24/03/2017 I TERM 1 I NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 44
INSIDE THANK YOU
UNIFORM CHANGE It is very hard to believe that this is the last Take Note of CREATIVITY FLOWS the first term of 2017.
MiMS
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MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVEMESSAGE HEADFROM THE EXECUTIVE HEAD
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THANK YOU……continuedCONTINUED from FROM page PAGE 1 1
I would likeWe tobid take farewell this opportunity to Mrs Tracy to thank van denthe SchoolBroek communityat the end forof theproducing term. Tracyyet another and Eggie great have MiMs been weekend. at the In school particul ar, I would likesince to thank April all2013 the boysin Griffin for their House. tremendous Tracy has resilience, also worked dedication in the and administrationprofessionalism durinand clothingg the preparation shop. She and has the event itself. We done a tremendous job at both keeping our debtors down and our boys clothed. She joins her husband Eggie in Pietermaritzburg - I would like to wish them the best of luck in their new positions. MIMs is around the corner and as I write this note, ticket sales are seventy percent sold. This is a wonderful position to be in and it is perhaps time to consider expanding this festival considerably in the future. I trust that all the parents have booked their tickets as the public are now able to do so. I hope that we can have a sold out sign on every concert poster before the weekend even starts. I wish to extend a huge vote of thanks to the hardworking task-force we have in our staff. From the tireless administrations of the house-parents of Griffin and Tungay; the constant productivity of the Kitchen ladies; the able-assistance of the ground-staff and cleaning-staff who keep us ticking over; the many ministrations of our teachers, both academic and music, and the glue that keeps us all together and on the straight-and- narrow, the Admin staff. We wish you well over the break and hope you take a rest from the constant pressures of Drakie life. You need to refuel for an action-packed time, next term. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Easter holiday with your son and have a wonderful time during this short break? Please find in your son’s possession an envelope which will include: the calendar, Term 2 MiMS flyer report ABRSM and UNISA certificates from last year’s examinations
Thank you Andrew Stead
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NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT Sihle Manonyane (Griffin HouseCHOIR - upstairs) AWARDS FOR THE PAST WEEK
COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES CONCERT CHOIR
Qhawe Mafika Oratile Pega Anthony Ncube Liam Muller Michael de Goede
Bandile Nzuza Caleb Saks Polane Moloi JP van Heerden Stephen Barnard
Kyle Kroats Siphe Maphumulo Kabo Madi
Chorister of the week: Soloist of the concert:
Voice group of the concert: Tenors
Lefa Motshele NathanielNathaniel StoffelsStoffels Lefa Motshele 3
Commendable Performances New Boys Choir:
Dylan Palm Jayden Lubbe Matthew Beuster Mohau Tladi Connor McKenzie
Marco Marais Alec Gibson Awande Kheswa Reece Olsen Karabo Machepa
New Boy of the week:
Brett Fernihough
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HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR WEDNESDAY CONCERT
Kenny Kabak, Yuichi Iwasaki (Journalist from Japan) and Bernard Krüger.
André Wears-Taylor
Matthew Beuster and Josh da Fonseca
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UNIFORM CHANGE
Thank you so much for your understanding in changing over from the grey longs to the much better looking black pants. As part of the on-going changes and always mindful of cost, the second phase of the uniform change will take place at the end of term two – this is to coincide with the Japan tour. Traditionally boys going overseas get a special shirt(s) for the trip. This year as two thirds of the choir are touring, I thought it an ideal time to make the change and ‘save’ costs while doing so. The boys going to Japan will be issued with new black and blue golf shirts with a modern design, school badge and South African flag. This is in a lighter, more durable and practical fabric that is 1,5% absorbent of perspiration and dirt rather than the current shirts at 8%. They are made at a cost similar to the current golf shirts (R160). Naturally, there will be a transition period for all the other boys but full integration of these shirts will take place by 2018. We are also purchasing new sports shirts. These are designed with the same fabric, maintain the school identity but can be used in team sports events and inter house competitions. Once again, the transition period will allow boys to purchase these items in 2018. I have attached pictures of the proposed new shirts, which have been readily accepted by both staff and boys. I hope you like them too. Andrew Stead
Old Boy, Jonathan Jenkings, singing his heart out in UP. Youth Choir.
