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The High School Newsletter of Sacred Heart College
Issue 2 2018
IN THIS ISSUE Principal’s report………………… 1-2
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK Most schools offer some type of co-curricular (extramural) activities. These activities include sports, artistic, social and cultural activities. The activities offered at Sacred Heart College are sufficiently diverse to match different learners’ interests and talents. They are an important part of school life because learners participating in these activities experience positive outcomes. Many studies show that these outcomes include a positive influence on learners’ academic achievement and socialization; the exploration and development of talents and personal interests as well as a sense of fulfilment and school pride. We at Sacred Heart College call them co-curricular activities because they provide an opportunity to reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom, offering learners the chance to develop determination, perseverance, resilience and self-confidence. Learners participating in co-curricular activities learn the values of teamwork, individual and group responsibility, physical strength and endurance, healthy competition, diversity, and a sense of culture and community. These are all part of a well-rounded education; one that develops the whole person.
Deputy Principal’s report………… 3 Inter-House Gala………………..…. 4 Project Based Learning …………...5 Major Production ………..……... 6-7 From the Drama Dep. …………. 8 Marist News………………………….. 9 The Night of Ideas …………… 10-11 From the Sports Dep. …….. 12-13 Learning to Transgress …….…… 14 Blood Drive/Fundraising………..15
Soccer Academy……………………. 16 From the Art Dep. ………………… 17 Upcoming Events ………………… 18 Lines of Communication ……… 19
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It is also a time to escape from the classroom and it helps learners to feel more comfortable at school. Our top academic achievers over many years, have been involved in all aspects of school life including leadership, sporting and cultural activities. Each year when we celebrate the success of our learners, I am reminded of the commitment of the learners to the other activities at school besides their academics. Although it cannot be proven whether the relationship between their participation in co-curricular activities and academic success in school is causal, co-curricular participation and academic success are strongly associated. These learners have had to learn important time management skills to cope with the demands of homework, attending practices, rehearsals and weekend commitments. They have had to plan, prioritise, develop self-discipline and a determination to succeed. They have had to ask for help if they could not meet their deadlines or needed to be taken to rehearsals and tournaments. I have seen learners sitting at the Mandela Theatre helping each other with homework while waiting for their technical rehearsal. Parents often make the mistake of encouraging their children to drop out of co-curricular activities so that they can concentrate on their school work. I would like them rather to take a half an hour on a Monday evening and sit with their children to help them manage their time; prioritise the work and encourage them to persevere. I would also like them to come and support their children at those activities that they are able to attend. Your child’s success grows with that support. Ms Heather Blanckensee High School Principal
Right: Annarosa Payne at Open Day
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Left: The choir in action at Open Day
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S DESK Music ensembles hitting the right notes The various music ensembles of Sacred Heart College have had a busy past few weeks. At the open day on 10 February, the jazz band and the choir entertained visitors in the High school quad and the marimba band provided energetic entertainment in the Junior school quad. Whilst in the High school hall, which showcased the various subjects, pianists, James Alence, Michal Svorc and Annarosa Payne provided entertainment as visitors browsed and chatted to teachers. It was very gratifying to hear how impressed visitors were by the vibe that these young musicians provided as well as being such wonderful ambassadors for Sacred Heart College.
On 28 February, the marimba band was invited to perform at the annual conference of the Zenex Foundation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosebank. By all accounts the band did the College very proud with their spirited closing performances for the conference. In recognition and gratitude for their performance, the Zenex Foundation donated funds to the College as well as to the Three2Six programme. All the ensembles are busy preparing for a bumper number of performances in the second term such as the Kingsmead Music Festival, the St Mary’s Battle of the Bands, Saheti’s Music and Mezedes, to name just a few. Mr Wayne Purchase
Deputy Principal and Music teacher 3
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HIGH SCHOOL INTER-HOUSE GALA 2018 The annual High School Inter-House Gala was held on Thursday 25 January 2018. Congratulations to all the swimmers who took part and a special congratulations to Geddes on winning the gala. Well done to the following recipients of awards: Junior Victrix Ludorum – Kira Naidoo
Junior Victor Ludorum – Dominic Hamner
Senior Victrix Ludorum – Ruth McCormick
Senior Victor Ludorum – Luke Riego de Dios
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GRADE 8, 9 & 10 PROJECT BASED LEARNING BE BRAVE; BE BOLD IN LEARNING If you are brave enough to walk into the school hall at around 1pm on a Tuesday or Friday, or if you’re even braver and venture into the Old Chapel Theatre at that time, you might find yourself in the middle of a heated argument about race as a social construct, or racing 200 teenagers to try and find out what the rules are to a game that no-one else knows the rules for either. You might even find them designing the social contract for the first human settlement on Mars, or unpacking power structures, or pretending to be Socrates, or applying for a job that doesn’t exist...
