released on Ascension Day . to everyone. I’m sure there were some surprised people in the community as the balloons drifted back towards the earth; Trinityhouse asked the community to feel free to be part of the power of prayer if they found one.

The school had a very exciting Entrepreneurship Day. The Grade 8 students had to draw up a business plan and then run a little stall at school, selling their products to their peers and teachers. The funds raised by all the Grade 8s on the day went towards an outreach programme of their choice. Sinothile Ngema

raised the most profit for her outreach programme.

Ruveshan Naik, a Grade 8 learner, held Trinityhouse Palm Lakes’ name high when he participated in the KZN Karate Development Tournament and the Karate South African Development Championships. His outstanding performance of being placed third in both tournaments has earned him third place in the South African rankings in his age and weight category. Ruveshan is ecstatic with his performance.

He enjoys karate, gaming and listening to music in his spare time. He says his role model is

his dad, whom he admires for his hard work and dedication. We commend him for his hard work and wish him well in 2016.

A very successful school concert was held during September 2015.

It was truly amazing to watch a concert that integrated learners from Grade 000 up to Grade 9 in a single production. Singing, dancing, acting and directing were the order of the day. All the learners put in 100% effort, and we were rewarded with a fantastic performance. The learners were able to capture the essence of the characters they were portraying, and also added a few touches of their own. Well done to all our budding entertainers!

The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation visited the school in the last term.

The school was addressed by Ross and James, two lifeguards from Umhlanga Lifeguards, and learners were able to interactively demonstrate the various skills they had learned during this presentation. Various learners got up close and personal with the mannequins to demonstrate the CPR procedure.

Celebrating Ascension Day. Front Row: Tessa Heafield, Thando Mthembu, Matthew Page, Lwazi Mathenjwa, Zenkosi Dlamini, Ryan Franz, Middle Row: Nikita Sukhu, Fundiswa Sibisi, Tanja Nel, Sasha Woodman, Nhlakanipho Cele, Brian Lee, BACK Row: Mr Darren de Gouviea-Smith (Principal Prep and High) and Mrs Carolyn Slabbert (Principal Pre-Primary)

Cristiano Fuller and Aaron Rajcoomar buddies for 2015.

Kamva Mantanga and Ciaran Slabbert buddies for 2015.

Lifeguard visit and new skill development.

It was wonderful to share all the exciting things that we do at our school, and we look forward to a fantastic 2016!

Ruveshan Naik placed 3rd in the Karate KZN Development Tournament

Sinothile Ngema in Grade 8 Entrepreneurship Day. Sinothile’s business was called Wonderland – Games Arcade and she made the most profit on the day.

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PRE-PRIMARY RANDPARK RIDGE A

s this is my first year as a new Principal, completing the fourth term and finishing off 2015 successfully was a hugely anticipated long-term goal for me. As I will always be a preschool teacher at heart, I see analogies in everything. I have a very active imagination, and use it profusely. So, I saw myself as the captain of a ship, loaded with precious treasure (the children, naturally), surrounded by loyal seamen (my hard-working staff), all travelling towards a beautiful Pacific island, surrounded by white beaches and aquamarine water. Along the way, seamen got off for a temporary stay on little islands, only to get back onto the ‘mother ship’ in time to all arrive at the same destination together (five of my staff had babies this year!).

There were also seamen who saw a different horizon for themselves and who left the ship permanently, nervous but excited to begin a new adventure (three of my staff resigned this year). But all in all, we arrived at our Paradise Island, with our ship intact and the captain a much wiser and experienced individual!

Our fourth term is always exciting and fun. The children were so confident and comfortable in their

40 | The Trinitonian

environments that they enthusiastically enjoyed every event. We began the term with a visit from Wild and Earthly, where exotic creatures – including a chinchilla and a python – were on display for our children to see.

Certainly a highlight, and a first as the new Principal, was our Grade R outing to the Montecasino Bird Gardens on 23 October – which entailed four Quantum buses, a 65-seater bus and 110 excited Grade R children, all dressed in their Trinityhouse uniforms.

It was a magnificent day, filled with joy and adventure, and I know this happy memory will last a lifetime!

Our Grade Rs really enjoyed their Orientation Day at the ‘Big School’ on 24 October, and discovered that their new Primary School can also be a place of fun and laughter.

They all had the opportunity of meeting their new teachers for next year, too.

On Cue Theatre is definitely a highlight on our in-visit calendar, and Betty Button Visits the Seaside in the Festive Season on 30 October was a hit. The children giggled and laughed their way through the whole production.

Graduation Evening on 3 November was a time of reflection for the children, teachers and parents. It was an emotional time for us to realise that another year had flown, and we needed to say goodbye to our precious children that we have walked such a long road with…

The one-man Fireman Show on 13 November was highly entertaining. It consisted of “safety rules regarding fire” but also much comedy – as this fireman acts out every scene in a highly exaggerated manner!

Our Newcomers Party on 14 November was very well attended. The new children coming in had a fun morning with their new teachers and friends for next year.

We welcomed the festive season with our annual Christmas Market. Fairy lights and Christmas decorations surrounded the beautiful displays, and the children ran around in delight, only stopping for a boerewors roll or a pancake…

Our annual Make-a-Difference Party was on 27 November.

Underprivileged children from Zandspruit came for the treat of their little lives. Jumping castles, face-painting, cookie making,

Collecting paper and teaching our little ones about recycling

Showcasing the little ones talents, through crafty Easter hats

First visit to the Tuck Shop at Trinityhouse Preparatory Randpark Ridge

Having the Trinityhouse spirit for the Preparatory cubs rugby

Showcasing the little ones talents, through crafty Easter hats

First visit to the Tuck Shop at Trinityhouse Preparatory Randpark Ridge

First outing for Gr. R’s to the Bird Park at Monte Casino

Kids in the kitchen, learning to make their own hamburgers

Learning to play the two tone block, egg shakers, instrumental sticks and drums

In honour of our nannies, we hosted a tea to celebrate what they mean to us.

Going to school in your PJ’s is the best fun ever

sand art and a sponsored meal from our neighbourly Spur were all part of the special day’s celebrations.

We ended off the term with our annual nativity play on break-up day, reminding us again of the ‘reason for the season’. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your birth on Christmas Day. I thank God for His mercy, grace and provision that has carried us through 2015. We are a little school that, more than anything, wants to put Christ at the centre of all we do, and we can testify that as we do this. His blessings flow abundantly in every aspect of this school.