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CREATIVITY FLOWS
In between all the cycle test and normal class activities, the Grade 4-6 learners were given three weeks to set up their own group, write a creative dialogue – something interesting, funny or with a real twist in the tale… They then had to “perform” this dialogue, keeping language and drama skills in mind! We visited the Kruger National Park, and survived missing children and a lion attack (Huistaal Gr6), had a Thokolosi in a home (Daniel, Panashe and Blessings). Watched a clash between two Greek Gods, Zeus and Poseidon (Pierre en Brett, Grade 4), and many more creative dialogues! Well done Grade 4-6! Mrs. Dowling
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SOME MORE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JAPAN
In Japan, it’s absolutely normal to see a woman on the street wearing a skirt so short that it reveals her underwear or a part of her buttocks. However, dresses or tops with a deep neckline are considered vulgar. The concept of honour is very important to Japanese people. Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama resigned because he couldn’t fulfil his pre-election promises. The two ministers that preceded him had also behaved the same way. Japan is the only country in the world where a one-minute threshold is considered the criterion of being late. The only reason for the delay of a train is a suicide under its wheels. Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Sometimes suicides are committed just in order to support another person or because the head of the family has decided so. Even today in Japan, about 30% of all marriages are arranged by the parents. This tradition is called "Omiai." In all northern cities of Japan, streets and sidewalks are heated in the winter, so there is no ice. However, most Japanese homes and apartments don’t come with any form of central heating. Most homes rely primarily on oil heaters and gas or kerosene stoves. The Japanese language has the interesting word “karoshi” that means, death from overwork. This diagnosis contributes to the deaths of more than 10,000 Japanese workers each year. In Japan, you can smoke everywhere except on railway station platforms and at the airports. However, there are no waste bins, and one is not allowed to flick cigarette ash to the ground. That’s why every smoker in Japan carries a small ashtray with them. Japan is the last country in the world that can be called an empire. The Japanese imperial dynasty was never interrupted. Akihito, the reigning Emperor of Japan, is a direct descendant of the first Emperor Jimmu, who founded the empire in 711 BC. The Japanese love to eat and love to talk about food. While eating, it is necessary to praise the meal. It is considered very impolite not to say “delicious” several times during the meal.
Steven Wellbeloved
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ROADSHOW TO THE FREE STATE
During our roadshow to the Free State, we visited Grey College. We were pleasantly surprised by the talent in this school. We look forward to welcoming these boys to our Open Weekend. We were hosted by the Horing and Keta families. A word of thanks to both of these families for assisting with the hosting of our staff and boys. An unplanned visit to an old age home was rewarding, in more ways than one. It is a humbling experience to see appreciation for small gestures. Thursday evening, we performed at Eunice, at their Father and Daughter evening. The boys delivered a great performance and impressed the audience. We ended our roadshow with a visit to the Spur in Bethlehem. In true Spur tradition, we celebrated Sihle and Keanu’s birthdays. Thank you to Kenny, Lubi and the boys for another successful roadshow. Belinda Espag
Celebrating birthdays at the Spur.
Small gestures, so much appreciation.
Performing at Eunice. Grey College, so much talent.
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ROADSHOW WINNERS As part of our roadshows we have decided to vote for the boy that represents the DBCS the best on all platforms. The vote is cast by the staff on these roadshows as well as the boys that participate in the roadshows.
Winner of the Natal Roadshow: Winner of the Free State Roadshow
Jesse Barth Kevin Jordaan
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JAPAN TOUR The touring groups for Japan will be announced before the boys leave on holiday on 31 March – we will also send out a letter informing you of which tour your son is on. Please take note of this, as it will affect his holiday dates in July/August. I will also be sending out a packing list for the Japanese Tour at the end of the term. Please ensure that your son has everything on that list and that everything is clearly marked. Laundry on this tour will be done by the 5 support staff on tour, therefore, to make their lives a little easier, we would appreciate it if everything has a name denoting the owner. With regard to the medicines required on the packing list – please package this and send it back in a packet with your son’s name on it at the end of the midterm break. We will collect everything, reconcile it and then give it back to your son, when packing for Japan. Steven Wellbeloved
GOLF DAY IN JOHANNESBURG
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MiMS Music in the Mountains is officially only five weeks away, and if experience is anything to go by, it will be 1st May before we know it and time to put our feet up after an awesome festival. Thank you to all of the people who have purchased their MiMS Tickets, the response has been incredible and the current ticket sales are indicating that there will be a number of SOLD OUT concerts at the festival this year. The final concert on Sunday afternoon will be at 15h00 for a duration of 60 minutes, so at approximately 16h00 your son will be ready to go home for the mid-term break if you are collecting him. If not, the busses will leave early on Monday morning for their respective destinations. Please do not request permission to take your son out before the final concert is over; unfortunately, the answer can only be NO.
