TERM TWO 2017 NEW HEAD FOR HUDSON PARK HIGH SCHOOL Hudson Park High School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr Dennis Vorster as their new Headmaster. Mr Vorster is currently the Headmaster at St Patrick’s College, an independent Christian school in Kokstad. Prior to this, he was Deputy Principal at Maragon, a school of approximately 1600 learners in Johannesburg. Interviewed recently, extracts of his responses follow. What do you consider to be your greatest The next important endeavour is to achievement in life? excel in extracurricular activities. The My greatest achievements lie in the sports arena provides an opportunity to success of others. I take pride in the emphasise areas of learning from within positive influence I have been able to instill the classroom leadership, accountability, in the lives of some of my past pupils and teamwork, following rules, honesty and colleagues good sportsmanship. What do you think your current staff The cultural environment provides appreciates about you most? for a more complex set of learning My integrity, for remaining true to what skills, diligence, passion, dedication, I believe in, and my willingness to allow perseverance, all noble traits that add to discussion and negotiation around topics the promotion of a wholesome character. of relevance. I value loyalty and recognise My personal motto is “Service before the importance of being part of ‘a bigger self, God before all”. To follow the path picture’. I firmly believe in the growth, of Christianity I believe that you have to development and happiness of the child. share what God has given to you and serve those around you. This includes What are your thoughts on developing an environment your time, talents, compassion and love. where every pupil and staff member feels welcome, accepted and safe? How would you go about ensuring that the community will Most Headmasters will agree with Deborah Harbin: “Creating a welcoming atmosphere is more an attitude be satisfied with your stance on discipline? than anything else - an attitude that starts right at the top Kindness and firmness are essential for Positive by creating a shared vision and goals to accomplish that Discipline. I strive to discipline fairly but firmly at all times. vision.” Discipline is applied to rectify a transgression and not to punish the child. The child must be able to gain experience It is essential to listen to the community and to provide a from the process by learning to become a positive citizen quick response to queries and concerns. Being proactive who is able to contribute to society. and ensuring fair play at all times is essential. How do you see the importance of being a role model in What are your thoughts on how to achieve a well-balanced your position as our headmaster? education? Role models provide inspiration and support when needed, Although the significance of extracurricular activities and they provide examples of how to live a fulfilling, such as sport and culture cannot be over-emphasized, authentic life. Our children spend so much time at school academics come first. Achieving sound grades and gaining it is crucial that educators and headmasters are exemplary knowledge is the primary reason for going to school. role models. SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL OUR RENOWNED DEBATER, THANDO DYASI, YOUTH WIND ENSEMBLE GOES TO AUSTRALIA At the end of September last year, Thando Tristan Henderson, competed in the annual National Individual a trumpeter Debating and Public Speaking Competi- in Grade 11 at tion, where he ranked highly, securing his Hudson Park spot in the South Africa team. Thando then High School, was travelled to Australia in April this year to recently selected compete in the World Individual Debat- for the South ing and Public Speaking Competition. African National Thando did exceptionally well and ranked Youth Wind 8th amongst the South African competi- Orchestra. tors. His scores for his prepared speech, Lulutho Ngcongolo debate, reading and impromptu speech who matriculated ranged from 81 to 90 - these are excep- from HPHS in 2015 tional scores. Thando was commended by was also selected. the South African coach for his maturity, After school, he objectivity and his impeccable manners. began his studies Hudson Park High is extremely proud of at UCT and in Thando and his Public Speaking success. early 2017 he was awarded a half- COMPUTER WIZZ TEENS scholarship to the Berklee College of 20 Grade 12 students did the Olympiad for Music in Boston, Massachusetts in the CAT. The Olympiad encourages lateral and USA to study music composition. "out of the box" thinking. We are proud to announce that we have Hundreds of young musicians audition students who will be going through to the 2nd for a coveted place in the South African round. National Youth Orchestra and a select Shaye-Ann Delport received a Gold in round 1 few are chosen to form the green and (she is in the top 7% nationwide). gold national team each year. Bryn