T A

hank you and God bless ndy

Teaching the kids how the rules of a game of tennis works with a fun activity of Balloon Tennis

Every Friday, the children are treated to a special story performed by the teachers.

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TRINITYHOUSE

PREP RANDPARK RIDGE T

erm Four, 2015 at Trinityhouse Preparatory Randpark Ridge was an exceptionally busy time for children and staff alike. The term started with the annual Grade Environmental Camps for all our Grade 4–7 children.

Staff and pupils embarked on a week filled with adventure and environmental challenges.

Our Grade 1–3 pupils remained at school, busy with the academic programme while participating in the Foundation Phase swim-offs for the Inter-house Gala. It is particularly exciting for our Grade 1 pupils to enjoy their very first swimming interhouse competition.

Trinitonians receiving merit awards

Upon return from the Environmental Camps, our children commenced with the final term of extramurals and academic revision for examinations. The annual U9 Cricket Festival, comprising of 10 schools, got underway during the final academic examination for the Intersen Phase pupils.

The musicians prepared for their Royal Schools theory exams, while staff prepared for the final awards ceremonies for sports, arts and academics. We also took leave of our Grade 7 pupils at the annual Grade 7 Valediction service. Finally, our Foundation Phase pupils reminded us of the real meaning of Christmas, with the annual Christmas Assembly.

String ensemble blessing us at assembly

42 | The Trinitonian

Trinityhouse excellent Cricketers

Charlotte Petrick in Grade 4, playing the flute

Trinityhouse Prep Choir Christmas Concert

Trinityhouse Prep Choir entertaining audiences

Having fun on bonding tour

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HIGH RANDPARK RIDGE HUGE SUCCESS ACHIEVED AT TRINITYHOUSE!

I

n 2012, we set the school’s vision going forward with sport and the greater extramural programme in general. It has been so gratifying to see that, as a community of management, staff, parents and pupils, we have met – and, in most cases, surpassed – the goals that were set. Last year saw us review our progress and performance.

Our school’s clearly stated aim is: “In keeping with our Mission Statement we wish to educate and guide our pupils to realize their full potential – mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

At Trinityhouse we thus provide the opportunities for pupils to participate in as many different activities as possible.

Active participation adds to the holistic development of our pupils.”

The fact of the matter is that we punch far above our weight in sport and cultural activities, and this is due to the support and encouragement of our parent community, our coaches and teachers, and the spirit in which our children participate.

44 | The Trinitonian

It really is fantastic to see how many pupils participated in four or more activities in the extramural programme during 2015. The year saw only 11% of our pupils not participating in official school extramural activities. In our sports, we had provincial representation in hockey (7), chess (2), cricket (1), equestrian (6), tennis (1), golf (1), rugby (3), softball (11) and swimming (1). We were again the winners of the Gabriella Grobler medium-sized schools’ Beeld Rugby Tournament with our 1st XV, and our swimmers kept our Gabriella Grobler and Courtney school in the A league Macfarlane were invited to attend a yet again.

The cultural side of the school has also been very successful, with a number of pupils getting into the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra (1) and Simfonia Juventi (1), and we had a winner of the Philip Moore Music Competition.

In 2015, we were in the top five Gauteng SACCEE debating teams, and four pupils reached the top 50 out of Gauteng’s best 230 SACCEE debating speakers.

swimming training and competing tour in Italy. The tour was optional and designed to give promising athletes the chance to gain international exposure in their sport.

Courtney Macfarlane

Five U17 netball girls from Trinityhouse High School Randpark Ridge have been selected to tour and play in Ireland in October.

Phenyo Moilwa is an U14 C Southern Gauteng hockey player. James O’Hare and Keegan Marais play in Trinityhouse’s 1st XI and for the Southern Gauteng team on the U16 side.

From left to right: Austin Bruggen (#2), Christian Humphries (#10) and Kyle van Eysen (#8) were selected for the U16 Golden Lions President XV.

Caitlyn Thomson is ranked 10th in the Senior Top 10 at the National Eisteddfod for Contemporary Music, and has also won a Young Performer’s Award for being the FET Phase winner in Contemporary Music.

The Trinitonian | 45

ALUMNI ARTICLE - CHASE WELLS

Living the

DREAM!

46 | The Trinitonian

NAME: CHASE WELLS SCHOOL: TRINITYHOUSE RANDPARK RIDGE YEARS: 1997 TO ALUMNI YEAR 2008 ACCOLADES AT THE SCHOOL: HEADBOY, FIRST TEAM RUGBY CAPTAIN CURRENT CAREER: PILOT WITH WILDERNESS SAFARIS

Wow Chase! From Trinityhouse Headboy in 2008 to Pilot in the Okavango Delta in 2016, are you living your dream?

Yes, I’m definitely living part of my bigger dream. It’s an adventure flying into remote, pristine areas every day, then spending nights in some of the most exclusive and luxurious lodges in Africa. But I’ve always wanted to be more involved in the guiding aspect of the industry, so my bigger dream is one day to run my own company, flying safaris all over Africa and exploring areas many would not have the opportunity to see.

At school did you know what career path you wanted to follow?

I had an incredibly privileged childhood, and I spent many holidays in the bush, either in the Lowveld or up in the Okavango Delta. As a preprimary school kid, I would spend hours ‘flying’

model airplanes around our garden and landing at ‘lodges’ that I had built out of twigs. By the time I was 14, I had nagged my mom enough that she eventually agreed to let me take flying lessons at Lanseria Airport.

So while other kids were playing rugby you were flying?

Yes, but I played rugby too.

You certainly did! As Headboy and First Team Rugby Captain, you achieved quite a lot at Trinityhouse. To what do you owe your school success?

A big influence were the teachers and coaches.

Many of them played a huge role in my life at that time, motivating me and teaching me the discipline that I needed. But those great teachers were also supported and motivated by a school that had an amazing ethos.

The Trinitonian | 47

What did you do when you left school?

I went to the University of Pretoria, where I studied a B Comm (Financial Management Sciences) degree.

During this time, I completed my private pilots licence at Wonderboom airport. After completing my studies, I moved back to Johannesburg and completed my commercial pilots licence at Lanseria airport. I then began to freelance as a pilot to build hours, while working full time as a financial advisor.

How did you go from financial planning to being a pilot?

At the end of 2014, I was faced with a big decision.

I had been working as a financial advisor for a year by then, but I longed for the bush and flying.

