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PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

MAKING THE Heleen MOST OF MINCE Meyer

SABMR CALLS FOR STEM CELL DONORS

109 | Aug 2020

DOORDEKRAAL Out and DAM about

Pinelands

*R3.850m

R DE ER N F U F O Pinelands

*R2.195m

T LE US Y B

*R1.120m

R FOALE S

Pinelands

Thornton

Pinelands

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Pinelands *R1.795m

Pinelands

*R1.625m

R FOALE S

*R7 000 pm

R FOALE S

*R5.200m

R DE ER UN FF O

S BY OL U D S

Always Choose the Busiest Agency

Pinelands *R3.795m

R FOALE S

Pinelands *R1.825m

Pinelands

*R1.245m

R FOALE S

*R7.500m

R FOALE S

Thornton *R2.495m

R FOALE S

Pinelands *R945 000

Pinelands

*R6.500m

R FOALE S

Pinelands *R2.100m

R FOALE S

Pinelands

*R795 000

*Asking price

If you are thinking of selling or renting please contact

YOUR EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY TEAM AT SEEFF PINELANDS

Pauline Pat Julie Kathy Robyn Jessica Debbie Hareb Peat Meyer Anderson Meyer Evans Peat Sales Manager Sales Sales Sales Rentals Sales Rentals 082 490 0344 083 290 1331 083 288 8481 083 987 7673 078 359 0354 083 985 2111 082 468 7772

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WELCOME

Left: Max Schutte enjoying “time out” at Doordekraal Dam IT IS THE WATER THAT WILL EVENTUALLY CUT THROUGH THE ROCK Another month goes by and here we are, on August’s doorstep... four months into our COVID saga and I sense that we are all a bit worn down by it all. It is a natural instinct to try and apply a label to an unfamiliar situation to help us understand and deal with it. A common metaphor has framed it as “a war on the virus”. This was well received at the start - we understood it and it stirred us up to a common goal - defeat the enemy. But, what does it mean to be at war with a virus? How long do you expect to be at war? What does winning or losing look like for either side? Can the war be even be won? I am not sure that war is a good metaphor to work with. It certainly suits politicians and governments as it grants a no questions asked license for them to do as they wish in the face of the fear and duty that it evokes. As a war drags on, people become disillusioned when there is just hardship with no clear victory in sight. In this frame of mind, it is hard to keep motivating people and messages and instructions become less effective and less likely to be heeded. It’s hard to keep up a fighting spirit when there is no war or enemy in plain sight. It may be that we need a different analogy to see us through the marathon. Perhaps the idea of a bushfire is more apt. There is warning of its approach, a time to prepare, a period of calm and then the full force of the flames when one can only take cover. Even when extinguished, flare-ups quickly spread and become a danger again. On a personal level, I find it useful to borrow the Chinese philosophy of wu wei - an approach of swimming with, rather than against currents, as bamboo bends in a hurricane, not because it wants to but because it must. It asks us to not force our own ego-driven ideals and invites us instead to respond to the true demands of the situation. It means being at peace doing unpleasant tasks to find the quickest and most efficient path through, in the way that water eventually cuts through rock by following the route that it must. If that is by wearing a mask and keeping apart for awhile while we resume life, well, it is what it is.... Please stay safe.

Max Schutte Editor and Advertising

Writer and Photographer

Max Schutte

Glynnis Schutte

CONTACT THE MUSE MAGAZINE t 021 531 3324 c 073 644 1288 e muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za p The Muse, 12 Rhone, Pinelands, 7405 NEXT EDITION DEADLINES 110 • Sept 2020 Bookings: 13 Aug Published: 28 Aug 2020 Content: 17 Aug

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for advertising details, deadlines, artwork requirements, circulation information and publication schedules. Your news, photographs and stories can be submitted to The Muse Magazine by email at muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. The Muse reserves the right to select articles for inclusion and to make alterations to submitted contributions.

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Aug 2020 | the muse | 1

Images: sAnthony de Graaf

Right: The Owl was spotted sitting on the exercise equipment alongside the canal where Howard Drive crosses the canal.

Spotted Eagle Owl Although rarely seen, this fairly large grey-brown owl is quite common in Pinelands. It has lightly blotched underparts with fine barring, smallish feet and talons. The call is normally a duet with the male calling “hu-hooo” and female replying “hu-hu-hooo”. They hunt at night and feed on rats, mice, moles and squirrels if they can catch them. Because of their diet it is important not to put out rat poison as the owls may eat the rats. They sometimes nest in nest boxes when supplied, but often nest on the ground. Text: John McFarlane, Pinewood Village resident. John has been a keen birder for more than 30 years, and is a long time member of the Cape Bird Club. See www.capebirdclub.org.za.

