03 NOVEMBER 2017 03 November 2017 Tel: 011 531 1800 | [email protected]
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS 03 NOVEMBER 2017 03 November 2017 Tel: 011 531 1800 | [email protected] www.stmarysschool.co.za FROM THE HEAD’S DESK As we approach the final weeks of the school year, it is usual for the management team and me to reflect on the value and intent of our academic and co-curricular offering. The St Mary’s model of education includes character development as a key element in what we want to achieve and we, therefore, place emphasis on participation in the co-curricular programme and on leadership. The many and varied opportunities on offer create the context in which the girls can discover and form their individual selves. Academic achievement is pursued and celebrated but we believe that our girls must use their ability and potential to be useful in the world and contribute to the enhancement of our society. We believe that the aspects of our programme and approach, as outlined below, are of value in building character. The mentor groups provide a small group gathering where relationships can be formed across age groups and teachers can monitor the girls’ schedules and general well-being. This daily routine and familiarity should present a safe environment in which the girls can explore their experiences and personal development. From Form III, the girls have opportunities to Karabo (captain) and Samantha (vice-captain) celebrating as St Mary’s wins inter-high athletics for the 10th consecutive year lead in different ways with the fashion show as the first experience of developing autonomy and taking responsibility for a major event. The for an elite team, they need to feel valued for competition and the ability to bounce back majority of girls have tested their leadership skills who they are as individuals and affirmed for enhances their confidence and self-belief. by the end of Form IV. their abilities and talent. All involvement in co-curricular activities is of Competition excites and encourages DEANNE KING equal importance in the school and whether the adolescents but it also helps them develop HEAD OF SCHOOL girls serve the Community Affairs department, and appreciate the virtue of perseverance. participate in the Performing Arts or play sport The girls learn to deal with failure through LOVE.COMMUNITY.INTEGRITY 2 FROM THE CHAPLAIN SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS SCHOOL SENIOR This past week, in the life of the church, saw the celebration of All Or where can I flee from your presence? Saints’ Day (Wednesday 1 November) and All Souls’ Day (Thursday 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; 2 November). All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days are of particular if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. significance to us as a community, as there have been several deaths 9 If I take the wings of the morning in girls’ families over the past year or more. Last week, we received and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, sad news concerning two families. Thandiswa’s (Form II) mother, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, Mavis Buthelezi, passed away on Saturday 21 October. Cobus Britz, and your right hand shall hold me fast. father to Kaylyn (Form IV) and Alayna (Form II) and Anabel (Grade 1), 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, passed away on Thursday 26 October.. and the light around me become night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; Rest eternal grant unto Mavis Buthelezi and Cobus Britz, oh Lord, the night is as bright as the day, and let light perpetual shine upon them. for darkness is as light to you. 13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; Thus, this week, we took the opportunity to mark All Saints’ and All you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Souls’ Days in our chapel in the Senior School, in services of Morning 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Prayer. Girls were gently encouraged to prayerfully reflect upon the Wonderful are your works; lives of the saints, both known and unknown to us, as well as all the that I know very well. faithful who have departed this life, within the story of Christ and of 15 My frame was not hidden from you, God’s journey with God’s people as told in the readings for the day. when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. I encourage us all to reflect on the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. 139:1-18, and to find reassurance in God’s constant presence with In your book were written us, no matter the situation: all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 17 How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; How vast is the sum of them! you discern my thoughts from far away. 18 I try to count them—they are more than the sand; 3 You search out my path and my lying down, I come to the end—I am still with you. and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, REVD CLAUDIA COUSTAS O Lord, you know it completely. CHAPLAIN 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. 7 Where can I go from your spirit? LOVE.COMMUNITY.INTEGRITY 03 NOVEMBER 2017 3 APPLE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION The Visual Arts department had three entries in the finals of the Apple Ruby and Candice won the Artistic Excellence category for their video Excellence in Education competition. An awards evening was held at entitled “The world is our Canvas”. Ruby was also a finalist for her video The Venue at Melrose Arch on 26 October. entitled “Chaotic Capabilities”. SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS SCHOOL SENIOR Sveva and Neo placed second in the Curriculum Challenge category SUE HEYDENRYCH for their iBook on African art. Their colourful creation made use of HOD: VISUAL ARTS interactive widgets using iBooks Author. Winners of the Apple Excellence in Education Artistic Excellence category, Ruby and Candice Screen shots of the winning video LOVE.COMMUNITY.INTEGRITY 03 NOVEMBER 2017 4 INNOV@TION HUB “A Re Sebetseng [Let’s work!]: Building a cleaner and better Jo’burg together” – Herman Mashaba: Daily Maverick, 20 September 2017 SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS SCHOOL SENIOR On Thursday 26 October, the Form I girls took part in a dynamic, The girls brought their “treasure” back to school to sort and stuff into experiential day of learning that revolved around the themes discarded 2l Coke bottles, transforming them into Coke bottle bricks. of urban development, sustainability and extending the girls’ These were destined to become part of the upcycled wall positioned understanding of the meaning of citizenship and community. The at the recycle depot below The Edge building. first activity for the day was dedicated to a litter pick up in and around St Mary’s. This response to Johannesburg Executive Mayor The message here is that learning is ongoing. We all strive to be Herman Mashaba’s “A Re Sebetseng clean up Jo’burg” campaign better, more conscious of the individual being that is part of a bigger allowed the girls to see first-hand the blatant disregard not only whole, as well as being more environmentally aware. The experience for the environment but the impact that litter has on wildlife. The was intended to be humbling, allowing the girls to look beyond significance of this activity went much further than the physical themselves and be active contributors to ensuring we all have a beautification of the suburb and nearby river; it highlighted the future of which we can be proud. importance of becoming powerful change agents in society. CLARE SEARLE AND JANE MCMURRAY St Mary’s girls do their bit for the community and the environment The Coke-bottle wall that beautifies the area behind The Edge building MUSE MORNING All parents are welcome to join us at the Coffee is served from 07h15 for a prompt start at 07h30. Refreshments Muse Morning on Tuesday 14 November will be available at the tennis pavilion, outside the auditorium of Time: 07h15 to 08h30 the resource centre (Wantage). Dr Manga’s book will be available for Venue: Senior auditorium, resource centre purchase at R250. Speaker: Dr Ela Manga Topic: “The Energy Code – sustained vitality” RSVP: [email protected] Energy management for families In a world of exponential technological advances and information overload, more demands are being placed on children in terms of performance and achievement than ever before. Are we equipped enough to support our children to adapt rather than maladapt to these demands? As parents, how do we manage our own energy to deal with the physical and emotional demands of highly functioning children? In this discussion, Dr Ela Manga will unpack the basic principles of energy management, how to support body, mind and heart to support authentic energy vs “adrenalised energy”. She will leave you some simple and practical take home tools that can be integrated into your family life. Dr Ela Manga, author of The Energy Code, is a medical practitioner who is committed to bringing heart back into medicine. The Energy Code tackles the challenges of mastering health, vocation and meaningful relationships, guiding us to an authentic life of inner change and sustained vitality.