I sent my CV to Wilderness Air in Botswana, and while I was waiting for a response, I was offered a position at a financial services company in London.

Shortly after I received the London offer, Wilderness Air called me in for an interview. I had to decide whether to go to London and work as a financial advisor or to keep focused on my passion. After much discussion with the people closest to me, I decided to take the interview in Botswana.

What do you know now, that you wish you had known when you left school?

I know that wherever you go and whatever you choose to do, you are always presented with

48 | The Trinitonian

opportunities. It is important to identify them and then to pick the ones that will help you get to where you want to be in life – even if they may not seem to be what you want to do at the time.

Do you have advice for the current Trinitonians?

My advice is not to take your time at school for granted. Get involved in as many extramurals as possible, whether it be cultural or sporting.

Absorb the values and morals taught at school, because those are the things you will take with you when you leave. And finally, enjoy and develop the friendships you make at school, as they can be your lifelong friends.

Do you still keep contact with other Trinitonians from your year?

I do indeed! I have a very close group of friends from school, whom I speak to on a daily basis.

Many of us started at Trinityhouse in 1997 and have remained very close all through varsity.

Many of us played in the school rugby team together, and I think that is what has given us the bond that we have.

What is your best memory of school?

I have very fond memories of Saturday morning rugby matches and having hundreds of school

kids on the sidelines supporting us. It was a great experience.

Life is full of rewards and challenges.

What challenges do you face everyday?

Impala on the airstrip as I’m about to land!

But, luckily, having to apply power and go around usually adds to the excitement for the guests. This happens on a regular basis! Oh, and paperwork. With regulations and safety being a great concern within our industry, we are required to document our flights correctly.

This can be very trying at times, as we have to do this when stuck in the middle of the bush.

And the rewards of the job?

First, there is no better way to wake up than to the sound of a fish eagle calling. Second, I love photography and with the amount of time I get to spend out in the field, I have been fortunate to see and photograph some amazing sights.And finally, I love fetching people from the terminal and finding out it’s their first trip to Africa. This gives me the chance to be their first impression of what will be an incredible journey for them, and I really enjoy the interaction.

The Trinitonian | 49

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TRINITY

LIFESTYLE

The Trinitonian | 51

IN THE KITCHEN

In the

KITCHEN with Angela Day

Minted Coconut Ice Makes about 18 squares

Ingredients: • 385 g can condensed milk • 500 g icing sugar • 400 g fine desiccated coconut • Peppermint essence • Green colouring

52 | The Trinitonian

• Combine the condensed milk, icing sugar and coconut in the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the K-beater, mix the ingredients until well blended.

• Remove half the mixture from the bowl and add a drop of the peppermint essence and a drop of green food colouring to the half remaining in the bowl, and mix until evenly blended.

• Press the white portion into the base of an 18x25 cm greased pan. Press the green portion on top of the white portion, smoothing with the back of a spoon.

• Refrigerate until set. Remove from the pan and cut into squares.

Pizza Scrolls Makes 8-10 Ingredients: • 500 ml flour • 10 ml baking powder • 5 ml salt • 250 ml buttermilk • 125 ml pasta sauce • 200 g cheddar cheese, grated Method: • Place the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Add enough buttermilk to mix to a stiff dough.

Knead lightly until smooth.

• Roll out into a 20x30 cm rectangle. Spread with the pasta sauce and sprinkle over the grated cheese.

• Roll up like a Swiss roll and cut into thick slices.

• Pack the slices into a greased 20x30 cm oven pan and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

• Remove and cool.

• Variations: Sprinkle over ingredients such as chopped ham, pineapple or mushrooms before rolling up.

Angela Day

more than 45 years, The Angela Day column has been part of The Star newspaper for ul full-page colour and has grown from one or two black and white recipes to beautif features. n and put healthy, Over the years, we have helped readers to cook for every occasio at our cookery affordable meals on the table.Our recipes are all tested in the kitchen offer fun, also we where Ridge, ark school in the Lifestyle Garden Centre in Randp ay.co.za ngelad www.a See hands-on cooking classes and informative demonstrations. for more information.

can call us on We also offer readers help at the end of a telephone line, and you household and (011) 836 7181 from Monday to Friday 8:30am–12:30pm with your cooking queries – or email us at angeladay@inl.co.za.

The Trinitonian | 53

HOW TO...

I - SPY BOTTLE For any parent who has ever attempted a lengthy road trip with young children, or who has ever been confined to the house with small kids because of miserable weather, we salute you for your patience! To reward you for being a good mom or dad, we offer you this, the first instalment in our new ‘How to…’ section, which will keep your little munchkin busy for hours – or, at the very least, until you have finished making dinner.

What are they?

I-spy bottles are not only fun to play with, they are also fun to make. Essentially, they are bottles filled with rice (or even white play sand), with little items hidden inside, waiting to be spied! There is a ‘finder’s key’ glued to the outside of the bottle with a list of items to be found. Kids can manipulate the bottle until they spot the item they are looking for through the rice or sand.

What to do What you’ll need

• A large and unmarked empty plastic or glass bottle.

• A marble • A Paper clip • A small dice • A bean • A coloured bead • 10 cents • White Rice or playground sand • Any small treasures will do See the Trinity iSpy checklist on our website (www.trinityhouse.co.za) 54 | The Trinitonian

Step 1: Wash your bottle out and allow the inside to dry. Remove all stickers or branding from the outside surface.

Step 2: Using a funnel (it can be a paper funnel), pour the rice into the neck of the bottle. This is lots of fun for kids, and we advise parents to have the vacuum cleaner on standby! Don’t pour the rice all the way to the top of the bottle because you need to allow enough space so the items can move around. Fill the bottle up threequarters of the way.

Step 3: Next, funnel your items into the neck of the bottle, then – and this is an important tip – glue the lid shut! Nobody needs to have rice all over the house

The Trinitonian | 55

TRAVEL

An Hour Away

VACAY! A recent study on stress by the University of Pittsburgh’s Mind-Body Centre suggests that the reason we have chronic health problems is because we don’t take enough breaks. The family vacation should not be one big event, once a year – start thinking about multiple minibreaks. They should be close to home, reasonably priced and short… but long enough to afford you quality time with your kids.

Here are some of our suggestions – with options for all our schools in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL TO TRINITONIAN FAMILIES!