BUYING SELLING LETTING PINELANDS, THORNTON and surrounding areas

Gavin McDougall 061 076 1481 We strive to be good to all, and good at what we do! Contact us for a free CMA valuation www.opendoorproperties.co.za info@opendoorproperties.co.za

Harcourts Maynard Burgoyne Pinelands 021 531 3041 sales.pinelands@harcourts.co.za FOR SALE

FOR SALE

*R6,400,000

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8592

FOR SALE

SOLE MANDATE *R4,950,000

SOLE MANDATE *R4,695,000

SOLE MANDATE *R3,950,000

Pinelands

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8685

SOLE MANDATE *R3,950,000

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8373

Pinelands

SOLE MANDATE *R3,250,000 FOR SALE

Pinelands

SOLE MANDATE *R3,600,000

Pinelands

*R1,825,000

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8757

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8735

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FOR SALE

Pinelands

SOLE MANDATE *R2,695,000

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8662

U OF ND FE ER R

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8539

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8586

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8769

FOR SALE

SOLE MANDATE *2,100,000

Pinelands

FOR SALE

Pinelands

FOR SALE

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8554

Pinelands

*R5,200,000

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8692

U OF ND FE ER R

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Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8664

U OF ND FE ER R

Pinelands

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FOR SALE

SOLE MANDATE *R3,150,000

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8594

Pinelands

SOLE MANDATE *R2,150,000

Lorna Francks / Dave Brown WMB8747 *asking price

Lorna Francks

Dave Brown

Quentin Jute

Pinelands

Thornton

Property Consultant

C 083 659 9333

maynard.harcourts.co.za

Property Consultant

C 082 330 4111

Intern Property Consultant

C 082 864 8708 Experts in home finance.

Margi Daly Intern Rental Consultant

Pinelands / Thornton

C 067 072 6612

August Special

Beef or Chicken

SCHWARMA Only R59.00 Was R64.90

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday 6, 20 Aug 2020 WESTERN CAPE BLOOD SERVICE

WCBS is taking extra precautions at clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic and urges donors to donate blood at the St Stephens Church Main Hall, Central Square, Pinelands from 1pm to 6:45pm. All blood donors are reminded that they are required to wear a face-mask when donating blood. For more information, please call 021 507 6300 or email info@wcbs.org.za.

www.goodys.capetown

Monday 17 August 2020 GRACE PRIMARY SCHOOL VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING

Goodys-M5-109.indd 1

Join in live from 7.30-8.30pm via Zoom to learn more about this thriving young independent school in Pinelands and ask any questions you might have. Call or email the school at 021 532 1618 or admin@graceprimary.org to receive the Zoom Meeting ID.

August 2020

Wed 26 August 2020

Restrictions are being lifted with special regulations in place. Please call the library to confirm opening hours and/or events. Call 021 530 7160.

There will be no meetings while events are restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information contact: Martin at 021 689 5050.

VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING Monday 17 August 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Please email for the Zoom Meeting ID link admin@graceprimary.org

021 532 1816

www.graceprimary.org

Join us at our Virtual Open Evening for an opportunity to hear more about the ‘living education’ offered by Grace Primary School, watch a short slide show and ask any questions you might have. We are a thriving young independent school with small classes, a Christian ethos, offering a rich and stimulating curriculum, and striving to serve the child as a whole person.

PINELANDS STAMP CIRCLE

PINELANDS LIBRARY

2020/07

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za.

Send content for the September 2020 edition by 17 August 2020. R140 ensures placement in the calendar.

PINELANDS LIBRARY

Doctor

GracePrimary-M5-109.indd 1

Remember... You can visit our Facebook page for updates about the library, resources and entertainment.

2020/07

Dr Louise Wigens MBChB , Dip in Child Health (UCT)

Phone for an appointment

www.facebook.com/pinelandslibrary

021 509 0361 076 588 6603

Old Mutual HOURS West Campus building Mon - Fri 09:00 - 15:00

Aug 2020 | the muse | 3 PinelandsLibrary-108.indd 1

2020/06/30 17:53

reception@drwigens.co.za admin@drwigens.co.za

www.westendmedicalsuite.co.za

Adv. SUE TORR

MANAGING DIRECTOR (BA, LLB)

CRAIG TORR, CFP® DIRECTOR (B.COMM)

ERIC JORDAAN, CFP® DIRECTOR

(B.COMM, LLB, LLM, ADV. GRADUATE DIP. IN FINANCIAL PLANNING)

ERIN WHITE

DIRECTOR (ADV. CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL PLANNING)

DEVON CARD, CFP® DIRECTOR (B.COMM)

GARETH COLLIER, CFP® DIRECTOR (B.COMM)

DOMINIQUE ROBERTS FINANCIAL PARA-PLANNER

Creating and protecting your wealth Crue Invest is a niche financial planning practice based in Pinelands, Cape Town, and is one of only 14 in South Africa to be awarded the FPI Approved Professional Practice™ status. This accreditation recognises that our standards of knowledge, expertise and ethical conduct are amongst the best in the country. Crue Invest is a fiercely Independent, fee-based firm with no affiliation whatsoever to any financial provider or product house.