As part of this term’s theme of The Fourth Industrial Revolution the Grades 8s and 9s have been engaged in exercises, tasks and thought experiments that ask them to examine what their futures are going to be like considering the almost undeniable imminence of the aforementioned revolution. The Grade 8 and 9 project hopes to provide the learners with the tools to deal with an uncertain future. In order to do this they have examined the role that past memories play in future decision making; the skills that would be needed in a variety of different environments, and their place and role in a biosphere. They are going to have some interesting things to show you by the end of the term so watch this space. The Grade 10s have been having some very challenging conversations about the nature of power. This has involved analysing existing power structures in society but, more importantly, the Grade 10s have been learning the techniques of Socratic Dialogue which helps them to engage in dialogue with the intention of understanding one another’s perspectives rather than winning an argument. Some of the early “conversations” got pretty heated but managed to resolve themselves into productive discussions around important issues. The learners of Grade 8,9 and 10 will continue to go boldly where no other learners have gone before. We will report back to you at the end of the term when they reach the first of many new destinations.
Claire Baker HOD Integrated Studies
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MAJOR PRODUCTION
Get your ticket today!!! How to book for “THE LOVE OF THE NIGHTINGALE”
1. Fill out the Google Form by following this link: http://bit.ly/SacredHeartPlay 2. Make an EFT payment: Sacred Heart College First National Bank Branch: 257705 Account: 50391755442 NB Reference: Surname 40055
OR Pay cash 3. Collect your tickets from Ms Luigia Milani-Van Zyl, email luigiam@sacredheart.co.za
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Above: Students rehearsing scenes for the 2018 Major Production: The Love of the Nightingale
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FROM THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT The Colour Purple
Theatre visit for the Sacred Heart College Drama Students by Mahin Ali - Grade 11
It is a rarity and an exceptional one at that, that goosebumps line the arms of each person, emotion overcoming them as tears lining their eye ducts are seconds away from plummeting and that a production receives a standing ovation even before the show has concluded. The Colour People has accomplished this and established their foothold in the hall of fame of musicals performed at the Joburg Theatre, and the students of Sacred Heart College are not unsusceptible to the witty charm, alluring aesthetic and significant themes of this brilliantly performed play. The Colour Purple is an awe-inspiring story of sisterhood, survival and strength as women find their own path, despite the plight of women throughout history and the obstacles constantly thrown at them from every direction. It’s a bold musical, with an incredibly talented cast; a live band that definitely knows its way around instruments and how to make the audience further fall in love with the play, and is sure to stay embedded in the minds and hearts of the Sacred Heart children who were given this wonderful opportunity.
Sacred Heart learners talking to the cast of Colour Purple
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MARIST NEWS Addo Summer Camp One of our Marist youth projects is to help the Marist brothers and Mercy sisters who work with destitute communities in Uitenhage and Addo. Kelechi and Fefe, as the new 2018 LLC Presidents, went to the Summer camp in December. Kelechi reports: Jesse Blignaut, headboy of St Joseph’s in 2016, joined the experience again as a camp leader and he writes further: ‘One of the things we do in the week is handing out Christmas gifts consisting of basic items such as toiletries, as well as a toy and something sweet. For the first time in three years, I cried as we did this. As we were ushering children in, we had between 70 and 90 children still outside the gate but only 20 actual gifts left. It wrecked me - these are children whom we spent the week with, many of whose stories we knew and we didn't have gifts for them.’ So we celebrate that 650 gifts were handed out, and thank everyone for their contributions last year – but we still need to aim higher! Our hope is to get 1000 gift packs this December amongst the five Marist schools. To this end, we would like to raise R10000 in the High school and we welcome your support! Marist Life Group
If you are interested in deepening your understanding of and belonging to the Marist way – deeper spiritual awareness, deeper community experience, deeper social justice opportunities- please come along and join our evenings. February 23 and March 23, 17h30 -19h00. Enquiries to Pam Paton-Mills: pampm@sacredheart.co.za.