10% DISCOUNT AT ROCKWOOD LODGES OUT OF HIGH SEASON. Please quote “Trinitonian” when booking 56 | The Trinitonian

ROCKWOOD LODGES Karkloof Nature Reserve — 1.5 hour drive from Durban Wow, what a find! Okay, so it’s a little more than an hour away from Durban, but definitely close enough to have the best mini-break of your life. Situated in the Karkloof Nature Reserve, this activity-based, child-friendly paradise offers a variety of luxury accommodation to suit your every need. The Forest Lodge is situated on the Godwini stream, while the Mountain Lodge overlooks the magnificent indigenous forest. The Farm Cottage is a more romantic getaway option with mountain views, and a good base to explore all the Midlands Meander has to offer. Finally, the unbelievable four-bedroomed, ultra-mod Farmhouse is situated on the banks of a dam, with a breath-taking interior and even better exterior views.

All Rockwood Lodges lie close to marked walks, mountain bike tracks and fishing dams – and even the Karkloof Canopy Tour. For the kids, there is a private jungle gym and trampoline area, and each unit boasts a selection of board games to keep everyone engaged. Besides the beauty of the Karkloof Nature Reserve, the area has a number of spectacular waterfalls that are worth visiting – including the Karkloof Falls, Howick Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Godwini Falls and Rockwood Falls, to name a few. So, for all you Durbanites, if you want to get away from the sea and are looking for a little outdoor adventure, there is no better place than Rockwood Lodges. You’re welcome!

Contact Details www.rockwood.co.za | Tel (031 502 4043) Email: info@rockwood.co.za | Rates available on the website.

The Trinitonian | 57

MAGALIES PARK Hartebeespoort — 40 minute drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

At the foot of the Magaliesberg mountains, beside the Magalies River and situated in 120 hectares of tranquil, grassy parklands lies Magalies Park – a great combination of nature, leisure activities and luxury accommodation.

Magalies Park is perfect for the whole family – dad has a championship 18-hole golf course; the kids have a brand-new, amazing water park, adventure golf, canoeing and a teen zone; and mom has the luxurious wellness spa. The family chalets – of which there are one-, two- and three-bedroom options – are situated around the magnificent golf course and all boast large entertainment areas and top-notch braai facilities – that’s if you feel like cooking! If you don’t, head off to Pica Pau, the resort restaurant, and sit out on the deck or enjoy the atmosphere inside while you sample the famous Porra chicken flatty or espetada.

When not relaxing at the resort, there is plenty to do in the area, including taking in picturesque views of the Magaliesberg mountain range from the Kolgans cruise on the renowned Hartbeespoort Dam, enjoying a hands-on educational experience in the company of six magnificent African elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary, riding horses from Saddle Creek Ranch in the foothills of the mountains, taking a ride on the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway or swinging from tree to tree on the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour. You can’t want for any more than this!

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL TO TRINITONIAN FAMILIES! 20% DISCOUNT AT MAGALIES PARK OUT OF HIGH SEASON.

Contact Details www.magaliespark.co.za | (012) 207 9000 | info@firstresorts.co.za | Rates available on the website.

58 | The Trinitonian

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL TO TRINITONIAN FAMILIES!

10% DISCOUNT ON PUBLISHED ACCOMMODATION AND ACTIVITY RATES UNTIL END APRIL 2016. PLEASE QUOTE TRINID10 WHEN BOOKING

MONGENA GAME LODGE Dinokeng Game Reserve — 1 hour drive from Johannesburg & 40 minutes drive from Pretoria Everyone knows what the African bushveld can do for the soul. Luckily for us, we have some amazing bush opportunities on our doorstep. Just one hour from Johannesburg and 40 minutes from Pretoria, and you’ll find yourself in the extensive Big 5 Dinokeng Game Reserve, where the glorious Mongena Game Lodge lies nestled in the peaks and dips of the African savannah. Big 5 reserves are often better known for the ‘Big 6’, as malaria-carrying mosquitoes – which do far more harm than any lion or elephant could – are in abundance. Mongena, however, is proudly malaria-free, perfect for the whole family.

The reserve boasts an abundance of wildlife and birdlife, but if it’s the big beasts that interest you, then you can’t get much better than this. With lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and zebra roaming about, then game drives are a must. Mongena offers five game drives a day including an evening drive with experienced ranges. Get close to nature by opting

for a guided bush walk as an exciting alternative to the drives. Or simply indulge in delicious cuisine at the Kingfisher a la carte Restaurant.

Mongena’s 25 chalets provide single, double or family accommodation and come complete with DStv (as if you’ll need it!). All the chalets are positioned amidst rolling lawns and indigenous landscaping, and are all very close to the restaurant, pool and bar area. When you’re not on a game-viewing vehicle, relax at the sparkling pool under the shade of the Acacia trees.

Easy access by means of a tarred road all the way makes Mongena attractive as a preferred destination to the overnight or day visitor who wants to experience free-roaming big 5 animals in their natural habitat. Mongena also boasts a tarred runway for the adventurous private pilots who wants to fly in for breakfast or a leisurely weekend stay.

Contact Details

www.mongena.co.za | Tel: (021) 711 8920 | Email: relax@mongena.co.za

The Trinitonian | 59

INSPECTOR GADGET

SMALL DESIGN, BIG IMPACT

SUPER FLEXIBLE AND STYLISH

UP MINI 3D PRINTER - R10 995

YOGA 3 PRO - R 29 999.90

Arriving on the heels of the flagship UP Plus 3D Printer, the UP Mini 3D Printer lets you create designs in your favourite 3D CAD programs, scan existing objects with a 3D scanner or download from thousands of shared models on www. thingiverse.com, and then simply click print to bring your creations to life!

Based on the simplicity of a traditional inkjet printer, with a snap-in printer head, slide-in build table and clip-in consumable roll, the UP Mini 3D Printer is not only easy to use but boasts excellent print quality, too.

With its enclosed steel construction, double linear bearings on each axis and a temperaturestabilising build chamber, this little beauty has a build footprint of 120x120x120 millimetres. A print speed of nine minutes per cubic centimetre means that you can turn your big ideas into threedimensional ABS plastic reality in no time at all.

And, because of its open design, you’re not locked into using expensive consumables. www.3dprintingsystems.co.za

The latest laptop in Lenovo’s intelligent Yoga range, the Yoga 3 Pro isn’t only versatile but is a sleek and stylish multimode device that adapts to you. Exceptionally thin and light, the Yoga 3 Pro’s groundbreaking watchband-inspired hinge (crafted from 813 individual pieces of aluminium and steel) means you can use it in four ways: laptop, stand, tent and tablet.