Investment Advice

Retirement Planning

Employee Benefits

Local and offshore investing, multi-managers & DFMs, investor risk analysis and bespoke investment strategies.

Retirement modelling, retirement funding vehicles, cashflow modelling and annuity income.

Business group risk cover, group retirement funds, funeral cover, medical aid benefits

Business Planning

Risk Management

Wills

Business assurance, key person cover, business overheads protection, buy and sell agreements.

Life, capital disability, income protection, dread disease, business assurance and key person cover.

Last will and testament, living wills, advance directives.

Tax and Estate Planning

Healthcare

Trusts, estate duty, CGT and income tax

Medical aid and gap cover

Come over for

We’d love to help you plan.

CORLENE BOTHA

HEALTHCARE DIRECTOR (NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT)

SHANA PETERSEN

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

CHANTELLE POTGIETER

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATOR

CRUE HOUSE SHANEEZ BREDEKAMP

5 Long Place, Pinelands

phone • 021 530 8500 email • info@crue.co.za web • www.crue.co.za

OFFICE MANAGER

Follow our online column at

www.crue.co.za

Crue Invest (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider FSP 19025

Incapacity:

MONEY MATTERS

What happens when your aging parents can no longer manage their financial affairs? As they age, many people suffer from mental or physical ailments which leave them incapable of managing their financial affairs. For these purposes, a general power of attorney is a useful tool in that it gives authority to another person - usually a spouse, adult child or family member to transact on behalf of the incapacitated person. It is important to bear in mind that such a mandate only remains valid while the principal (i.e. the physically incapacitated person) is mentally competent. This creates a conundrum especially for the adult children and loved ones of an aged parent who they fear is losing mental capacity. In terms of our law, no one is permitted to manage the affairs of another person without being legally permitted to do so, and it is therefore important to understand the available options if you fear an aging parent is losing the ability to look after their own affairs. Generally speaking, there are three options available in such circumstances: Appointing a Curator Bonis In terms of our common law, an application can be brought to the High Court to have an individual declared incapable of managing his own affairs due to either mental illness or physical infirmity, the Court may appoint a Curator Bonis to take over the management of his affairs. Besides the high costs of bringing such an application – which could be in the region of between R50 000 and R100 000 (borne by the estate) – there are also high medical costs involved as the application normally requires medical

By Sue Torr Director Crue Invest

reports from a neurologist or psychiatrist. The entire process is a cumbersome one which is further stifled by the fact that all steps taken by the Curator Bonis must first be approved by the Master. Further, the Curator Bonis has limited powers of investment which can adversely affect the growth of assets in the estate. Appointing an Administrator Where an individual suffers from mental illness or incapacity, an application can be brought in terms of Section 63(3) of the Mental Health Act 1973. Such an application is made to the Master of the High Court who has the authority to appoint an Administrator to manage the property of the mentally incapacitated person. This procedure does not involve a High Court application and is therefore much more cost-effective than bringing an application for the appointment of a Curator Bonis. However, if the individual’s capital assets exceed R200 000 and their income is above R24 000 per year, the Master will insist on an investigation to be conducted before the administrator is appointed, and these costs (legislated at no more than R15 000) will be borne by the estate of the person placed under administration. It is important to bear in mind that it does not provide a solution for those who cannot manage their affairs due to a physical handicap, terminal illness or old age (without any form of dementia). Setting up a special trust An alternative to appointing a Curator Bonis or Administrator is to set up a Special

Special Trust

Trust Type A, which is a trust created solely for the benefit of a person with a mental or physical disability which prevents him from managing his own financial affairs. The Special Trust must be set up before the person becomes incapacitated which requires some forward-planning. This means that a person who is diagnosed with early stages of dementia, but who still has mental capacity, can plan for the future by setting up a Special Trust into which his assets are then transferred either by donation or interest-free loan. Importantly, the trust founder can choose the trustees he would like to administer the trust assets. To qualify as a special person in terms of a Special Trust Type A, the beneficiary must have a disability which limits his or her ability to function or perform daily activities, must have suffered from the disability for 12 months or more, and the condition must be irreversible. By registering as a Special Trust Type A with Sars, the trust will enjoy the same tax rates applicable to natural persons ranging from 18% to 45%. In addition, the annual CGT exclusion of R40 000 is available to this trust, as well as the primary residence exclusion of R2 million of the capital gain on disposal for CGT purposes. Generally speaking, this type of trust will cease to exist from the beginning of the year of assessment in which the beneficiary dies. Finding an appropriate solution to manage the affairs of someone who lacks mental or physical capacity can be complex, and it is always best to seek independent advice. 