Deetlefs, Jason Horner and Jordan The National Youth Orchestra’s legacy Green all received a silver (they are in the top spans over half a century and is far 14% nationwide). reaching with the representation of • If a student received Gold he/she did better alumni in top professional orchestras in than 93% of the participants in his/her South Africa and across the globe. group – nationwide; • If a student received Silver he/she did The National Youth Orchestra Winter better than 79% of the participants in his/ Course will take place from 30 June – her group – nationwide; 9 July in Port Elizabeth with concerts at • If a student received Bronze he/she did the Savoy Theatre and the National Arts better than 50% of the participants in his/ Festival in Grahamstown. her group – nationwide. HUDSONIANS REACHING TECH IN CONSUMER STUDIES FOR THE STARS We embarked on a pilot project using The following pupils received their Cum the donated tablets Laude Blazers. You make us proud! in Consumer Studies. Public Speaking: Thando Dyasi Learners are using the Dance: Nikita Naidoo devices to consolidate Cricket: Akhona Mnyaka (re-award) work taught by (SA U/19 and SA Schools) completing short tests set on Google Docs. Cricket: Sine Qeshile (SA Schools) Cricket: Jason Niemand (SA U/19) Swimming: Chloe Velde (re-award) SUCCESS AT THE PORT REX LIONS EISTEDDFOD The music department took part in the annual Port Rex Lions Eisteddfod from the 8th to 22nd May. The HPHS musicians enjoyed a very successful two weeks and brought back some outstanding results. In total the music department received 49 awards with 1 bronze, 21 silver, 21 gold and 6 special mention awards. Four medals were also won by HPHS ensembles which entitled them to perform at the ending Showcase Concert on the final day of the Eisteddfod. We are extremely proud of our musicians and congratulate them on their fantastic achievements. The awards handed out were as follows: Bronze Awards (60% - 69%) Gold Awards (80% - 89%) HPHS Saxophone Ensemble Sherily Msimango Tristan Henderson HPHS Clarinet Ensemble Esethu Arosi Silver Awards (70% - 79%) Raleke Ogbonna Special Mention Awards (90% - 100%) Kamvelihle Ngceba Lauren Aldag Ludumo Mdolo Jonathan Roux Sokunene Mpupa Samantha Goold and Leah Liang Linomtha Dabula Caralee Koopowitz (Duet) Aliziwe Ncapai Bhongolethu Ntwana Leah Liang and Jason Liang (Duet) Cameron Kilroe Pumelela Mniki HPHS Brass Ensemble Dimpho Mzimba Leah Liang HPHS Concert Band Lendel Mendoza Samantha Goold HPHS Choir Khanyisani Madikane Jason Liang Camden Davidse Ludwe Mhlauli Medals Tawanna Mareya Ariane van Wyk ADRI SAMUELS MEMORIAL MEDAL Leah Liang Vuyolwethu Camngca for best senior piano ensemble – Leah Caralee Koopowitz Ariane van Wyk and Sanchia Poovan Liang and Jason Liang Erin Vengadajellum (Duet) OXFORD MUSIC CENTRE MEDAL for Sanchia Poovan Mvanakazi Mxhobo and Ciara best senior instrumental ensemble – Ciara Abrahams Abrahams (Duet) Leah Liang and Samantha Goold Mvanakazi Mxhobo Ludumo Mdolo and Zizibele Matyumza CAPE CLADDING MEDAL for best high Lerato Motaung (Duet) school chamber ensemble – HPHS Mark Okoh Erin Vengadajellum and Ludwe Mhlauli Brass Ensemble Alizwa Ngumbela (Duet) CONTEMPORARY SECTION MEDAL for Luvo Haya Caralee Koopowitz and Camden best high school ensemble – HPHS HPHS Jazz Band Davidse (Duet) Saxophone Ensemble MR AND MISS CULTURE Hudson Park High School hosted its annual ‘Mr and Miss Culture’ cultural showcase on Thursday, 18th May 2017. We had a beautiful display of the many cultures representing the cultural diversity at Hudson Park High School with the Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, English, Sotho, Nigerian, Coloured, mixed race and Indian cultures respectively. The atmosphere was very dynamic, vibrant and enthusiastic and we truly felt the atmosphere of cultural diversity present at our school. Our winners of the cultural event were Tomson Akioyame who was crowned Mr Culture and Lilithalethu Ilori who was crowned Miss Culture representing the Nigerian Culture. This event was organised by the 2017 Qhayiya - Our Pride - Multicultural Society. Hudson Park continues to actively work towards achieving a spirit of acceptance and love for one another’s cultures. A DRAMATIC AFFAIR WITH BHONGOLETHU Hudson Park High School has embarked correct stage posture, vocal exercises, group of young pupils who have come on an exciting cultural exchange improvisation, dramatized poetry and under his tutelage, and has expressed initiative with Bhongolethu, a rural theatre history. his delight at being part of this school from Kwelera. This involves As part of this program, these pupils development outreach. 75 Bhongolethu learners immersing attended our school’s main annual The budding dramatists too, are themselves fully in weekly drama dramatic production “A View from the thoroughly enjoying learning new skills, workshops held at HPHS and aimed at Golden Arches,” as specially invited and combined rehearsal for Bhongolethu developing the acting talent of these guests.