Besides its incredible multimode flexibility, it’s lightweight too (only 1.19 kilograms). And with up to nine hours of battery life, it’s the perfect PC for those on the go.

www.shoplenovo.co.za www.incredible.co.za

ENTHRAL BUDDING ENGINEERS 14-IN-1 SOLAR ROBOT KIT - PRICE: R340 Give a little boy a robot and he is guaranteed to pull it apart to ‘see how it works’. And this is exactly why he needs to get his hands on the 14-in-1 Solar Robot Kit. This chameleon-like robot is heaven on earth for budding engineers, as there are 14 different robot modes to be mastered, including the uber-cool ‘zombie chaser’. What’s more, this nifty little robot’s accessories and parts enable it to move both on land and in water. An added bonus is the fact that this solar-powered toy requires no batteries. Plus, it’s both fun and educational! www.yuppiegadgets.com 60 | The Trinitonian

TWIST AND SHOUT RAZOR KIXI TWISTI - R299,WAS R499 Little bodies have a hard time sitting still, so help your toddlers – aged 18 months and up – to burn off all that extra energy by investing in a Razor Kixi Twisti. With its cute bug-eyed appearance, this kiddie’s toy is a hit.

The lightweight, impact-resistant frame makes for easy manoeuvrability – all the littlies have to do is sit and grasp the handlebars and move them from side to side to go forward. And just to up the cuteness quotient, those big bug-eyes move from side to side in sync with the handlebars. www.takealot.com

IT’S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG DONKEY 6-PACK PICNIC AND BOTTLE BIKE BAG - R595

You’re an eco-conscious type, opting to ride your bicycle rather than take the car whenever you head out to meet friends. So how do you transport a six-pack or drinks without turning it into a circus act or smashing your precious cargo? With the Donkey 6-pack Picnic and Bottle Bike Bag, you can save the environment and savour a cold one afterwards. The Donkey has six compartments to slip a cool drink, frosty beer or picnic snacks into, and transporting your goods is made super-smooth with this nifty holder, which you can sling over your bike top tube. www.mantality.co.za

Disclaimer: Prices are recommended retail prices and are correct at time of print

HONE IN WITH THIS DRONE

SYMA RADIO CONTROLLED QUADCOPTER - PRICE: R840

It’s a total boy’s toy, but grown men will be licking their chops to get their hands on this nifty gadget. The Syma six-inch Radio Controlled QuadCopter is a dream come true for any wanna-be military man wishing to do a little recon over the fence into the neighbour’s backyard. This drone has a sixaxis gyroscope, LI-poly battery, speed mode and will be responsive via radio control for up to approximately 20 metres. It can weather a few knocks and thanks to its stable design, it can even handle a few flips. Best of all, it has an HD camera with two gigabytes of storage capacity mounted underneath! www.takealot.com

The Trinitonian | 61

ACADEMIC ARTICLE

TWINS

BEHAVIOURAL GENETICS W Barbara Eaton

atching a video of twins clinging to and stroking each other as they were washed after birth reinforced for me that twins have a bond like no other.

Whether they are identical or not, twins have shared an environment for nine months by the time they are born, and are used to having each other around. But does this mean that we should treat them identically?

In my opinion, the answer is a resounding no, but there is no one formula that fits all.

62 | The Trinitonian

As a pre-primary principal for many years, I have known numerous sets of twins and a couple of sets of triplets. Each needed as much individual management as single children. They need to develop their own personality and have their specific needs met.

Twins are very hard work for parents when they are infants as they are unlikely to wake, feed or cry for attention at the same time. Don’t be afraid to let one twin cry a little – they seldom wake each other up, and you will simply exhaust yourself if you try to prevent the crying. Things get easier as the twins begin to sit up and take notice of the world around them, as they have each other for company and entertainment. Toddlers are always a handful, but if sensible boundaries are in place from the start, ‘twin chaos’ is unlikely to happen. Supernanny techniques work just as well with twins. Establish

a good bedtime routine as early as possible, and attend to one child at a time so each gets your attention and affection.

Get out with your twins, so they can meet other children and you all have a break from home. If they are walking, use reins or a leash to prevent them wandering in different directions while you shop, or take one child at a time if you have a nanny or partner to leave one with. This also has the advantage of giving each child more individual time.

I think it wise to dress identical twins differently – or at least buy the same clothes in different colours. If you do this from birth, there will not be a problem when a teacher requests different clothing/hair styles to tell them apart. I have known this request to cause panic for both the children and the mom!

The Trinitonian | 63

Dressing twins differently will also help relatives, friends and their peers to treat them as individuals, not clones. Once they are in school uniform, they will simply look like the rest of their peers. When they are old enough, let them choose their own clothes and decide what to wear each day – from a selection you have made, if necessary. Give them their own cots, beds and plates, etc. to demonstrate their individuality.

Twin language

About 40–50% of twins communicate with each other in a ‘language’ that outsiders do not understand. This could be because they have had insufficient adult language modelling. Ensure that you talk to your twins about anything and everything from birth. If they persist with their own language, it could indicate a phonological delay. If twins are unintelligible to adults by 24 months, be sure to seek the advice of a speech therapist.

Twins and multiples do present with more language difficulties than single children – so if your twins are less verbal compared to others, seek help. Early remediation with speech difficulties is important.

GIVE THEM THEIR OWN COTS, BEDS, AND PLATES ETC. TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR INDIVIDUALITY.

Twins and triplets attract attention from others but, in my experience, what they really crave is individual attention. From the beginning, parents should try to identify their differences and encourage them to grow up with their own personalities.

From around two years old, let them mix with others on their own, not just as a pair, so they can make their own friends. If they constantly rely on their twin, they will find it difficult to separate. There is usually one twin who is more dominant than the other. If left to their own devices socially and emotionally, it can lead to one dominant and one submissive twin – which is unhealthy for them both.

64 | The Trinitonian

The good twin and the naughty twin.

Children resort to various types of behaviour to get attention. This is their ‘language’, and we need to interpret what they are trying to tell us. Usually it is a cry for attention – even if it’s negative attention. However, the ‘good’ child is also trying to get your attention. Try not to react

immediately to the child who is behaving badly, as this reinforces the action. compliment immediately to the child who First is behaving badly,the child is behaving well and deal withthe the as thiswho reinforces the action.

Firstthen compliment troublemaker.

Spend some quality time with each child who is behaving well and then deal with the child separately, doing something of their troublemaker.