Curator Bonis

Administrator

Set up before the onset of mental or physical Initiated by family or loved one after the incapacity onset of mental or physical incapacity

Initiated by family or loved one after the onset of mental illness or incapacity

Assets managed by Trustees

Assets managed by Curator Bonis

Assets managed by Administrator

Set up according to trust deed

Appointed by order of High Court

Appointed by Master of the High Court in terms of Section 63(3) of Mental Health Act

Set up in terms of Trust Property Control Act Set up in terms of Common law

Set in terms of Mental Health Act

Can be used where an individual is either Can be used where an individual is either Can only be used where the individual is mentally or physically incapacitated mentally or physically incapacitated mentally incapacitated Set up costs of trust + ongoing costs

± R60 000

± R5 000

Must be diagnosed by medical practitioner. Application must be supported by two Application must be supported by a medical Must have had the condition for >12 months, medical reports. report or certificate. and the condition must be irreversible. Involves a complete loss of control of assets. Curator bonis must act in consultation Administrator must act in consultation with Trustees assume full responsibility for with incapacitated individual when incapacitated individual when managing managing assets in the trust. managing assets. assets.

Aug 2020 | the muse | 5

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

Aug 2020 | the muse | 6

COMMUNITY NEWS

PERMANENT MAKE-UP MICROBLADING Lips, eyeliner and brows

R500 OFF your first appointment

INTRODUCING MICRONEEDLING

PINEWOOD VILLAGE REACHES OUT ON MANDELA DAY

R500 OFF your appointment for August. Microneedling helps with fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, scarring. Aftercare creams will be prescribed at an additional cost.

4-109.indd 1

Mandela Day is held annually on 18 July and is known as 67 minutes for Mandela Day. Management at Pinewood Village decided to celebrate the day “in house” and provided hot soup and bread to all the people working in Pinewood Village, including all employees, workmen on the construction site, garden and security staff and staff from the cleaning contractor. It was a small token of appreciation to all of them for their dedicated service during the lockdown period.

JUST LISTED

2020/07/28 17:44

Statement of Distinction R6.2 Million

Video Viewings

Ref#KW1432935

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / 2 Garages Set on a landmark corner in Pinelands, this imposing double storey family home offers prestigious living. There is also a free-standing separate entrance income-generating luxurious two-bedroom flat.

Introducing iSHOW, our newest digital offering, where you are able to view properties for sale online, from the comfort of your home.

JUST LISTED

Join our iSHOW Watch Parties and take a video tour of our latest property listings via virtual viewings hosted on our Facebook page. If you would like to know more, please get in touch.

Pretty French Provencal R3.195 Million

Geneé Rodinis GoldClub Agent

+27 (0) 83 658 2121 genee.rodinis@pamgolding.co.za

Ref#KW1484451

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1 Garage Give yourself the lifestyle you deserve with a brand-new environment - a magical garden and a huge lemon tree, perfect to make a jug of lemonade. pamgolding.co.za/pinelands

Webb AAorneys Attorneys | Notaries | Conveyancers 021 013 3610 | www.webinc.law

Aug 2020 | the muse | 7

OUT AND ABOUT

Doordekraal Dam After weeks of “being careful” and spending every minute “safely at home” we decided it was time to get some fresh air and test the new normal. Somewhere we could still socially distance our selves from others but still feel like we were part of the human race. We packed some chicken mayo saarmies and a flask of coffee and headed for the Northern Suburbs. Taking the N1 as far as the M16 or the next one, the R302 and heading for Van Riebeeckshof Road, we soon found the car park for the dam. There were quite a few people enjoying the sunshine and walking

Bacon & Egg Toastie

Smashed Avo

The Oval Burger

round the dam with dogs and children. Some were fishing, some were jogging, some cycling, some watching the birds...we were people watching. From our secluded bench we enjoyed our picnic and especially the “company” of others - all respecting the distancing regulations and wearing their masks. There is a 2km path around the dam and a large grassed area with benches to relax on. There is more than one car park and more than one way to get there. We used google maps for directions. It felt a safe place to go to and we would like to go again some time.

Address: 21 Angeler Street, Bellville, Cape Town. Open 24hours. For information call 021 914 0647.

Bowls Re-Opens Awesome new membership discounts for 2020!

R25: tabs in for members!

Aug 2020 | the muse | 8

COMMUNITY NEWS CANNONS CREEK ACADEMIC AND MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2021 ANNOUNCED! The Academic Scholarship was awarded to Chloe McComb of Grace Primary School and the Music Scholarship to Molly de Witt of Grace Primary School. Congratulations to these girls and Cannons High School looks forward to having them attend Cannons Creek next year. The Academic Scholarship is awarded on Academic Merit to a Grade 7 pupil for Grade 8 of the following year, based on Scholastic Performance and in particular Maths and English. The exam written in April each year is open to all Grade 7 pupils. This year, due to COVID-19, there could not be a written exam, so the Principal of the High School Mr Mike van Haght, interviewed each pupil who had applied for the scholarship, via Zoom. The award was made based on the pupil’s responses as well as on their scholastic achievements.

Cannons Creek pupils reach out on Mandela Day Below: Grade 2 pupils with sandwiches that they had made on Friday 17 July for Mandela Day (Saturday 18 July).