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LA NUIT DES IDÉES— THE NIGHT OF IDEAS 31 January 2018 will remain unforgettable for learners. What a way to start the year! The French Institute of South Africa hosted the event aforementioned in the heart of Johannesburg by night. Sacred Heart College and Kingswood students made up most of the audience and despite the voluble attendance of citizens in the art and technological industry, these two prestigious schools’ representatives coloured the atmosphere with their uniforms: blue and gold for our college while the green blazer shed some brightness in this bleak Tshimologong building. We arrived at the premises on time and were welcomed with a delicious cocktail. The excerpt advertising the Night of ideas read: “As new technologies are being invented, new kinds of content appear with new aesthetics and new structures of knowledge. From archives to contemporary art, through a classical music concert in VR; artists, researchers and VR specialists will debate the impact of form on content in the context of breakthroughs in new technologies. How do new technologies reshape existing content? And how do they create new kinds of content?” Responding to the question entails us understanding whether the night of ideas met the children’s expectations. This is how three learners reflect on it.
Ruth McCormick, a grade 12 learner reflects on this event as follow: “On 31 January all the French students travelled to the deep unknown of Braamfontein for la nuit des Idees (The night of Ideas.) It was an evening to discuss technology and its use in the arts and humanities. The evening started off with an exhibition of technology’s uses; an artist showcased how he creates his artworks from his tablet or phone. Thereafter virtual reality makes us enjoy music in a virtual world where you experience being part of an orchestra. Finally, one listens to digitized recordings of the Rivonia Treason Trial from the state archives. We could listen to Walter Sisulu talk circles around the prosecutor. It was incredible. The evening went into a panel discussion on technology in general with the artist, the historian who digitized the archives; professor of art, the woman who presented the musical VR experience and a professor of art about technology in our lives; the way we could use technology to benefit Africa and specifically South Africa as we develop.”
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Iman Benjamin a Grade 11 expresses her enjoyment about the night of ideas in this manner: “I really enjoyed the night of ideas because I thought that it was fun and a new experience. I liked the different approach to art and thought that it will inspire many artists to share. However, I thought that there would be activities for the audience but sadly there were none. It was not what I expected while I ended up enjoying the event. I believe, other learners shall enjoy it as well.” Tyron Wei reports that: “At the Night of Ideas by the French Cultural Institute, I was given the opportunity of seeing technology and culture go hand in hand; how technology has helped artists, musicians grow and develop. I enjoyed my short three hours at the event and looking at the projects that were being presented. The Q & A part was done by a professional and was conducted very well although I felt that certain questions were not answered in a way that satisfied the audience, or me particularly. Overall, it surely was a lovely event; an opportunity to talk to modern entrepreneurs and artists about technology as it impacts on their lives.” Jean Bwasa HOD French
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FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT SUMMER SPORTS
CRICKET The cricket team this season has played 3 out of their 7 games. Two games were cancelled and they still have to play two more games this season. We managed to win all 3 games beating Benoni High Schools’ 2nd team, Highlands North’s 1st team and Edenglen’s 1st team. The cricketers also competed in the Inter-Catholic Cricket Festival at St Benedict’s. With the weather not being on our side that morning, two games were shortened to T10. The results from the festival: St Benedict’s - Lost St David’s - Lost De La Salle - Lost Veritas College -Won CBC - Lost Marist Brothers - Lost SWIMMING This year’s Midmar Mile Tour experience had 19 swimmers compete in the race. We departed on the 8 February 2018. We had 6 swimmers that took part in the mile for the first time on the tour. We also had Ms Mangondo accompany us for the first time. We arrived at our annual accommodation in Ballito (La Montagne Hotel) on the Thursday evening. We also participated in the annual St Henry’s invitational gala and which was started by Sacred Heart College and St Henry’s in 1989! Sunday was the day of the Mile which everybody finished. We have so far competed in three league galas this season. The gala that we hosted, we managed to come 3rd out of 6 schools. The Queens gala was also held at Sacred Heart College and the gala at Summit College in which all our swimmers won their races, we were placed 2nd. At the annual Catholic Schools’ gala at St Benedict’s, our boys finished 5th out of 8 schools, girls finished 10th out of 13 schools, and we finished 4th out of the co-educational schools.