Spend some quality time withchoice. each Ifchild possible, let dad take one child and mom the separately, doing something of their choice. other, and then swap next is a If possible, let dad take onetime. childChildhood and mom the time build memories, nothing doesisthis other,toand then swap nextand time.

Childhood a as well special time spent with a parent.

If their time to as build memories, and nothing does this as well asare special time spent with adifferent parent. Ifstories, their interests different, read them interests are different, read them different stories, buy them different toys and take them on buy themoutings. different toys and take them on different different outings.

blossomed, and his dominant brother seemed greatly relaxed without the need toseemed manage his blossomed, and his dominant brother siblingrelaxed the entire day.the Forneed Grade greatly without to 000/00/R, manage hisask the advice of the teachers who already knowask thethe twins sibling the entire day. For Grade 000/00/R, well; then, Grade who 0/R, separate themthe sotwins that advice of thein teachers already know their individuality and talents can blossom. well; then, in Grade 0/R, separate them so thatAs their parent, you will and obviously this with their individuality talentsdiscuss can blossom.

As the their teachers together canthe choose parent, youand will principal, obviously and discuss this with the teacher who suitsand each child. Ifcan thechoose opportunity teachers and principal, together the suits each child.

If theis opportunity toteacher discuss who the needs of your twins not given, toresearch discuss the of and yourgive twinsyour is not given, theneeds options request research the options and give your request in writing. in writing.

To separate or not to separate As the children move up in school, having them in To separate or not to separate As the children move upcause in school, havingheadaches them in at school. different classes may you more at school. different classes may cause you more headaches Starting ‘Big School’ is the same for twins as for – but it’s a small price to pay to have your twins Starting ‘Big School’ is the same for twins as for – but it’s a small price to payrather to have your twins other children – a mixture of excitement and educated as individuals, than constantly other children – a mixture of excitement and educated as individuals, rather than constantly trepidation. Your twins should have visited their compared or referred to as ‘the twins’. Teachers trepidation.

Your twins should have visited their compared or referred to as ‘the school, know where the classrooms and bathrooms make assorted demands withtwins’. regardTeachers to school, know where the classrooms and bathrooms make assorted demands with regard to have two are and who their teacher is. If you intend to homework, projects, etc., so you may are and who their teacher is. If you intend to homework, projects, etc., so you may have two separate them in class, they should already be different lots of homework to contend with. Please separate them in class, they should already be different lots of homework to contend with. Please accustomed to doing things individually, such as allow your children to choose the extramurals that accustomed to doing things individually, such as allow your children to choose the extramurals that play dates and outings. interest them. play dates and outings. interest them.

Separation depends on many factors, not just the Separation depends on many factors, not just the children.

If you have a choice of school, try and children. If you have a choice of school, try and select one with with more morethan thantwo twoclasses classesper pergrade, grade, select one as this will give you more options.

For Playgroup as this will give you more options. For Playgroup and 000/00/R,the thechildren childrenwill willprobably probably and Grade Grade 000/00/R, feel more secure if they are in one class butnot not feel more secure if they are in one class – –but ifif one twin is is dominant, dominant,or orthe theother otherwill willnot nothave have one twin the opportunity to develop.

I worked with one set the opportunity to develop. I worked with one set of twins,whom whomwe weseparated separatedafter after of three-year-old three-year-old twins, a month because because the thedominant dominanttwin twindid didnot notallow allow his submissive brotherto todo doanything anythingon onhis hisown. own. submissive brother Within a very very short short time, time,the thesubmissive submissivetwin twinjust just

There are situations where separating the There are situations where separating the children may not be wise. If there are extenuating children may not be wise. If there are extenuating circumstances home such severe parental circumstances at at home such as as severe parental illness, divorce or death, twins may function better illness, divorce or death, twins may function better being together.

If one teacher is known to be byby being together.

If one teacher is known to be much better than another, opt for this good much better than another, opt for this good oneone both children. forfor both children.

Once the taxing early years over, bask Once the taxing early years areare over, youyou cancan bask in the blessing of twins.

After all, you’ve raised in the blessing of twins. After all, you’ve raised twotwo children the time it usually takes to raise one, children in in the time it usually takes to raise one, and may not need repeat process. and may not need to to repeat thethe process.

Barbar Eaton BarbaraaEaton SheShe UK.UK. in the ionion educat in the finished and educat d her finisheher and Kenya Barbara grewupupininKenya Eatongrew BarbaraEaton began and idge Cambr of of ity ity Univers the idge and began r under Cambr Univers the trained r under teache infantteache trainedasasananinfant withwith Africa South to moved she Later re.

Africa hamshi to South Bucking in moved ggcareer her career in Buckinghamshire. Later she teachin herteachin school. in ainnursery a post took and n, n, childre school. a nursery ddand a post took her and childre young twoyoung andtwo husban herhusban of of to up school the g buildin al, Princip the e e the Principal, building the school up one to one Within becam shebecam term,she oneterm, Withinone in ary Pre-Prim Village opened then Barbara n. n.

-after the Barbara then opened Village Pre-Primary in Sandto -afterininSandto sought mostsought themost Village rd Crawfo as CH, ADvTE of la , which later came under the umbrel Rivonia of ADvTECH, as Crawford Village Rivonia, which later came under the umbrellaary pment Academic Develo Pre-Prim mary as thethe now works ary. Barbara Pre-Primmary.

Academic Development Pre-Pri Barbara now works as Pre-Pri the 10 Crawford and Trinity Pre-Primaries Coordinator for Coordinator for the 10 Crawford and Trinity Pre-Primaries

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ACADEMIC ARTICLE

Making sense of

POCKET MONEY Nikki Bush

M

ost parents are all too familiar with this often get to experience money literally passing scenario: when you run out of cash and say through their hands. Even school fun days use to your children: “Sorry, not today,” even precoupon systems instead of cash – oh, for the days schoolers will tell you that you can use your ‘card’ of the old Tickey Afternoon! to pay. On a recent playdate with my nieces This cashless society makes and nephews at a games financial sense to us, but when you “DO YOU THINK MONEY arcade, the brass coinconsider that children learn best like tokens have been through concrete, real, physical GROWS ON TREES?” replaced with a plastic experiences, what are they actually THEY ANSWER “YES, card you swipe at the learning about the value of money machines. I can tell you today? For the most part, I think NOTES ARE MADE that my four-year-old they think there is a never-ending FROM PAPER WHICH IS nephew really did not supply. And they are so smart understand when the card today that when you say, “Do you MADE FROM WOOD!” wouldn’t work anymore! think money grows on trees?”, they answer: “Yes, notes are made In a world of credit and debit cards, store from paper, which is made from wood!” And if accounts, internet banking and the fear of carrying you say you have no cash on you, they will remark, real hard cash on our person, our children don’t “Just use your card!”