Winner of the Cannons Creek Academic Scholarship for 2021 Chloe McComb

Winner of the Cannons Creek Music Scholarship for 2021 Molly de Witt

Music Scholarship: Candidates wishing to enrol in Grade 8 in 2021 who achieved a high standard of performance on any recognised classical musical instrument or voice were eligible for the scholarship. The level presented had to be a minimum of Grade 3 or higher. ABRSM (Associated

Board of the Royal Schools of Music), Trinity or UNISA levels are recognised benchmarks. Candidates were required to play an audition for the Head of Music at Cannons Creek High School, Mrs Hedenskog, earlier this year.

While foundation phase pupils at Cannons Creek made sandwiches which were later distributed by staff to those in need, the PrePrimary pupils collected and made up snack packs for donation; and the Intermediate

phase pupils made up grocery and soup parcels which were taken by Mrs Wahl, the Primary School Principal, to “Mothers Who Care” for distribution in Dunoon and Joe Slovo Informal Settlements.

C A NNONS C REEK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

PRE-PRIMARY INTERVIEWS FOR 2021

If your child is turning 5 during 2021, he or she could be enrolled at Cannons Creek in January 2021 subject to an interview this year. We are currently in the process of interviewing for our PreSchool intake and may be able to assist you, although there are limited spaces available. Should you be interested in applying for your child, please contact Dawn on 021 531 0912 or at info@cannonscreek.co.za. You are also welcome to apply online on https://www.cannonscreek.co.za/copy-of-admissions

www.cannonscreek.co.za

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dance Fitness Musical Theatre Contemporary Modern Hip-Hop Tiny Tots

Aug 2020 | the muse | 9

LEARNING DANCE DURING LOCKDOWN

Viv Pullin, owner of Dance Co writes an encouraging overview of the 2020 dance year:

THE EXCITEMENT OF A NEW YEAR

“The beginning of a year is always a very exciting time for Dance Co. New pupils are enrolling and others are rejoining their groups for the new season. The beginning of 2020 was no different and we looked forward to another exciting dance tour of Italy in June... and then “lockdown” was enforced in March.

THE CHALLENGE - WHAT NOW FOR DANCERS AND KEEP FIT LADIES?

Suddenly we were placed in a position of not knowing what we were going to do and how to cope with the situation of desperate pupils wanting to continue dancing. What’s more our Dance Fit ladies were adamant about a need to keep moving. Many of us had no idea of how to use technology and Zoom was a foreign word.

THE HURDLES - SPACE, TECHNOLOGY AND LOAD SHEDDING!

It didn’t take us too long however, to get to grips with the new concepts of connectivity, sound recording and of course the limited space. We were all used to dancing in a studio space of 100 m2. Now suddenly our students had to work in the confines of their bedrooms, lounges and even garages, a mere 10 metres square, often joined by their pets. Not only this, but there was the problem of connectivity, having to share phones, computers and iPads with the whole family. Added to the chaos was the reintroduction of the dreaded “load-shedding”. Interesting times - but the show must go on.

SUCCESS FOR ALL SHARING DANCE ROUTINES ON ZOOM

This has been a very steep learning curve for all of us, parents, teachers and students.

Stressful but also invigorating as we have all had to learn so many new things like Zoom and video recordings and how important our dance routines are in our lives. Feedback has been really important and so positive. Here is just one of the many comments made by the students : “Lockdown has been hard for me but dancing has really kept me going. It can be easy to slip into a motion of staying in bed all day because there is nowhere else to go, but dancing has given me the reason to get up every morning and I am so glad that Dance Co gets to be that reason...”

WINNING BURSARIES THROUGH ONLINE DANCE VIDEOS

Professional teachers in all styles Competitions, shows & overseas tours Viv Pullin 021 531 8976 • 083 273 2159 Jen Stretch 021 531 5777 • 083 635 2414 www.dancecocapetown.co.za • vivpullin1@gmail.com

As the “Dance Tour Italy” was cancelled this year and will now only take place in 2021, 30 of the students participated online doing World Dance Movement classes through online videos. Through these classes five students won bursaries forDanceCo-M4-109.indd the World Dance Movement Italy in 2021.

TURNING 2020 INTO A POSITIVE YEAR

This just proves that a little stress and dedication can be turned into a most positive experience and this year will always be remembered as the one which made all of us a bit stronger and much more resilient that we believed possible. 

2020/07

PRINCIPAL‘S ARTICLE

DOES COVID-19 SIGNAL THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR PHYSICAL SCHOOL CAMPUSES? By Julian Cameron Head St George's Grammar School

The pandemic has seen schools adapt quickly and creatively to an incredibly challenging and fast changing educational landscape. In the first term, teachers were teaching full classes on campus, integrating textbooks, printed notes, data projectors, YouTube clips, google classroom apps and numerous other digital and physical resources into their lessons.

HAVING TO ADAPT OVERNIGHT!