Steven Wellbeloved
SNIPPETS FROM THE SAN
Although a couple of the three-week coughs still linger, business has been much slower lately. The sick-bay lies vacant and teachers have ceased whingeing while they level stern tea-timeWell stares done! at me. I have become pretty adept at interpreting the various looks, the most common being the “What are you doing about it?” one. Music staff are particularly difficult. It’s their absurd obsession with boys’ voices that gets me. Oh well, everybody’s different, I always say. On the subject of coughing; years ago, I discovered an interesting effect occurs when I enter a classroom. Mostly one avoids interrupting lessons out of sympathy to boys who may be busy calculating complex algebraic equations. I was also scarred for life once, while intruding on a lesson, when the teacher fired a math’s question at me. Regrettably, she was teaching grade nines at the time. I might have coped better if she asked a grade four question. It cost me a fortune in Post-Traumatic Stress counselling. But I digress. While tranquility reigns as I stalk the academic corridors, outbreaks of frenetic coughing erupt when I walk into a class. Everyone coughs except the teacher. This has been corroborated by reliable witnesses on many occasions. Even the pseudo-coughers freely admit to getting in on the act. New Boys seem to get the hang of it quite quickly as well – usually within a few weeks. I can’t imagine why, as everyone There is always time for some fun! simply gets the beady eye. A thrilling and unexpected windfall came my way last Saturday. One bright young man had mentioned to his family that the San Apple Cider Vinegar stocks were low. Well, blow me down if his Grandmother didn’t arrive with four bottles of the beloved nectar for me! Lydia – I like you. Wishing you and your boys a wonderful and healthy Easter holiday! Sister Lianne
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GOLF DAY IN DURBAN
MULTI-TALENTED
Liam Muller, finishing the final leg of the Aquilla Cordwalles Mudman – 750m swim, 20km mountain bike, 5km run. Well done Liam! We are proud of you!
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GRIFFIN HOUSE
Congratulations to our two March Boarders of the Month. They are Okuhle Madondo and Ntando Mbele, who were awarded with a yummy Bar-One cake each. Both boys are respectful, quiet and focused and play a very important role in Griffin House.
A reminder to all parents not to forget to make your transport bookings for the end of term. Please remember to check your boys’ clothing for the new term, with reminders to buy a second pair of Luxions, secret socks and everyone must have a second set of linen. Happy Holidays!
Regards House Parents
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Steven Wellbeloved Mikkie Enslin Erika Linde 28 March 31 March 5 April
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Sean Morrick Jordyn Fraser Brian Brits 30 March 3 April 9 April
Joshua Naidoo Sabonga Mdletse Luke Brown 9 April 12 April 16 April
Brett Fernihough Bandile Nzuza Dylan Palm 20 April 22 April 23 April
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DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR SCHOOL Calendar 24 March – 23 April 2017 DATE EVENT TIME 24-25 March Open Weekend
24 March Staff Briefing 10:20-10:40
25 March Choir 08:00-12:00
26 March Chapel 10:00-11:00
Auckland Prep Visit DBCS 14:00-17:00
SCA 18:00-19:00
27 March Staff Briefing 07:00-07:30
Assembly 07:25-07:45
Prefects Tea 10:40-11:40
29 March Wednesday Concert 15:30-17:30
30 March Music Education Development Workshops 09:00-13:00
Assembly 10:05-10:25
31-17 April School Holidays
17 April Busses Return
18 April School Starts
19 April Wednesday Concert
20 April Assembly
21-23 April Closed Weekend
MiMs Prep Weekend
21 April Staff Briefing 10:20-10:40
23 April Chapel 10:00-11:00
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