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Children need to learn by handling real money.

Pocket money paid into our children’s bank accounts over the internet doesn’t have nearly the impact of cold hard cash either. In my childhood (yes, long before the advent of internet banking), my dad would draw a portion of his salary in cash.

He would then divide up the money as per the household budget, and post it into various brown envelopes, one for each category, and pay us our pocket money, of course. Money left over in an envelope at the end of the month stayed there and the next instalment was added to it. If we wanted to go out for a burger, or needed new clothes or a tennis racquet, we would check out the relevant envelope and make our purchasing

decisions based on the amount of money inside it. If there was no money in a particular envelope, that was the answer as to whether you could buy something or not. In this way, we had a very concrete experience of the value of money, saving and spending. We didn’t always get what we wanted, but we never lacked for anything.

While it would be a wonderful exercise to bring home one’s entire salary one month in cash, pile it on the dining room table and get the kids to count it out, this is an impractical suggestion. Instead, you need to find ways of making money real for your children.

Pocket money tips to help create money-wise kids: • Give them their pocket money in cash (small notes and coins especially for children under 7).

• Give them three piggy banks and teach them how to divide up their pocket money into these categories: –– one for saving which teaches them about delayed gratification.

–– one for charity which fosters a habit of giving to others.

–– one for spending which teaches them to enjoy their money.

–– Set a savings goal. When they reach R200 in savings, take them to open their first bank account. Do this at around age 7/8 and make a big fuss about it.

I actually took my camera to the bank the day my children opened their account.

• Play board games that use money, such as Monopoly.

Nikki Bush regarded Inspirational speaker and best-selling author, Nikki Bush, is highly them make helps she among parents, educators and business people alike as world. sense of parenting and child development issues in a fast-changing by her Her keynote talks, interactive workshops, books and games are fuelled ces audien her s inspire she passion for play, connection and relationships as for them e to find creative ways of connecting with today’s children to prepar tomorrow’s world. www.nikkibush.com

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ACADEMIC ARTICLE

68 | The Trinitonian

DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN THROUGH

SPORT Kate Rose

W

e live in an age where our children are faced with many challenges and pressures. It is deemed necessary that they need more mental toughness, perseverance and grit. We are trying to create an environment where children don’t only sit and learn, but also physically move and learn.

Children are suffering from ‘adult’ conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. How can we assist these issues? Sport and physical activities are your answer.

Movement needs to take place from when children are born. Simple things such as carrying a baby in your arms is more beneficial to the development of their muscles than just placing them in a baby chair. They are having to adjust constantly in your arms and this works their muscles, whereas in a chair they just sit. Lying a baby on the floor on their stomach also allows them to work their muscles. This is an ongoing process, and physical programmes and sports are needed in schools to teach children how to manage their physical activity and movement behaviours to help them attain optimal health later in life.

There is so much more to sport being played in schools. As parents, we need to realise that the sedentary nature of our lifestyle is starting to take its toll on our young people as well.

There is research that indicates that sport and cognitive thinking go hand in hand. “It has been proven many times over that children who are fit perform better on attentional tasks that require greater amounts of cognitive control, including planning, organization, abstract problem solving, working memory, motor control and inhibitory control.” (Joseph E. Donnelly, Kate Lambourne)

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As the world is changing, all schools need to relook their physical education programmes. classrooms sedentary and we As the world is changing,School all schools need toare relook their physical need to provide more physical activity across the curriculum education programmes. School classrooms are sedentary and (PAAC). we need to provide more physical activity across the curriculum (PAAC).

Cheryl Stacey, a physiotherapist from Milner and Stacey, states there isCheryl evidence thata suggests physical activity improve classroom Stacey, physiotherapist from Milnerbreaks and Stacey, states there behaviour, fidgeting and improve concentration. is evidencereduce that suggests physical activity breaks improve Personally, classroom she has seen how an improvement in physical fitness has improved behaviour, reduce fidgeting and improve concentration.

Personally, her academic – and this, in turn,fitness has improved her shechild’s has seen how an results improvement in physical has improved self-confi dence and she is more comfortable in her own skin. her child’s academic results – and this, in turn, has improved her self-confidence and she is more comfortable in her own skin.

Stacey suggests ‘exercise snacking’ – a simple process that happens Stacey suggests ‘exercise – a simple process that happens in the classroom and takessnacking’ two to three minutes.

Basically, the in the teacher classroom and takes two to Basically, the gets the children tothree standminutes. and perform a simple teacher getsfor the childrenoftominutes. stand and perform a simple movement a couple Physical activity needs to movement for a couple of minutes.

Physical activity needs to be incorporated in the plan of academic lessons.

CHILDREN MUST TO BE be incorporated in the plan of academic lessons.

CHILDREN MUST TO BE ENCOURAGED TO BE AS We need to ask ourselves why children of today play sport. Is ENCOURAGED TO BE AS need towe askwould ourselves why children today play sport. Is itWe because like to keep themof out of mischief?

PHYSICALLY ACTIVE FOR it it because wethey would to keep out ofnational mischief?

Is because arelike going to bethem the next player? Is PHYSICALLY ACTIVE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. Is it because they are going to be the next national player?

Is it because we, as parents, never had the opportunity, so now AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. it because we, asour parents, never had sports the opportunity, so now we live through children on the field? we live through our children on the sports field?

I believe it is not only about making the A team in a specific sport – is not only about making A team in a specific sport –the itI believe is aboutitplaying a sport and beingthe physically active.

It is about it is about playing a sport and being active.

It iswith about the socialising aspect on the sports field.physically It is about dealing success socialising aspect on the sports field. It is about dealing with success and failure as a team or as an individual on the sports field. There and failure as a team or as an individual on the sports field. There are so many life lessons to be learnt on a sports field. Children must are so many life lessons to be learnt on a sports field. Children must to be encouraged to be as physically active for as long as possible. to be encouraged to be as physically active for as long as possible.

Children need to participate in a variety of sports at a primary Children need to participate in a variety of sports at a primary school level to equip them with all the necessary skills to be school level to equip them with all the necessary skills to be physically literate adults. Only after 12 years of age should they start physically literate adults. Only after 12 years of age should they start considering specialisation.Sport Sportand andphysical physicalactivity activityisisa a considering sports sports specialisation. lifelong journey. lifelong journey.