Then came lockdown and many teachers in well-resourced schools adapted (virtually overnight) to teaching entirely online, using zoom, meets, hangouts, discord, the google classroom and various other platforms. Many teachers adapted to creating their own instructional videos, livestreaming lessons, using flipgrid and similar tools to engage pupils and enhance the learning and teaching processes. Webcams and a plethora of Apps are now an important part of a teacher’s toolkit. Schools have been creative in applying to service providers to have their websites zero rated and then loading resources onto their websites so that pupils who cannot afford data, laptops or other devices can access resources using their phones. In the space of a matter of weeks teaching practice took a giant leap into the digital age.

TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITIONAL SCHOOL

Many pupils adapted quickly too and are enjoying the new approaches. The ability to learn at one’s own pace in the comfort of one’s home using technology is attractive to many young people. Others have floundered and struggled with the isolation, needing to structure and organise one’s own time and learning new technological skills. As schools have

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

re-opened pupils are returning, some reluctantly, others excitedly. A question that many teachers and parents are asking is whether the new approach and techniques of teaching and learning will be the death knell of traditional school campuses. Many factors come in to play. I’ll touch on just four:

SOCIAL NEEDS: Human beings are innately social beings, and this trait is particularly powerfully at work among adolescents. The need to be part of a group, to identify with peers, to give and receive social feedback is really central to enjoying and embracing life at this age and stage. Working in isolation with interactions mediated by a screen is difficult for many young people. LEARNING FROM OTHERS: Young people learn from each other incidentally and intentionally on an ongoing basis when at school. They learn from older pupils, they learn from those who are academically more able than themselves, they learn from those who struggle academically, they learn from other pupils’ questions, they clarify their own values, positions and opinions through listening and engaging and they learn many important things from those who are different to themselves. This is one of the important reasons for including group work in teaching and for including non-academic and informal activities (sport, debating, dance, cultural activities, camps etc) in the school curriculum. GIVING AND RECEIVING LEARNING FEEDBACK: When teaching face to face, a

teacher is able to read a class, the levels of understanding, the levels of interest and motivation, whether the pace is too quick

or too slow, a puzzled look, an aha moment, a bored or distracted look. When working online many pupils switch their cameras off (either because they are self-conscious seeing their own image on the screen in front of them or because they wish to use less data and improve the connection, sometimes because it frees them up to move around, or leave the room or eat their breakfast without comment from peers or teacher!) Many of these avenues of information are lost when one engages in a distance/digital learning process.

SCREEN TIME: Spending hours in front of a screen is exhausting. There are volumes of research exploring the benefits and pitfalls of young people with developing brains spending extensive amounts of time on screens and electronic devices. The consensus appears to be that spending too much time in front of screens impacts on wellness, sleep, concentration, mental health, motivation and creativity. THE EFFECT OF LOCKDOWN ON SCHOOLS

So, has lockdown and the educational changes associated with it spelt the end of schools and schooling as we know them? I don’t believe so, and I certainly hope not. There are few things in life more powerful than and more developmental than the experience of belonging and of being seen and valued as a contributing member of a community. Schools play such an important role. While some pupils can and do thrive when working online, I believe that the vast majority need and value the experience of being with their peers in a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment. 

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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PINELANDS NORTH AFTERCARE: CREATIVE UNDER COVID 19 Question: What do you do when you are employed to be a child carer but there are no children to care for? Answer: Absolutely everything! EMERGING AFTER LOCKDOWN

This was what Team Aftercare of Pinelands North Primary School discovered when we emerged, bleary eyed from lockdown, along with the rest of PNPS staff. We reinvented ourselves as the “Jacks (or Janes) of all Trades” applying the broad range of talents our normal roles require, to breathe life back into our school.

CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL

My own role took an interesting turn as I shifted from managing a busy Aftercare Department to being part of the Covid 19 Ops team. Our directive was to create the strategies which would protect our staff and pupils from risk. It has been challenging but extremely exciting for all involved. We have developed our model by planning, testing, adjusting and reassessing at every step of the way. Finally, we set up the space and safety systems ready for staff to return to work.

CARERS ARE MULTI-TALENTED

My team returned two weeks (?) into Level 3. Aftercare carers are a special tribe and with PNPS being an inclusive school, the skills required to care for such a diverse array of children are particularly interesting. On any given day, my team members are required to be athletes, nurses, problem

Aftercare teacher Nicole Lynch

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By Suzi Cinderey Head of Aftercare at Pinelands North Primary School Aftercare teacher Toni Adams solvers, choreographers, agony aunts, teachers, storytellers, philosophers and actresses. We have to be firm but playful, calm in a crisis and it helps to be infinitely creative. This makes us very handy during times of change.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Since schools reopened, Aftercare staff have shown up in every department, spreading their unique brand of practical magic. They have been found covering tasks ranging from security to admin, from brandishing power tools to capturing data. They have scanned temperatures, answered phones, decorated hallways and canvassed neighbours about new traffic systems. They have painted social distance marks across quads and moved furniture. They have filmed, performed in and edited information videos, tidied and pruned Peace Gardens, designed classroom layouts and planned play sessions and, amazingly, during all of this, our regular administrative duties have had to carry on. Grade Rs still need to be registered for 2021, newsletters still need to be written and emails still need to be answered.