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TENNIS The girls’ and boys’ tennis teams have shown growth and development this season. We have 70 tennis players this term. Our boys’ A and B teams have won all their matches thus far. Unfortunately, our girls’ tennis has not managed to win any matches this term. Our girls keep improving as the scores are closer than last year’s scores. We are lucky this year as we have had only one game cancelled due to weather. The girls were also unsuccessful in the inter-high tournament in which they only won one match. BASKETBALL It goes without saying that Sacred Heart College basketball is improving. Last year we suffered numerous losses, unsuccessful tournaments from both the male and the female first teams as we were forced into a rebuilding phase. The Grade 10s of 2017 for the most part carried the first teams. We had learners playing in fixtures three to four times above their age groups. Most of the time is was a scary sight to behold, however, the learners stepped up and triumphed. It goes without saying that Sacred Heart Basketball is on the exponential incline, with our only limit being the galaxy, as we have one hundred and five learners participating in basketball this term alone, making it the largest participated Summer Sport in the school. We have enough players to make two teams per age-group in the Junior high category. From a coach’s perspective, this is not only overwhelming, considering last year we could barely fuel two girls’ teams but also, this is exciting and exhilarating. With an improvement in our numbers, we have had an improvement in our Junior high results. The U13 boys: w in n in g all of their Catholic School’s Basketball Festival matches. Aisaborluokpia Ukhurebor was named as the festival MVP (Most Valuable Player). U14 and U15 girls: The n um ber on e undefeated gir ls ’ team beating Pretoria High School for Girls, Michael Mount, Crawford College and Kind David U14 boys: W in n in g all their fixtur es thus far . Open girls: Our open girls have been for ced to gr ow up befor e their tim e. Last year they w or ked har d, lost dramatically. But after many hours spent on the court, during pre-season, Saturdays and public holidays, they have improved so much that they are now competing with point differences of 40-60. They are at a level of competitiveness where the score is now only a 6-10 point difference. In 2017; we rebuilt and lost. In 2018: we compete. Come 2019: we will win! Our open boys’ basketball has done well this season beating Michael Mount and Crawford Sandton. At the InterCatholic, we placed 2nd as we beat St David’s, Holy Family and Marist Linmeyer. We lost against Dominican Convent. We look forward to the upcoming U19 ISSA (International School of South Africa) basketball tournament where both our male and female teams will compete.
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LEARNING TO TRANSGRESS An exhibition by Kaolin Thomson On 15 February, the Matric Art students were invited to join an Art exhibition opening at Constitution Hill named “Learning to Transgress - Learning as a Practice of Freedom”. The artist was Kaolin Thomson who is completing her masters in Fine Arts. We were waiting for the doors of the exhibition to open; the sun was setting over the hill and a strange, almost surreal orange light had broken through the grey rain clouds. This certainly set the scene for a harrowing exhibition. Thomson gave a deeply disturbing critique of the education system by inviting us to take a journey through the exhibition. A menacing girl dressed in a generic school uniform gave us each a butcher’s mask (which made it difficult to breathe), :a white apron and latex gloves. Once we were kitted out, we could explore the exhibition which consisted of various rooms housing multimedia installations. One of these rooms contained an intricate paper sculpture covering a wall, which consisted of sliced pages from Thomson’s reams of Masters research. Another space showed a video with images of the same school girl in a generic uniform being violently manipulated by a butcher-like figure. There was a lot of blood, obscene words written on chalkboards and even a severed pig’s head. Thomson’s installations were provocative and raised important questions about the school system. As a group, we found the exhibition to be exciting and unusual, and our learners even had suggestions to make the experience more interactive. Overall the exhibition showed an exploration of new media, and different ways of exhibiting has inspired the Matrics to think about their own work and the potential for viewer interaction. Danielle Mowatt, Educator: Visual Arts
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BLOOD DRIVE — FERBRUARY 2018
FUNDRAISING NEWS Sacred Heart College will be Hosting a fundraiser Cocktail Evening on Thursday, April 26 at 6pm at the home of Margaret and Arthur Minson 50 E 79th St, New York, NY, 10075, United States. We would like to invite all Parents who will be in New York or have associates in the area at that time to attend the event. Please send all RSVPs and correspondence to Christine Downes christine.downes7@gmail.com.
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FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT Sacred Heart at First Thursdays The cosmopolitan hub of Braamfontein was the perfect setting for the Sacred Heart senior art students to browse a variety of art galleries. On the first Thursday of every month, galleries are open to the public from 6-9pm. Our group took a walking tour starting at Wits Art Museum, moving to a fascinating laser art piece by a Wits Masters student, and exploring the sights and sounds of the colourful and funky Juta Street. This visit allowed the students to see the themes and issues that contemporary artists are grappling with, and hopefully to be inspired in their own art-making.
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UPCOMING EVENTS Dates to diarise in March Wednesday 7 March Thursday 8 March Friday 9 March
Major Production Performance Major Production Performance Major Production Performance
Saturday 11 March Monday 12 March Tuesday 13 March Wednesday 14 March
SACEE Junior Debating Winter Sports start; Grade 8 Camp leaves Grade 9 leaves Grade 7 Camp leaves
Thursday 15 March Friday 16 March Saturday 17 March
IsiZulu Olympiad Grade 7, 8 and 9 camps return SACEE Senior Debating
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LINES OF COMMUNICATION