We of our our children childrenaafavour favourby bycreating creatinga amindset mindset We need need to to do do all all of early on regarding the importance of being involved in sport and early on regarding the importance of being involved in sport and exercise benefits thereof. thereof.ItItshould shouldbe beaamoral moralobligation, obligation, exercise and and the the benefits ifif we care for their health and social well-being. we care for their health and social well-being.

Rose KateRose Kate Physica Diplom l l HigherDiplom a aininPhysica studiedaaHigher Rosestudied Kate Rose Kate instruc tness fi a as workedas a fitness instructortor andworked JCE,and atJCE, ionat Education Educat while Active)while VirginActive) (nowVirgin Racquet t(now andRacque Healthand for Health for ion atat ion Educat l Educat l Physica Physica taught rst fi taught Shefirst g.She studying. studyin Prep Prep rd rd Crawfo thenatatCrawfo andthen High,and ghamHigh, Sandrin Sandringham 1010 office headoffice ed edtotohead continu journeycontinu Herjourney Lonehi Lonehill.ll.Her io.io. portfol herportfol eepart partofofher becam sportbecam andsport years ago,and years ago, | The Trinitonian 7070 | The Trinitonian

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PRAYING PRAYINGwith with

EXPECTANCY EXPECTANCY UU

nfortunately, nfortunately,many manypeople peoplethink thinkofofprayer prayerasasa aduty duty – –like paying a bill.

When they pray, they feel better like paying a bill. When they pray, they feel better about aboutthemselves themselvesand andwhen whenthey theydon’t, don’t,they theyfeel feelguilty. guilty.

They seem to think that God keeps a stopwatch and They seem to think that God keeps a stopwatch and records recordsthe theminutes minutesthey theyput putin.in.Jesus Jesusdismissed dismissedthis thiswhen when He said: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions He said: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions asasthe theheathen heathendo. do.For Forthey theythink thinkthat thatthey theywill willbe beheard heard for their many words.

Therefore do not be like them. for their many words. Therefore do not be like them.For For your yourFather Fatherknows knowsthe thethings thingsyou youhave haveneed needofofbefore beforeyou you ask Him.” (Matt 6:7–8).

So, if praying long prayers with ask Him.” (Matt 6:7–8). So, if praying long prayers with many manywords wordsisisnot notthe thekey keytotoreceiving receivinganananswer, answer,then then what is?

The answer is simple – faith! what is? The answer is simple – faith!

Pray Praywith withconfidence! confidence!

Bring Bringyour yourumbrella! umbrella!

Many years ago, Many years ago,a aregion regionofofthe theAmerican AmericanMidwest Midwesthad had been beenstricken strickenbybydrought. drought.There Therewas wasa asmall smalltown townthere there that thatwas wastotally totallydependent dependentupon uponfarming, farming,and andthe thecrops crops were weredying dyingininthe thefields fieldsbecause becauseofofthe thelack lackofofrain. rain.

AAday dayofofprayer prayerand andfasting fastingwas wasdeclared declaredininwhich whichallallthe the people peoplewould wouldask askGod Godtotosend sendrain. rain.

Repent Repentofofyour yourunbelief unbelief

That Thatmorning, morning,a afive-year-old five-year-oldgirl girlcame camealong alongwith withher her parents parentstotopray. pray.Some Somepeople peoplewere wereamused, amused,asasthis thislittle little girl was carrying an umbrella.

They asked her why.

She girl was carrying an umbrella. They asked her why. She replied repliedthat thatshe shethought thoughtthey theyhad hadcome cometotopray prayforforrain, rain, and she didn’t want to get wet going home.

Suddenly, and she didn’t want to get wet going home. Suddenly, conviction convictiongripped grippedtheir theirhearts. hearts.The Thepeople peoplerealised realisedthat that they had come to pray, but no one except this little girl they had come to pray, but no one except this little girl actually actuallybelieved believedanything anythingwas wasgoing goingtotochange! change!They They repented of their unbelief, and these same people repented of their unbelief, and these same peoplebegan began totopray prayasasthough thoughthey theyreally reallybelieved believedtheir theirprayers prayerswere were going to change things. going to change things.

ItItisisthis thisattitude attitudethat thatactually actuallytakes takeshold holdofofthe themiraculous miraculous and causes the lightning of God’s glory to strike. and causes the lightning of God’s glory to strike.They Theydo do not notcome comehoping hopingit itisisthe thewill willofofGod Godtotoreveal revealHimself, Himself, they theyknow knowit itis!is!Because Becausethey theyalready alreadyexpect expectthis, this,they they pray prayfrom froma aposition positionofofbold boldconfidence confidenceand andexpectancy. expectancy.

When WhenGod Godhears hearsthat thatkind kindofofprayer prayerand andsees seesthat thatkind kindofof action actionbeing beingdemonstrated demonstratedbybydesperately desperatelyhungry hungrypeople, people, He reveals His awesome power in some of the most Have He reveals His awesome power in some of the most Havethe thefaith faithofofaachild child phenomenal That phenomenalways. ways.

Thatafternoon, afternoon,clouds cloudsbegan begantotoform. form.ByByevening, evening, a asoaking rain began to fall.

The heavens had soaking rain began to fall. The heavens hadliterally literally How opened openedfor forthese thesepeople. people.This Thisrain rainlasted lastedforforthree threedays days Howtotoattract attractGod’s God’spresence presence Praying with faith and expectancy will always attract the and nights.

Their crops were saved, and they eventually and nights. Their crops were saved, and they eventually Praying with faith and expectancy will always attract the presence hadone oneofofthe thebiggest biggestharvests harveststhat thatthey theyhad hadever everseen! seen! presenceand andpower powerofofGod, God,just justasasthe theabsence absenceofofthese these had key elements will repel them.

There is a direct correlation Everyone remembered that it was the little girl with her Everyone remembered that it was the little girl with her key elements will repel them. There is a direct correlation between umbrellathat thatchanged changedtheir theirhearts heartsfrom froma aplace placeofofunbelief unbelief betweenthe thelevel levelofofbelief beliefininthe thehearts heartsofofpeople peopleand andthe the umbrella measure of the revelation of the glory of the Lord. to a place of expectancy that God would hear them. to a place of expectancy that God would hear them. measure of the revelation of the glory of the Lord.

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