MAKING SWEET MEMORIES

For the team who normally arrives while school staff are busy in class and who

Aftercare teacher Tina Richards

leave after the school has closed, Level 3 has provided us with an unexpected opportunity to integrate with the rest of the school community and it has been such a joy, even during these uncertain times. Friendships have been forged which will far outlive Covid 19 and the dark memories of Level 5 will always be offset by the sweet memories of this period of extraordinary collaboration.

IT’S A DIFFERENT WORLD

Going forward, we have had to completely reinvent the structure of Aftercare, taking care to provide the same love, supervision and support, while adhering to the safety precautions demanded by the Covid 19 virus. For now, the toys are packed away and the jungle gyms are closed off, but it takes more than a virus to stop our Aftercare.

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE!

We have transformed in order to do what is necessary to support our Aftercarian families through this challenging time, but some day in the future, when the threat has been brought under control, we will burst back out into the sunshine with all of our noise, laughter, colour and movement and do what we love best. Play with wild abandonment! 

Aftercare teacher Nooronesa Lewis

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SABMR - SAVING LIVES

SABMR SENDS AN URGENT CALL FOR DONORS AS BONE MARROW REGISTRIES AROUND THE WORLD REPORT DECLINE IN REGISTRATIONS SINCE THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK The Coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on many industries and has now also taken its toll on the treatment of blood disorders and stem cell transplantations worldwide – putting thousands of lives at risk. Dr Charlotte Ingram, Medical Director of the SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) – the largest registry in the country – says they too have seen a drop in local donor registrations since the start of the pandemic. She attributes the decline to physical events that drive blood stem cell donor registrations having to be cancelled around the country and the extended lockdown orders prompting the public to stay indoors. “These measures are obviously crucial in slowing the spread of the virus, but it has put a strain on the critical services that registries provide. Aside from a lag in donor recruitment, COVID-19 has also made it difficult to transport blood stem cells to patients in need. While specialised stem cell courier services are operational, the current travel restrictions, international flight availability and quarantine protocols have impacted critical delivery times.”

In light of the pandemic, the SABMR will for the foreseeable future, recruit all donors online.

“Our number one priority is to protect our donors, potential donors and patients whilst continuing to offer a second chance of life to those who need it. Patients with blood disorders, such as leukaemia and thalassemia around the world are still in urgent need of blood stem cell transplants. That doesn’t change. “In SA, the registry is currently not reflective of our demographics and unfortunately worldwide only 27% of donors are of colour, which makes finding a match even more problematic,” she notes. To drive donor registrations, the SABMR has stepped up their efforts by launching a massive online campaign, starting this July, with the aim of achieving 10 000 new volunteer donors before World Marrow Donor Day (WMDD), which is celebrated annually on 19 September. The SABMR’s target is to have 100 000 donors available for patients in need at any given time. “In healthy individuals, bone marrow makes more than 200 billion new blood cells every day, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In people with different types of cancer and bone marrow disease, this process is impaired and often a bone marrow transplant is the best chance of survival. “Since ethnicity plays a role in a successful

blood stem cell transplant, it is important for each of us to register as a blood stem cell donor. While COVID-19 has dominated our lives, people with blood disorders still need our help. We want this miracle to be available for each patient. Some of the most selfless and unheralded people are those who sign up to become donors and we want to thank them for their generosity.” She says the SABMR has adapted its procedures to ensure that the public can still become registered donors, despite physical distancing in place due to COVID-19. “We now offer at-home-sampling kits that are available free of charge from over 140 medical institutions and laboratories nationwide, with a free collection service. Applicants will be contacted to discuss the easiest way of dispatching and collecting the kits. The only sample we require is a simple cheek swab. All precautionary measures against COVID-19 have been implemented at blood marrow donation sites across the country to further protect donors and medical personnel,” says Dr Ingram. If you are between the ages of 18 and 45 and want to become a donor, contact the SABMR on 021 447 8638 or email: donors@sabmr. co.za. For more info,visit https://sabmr.co.za/ become-a-donor/.

TRANSPLANT SUCCESS STORIES

Sibongile Jimlongo

For more stories, follow the SABMR’s #THANKYOUDONOR campaign on: www.facebook.com/sabonemreg/

One such story is of Sibongile Jimlongo – a 25-year-old lawyer in training from Stellenbosch who had the desire to help a child who was in need of a bone marrow transplant. Before she went ahead with the procedure, it was important for her to get her parents and grandmother’s blessing. When she first shared the news with them, they were nervous, as it wasn’t something that anyone in their family ever considered and is uncommon in African custom. After she explained that bone marrow stem cells are extracted via an intravenous line and that it is done in a safe way, her family respected her wishes, and she was able to save a child’s life. To her, donating bone marrow stem cells was an honour and is something that she will treasure forever!

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Aug 2020 | the muse | 12

SABMR - SAVING LIVES

Aaron Lipschitz Aaron Lipschitz, at the age of 5, triumphed insurmountable odds. As an infant, he was diagnosed with a metabolic absorption disorder. The disorder made him unable to tolerate any food other than a specialized hypo-allergenic formula which he received through an intravenous feeding tube. When he was three, after years of infections that baffled his doctors, Aaron was also diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a defect preventing his body from

fighting minor infections. After Aaron endured a third, almost fatal attack of Septicaemia, his doctors decided that Aaron needed to undergo a bone marrow transplant. After a gruelling search for a donor, through the help of the SABMR, they found a match and the little boy underwent a successful bone marrow transplant. Through this life-saving act, Aaron can now live an active life, enjoying the simple pleasures, such as playing soccer and tennis with his friends, that so many of us take for granted.

Elmarie Lahoud meets her donor Petronella Ballantyne Elmarie Lahoud also shares the touching story of meeting her stem cell donor, Petronella Ballantyne. Lahoud – a mother and former school principal in Gauteng, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). The severity of her condition meant that a bone marrow transplant would be the last resort and needed to happen - as soon as possible. All members of her family were tested, but no related match was found. The SABMR then launched a large-scale local and international donor search, which cited Ballantyne, who lives in SA, as a possible match. Further testing confirmed that she

About the SABMR

The SABMR was established in 1991, motivated by the concern that although bone marrow transplants were a lifesaving treatment option, they were only available to patients with a matching donor in their family. Today, the SABMR searches both locally and internationally for donors, thereby making collaboration with international registries and observing universal standards of practice essential.

Aug 2020 | the muse | 13

Elmarie Lahoud, Petronella Ballantyne and Clinical Haematologist Dr Charlotte Ingram was a 100% match and the transplant was done. Lahoud’s greatest fear was that she wouldn’t be able to watch her daughter grow up. Thankfully, the transplant successfully cured her of lymphoma and she is now cancer free, spending lots of time gardening, reading, and walking with

friends. She continued her training in open water swimming after her transplant and is actively involved in a number of social welfare projects in Caledon, where she now lives. To Lahoud, the selfless act, meant the world and for Ballantyne it brought a stronger sense of purpose to her life.

An internationally recognised registry, the SABMR is a member of the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) and was founded in Cape Town in 1991. Its mission is to save lives and provide hope for all patients in need of bone marrow stem cell transplantation and future therapies, by creating awareness, expanding the registry, embracing evolving technology and enhancing stakeholder relationships to the benefit of the community.

As the SABMR is a non-profit organisation, it relies heavily on financial donations from corporates and the public. Funds raised are used towards lifesaving services and patient assistance programmes for families who cannot afford to take on the costly medical bills. Donations can be made via www.sabmr. co.za/donate, various payment options including EFT, SnapScan, Zapper and Payfast are available for ease of payment. 

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SIYA JANTIES

Meet Siya Jantjies, a 15-year-old teenager from Newlands, Cape Town who lives a vibrant and joyful life today, thanks to the life-saving treatment that he received at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. At just 3-years-old, Siya was accidentally run over by a car. He was immediately rushed to the Emergency Centre at the Hospital where he received

15-YEAR-OLD PAVES THE WAY FOR FUTURE LEADERS

life-saving treatment that allowed him to return home to his family. 12 years later, Siya felt that he wanted to give back to the medical staff that saved his life and the Hospital who saves the lives of so many children each day. He decided to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Trust during lockdown. This entailed a challenging 100km run on a treadmill over a period of 10 days. Siya asked friends, family and the public in general to donate to the initiative via backabuddy and he raised a total of R 28 344.61. When asked why he decided to give back in this way, Siya said, “There’s no better way for me to thank them for what they did. I was terrified that I may lose my life as a result of the car crash but the dedicated and compassionate staff at the Hospital made sure that wasn’t going to happen”. He adds: “What Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital is doing is incredible. I see this Hospital and its medical staff as my heroes. Thank you for giving me a second chance, I will not waste it.” Currently, the Emergency Centre is not

adequately equipped to support the many children coming through its doors like Siya due to limited space, overcrowding and inefficient logistics. The upgrade is especially urgent now with the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Centre is the first point of entry for patients arriving at the Hospital. Siya appeals to the youth and future leaders of South Africa to donate to the upgrade of the Centre. “There’s no better time to showcase your sense of social responsibility by giving hope and healing to the most vulnerable in society – the children”, says Siya. On behalf of the Children’s Hospital Trust we want to thank Siya for his incredible support for the Hospital. The Children’s Hospital Trust is a non-profit organisation established in 1994 to raise funds to help advance child healthcare through the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. 100% of all donations go directly to the Hospital and prioritised paediatric healthcare needs, and not a single cent is spent on administration costs. Please donate today.  www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za/donate/ and help make a tangible difference.

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